bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of cyber-security and trust issues on consumers’ intention to use E-commerce systems in rural South Africa
Authors: Netshirando Vusani , Kadyamatimba Armstrong , Munyoka Willard 
Published: December 2024

The adoption and use of ICT have increased drastically in developed countries, but it cannot be said that it lags in developing countries. ICT evolution has introduced e-commerce services for users, but these services fail because of low user acceptance and user attitude, especially in developing nations. The security and trustworthiness of e-commerce are known to be of the most significant concern to people intending to use e-commerce services. The study looked at the role of individual characteristics on how cyber-security and trust issues affect non-users of e-commerce systems' intention to use e-commerce systems in South Africa. The effect of cyber security on consumers’ intentions and actual use of e-commerce systems was examined. This study used a quantitative research approach. The findings revealed that perceived security and perceived trust was the primary concern for non-users of e-commerce intentions. It was shown that e-commerce system users are still concerned about security, even though they intend to continue using e-commerce systems. For the success of e-commerce in rural communities, the government needs to join with retailers and SMEs to start awareness campaigns that will clarify how e-commerce systems work and eradicate negative perceptions of e-commerce systems.
Has generative AI become of age
Authors: Muzuva Meshel , Zhou Helper , Zondo Robert 
Published: December 2024

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa previously faced challenges due to limited resources, restricted access to technology, and the need to constantly adapt to a dynamic business environment. The introduction of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerged as a potential solution to these issues, promising to enhance operational efficiency and strategic decision-making. As a representative of developing economies, South Africa experienced a growing interest in AI technologies. This study was conducted to explore the impact of generative AI on SME productivity in South Africa, an area which had been underexplored. Employing a qualitative methodology, the study evaluated the current state and implications of generative AI in South African SMEs. It involved in-depth interviews to gather perceptions, experiences, challenges, and benefits from SME owners and managers regarding the adoption of generative AI technologies. The findings analysed via R Statistical Software revealed significant insights into the specific areas where generative AI substantially impacted SME productivity. It also identified the challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption of generative AI by SMEs, as well as the potential long-term implications. Key findings included notable improvements in data-driven decision-making, operational efficiencies, and market expansion strategies. However, the study also highlighted barriers such as the lack of technical expertise, initial setup costs, and concerns over data security. Overall, the impact of generative AI on SMEs in South Africa was found to be predominantly positive, paving the way for further technological advancements and adoption in the sector.
Formulation and Evaluation of Probiotic starter culture: Impact on Ethiopian cottage cheese “Ayib” Safety, Stability, Sensory acceptability and Antioxidant potential
Authors: . Zerihun Asefa , . Anteneh Tesfaye , . Asnake Desalegn , . Tadesse Daba , . Tsion Haile 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Ayibis a traditionally processed dairy product in Ethiopia that demonstrates significant variability in shelf life, sensory attributes, and safety, primarily own to the spontaneous fermentation of milk and differing household practices. This study aimed to develop mixed probiotic starter cultures from top seven previously isolated lactic acid bacteria to achieve a synergistic effect on consistent sensory qualities, enhanced safety, extended storage stability, and antioxidant potential of Ayib.
Methods
