bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of QUAL2kw and Forecasting models for assessment of pollutants in upper Athi River catchment in Kenya
Authors: Waturu M. , Sitoki L. , Lalah J. , Mbao E. O. , Kahuthu W. D. 
Published: April 2024

Water pollution in the Athi river drainage basin, the fourth largest drainage basin in Kenya, has the potential of adversely impacting the aquatic biota and communities living downstream of the river. The upper part of the basin has experienced rapid industrialization in the recent past and there has also been increased encroachment of wetlands and forests for agriculture and settlement to cater for the increased population. The objective of this study was geared towards the generation of scenarios to predict future water quality trends in the upper parts of the Athi river basin. The prediction of the future water quality trends was undertaken in two phases: (i) the development of longitudinal water quality profile using QUAL2Kw model and (ii) prediction of the future water quality trends using the SPSS Forecasting tool. The collection of water quality data in established sampling stations located in the upper parts of the basin was carried out between January and December 2018. The archival data for the period 2015-2018 was obtained from Water Resources Authority (WRA) database for the determination of future trends in selected water quality parameters. The correlation analysis between the observed and predicted water quality parameters yielded strong R2 values for temperature-0.82, electrical conductivity-0.99, total dissolved solids-0.94, biochemical oxygen demand-0.66, chlorophyll a-0.89, total nitrogen-0.75 and total phosphorous-0.94. The standard error ranged between 0.01-0.42, indicating that the model is reliable for predicting water quality parameters in the river. The available archival monthly data from 2015 to 2018 were averaged for time series forecasting to generate future water quality scenarios of the river for the period 2019-2030. The results showed that dissolved oxygen exhibit a decreasing trend in future indicating depletion of oxygen in water. There will also be significant increasing trends for Electrical Conductivity, Total Suspended Solids, Biochemical Oxygen Demand and Iron in future. There is a risk that the pollutants will increase to unsafe levels in the Athi River if appropriate management actions are not taken by the concerned agencies
Positron and Electron Impact Elastic Scattering by Atomic Beryllium
Authors: Wechuli W. B. , Waswa V. E. , Linturi J. M. , Kariuki P. K. 
Published: April 2024

Theoretical results for positron and electron elastic scattering from beryllium atom at incident energies ranging from the first inelastic threshold to 200 eVare presented. Elastic, total, momentum transfer, and differential cross sections are computed using both the first order distorted wave Born approximation andthe optical potential approaches utilizing a complex potential. We have shown that our data agree fairly well with the available data and provided the details of thePhysics in case of discrepancies. This study demonstrates the importance of accurate atomic elastic scattering cross sections.
Special Needs Education in Post-Independence Kenya
Authors: Chikati David Kavinje , Wachira Lydiah Njoki , Mwinzi Joseph Munyoki 
Published: April 2024

The provision of education in any system needs to be guided by a clear policy that defines the nature and specifies the quantity and quality control mechanisms of such a system. Whereas there have been commendable developments in the provision of Special Needs Education (SNE) in Kenya since independence, such developments have been shown to be insufficient in promoting the general welfare of persons living with disabilities. It is in this regard that this article sought to analyze the various policy provisions that have governed education in Kenya and examine how such policies have affected SNE from the time of Kenya’s independence to the present. The study relied on documentary analysis of the documents that are related to education in general and SNE in particular in Kenya. The study presents different policy documents in Kenya’s post-colonial period with an analysis of how such policies have affected SNE. The Post-independence policy documents presented include the Ngala Mwenda Committee Report of 1964; the Ominde Commission Report of 1964; the Sessional Paper No. 5 of 1968; the Gachathi Commission Report of 1976; the Kamunge Report of 1988 and the Koech Report of 1999. Others include the Kochung Report of 2003; the Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2005; the SNE Policy Framework of 2009, the 2010 Constitution of Kenya, the Odhiambo Taskforce Report of 2012 and the Education Act of 2013. The writers established that whereas provisions governing SNE started to be incorporated in educational policy documents immediately after independence, such polices were not elaborate enough to sufficiently guide the provision of quality SNE . The study concludes that whereas the government of Kenya has currently embraced inclusive education through its policies whereby learners with disabilities and special needs are provided with appropriate education within the regular schools, most of the regular schools are not sufficiently equipped to deal with learners with special needs. The study, therefore, recommends that the existing SNE policy be enhanced or its implementation be interrogated so as to provide an appropriate environment for inclusive education.
