bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation of lytic bacteriophages of Escherichia coli from swine
Authors: Souza André Luis Fachini de , Stefani Lenita de Cássia Moura
Published: August 2024

Bacteriófagos (fagos) são pequenos vírus que infectam bactérias e representam as entidades biológicas mais abundantes na natureza. Após infecção, durante o ciclo reprodutivo lítico, novos fagos são produzidos, causando ruptura da célula bacteriana e liberação de novos bacteriófagos no ambiente. Os fagos têm sido utilizados como estratégia de controle de infecções bacterianas em diversas áreas, inclusive na suinocultura, onde cepas patogênicas multi-resistentes de Escherichia coli representam um dos principais agentes associados a doenças em suínos. Nesse sentido, a fagoterapia como tratamento alternativo requer a seleção de bacteriófagos específicos para as cepas de interesse. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi isolar bacteriófagos líticos de E. coli de amostras fecais de suínos, utilizando cepas padrão de E. coli como hospedeiras da infecção. Para isso, quatro bacteriófagos infectantes para E. coli ATCC 8739 e dois para cada uma das cepas de E. coli K12 MG1655 e DH5α foram isolados. As suspensões de fagos obtidas tiveram sua virulência (título) determinada. Ensaios de infecção e lise celular revelaram que foram capazes de lisar as células bacterianas quando adicionados às culturas líquidas, reduzindo o crescimento celular em aproximadamente 75% após 2 horas, evidenciando a possibilidade de serem usados como uma ferramenta alternativa aos antibióticos no tratamento de infecções bacterianas, além dos antibióticos tradicionais. Novos estudos usando modelos in vivo devem ser considerados.
GP VI–Mediated Platelet Activation and Procoagulant Activity Aggravate Inflammation and Aortic Wall Remodeling in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Feige Tobias , Bosbach Agnes , Krott Kim J. , Mulorz Joscha , Chatterjee Madhumita , Ortscheid Julia , Krüger Evelyn , Krüger Irena , Salehzadeh Niloofar , Goebel Silvia , Ibing Wiebke , Grandoch Maria , Münch Götz , Wagenhäuser Markus U. , Schelzig Hubert , Elvers Margitta
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:

Platelets play an important role in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a highly lethal, atherosclerosis-related disease with characteristic features of progressive dilatation of the abdominal aorta and degradation of the vessel wall, accompanied by chronic inflammation. Platelet activation and procoagulant activity play a decisive role in the AAA pathology as they might trigger AAA development in both mice and humans.

METHODS:

The present study investigated the impact of the major platelet collagen receptor GP (platelet glycoprotein) VI in pathophysiological processes underlying AAA initiation and progression. For experimental AAA induction in mice, PPE (porcine pancreatic elastase) and the external PPE model were used.

RESULTS:

Genetic deletion of GP VI offered protection of mice against aortic diameter expansion in experimental AAA. Mechanistically, GP VI deficiency resulted in decreased inflammation with reduced infiltration of neutrophils and platelets into the aortic wall. Furthermore, remodeling of the aortic wall was improved in the absence of GP VI, as indicated by reduced MMP (matrix metalloproteinase)-2/9 and OPN (osteopontin) plasma levels and an enhanced α-SMA (α-smooth muscle actin) content within the aortic wall, accompanied by reduced cell apoptosis. Consequently, an elevation in intima/media thickness and elastin content was observed in GP VI–deficient PPE mice, resulting in a significantly reduced aortic diameter expansion and reduced aneurysm incidence. In patients with AAA, enhanced plasma levels of soluble GP VI and fibrin, as well as fibrin accumulation within the intraluminal thrombus might serve as new biomarkers to detect AAA early. Moreover, we hypothesize that GP VI might play a role in procoagulant activity and thrombus stabilization via binding to fibrin.

CONCLUSIONS:

In conclusion, our results emphasize the potential need for a GP VI–targeted antiplatelet therapy to reduce AAA initiation and progression, as well as to protect patients with AAA from aortic rupture.
Prognostic Significance and Biologic Associations of Senescence‐Associated Secretory Phenotype Biomarkers in Heart Failure
Authors: Salman Oday , Zamani Payman , Zhao Lei , Dib Marie Joe , Gan Sushrima , Azzo Joe David , Pourmussa Bianca , Richards Arthur Mark , Javaheri Ali , Mann Douglas L. , Rietzschel Ernst , Zhao Manyun , Wang Zhaoqing , Ebert Christina , Liu Laura , Gunawardhana Kushan L. , Greenawalt Danielle , Carayannopoulos Leon , Chang Ching‐Pin , van Empel Vanessa , Gogain Joseph , Schafer Peter H. , Gordon David A. , Ramirez‐Valle Francisco , Cappola Thomas P. , Chirinos Julio A.
Published: August 2024

Background

The role of cellular senescence in human heart failure (HF) remains unclear. The senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP) is composed of proteins released by senescent cells. We assessed the prognostic significance and biologic pathways associated with the SASP in human HF using a plasma proteomics approach.

