bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rethinking Media Arts Instruction in Nigerian Universities
Authors: Olayiwola Abiodun 
Published: November 2023

This paper explores the pedagogical challenges and dilemmas surrounding film and media arts education within Nigerian tertiary institutions against deficient teaching facilities and infrastructure. Teaching film and media arts has rapidly developed in recent years. Many Nigerian universities now recognise the necessity of robust film/media pedagogy to complement and respond to the escalating growth of the country’s indigenous film and entertainment industry. The onus is increasingly placed on Nigeria’s tertiary institutions to spearhead the advancement of film and media arts education, premised on disseminating adequate practical knowledge, skills acquisition, and integrating international best practices. However, a pivotal issue emerges regarding whether Nigerian tertiary institutions possess the requisite facilities to fulfil and drive this pedagogical mandate. This paper argues that most Nigerian universities continue to emphasise theoretical instruction over practical application, constrained by the unavailability of resources required to execute a technologically immersive media pedagogy tailored to the needs of the nation’s thriving creative industries. Drawing insights from a recent experimental pedagogical model undertaken at Obafemi Awolowo University, IleIfe, this paper highlights how an integrated pedagogical methodology combining conventional teaching formats with social media tools and platforms may potentially mitigate the difficulties imposed by insufficient practical teaching facilities for film education in most African tertiary institutions.
An Engineering Geological Appraisal of the Leakage Problem in Dora-1 Earthen Dam, Tigray: Implications for its Stability
Authors: Berhane Gebremedhin , Birhanu Yowhans 
Published: November 2023

Leakage is one of the major problems facing the functionality and sustainability of dams. It occurs through the embankment body, reservoir, foundation, and abutments. This study was conducted to identify the main causes of the leakage problem at the Dora-1 dam, located in the northern part of Ethiopia. It is an earthfill dam with a height of 43.5 m, crest length of 454 m, and reservoir capacity of 4.67 million cubic meters. Part of the embankment body was wet and swampy up to 20 m high from the ground due to leaking water. Geological investigation, laboratory test of the construction materials (including grain size analysis, specific gravity and water absorption, Atterberg limit, free swell, dispersion, permeability, and shear strength), and electrical resistivity investigation were used to identify and pinpoint the possible causes of the leakage problem. Results of the study show that the favorable geological features responsible for the occurrence of leakage include: (a) geological contact between sandstone and moderately to highly weathered basalt unit at the left abutment, (b) the gravelly sand deposit at the central foundation and (c) dyke outcrop at the river course within the reservoir running in the upstream-downstream direction. Results of laboratory tests for clay core show medium to high compressibility, good to poor workability, and semi-pervious to impervious permeability when compacted. The water absorption and the percentage finer of the filter material don’t satisfy the filter criteria and the shell material was found to be semi-previous. The anomalous in the resistivity survey result confirms the situation. Slope stability analysis of the embankment showed instability conditions at full reservoir level. Close follow-up and a downstream stabilization structure, including rock and gravel support, were recommended.
Construction material; Embankment dam; Site investigations; Ethiopia.
Awareness of cybercrime among online banking users in Nigeria
Authors: Garba J. , Kaur J. , Ibrahim E. Nuraihan Mior 
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to investigate the awareness of cybercrime among online banking users in Nigeria and provide quantitative data on various aspects related to cybersecurity awareness. A comprehensive survey was conducted among 283 online banking users in Nigeria to gather data. The data were analyzed to identify trends and patterns in cybersecurity awareness among Nigerian online banking users. The study revealed that 82.0% of the respondents were aware of cybercrime, indicating a high level of awareness among Nigerian online banking users. Social media (37.5%) and friends (16.0%) were identified as the primary sources of knowledge about cybercrime. The majority of respondents employed multi-factor authentication methods, such as login + password + biometric, to secure their online banking accounts. However, there was room for improvement in password preferences, as some respondents still used simple passwords. The most used features of online banking were transferring money between accounts (42.4%), checking account balances (26.5%), and paying bills (11.0%). This study contributes new insights to the existing body of knowledge by providing a comprehensive analysis of cybersecurity awareness among Nigerian online banking users. It emphasizes the evolving landscape of cybercrime awareness, the influence of digital platforms in disseminating information, and the importance of targeted awareness campaigns and improved security measures.
Development of a multigeneration system with integrated hydrogen production: A typical analysis
Authors: Frank E. , Effiom S.O. 
Published: November 2023