Influence of Principals’ Intellectual Stimulation on Students’ Performance in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education in Public Secondary Schools, Kenya
Authors: Musyoki Judith Mbithe , Okoth Ursulla , Kalai Jeremiah , Okumbe Joshua 
Published: April 2024

Transformational leadership is an ideal characteristic which enables the principals to engage with followers and raise consciousness about the significance of specific outcomes and new ways in which those outcomes might be achieved. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of principals’ intellectual stimulation on student academic performance in Kenya Certificate Secondary Examination (K.C.S.E) in Makueni County, Kenya. The objective that guided the study was to: assess how the principals’ intellectual stimulation influences students results at Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education, with the hypothesis that there is no relationship between principals’ intellectual stimulation and students’ mean scores at Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education Makueni County, Kenya. The study used Transformational Leadership Theory by Burns (1978) which has four dimensions namely idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individual consideration; all of which are critical in determining academic achievement. The conceptual framework of this study is based on the relationship between the principal transformational qualities with academic performance. The sample comprised 111 principals, 729 teachers and 12 Ministry of Education officials drawn from 388 secondary schools. Questionnaires and interview guide were used to collect data. Validation of the questionnaires were through test retest method and use of expert judgment. The coefficient value was 0.85 at alpha = 0.05. Data was analyzed using both descriptive Pearson’s correlation coefficient that test showed a strong correlation for Intellectual stimulation and KCSE students’ mean scores. The result indicated a negative and strong correlation between intellection stimulation and students’ KCSE performance (r=-.195, p-value<0.05)respectively. It was concluded that principals collective sense of mission and valuing ideas of the followers increased performance The following recommendations were made: KEMI to carry out ransformational leadership seminars for the principals on intellectual practices. The Ministry of Education Policy makers should establish policies on transformational leadership. Teacher trainers especially the universities ought to review curriculum to include analysis of school managers and also have simulated situations.
Knowledge and Attitude of Married Women in Kwara State, Nigeria Towards Vasectomy as a Choice of Male Contraception
Authors: Adefila A. A. , Jidda K. A. , Oyeyemi A. O. , Abdulrasaq Q. O. , Gabriel Y. S. , Oyewale, E. F. 
Published: April 2024

Despite the well-documented impact men have on women’s choice of contraception, it appears that women’s input into their partners’ decisions about contraception has been undervalued and underutilized. Vasectomy being one of the few options available for males, is not often used as a means of family planning. This study examined the knowledge and attitude of married women in Kwara state, Nigeria towards vasectomy as a choice of their male partner’s contraception. Specifically, differences in knowledge and attitude based on selected demographic characteristics were assessed. The study design was descriptive survey type. Six hundred married women were sampled from the six Local government areas selected across the three senatorial districts of Kwara State, Nigeria through a multistage procedure. Two research questions and hypotheses were tested for the study. Data collected were analyzed using percentage and pie-chart to answer the research questions raised while 4-way Analysis of Variance to test the hypotheses postulated at 0.05 alpha level. Results revealed that respondents had inadequate knowledge of vasectomy and negative attitudes towards it as choice of contraceptive for their partners. There was no significant difference in the knowledge of vasectomy among respondents based on years of marriage, family size and religion. However, when tested, a significant difference existed in knowledge of vasectomy based on educational level (F (8, 532) = 0.665; p>0.05). Also, no significant difference was found in the attitude of females on vasectomy as a choice of male contraception based on years of marriage, education, family size and religion in Kwara State, Nigeria (F (8, 532) = 1.047; p>0.05)The findings suggest a need for effective awareness programmes as well as improvement in health talks and counselling topics targeted to enhance their knowledge of vasectomy as well as improve their attitude towards it.