Nine mixed starter cultures were formulated using seven lactic acid strains that are known for their superior fermentation and probiotic capabilities. Pasteurized milk was inoculated with 5% of each starter culture and incubated at 37 ± 2 °C for 8 h. Fermented milk was then defatted by shaking at 100 rpm for 1 h. Following fat removal, buttermilk was heated to 50-60 °C for 40-50 minutes to facilitate curd (Ayib) formation. After cooling, the curd was separated from whey. A 200-g portion of the curd was wrapped in sterile cheesecloth and immersed in pasteurized whey inoculated with 8 log CFU/mL of the formulated starter cultures for 30 min before being re-drained for 1 h.
Results
The physicochemical properties, consumer acceptability, and storage stability of the resulting products were evaluated, revealing total solids ranging from 20.67 % to 22.89 %, pH values between 3.89 and 4.49, and titratable acidity ranging from 0.63 % to 0.93 %. Overall sensory acceptability, measured on a five-point hedonic scale, varied from 3.31 for Ayibtreated with formula nine to 4.03 for Ayibtreated with formula two. Notably, the storage stability of the treated Ayib was improved by over 2 – 9 times compared to that of the control sample. Antioxidant testing revealed that the lactic acid bacteria strain NZ-44 had the highest antioxidant potential (57.77 %), while the formulated mixtures, particularly formula six, exhibited synergistically enhanced antioxidant activity (99.27 %).
Conclusions
These findings suggest that lactic acid bacteria strains can improve the nutritional value, safety, and storage stability of fermented dairy products, such as Ayib, with potential applications in both the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Insights from draft genomes of Heterodera species isolated from field soil samples
Authors: Jain Akshita , Li Tongda , Huston Daniel C. , Kaur Jatinder , Trollip Conrad , Wainer John , Hodda Mike , Linsell Katherine , Riley Ian T. , Toktay Halil , Olowu Eniola Ajibola , Edwards Jacqueline , Rodoni Brendan , Sawbridge Timothy 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
The nematode phylum includes many species key to soil food webs with trophic behaviours extending from feeding on microbes to macrofauna and plant roots. Among these, the plant parasitic cyst nematodes retain their eggs in protective cysts prolonging their survival under harsh conditions. These nematodes, including those from the genus Heterodera, cause significant economic losses in agricultural systems. Understanding of nematode diversity and ecology has expanded through application of genomic research, however, for Heterodera species there are very few available whole genome sequences. Sequencing and assembling Heterodera genomes is challenging due to various technical limitations imposed by the biology of Heterodera. Overcoming these limitations is essential for comprehensive insights into Heteroderaparasitic interactions with plants, population studies, and for Australian biosecurity implications.
Results
We hereby present draft genomes of six species of which Heterodera australis, H. humuli,
H. mani and H. trifolii are presently recorded in Australia and two species, H. avenae and
H. filipjevi, currently absent from Australia. The draft genomes were sequenced from genomic DNA isolated from 50 cysts each using an Illumina NovaSeq short read sequencing platform. The data revealed disparity in sequencing yield between species. What was previously identified as H. avenae in Australia using morphological traits is now confirmed as H. australis and may have consequences for wheat breeding programs in Australia that are breeding for resistance to H. avenae. Genomic comparisons within the Avenae species group revealed orthologous gene clusters within the species, emphasising the shared and unique features of the group. The data also revealed the presence of a Wolbachia species, a putative bacterial endosymbiont from Heterodera humuli sequencing data.
Conclusion
Genomic research holds immense significance for agriculture, for understanding pest species diversity and the development of effective management strategies. This study provides insight into Heterodera, cyst nematode genomics and the associated symbionts and this work will serve as a baseline for further genomic analyses in this economically important nematode group.
Organizational and technological profile of management of innovative development of enterprises: concept, content and development
Authors: Horoshilov D. N. 
Published: December 2024