Methods and Results

We measured 25 known SASP proteins among 2248 PHFS (Penn HF Study) participants using the SOMAScan V4 assay. We extracted the common variance in these proteins to generate SASP factor scores and assessed the relationship between these SASP factor scores and (1) all‐cause death and (2) the composite of death or HF hospital admission. We also assessed the relationship of each SASP factor to 4746 other proteins, correcting for multiple comparisons, followed by pathway analyses. Two SASP factors were identified. Both factors were associated with older age, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, and more advanced New York Heart Association class, among other clinical variables. Both SASP factors exhibited a significant positive association with the risk of death independent of the Meta‐Analysis of Global‐Group in Chronic HF score and NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide) levels. The 2 identified SASP factors were associated with 1201 and 1554 proteins, respectively, belonging to various pathways including the coagulation system, complement system, acute phase response signaling, and retinoid X receptor–related pathways that regulate cell metabolism.

Conclusions

Increased SASP components are independently associated with adverse outcomes in HF. Biologic pathways associated with SASP are predominantly related to coagulation, inflammation, and cell metabolism.
On the Status Quo, Problems and Countermeasures of Crowdfunding Publishing in China
Authors: Yi Liao , Wenjuan Wang
Published: August 2024

Under the background of the Internet, many new publishing methods have been developed, and crowdfunding publishing is one of them. Crowdfunding publishing breaks the one-way static publishing environment of traditional publishing, and at the same time extends the traditional publishing industry chain, injecting new vitality into China’s publishing industry. By analyzing the larger crowdfunding platforms and crowdfunding publishing cases in China, this paper focuses on the development status and problems of crowdfunding publishing in China and tries to provide effective suggestions on the problems. Crowdfunding publishing has been developing in China for ten years, has attracted widespread attention in the industry from the very beginning. Moreover, it has developed rapidly in the context of crowdfunding economy, forming a relatively mature crowdfunding platform and model, with an increasing number of successful crowdfunding publishing projects demonstrating a certain degree of influence. However, China’s crowdfunding publishing is still in the early stage of development due to the imperfect laws and regulations of crowdfunding publishing, the profit model has not yet been successfully explored, and individual self-marketing is greater than quality content production. Only by strengthening the operation and construction of comprehensive crowdfunding platforms, striving to build vertical specialized crowdfunding platforms, and focusing on the publications themselves and content innovation, can China’s crowdfunding publishing break through and grow?
The Impact of Viewing Distance and Proprioceptive Manipulations on a Virtual Reality Based Balance Test
Authors: Teaford Max , Mularczyk Zachary J. , Gernon Alannah , Merfeld Daniel M.
Published: August 2024

Our ability to maintain our balance plays a pivotal role in day-to-day activities. This ability is believed to be the result of interactions between several sensory modalities including vision and proprioception. Past research has revealed that different aspects of vision including relative visual motion (i.e., sensed motion of the visual field due to head motion), which can be manipulated by changing the viewing distance between the individual and the predominant visual cues, have an impact on balance. However, only a small number of studies have examined this in the context of virtual reality, and none examined the impact of proprioceptive manipulations for viewing distances greater than 3.5 m. To address this, we conducted an experiment in which 25 healthy adults viewed a dartboard in a virtual gymnasium while standing in narrow stance on firm and compliant surfaces. The dartboard distance varied with three different conditions of 1.5 m, 6 m, and 24 m, including a blacked-out condition. Our results indicate that decreases in relative visual motion, due to an increased viewing distance, yield decreased postural stability — but only with simultaneous proprioceptive disruptions.
Interview: Reflections on Three Decades of Islamic Nonviolence
Authors: Woerner-Powell Tom , Abu-Nimer Mohammed
Published: August 2024

This article comprises a discussion with Prof. Mohammed Abu-Nimer, a trailblazer in the field of Peace Studies focusing on Islam and Muslim communities. It explores Prof. Abu-Nimer's reflections on the development of this field over the past three decades. It focuses in particular on methodological, institutional, and inter-cultural challenges and developments during that time. Like Prof. Abu-Nimer's long career, it is international in scope and explores convergences and divergences in the experiences and discourses surrounding Muslim-led nonviolent resistance, peacemaking and peacebuilding initiatives in the Middle East and North Africa, South Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa. It also includes discussion of the role played by cultural difference and hybridity in translating the distinct peace and nonviolence repertoires of Western and non-Western cultural and political contexts.
The first taxonomically accurate fossil eriocottine moth (Lepidoptera: Eriocottidae) from the Eocene Baltic amber
Authors: NEL ANDRÉ , NGÔ-MULLER VALÉRIE , NEL JACQUES
Published: August 2024

