bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The hidden diet – examination of crop content reveals distinct patterns of pollen host use by Central European bees of the genus Hylaeus (Hymenoptera, Colletidae)
Authors: Müller Andreas
Published: April 2023

Masked or yellow-faced bees of the genus Hylaeus (Colletidae) differ in their mode of pollen transportation from most other bees in that they ingest the pollen directly on the flowers and carry it back to the nest inside the crop located in the anterior half of the metasoma. Due to this hidden mode of pollen transportation, the examination of pollen collected by Hylaeus females requires the dissection of the metasoma. Although this method has never been applied in Europe, the great majority of the Central European Hylaeus species were supposed to be pollen generalists based on observations of flower visits. The microscopical analysis of pollen removed from 30 crops each of 36 Central European Hylaeus species revealed that the proportion of species exhibiting an exclusive or strong preference for pollen from a single plant taxon is much higher than hitherto assumed and that the current assumption of the genus Hylaeus to largely consist of pollen generalists is wrong. Nineteen of the 36 species examined are strictly or largely dependent on a single plant taxon for collecting pollen, such as Apiaceae (n = 11 species), Rosaceae (n = 3), Reseda (Resedaceae) (n = 2), Allium (Amaryllidaceae) (n = 1), Asteraceae (n = 1) and Melilotus (Fabaceae) (n = 1). The 36 Hylaeus species examined collected pollen from the flowers of 31 plant families, of which the Apiaceae and Rosaceae (particularly Potentilla and Rubus) were by far the most important contributing almost 60% to the pollen host spectrum of the entire genus. The comparison between pollen host spectrum and flower visiting records showed that the pollen generalists use the flowers of the Asteraceae as nectar rather than pollen sources, corroborating earlier findings that the digestion of Asteraceae pollen requires physiological adaptations to cope with its unfavourable or protective properties. In summary, the patterns of pollen host use by bees of the genus Hylaeus do not substantially differ from those of other Palaearctic bee taxa despite the masked bees’ unusual habit to ingest the pollen directly on the flowers and to transport it inside their body back to the nest.
Using genomics, morphometrics, and environmental niche modeling to test the validity of a narrow-range endemic snail, Patera nantahala (Gastropoda, Polygyridae)
Authors: Whelan Nathan V. , Strong Ellen E. , Gladstone Nicholas S. , Mays Jason W.
Published: April 2023

Terrestrial gastropods are among the most imperiled groups of organisms on Earth. Many species have a complex taxonomic history, often including poorly defined subspecies, most of which have not been the focus of modern systematics research. Genomic tools, geometric morphometrics, and environmental niche modeling were used to assess the taxonomic status of Patera clarkii nantahala (Clench & Banks, 1932), a subspecies of high conservation concern with a restricted range of approximately 3.3 km2 in North Carolina, USA. A genome-scale dataset was generated that included individuals with morphologies matching P. c. nantahala, P. c. clarkii, and one individual with an intermediate form between P. c. nantahala and P. c. clarkii that was initially hypothesized as a potential hybrid. Mitochondrial phylogenetics, nuclear species tree inference, and phylogenetic networks were used to assess relationships and gene flow. Differences in shell shape via geometric morphometrics and whether the environmental niches of the two subspecies were significantly different were also examined. Molecular analyses indicated an absence of gene flow among lineages of P. clarkii sensu lato. Analyses rejected our hypothesis that the intermediate shelled form represented a hybrid, but instead indicated that it was a distinct lineage. Environmental niche models indicated significant differences in environmental niche between P. c. clarkii and P. c. nantahala, and geometric morphometrics indicated that P. c. nantahala had a significantly different shell shape. Given multiple lines of evidence, species-level recognition of P. nantahala is warranted.
Lie $ n $-centralizers of generalized matrix algebras
Authors: Yuan He , Liu Zhuo
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we introduce the notion of Lie $ n $-centralizers. We then give a description of Lie $ n $-centralizers on a generalized matrix algebra and present the necessary and sufficient conditions for a Lie $ n $-centralizer to be proper. As applications, we determine generalized Lie $ n $-derivations on a generalized matrix algebra and Lie $ n $-centralizers of some operator algebras.
Numerical solution for the system of Lane-Emden type equations using cubic B-spline method arising in engineering
Authors: Ala'yed Osama , Saadeh Rania , Qazza Ahmad
Published: April 2023

In this study, we develop a collocation method based on cubic B-spline functions for effectively solving the system of Lane-Emden type equations arising in physics, star structure, and astrophysics. To overcome the singularity behavior of the considered system at τ = 0, we apply the L'Hôpital rule. Furthermore, we have carried out a convergence analysis of the proposed method and have demonstrated that it has a second-order convergence. To demonstrate the effectiveness, accuracy, simplicity, and practicality of the method, five test problems are solved numerically and the maximum absolute errors of the proposed method are compared with those of some existing methods.
PRESCAN Adaptive Vehicle Image Real-Time Stitching Algorithm Based on Improved SIFT
Authors: Li Qian , Xu Yanli , Ding Pengren
Published: April 2023

