bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Convergence of Services and AI
Authors: Chakraborty Oindrila
Published: May 2024

The chapter explores the far-reaching impact of AI on the Indian service sector, focusing on consumer attitudes and perceptions regarding the use of AI in service sectors. It addresses potential implications such as job displacement and workforce upskilling. The chapter explores AI adoption in the Indian market, its applications, benefits, challenges, and future possibilities. It also offers a glimpse of the ethical dilemmas and promising future of AI in the service industry. The data gathered through the qualitative survey would provide valuable insights into the attitudes and perceptions of Indian consumers on AI use in the Indian market along their difficulties and comfort zone about the use of AI in service sectors.
Artificial Intelligence in Forensic Accounting
Authors: Saluja Shefali , Nayyar Varun , Dawra Shuchi , Jain Mansi , Shukla Rishi Prakash
Published: May 2024

The artificial intelligence technological revolution is sweeping across the globe; audit is no exception. The dimension of auditing is about to get revolutionized with not just automation, but intelligence-based automation; the future of traditional auditing, especially manual one, is being redesigned. IAA, or intelligent audit automation, is the next generation of auditing services that encapsulates new auditing business models, new auditing professionals, and new ways of looking at the data creation. With the increase in accounting frauds in the current economic scenario, the discovery of financial accounting fraud detection (FAFD) has become a prominent topic in the field of education, research and industry. The chapter investigates the current economic fraud detection issues and proposes an accounting framework using business intelligence as a viable way to address them. The chapter adopts an exemplary research approach to present how business intelligence can be used in detecting accounting fraud.
Balancing Ethics and Economics
Authors: Dang Divya , Kohli Sahil
Published: May 2024

In this chapter, the authors unravel the intricate dance between ethics, data governance, and economics in India's vibrant digital marketing sphere. It's a deep dive into how India, a burgeoning digital powerhouse, grapples with the challenges of protecting consumer data while fostering ethical marketing. The authors shed light on the crucial role data plays in today's marketing strategies in India and ponder the repercussions for consumer privacy. By critically examining India's current data protection laws and stacking them up against global benchmarks, the authors pinpoint areas ripe for innovation. The unique hurdles Indian marketers face in the big data era are laid bare, and the authors explore cutting-edge tech solutions that promise to guide ethical choices and policy shaping. Wrapping up, the chapter casts an eye to the future, envisioning a balanced path for India's economic growth that doesn't lose sight of ethical marketing and robust data governance. It's about charting a course for an economy that's digital-first but ethics-forward.
Navigating the Intersection of Ethics and Privacy in the AI Era
Authors: Taneja Sanjay , Shukla Rishi Prakash , Singh Amandeep
Published: May 2024

This chapter explores the intricate relationship between privacy and ethics in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI). With the proliferation of AI technologies, concerns about data privacy and ethical implications have intensified. The chapter delves into the ethical dilemmas arising from the collection, analysis, and utilization of sensitive data, emphasizing the need for robust frameworks that balance technological advancement with safeguarding individual rights. It examines the challenges of maintaining privacy in AI-driven systems while adhering to ethical principles, offering insights into the current landscape, potential risks, and promising solutions for creating a responsible and transparent AI ecosystem.
The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
Authors: Chugh Srishti , Bansal Yogita , Nagpal Ridham , Sakshi Sakshi , Kaur Sahej Preet , Saluja Shefali , Ahluwalia Bikram , Sharma Sandhir
Published: May 2024

Social media has recently become part of people's daily activities; many of them spend hours each day on Messenger, Instagram, Facebook, and other popular social media. Mental health is important at every stage of life. While studies have found a correlation between increased social media usage among young adults and a rise in mental health problems in this demographic, the specific mechanisms linking social media use to these changes remain unclear. This chapter aims to investigate the relationship between social media use and the mental health of young adults. To achieve this objective, the researcher review and consolidate existing literature on the characteristics of social media, the mental health of young adults, and current theories at the social and individual levels that could help explain this relationship.
How Is Metaverse Impacting Consumers' Behaviour?
Authors: Agarwal Sumit , Gupta Vandana , Varma Neha , Bansal Ajit
Published: May 2024

There has been huge industry buzz and excitement for the metaverse. Metaverse is considered as a hyper-connected digital universe fundamentally changing business practices, including how consumers, brands, and firms will transact and interact in a space of virtual realities. Metaverse is beyond gaming, and now it is a 3D virtual world with rich and immersive experiences. It involves a digital economy where people can create, buy, and sell goods and services. Industry can also use the metaverse for educational purposes, collaboration, and social interactions. It's reasonable to assume that most consumers will eventually move to the metaverse, given that more than 75% of consumers worldwide rely on technology in their daily lives. Additionally, as new forms of content, consumption, and commerce become available, consumer behaviors will also change. While there is already some overlap between digital commerce and video games, the metaverse introduces virtual goods and services that elevate purchasing beyond the ordinary, opening up new revenue streams for companies and providing a means of reaching out to younger customer demographics. According to earlier research, most younger customers desire the ability to purchase their preferred brands online wherever they go, including on metaverse platforms. This research presents a multidisciplinary analysis of the metaverse, with an emphasis on how it can affect consumer behavior. The authors are putting forth a conceptualization model of the metaverse in this study, which includes the following essential components: it is digitally mediated, spatial, immersive, shared, and functions in real-time. They also discuss how these components affect consumer behavior. The knowledge of the metaverse marketplace and how it affects customer behavior has expanded as a result of this study. This research aids in determining how consumers' shopping habits are altered by the metaverse, a virtual environment, and how businesses might benefit from it.
Metaverse and Brand
Authors: Sahdev Supriya Lamba , Krishnan Chitra
Published: May 2024

