bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
More than to the west, islamic terrorism and Islamism is of immense threat to Africa
Authors: Theophilus Makama Funom 
Published: May 2024

There are already many academic papers on terrorism in Africa, the dynamics of terror and how this has affected the political and socioeconomic structure of African societies. The aim of this review, therefore, is to see the terror threats from Islamism and Islamic extremism from the lens of their anti-western and anti-American ideologies and activities. Since Africa is heavily influenced by western cultures, values and lifestyle, it will always be a target locus for international terror groups to settle and operate. The west African region and the Sahel geographic area of Africa have particularly been of interests to these terror groups of late and their increasing activities in these regions is worrisome. If not checked and urgently addressed, it will grow to be a difficult monster to stop. Therefore, the researcher will go through the dynamics of their operations from ideology to attack tactics from Al-Qaeda ideological and political legacies to radicalization, relating each of these to the practicality of Islamic terrorism to African societies. After which recommendations will be given which include data mining in counterterrorism to detect unusual patterns, fraudulent behaviours and typical radical characteristics as highlighted in this study. Also whistle blowing and integration strategies are essential to establish and strengthen diverse but thriving heterogenous African communities to avoid divisions, sectionalism and the dangers of extremism that usually lead to terrorism.
The efficacy of selected local pesticides in prevention of leaf damage and improvement of yield in <i>Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis L.</i> (Chinese cabbage)
Authors: Mganga Nyatwere D. , Sanga Robin E. 
Published: May 2024

Vegetable constitutes a healthy diet which is rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre. However, production of vegetable is currently hindered by several factors including pest infestation/pathogen infection. Pests and pathogens affect vegetable by interfering with growth and yield. The impacts may be manifested in holes on leaves or reduced numbers of leaves that subsequently affect the yield. To overcome problems associated with pests and/or pathogens synthetic pesticides are widely used. However, synthetic pesticides are blamed to be costful and environmentally unfriendly. As a result vegetable growers in many countries have decided to rely on local pesticides in attempt to improve growth and yield of crops. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a mixture of wood ash and soil, cow urine, pawpaw seeds, chilli fruits and neem leaves for growing Chinese cabbage which is widely consumed in Tanzania. Standard methods were used to prepare extracts of the aforementioned local materials and later on sprayed on growing Chinese cabbage. Normal water was used for control plots. The results of One Way ANOVA revealed significant difference in leaf damage and yield of Chinese cabbage (p < 0.05). The order of increasing effectiveness of the local materials in protecting leaves of Chinese cabbage was: mixture of wood ash and soil > cow urine > pawpaw seeds > chilli fruits > neem leaves > control. A similar trend was obtained for improvement of yield of Chinese cabbage. Intactness of leaves and improved yield of Chinese cabbage can be attained by spraying a mixture of wood ash and soil, and cow urine. Further studies are recommended on the efficacy of the studied local materials in other horticultural crops. Also isolation of active compounds in mixture of wood ash and soil, and cow urine for development of cheap and environmentally friendly pesticide is recommended.
Affordable cost techniques for growing edible mushrooms
Authors: Washa Washa Bugalama 
Published: May 2024

Mushrooms are nutritious foods with medicinal value. Cultivation of mushrooms is hindered by poverty in Tanzania communities. A study to establish mushroom cultivation techniques at affordable cost was conducted at Kinyerezi Dare s Salaam Tanzania in 2022. Three replicate comprising greenhouse setup and substrate ratios comprising saw dust, banana leaves, grain chaff, lime and sugar were established and tested their production ability. Substrates were packaged in 100 bags of 2 kg each in their respective ratios 30:30:15:15:15, 25:25:10:10:10 and 20:20;5:5:5 where mushroom spores were inoculated and sparingly watered for 30 days to allow germination. Mushrooms were harvested twice a week for three months to record germination number and percentage. Data were analysed using SPSS version 16 for descriptive and inferential statistics. Obtained data were summarized into tables for interpretation and discussion. Woody greenhouse of palm frond created the most optimal conditions for mushroom growth which were 75% humidity, 250C and 7.5 pH. Substrate combination in a ratio of 20:20:5:5:5 with additional of extra 2 kg sugar produced highest germination percentage and number which were 17% and 172.8 respectively and indicated a significant difference between trials in germination percentage P=0.002248, df=2 but not significantly different in germination number P=0.25246, df=2. It was concluded that, edible mushroom can be grown at an affordable cost using woody greenhouse which influence optimal growth conditions, but also researchers on future should think on using constant substrate ratio while assessing the others to see if can alter germination number and percentage. It was recommended to the community to acquare the techniques so as to produce mushroom for health and economy.
Fab labs and digital manufacturing in Cameroon - Minimising work accidents through JSA and AS/NZS 4360:2004 standard
Authors: Tsapi K.T. , Kuiate G.F. , Fotsing B.D. Soh 
Published: May 2024

