bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METAL POLLUTION IN SOIL AT A REFUSE DUMPSITE IN UNIVERSITY OF CROSS RIVER STATE (UNICROSS), CALABAR, SOUTH-SOUTH, NIGERIA
Authors: Sam-Uket Nwuyi O. , Isah Muhammed H. , Ameh S. M. , Ayim E. M. , Obule O. G.
Published: November 2023

Total concentration and pollution indices of mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), and cobalt (Co) in dumpsite soil located in University of Cross River State, Calabar were evaluated in this work. Soil samples were collected at 0 - 15cm depth from two sampling stations at the dumpsite once in the months of April, August and December, 2021 and analyzed to the closest mg/kg using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The concentrations of the heavy metals showed that Cd>Pb>Ni>Cr>As>Co. All the concentrations of the heavy metals examined when compared with those of average value of heavy metals in shale showed that all the metals were lower than their corresponding world average value except Cd. Geoaccumulation index indicated unpolluted to moderately polluted for all metals studied except Cd which indicated strong to very strongly polluted. Contamination factor for Cd indicated very high contamination. Contamination degree for site 1 and 2 indicated considerable degree of contamination and moderate degree of contamination respectively. Pollution load index values investigated were within the baseline level for all the stations. The heavy metal pollution is attributable to the waste deposited at the dumpsite located in the institution. It is recommended that the dumpsite be relocated to another location that is far away from the residential area and from drinking water sources like boreholes.
URBAN-RURAL DISPARITIES IN FOOD SECURITY: AN ANALYSIS OF HOUSEHOLD SURVEY DATA IN PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Alade Segun Peter , Su’an Luka Ishaku , Abu Christiana
Published: November 2023

Food insecurity remains a critical concern in Nigeria, with significant disparities between rural and urban areas. This study aimed to assess differences in food security status between rural and urban households in Plateau State, Nigeria using discriminant analysis. Questionnaire data were collected from 140 households in one rural and one urban community. Eight measures of food security were assessed, including household size, income, food affordability and accessibility. Discriminant analysis results showed major differences between urban and rural households. Household size, food affordability and a tendency for food shortages were the most significant differentiating variables, with urban households having higher food security. The discriminant model correctly classified 89% of cases, demonstrating good predictive accuracy. Findings indicate substantial urban-rural disparities in food security, likely driven by factors like household size, income and food accessibility. Targeted policies and interventions in rural areas and for larger households may help address gaps in the affordability, availability and accessibility of food. Further research across wider geographic areas can validate and extend these results.
PRODUCTION AND QUALITY EVALUATION OF ENRICHED BREAD FROM FLOUR BLENDS OF WHOLE WHEAT, BAMBARA NUT, SOYBEANS AND CASHEW NUT SEED
Authors: Nakakana Hussaina , Misbah Sherifat Adeniran , Hassan Shehu Mohammed , Abdullahi Haruna
Published: November 2023

Bread is a staple food prepared from dough of flour and water, usually by baking. Throughout recorded history, bread has been very popular around the world. It is one of humanity’s oldest foods, having been of great importance since the dawn of Agriculture. The major ingredient in bread production is wheat flour which is very expensive. The study was conducted to produce enriched bread from composite flour blend of whole wheat, soybeans, bambara nut and cashew nut seed. Four samples were produced of varying ratio mixes and then subjected to proximate, microbiological and sensory evaluation analysis. The result from the proximate analysis indicated that the nutritional value of the product increased significantly with the incorporation of flour composite. Sample A was rated highest for moisture (26%), sample B (16%) ash, sample C (18.5%) protein, (15.8%) fat respectively. Also sample C was the most accepted in terms of sensory qualities indicating improved bread quality. The result for micro biological qualities of the product indicated that the product is fit for human consumption. An enriched and nutritious adequate bread can be produced by substituting whole wheat flour with other flour composite. The study therefore based on its findings recommended that the product should be subjected for mineral and vitamin analysis to determine the micro nutrient content of the product and also its anti- nutritional composition.
REMOTE SENSING AND IN-SITU-BASED ASSESSMENT OF GREENHOUSE GASES IN NIGERIA
Authors: Ibanga Obot Akpan , Emeribe Chukwudi Nnaemeka , Akpabio Edidiong Samuel , Uwadia Nicholas Omougbo , Ndem Peter Adamson , Oseh Nelson Onaivi , Ogbomida Emmanuel Temiotan , Ehigiegba Thompson Aiyevbekpen , Akinmoladun Akinjagunla
Published: November 2023