By offering customers a satisfying shopping experience, Hidesign has effectively expanded its market and taken the lead in the Indian luxury market within the framework of the experience economy. Some luxury brands are venturing into the metaverse platform to broaden their brand influence and distribution channels, with the goal of attracting a younger demographic and so gaining a larger market share. In light of the widespread use of the metaverse concept, this study examines and discusses luxury firms' scene marketing communication strategies using Hidesign as an example. Ultimately, it offers workable recommendations for luxury brand metaverse marketing.
Role of Blockchain Technology for User Data Security in Metaverse
Authors: Jha Babita , Garg Sushant , Singhal Tushar
Published: May 2024

The metaverse is generating widespread interest among organizations of various scales, as companies acknowledge its capacity for profound transformation. Prominent organizations are actively adopting the metaverse concept to improve their operations and interact with clients in innovative and captivating manners. This chapter examines the vital function that blockchain plays in bolstering user data security as it explores the urgent problem of data breaches in the metaverse sector. The authors also carefully examine recent data breach cases in the metaverse sector, such as sandbox incursions, deepfake attacks, and digital avatar assaults. By outlining these practical difficulties, they make clear how urgent it is to come up with reliable ways to safeguard user data in the metaverse. The study findings have emphasized the dynamic and evolving nature of the metaverse industry, which is now undergoing substantial development and continuous exploration. They have also focused on significant blockchain technologies that demonstrate potential in ensuring data security.
The Metaverse Revolution
Authors: Sharma Kirti , Dev Sachin , Dey Nomita
Published: May 2024

The most important development in recent decades, according to many, is the digital transformation, which had a profound impact on our personal, social, and economic realms of existence and similarly accelerated the digital transformation of industries worldwide. The objective aimed to construct a solid knowledge base by connecting the Metaverse to digital strategies and demonstrating how they directly pertain to the complicated network of Indian businesses. Indian firms, after the COVID-19 paradigm change, have reached a critical point where the integration of digital strategies and the Metaverse offers a unique potential for transformation. As a lighthouse, this chapter provides stakeholders with a comprehensive strategy for navigating the intricate post-COVID-19 Indian industry landscape. It portrays the concept of the driving force underlying the development of a new business paradigm by emphasizing the ever-changing relationship that exists between the proactive adoption of Metaverse apps and the tactical use of digital strategies.
A Critical Examination of Ethical Implications in AI-Driven Consumer Behavior Media Discourse and Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Jain Vishal , Mitra Archan
Published: May 2024

The ethical and environmental effects of AI-powered consumer behaviour media discourse are examined. Mixed-methods research uses ethics, questionnaires, and qualitative content analysis. It explores how AI-curated media affects consumer environmental sustainability knowledge, beliefs, and behaviours. A 100-respondent study examined demographic groups' engagement with AI-generated environmental information, AI's impact on consumer awareness and behaviour, accuracy trust, and AI platforms' perceived sustainability responsibility. Many demographic groups are linked to AI-generated information, suggesting that AI could dramatically impact consumer environmental sustainability knowledge and conduct. AI-generated content raised environmental awareness and changed habits. These findings stress ethical AI content curation, including transparency, precision, and sustainability. The report states that customers expect AI platforms to morally improve environmental sustainability and educate and conscientize society to attain sustainability goals.
A Systematic Analysis of Artificial Intelligence's Usage in Online Advertising
Authors: Tran Minh Tung
Published: May 2024

Online advertising stands out as a sector profoundly impacted by AI, particularly through advancements like machine learning and natural language processing. These developments offer marketers innovative avenues to streamline their work processes and engage with clients more efficiently and personally. Among the various industries set to undergo significant changes, advertising stands out as a major arena influenced by AI. Rapidly evolving, AI is positioned as a transformative technology, and this chapter provides an in-depth exploration of scientific studies examining its impact on digital marketing strategies. The objective is to illuminate how AI advancements are reshaping online advertising approaches, procedures, and results by analyzing numerous academic publications. The primary focus of this analysis revolves around various AI applications, including personalization, consumer engagement, data analysis, and decision-making. Empirical evidence strongly indicates that AI is revolutionizing advertising by enhancing effectiveness, productivity, and interactions with consumers.
Assessing Social Media Platform Effectiveness Among Varied Consumer Segments Using Fuzzy Analysis
Authors: Subha N. , Natarajan Vithya , Vikkraman P.
Published: May 2024