Aiming at the problems of high latency, low accuracy, and obvious stitching gaps of traditional image stitching techniques in PRESCAN, this paper proposes an adaptive real-time vehicle image stitching algorithm based on improved scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT). Firstly, a multi-threaded structure is utilized to combine the improved adaptive features from accelerated segment test algorithm with SIFT descriptors for feature extraction. Secondly, a mismatching filtering strategy based on the BF algorithm has been introduced. Finally, image stitching is performed by combining random sample consensus algorithm and adaptive region stitching strategy. The results show that the recall rate is about 30.64%, the accuracy of matching is about 98.86%, and the total stitching time is about 22.82ms. It effectively improves the quality of feature point extraction and matching accuracy and significantly reduces the stitching time of images. It provides a real-time and accurate vehicle image stitching method for the field of perception in the autonomous driving laboratory environment.
Social Implications and Criticisms of Marketing
Authors: Mandal Pratap Chandra
Published: April 2023

Companies adopt marketing practices to delight their customers, generate revenues and profits, and to create customer relationships. However, companies may focus on their selfish motives of growth and may ignore consumer welfare and social welfare. Marketers are criticized for such practices and for the negative impact created on the society. The practices include high prices of products, deceptive practices, high pressure selling, harmful or unsafe products, planned obsolescence, poor service to disadvantaged customers, and negative impact of celebrities in marketing communications. Adverse impact on society includes false wants and materialism, too few social goods, and cultural pollution. Marketers are accused of harming and reducing competition. In the era of social marketing, companies should respect social concerns of various stakeholders and should maintain a balance between their own objective of growth and long-term social requirements. This will result in mutual trust and in sustaining the society.
Very Large-Scale Integration Floor Planning on FIR and Lattice Filters Design With Multi-Objective Hybrid Optimization
Authors: Pondreti Pushpalatha , Kaparapu Babulu
Published: April 2023

Floor planning is indeed an obvious design process in VLSI physical layout since it specifies the dimensions, structure, as well as positions of components upon the chip; in addition, information regarding the overarching silicon area, interlinks, and latency is also provided. VLSI floor planning is an NP-hard issue as the floor plan representations are a crucial component in this process. The intricacy, as well as solution space of the floor plan layout, is influenced by the floorplan visualizations. To tackle the VLSI floor plan challenge, numerous researchers have developed numerous meta-heuristic optimization techniques. The main objective of this work presents a novel multi-objective hybrid optimization method for solving the floor plan optimization issue. Standard DOX and ALO are conceptually combined in the proposed hybrid optimization referred to as Dingo Updated Ant Lion Optimization (DUALO) model. The multi-objectives like wire length, area, and penalty function are taken into consideration.
Beyond Your Sight Using Metaverse Immersive Vision With Technology Behaviour Model
Authors: Poh Soon JosephNg  , Gong Xiaoxue , Singh Narinderjit , Sam Toong Hai , Liu Hua , Phan Koo Yuen
Published: April 2023

With the advancement of technology, the metaverse image is used to improve the success rate of surgical. The purpose of this study was to understand the acceptance of extended reality surgery by different populations of medical experts and patients. The main reason for using a triangular mixed model for the study is because of the small amount of relevant research data for this study, quantitative research, exploratory research, and cross-sectional research can avoid some human interference and reduce error. The results of the study data showed that the image model, interaction design, surgeon, and clarity of use of the head-mounted display with metaverse technology by the expert group were conducive to improved surgical success rates. Metaverse surgery offers opportunities for modern digital surgery and can effectively improve the expert's ability to promote the smoothness of physical indicators during the procedure. This study is pioneering the role of a metaverse in facilitating surgery from the dual perspective of medical experts and patients.
A Blockchain-Based System for Aid Delivery
Authors: Demir Mehmet , Turetken Ozgur , Ferworn Alexander , Kargar Mehdi
Published: April 2023

Climate-related catastrophes leave people in dire need of aid. A major obstacle in providing help to people is the lack of trust in the aid process. Charity organizations want to ensure that funds and materials reach the intended destinations. Blockchain technology injects trust into business transactions through impeccable record keeping and can alleviate the trust problems in aid delivery. Another major problem in disaster recovery is broken infrastructure (e.g., broken bridges and unavailable roads). Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), generally referred to as drones, can address this access problem. In this paper, the authors design a system that uses drone technology for delivery of aid and blockchain technology for the assurance of such delivery. This system records and shares data on the interaction of various participants involved in a disaster aid delivery scenario. The simulation studies validate the applicability of this proposed system showing high throughput and satisfactory performance are attainable with integration of blockchain in large-scale aid delivery.
Digital M&A and Firm Innovation
Authors: Zhou Zixuan , Wang Fang , Yang Gaoju , Huang Xianhai
Published: April 2023