In data-sparse locations, the necessity for the integration of remote sensing and in-situ-based approaches in assessing greenhouse gases cannot be overstressed. Akin other countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), Nigeria is yet to leverage on and fully maximize the potentialities offered by satellite remote sensing in monitoring and assessment of biophysical and ecological change indicators including greenhouse gases. This study was undertaken with the prime motivation of ascertaining the variations of greenhouse gases concentrations in Delta State, Nigeria as well as the correlation between in-situ measurement and satellite remote sensing observation. Datasets comprising carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) and were sourced from the archive of the European Space Agency and field sampling using Aeroqual S500 ambient air analyser. Descriptive statistics, independent Samples t-Test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey HSD test of multiple comparisons and simple linear regression (SLR) were the major inferential statistical frameworks used in the study. The results showed that greenhouse gases exhibited statistical significant spatial variability with the non-fictional variation of CO from In-situ measurement domiciled between Delta South Senatorial District (SD) and Delta North SD with Mean Difference of – 0.05 (p-value of 0.027 < 0.05). Validity, extent of accuracy and reliability of remotely-sensed greenhouse gases with in-situ observations was also established with CO, SO2 and NO2 in Delta South SD being statistically significant at 95% confidence level. The paper recommends the adoption of space-borne satellite remote sensing resources and GIS in periodic monitoring, mapping and assessments of environmental change indicators.
ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METAL POLLUTION AND CONTAMINATION IN WASTE DUMPSITES WITHIN GUSAU AREA, NORTHWEST NIGERIA
Authors: Shuaibu A. M. , Ameh E. G. , Muranah K. A.
Published: November 2023

The aims of this research work are to determine the concentrations of metals present in waste dump soils, to evaluate the metal contamination of the soils using the pollution indices and to identify whether the sources of heavy metals were natural and/or anthropogenic. Analysis of the soil was carried out using EDXRF technique. Three points were assessed from each three wastes dumpsites (Hira Dekodi, Low Cost and Old Market), using portable XRF equipment for the in-situ data acquisition. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis and environmental pollution index models. The data showed mean concentrations of the heavy metals analyzed in the following order Fe > Zn > Mn > Cr > Pb > Ni. The mean concentrations of these three metals (Pb, Zn and Cu) exceeded their average crustal abundance, which is an indication of possible contamination. Environmental pollution models applied to the geochemical dataset revealed Zn, Pb and Cu as considerable/moderately contaminated, which generally indicated severe potential contamination in the investigated area. Other metals such as Mn, Cr, Ni and Fe showed low contamination factors. However, from the results of geo-accumulation/ecological risk index of the heavy metals, the study areas were unpolluted and indicated low ecological risk factors with respect to the analyzed parameters. The chemical assay revealed positive and significant relationship between Cu, Pb, Mn and Fe while Cr showed positive and significant relationship with Mn, Fe and Cu. However, Zn shows significant level of relationship only to Mn. Virtually, all the heavy metals showed...
STUDY ON THE PERFORMANCE OF SOME PARAMETRIC PROPORTIONAL HAZARD MODELS AND SEMI-PARAMETRIC MODEL IN THE ANALYSIS OF BREAST CANCER DATA
Authors: Zoramawa A. B, , Usman U. , Magaji B. A. , Rabiu M.
Published: November 2023

A study is conducted on medical records of 416 breast cancer patients. Analysis was performed using the R software version R3.6.3, and the level of significance was set at 0.05. The work employed three models which were based on Exponential, Weibull and Cox Regression models. The Weibull proportional model (AIC=1959.038) was the most appropriate model among the considered models, based on the Akaike information criterion (AIC).  Results of the best fitted model showed that the survival time of breast cancer patients is significantly affected by age, age at diagnosis, and treatment taken at 95%.
COMPARISON OF BODY COMPOSITION METHODS FOR ESTIMATING BODY FAT PERCENTAGE IN LOWER LIMB PROSTHESIS USERS
Authors: Smith John , Guerra Gary , Symons T. Brock , Kwon Eun Hye , Yoon Eun-Jung
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND: There is a dearth of literature evaluating the accuracy of Air Displacement Plethysmography (ADP) compared to Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) for assessing body composition in individuals with lower limb amputations. Validity of ADP in persons with lower limb amputations must be established.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare body composition in persons with lower limb amputations using the BOD POD® and DXA.
METHODOLOGY: Body composition was performed on eleven lower limb prosthesis users (age 53.2±14.3 years, weight 81.9±22.3kg) using ADP and DXA with and without prosthesis.
FINDINGS: Repeated measures ANOVA indicated no significant difference in body composition among and between trials, F(3,8)= 3.36, p= 0.075. There were no significant differences in Body Fat (BF) percentage with and without prostheses on the BOD POD (28.5±15.7% and 33.7±12.1%, respectively) nor the DXA (32.9±10.6% and 32.0±9.9%, respectively). Association between the BOD POD and DXA were greatest when prostheses were not worn compared to when they were worn. Bland-Altman plots indicate agreement between BOD POD® and DXA was greatest while wearing the prosthesis.
CONCLUSION: This study is a first to compare total body fat percent between the BOD POD® and DXA in lower limb prosthesis users. BOD POD® report valid indices of BF%. Future work will utilize the BOD POD® in intervention studies for monitoring body composition changes across the continuum of rehabilitation.
Layman's Abstract
Measurement of body composition is helpful in understanding the health of persons with lower limb prosthesis. The gold standard method of body composition assessment is through Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). This method can be costly and is less economical than Air Displacement Plethysmography (ADP). The aim of this research was to explore the accuracy of the ADP using a BOD POD® instrument in lower limb prosthesis wearers. Body composition measurements using the BOD POD® and DXA were administered. Assessments were performed while wearing and not wearing the prosthesis. Results indicate that no differences between the two body composition assessment methods either with or without prosthesis. The less costly ADP technology may be utilized for body composition in lower limb prosthesis users.
Article PDF Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/41605/32165
How To Cite: Smith JD, Guerra G, Symons TB, Kwon EH, Yoon EJ. Comparison of body composition methods for estimating body fat percentage in lower limb prosthesis users. Canadian Prosthetics & Orthotics Journal. 2023; Volume 6, Issue 1, No.2. https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v6i1.41605
Corresponding Author: Gary Guerra, PhD   Department of Exercise and Sport Science, St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, Texas, USA.E-Mail: gguerra5@stmarytx.eduORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0161-4616
Cardinal and the Cedar
Authors: Anderson Marnie
Published: November 2023