This study uses a fuzzy analytical technique to give a thorough evaluation of how well social media platforms reach various customer segments. Initially the classification of consumers into five groups according to their job status: employed in the private sector, employed in the public sector, homemakers who are unemployed, self-employed/entrepreneurs, and students. Each section has a unique weight that reflects its relative importance during the review process. After that, using a fuzzy scale to capture the range of replies, a decision matrix is generated. By using the Fuzzy TOPSIS approach, calculate a proximity coefficient and rank the social media platforms according to how well they can reach different consumer segments.
Effect of Digital Financial Literacy on Digital Consumer Protection
Authors: Jose Jeswin , Ghosh Nabanita
Published: May 2024

The digital consumer is gaining importance in the current digital age and there is a need to adapt to the changing context. When discussing digital consumer protection, it's critical to gauge the degree of digital financial literacy. This study explores the mediating role of financial self-efficacy and financial confidence between digital financial literacy and digital consumer protection. The study was conducted in the Indian context, and the target population was users of digital platforms for financial activities in the age group of 20 to above 60. It was found that digital financial literacy significantly impacts digital consumer protection, financial self-efficacy, and financial confidence. However, only Financial self-efficacy and digital financial literacy impact digital consumer protection. It shows that financial self-efficacy mediates the relationship between digital financial literacy and digital consumer protection. This study will benefit the users of digital platforms and assist government/ non-government agencies in designing digital consumer protection programs.
Predictors of Online Buying Behaviour
Authors: Khanna Shivi , Ghosh F. C. M. A. Nabanita , Kumar Sunita , William Rini Mary
Published: May 2024

This study creates a framework by looking into various research on customer acceptance of new self-service technologies and internet purchasing behaviour systems. According to this research, customers' attitudes towards online purchasing are initially influenced by the direct impacts of relevant characteristics of online shopping. These characteristics include functional, utilitarian characteristics and usefulness, emotional and hedonic characteristics. It looks at the technology acceptance theory (TAM) established by David in 1989 and the theory of reasoned action (TRA) to understand factors determining the attitudes of users towards online shopping for users using technology. It also provides conceptual models by using the brand image of the online platform, past experiences of buyers, information related to the product, convenience of the shoppers and trust of the customers towards online shopping.
Uncovering Insights by Comparing Machine Learning Algorithms for Customer Churn Analysis
Authors: Mishra Prashantkumar , Khan Talha Ali , Rizvi Arslan A. , Kouatly Rand , Ahmed Iftikhar , Musiolik Thomas Heinrich
Published: May 2024

This study uses machine learning algorithms to analyse customer churn prediction and analysis. Churn prediction predicts customer attrition or the likelihood of a customer discontinuing their company relationship. The study explores the use of machine learning algorithms to predict customer churn and analyse the factors that contribute to it. Customer churn prediction and analysis is one of the essential factors to consider while building the customer relationship for any company. The competitive telecom market always demands better customer service and better product quality. Based on those service quality factors, whether the customers will continue the service or change to another service provider is decided. The dataset used in this study is from a fictional telecom company, 'Tel', obtained by the IBM developer platform. The dataset includes a churn mark label indicating whether or not the client left in the preceding month, along with other characteristics like account information, demographic data, and subscribed services.
Surgical treatment of Nutcracker Syndrome
Authors: Montelione Nunzio , Scotto di Uccio Alessandra , Catanese Vincenzo , Codispoti Francesco Alberto , Ciolli Alessandro , Paolini Julia , Panichelli Alessandra , Spinelli Francesco , Stilo Francesco
Published: May 2024

The objective of this paper is to report early and mid-term outcomes of the surgical treatment Nutcracker Syndrome (NCS) in a single-center prospective study. Between January 2019 and September 2023, five patients with symptomatic NCS were treated at our center using left renal vein caudal transposition on the inferior vena cava, conducted through a midline incision of approximately 12 cm and a transperitoneal technique. Patient characteristics, presentation, length of hospital stay, and complications were analyzed. All diagnoses were established after clinical evaluation, ultrasound scanning, and radiological investigations, which confirmed left renal vein compression between the aorta and the Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA). The average operating time was 159 minutes, with an average blood loss of 205 mL. There was no need for blood transfusions. Intensive care stay was not required and there were no early complications. The mean length of stay was 3.5 days. At a mean follow-up of 18.8 months, one patient reported persistent hematuria, and therefore underwent a secondary procedure, which incorporated patch venoplasty using the great saphenous vein. In our experience, left renal vein transposition appears to be a safe and effective procedure for the surgical management of severe NCS.
Flyways Beyond Migratory Pathways: The Case of Waterbird Conservation
Authors: Eren Selen , Beaulieu Anne , Piersma Theunis , Crockford Nicola
Published: May 2024