The democratization of industrial processes, fueled by the proliferation of fabrication laboratories (Fab Labs), is gradually paving the way for the accelerated development of the use of advanced manufacturing technologies in African countries. However, a comprehensive study that provides a holistic view of the contributions of the Fab Labs in Cameroon is lacking. Therefore, this paper presents a critical analysis of the state of Fab Labsdevelopment in Cameroon.A case study was used to analyze the occupational health and safety (OHS) risks at the laser cutting and milling operator workstations at XYZ Fabby using the Job Safety Analysis (JSA) to identify hazards and the AS/ NZS 4360:2004 standardto calculate the risk score.The results showed that the Fab Lab ecosystem in Cameroon consists of 10 active labs, with universities hosting 40% and private companies and social enterprises hosting 60%. Through their various activities, these Fab Labs collectively empower user communities and bridge the digital divide, enabling economic and industrial development through innovative projects and better access to cross-cutting science, technology and engineering practices. The results of the risk analysis showed that the risk level of each hazardous activity of the laser cutter operator workstation consisted of two levels, i.e., substantial with 75.0% and acceptable with 25.0%. Meanwhile, the risk level of the milling machine operator workstation consisted of three risk levels, i.e., acceptable with 69.2%, priority 3 with 7.7% and substantial with 23.1%. Recommendations were made to reduce or eliminate the effects of hazards associated with machine use, such as proper training and adherence to clear safety policies and procedures to be implemented.University-industry partnerships were recommended to strengthen and expand the number of Fab Labs in Cameroon, promote rapid prototyping, and foster innovation and entrepreneurship from universities.
Maintenance Culture and Socio Economic Development in Enugu State Nigeria
Authors: Udechukwu Ishiwu Mascus , Okwueze Osondu Felicia , Udenta O. Jude , Eze Chukwukadibia Chimauzom 
Published: May 2024

Maintenance culture refers to the act of regularly or promptly carrying out intermittent checks and repairs on assets or infrastructures to allow the facility to be sustained over a considerable period. Hence, the broad objective of this study was to investigate how maintenance culture affects socioeconomic development in Enugu state. The study adopted the descriptive research design and survey method for data collection. The population of the study was 278. The study adopted census study because the population is manageable. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire. Hypotheses were tested using t-test. The result revealed that the nature of maintenance culture significantly affects positively the life span of facilities, and is highly impeded by corruption, poor patriotism; poor budgetary allocation for maintenance etc. That maintenance culture has a significant positive effect on quality of lives and sustainable development, ensuring optimum functioning of public facilities, fostering sustainable socioeconomic development, and creating a conducive environment for residents and businesses. And that government maintenance policies and programmes do significantly affect positively maintenance culture in Enugu state as it plays a pivotal role in shaping proactive maintenance culture. The study, therefore, recommends that; Enugu state government should invest in training and empowering maintenance personnel through building technical skills to enhance their ability to independently and effectively contribute to infrastructure upkeep; shun corrupt practices; and increase maintenance budgetary allocation; both government and ministries should promote community/public involvement in maintenance initiatives by encouraging citizens to take ownership of public space to foster a collective responsibility and thereby contributing to sustained infrastructural optimum performance and sustainable development; and that Enugu State, should fortify maintenance policies, ensuring clarity, enforcement strategies, and public awareness with a clear guideline to instil a sense of responsibility, fostering a proactive maintenance culture among the residents and government in the state.
209 Understanding Perceptions of Climate Stressors and Mitigation Measures Employed by Women Seaweed Farmers in South District of Zanzibar, Tanzania
Authors: Kalumanga Venance E. 
Published: May 2024