Often time’s knowledge of plants is told from a human perspective and not the plants. The limited stories of plants from an attempt to share from their perspective reveal the need to learn more about how to do this in a way that respects the plant and shares their story. To help share the plant prospective students were asked to gather information on a medicine (Cedar, tobacco, sweetgrass, or sage) and share a story from the plant's perspective. The purpose of this paper will be to describe a narrative from the perspective of Giizik (Cedar) and I will use story work and more specifically will tailor it to a child and youth perspective. A benefit of Indigenous story work is it can become a useful method in the translation and dissemination of knowledge (Drawson, Toombs & Mushquash, 2017)
Living and Dying mno bemaadiziiwin: Wearing Our Teachings in Contemporary Times
Authors: Wall Barbara Moktthewenkwe
Published: November 2023

Wearing, or operationalizing, cultural teachings during this time of a global pandemic is crucial to Indigenous spiritual health and overall well-being. The Big Sickness has impacted collective spiritual practices and gatherings. It has prevented us from being present with family and community members in times of illness, disrupting our caretaking responsibilities, and our assistance with and witnessing of death. Yet, public health restrictions have also provided opportunity for biskaabiiyang: physical isolation has catalyzed a pause in our collective and personal day-to-day lives, and has provided opportunity for us to turn inward, reflect, and to return to ourselves and ways of knowing. This article shares foundational teachings of the Anishinaabe People; teachings that guide us in the living and dying of mno bemaadiziiwin, the Good Life. These teachings situate the life and death journey of Anishinaabe persons within the Anishinaabe cosmos, and articulate our practices of relationality, responsibilities, and ways of knowing that are essential to this journey. Biskaabiiyang, returning to ourselves, with agency and wearing our teachings can support individual resilience and survival.
Editorial: Reflections on the Inter-connectedness of All Beings
Authors: Monteith Hiliary , Kim Esther , Faruqui Aisha , Tan Sharon
Published: November 2023

The Turtle Island Journal of Indigenous Health (TIJIH) began in an effort to prioritize Indigenous voices within western academic environments, which often serve to silence Indigenous ways of being and knowing. We have shared previously about these aims and we encourage you to look to these for more information (Monteith & Tan, 2020; Turtle Island Journal of Indigenous Health, 2020). Since the release of our second issue in 2021, our team has had considerable turnover as members move to continue important work in related areas. We feel immense joy for their contributions and continued relationships. We are also excited for the new faces that have joined our team and look to our community as we continue to build our vision of highlighting Indigenous perspectives and voices within academic peer-reviewed literature.
Perception of marine fisheries resources in Tanzania from past to present: Evidence through local knowledge
Authors: Bulengela Gideon
Published: November 2023

How communities interact with natural resources is a critical topic of discussion around the world. In this study, we approach the phenomenon from the fishers’ perspective. This study aims to explore the perception and knowledge of local fishers regarding fishing practices. With the help of interviews and focus group discussions with residents of three fishing communities located along the Indian Ocean coast in Tanzania, the research discovered that these local fishers are not just engaged in catching fish; they also possess a valuable understanding of the ocean and fishing practices. The study concludes that incorporating the perception and knowledge of these local fishermen into future fisheries management initiatives could be highly beneficial.
Highlights

Fishers do not merely fish; they possess rich and valuable knowledge regarding marine resources
The knowledge is vital for improved fisheries management
Fisheries managers need to consider fishers as knowers, not merely exploiters of fisheries resources
Integration of local knowledge and scientific knowledge in fisheries management would yield better fruits
Công bố thông tin ngân hàng xanh tại các ngân hàng thương mại Việt Nam
Authors: Trần Nguyên Sa , Hạ Thị Thiều Dao
Published: November 2023