For almost a century, the term ‘flyways’ has been used to order relations over time and space. It has been used to coordinate scientific research and communication as well as monitoring and management efforts for waterbird conservation. In this article, we revisit the concept of ‘boundary object’ (Star and Griesemer 1989) to investigate how this term ‘flyways’ has been central to common efforts while also having multiple meanings for the actors it connects. The article discusses both contemporary and historical achievements of the term by analysing its underlying knowledge infrastructure. We account for the complex assemblages of social, material, natural, and technical systems that shape how the term ‘flyway’ has been functioning as a boundary object and how this has changed over time. By discussing how the term ‘flyways’ as a boundary object and its underlying knowledge infrastructure shape each other, we empower the actors to define, visualise, communicate, and imagine flyways in more purposeful ways. Our analysis contributes to the literature on boundary objects and knowledge infrastructures by expanding their original definitions, arguing for a co-productive relation between them.
Association between clinical and sonographic patterns of major peripheral arterial occlusion among patients presenting with lower limb dry gangrene at a single center in Western Uganda
Authors: Omo Alfred , Barasa Emmanuel , Tayebwa Edson , Acan Moses , Ndanga Emile , Mercy Aturinde
Published: May 2024

Background

Dry gangrene occurs due to a reduced blood supply in body parts, resulting in gradual necrosis. It is among the leading indications for lower limb amputation; however, in situations where timely access of accurate diagnostic and revascularization services are limited, irrational amputations are performed based on mere physical assessment of a specific occluded major arterial segment, consequently preceded with gangrene recurrence on the same limb stump due to physical examination inaccuracies.

Objectives

We assessed the lower limb dry gangrene patterns and analyzed arterial Doppler reports of these cases to determine the associations between dry gangrene patterns and specific occluded major lower limb arteries to elevate the degree of accuracy of physical assessments.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 36 patients with lower limb dry gangrene were consecutively enrolled. Dry gangrene patterns and Doppler ultrasound reports of the major arteries of the affected lower limbs were assessed. Data were entered in EPIDATA and exported to STATA version 15 for cleaning and analysis. Clinical and sonographic characteristics are summarized as median and frequencies. Odds ratios (ORs) were tabulated and reported relating the dry gangrene patterns and major arterial occlusion levels as a measure of associations; P value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

Dry gangrenes demarcated on the toes (61.1%), toes–distal foot 27.8%, and toes–proximal foot and leg (11.1%). Doppler ultrasound revealed femoral arteries (38.9%), popliteal (66.7%), and infra-popliteal (88.9%–100%) arterial occlusions. Association between dry gangrenes demarcating toes–proximal foot and leg with femoral arterial occlusions (ORs: 6.2 and 3.2, respectively), whereas dry gangrene demarcating toes and toes–distal foot with popliteal arterial occlusions (OR, 1.6; P value, 0.05).

Conclusion

Dry gangrene demarcating the toes–proximal foot and leg has a significant association with femoral arterial occlusions, whereas demarcation at the toes and toes–distal foot are more associated with popliteal arterial occlusions.
Association between gut microbiota and central retinal artery occlusion: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chen Jin , Wang Xinghua , Yang Junjie , Huang Jiahui , Xie Meng , Su Zixuan , Jiang Fagang
Published: May 2024

Purpose:

The gut microbiota might be closely related to central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), but the causality has not been well defined. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was used to reveal the potential causal effect between the gut microbiota and CRAO.

Methods:

Data for gut microbiota were obtained from the genome-wide association studies of the Dutch Microbiome Project (DMP) (n = 7738) and the MiBioGen consortium (n = 18,340), and data on CRAO were obtained from samples of FinnGen project (546 cases and 344,569 controls). Causalities of exposures and outcomes were explored mainly using the inverse variance weighted method. In addition, multiple sensitivity analyses including MR-Egger, weighted median (WM), simple mode, weighted mode, and MR Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier were simultaneously applied to validate the final results.

Results:

We identified three microbial pathways (two risk factors/one protective factor) and seven microbial taxa (two risk factors/five protective factors) associated with CRAO in the DMP study. Based on the data from the MiBioGen consortium, we identified seven microbial taxa (two risk factors/five protective factors) associated with CRAO, including the Eubacterium genus, which was consistently identified as a risk factor in both the DMP and the MiBioGen consortium MR analyses.

Conclusion:

Our study implicates the potential causal effects of specific microbial taxa and pathways on CRAO, potentially providing new insights into the prevention and treatment of CRAO through specific gut microbial taxa and pathway. Since our conclusion is a hypothesis derived from secondary genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data analysis, further research is needed for confirmation.
Compound Heterozygous Variants of CYP27B1 Causing Autosomal Recessive Vitamin D-Dependent Rickets Type 1A in an Indian Child
Authors: Kakkad Mitesh , Kakkad Khyati , Oza Chirantap
Published: May 2024

Background:

Vitamin D-dependent rickets Type 1A (VDDR-1A) is a rare cause of rickets occurring due to variants of CYP27B1 responsible for encoding enzyme 1ά hydroxylase.

Clinical Description:

We report a 17-months-old girl who presented to us with clinical and radiological features of rickets. The biochemistry investigations suggestive of low calcium, low phosphorous, markedly elevated alkaline phosphatase and parathyroid hormone, high-normal 25 hydroxy Vitamin D level and inappropriately normal 1,25 dihydroxy Vitamin D levels, and no response to oral calcium and Vitamin D supplementation, prompted the diagnosis of VDDR-1A, which was proven genetically with a novel compound heterozygous variant.