Rise in demand for energy and emission from fossil fuels has become a thing of concern to researchers and Engineers. It is one thing to provide the energy needed by the society, and another to produce a clean and eco-friendly power supply. In this study, a thermodynamic and economic modelling of a solar-driven multigeneration power plant (MGPP) integrated with a PEM Electrolyzer for hydrogen production is examined. The performance indicators considered include energy and exergy efficiencies, net work, energetic and exergetic COP, cooling rate. Results of the thermodynamic analysis show that the energy and exergy efficiencies excluding the fuel cell was 28.57% and 34.79% respectively; when the fuel cell was incorporated, the energy and exergy efficiencies were respectively 24.45% and 34.63%. The energetic and exegetic COP was 0.609 and 0.281 respectively. Additionally, net work, cooling rate, and hydrogen production were respectively 52.75kW, 86.83kW, and 0.0114kg/s. The economic analysis indicates a unit cost of electricity (UCOE) at $0.025/kWh, a life cycle cost of $0.1097 and a payback period of 4years was achieved. The developed multigeneration system is technically and economically viable with net zero CO2 emissions. It can also serve as an alternative option to fossil-powered plants and sectors with less energy demand.
Effect of 20-hydroxyecdysone and its metabolites in the absence or presence of IGF-1 on regulation of skeletal muscle cell growth
Authors: Suhatcho Kanokwan , Yingyongnarongkul Boon-ek , Kumpun Saowanee , Srikuea Ratchakrit 
Published: November 2023

Purpose: To investigate the effect of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and its metabolites and their synergistic effect with IGF-1 on regulation of skeletal muscle cell growth.
Methods: Mouse skeletal muscle cell line (C2C12) was solely treated with 20E and its metabolites (14- deoxy- 20-hydroxyecdysone, poststerone, and 14-deoxypoststerone) at doses of 0.1, 1, and 10 µM or co-treated with IGF-1 (10 ng/ml). Cell viability and proliferative capacity were evaluated using MTT and BrdU incorporation assays, respectively. Myogenic differentiation proteins [embryonic myosin heavy chain (EbMHC) and MHC], androgen receptor (AR), and IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) protein expression were investigated using immunocytochemistry.
Results: Treatments of 20E and its metabolites had no toxicity on skeletal muscle cells or induced AR/IGF-1R expression. In addition, solely treatment of 20E and its metabolites or co-treatment with IGF-1 had no significant effect on cell proliferation and myogenic differentiation capacity. In contrast, IGF-1 treatment alone significantly increased EbMHC expression (p<0.0001), MHC expression (p<0.05), and myotube number (p<0.05).
Conclusion: These results indicate that 20E and its metabolites have no direct or synergistic effect with IGF-1 on skeletal muscle cell growth. Nevertheless, the pharmacological effects of 20E on skeletal muscle mass and strength in vivo that raises its therapeutic potential may associate with its indirect action.
Ozone exposure induces cough hypersensitivity in mice
Authors: Li Tinglei , Zhang Shu , Liu Xuemei , Xin Tianyuan , Chen Yu , Chen Zhe 
Published: November 2023