Effects of repeated alcohol abstinence on within-subject prefrontal cortical gene expression in rhesus macaques
Authors: Hitzemann Robert , Gao Lina , Fei Suzanne S. , Ray Karina , Vigh-Conrad Katinka A. , Phillips Tamara J. , Searles Robert , Cervera-Juanes Rita P. , Khadka Rupak , Carlson Timothy L. , Gonzales Steven W. , Newman Natali , Grant Kathleen A. 
Published: April 2024

Male rhesus monkeys (n = 24) had a biopsy of prefrontal cortical area 46 prior to chronic ethanol self-administration (n = 17) or caloric control (n = 7). Fourteen months of daily self-administration (water vs. 4% alcohol, 22 h access/day termed “open-access”) was followed by two cycles of prolonged abstinence (5 weeks) each followed by 3 months of open-access alcohol and a final abstinence followed by necropsy. At necropsy, a biopsy of Area 46, contralateral to the original biopsy, was obtained. Gene expression data (RNA-Seq) were collected comparing biopsy/necropsy samples. Monkeys were categorized by drinking status during the final post-abstinent drinking phase as light (LD), binge (BD), heavy (HD) and very heavy (VHD drinkers). Comparing pre-ethanol to post-abstinent biopsies, four animals that converted from HD to VHD status had significant ontology enrichments in downregulated genes (necropsy minus biopsy n = 286) that included immune response (FDR &lt; 9 × 10−7) and plasma membrane changes (FDR &lt; 1 × 10−7). Genes in the immune response category included IL16 and 18, CCR1, B2M, TLR3, 6 and 7, SP2 and CX3CR1. Upregulated genes (N = 388) were particularly enriched in genes associated with the negative regulation of MAP kinase activity (FDR &lt; 3 × 10−5), including DUSP 1, 4, 5, 6 and 18, SPRY 2, 3, and 4, SPRED2, BMP4 and RGS2. Overall, these data illustrate the power of the NHP model and the within-subject design of genomic changes due to alcohol and suggest new targets for treating severe escalated drinking following repeated alcohol abstinence attempts.
Atomic layer deposited TiO2 nanofilm on titanium implant for reduced the release of particles
Authors: Zhao Xiangyu , Zhang Xiaoxuan , Zhou Zilan , Meng Fanchun , Liu Ruilin , Zhang Mengyuan , Hao Yujia , Xie Qingpeng , Sun Xiaojun , Zhang Bin , Wang Xing 
Published: April 2024

Objective: Titanium implants are widely used in surgeries for their biocompatibility and mechanical properties. However, excessive titanium particle release can cause implant failure. This study explores Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) to coat commercially pure titanium (Cp-Ti) with TiO2, aiming to improve its frictional and corrosion resistance while reducing particle release. By comparing TiO2 films with varying ALD cycle numbers, we assess surface properties, particle release, friction, and corrosion performance, providing insights into mitigating particle release from implants.Methods: Cp-Ti surfaces were prepared and coated with TiO2 films of 100, 300, and 500 ALD cycles. Surface characterization involved SEM, EDX, and XRD. Friction was tested using SEM, nanoindentation, and ICP-MS. Corrosion resistance was evaluated through immersion tests and electrochemical analysis. Cytotoxicity was assessed using BMSCs.Results: Surface characterization revealed smoother surfaces with increased ALD cycles, confirming successful TiO2 deposition. Friction testing showed reduced friction coefficients with higher ALD cycles, supported by nanoindentation results. Corrosion resistance improved with increasing ALD cycles, as evidenced by electrochemical tests and reduced titanium release. Cytotoxicity studies showed no significant cytotoxic effects.Conclusion: ALD-coated TiO2 films significantly enhance frictional and corrosion resistance of titanium implants while reducing particle release. The study underscores the importance of ALD cycle numbers in optimizing film performance, offering insights for designing implants with improved properties.