Management and Outcome:

She was treated with oral calcitriol 1.5 μg/day and oral elemental calcium at 500 mg/day; after which at the 3-month follow-up, improvement in clinical, biochemical, and radiological features was observed.

Conclusion:

Following a clinical diagnosis of VDDR, genetic analysis is preferable to identify the variant and hence understand the genotype–phenotype correlation.
May–Thurner syndrome: The unexplored
Authors: Mathur Atul , Modi Ranjan
Published: May 2024

May–Thurner syndrome (MTS) is the pathologic compression of the left common iliac vein by the right common iliac artery, resulting in left lower extremity pain, swelling, and deep venous thrombosis. MTS is missed by many interventionists as there is no standard criteria to establish the diagnosis. Imaging plays an integral part in screening patients for MTS. Here, we present a series of cases of MTS, which may help clinicians to diagnose and treat MTS.
Brain region–specific roles of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in social stress–induced depressive-like behavior
Authors: Han Man , Zeng Deyang , Tan Wei , Chen Xingxing , Bai Shuyuan , Wu Qiong , Chen Yushan , Wei Zhen , Mei Yufei , Zeng Yan
Published: May 2024

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is a key factor in stress adaptation and avoidance of a social stress behavioral response. Recent studies have shown that brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in stressed mice is brain region–specific, particularly involving the corticolimbic system, including the ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens, prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus. Determining how brain-derived neurotrophic factor participates in stress processing in different brain regions will deepen our understanding of social stress psychopathology. In this review, we discuss the expression and regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in stress-sensitive brain regions closely related to the pathophysiology of depression. We focused on associated molecular pathways and neural circuits, with special attention to the brain-derived neurotrophic factor–tropomyosin receptor kinase B signaling pathway and the ventral tegmental area–nucleus accumbens dopamine circuit. We determined that stress-induced alterations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels are likely related to the nature, severity, and duration of stress, especially in the above-mentioned brain regions of the corticolimbic system. Therefore, BDNF might be a biological indicator regulating stress-related processes in various brain regions.
Солитоны комплексного уравнения Кадомцева-Петвиашвили, обладающие симметрией четность-время
Authors: Chang Jen-Hsu
Published: May 2024

С помощью полностью неотрицательного грассманиана построены солитоны комплексного уравнения Кадомцева-Петвиашвили, обладающие симметрией четность-время. Показано, что каждый элемент полностью неотрицательного ортогонального грассманиана соответствует солитонному решению с симметрией четность-время.
Спиноры, отвечающие модифицированным ортогональным реперам в трехмерном евклидовом пространстве
Authors: Azak Ayse Zeynep , Erisir Tulay
Published: May 2024

Пространство спиноров, определенное как основное представление алгебры Клиффорда, можно задать как спинорное представление ортогональной алгебры Ли. В то же время эти спинорные представления можно охарактеризовать как конечномерные проективные представления специальной ортогональной группы. Анализ того, как с геометрической точки зрения ведут себя спиноры под действием групп Ли, позволит дать конкретное и фундаментальное объяснение того, чем являются спиноры в геометрическом смысле. Для этого геометрически исследованы спинорные представления ортогонального репера, движущегося по аналитической кривой. Далее выведены спинорные уравнения, соответствующие модифицированным ортогональным реперам с параметрами кривизны и кручения. Установлены соотношения, связывающие модифицированные ортогональные реперы и репер Френе с точки зрения их спинорных формулировок, что позволяет получить спинорные представления модифицированных ортогональных реперов. Таким образом, проведено междисциплинарное исследование алгебр Клиффорда и геометрии.
Activity of insecticide detoxification enzymes in Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders): Implications for insect pest management in cotton crops
Authors: Koffi Kouakou Delphin , Kouakou Malanno , Kra Kouadio Dagobert , Bini Kouadio Kra Norbert , Ochou Ochou Germain
Published: May 2024

The pink bollworm Pectinophora gossypiella is one of the most important endocarpic pests in cotton. In the management of this pest, the  intensive use of synthetic insecticides has led to the reduction of its sensitivity to certain active ingredients. It is in this perspective  that the study was conducted to determine the enzymes involved in the metabolism of insecticides in P. gossypiella. Insects were  collected in five localities (Bouaké, Bouaflé, Vavoua, Sésuéla and Kounahiri) with high pest pressure in the southern cotton zone. The  collected insects were ground for the determination of enzymes involved in insecticide metabolism. The analyses showed a significant  increase in glutathione-δ-transferase activity in populations of Bouaké compared to the other localities. However, individuals from  Séguéla expressed more esterase (alpha and beta) and oxidase activities. Alpha and beta esterase activities were also more expressed in  Bouaflé individuals. The high enzymatic activity of esterases and oxidases in individuals from Séguéla and Bouaflé reflects a low  sensitivity to insecticides in which esterases and oxidases are involved in the metabolism. On the other hand, in Bouaké, only glutathione- δtransferases are involved in the detoxification of insecticides.
Perception des impacts du changement climatique des agropasteurs et adoption des innovations au Niger
Authors: Siddo Seyni , Gambo Yahoussa , Hamadou Issa
Published: May 2024