Purpose: To study the influence of O3 exposure on cough sensitivity, airway barrier function and airway inflammation in mice.
Methods: Cough sensitivity was determined in healthy male C57/BL6 mice (aged 8 - 10 weeks) which were exposed to different concentrations of O3 (0.5 - 2 ppm) for 3 h daily for 9 days. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of lung tissues, collection of BALF, and cell count were carried out. Inflammatory factor levels in pulmonary tissues were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while Western blotting was used to assay TRPA1 and Claudin-1 protein expressions in lung tissues.
Results: After 9 days of mice exposure to O3, cough sensitivity increased significantly, and TRPA1 protein was increased in pulmonary tissues, with exposure level of 1 ppm resulting in the highest level of TRPA1 protein expression. Claudin-1 expression in lung tissues of mice decreased after O3 exposure, especially in the groups exposed to O3 levels of 0.5 ppm and 2 ppm. The total cell count in alveolar lavage fluid of mice exposed to O3 was significantly increased (p < 0.05). In addition, O3 exposure increased IL-1α, IL-6 and TNF-α levels, with the most significant increase in the 0.5 ppm group (p < 0.05). Results from histology revealed that all mice had inflammatory reactions and destruction of lung tissues after O3 exposure.
Conclusion: Exposure to O3 induces disruption of airway barrier function, infiltration of the airway by inflammatory cells, and increased secretion of inflammatory factors, thereby resulting in enhanced cough sensitivity.
Safety and efficacy of salvianolate injection in preventing deep vein thrombosis after total hip replacement
Authors: Liu Xiaoning , Ju Yang , Yin Xiaoyong , Yang Hui , Han Shoujiang , Kong Deming , Zhao Hongbo 
Published: November 2023

Purpose: To investigate the safety and efficacy of salvianolate injection in preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) following total hip replacement.
Methods: A total of 114 patients who underwent total hip replacement at Department of Trauma, Fengfeng General Hospital of North China Medical and Health Group, Handan City, China from March 2019 to March 2022 were enrolled. Patients were randomly divided into study group (n = 57) and control group (n = 57). The control group received conventional treatment (low molecular weight heparin) while the study group was administered salvianolate injection combined with conventional treatment. Incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) at 7 and 14 days after surgery, platelet function indices, including platelet count, glycoprotein Ⅱb/Ⅲa (GPⅡb/Ⅲa), and CD62P, coagulation function indices (prothrombin time (PT), fibrinogen (FIB) and D-dimer), and hemodynamics indices, viz, peak blood flow velocity (Vp) and average velocity (Va) were investigated and compared.
Results: Incidence of DVT was 1.75 % (1/57) at 7 days and 5.26 % (3/57) at 14 days in the study group, and 5.26 % (3/57) at 7 days and 17.54 % (10/57) at 14 days in control group. Incidence of DVT in the study group was significantly reduced compared to control group 14 days after surgery (p < 0.05). Also, the study group had significantly lower visual analog scale (VAS) scores at 7 days and 1 month after surgery compared to control group (p < 0.05). Platelet count, GPⅡb/Ⅲa, and CD62P in the study group were significantly lower than in control group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Salvianolate injection significantly prevents DVT after total hip replacement, improves hemodynamics, and coagulation function, and thus contributes to recovery of hip function. Further clinical trials are, however, required to validate these findings.
Preliminary study on the relationship between recurrence and quasispecies characteristics in P region of hepatitis B virus genome of chronic hepatitis B patients treated with lamivudine
Authors: Wang Baojian , Hu Bobin , Jiang Jianning , Su Minghua , Wu Xiaoli , Zhong Shaohua , Liang Yanxiu , Li Shihua , Xie Rong 
Published: November 2023

Purpose: To investigate the characteristics of quasispecies in the P region of hepatitis B viral (HBV) DNA of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients treated with lamivudine (LAM), and its effect on HBV relapse after drug withdrawal in CHB patients who met drug cessation criteria.
Methods: A total of 43 patients with chronic HBV infection, who had undergone LAM therapy, were enrolled in this study. Treatment was discontinued for patients who met therapeutic criteria set by relevant Asian-Pacific regions. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the genome in P region of serum rcDNA before treatment, cccDNA during drug cessation period, and serum rcDNA at relapse. Quasispecies cloning and sequencing were performed to identify variable sites in HBV P region.
Results: Mutations in P region of baseline serum rcDNA were detected in 30 CHB patients, with N/H238T (14/30), L/F/Q/R267H (12/30), V278T (12/30), D134E/I (11/30), and T222A (9/30) having highest rates. In hepatocellular cccDNA P region during drug withdrawal, most detectable mutations were L/F/Q/R267H (25/43), V278T (18/43), N/H238T (15/43), D134E/I (14/43), and T222A (11/43). During relapse, the highest detectable mutation rates in serum rcDNA P region were N/H238T (12/19), L/F/Q/R267H (10/19), T222A (10/19), and V278T (8/19).
Conclusion: High mutation rates of T222A and N/H238T in P region of HBV DNA increase the risk of relapse in patients. As a result, patients are susceptible to relapse after drug withdrawal.
Effect of dexmedetomidine on convalescence quality after general anesthesia and postoperative delirium, and on cognitive function in elderly patients undergoing lower limb surgery
Authors: Wei Wenbo , Guo Lele 
Published: November 2023