This study empirically examines how digital M&A affects firm innovation using data from Chinese listed companies from 2006 to 2019. The results show that digital M&A promotes firm innovation, and our findings also suggest that digital M&A enables firms to break away from technology path-dependence to achieve radical innovation and digital innovation. The analysis of different types of digital M&A shows that the innovation effect of vertical digital M&A is smaller than that of horizontal digital M&A. Vertical digital M&A significantly increases industry concentration and may change the competitive structure of the market; the innovation effect of cross-border digital M&A is smaller than that of domestic digital M&A, which may be related to the negative moderating effect of cultural and institutional distance between China and the host country, as well as the restriction of cross-border data flow.
Metal Matrix Composite Developed with Marine Grades: A Review
Authors: Muribwathoho Oritonda , Msomi Velaphi , Mabuwa Sipokazi
Published: April 2023

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are now one of the most significant groups of modern engineering materials as a result of the increased attention they have received in recent years. MMCs have recently been manufactured using a variety of technical specifications and techniques, with properties such as the ability to withstand thermal stability at the lowest possible cost, reduced weight and density, increased strength and toughness, and improved wear resistance. It is crucial to homogenize the distribution of the reinforcing phase during composite processing in order to generate particulate or fibrous solid microstructures, depending on the form of the reinforcing phase of the composite. This implies that new procedures must be employed to enhance the mechanical and microstructural properties of metal products. One of the answers to the above challenges is friction stir processing (FSP). FSP improves the surface quality, ductility, formability, strength, hardness, and fatigue life of metal alloys without altering the properties of metals in bulk. This study aims to review MMCs suitable for FSP-designed marine structures and identify knowledge gaps. According to the literature, MMCs are advanced materials capable of exhibiting microstructure, increased hardness, strength, excellent damping, wear, and reduced thermal expansion, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. Although FSP is recognized as a new secondary processing approach to enhance the microstructure and properties of MMCs, few studies have reported the production of MMCs suitable for marine applications. Therefore, this opens a large gap that needs to be filled and requires further investigation of MMCs development.
Micromechanics-Based Thermo-Mechanical Simulation of SCS-6 Fiber-Reinforced Ti-6Al-7Nb Matrix Nanocomposite
Authors: Thakur Arvind Kumar , Kumar Dinesh
Published: April 2023

This paper uses a sequential micromechanical method to characterize the thermomechanical properties of a hybrid nanocomposite. It does this by using analytical models (such as the modified rule of mixtures, Tsai-Pagano model, and Schapery model) and numerical models (such as the Finite element model), which are modeled using the commercial software ABAQUS. Investigations are made to determine how the aspect ratio, waviness, and volume fractions of the reinforcement affect the thermo-mechanical performance of the hybrid nanocomposite. It has been shown that adding CNT ESFs to conventional SiC-reinforced titanium alloy composites (TMCs) improves the resulting HTMNC thermo-mechanical properties. It is found that the addition of CNT ESFs to TMCs improves the thermo-mechanical characteristics of the resulting hybrid nanocomposite (i.e., HTMNCs) more in the transverse direction than in the axial direction for all volume fractions of SiC fiber. For instance, it is observed that adding a 2.69% volume fraction of CNT ESFs to the TMCs with a 30% volume fraction of SiC fiber enhances the axial elastic modulus by 2.6% and 2.4% while increasing the transverse elastic modulus by 4.2% and 3.5%, based on the CNT ESFs are straight and wavy. On the other hand, for the same volume fraction of SiC fiber and the addition of 2.69% volume fraction of Straight CNT ESFs, the transverse and axial CTE of the HTMNCs are reduced by 5.33% and 2.53%, respectively. Moreover, when the SiC fiber aspect ratio increases, the axial elastic modulus increases while the transverse elastic modulus exhibits no change. In contrast to the elastic modulus, the CTE increases in the transverse direction while decreasing in the axial direction.
Promotion of physical activity among Sri Lankans
Authors: Balasingham Sherine J.
Published: April 2023

No abstract available
Implementation of a Voluntary Design and Manufacturing Safety Management System at Bell Textron
Authors:   Bell Textron Inc., Harris Scott ,   Federal Aviation Administration, Garzaro Amy
Published: April 2023

Safety Management Systems (SMS) have become an internationally recognized means to improve hazard and risk identification, risk management and safety assurance. In early January 2021, the US Congress enacted H.R.133 - 1128 Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act. Under this legislation, the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) began ex parte Design & Manufacturing SMS (D&M SMS) rulemaking in February 2021 and must issue a final rule by February 2023. The Act further stipulates that all organizations that hold either a type certificate (TC) or production certificate (PC) for aviation products must implement a D&M SMS within 24 months of the issuance of the final rule. This rulemaking effort is being led by the Compliance Systems Section, AIR-634. The FAA has established a Voluntary D&M SMS Program that allows the FAA to assess applicant voluntary SMS programs in accordance with 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 5, Safety Management Systems (14 CFR Part 5). Bell was one of the first certificate holders to apply to the FAA Voluntary D&M SMS Program, and was successful in achieving acceptance from the FAA for D&M SMS. This paper will present the D&M SMS implementation and acceptance process from both the Original Equipment Manufacturer's (OEM) and FAA's perspective, and discuss the processes, procedures and tools that Bell Textron (Bell) utilized when creating the SMS.
An investigation of factors affecting the utilization of antenatal care services among women in post-natal wards in two Namibian hospitals in the Khomas region
Authors: Amungulu Mhingana E. , Nghitanwa Emma M. , Mbapaha Claudia
Published: April 2023