Bài viết này nghiên cứu thực trạng công bố thông tin về hoạt động ngân hàng xanh của các ngân hàng thương mại niêm yết ở Việt Nam. Nghiên cứu sử dụng phương pháp phân tích chỉ số công bố thông tin đối với Báo cáo thường niên của các ngân hàng để tiến hành đánh giá thực trạng công bố hoạt động ngân hàng xanh của 20 ngân hàng thương mại niêm yết ở Việt Nam theo hướng dẫn của Bộ Tài chính tại Thông tư số 155/2015/TT-BTC và 96/2020/TT-BTC trong giai đoạn từ năm 2016 đến năm 2022. Kết quả nghiên cứu nhận thấy, chỉ có 17/20 ngân hàng thương mại công bố thông tin ngân hàng xanh vào năm 2022, các tiêu chí công bố thông tin vẫn chưa được báo cáo đầy đủ, từ đó, nghiên cứu đưa ra những khuyến nghị khả thi cho sự phát triển việc công bố thông tin ngân hàng xanh tại Việt Nam.
AS PERCEPÇÕES DE PROFESSORES SOBRE A IMPORTÂNCIA DO BRINCAR NAS PRÁTICAS PEDAGÓGICAS DA EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL
Authors: Craco Eva Adriana da Luz Leite , Bertoncini Vicenzi Vinicius
Published: November 2023

Este artigo é parte de uma dissertação de Mestrado concluída em 2023 que abordou a importância das brincadeiras na Educação Infantil. O objetivo é identificar percepções de professoras de um Centro de Educação Infantil Municipal sobre a importância do brincar a partir das Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais para a Educação Infantil (DCNEI), da Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BNCC) e de autores que abordam esse tema. Trata-se de pesquisa qualitativa, de natureza interpretativa com pesquisa de campo, suporte bibliográfico e documental. A coleta dos dados empíricos se deu por meio de entrevista semiestruturada e teve como base a análise de conteúdo qualitativo. Os resultados apontam para a importância do brincar na prática pedagógica como forma de desenvolvimento das crianças; as professoras entrevistadas buscam adequar as brincadeiras em seus planejamentos; às práticas pedagógicas desenvolvidas envolvem brincadeiras intencionais e dirigidas; as professoras nem sempre têm à disposição os materiais necessários para o desenvolvimento de atividades lúdicas.
Palavras-chave: Brincar. Educação Infantil. Percepções de Professoras.
 
ABSTRACT
This article is part of a Master’s thesis completed in 2023 that addressed the importance of play in early childhood education. The objective is to identify perceptions of teachers of a Municipal Early Childhood Education Center on the importance of playing from the National Curriculum Guidelines for Early Childhood Education (DCNEI), the National Common Curricular Base (BNCC) and authors who address this issue. It is a qualitative research, of an interpretative nature with field research, bibliographic and documentary support. The empirical data were collected through semi-structured interviews and it was based on the qualitative content analysis. The results point to the importance of playing in pedagogical practice as a way of developing children; the teachers interviewed seek to adapt the games in their planning; developed pedagogical practices involve intentional and directed play; teachers do not always have at their disposal the materials necessary for the development of recreational activities.
Keywords: Play. Early Childhood Education. Teachers' Perceptions.
PENGEMBANGAN MEDIA ULAR TANGGA DENGAN MODEL REALISTIC MATHEMATICS EDUCATION PADA PEMAHAMAN KONSEP MATEMATIKA
Authors: Akhidah Dewanti Nur , Zuliana Eka , Ermawati Diana
Published: November 2023

Monotonous and conventional learning using the lecture method can cause students to be less interested in learning. This causes the concept given not to imprint sharply in the memory of students so that students easily forget and often confused in solving a problem that is different from what is exemplified by the teacher. The purpose of this study is for the feasibility, effectiveness, and development of snakes and ladders media with a Realistic Mathematics Education model on understanding mathematical concepts. In this study, research and development (R&D) research methods were used. This research will be carried out in grade IV SDN Tambirejo with research subjects of 10 students and teachers. The subject selection of 10 students was obtained from the postest and prettest assessments. For teachers, an assessment was obtained from the results of interviews between researchers and teachers. The dependent variable in this study is understanding the concept, while the independent variable is a Realistic Mathematics Education model assisted by two snakes and ladders. Data collection techniques include interviews, observations, tests, and documentation. The data analysis used is qualitative and quantitative data analysis. The results of this study show that Snakes and Ladders media is very feasible to use, shown by the percentage of media feasibility of 77% and material feasibility of 88%. The N-Gain test showed a result of 0.1785 with the "medium" category. The conclusion in this study is that the Snakes and Ladders media is declared feasible and effective for use in grade IV learning of Wide Material Maematics Lessons and flat build circumference.
The Stewart Mackenzies and their Management of their Wester Ross Estates, 1817–1837
Authors: Mckichan Finlay
Published: November 2023