Eoeriocottis magnificus gen. et sp. nov., first fossil accurately placed in Eriocottinae, is described from the Eocene Baltic amber. This fossil should be of great interest as a calibration point for dating in future phylogenies of the Eriocottidae.
1. Can Literary Parallelisms Prove Cultural Contact?
Authors: Morales-Harley Roberto
Published: August 2024

Chapter 1 reviews both ancient sources and modern scholarship dealing with a possible Greek influence in Sanskrit theater. It also explains the theoretical (Theory of Tradition and Theory of Adaptation) and methodological (Cultural Contacts) bases for the analysis. A key discussion is that of “proving” influences and borrowings, a subject that is reformulated in terms of “plausibility”.
5. Sanskrit Authors Adapting Greco-Roman Texts
Authors: Morales-Harley Roberto
Published: August 2024

Lastly, Chapter 5 discuses two main conclusions. On one hand, general influences appear as plausible, particularly regarding the adaptation techniques (the ways in which each tradition turns their epic into theater). Therefore, “Greco-Roman motifs” (literary motifs from the Greco-Roman world that would have made it into India) must at least be considered – alongside “Folk motifs” and “Indo-European motifs” – when comparing these literatures. On the other hand, specific borrowings would have also been possible for the adapted elements (the themes coming to the theater from each epic), considering that there is indeed a Greco-Roman component to other Indian disciplines (astronomy, mathematics, architecture, painting, and sculpture), that India developed a written literary culture only after its contact with Greece and there is evidence of bilingualism with a Greek component in India, and that India had long-standing diplomatic and commercial exchanges with Rome, who by that time, made sure that books were readily available all over its territory. All this adds up to an ideal scenario for cultural exchanges, which although still hypothetical, are certainly worth acknowledging.
Advances in Sustainable Battery Technologies: Enhancing Longevity, Recycling, and Alternative Components-- A Review
Authors: Hailemariam Tsiye , Birkneh Tekletsadik
Published: August 2024

The field of sustainable battery technologies is rapidly evolving, with significant progress in enhancing battery longevity, recycling efficiency, and the adoption of alternative components. This review highlights recent advancements in electrode materials, focusing on silicon anodes and sulfur cathodes. Silicon anodes improve capacity through lithiation and delithiation processes, while sulfur cathodes offer high energy density, despite inherent challenges. Recycling technologies are also advancing, with mechanical methods achieving 60% efficiency, hydrometallurgical processes reaching 75%, and pyrometallurgical methods achieving 85% efficiency. These improvements in recycling contribute to a more sustainable lifecycle for batteries. Moreover, the shift towards alternative components, such as organic batteries, sodium-ion batteries, and solid-state batteries, is gaining momentum, representing 10%, 20%, and 15% of the market, respectively. These alternatives address environmental concerns and enhance battery performance and reliability. These developments underscore the importance of ongoing innovation in electrode materials and recycling technologies to overcome current challenges. As the industry continues to evolve, these advancements pave the way for more efficient and environmentally friendly energy storage solutions, promising a sustainable future for battery technologies.
Effect of Different Grow out Test on the Seedling Anatomy and Germination Attributes of Faba Bean (vicia faba L.)
Authors: Debelo Megersa
Published: August 2024

Ability to geminate is very important attributes of seed quality. Critical factors for germination include moisture, oxygen, temperature and light. In combination with the factor’s germination media and place to layout are very important. Germination test was conducted on Ashebeka variety of Faba bean. The aim of the study was to test the effect of different germination Condition on seedling anatomy and germination potential of the seed. Germination room (GR) with air conditioning, Germination chamber with Adjustable (Relative humidity, Temperature and light) and Normal room were used. 50seeds/germination box with four replication were panted using CRD design in each room. Germinated seed and its shoot length counting was started to recorded starting from after five days within 3 day interval (5th, 8th, 11th and 14th) of planting to observe effect of growing room on germination and it attributes. Finally, data collected was analyzed using Statistical software. The mean squares of each treatment reveal that there is a significant variation on germination and seedling attributes for all counting days due to growing room. Among treatment Germination room with air condition shows best performance both quantative and qualitative data. While germinating seed in growing chamber leads to increment of seedling/germinated seed due to mutation or another factor. Germinating seed under normal room also affect the situation due to temperature fluctuation.
Addition of Ground Zeolite to Improve the Flowability and Cohesiveness of Mortar
Authors: Chen Jiajian , Xie Weiliang , Chen Tianxiang
Published: August 2024