Background. Antenatal care (ANC) services are the care provided by skilled healthcare professionals to pregnant women to ensure the best health for both mother and baby during pregnancy and after delivery. In Namibia, utilization of antenatal care services has been reported to be dropping from 97% in 2013 to 91% in 2016. Objectives. The objectives of this study were to investigate the factors affecting the utilization of ANC services. Methods. A quantitative approach and a cross-sectional analytical design were used to carry out the study. The study population was all mothers who delivered and were admitted to the postnatal ward of Intermediate Hospital Katutura and Windhoek Central Hospital during the time of the study. Data were collected from 320 participants using self-administered structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 25 software. Results. Participants were aged between 16 and 42 years with a mean age of 27 years. The results show that 229 (71.6%) utilized ANC while 91(28.4%) did not utilize ANC services. Factors such as the negative attitude of health care workers, long distance to and from health facilities, lack of transport money to travel to and from the health facilities, lack of knowledge regarding antenatal care, attitude towards pregnancy, and others, were found as hindrances to the utilization of antenatal care services. Participants also indicated motivators for ANC utilization such as preventing complications, knowing their HIV status, getting health education, knowing the estimated date of delivery, and identifying and treatment of medical conditions. The study reveals the higher knowledge of participants on ANC utilization, most participants have the right to make decisions and had positive attitudes toward the quality of ANC services. The level of attitude toward pregnancy was associated with the utilization of antenatal care services with an odd ratio OR=2.132; and P=0.014. Conclusions. The study identified factors that affect utilization of ANC services such as age, marital status, mother's education, partner’s formal education, negative attitude toward health providers, long distance to and from ANC health care facilities, fear of HIV test and results, Covid-19 regulations, inability to determine the pregnancy at the earlier stages and financial constraints Based on this study findings, it is recommended that the utilization of ANC might be improved through effective community mobilization and outreach maternity services to educate and improve awareness on the importance of ANC.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward COVID-19 among the general population: a cross-sectional study in Kankan, Guinea
Authors: Demba Mara , Kapasa Rigobert L. , Camara Tady , Halabi Najat , Abdelaziz Hannoun , Oumnia Bouaddi , Mohamed Raji , Nadia Chafiq , Taybi Btissam , Radouane Belouali , Mohamed Khalis , Coppieters't Wallant Yves
Published: April 2023

International School of Public Health, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences, Community Health Sciences Department, University of Sherbrooke, Charles-Le Moyne Research Center. Canada. 150 Place Charles Lemoyne, Longueuil (QC) J4K 0A8, Canada.klotoko@um6ss.maContributions: all the authors declare to have contributed to the realization of this article. MD, TC, contributed to the development of the study protocol, supervision and field data collection. RLK, NH, HA contributed to the processing and analysis of the data, the review of the existing literature on the subject and the drafting of the methodology. RM, CN, BO, BT contributed to the writing of the introduction, results and conclusion section. BR, KM, YCW contributed to the direction (expertise) of the research, the interpretation of the results, and the drafting of the discussion section. All authors contributed to the critical review of the manuscript. All the authors approved the final version to be published.
Designing Per-Poor system of innovation proverbs
Authors: Mambo Wangai N.
Published: April 2023

The purpose of the study was to explore how to create a Per-Poor innovation (PPI) approach in a way that contributes knowledge. A lot of indigenous system research exists, but the percentage transformed into approaches, products and services is low. The study will create a low-income level innovation artifact by integrating indigenous knowledge (IK) and global knowledge (GK) for Per-Poor innovators. Analogy design science research method was used to create a system of innovation proverbs. Analogy between indigenous Harambee and global systems: Open source software, Software patterns and Kaizen was used to discover innovation rules and principles applicable to PPI. The research findings are synthesising African philosophies and provide a paradigm for integrating IK and GK. Synthesising proverbs and Theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ) principles aided in the discovery of possible ways beeping innovation was created. The originality of this research is being first to create an indigenous PPI.
Discursive ideologies in campaign speeches of Cyril Ramaphosa and Julius Malema in the 2019 South African presidential election
Authors: Oso Ibitayo O. , Oviawe Ivie R.
Published: April 2023