Lord Seaforth’s heir as proprietor of his Ross-shire estates was his eldest daughter Mary. In 1817 she married a Wigtonshire landowner J.A. Stewart. Joseph Mitchell of the Highlands Roads and Bridges Commission believed that ‘no two people were more anxious for the welfare of their tenants’, but heard some complain of their ‘folly and unkindness’. In Wester Ross they owned three properties – Kintail, the original homeland of the family, and two purchased in the 1820s, Kernsary and Torridon. Seeking to follow the approach of Eric Richards, this article will assess how far their policies reflected Mitchell’s comments in the period to 1837 (when they left for Ceylon for Stewart to become governor). This will be placed in the context of the economic and financial problems they faced. It will be argued that they adopted differentiated policies for the three properties, the reasons for which and the results will be analysed. It will be shown that differing forms of resistance were aroused. The article concludes that the Stewart Mackenzies were unable to find solutions for the problems they faced and made a muddled response, demonstrating a lack of business competence, but also of the degree of ruthlessness which would have been required to prosper in that environment.
Fraser in Fearn: Migration, Diaspora, and the Ghosts of Empire in the Return Visits of Peter Fraser (New Zealand Prime Minister) to the Highlands, 1935–1949
Authors: MacPherson Jim
Published: November 2023

Building on Eric Richards’ ideas about Scottish Highlanders as an ‘imperial people’, this article is about how diasporic movement and connection created significant bonds between Easter Ross and New Zealand in the twentieth century and beyond. It focuses on a microstudy of the village of Fearn, famed as the birthplace of Peter Fraser, who was Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1940 to 1949. Peter Fraser returned to the Scottish Highlands many times during the 1930s and 1940s, and these visits reveal the diasporic links between different parts of empire and ask questions about our understanding of enduring imperial legacies and memories. I argue that Peter Fraser’s return visits to Fearn can be interpreted as a form of ‘homecoming’, which tell us much about Fraser himself and how his own sense of identity continued to be shaped by a connection to the place of his birth. However, this article focuses less on Fraser and more on the effect his return visits to Fearn had on the village and its communities. Fraser and Fearn become, then, a case study of the diasporic ties of belonging between Scotland and New Zealand and how a shared belief in empire, especially during World War Two, connected folk in the Highlands with diasporic Scots, such as Fraser, on the other side of the world. Peter Fraser’s return visits to Fearn nurtured this sense of imperial connection and the way in which Fraser’s Highland homecomings are remembered in the region demonstrate the ongoing legacies of empire that continue to shape Scotland to this day.
Editorial: After the Fall …
Authors: Rosie Michael
Published: November 2023

The first half of 2023 saw considerable change in Scotland’s politics, with the resignation of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and a divisive and bitter leadership contest in the SNP. The nature and scope of this political crisis is not yet clear, and this editorial looks briefly at the prospects for the SNP, and its new leader Humza Yousaf, with the significant difficulties he faces in steadying the ship.
Crisis or Opportunity? International Income Growth in Scottish Universities during Covid-19
Authors: Armstrong Sarah
Published: November 2023

How did Scottish universities fare in the pandemic? This paper looks at changes in income and student enrolments, comparing the pandemic years (2020–2022) to those preceding them. Despite concerns that Covid would have negative impacts across the university sector, the analysis shows that both income and student numbers increased substantially in Scotland. This article builds on a related analysis ( Armstrong 2023 ) and focuses on a selection of ten universities that encompass the diverse range of sizes, locations and student cohorts making up the Scottish university sector. It finds that growth in income, against expectation, accelerated during Covid, and this is largely attributable to expanded recruitment of international students, who pay significantly higher fees than those located within the UK. Scottish universities made a record amount of income from international fees in 2021–22 of £1.14 billion. The analysis of income growth is followed by exploration of changes in student numbers and cohort compositions, where international student numbers also accelerated in the pandemic. A discussion of the implications of these changes considers the growing divide among Scottish universities, and the wider implications that rapid growth and increasing dependence on one source of income has for universities, their staff and students and the cities and towns in which they are located.
City on a Hill: Historical Spatiality of Water Scarcity in Shimla
Authors: Parashar Ankur
Published: November 2023

Water scarcity has become a permanent feature in Himalayan cities. Despite the recurrent events of the water crisis in Himalayan cities, the relationship between urban space and water scarcity has not received sufficient attention in the urban studies literature in India. Water scarcity is rooted both in the water infrastructure inherited during the precolonial and colonial periods meant for the population of that time and the resulting racial exclusionary practices. In the context of countries like India, or what we collectively call Southern Urbanisation, whenever there is a water crisis, the water infrastructure built during the colonial period is blamed solely for the crisis without considering the historicity of the production of these infrastructures within the urban space. Colonialism is a significant factor in understanding urbanisation in the Indian context, it is still prominent, even more so in the context of mountain urbanisation in India, where many new urban centers like Shimla, Darjeeling, and Murry emerged as the new centers of colonial domination in the second half of the nineteenth century. The urban space of the region is both a socio-temporal space produced through colonialism and a geographically contingent place. Therefore water scarcity needs to be analysed by combining these two factors. In this paper, I will contextualise water scarcity in the context of Himalayan urbanisation where the production of urban space is intertwined with the case of Shimla. The case study of the spatial development of Shimla shows how the urban space in Himalaya and its relationship with water scarcity require a separate field of inquiry within urban studies in the global south.
STI Characterization in Two U.S. Veterans Health Administration Healthcare Facilities During the Early COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Harfouch Omar , Comstock Emily , Sittig Katherine , Talwani Rohit , Kaplan Roman , Benator Debra , Rivasplata Heather , Wilson Eleanor
Published: November 2023