Packing density if of cardinal importantce in the performance of cement-based materials. Theoretically, ground zeolite (GZ), a cementitious material that is finer than cement and coarser than condensed silica fume (CSF), is able to fill the voids between the cement particles in mortar for performance improvement without excessively high specific surface area. In order to evaluate the effects of GZ on flowability and cohesiveness, a total of 15 mortar mixes with different GZ contents and different cementitious materials/aggregate ratios at the same water/cementitious materials ratio were produced for flowability, cohesiveness and strength measurement. Results indicated that adding GZ as no more than 5% cement replacement would increase the flowability and strength, but further addition of GZ to more than 5% decreased the flowability, cohesiveness and strength. The experimental results are in general agreement with the findings from the literatures. Adding GZ tas no more than 5% cement replacement improve both the flowability and cohesiveness at equal-strength basis, further addition of GZ upon 5% improved the concurrent flowability and strength performance when the strength requirement is low, but impaired the concurrent cohesiveness and strength performance. It can be concluded that 5% is optimum GZ addition content in the viewpoint of flowability and cohesiveness performance of mortar.
Enzyme-Mediated Duplex Exponential Amplification: A New Platform for Rapid Screening of Hylurgus ligniperda
Authors: Jiaying Wang , Junxia Cui , Shuyi Yan , Li Liu , Xianfeng Chen
Published: August 2024

As the world's second largest timber importer, wood demand in China has been growing extremely rapidly, leading to an increase of 163% from 2009 to 2018. The plant quarantine pest H. ligniperda Fabricius, 1787 is an invasive species frequently intercepted at ports. H. ligniperda causes damage mainly to pine and spruce. To improve the efficiency of on-site inspection and the efficacy of early detection, tight quarantine in ports, time-effective identification, and a national surveillance program for high-risk invasive bark beetles are in urgent need. In this study, a simple, fast and accurate classification method for H. ligniperda is established based on the enzyme-mediated duplex exponential amplification (EmDEA) technique. Partial region from inhibitor of apoptosis 2 (IAP2) gene was selected as the target and 6 primer/probe combinations were designed. Through selection, the combination of 3-HY-F3, 3-HY-R2 and 3-HY-RNA5 was chosen as the final primer-probe set, as it showed the lowest Ct with highest final fluorescence signal. Method validation and specificity test using 6 other beetle species living on coniferous wood showed that this method is result reliable and specific. Through parameter analysis with positive plasmid, the detection limit was calculated to be 13.6 copies/μL (9×10-7 ng DNA/ reaction), much higher than conventional molecular methods such as PCR. The whole process including isothermal amplification, data analysis, and result output can be finished in 30 min, which is highly time-effective. Besides, the operation is simple and little training is needed for non-professionals. The application prospects of this rapid screening system include customs screening in ports, wild survey in non-lab situations and early warning system development. The new analysis platform EmDEA, can also be implemented in rapid detection and identification of other forestry pests.
Trust and Collaboration in Practices of Supply Chain Management: Systematic Review
Authors: Bakalo Alemayehu , Bogale Mekonnen
Published: August 2024

Collaboration and trust within supply chain practices facilitate the mutual support of corporations, together with producer partnerships with suppliers and manufacturers to reduce risks, access sources, and improve productivity. The review provided theoretical and empirical kinds of literature on trust and collaboration in practices of supply chain management to provide detailed information and give insight and knowledge to the readers. This paper reviewed articles concerning trust and collaboration in practices of supply chain management published over the last 13 years. The review followed PRISM techniques as a methodological approach. The review examined 50 published research articles between 2010 and 2023. The majority of reviewed articles were published in the last two years. The most commonly used method of analysis in reviewed articles was quantitative. The results indicated trust and collaboration significantly affect organizations, and managers must invest in key result areas to remain relevant and dominant in the competitive environment. Trust is a crucial factor in supply chain management, as it ensures mutual understanding between suppliers and customers, leading to fair profits and high-quality products. This review suggested that future research focus on combining qualitative and quantitative methods and SCM practices and competitive advantage, sustainability performance, and organizational performance.
Cerebral Venous Thrombosis in Children: About 3 Cases
Authors: Menjel Imane , Benmoussa Abdelhakim , Harim Fatima , Chahid Imane , Abkari Abdelhak
Published: August 2024

The cerebral venous system is an unusual site for thrombosis. It is a rare pathology in children, with a considerable risk of morbidity and mortality in the absence of specific treatment. The incidence has increased over the last few decades due to improvements in neuroradiological techniques. Clinical features range from seizures, headache and respiratory distress to threatening focal neurological deficits and comatose state. The risk factors are age-dependent, frequently multiple and different from those reported in adults. Infections are the most common predisposing factor both in neonates and older children, followed by hypercoagulable/hematological states, dehydration and various other conditions. In majority of cases, it results from combination of prothombotic risk factors with or without underlying clinical condition. The prognosis is favorable in most cases if the diagnosis is made quickly and treatment is initiated promptly, although acute complications or chronic disability still occur in a quarter of patients. The mainstay of treatment is anticoagulation, which is needed to stop the clot spreading and recanalize it. Endovascular procedures are reserved for patients with a particularly severe presentation or rapidly developing neurological symptoms despite appropriate anticoagulation, although data from clinical trials is lacking. The aim of this work is to study the clinical, etiological, therapeutic and evolutionary characteristics of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) in the pediatric population.
A Study of the Effect of Sorghum Varieties and Cowpea Intercropping on Land Productivity and Competition Index in Fedis District, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfaye Wubshet
Published: August 2024