This work analyses the discursive ideologies embedded in campaign speeches of Cyril Ramaphosa of the African National Congress (ANC) and Julius Malema of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the period before May 8, 2019, the South African general elections. The study is an attempt to uncover the hidden ideologies the candidates subtly employ to sway voters in their favour. The study employed Critical Discourse Analysis to analyse the campaign messages. The data for the study comprised the campaign exchanges of the two candidates retrieved from www.youtube.com. This study shows that the two presidential contenders, through their campaign speeches, employed different ideologies through which they hoped to sway the electorate in their favour. The incumbent, Cyril Ramaphosa, projects the ideology of renewal and the elements of ‘us’ versus ‘them’ in his campaign speeches. Julius Malema, on the other hand, being a young leader, sells the ideologies of economic liberation, ‘us’ versus ‘them’ and ‘young’ versus ‘old’, depicting that only the youth can lead South Africa to the promised land. The study submits that political discourse is laden with specific ideologies which are intended to convince the voters to vote for them. It is therefore important that the public be well informed so that they can rationally uncover and identify these ideologies and either accept or reject them.
Curmudgeon article including reports of two recent African Psychology studies on Covid-19
Authors: Edwards Stephen D.
Published: April 2023

COVID-19 offers new opportunities for confrontation and transcendence of the givens of life, including illness, suffering and death. These givens also bring humanity’s greatest gifts, such as joy and compassion. This article reports on two recent African psychology studies on COVID-19. The first study on local rural Zulu persons’ COVID-19 coping experiences provides a contemporary context for the second study on universalising and indigenising the meaning and practice of love after COVID-19. Five main points are made. First, African psychology is original psychology. Second, it refers to psychology in, of, for, and from Africa, on, by and for Africans. Third, it has much to offer psychology in other continents. Fourth, the Greek philosophy of love has considerable African origins. Fifth, the concept of Ubuntu both relates to and extends the notion of agape or unconditional love, through its emphasis on human relationships, which require extra compassionate care during and after COVID-19.
Discourse of resistance in Fani-Kayode’s political posts on Facebook
Authors: Ayantayo Joshua S.
Published: April 2023

This study examined the discourse of resistance in Fem Fani-Kayode’s (FFK) Facebook posts. FFK’s use of language of resistance has not attracted the attention of scholars, especially in Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA). The thrust of this work is to investigate and examine different resistance strategies in some of his political posts. Data for this work were collected from the Facebook page of Fani-Kayode. The posts were downloaded and saved on the laptop device for further analysis. The work adopts a purposive sampling method in data collection, which was preferred because it allows manual assessment of FFK posts to extract relevant data for this work. Five political posts were selected and downloaded from his Facebook page. The five posts were selected because they discussed critical political and security issues in the country. From the five posts, 12 extracts were culled because of their resourcefulness in the use of resistance strategies. This study adopted qualitative analysis using CDA because CDA helps to unravel inherent ideologies in the posts. The study identified and discussed different resistance strategies in the FFK posts on Facebook and their implications. The identified resistance strategies include: proposition, presupposition, negation, propaganda, and emotive lexis. The study submits that the strategies have political, social and academic implications for society. It concludes that social media users should filter information on the media before they react, to avoid the dissemination of wrong information and prevent conflict in the society.
Religious terrorism in Nigeria as renewed determination to “fight for God”
Authors: Omomia Austin O.
Published: April 2023

The current spate of religious terrorism in Nigeria is concealed by the perpetrators as a desire to “fight for God”. It is often argued by the insurgents that they are “fighting for God”. The present level of terrorism in Nigeria, occasioned by the Boko Haram insurgency, is commonly adjudged to be the most devastating in her religious and political history. The act of terrorism has affected economic, political and social development in Nigeria, amidst destruction of lives and property. The objectives of this study include an examination of some common causes of religious terrorism and the attendant panaceas. The study also examined the reinforcement of the perpetrators due to the conviction that they are “fighting for God”. The study applied the historical research design method. The theories of B.F. Skinner and Abraham Maslow which address the principle of reinforcement and motivation respectively underpin the study. Findings from the study revealed that most of the terrorists are reinforced by the conviction that their act would be rewarded through easy opportunity to get to paradise since their actions were perpetrated in favour of God. The study also revealed the common causes of religious terrorism and some immediate panaceas. The recommendations include the education of the religious adherents by the church, mosque, family and other forms of mass enlightenment by the government and non-governmental organizations. The implications of the study include the unwillingness of international investors to come to the nation due to the unsafe state occasioned by the activities of the insurgents. In addition, the law-abiding citizens are faced with constant attacks on their lives and property by the terrorists who claim to be “fighting for God”.
Exploring coping strategies of retired elderly persons in Ilorin metropolis, Nigeria: implication for counselling
Authors: Alwajud-Adewusi Mariam B.
Published: April 2023