Purpose: To investigate the effect of different doses of dexmedetomidine on the quality of postoperative recovery, incidence of postoperative delirium, and cognitive function in elderly patients undergoing lower limb surgery.
Methods: A total of 112 patients who received treatment in the Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hothot, China from January 2021 to January 2023 were divided into 3 groups, consisting of low-dose group (35 patients received 0.2 mg/kg), medium-dose group (39 patients received 0.4 mg/kg), and high-dose group (38 patients received 0.6 mg/kg). Parameters including, convalescence quality of general anesthesia, incidence of postoperative delirium, adverse reactions, Mini- mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, sedation effect (Ramsay), analgesia effect (visual analogue scale (VAS)), and stress indices, viz, norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E), and cortisol (COR) levels), were evaluated and compared.
Results: There was no significant difference in tracheal extubation time, recovery time of spontaneous breathing, calling eye-opening time, or full awakening time among the three groups (p > 0.05). However, MMSE score was significantly higher in low-dose group on days 1 and 3 after surgery (p < 0.05) and VAS scores were significantly higher in low-dose group at 12 and 24 h after recovery compared to other groups (p < 0.05). Ramsay score was significantly higher in high-dose group (p < 0.05). Levels of NE, E, and COR were significantly lower in medium-dose group compared to other groups (p < 0.05). Incidence of adverse reactions were significantly lower in low and medium-dose groups compared to high- dose group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Medium-dose dexmedetomidine demonstrates favorable sedative and analgesic effects with minimal impact on cognitive function and stress response in elderly patients undergoing lower limb surgery. Furthermore, it does not affect quality of postoperative recovery nor incidence of postoperative delirium. More large-scale, randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm these results.
Effect of sodium zirconium cyclosilicate in combination with insulin and glucose infusion on hyperkalemia treatment
Authors: Wu Xuansheng , Yue Li , Yin Na , Dai Feng , He Fang 
Published: November 2023

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC) in combination with insulinand glucose infusion in managing hyperkalemia.
Methods: A total of 126 patients, who were admitted with hyperkalemia (≥ 5 mmol/L) to the Yongchuan District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China from January 2021 to December 2022, were retrospectively studied. Participants were divided into three groups based on different potassium-lowering regimens, viz, SZC group (40 patients), insulin with glucose (IG) group (38 patients) and SZC + IG group (48 patients). Changes in potassium levels, other serum electrolytes (magnesium, sodium, phosphate, calcium), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and albumin before and after treatment were recorded. Adverse reactions during treatment were also recorded.
Results: Post-treatment, the potassium levels in all three groups exhibited a significant reduction when compared to pre- treatment values (p < 0.05). The SZC + IG group showed the highest efficacy, with a significant reduction in blood potassium levels observed 4 h after administration, which was more pronounced compared to other groups. The SZC + IG group, maintained potassium ion concentration at a normal level for a longer duration and no serious adverse reactions were observed during treatment.
Conclusion: Intervention with SZC + IG lowers blood potassium levels, maintains it within normal range, and is more effective than the individual use of SZC or IG. A combination of sodium zirconium cyclosilicate, insulin and glucose infusion for treating hyperkalemia will need to be investigated further in a large-scale multicenter study.
Hederagenin inhibits proliferation, angiogenesis and inflammation of fibroblast-like synovial cells in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wang Ping , Yang Junli , Zhang Xiaomeng 
Published: November 2023