L’objectif de cet article est de déterminer l’importance des stratégies introduites auprès des agropasteurs dans le cadre de la résilience  climatique en vue d’évaluer l’incidence de certains facteurs sur l’adoption des technologies. Pour atteindre cet objectif, une enquête est  conduite auprès de 239 agropasteurs dans la zone périurbaine de Tahoua. Les données collectées ont été analysées avec la méthode  Maximum Différence. Concernant les principaux paramètres climatiques et anthropiques affectant la production de biomasse des  parcours, la majorité des producteurs a indiqué que c’était le retard et la fin précoce des pluies (42%), la mortalité prématurée des  espèces annuelles (30%) et le ramassage de la paille (46%). Les stratégies d’adaptation les plus importantes étaient: ensemencement des  aires des pâturages (1,00), culture fourragère à double usage (0,88) et banques d’intrants zootechniques (0,72). Les mesures les  moins préférées sont résidus de ménage (0,32), blocs multi-nutritionnels (0,33) et traitement de la paille à l’urée (0,39). Les contraintes freinant l’adoption des stratégies etaient la disparition espèces végétales des sites ensemencées, la faiblesse du respect des règles des  cadres de concertations villageoises et le déficit de l’approvisionnement en alimentsbétail. Ces résultats constituent des pistes pour  l'évaluation des obstacles à l'adoption des stratégies afin d’accroitre l’efficacité de la vulgarisation des innovations en Afrique. 
 
English title: Perception of climate change impacts of agropastoralists and adoption of innovations in Niger
The purpose of this paper is to determine the importance of strategies introduced to agropastoralists in the context of climate resilience  in order to evaluate the impact of certain factors on the adoption of technologies. To achieve this objective, a survey is conducted among  239 agropastoralists in the peri-urban area of Tahoua. The data collected was analyzed with the Maximum Difference method.  Concerning the main climatic and anthropogenic parameters affecting the production of rangeland biomass, the majority of producers  indicated that it was the delay and early end of rains (42%), premature mortality of annual species (30%) and the straw collection  (46%).The most important adaptation strategies were: seeding of pasture areas (1.00), dual-use fodder cultivation (0.88) and livestock  input banks (0.72). The least preferred measures are household residues (0.32), multi-nutrient blocks (0.33) and treatment of straw with  urea (0.39). The constraints hindering the adoption of strategies were the disappearance of plant species from sown sites, poor  compliance with the rules of village consultation frameworks and a shortage of livestock feed supplies. These results provide avenues for  assessing the obstacles to the adoption of strategies in order to increase the effectiveness of the popularization of innovations in Africa.
Evaluation of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the hydroethanolic extract of the leaves of Blighia sapida KD Koenig
Authors: Dermane Affo , Tayama Warapissime , Kpoyizoun Pascaline Kindji , Kola Poyodi , Metowogo Kossi , Eklu-Gadegbeku Kwashie
Published: May 2024

Blighia sapida is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of several diseases in Togo. This study aimed to assess the  antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Blighia sapida. To this end, a phytochemical screening was carried out, followed by an  assessment of DPPH, total antioxidant capacity, ex vivo lipoperoxidation tests on Sprague Dawley rats, and an evaluation of anti- inflammatory activity by the egg albumin denaturation test. The leaves extract scavenged the DPPH free radical with an IC50 of 172 ±  0.577µg/mL and its total antioxidant capacity value was 40.174 ± 0.638 mg Eq AA/g. In the ex vivo lipoperoxidation test on the kidney and  liver, the extract showed a significant inhibitory effect. Phytochemical tests revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids,  saponosides, and carbohydrate compounds. The present results showed that Blighia sapida leaves possess antioxidant and anti- inflammatory properties which may be linked to the bioactive compounds they contain, suggesting their use to prevent oxidative and  inflammatory processes.
Contribution des parasitoïdes dans la lutte contre Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) en Afrique de l’Ouest: cas de Chelonus bifoveolatus et Coccygidium luteum (synthèse bibliographique)
Authors: Ganou Simsin Fatoumata , Sankara Fernand , Agboyi Lakpo Koku , Dao Aichatou Nadia Christelle , Dabire Remy , Nebie Karim , Zida Issaka , Wangrawa Dimitri , Somda Irenee
Published: May 2024

Depuis l’invasion de la chenille légionnaire d'automne, l'utilisation de pesticides chimiques semble être la seule méthode de lutte contre  ce ravageur, mais cette pratique peut être nocive pour l'environnement et surtout pour les insectes utiles, et peut entraîner une  résistance de la chenille. En Afrique, des études ont identifié plusieurs parasitoïdes indigènes capables de parasiter la chenille légionnaire  et susceptibles d’être utilisés dans la lutte biologique contre ce ravageur. Cette revue de littérature avait pour objectif  d’établir les différents parasitoïdes de la chenille légionnaire d’automne en Afrique de l’ouest ainsi que la biologie de Chelonus bifoveolatus et de Coccygidium luteum, deux parasitoïdes montrant un potentiel dans la lutte biologique contre la chenille légionnaire  d'automne. L’utilisation de Chelonus bifoveolatus et Coccygidium luteum dans la lutte biologique a présenté des résultats intéressants,  car ils ont permis de réduire la population de la chenille légionnaire d’automne en l’empêchant d’atteindre les stades larvaires voraces et  en réduisant leurs dégâts. Davantage de recherches sont nécessaires pour maitriser la biologie de ces parasitoïdes et développer des  méthodes efficientes de production de masse pour les lâchers en milieu réel.
 