Retirement involves the transition from one stage in life to another. This transition has some implications which require coping strategies to survive the occurrences. This study, therefore, investigated coping strategies of retired elderly persons in Ilorin metropolis, Nigeria. The research design is a descriptive survey. The population of the study comprised elderly persons in Kwara State and the target population consisted of retired elderly persons in selected local government areas in Ilorin Metropolis. 300 retired elderly persons were purposively selected through snowball sampling, with the assistance of the pension office.Questionnaires were used for data collection. The data was analysed using mean and analysis of variance. The results show that retired people adopted the coping strategies of having regular contact with people, spending time in nature (sleeping), performing regular exercise, seeking spiritual comfort, engaging in pleasurable hobbies and receiving support from family. However, there were significant differences in the coping strategies of retired persons in Ilorin Metropolis on the basis of gender, marital status and educational qualifications. The study recommended that male and female retirees should be encouraged to attend retirement counselling regularly, to adjust to the challenges of retirement. This implies that retirement counselling should be arranged for the elderly to ensure better health, emotional stability and physical functioning. This study has provided fresh information regarding coping with retirement that can be used for comparative studies as well as for informing retirement education and management within and outside employment in Nigeria, and perhaps elsewhere.
Conceptualising digital capital in higher education institutions, its value during Covid 19 pandemic and beyond
Authors: Oluwatimilehin Joke , Evans Neil D. , Singh Upasana G. , Leung Wai S.
Published: April 2023

No abstract available.
Socio-cultural status of ‘barracks women’ in Nigeria, 1905-1985: A historical perspective
Authors: Nzemeka Justus A.
Published: April 2023

This article focuses on the socio-cultural status of barracks women in Nigeria. The study is important, contrary to the thinking that army wives have no history worth studying because of culture, environment, and sex stereotypes. The paper argues that since the incorporation of women into the barracks, their roles have been complementary in both empire-building and nation-building. Remarkably, their influence contributed to the construction of social relations and interdependence between the colonisers and the colonised. With the departure of European wives from the colony, indigenous officers’ wives transformed their roles from the private to the public spheres to meet the challenges of nation-building and social change. In this piece, we draw on oral sources, military magazines and literature, qualitative data and Internet sources to highlight the socio-cultural status of women and their involvement in colonial and post-colonial societies. This paper reveals that rank is a factor in women’s involvement in gender and service politics. It concludes that barracks women can improve their status in the social and economic spheres through government empowerment and social investment programmes. This study is limited to barracks women in Nigeria. It will help society to know that barracks women have a history worth studying.
The relationship between smart classroom and learners’ academic performance in public boarding schools of Gicumbi District, Rwanda
Authors: De Dieu Mushimiyimana J. , De Dieu Dushimimana J.
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between smart classrooms and learner’s academic performance in public boarding schools in Gicumbi District, Rwanda. The first objective was to assess the relationship between the availability of instructional facilities and learner’s academic performance in Rwandan public boarding schools. The second objective was to explore the relationship between IT-trained staff and learner’s academic performance in Rwandan public boarding schools. The study targeted 12 public boarding schools from Gicumbi District, where 4 public boarding schools were selected. The study population comprised 1334 respondents, while the final sample size was 308, people who had been selected using Yamane sample size determination. Reliability was ensured through a pilot study and by using Cronbach’s Alpha to measure co-efficient of internal consistency, which yielded good results for approving the study, of 85%. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21. Findings of the study revealed that there is a significant relationship between smart classrooms and learner’s academic performance in Rwandan public boarding schools. All the involved variables had a significant relationship with dependent variables which were the availability of instructional facilities (r=.923 and p-value=0.000), IT-trained staff (r=.949 and p-value=0.000). Researchers recommended that teachers need regular Continuous Professional Development to help them update knowledge on the use of smart classrooms. Parents should be mobilised on how to create a technological atmosphere at home for their children because any academic achievement of students depends on how parents have helped them at home. It would be better if parents were able to afford electronic devices to expose their children to technology. Government should make frequent schools supervision on the use of smart classrooms and make sure that sector education officers and head teachers do not keep those machines in hte store instead of letting learners use them. The implication is that if smart classrooms are increased and monitored in Rwanda, academic achievement will improve in boarding schools.
Democratic Deficits and Underdevelopment in Mozambique
Authors: Jatula Victor , Conshello Stella
Published: April 2023

Mozambique has the trappings of a progressive African state: abundant gas and coal resources, expanding foreign direct investment, aid from international donors, a decade of political stability, and social welfare for her most vulnerable. However, Mozambique ranks among the least developed nations on the African continent (World Bank 2018; UNHDI 2018). This study investigated why resource-rich, democratic Mozambique is underdeveloped, aid-dependent and poor. Using survey questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, findings indicate three critical factors: Mozambique’s version of democracy, particularly the dominance of Frelimo; "Dead Aid" and state inefficiency, evidenced by weak forward and backward linkages within the economy, and escalating insecurity in Cabo Delgado. These red flags indicate deficits in Mozambique’s democratic process and shortfalls in her political economy. Affluence and democracy have become sundered during this recent history; this paper seeks causes. One main challenge to the existing deficit could be provided by the introduction of a Freedom of Information Act to strengthen radical media and civil society groups and open up Mozambique’s politics to ethical, progressive and democratic scrutiny. Urgency is required to alter the current regressive path Mozambique treads. The study’s limitation is its moderate sample size.
The vulnerability of day labourers in South Africa and the role of community development in an integrated approach to achieving sustainable livelihoods
Authors: Xweso Mzukisi
Published: April 2023