This retrospective chart review of Veterans at the Maryland and Washington, D.C. VA Medical Centers showed that STI positivity ratios increased in 2020 (2018-2020). The disparity in STI risk between Black and White Veterans widened in 2020, highlighting the need for targeted evidence-based STI prevention following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Retinoic Acid Induced Cell Signaling as a Counter Against Disease
Authors: Franco Justin H. , Pan Zhixing K.
Published: November 2023

Many disease processes result from disruption of physiologic cell signaling pathways. Cancer often develops from the loss of cell cycle regulation, while inflammatory disease results from dysregulated immune activity. Likewise, many microbial infections avoid immune clearance by interfering with cellular antimicrobial pathways. Retinoic Acid (RA) is a dynamic compound, derived from vitamin A, that can regulate various signaling pathways. RA induced cell signaling has proven beneficial against different diseases, such as Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) and psoriasis. Against APL, RA induces cellular differentiation in cancer cells to restore proper function. In psoriasis, RA downregulates inflammatory pathways, such as NF-κB. RA’s anti-inflammatory properties have also been examined in the context of sepsis, where recent animal studies have shown positive benefits. Along with regulating inflammation, RA exhibits indirect antimicrobial properties. Unlike conventional antimicrobials which target pathogens directly, RA functions as a host-directed therapy (HDT), promoting cell antimicrobial defenses. Recent studies examining RA have shown that it can improve macrophage clearance of microbial pathogens and stimulate the antiviral type-I interferon (IFN) response. RA’s effectiveness has been demonstrated against clinically relevant pathogens, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Measles virus. In this review, the therapeutic potential of RA to treat various diseases by regulating cell signaling pathways will be explored.
PERMASALAHAN PELAYANAN PUBLIK DAN PERAN OMBUDSMAN PERWAKILAN DALAM PENDAMPINGAN APARATUR SIPIL NEGARA
Authors: Pambudi Andi Setyo
Published: November 2023

Pelayanan publik dalam praktiknya selalu terkait dengan lembaga penyelenggara layanan dan juga masyarakat sebagai penerima layanan. Lembaga yang menyelenggarakan pelayanan publik didukung salah satunya oleh adanya Aparatur Sipil Negara (ASN). Ombudsman RI sebagai Lembaga pengawas pelayanan publik sebagaimana amanah regulasi di Indonesia melakukan pendampingan terhadap aparatur sebagai bentuk upaya pencegahan maladministrasi. Meskipun demikian, lembaga ini di daerah (perwakilan) lebih dikenal dalam hal penyelesaian laporan/aduan masyarakat dalam pelayanan publik. Sementara itu, perencanaan pembangunan pelayanan publik harus memperhatikan kedua aspek ini (penyelesaian dan pencegahan) secara lebih berimbang berbasis permasalahan yang ada, kelembagaan lembaga pengawas dan wewenangnya serta tingkat popularitasnya didaerah. Hasil analisis dapat menunjukkan beberapa isu penting yang perlu ditangani berbasis prioritas, urgensi, lokasi dan pendapat publik. Peran dan popularitas Ombudsman, baik di pusat maupun daerah dalam pendampingan aparatur sipil negara dalam menjalankan pelayanan publik dan permasalahannya menjadi menarik diulas lebih dalam. Banyak praktik cerdas, peran maupun permasalahannya di lapangan dapat dijadikan masukan bagi pembangunan pelayanan publik sebagai bagian dukungan pada prioritas nasional dalam Rencana Pembangunan Jangka Menengah Nasional. Metode yang digunakan dalam analisis ini adalah mixed method melalui literature review, analisis big data dan FGD. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa pada beberapa daerah Ombudsman sudah melaksanakan perannya dalam pendampingan namun belum merata sehingga diperlukan dukungan anggaran, regulasi, sarana dan prasarana serta sumber daya manusia yang memadai.
Efficiency of satellite data in the agro-ecological monitoring system
Authors: Mudrak O. , Morozova T.
Published: November 2023