Relevance. The article considers the concept and content of the organizational and technological profile of the enterprise, profile components are defined and their essential characteristics are given. The concept of profiling is developed, resource-based approach and guiding principles, methods and methods of describing the processes of management of the innovative development of the enterprise. Profile content disclosed on the basis of general, private and special principles, as well as the features of monitoring the organizational and technological management. The development of the organizational and technological profile will allow the selection and implementation of the current strategy, corresponding to the priorities of innovative activity of the enterprise and its organizational and technological potential.The purpose is expansion of scientific and methodological base of management of innovative activity of enterprises on the basis of development of theoretical bases of formation of organizational and technological profile of management of innovative development and complex description of its components.Objectives: to bring the concept and to reveal the content of organizational and technological profile of management of innovative development of the enterprise; highlight the components of the profile and give their detailed characteristics; define the principles, methods and features of creating an organizational and technological profile and increasing the strategic component of the innovative development of the enterprise.Methodology. The author's concept of formation of organizational and technological profile of management of innovative development of the enterprise is developed, which determines the vectors of its innovative development based on the study of the components of the profile.Results: terminology of formation of organizational and technological profile of management of innovative development of the enterprise is defined; its seven components are highlighted and their place and role are determined, the principles of building the profile and the features of its monitoring are highlighted for choosing the innovative strategy of the enterprise.Conclusion. Formation of organizational and technological profile of management of innovative development of the enterprise and determination of content characteristics of its components will allow the enterprise to carry out balanced innovation policy for ensuring organizational and technological stability.
Optimization of surgical methods for the treatment of gynecomastia
Authors: Ihnatieva A.G. , Yurchyshyn S.M. 
Published: December 2024

Background. Gynecomastia has a negative impact on the psychological state of men. Optimisation of surgical treatment for gynecomastia, aimed at minimising unsatisfactory cosmetic consequences of operation, should significantly improve the quality of life of patients. The purpose of the study: to improve the surgical technique of treatment for gynecomastia by optimising the area of transdermal intervention with an emphasis on minimising postoperative complications and scars. Materials and methods. A total of 132 patients (mean age 31.5 ± 2.8 years, body mass index 25.2 ± 3.4, I–II ASA) were operated for gynecomastia. Gynecomastectomy (GME) was performed in patients who were randomly divided into two groups: control (C) and main (M). Patients in group C (n = 80) underwent standard GME with 10–15-mm crescentic incisions along the nipple. Patients of group M (n = 52) were operated with vertical incisions on the nipple-areolar complex at the conditional 12th and 6th hours with a length of 5–7 mm. Statistical analysis of the study results was performed according to the criteria of Pearson, Fisher and Kruskal-Wallis (Stata 12.1 package). After 3 months, the patients were questioned. The following method was used to assess surgical outcomes: 1 point — dissatisfied, 2 points — relatively satisfied, 3 points — satisfied. Results. Patients in group M had significantly fewer complications and a shorter hospital stay by 2 days (p < 0.001). 94.2 % of patients in group M at follow-up survey reported satisfaction with the results of GME in contrast to group C, where 38 % of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the consequences of GME. The vertical incision technique showed a better cosmetic effect — a significant decrease by 13.4 times (p < 0.001) in the scar area (174.0 ± 12.0 mm2 vs. 13.0 ± 2.0 mm2). Conclusions. The use of the proposed GME demonstrated better cosmetic efficacy, namely a 13.4-fold (p < 0.001) reduction in scar area to 13.0 ± 2.0 mm2 compared with the standard GME (174.0 ± 12.0 mm2). In addition, GME patients with vertical incisions had a reduction in the length of hospital stay by 2 days (p < 0.001). The method of optimised GME demonstrated a 1.8-fold higher level of patient satisfaction with the results of the operation according to a survey conducted 3 months after GME. The use of compression garments after surgery was mandatory, which contributed to better recovery.
Women- Breaking the Silence- The Portrayal of Women in the Select Indian Movies
Authors: Aravind Anu 
Published: December 2024

When movies use to portray the sacrificial nature of woman in abandoning her devout attitude, time and space for the people to whom she should be obedient; here is a collection of movies trying to set a standard by deviating from the main stream movies. Women’ role in changing the face of the society is inevitable, their strength and liberation should also be pointed out. From the usual cliché of women being presented as docile and subservient inspite of all her prowesses, here is Jaya Jaya Jaya He , The Great Indian Kitchen, English Vinglish which stand out as the new trend setters by helping women to celebrate their freedom by questioning the so-called conventional patriarchal bias and energizing their worth as the silence breakers.
Rethinking Production. A Step Beyond the Hylomorphic and Anthropocentric Approach
Authors: JAKUBOWSKI Dimitri Jan 
Published: December 2024