Purpose: To determine the effect of Hederagenin (Hed) on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a cell model, and to elucidate the mechanism of action of Hed.
Methods: MTT, EDU, and Immunoblot assays were used to determine the effects of Hed on the viability of fibroblast-like synovial cells, while the effects of Hed on inflammation were examined by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblot assay. The influence of Hed on cell motility angiogenesis was evaluated by Transwell and tube formation assays, while immunoblot analysis was used to determine the mechanism of action of Hed.
Results: Hed inhibited the viability of RA-FLS cells and suppressed the inflammation of RA-FLS cells (p < 0.05). Furthermore, Hed suppressed the migration and angiogenesis of RA-FLSl cells, as well as regulated MAPK pathway (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Hed inhibits the proliferation, angiogenesis and inflammation of fibroblast-like synovial cells in RA by regulating MAPK pathway. Therefore, Hed is a drug for the treatment of RA, However, in vivo studies to validate these findings are recommended
Effect of miR-138 on migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells, and the underlying mechanism
Authors: Li Yanxi , Peng Jun , Huang Yong , Man Yichun , Li Yaqi , Chen Ping , Peng Erqing 
Published: November 2023

Purpose: To study the influence of microRNA-138 (miR-138) on the migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells, and the underlying mechanism.
Methods: Fifteen cervical carcinoma subjects were enrolled in the study. Control group comprised cervical epithelial cell line (End1/E6E7) while cervical cancer group was human cervical squamous cell carcinoma cell line c33a. Both were cultured routinely without any treatment. In miR-138 overexpression group, cells were cultured in progeny of human cervical squamous carcinoma cell line c33a infected with miR-138 gene overexpression lentivirus. Expression levels of miR-138 in excised cervical cancer tissues were determined using qPCR. Cell proliferation was determined with CCK8 assay. Immunoblotting was utilized to assay protein expression levels. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to determine mRNA expression levels, while cell migration and invasion were assessed by Transwell method.
Results: There was significant down-regulation of miR-138 expression in cervical cancer tissue, relative to nearby tissues (p < 0.05). In miR-138 overexpression group, cell proliferation, number of migrated and invaded cells were significantly reduced, relative to corresponding levels in cervical cancer cells. There were significantly higher expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins FAS, Bax and FasL in miR-138 overexpression group than in cervical cancer cells, while Bcl-2 was significantly downregulated, relative to cervical cancer group (p < 0.05). In cervical cancer cells, mRNA and protein levels of SIRT1 and HIF-1α were significantly up-regulated, relative to corresponding control, but levels of HIF1α and miR-138 were significantly reduced in overexpression group when compared to cervical cancer group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Up-regulating miR-138 in cervical cancer cells reduces HIF-1α through inhibition of SIRT1 signaling, resulting in suppression of multiplication, migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells, while enhancing apoptotic changes.
Tectorigenin functions as a potential drug for melanoma treatment via inhibition of cell growth, migration and aerobic glycolysis
Authors: Yan Qiao , Wang Fei 
Published: November 2023

Purpose: To investigate the role of tectorigenin (TG) in melanoma cells.
Methods: Viability of A375 and A2058 melanoma cells was determined by cell counting kit (CCK-8) assay. Cell cycle progression was analyzed by 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining. Migration and invasion of melanoma cells were determined by Transwell assay. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of melanoma cells was investigated by determining expression of E-Cadherin and Snail. Expression of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and lactose dehydrogenase A (LDHA) was assessed via western blotting. Glucose and lactate production was evaluated by corresponding assay kit. The NOX4 and FOXM1 expressions were determined using western blotting.
Results: Tectorigenin inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion of A375 and A2058 melanoma cells. Tectorigenin regulated cell cycle progression by decreasing the number of cells in S-phase and significantly inhibited snail expression and increased expression of E-Cadherin (p < 0.05), thus inhibiting the EMT of A375 and A2058 cells. Tectorigenin inhibited expression of GLUT1 and LDHA, thereby leading to reduction in glucose consumption and lactate production. It also significantly inhibited expressions of NOX4 and FOXM1 (p < 0.05), indicating an inhibitory effect on the activity of NOX4/FOXM1 pathway.
Conclusion: Tectorigenin inhibits aerobic glycolysis, growth and migration in melanoma cells by suppressing the activity of NOX4/FOXM1 pathway, suggesting its potential in melanoma treatment.