Now a day human population increasing rapidly and cause land shortage land degradation, and poor soil fertility. Intercropping provides an opportunity to harness available resources by the cultivation of two or more crops planted simultaneously in the same land to produced cereal-legume for food and feed. A field study was conducted in Fedis District in 2018 to determine the impact of intercropping early maturing sorghum varieties and cowpeas on the land productivity and competition index. With a total of 11 treatments; two cowpea cultivars (9333 and 9334) and three varieties of early maturing sorghum (Teshale, Birhan and Melkam), their intercropping and sole cropping were determined using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Intercropping of sorghum-cowpea varieties produced significantly higher total land productivity than sole cropping of both varieties. The value of land equivalent ratio ranges from 1.21 for Sorghum (Teshale) + Cowpea (9334) to 1.36 for sorghum (Birhan) + cowpea (9333) and the overall mean was obtained as 1.30. The Percentage of the land saved of grain yields obtained was ranges 17.37% to 26.47% from of sorghum Teshale + cowpea varieties (9334) to sorghum Birhan + cowpea varieties (9333) and for Biomass yield production recorded from 27.01% to 36.71% that obtained from sorghum Melkam + cowpea (9333) and sorghum Birhan + cowpea (9334). Intercropped of sorghum-cowpea over all mean 23.25% for grain yield and 31.515% for biomass land was saved than sowing alone. Based on the result sorghum-cowpea intercropped, had the strength of relationship interaction and compatible; preferably sorghum Melkam + cowpea (9333) appropriate to increase the productions in study area and with similar agro-ecology.
Development of a Device for Primary Purification of Mung Bean Grain from Pods and Optimization of Its Main Design Dimensions and Operating Modes
Authors: Temirovich Achilov
Published: August 2024

It is important to create a technically and technologically improved device that reduces the damage to the mung during the process of removing the pods from the currently cultivated mung grain. Therefore, it is necessary to develop the design of the device, to justify its parameters and operating modes, for the complete separation and preliminary cleaning of mung beans without damaging them. The article presents the results of optimization of the main design dimensions and operating modes of the device for separating mung bean from the pods. The results of experimental studies showed that the proposed device has a high degree of completeness in separating mung bean from its pods and a low level of damage, low grain damage and high grain purity, which can be ensured with a sag length of 170 mm, a shaft oscillation number of 300 min-1, the amplitude of the shaft is 11.5 mm, its angle of inclination is 12 degrees. The design of the device for preliminary cleaning of mung grain by separating it from pods has been developed. The scientific significance of the research results is based on the structural dimensions and operating modes, as well as the resulting analytical connections and mathematical models, to ensure the quality of initial cleaning, to separate mung beans from pods completely and without damage, using less energy and resources. can be used to justify the parameters of similar devices. The developed device reduces the consumption of energy and labor during the initial cleaning of mung grain from pods, as well as the loss of grain.
Blended Learning Instruction at Tertiary Level: Experiences of Students in One Tertiary Institution in Eswatini
Authors: Ntombizodwa Mpila , Gcinaphi Nxumalo , Nxumalo Mathamane
Published: August 2024

This study explores the experiences of university students on the use of Blended Learning instruction at tertiary level in one tertiary institution in Eswatini. The study adopted the qualitative research approach where the case study research design was used. The study targeted students in one campus of the tertiary institution. Data were collected from a total of 15 (fifteen) students of this campus who were selected using the Simple Random Sampling technique. The data were collected using one on one interviews and were analysed using Content Analysis. The findings of the study revealed that students have varied experiences about Blended Learning. While some have pleasant experiences of this mode of learning others have unpleasant experiences. The study found that some students view Blended Learning as a good mode of instruction that offers them the opportunity to access education anywhere anytime. The findings also revealed that the Blended mode of instruction benefits students in terms of its flexibility in learning times, vast sources of information and covering a lot of content in a short period of time. This mode, however, has numerous challenges which inhibit its successful implementation. These are limited data bundles and poor internet connection which inhibit learners from accessing lessons on line. The study therefore recommends that institutions must work with the relevant network providers (Eswatini MTN and Eswatini Mobile) to provide unrestricted data and network services to students.
Exploration of Teaching Reform of Data Collection and Web Crawler Course Based on PDCA Cycle
Authors: Wang Na
Published: August 2024