The objective of this study was to understand the perceptions of women seaweed farmers on climate stressors and mitigation measures employed to moderate them. The study was carried out in two villages found along the coast in the south district of Unguja Island (Paje, and Jambiani). The villages were chosen because they have the majority of women who engage in seaweed farming. Surveys were conducted to collect quantitative data whereas Focus group discussion and observation methods were employed to collect qualitative data. A total number of 128 women seaweed farmers were used as the sampling frame in the study. Results revealed that seaweed is widely practiced by the majority (87.5%) of married women with (54.7%) of them who had primary education, and (53.3%) of them aged between 29-38 years old. In the same vein, the majority (58%) were aware of the climate stressors which impede seaweed production. The common climate stressors that were reported were increasing seawater temperature (33%), high wind (27%), and irregular rainfall (20%), disease outbreak (ice-ice) 17%, and salinity (3%). The common mitigation strategies employed were; the adoption of deep water farming (30%), improving farming facilities (22%), engaging in other income-generating activities (16%), increasing the frequency of farming (12%), mobilizing men to engage on seaweed farming (9%), and decreasing farm size (5%). The government and other stakeholders need to invest more in the highlighted mitigation measures for the sake of improving seaweed production. Investing more in research and development of improved innovative interventions such as; adoption of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) system to support the seaweed sector is of utmost importance in the economic development of Zanzibar and other coastal communities in the country and the global.
Enhancing Women’s Livelihoods through Development Funds: Evidence from Babati District Council, Tanzania
Authors: Genda Elizabeth Lulu 
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to assess the impact of Women Development Funds scheme on women's livelihood in Tanzania. A cross-sectional research design was employed, and data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and documentary review from a sample of 85 respondents including, beneficiaries of women development fund loans and key informants. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25, employing descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings indicated that women development funds significantly supported the beneficiaries who obtained loans. These beneficiaries were engaged in various small businesses such as tailoring, livestock keeping, and horticulture, leading to increased income and improved livelihoods. Notably the efforts and outcomes of women who received loans from the women development funds contributed to attitudinal change among men, as they recognized women’s dual role in household chores and their contribution to household livelihoods, challenging stereotypical gender roles. Despite these positive outcomes, beneficiaries of the loan encountered challenges, including lengthy loan access times, insufficient loan amount, limited entrepreneurship skills, and balancing household and businesses responsibilities. To enhance entrepreneurial success, it is recommended that relevant government institutions increase the loan amount and grace period, provide entrepreneurial skills training, and create a supportive business environment.
Association between choroidal thickness and interstitial lung disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Kaymaz Serdar , Savurmuş Nilüfer , Karasu Uğur , Kaya Hüseyin , Ufuk Furkan , Rüksan Ütebey Ayşe , Çobankara Veli , Yiğit Murat 
Published: May 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate choroidal thickness (CT) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and healthy controls and to determine its relationship with RA-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD).
Patients and methods: A total of 63 patients with RA and 36 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited in the cross-sectional study. Serological findings, Disease Activity Score-28, disease duration, and medical treatment of patients were recorded. Patients with RA were subdivided into two groups: patients with RA-ILD (Group 1) and patients with RA but without ILD (RA-noILD; Group 2). CTs were measured using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography. CT was measured at five points: the subfoveal region, 750 μm nasal and temporal to the fovea, 1500 μm nasal and temporal to the fovea. Patients with RA-ILD were evaluated with delta high-resolution computed tomography (ΔHRCT) and pulmonary function test to determine the severity of interstitial lung disease.
Results: Four of 63 RA patients were excluded due to comorbidities. Thus, 59 RA patients, 20 in the RA-ILD group and 39 in the RA-noILD group, were included in the analyses. The RA groups were similar in terms of clinical characteristics and laboratory findings. There were statistically significant differences between Group 1, Group 2 and healthy controls (Group 3) compared to all CT values (p<0.05). The mean CT measured at 750 μm and 1500 μm nasal to the fovea was lowest in the RA-ILD group, followed by the RA-noILD and healthy groups (p<0.05). CT measurements did not correlate with the pulmonary function test and ΔHRCT.
Conclusion: RA-ILD patients had a thinner CT measured at nasal points. However, there was no association between CT measurements and the severity of ILD.
Secukinumab after first-line tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor therapy in psoriatic arthritis: A real-world retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ak Tumay , Mustafayeva Leyla , Yagiz Ayla Ali , Celik Yeliz , Can Gunay , Ugurlu Serdal 
Published: May 2024

Objectives: This study compared the secukinumab treatment responses and adverse effects in psoriatic arthritis patients who received secukinumab as second-line with those that received secukinumab after two or more tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors.
Patients and methods: The retrospective study included 68 psoriatic arthritis patients followed up between October 2018 and October 2021. The patients were divided into two groups according to their anti-TNF-α treatment history. Group 1 consisted of 29 patients (11 males, 18 females; mean age: 45.3±13.3 years; range, 21 to 69 years) who had previously received one anti-TNF-α agent, while Group 2 included 39 patients (18 males, 21 females; mean age: 46.4±13.0 years; range, 24 to 70 years) who had been treated with two or more anti-TNF-α agents. Treatment responses of the groups were measured and compared using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). A posttreatment BASDAI score ≤4 was used as a criterion for remission.
Results: The mean duration of secukinumab treatment was 16.6±12.7 months for Group 1 and 16.0±11.6 months for Group 2 (p=0.84). Both groups responded significantly to secukinumab in terms of BASDAI and VAS scores (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). Group 1 had a greater decline in BASDAI and VAS scores than Group 2 (p=0.045 and p=0.032, respectively). Furthermore, the remission rate was greater in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (58% vs. 34%, p=0.03). The adverse effects of secukinumab treatment were an allergic reaction in Group 1 and one case of ulcerative colitis in Group 2.
Conclusion: Second-line secukinumab treatment resulted in a greater decline in BASDAI and VAS scores. Moreover, secukinumab achieved a significantly higher rate of remission when it was used as second-line therapy after one anti-TNF-α agent.
Left ventricular systolic function assessed by standard and advanced echocardiographic techniques in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gegenava Maka , Kirtava Zviad , Kong William KF , Gegenava Tea 
Published: May 2024