Poverty and unemployment are significant barriers to growth in South Africa and are reflected in low levels of income and high levels of unemployment and human deprivation. Rising unemployment is forcing the majority of deprived people to venture into a variety of survival activities such as day labouring in the informal sector of the South African economy, to eke out a meagre livelihood. As the vulnerability of day labourers in South Africa is socially and economically unjust, the main thrust of this article concerns the role of community development in an integrated approach to achieving sustainable livelihoods for South African day labourers. This article takes the form of a review of relevant available literature to provide a coherent account of the vulnerable circumstances of day labourers in South Africa. The inevitable conclusion that can be drawn from the review is that the hardships to which day labourers and their families are subjected, as a consequence of the nature of their work and the poor remuneration that it generates, when they are able to secure a day’s work, effectively condemn them to being obliged to cope in circumstances that could best be described as untenable.
Stanniocalcin 2 is Induced by Estrogen and Promotes Growth in Endometrial Cancer via AMPK Pathway
Authors: Wang Qianqian , Wang Qiqi , Zhao Yiqi
Published: April 2023

Stanniocalcin 2 (STC2) is identified as a glycosylated peptide hormone and estrogen-responsive gene in cancer cells. STC2 participates in angiogenesis, cell development, cytoprotection, and calcium and phosphate regulation during the development of cancer. The role of STC2 in endometrial cancer (EC) remains unclear. The data from the bioinformatic and immunohistochemical analysis showed that STC2 was upregulated in the EC tissues. The EC cells were treated with 17β-estradiol (E2), and 0.1 μmol/L E2 increased the expression of STC2 in the EC cells. E2 also increased cell viability, promoted proliferation, and inhibited apoptosis of EC. However, the knockdown of STC2 decreased cell viability, reduced proliferation, and promoted apoptosis of E2-stimulated EC. Moreover, silencing of STC2 attenuated E2-induced downregulation of phosphorylated-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the EC cells. The loss of STC2 reduced E2-stimulated tumor growth EC in vivo. In conclusion, STC2 deficiency suppressed E2-stimulated proliferation and tumor growth of EC through the activation of AMPK signaling.
Comparisons of Stress-Related Neuronal Activation Induced by Restraint in Adult Male Rat Offspring with Prenatal Exposure to Buprenorphine, Methadone, or Morphine
Authors: Wu Chia-Yen , Chen Hwei-Hsien , Tao Pao-Luh , Yuan Zung Fan
Published: April 2023

Prenatal opioid exposure may impede the development of adaptive responses to environmental stimuli by altering the stress-sensitive brain circuitry located at the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH) and locus coeruleus (LC). Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) released from neurons in the PVH has emerged as a key molecule to initiate and integrate the stress response. Methadone (Meth) and buprenorphine (Bu) are two major types of synthetic opioid agonists for first-line medication-assisted treatment of opioid (e.g., morphine, Mor) use disorder in pregnant women. No studies have compared the detrimental effects of prenatal exposure to Meth versus Bu on the stress response of their offspring upon reaching adulthood. In this study, we aimed to compare stress-related neuronal activation in the PVH and LC induced by restraint (RST) stress in adult male rat offspring with prenatal exposure to the vehicle (Veh), Bu, Meth, or Mor. CFos-immunoreactive cells were used as an indicator for neuronal activation. We found that RST induced less neuronal activation in the Meth or Mor exposure groups compared with that in the Bu or Veh groups; no significant difference was detected between the Bu and Veh exposure groups. RST-induced neuronal activation was completely prevented by central administration of a CRF receptor antagonist (α-helical CRF9-41, 10 μg/3 μL) in all exposure groups, suggesting the crucial role of CRF in this stress response. In offspring without RST, central administration of CRF (0.5 μg/3 μL)-induced neuronal activation in the PVH and LC. CRF-induced neuronal activation was lessened in the Meth or Mor exposure groups compared with that in the Bu or Veh groups; no significant difference was detected between the Bu and Veh exposure groups. Moreover, RST- or CRF-induced neuronal activation in the Meth exposure group was comparable with that in the Mor exposure group. Further immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the Meth and Mor exposure groups displayed less CRF neurons in the PVH of offspring with or without RST compared with the Bu or Veh groups. Thus, stress-induced neuronal activation in the PVH and LC was well preserved in adult male rat offspring with prenatal exposure to Bu, but it was substantially lessened in those with prenatal exposure to Meth or Mor. Lowered neuronal activation found in the Meth or Mor exposure groups may be, at least in part, due to the reduction in the density of CRF neurons in the PVH.
Curious Case of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
Authors: Meena Ravi , Agarwal Suhas , Jain Atul , Chakravarti Sumit
Published: April 2023