The course of Data Collection and Web Crawler is highly practical and students are generally interested in learning it. However, the traditional teacher-centered teaching model focuses on knowledge transfer, which cannot meet the social demand for big data talents. PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle is the ideological basis of total quality management, which accords with the inherent law of teaching quality management. With "students" as the core and based on PDCA cycle, this paper carries out reform design from four processes of Plan, Do, Check and Act. The four stages of PDCA cycle correspond to the design, implementation, evaluation and reflection of teaching. The “Plan” part includes the design of teaching objectives and the design of teaching content. The teaching objectives are divided into knowledge objectives, ability objectives and quality objectives, while the design of teaching content can be summarized as addition, subtraction, adjustment and integration. The “Do” part mainly adopts a variety of teaching methods, such as the combination of theory and experiment, the combination of online and offline, the combination of group and individual reports. The “Check” part adopts a variety of evaluation methods, including examination, operation and reporting, to comprehensively evaluate students' knowledge, abilities and qualities. The “Act” part is mainly about standardizing successful methods, documenting existing problems to avoid repeat offenses, and transferring unresolved problems to the next cycle. Under the new teaching mode, the teaching is student-centered, giving full play to students' subjective initiative, and improving their ability and quality while mastering knowledge.
Logistic Analysis on Financial Literacy and Its Determinants: An Empirical Evidence from Maichew Town of Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Adhana Hailekiros
Published: August 2024

Financial literacy is increasingly recognized as a crucial factor for individual and societal well-being. This study investigates the determinants of financial literacy within a unique financial and economic context, focusing on civil servants in Maichew Town, Tigray. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative data collected through a self-administered questionnaire distributed to a random sample of 271 civil servants. The study employed a binary logistic regression model to examine the relationship between financial literacy, measured as a binary outcome, and a range of socio-demographic and economic variables. These variables included age, gender, income level, work experience, marital status, field of study, access to financial news, and the number of dependents in the household. The findings reveal that gender, field of study, access to financial news, and the presence of dependents significantly influence the financial literacy levels of the respondents. Notably, female civil servants, those with a background in fields related to finance and economics, individuals with access to financial news, and those with dependents demonstrated higher levels of financial literacy. Conversely, age, work experience, marital status, education level, and income level did not exhibit a statistically significant relationship with financial literacy. This study contributes valuable insights into the factors shaping financial literacy among civil servants in a specific Ethiopian context. The findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions and financial education programs that address the unique needs of different demographic groups, particularly women and those in professions not directly related to finance. By enhancing financial literacy, policymakers and educators can empower individuals to make informed financial decisions, ultimately fostering greater economic stability and well-being.
Capitalizing on Diversity: The Impact of Board Gender Diversity on the Value of Excess Cash
Authors: Jilani Ibtissem
Published: August 2024

This paper provides novel and comprehensive evidence regarding the impact of board gender diversity on the valuation of excess cash in companies. By analyzing a robust dataset of publicly listed firms in France from 2005 to 2017, the study finds that companies with a higher representation of women on their boards tend to significantly increase the value attributed to their excess cash reserves. The results suggest that investors perceive these companies as more capable of managing their cash efficiently, leading to a higher valuation. This perception likely stems from the belief that diverse boards contribute to better decision-making processes, which in turn enhances the effectiveness of cash utilization. Furthermore, the study uncovers that the positive relationship between board gender diversity and the valuation of excess cash is even more pronounced in firms that demonstrate high earnings quality. This finding underscores the importance of a transparent and reliable informational environment in strengthening the link between gender diversity and the efficient use of corporate resources. The research contributes to the broader corporate governance literature by emphasizing the critical role of board gender diversity in not only promoting effective cash management but also in increasing overall firm value through improved investor confidence and resource allocation strategies.
Spatial Patterns and Risk Factors of Stunting Among Under-five Children in Kenya: A Multilevel and Spatial Analysis
Authors: Masit Jackline , Malenje Bonface , Imboga Herbert
Published: August 2024