Miniaturization of hiPSC-derived 3D neural cultures in stirred-tank bioreactors for parallelized preclinical assessment of rAAV
Authors: Gomes Catarina M. , Sebastião Maria João , Silva Gabriela , Moura Filipa , Simão Daniel , Gomes-Alves Patrícia , Alves Paula M. , Brito Catarina 
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Engineered 3D models employing human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) derivatives have the potential to recapitulate the cell diversity and structure found in the human central nervous system (CNS). Therefore, these complex cellular systems offer promising human models to address the safety and potency of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), such as gene therapies. Specifically, recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) are currently considered highly attractive for CNS gene therapy due to their broad tropism, low toxicity, and moderate immunogenicity. To accelerate the clinical translation of rAAVs, in-depth preclinical evaluation of efficacy and safety in a human setting is primordial. The integration of hiPSC-derived CNS models in rAAV development will require, amongst other factors, robust, small-scale, high-throughput culture platforms that can feed the preclinical trials.Methods: Herein, we pioneer the miniaturization and parallelization of a 200 mL stirred-tank bioreactor-based 3D brain cell culture derived from hiPSCs. We demonstrate the applicability of the automated miniaturized Ambr® 15 Cell Culture system for the maintenance of hiPSC-derived neurospheroids (iNSpheroids), composed of neuronal and glial cells. Critical process parameters were optimized, namely, cell density and agitation mode.Results: Under optimized conditions, stable iNSpheroid cultures were attained in the microbioreactors for at least 15 days, with high cell viability and astrocytic and neuronal phenotype maintenance. This culture setup allowed the parallelization of different rAAVs, in different multiplicity of infections (MOIs), to address rAAV-host interactions at a preclinical scale. The iNSpheroids were exposed to rAAV2- and rAAV9-eGFP in the microbioreactors. Transgene expression was detected 14 days post-transduction, revealing different astrocyte/neuron tropism of the two serotypes.Discussion: We advocate that the iNSpheroid cultures in miniaturized bioreactors are reliable and reproducible screening tools for addressing rAAV transduction and tropism, compatible with preclinical demands.
Solar enhanced oxygen evolution reaction with transition metal telluride
Authors: Singh Harish , Higuchi-Roos Taishi , Roncoroni Fabrice , Prendergast David , Nath Manashi 
Published: April 2024

The photo-enhanced electrocatalytic method of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) shows promise for enhancing the effectiveness of clear energy generation through water splitting by using renewable and sustainable source of energy. However, despite benefits of photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) water splitting, its uses are constrained by its low efficiency as a result of charge carrier recombination, a large overpotential, and sluggish reaction kinetics. Here, we illustrate that Nickel telluride (NiTe) synthesized by hydrothermal methods can function as an extremely effective photo-coupled electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (POER) catalyst. In this study, NiTe was synthesized by hydrothermal method at 145°C within just an hour of reaction time. In dark conditions, the NiTe deposited on carbon cloth substrate shows a small oxygen evolution reaction overpotential (261 mV) at a current density of 10 mA cm–2, a reduced Tafel slope (65.4 mV dec−1), and negligible activity decay after 12 h of chronoamperometry. By virtue of its enhanced photo response, excellent light harvesting ability, and increased interfacial kinetics of charge separation, the NiTe electrode under simulated solar illumination displays exceptional photoelectrochemical performance exhibiting overpotential of 165 mV at current density of 10 mA cm-2, which is about 96 mV less than on dark conditions. In addition, Density Functional Theory investigations have been carried out on the NiTe surface, the results of which demonstrated a greater adsorption energy for intermediate -OH on the catalyst site. Since the -OH adsorption on the catalyst site correlates to catalyst activation, it indicates the facile electrocatalytic activity of NiTe owing to favorable catalyst activation. DFT calculations also revealed the facile charge density redistribution following intermediate -OH adsorption on the NiTe surface. This work demonstrates that arrays of NiTe elongated nanostructure are a promising option for both electrochemical and photoelectrocatalytic water oxidation and offers broad suggestions for developing effective PEC devices.