Small bowel tumors or malignancies are relatively less common with incidence of 22.7 cases per million. Gastrointestinal stromal tumor is a subset of gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumors recognized as distinct group of mesenchymal tumors arising from interstitial cells of Cajal. It is most commonly present in the stomach followed by small intestine and colon. Small intestinal tumors have very high malignant potential. Adequate surgical resection is the only definitive treatment. We report a case which had undergone surgery for mesenchymal tumor arising from ileum and now presented with two new tumors, one in transverse colon and another in sigmoid colon.
Immediate Effects of OM Chanting on Heart Rate Variability Measures Compared Between Experienced and Inexperienced Yoga Practitioners
Authors: Inbaraj Ganagarajan , Rao Raghvendra M , Ram Amritanshu , Bayari Sapna K. , Belur Spoorthi , Prathyusha PV , Sathyaprabha T. N. , Udupa Kaviraja
Published: April 2023

Background:

Chanting “OM” is a form of meditation that has numerous health benefits. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms underpinning its effect are surprisingly scarce. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of OM chanting on autonomic modulation, using heart rate variability (HRV), on experienced yoga practitioners and yoga naïve persons.

Methods:

This prospective study included 19 yoga practitioners (9 females and 10 males; group mean age ± standard deviation [SD]; 25.9 ± 3.2 years) and 17 yoga naïve persons (8 females and 9 males; group mean age ± SD; 24.8 ± 3.6 years) of both sexes and similar age range. Both the groups were assessed for HRV indices (time and frequency domain measures) before and after loud OM chanting for 5 min.

Results:

Baseline comparison using Mann–Whitney U test between groups showed yoga practitioners had significantly increased high frequency (HF) power (P < 0.029) than nonyoga practitioners, signifying a state of tranquility before the chanting of OM. After 5 min of loud chanting of OM, a comparison between groups assessed using Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test revealed: HF Power, a component of the parasympathetic nervous system, was further amplified with a significantly increase (P < 0.001) in the yoga practitioners group compared to nonyoga practitioners. Furthermore, this increase in HF power was positively correlated with the years of experience in yoga.

Conclusion:

The present study showed that a brief chanting of OM (5 min) might enhance parasympathetic nervous system activity, promote relaxation, and provide calmness. Further, this experience may be achieved effectively in individuals experienced in yoga than nonyoga practitioners.
The Effects of Yoga on Cardiovascular Risk Factors among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Anuradha  , Rojaria Niharika Singh , Kaur Jaspreet , Saini Minaxi
Published: April 2023

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a fastest evolving metabolic disorder and India houses second highest number of patients with diabetes after China. Cardiovascular diseases are the major cause of mortality among patients with T2DM. Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that proves to be effective for patients with diabetes. The present systematic review and meta-analysis has been conducted to see the benefits of yoga on blood pressure, lipid profile, and anthropometric measures among patients with T2DM. The articles were extracted from three databases - PubMed, The Cochrane library, and Google scholar. Only English language articles, with PEDro score≥6, were included in the current study. The duplicates were removed using Mendeley. Fourteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and three 3 non-RCTs were included in the analysis. The meta-analysis was done using Review Manager 5.3. The results reveal that yoga is effect in improving blood pressure (P<0.01), lipid profile (P<0.01) except HDL (P=0.06), and anthropometric measures (P<0.01) except waist-hip ratio (P=0.79). Heterogeneity was also high for most of the variables. It may be concluded from the results that the yoga is effective in improving of blood pressure, lipid profile, and anthropometric measures. However, high heterogeneity sought the need of more high quality RCTs to affirm these findings.
Cerebrovascular Dynamics Associated with Yoga Breathing and Breath Awareness
Authors: Kumar Ankur , Kala Niranjan , Telles Shirley
Published: April 2023

Aims:

Breath frequency can alter cerebral blood flow. The study aimed to determine bilateral middle cerebral arterial hemodynamics in high-frequency yoga breathing (HFYB) and slow frequency alternate nostril yoga breathing (ANYB) using transcranial Doppler sonography.

Methods:

Healthy male volunteers were assessed in two separate trials before, during, and after HFYB (2.0 Hz for 1 min, n = 16) and ANYB (12 breaths per minute for 5 min, n = 22). HFYB and ANYB were separately compared to breath awareness (BAW) and to control sessions.

Statistical Analysis:

The data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni adjusted post hoc tests.

Results:

During HFYB there was a decrease in end-diastolic velocity (EDV) and mean flow velocity (MFV) (P < 0.01 for left and P < 0.05 for right middle cerebral arteries; MCA) with an increase in pulsatility index (PI) for the right MCA (P < 0.05). During ANYB, there was a bilateral decrease in peak systolic velocity (P < 0.05 for left and P < 0.01 for right MCA), EDV (P < 0.01) and MFV (P < 0.01 for left and P < 0.001 for right MCA) and an increase in PI (P < 0.01). During BAW of the two sessions there was a decrease in lateralized flow and end-diastolic velocities (P < 0.05) and an increase in PI (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Changes in peak flow velocities and pulsatility indices during and after HFYB, ANYB, and BAW suggest decreased cerebrovascular blood flow and increased flow resistance based on different mechanisms.