This research examines three thematic areas: philosophy, education, and ecology. It aims to be an interdisciplinary study, fundamentally based on the importance of the philosophy of environmental education and the practical implications that it can have. The problem of the contemporary hylomorphic production approach is first examined and then educational solutions are outlined towards a holistic understanding of the environment and of producing with it and not on it. By environment, in research, we also mean the human being because this is only one of his many appendages; therefore, as such, we try to relocate him to a non-privileged place (a place where he has been autonomously placed for centuries). It aims to be a militant study towards a different anti-anthropocene educational approach that finds its paradigm in the “Green Schools” of Bali, as we will see in the conclusion.
Quotidienneté et résistance
Authors: HATEM Jad 
Published: December 2024

Daily Life and Resistance. Between daring project and tranquility, everyday life chooses the second term, the first threatening the habituality of serene existence. To do this, it deploys a minimal morality and, above all, a structure of resistance. The study is based on Andrei Pleşu, Simone de Beauvoir, and Josep Maria Esquirol.
RÉSUMÉ. Entre projet audacieux et quiétude, la quotidienneté choisit le second terme, le premier menaçant l’habitualité de l’existence sereine. Il déploie pour cela une morale minimale et surtout une structure de résistance. L’étude se base sur Andrei Pleșu, Simone de Beauvoir et surtout Josep Maria Esquirol.
Mots-clef : Vie quotidienne – Résistance - minima moralia - cultiver son jardin - Disponibilité
Considerations for Use of Three-Hole Probes for Turbomachinery Applications
Authors: Bond Evan H. , Key Nicole L. 
Published: December 2024

Three-hole probes are frequently employed to characterize the flow field upstream, within, and downstream of turbomachines. From three pressure measurements, the static pressure, total pressure, Mach number, and a single axis flow angle can be resolved. Despite this utility, there are induced errors related to the use of these probes that are particularly pertinent to use in turbomachines. Small passages cause end-wall proximity effects, the rotor induces flow unsteadiness, and complex flow three-dimensional flow structures are developed. These effects are considered in this effort by contrasting experimental inlet distortion data from an auxiliary power unit inlet of a centrifugal compressor with computational inlet-only models. The aerodynamic interface plane was measured using a rotatable rake assembly with trapezoidal three-hole probes and fast response pressure transducers. Two computational models are presented, one with and one without the aerodynamic interface plane instrumentation used in the experiment. The measurements from the simulated traverse are compared to the inlet-only computational model and experimental results. End-wall effects were the dominant error driver for the static pressure measurements. Swirl was predominantly altered by perpendicular flow angle magnitudes above 10 deg. Indicated total pressure was impacted by radial flow angle and unsteadiness that were highly coupled.
Bronchiectasis in African children: Prevalence, etiology, and clinical spectrum at a pediatric tertiary hospital in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Mapani Muntanga K. , Githinji Leah , Vanker Aneesa , Verwey Charl , Masekela Refiloe , Goga Ameena , Gray Diane 
Published: December 2024

Objectives:
The objective of the study was to describe the disease burden, etiology, and clinical spectrum of bronchiectasis in children attending a tertiary hospital in Cape Town, South Africa.

Materials and Methods:
Data were collected by chart review of all patients aged 3 months to 15 years attending the respiratory clinic at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital between January 2019 and December 2019. We included children who had a diagnosis of bronchiectasis based on a history of a recurrent (>3 episodes/year) or persistent (>4 weeks) wet or productive cough and a clinical phenotype characterized by any of the following: Exertion dyspnea, recurrent chest infections, growth failure, finger clubbing, and chest deformity associated with radiographic features of bronchiectasis on chest radiograph or chest tomography reported by a pediatric radiologist. Patients with cystic fibrosis were excluded from the study.