The article discusses the ecological value of the normalized vegetation index (NDVI). Generalization of scientific data on the possibility of use in forestry, agriculture, ecological research, modeling of ecosystems and monitoring of the earth’s surface has been carried out. It was found that, unlike the surveyor, the operational/satellite monitoring of crops makes it possible to automatically generate reports, control the condition of crops, forecast yields and plan agricultural operations taking into account the real ecological state and weather conditions. In particular, you can create electronic vegetation maps; develop images and field relief for a specific region. It has been established that the use of data from remote sensing of the Earth (RSE) ensures the determination of the objective state of crops (density, quantitative and qualitative changes in crops, obtaining information on chemical treatments) on large areas. The factors that influence the calculation of NDVI are given, and the necessity of using an approach focused on climatic conditions is indicated. It was found that the transformation of multispectral NDVI data into one image layer allows estimating the amount of available vegetation and the development of crops on a field scale. Regular field NDVI mapping helps identify and mitigate any crop problems, increase yields, and make agribusiness more profitable. NDVI has become one of the most important and frequently used indicators in precision agriculture, so it deserves further practical research. This is a numerical indicator of the quality and quantity of plants in the field. It is emphasized that NDVI has become one of the most important and frequently used indicators in precision agriculture. Therefore, deserves further practical investigation. Ecosystem service is a means of identifying threats to ecosystems in order to develop socially acceptable and effective solutions to environmental problems. The ecosystem approach allows predicting changes, which is extremely important for spatial planning and land use management. This approach is especially important when assessing and resolving conflict situations in nature management, when the economic benefit from the use of one or another natural resource becomes a strong argument. From the point of view of human benefit, operational monitoring becomes an ecosystem service. The use of spectral indices contributes to the production of high-quality «environmentally friendly» products, the preservation of environmental components, the reproduction of soil fertility, obtaining the maximum profit, along with the transition from a linear economy to a circular one (economic effect), saving resources, optimizing and diversifying agricultural production.
Impact of rice straw biochar in association with inorganic fertilizers and Trichoderma harzianum on charcoal rot (Macrophomina phaseolina) of maize
Authors: Saeed Aqib , Abbas Muhammad Taqqi , Khan Hafiz Azhar Ali , Anwar Waheed , Mushtaq Zain , Anjum Tehmina , Akhter Adnan
Published: November 2023

Phytosanitary regulations concerning pesticide residues are among the most important problems faced by today's agricultural environment. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to produce and characterize indigenously produced biochar from raw material based on rice straw. The biochar synthesized at 480°C, was used as amendment at different volumetric concentrations (3 and 6%), along with in-organic fertilizers for restricting the development of charcoal rot (Macrophomina phaseolina), in maize (Zea mays L.) The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of rice straw biochar showed micro-cracks, rough texture, and intricately formed pores, thus showcasing the complex and porous nature of the rice straw biochar resulting from the pyrolysis process. The energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis confirmed its carbonaceous composition (approximately 54%), with the presence of functional groups like hydroxyl and carboxyl, as well as trace amounts of potassium, calcium, and silicon.  Maize grown in soil amended with 6% biochar showed significant reduction in shoot and root weights (51.72 and 74.11%, respectively) when compared to 3% biochar amended soil in the presence of M. phaseolina. Our results revealed that 3% rice straw biochar and Trichoderma harzianum proved most effective for the management of charcoal rot as indicated by lowest disease incidence and disease severity (40%, each). Maize showed variable degrees of defense mechanisms activation in response to soil biochar amendments. Biochar application rate of 6% did generally not improve the maize dry biomass production and tolerance to charcoal rot. These findings will surely help us understand biochar-induced changes in physiology of maize and possible activation of defense response against M. phaseolina
Causal association of physical activity with low back pain, intervertebral disc degeneration and sciatica: a two-sample mendelian randomization analysis study
Authors: Guan Xiaoqing , Zhang Ding , Zhang Fengyi , Zong Yuan , Wang Hang , Shen Zhubin , Yin Fei
Published: November 2023

Objective: Previous studies are insufficient to confirm a causal association between physical activity (PA) and low back pain (LBP), intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), and sciatica. The present study used a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis method to demonstrate whether or not there was a causal connection.

Methods: First, four PA phenotypes were selected [accelerometer-based PA (average acceleration), accelerometer-based PA (acceleration fraction >425 mg), self-reported moderate-to-vigorous PA, and self-reported vigorous PA], setting thresholds for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly concerned with PA p < 5 × 10−8, linkage disequilibrium (LD) r2 < 0.01, genetic distance >5,000 kb, and F-value >10. SNPs associated with the outcome and confounding factors were then excluded using the PhenoScanncer database. Finally, after coordinating the genetic instruments from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) effect alleles for exposure and outcomes, multiplicative random effects inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger, weighted median method (WMM), and weighted mode method were used to assess exposure-outcome causality and perform sensitivity analysis on the estimated results.

Results: The current study’s IVW findings revealed proof of a causal connection between PA and LBP. While there was a positive causal tie between accelerometer-based PA (acceleration fraction >425 mg) and LBP [OR: 1.818, 95% CI:1.129–2.926, p = 0.012], there was a negative causal link between accelerometer-based PA (average acceleration) and LBP [OR: 0.945, 95% CI: 0.909–0.984, p = 0.005]. However causal relationship between PA and IDD or sciatica was not found.

Conclusion: Increasing average PA but needing to avoid high-intensity PA may be an effective means of preventing low back pain. Although PA is not directly causally related to disc degeneration and sciatica, it can act through indirect pathways.
Functional connectivity alterations in the frontoparietal network and sensorimotor network are associated with behavioral heterogeneity in blepharospasm
Authors: Huang Xiao-Feng , Hao Xin-Qing , Yin Xiao-Xue , Ren Lu , Wang Da , Jin Feng , Tan Li-Na , Liang Zhan-Hua , Song Chun-Li
Published: November 2023

Objective

Primary blepharospasm (BSP) is a clinically heterogeneous disease that manifests not only as spasmodic closure of the eyelids but also sometimes with apraxia of eyelid opening (AEO). This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate differences in the neural mechanisms of isolated BSP and BSP-associated AEO subtypes, which may reveal the pathophysiology underlying different phenotypes.