Seasonal human coronavirus NL63 epidemics in children in Guilin, China, reveal the emergence of a new subgenotype of HCoV-NL63
Authors: Zhu Renhe , Cao Rundong , Wang Lulu , Gong Yue , Cheng Qian , Long Hu , Xia Dong , Song Qinqin , Xia Zhiqiang , Liu Mi , Du HaiJun , Song Juan , Han Jun , Gao Chen 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionSeasonal human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63) is a frequently encountered virus linked to mild upper respiratory infections. However, its potential to cause more severe or widespread disease remains an area of concern. This study aimed to investigate a rare localized epidemic of HCoV-NL63-induced respiratory infections among pediatric patients in Guilin, China, and to understand the viral subtype distribution and genetic characteristics.MethodsIn this study, 83 pediatric patients hospitalized with acute respiratory infections and positive for HCoV-NL63 were enrolled. Molecular analysis was conducted to identify the viral subgenotypes and to assess genetic variations in the receptor-binding domain of the spiking protein.ResultsAmong the 83 HCoV-NL63-positive children, three subgenotypes were identified: C4, C3, and B. Notably, 21 cases exhibited a previously unreported subtype, C4. Analysis of the C4 subtype revealed a unique amino acid mutation (I507L) in the receptor-binding domain of the spiking protein, which was also observed in the previously reported C3 genotype. This mutation may suggest potential increases in viral transmissibility and pathogenicity.DiscussionThe findings of this study highlight the rapid mutation dynamics of HCoV-NL63 and its potential for increased virulence and epidemic transmission. The presence of a unique mutation in the C4 subtype, shared with the C3 genotype, raises concerns about the virus’s evolving nature and its potential public health implications. This research contributes valuable insights into the understanding of HCoV-NL63’s epidemiology and pathogenesis, which is crucial for effective disease prevention and control strategies. Future studies are needed to further investigate the biological significance of the observed mutation and its potential impact on the virus’s transmissibility and pathogenicity.
The effect of sustained-release CARvedilol in patients with hypErtension and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial (CARE-preserved HF)
Authors: Yoon Minjae , Park Sung-Ji , Yoo Byung-Su , Choi Dong-Ju 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundAlthough beta-blockers improve clinical outcomes in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, the benefit of beta-blockers in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is uncertain. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) is a robust predictor of heart failure outcomes, and recent studies have shown that beta-blockers are associated with improved survival in those with low GLS (GLS &lt;14%) but not in those with GLS ≥14% among patients with LVEF ≥40%. Therefore, the objective of this trial is to evaluate the effect of sustained-release carvedilol (carvedilol-SR) on the outcome [N-terminal pro-B-natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration] in patients with hypertension and HFpEF and will assess the differential effects of these drugs on the outcome, according to the GLS categories.MethodsThis prospective randomized double-blind multicenter trial (CARE-preserved HF) will include 100 patients with HFpEF from three tertiary hospitals in South Korea. Patients with HFpEF and hypertension aged ≥20 years who have evidence of functional and structural heart disease on echocardiography and elevated natriuretic peptide will be enrolled. Eligible participants will be randomized 1:1 to either the carvedilol-SR group (n = 50) or the placebo group (n = 50). Patients in the carvedilol-SR group will receive 8, 16, 32, or 64 mg carvedilol-SR once daily for 6 months, and the dose of carvedilol will be up-titrated at the discretion of the treating physicians. The primary efficacy outcome was the time-averaged proportional change in N-terminal pro-B-natriuretic peptide concentration from baseline to months 3 and 6. We will also evaluate the differential effects of carvedilol-SR on primary outcomes according to GLS, using a cut-off of 14% or the median value.DiscussionThis randomized controlled trial will investigate the efficacy and safety of carvedilol-SR in patients with HFpEF and hypertension.
Clinical Trial RegistrationClinicalTrial.gov, identifier NCT05553314.