Results:
Of 337 children seen at the respiratory clinic during the study period, 58 (17.2%) had bronchiectasis that was diagnosed at a mean age of 34 months (standard deviation 26), and 32 (55.0%) were female. The most common causes of bronchiectasis were post-infectious 25 (43.1%), and underlying immunodeficiencies 19 (32.8%), including 16/58 (27.6%) who were living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and 3 (5.1%) with primary immunodeficiency. Other causes included aspiration syndrome 8 (13.8%) and anatomical abnormalities 4 (6.9%). Of the participants with post-infectious bronchiectasis, tuberculosis (TB) was the most common organism isolated 16 (64.0%), and most common in children living with HIV (11/16, 68.8%). Cough was common in 48 (82.8%), with wet cough being predominant in 41 (85.4%), course crepitations were found in 37 (63.8%), hyperinflation in 24 (41.4%), finger clubbing in 21 (36.2%), wheeze in 16 (29.3%), and exertional dyspnea in 7 (12.0%).

Conclusion:
Bronchiectasis is common in South African children, usually resulting from previous pneumonia episodes, with TB being the most common infective cause. The importance of early diagnosis and treatment of underlying causes, especially infectious diseases in low-middle-income settings, to prevent bronchiectasis is highlighted.
Formulation and evaluation of Nevirapine sustained release tablets using various polymers by liquid-solid compact method
Authors: K V Swathi Krishna , Priyanka Sai 
Published: December 2024

This present research aims to formulate and evaluate the Nevirapine sustained release tablets using various polymers using a liquid-solid compact method. The current study's methodology involved comparing the two polymers, argum, and xanthumgum, and evaluating the impact of the active components' physicochemical makeup on the drug release profile utilizing the liquid solid compact method using Tween 80 and propylene glycol.The formulation is appropriate for wet granulation, according to the sieve analysis results, compressibility index, and angle of repose.According to this study, Nevirapine can be administered via an extended-release drug delivery system because its formulation prolongs its duration of action within the therapeutic range without causing toxicity as with conventional dose forms. These dosage forms provide the capacity to increase and decrease the frequency of doses.
SlowFast-TCN: A Deep Learning Approach for Visual Speech Recognition
Authors: Ha Nicole Yah Yie , Ong Lee-Yeng , Leow Meng-Chew 
Published: December 2024

Visual Speech Recognition (VSR), commonly referred to as automated lip-reading, is an emerging technology that interprets speech by visually analyzing lip movements. A challenge in VSR where visually distinct words produce similar lip movements is known as homopheme problem. Visemes are the basic visual units of speech that are produced by the lip movements and positions. Furthermore, visemes are typically having shorter durations than words. Consequently, there is less temporal information for distinguishing between different viseme classes, leading to increased visual ambiguity during classification. To address this challenge, viseme classification must not only extract lip image spatial features, but also to handle visemes of varying durations and temporal features. Therefore, this study proposed a new deep learning approach SlowFast-TCN. SlowFast network is used as the frontend architecture to extract the spatio-temporal features of the slow and fast pathways. Temporal Convolutional Network (TCN) is used as the backend architecture to learn the features from the frontend to perform the classification. A comparative ablation analysis to dissect each component of the proposed SlowFast-TCN is performed to evaluate the impact of each component. This study utilizes a benchmark dataset, Lip Reading in Wild (LRW), that focuses on English language. Two subsets of the LRW dataset, comprising of homopheme words and unique words, represent the homophemic and non-homophemic dataset, respectively. The proposed approach is evaluated on varying lighting conditions to assess its performance in real-world scenarios. It was found that illumination can significantly affect the visual data. Key performance metrics, such as accuracy and loss are used to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The proposed approach outperforms traditional baseline models in accuracy while maintaining competitive execution time. Its dual-pathway architecture effectively captures both long-term dependencies and short-term motions, leading to better performance in both homophemic and non-homophemic datasets. However, it is less robust when dealing with non-ideal lighting scenarios, indicating the need for further enhancements to handle diverse lighting scenarios. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-06-024 Full Text: PDF