Stunting remains a significant public health burden in sub-Saharan Africa and has far reaching consequences. Identifying the drivers of stunting and high burden regions is key to developing effective and targeted intervention strategies. The objective of the study was to identify the risk factors and explore spatial patterns of stunting across counties in Kenya. Secondary data from 2022 Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS) was utilized. A total of 13,016 children aged between 0 - 59 months were included in the analysis. A multilevel logistic regression was applied to identify individual, household and community level determinants of stunting, spatial regression models to analyze spatial dependency and geographically weighted regression to explore spatial heterogeneity in the association between childhood stunting and county level determinants. In the multilevel logistic regression, Children from urban residence exhibited a significantly increased odds of stunting compared to those in rural areas (aOR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.03 - 1.51, p = 0.02). Children from households categorized as poorer, middle, richer, and richest all exhibited significantly reduced odds of stunting compared to those from the poorest households. Children whose mothers had attained secondary education exhibit higher odds of stunting compared to those with no education (aOR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.01 - 1.72, p = 0.04). Male children show significantly higher odds of stunting compared to females (aOR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.33 - 1.70, p < 0.001). Children aged 12-23 months exhibit the highest odds of stunting (aOR = 2.65, 95% CI: 2.23 - 3.14, p < 0.001) compared to those aged < 6 months). Spatial analysis indicated that stunting prevalence varies geographically, with some areas exhibiting higher clustering. The geographically weighted regression further revealed that the influence of socioeconomic and climatic factors on stunting prevalence differed across locations highlighting the need for geographically targeted interventions.
A Sentiment Analysis of News Articles Published Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Montesinos-Yufa Hugo , Musgrove Emily
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the connotative language used in news articles, leveraging sentiment analysis to gauge shifts in societal attitudes and potential implications for mental health. Utilizing the statistical programming language R, we extracted and analyzed texts from 645 articles published before and during the pandemic by nine authors across three major U.S. newspapers: The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and The Washington Post. Employing the AFINN and NRC sentiment lexicons, we observed a statistically significant decrease in sentiment during the pandemic period (p < 0.0001), suggesting a pervasive shift in media discourse. This decline, consistent across newspapers and journalists, highlights the profound impact of the pandemic on societal attitudes, reflecting the pain and stress experienced by many. Such a decline in sentiment can create a negative feedback loop that exacerbates the already significant health and behavioral challenges triggered by the pandemic and its associated mitigation measures. Our findings underscore the value of sentiment analysis and text mining in assessing the effects of high-stress, long-term events on global public health while identifying a gap in the existing literature that prioritizes disease-focused research over holistic well-being. This study highlights the critical role of journalists and leaders in shaping public sentiment during crises, advocating for early recognition of concerning trends. It also offers a valuable framework for future research connecting major events with the overall media sentiment and their subsequent effects on public health.
A Brief Review of Investigations into Earth’s Temperature Since the Year 1800
Authors: Isaac Russell
Published: August 2024

For billions of years, natural processes alone, often working over millennia, drove Earth’s temperature and climate. For the last several centuries, human activities are a new driving force that is acting on a very short time scale. Knowing history helps chart necessary future actions with greater confidence. Since the end of the 17th century, investigations relating to Earth’s temperature and its climate have evolved from only scientific interest to also include practical concerns triggered by global warming. The early studies were relatively episodic with gaps of a decade or more common until the mid 20th century when they burgeoned starting with the International Geophysical Year. From the early to mid 1800s, to the early to mid 20th century, the investigations were at the initiation of the individual researchers. Starting in the mid 1950s, the investigations became more extensive, comprehensive and interrelated. Early researchers inferred that the atmosphere played a role in Earth’s temperature, and as far back as the 1850s it was concluded that higher CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere could result in warming Earth. Later investigations provided information on the mechanism which established that atmospheric CO2 concentration and its absorption and re-emitting of infrared radiation was a major factor in Earth’s temperature. Further, its increasing atmospheric concentration is a major driver of a warming globe at a rate far surpassing those detected in the geologic record. This paper traces the history of those researches based on the premise that knowing how we arrived at our current knowledge helps in supporting future research and actions to address the consequences of Earth’s warming.
Challenges for Technical and Vocational Education in Achieving Gender Equality in Nigerian Polytechnic
Authors: Adedipupo Oladimeji , Abideen Lasisi , Ayodele Akomolafe , Tolulope Ogunbanwo , Yinka Ogunkeyede
Published: August 2024

Gender equality in Technical and Vocational Education should be viewed as both a fundamental aspect of the right to education and as rights inherent within the educational system. A balanced participation of both men and women in the education system can facilitate progress toward achieving the highest levels of educational attainment. This study aimed to elucidate the advancements made in promoting gender equality within Technical and Vocational Education in Nigeria. Both international and national consensus on priorities in Technical and Vocational Education emphasize the significance of achieving gender equality within educational spheres. To assess progress toward this goal, an evaluation was conducted on the nature of advancements made and the barriers impeding equal participation. While recognizing the efforts made by the Government of Nigeria and the governing councils of tertiary institutions to enhance gender equality across various courses offered at Polytechnics over the years, challenges persist, particularly in fields such as Engineering, Sciences, and others. The research methodology employed a questionnaire-based approach, where respondents provided information for further analysis, supplemented by observations and document analysis. It was observed that while Polytechnics have strived to enroll equal numbers of men and women, challenges remain, with disparities evident even from secondary school intake. Meaningful gender equality necessitates the establishment of mechanisms to ensure equal treatment. These mechanisms hinge on a commitment to non-discrimination, the eradication of social norms that perpetuate gender inequality, and the concerted effort of all stakeholders to eliminate stereotypes and attitudes that reinforce disparities in resource distribution.
Research on the Application of Cushion and Isolation Materials in Protecting the over Shield Tunnel
Authors: Wentian Gu , Qijia Zhao , Yuan Lu
Published: August 2024