Objectives: Aim of the study was to perform a systemic review and meta-analysis of the current case-control studies based on the assessment of the left ventricular (LV) systolic function with standard and advanced echocardiographic methods.
Materials and methods: Objectives of the study, methods of statisticalanalysis, literature search strategy, inclusion andexclusion criteria, and outcome measurementswere defined according to Cochrane Collaborationsteps, 13 including recommendations for metaanalysisof observational studies in epidemiology (MOOSE).
Results: A total of 850 papers were collected. Of those, eight papers (10 groups) including 174,442 SLE patients and 45,608,723 controls with heart failure (HF), 20 papers including 1,121 SLE patients and 1,010 controls with an evaluated LV ejection fraction (LVEF), and eight studies (nine groups) including 462 SLE patients and 356 controls with a measured LV global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) met the predefined inclusion criteria. HF rate in SLE patients was 2.39% (4,176 of 174,442 patients with HF), and SLE patients showed a 3.4 times higher risk for HF compared to controls. SLE patients had a lower LVEF compared to controls. LVGLS was more impaired in SLE patients compared to controls, irrespective of two-dimensional or three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography.
Conclusion: Heart failure rate in SLE patients is high, and SLE patients showed a 3.4 times higher risk in patients with SLE compared to controls. LV systolic function, as measured by LVEF and LVGLS, is significantly affected in SLE patients, and LVGLS potentially represents a new tool for the early assessment of LV function.
An investigation of the relationship between Behçet’s disease and tenascin-C
Authors: Kaplan Haydar , Yalcin Kehribar Demet , Okuyucu Muhammed , Ozgen Metin 
Published: May 2024

Objectives: The study aimed to investigate serum tenascin-C levels and its relationship with pathogenesis of Behçet’s disease (BD) with inflammatory processes.
Patients and methods: This prospective and analytical study included 34 BD patients (19 males, 15 females; mean age: 31.5±8.2 years; range, 18 to 48 years) who met the 2014 International Criteria for Behçet's Disease and had no comorbidities and 37 healthy volunteers (21 females, 16 males; mean age: 29.6±5.3 years; range, 21 to 45 years). Sex, age, age at diagnosis, clinical and laboratory data, medication use, and smoking history of the participants were recorded. Serum tenascin-C levels were measured using a commercially available tenascin-C enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit.
Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age (p=0.262) and sex (p=0.287). Serum tenascin-C levels were significantly lower in the BD group (10,824±7,612 pg/mL) compared to the control group (27,574±14,533 pg/mL, p<0.001). In the receiver operating characteristic analysis performed for the diagnostic value of tenascin-C level in BD, the sensitivity was determined as 79.4% and the specificity as 82.5% (p<0.001). No statistically significant difference was observed in tenascin-C levels in correlation with clinical characteristics, laboratory values, medication use, and smoking in the BD group.
Conclusion: In contrast to other chronic inflammatory diseases, lower levels of tenascin-C were observed in patients with BD than in the healthy individuals, which can be attributed to the absence of prolonged chronic inflammatory course in BD. The fact that tenascin-C levels are high in other rheumatic inflammatory diseases but low in BD may be useful in the differential diagnosis of BD.
The Influence of Promotional Strategies on Sales of Household Appliances at the Hakasima Company, Lampung Branch 7
Authors: Pradita Resilia , Kusworo Ahmad Dzulfikri Budi 
Published: May 2024

Hakasima is a cooking equipment and household appliance provider company that distributes products directly from Korea, Europe and China. Hakasima Lampung 7 is a subsidiary of PD Sinar Mas. A decrease in the number of sales in a certain period has an impact on sales targets. The main objective of this study to learn more about the impact of promotional strategies on increasing sales on Hakasima Lampung 7. Using quantitative methods with 20 population sample and using Likert scale as data collection techniques with the scale of 1-5 points. Data processing with the SPSS 27 software and multiple linear regression testing. The findings indicate that Y = 1.093 + 0.191 (X1) + 0.563 (X2) promotional strategies and sales work well, and have positive impact. Particularly, promotional and sales strategies have a significant impact on total sales amount. Consider to the f test = Fcount 24.258 ≥ 0.05%, it represents acceptance, which indicating that it has a significant impact. R Square final value shows 0.741 or 74.1%, indicates that the sales strategy carried out at the Hakasima Lampung 7 can be explained by factors related to promotional and sales strategy variables, with the majority of the remaining 25.9% being impacted by any factor that is not addressed in this research.