English title: Contribution of parasitoids to the control of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in West Africa:  the case of Chelonus bifoveolatus and Coccygidium luteum (bibliographic synthesis)
Since the invasion of the fall armyworm, the use of chemical pesticides seems to be the only method of controlling this pest, but this  practice can be harmful to the environment and especially to beneficial insects, and can lead to resistance on the part of the caterpillar. In  Africa, studies have identified several indigenous parasitoids capable of parasitizing fall armyworms, which could be used for  biological control of this pest. This literature review aimed to establish the different parasitoids of the fall armyworm in West Africa, as  well as the biology of Chelonus bifoveolatus and Coccygidium luteum, two parasitoids showing potential in the biological control of this  pest. The use of Chelonus bifoveolatus and Coccygidium luteum in biological control has presented interesting results, since they have  allowed to reduce the fall armyworm population by preventing it from reaching the voracious larval stages and reducing their damage.  More research is needed to master the biology of these parasitoids and develop efficient mass production methods for real-world  releases.
Caractérisation physicochimique et microbiologique des eaux de puits à usage de boisson de la ville d’Aboisso (Sud-Est de la Côte d’Ivoire)
Authors: Seki Thierry Oscar , Yapo Wolfgang Toussaint , Kpaibe Sawa Andre Philippe , Meless Djedjro Franck Renaud , Amin N'cho Christophe
Published: May 2024

L’eau de boisson doit être potable. Cependant, dans la ville d’Aboisso, la qualité des eaux souterraines, captées par des puits creusés et  utilisées comme alternative usuelle à l’eau du réseau public par plusieurs ménages, est mal connue. Ainsi, cette étude visait à évaluer les caractéristiques physicochimiques et microbiologiques d’eaux de puits à usage de boisson. Pour ce faire, 89 puits ont fait l’objet d’une  inspection sanitaire suivie d’un contrôle de la qualité physicochimique et microbiologique de leurs eaux. Dans l'ensemble, les eaux  analysées étaient acides (94,38%), moyennement minéralisées (61,80%) et douces (62,92%). La contamination physicochimique était  soulignée par une turbidité et un taux de fer élevés, respectivement dans 67,42% et 51,69% des échantillons d'eau. Une proportion de  68,54% des puits présentaient une source de pollution dans un rayon de 15 m et 86,52% d'échantillons d'eau étaient contaminés  microbiologiquement. Par ailleurs, une analyse en composantes principales et une classification ascendante hiérarchique ont réparti les  puits en trois groupes dont le dominant (74,16%) était constitué par des puits ayant de faibles valeurs des différents paramètres analysés.  Les ménages, avant de consommer ces eaux souterraines contaminées et continuellement exposées à la pollution, doivent  convenablement les traiter.
 
English title: Physicochemical and microbiological characterization of well water for drinking purposes in the town of Aboisso (South- East of Ivory Coast)
Drinking water must be safe. However, in the town of Aboisso, the quality of groundwater, captured by dug wells and used as a usual  alternative to public network water by several households, is poorly known. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical and  microbiological characteristics of well water for drinking purposes. To do this, 89 wells were subject to a sanitary inspection followed by a  control of the physicochemical and microbiological quality of their waters. Overall, the waters analyzed were acidic (94.38%), moderately mineralized (61.80%) and soft (62.92%). High turbidity and iron levels, respectively in 67.42% and 51.69% of the water samples,  highlighted physicochemical contamination. A proportion of 68.54% of wells presented a source of pollution within a radius of 15 m and  86.52% of water samples were microbiologically contaminated. Furthermore, a principal component analysis and an ascending  hierarchical classification divided the wells into three groups, the dominant of which (74.16%) was made up of wells with low values of the  different parameters analyzed. Households, before consuming this contaminated groundwater continually exposed to pollution,  must properly treat it.
Dynamique de la forêt à la lisière forêt-formation herbacée : Caractéristiques des espèces recensées à Bombo Lumene (Kinshasa-RD Congo) I.
Authors: Makumbelo E. , Lukoki L. , Belesi K. , Lungiambudila M.
Published: May 2024

La dynamique du paysage est aujourd’hui suivie par ici par là à travers la planète. C’est dans cet optique qu’une analyse de la végétation  de Bombo Lumene a été menée. Les résultats, à l’issue des inventaires floristiques dans un échantillon objectif délimité à la lisière forêt- formation herbacée, ont révélé une densité, une diversité floristique et biologique bien élevée. L‘analyse et l’interprétation approfondie  de ces résultats par le Modèle LIFOSA-17C ont attesté qu’il y a une tendance dynamique en faveur de la forêt au niveau du système écologique et des habitats herbacés. Une gestion rationnelle des ressources naturelles renforcera cette dynamique.
 