Methods

A total of 29 patients manifested as isolated BSP, 17 patients manifested as BSP associated with AEO, and 28 healthy controls underwent resting-state functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). We assessed functional connectivity (FC) between regions of interest (ROIs) in the fronto-parietal control network (PFCN) and sensorimotor network (SMN). We also examined the relationship between altered FC and behavioral data.

Results

In the FPCN, ROI- analyses showed decreased FC between the left premotor cortex and supramarginal gyrus in the BSP with AEO group compared to the isolated BSP group. In the SMN, both subgroups showed hypoconnectivity of the left premotor cortex with the right primary motor cortex, primary sensory cortex, and somatosensory association cortex. This hypoconnectivity was positively correlated with the total number of botulinum toxin A treatments, which suggests that long-term botulinum toxin A treatment may modulate motor sequence planning and coordination.

Conclusion

These findings showed different connectivity alterations in neural networks associated with motor and cognitive control among different behavioral phenotypes of BSP. The identification of specific alterations in various networks that correspond to clinical heterogeneity may inform the identification of potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and personalized neuromodulation targets for treating different BSP subphenotypes.
Characterizing the spatiotemporal features of functional connectivity across the white matter and gray matter during the naturalistic condition
Authors: Hu Peng , Wang Pan , Zhao Rong , Yang Hang , Biswal Bharat B.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The naturalistic stimuli due to its ease of operability has attracted many researchers in recent years. However, the influence of the naturalistic stimuli for whole-brain functions compared with the resting state is still unclear.

Methods

In this study, we clustered gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) masks both at the ROI- and network-levels. Functional connectivity (FC) and inter-subject functional connectivity (ISFC) were calculated in GM, WM, and between GM and WM under the movie-watching and the resting-state conditions. Furthermore, intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) of FC and ISFC were estimated on different runs of fMRI data to denote the reliability of them during the two conditions. In addition, static and dynamic connectivity indices were calculated with Pearson correlation coefficient to demonstrate the associations between the movie-watching and the resting-state.

Results

As the results, we found that the movie-watching significantly affected FC in whole-brain compared with the resting-state, but ISFC did not show significant connectivity induced by the naturalistic condition. ICC of FC and ISFC was generally higher during movie-watching compared with the resting-state, demonstrating that naturalistic stimuli could promote the reliability of connectivity. The associations between static and dynamic ISFC were weakly negative correlations in the naturalistic stimuli while there is no correlation between them under resting-state condition.

Discussion

Our findings confirmed that compared to resting-state condition, the connectivity indices under the naturalistic stimuli were more reliable and stable to investigate the normal functional activities of the human brain, and might promote the applications of FC in the cerebral dysfunction in various mental disorders.
Effective venetoclax-based treatment in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients with translocation t(6;14)
Authors: Ceglédi Andrea , Csukly Zoltán , Fekete Mónika , Kozma András , Szemlaky Zsuzsanna , Andrikovics Hajnalka , Mikala Gábor
Published: November 2023

Introduction: The selective Bcl-2 inhibitor venetoclax has shown promising therapeutic potential in multiple myeloma, particularly in cases associated with t(11;14) IGH::CCND1 translocation. However, the efficacy of venetoclax in myeloma patients with the t(6;14) IGH::CCND3 translocation remains less investigated.

Methods: In this study, we conducted a retrospective analysis to investigate the efficacy of venetoclax-based therapy in relapsed/refractory myeloma patients with t(6;14) translocation. The treatment courses of three patients, that included previous therapies and responses to venetoclax, were assessed. Clinical data, laboratory results, and adverse events were analyzed to evaluate treatment outcomes.

Results: Our findings demonstrated remarkable therapeutic responses in three consecutive patients with t(6;14) translocation-associated myeloma who received venetoclax-based therapy. Patient 1, a lenalidomide-bortezomib-daratumumab and alkylator treatment refractory patient, achieved sustained stringent complete remission (sCR) after combining carfilzomib-dexamethasone with venetoclax, which was his best response ever. Similarly, Patient 2, refractory to frontline bortezomib-thalidomide-dexamethasone therapy, attained CR following a transition to bortezomib-dexamethason-venetoclax treatment. Patient 3, who was immunomodulatory (IMID)-intolerant, showed a highly favorable response to venetoclax-dexamethasone therapy after his first relapse following autologous stem cell transplantation. No significant adverse effects were observed in any of the patients.

Discussion: Our study provides compelling preliminary evidence for the efficacy of venetoclax in t(6;14) translocation-associated myeloma. The outcomes observed in our patients suggest that venetoclax-based therapy holds substantial promise as an effective treatment option for this specific genetic subgroup. Furthermore, the similarities in treatment response between t(11;14) and t(6;14) translocation subgroups highlight the importance of personalized approaches targeting specific genetic abnormalities to optimize therapeutic outcomes.