The portal frame, as an innovative subway protection structure, primarily serves the development of underground spaces above shield tunneling for subways. It comprises foundation piles along both sides of the tunnel and a transition thick plate. When the transfer thick plate sustains loads at its midspan, deformation occurs, interacting with the underlying soil to generate additional stresses, thereby potentially impacting the subway tunnel beneath negatively. This study, anchored in the real-case scenario of Qianhai Exchange Square, employs finite element analysis to investigate the interaction mechanisms between the transfer thick plate under midspan loading and soils of varying properties. Findings revealed a characteristic distribution pattern of additional stresses in the soil—smaller at the edges and larger at the center. Furthermore, under equal loading conditions, there's a positive correlation between soil stiffness and induced additional stress, while an inverse relationship exists with the vertical deformation of the transfer thick plate. In response to this issue, the paper innovatively proposes embedding a cushioning and isolation layer under the transfer thick plate. Based on the results of full-scale tunnel tests carried out during the early stages of the project, and by employing high-precision finite element simulations, the bearing capacity of the tunnel was determined. This analysis, in turn, informed the formulation of selection principles for the cushioning and isolation materials in a feedback manner. Computational verifications showed that appropriately designing the cushioning and isolation layer can significantly reduce additional stresses in the foundation soil, thereby effectively alleviating the impact of concentrated upper loads on the shield tunnel.
Optimum Seeding and Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates for Maximizing Yield and Sustaining Rain-Fed Lowland Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) in Fogera Plain North-western Ethiopia
Authors: Taye Yasin , Ayalew Dereje , Abera Bayuh
Published: August 2024

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is increasingly becoming an important food crop in Ethiopia. However, the average rice productivity in Ethiopia is estimated at 2.8 t ha-1 which is much lower than the world average, 4.6 t ha-1. Its productivity is challenged due to a lack of appropriate and location-specific agronomic practices like the application of optimum doses of nitrogen fertilizer and the use of optimum seeding rates. Thus, a field experiment was conducted in Fogera district in South Gondar Zone, Northwestern Ethiopia during the 2021 main cropping season to determine the optimum dose of N level and seeding rate. The treatments comprised factorial combinations of four levels of N (134, 184, 234 and 284 kg ha-1) and four different seeding rates (60, 80, 100, and 120 kg ha-1). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated thrice. All data on phenology, vegetative growth yield and yield-related parameters were collected and measured following scientific standards of each parameter. Those data were subjected to analysis of variance using the general linear model (GLM) procedures of SAS 9.0 version system. Economic analysis was also carried out by following CIMMYT partial budget analysis procedures. The analysis result showed the main effects of both, different levels of nitrogen and different rate of seeding, and their interactions showed highly significant effect on the number of both total and effective tillers, grain filling, panicle length, phonological parameters, totals spikelet’s, thousands seed weight, grain yield, biological yield and straw yield. Application of 184 kg N ha-1 level with a seeding rate 100 kg ha-1 gave the maximum grain yield (6,641 kg ha-1), the highest number of effective tillers per m2 (792) and filled grains per panicle (95.34). Furthermore, the highest net return of ETB 118,850 with acceptable marginal rate of return (2,313%) was also obtained from the application of 184 kg N ha-1 level and a seeding rate 100 kg ha-1. From the current research experiment, it is possible to conclude that increasing seeding rate beyond 100 kg ha-1 and N above 184 kg N ha-1 is not economical yield of rice “Selam’’ variety in the study area. Rather, use of 184 kg N ha-1 and seeding rate of 100 kg ha-1 is promising for Lowland Rice (Selam) variety production under the rain fed condition in Fogera Plains and similar agro-ecologies of rain-fed growing area of Ethiopia for better economic and agronomic advantage.
Evaluation of Herbicides Efficacy against Weeds in Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) at Jimma Southwest, Ethiopia
Authors: Abera Tigist
Published: August 2024

Weeds are one of the most serious causes of economic losses in agricultural production. As a result weed completions contributes 60 to 80% yield losses in coffee under Jimma condition. Currently, expensiveness of weed management has been a principle issue in economic analysis of coffee production particularly in large scale farm in Ethiopia. Hence, evaluation of systemic herbicide with different mode of action is essential to effectively control dangerous weeds in coffee production system. The study was conducted in Jimma Agricultural Research Center in 2021 cropping season at Jimma Agricultural Research Center on Station to evaluate the efficacy of newly introduced herbicides (Fascinate 280SL at 3.3l/h, Jimila 480% SL at 3.0l/h and Proper 360 SL at 3.0l/ha) against major weeds in coffee. Tested herbicides (Fascinate 280SL, Jimila 480% SL and Proper 360 SL) were effectively controlled the noxious weeds infested coffee experimental plots. These herbicides also showed significant effect on inhibiting weed density over standard check. The herbicide were effective in controlling weeds in coffee safe for crops if applied at active growth stage of weeds following the instructions on technical guide line of herbicides properly. Therefore, the herbicides were recommended used as management option against weeds in coffee with the application rate mentioned above