English title: Dynamic of forest in forest-herbaceous formation edge: characteristics of species listed at Bombo Lumene (Kinshasa-DR Congo) I.
Dynamic landscape is today well attended here and there through planet. It’s in this objective that analysis of Bombo Lumene vegetation  was carried out. Results at the conclusion of floristic inventory in objective sample delimited to edge forest-herbaceous formation reveled  density, floristic and biological diversity well-mannered. Analysis and interpretation improve of this results by Model LIFOSA-17  testify that there is dynamic tendency in favor of forest up to standard ecosystems and settlements herbaceous.
Besteuerung von Non Profit-Organisationen
Authors: Opel Andrea
Published: May 2024

Der Schweizer Non Profit-Sektor floriert. Dennoch fehlt es an einer umfassenden und aktuellen Aufarbeitung des Gemeinnützigkeitssteuerrechts. Diese Lücke soll mit dem vorliegenden Werk geschlossen werden. Das Buch versteht sich als Leitfaden durch das Gemeinnützigkeitssteuerrecht. Dabei richtet es sich an ein breites Publikum, ob juristisch vorgebildet oder nicht. Untersucht werden die Gewinn- und Kapitalsteuerpflicht, die Erbschafts- und Schenkungssteuerpflicht, die Grundsteuerpflicht, die Mehrwertsteuerpflicht sowie weitere Steuerpflichten von Non Profit-Organisationen. Dabei steht regelmässig – aber nicht immer – die Frage der Steuerbefreiung im Vordergrund. Im Sinne einer gesamtheitlichen Betrachtung wird zudem die steuerrechtliche Situation von Gönnern und Begünstigten dargelegt. Das Buch ist bewusst so gegliedert, dass es als Nachschlagewerk dienen kann. Die zentralen Fragestellungen werden ausführlich diskutiert und mit Praxisbeispielen sowie aktuellen Gerichtsurteilen untermalt. Ausserdem ist aufzuzeigen, wo Reformbedarf besteht. Damit soll zugleich ein Beitrag an die Fortentwicklung von Recht und Praxis geleistet werden.
A model for the control of transmission dynamics of human monkeypox disease in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Bolaji Bolarinwa , Ibrahim Abdullahi , Ani Favour , Omede Benjamin , Acheneje Godwin
Published: May 2024

The Human Monkeypox virus has received significant research interest in recent times. While few researchers have studied the effects of vaccination on human-to-animal or animal-to-human Monkeypox transmission, others just studied the effects of treatment on human Monkeypox. In this article, we made the proposition of a deterministic vaccine model that deals with the dynamics of the effects of vaccination and treatment on human Monkeypox in sub-Saharan Africa. We investigated the effects of vaccination on the various epidemiological classes qualitatively. The findings from the analysis of the model are that the model possesses two equilibria, locally asymptotically stable disease-free equilibrium (DFE) when an epidemiological threshold - the effective reproductive number is less than unity, and locally asymptotically stable endemic equilibrium when the number is greater than unity. We then corroborated the theoretical findings with numerical simulations, which reveal that when the rate of vaccination is increased resulting in many newly born persons in the populace being vaccinated, the prevalence of the deadly scourge is significantly reduced, while newly born individuals that miss vaccination experience a drastic torment of the deadly disease that often occasion death. Further revelation from the simulations is that when greater efforts is geared towards vaccination of individuals in the population, the loss of more people to the scourge of the virus would be greatly reduced.
Service Quality and Attitudinal Loyalty Preference towards Mobile Phone Service Providers
Authors: Kumar V. Senthil , Balaji B.
Published: May 2024

An examination of the contributing aspects that influence Indian customers' selection of the mobile cellular telecommunications service providers they would contract with was the subject of a research study. There is a wide range of variations in the customers' impressions of the transmission links, call service, facilities, pricing, customer service, and characteristics of the service providers. Research opportunities abound in the mobile phone industry. On the other hand, there have been very few studies with findings that have been published that have focused on the influence that the bundle of advantages included in mobile phone contracts has on customer choice. It would be of added value for this paper to investigate why and how mobile phone service providers design their offerings. Additionally, gaining an understanding of how customers choose the most advantageous combination of benefits available in a single mobile contract purchase would be of interest. To add more, it is essential to investigate how mobile phone service providers build mobile phone services and choose a set of advantages to target various market categories, paying careful attention to the relative relevance of each contract perk from the point of view of the clients. The main intentions of the Study are i) to investigate the use patterns of the subscribers in the research area, and to determine the variables that influence the choice of mobile phone service providers. The study has been conducted in Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu. The service quality of the mobile phone service providers among the mobile phone users in Krishnagiri district is studied during May 2022. The smartphone users are considered as sample respondents. The size of the sample population is unpredictable. Hence, the convenience sampling method is used to select the sample respondents. 300 sample respondents have been selected from the Krishnagiri district. The primary data were collected using an interview schedule. The data were analysed using SPSS and AMOS software. Chi-Square test, Friedman ranking technique and SEM were used.