bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Enrolment Rate Decline in Higher Learning Institutions: A Case of the Tanzania Institute of Accountancy
Authors: Juma Hemed 
Published: January 2025

The decline in the enrolment rate is not an uncommon trend in most higher learning institutions, and the reasons for this have never been common to all universities. This study contextually identifies the key determinants of enrolment rate decline for procurement and logistics management (PLM) programs in public higher learning institutions using the Tanzania Institute of Accountancy (TIA) as a case study. This study adopted a cross-sectional research design to collect empirical data from 302 respondents pursuing various programs offered by the institute, including Accountancy (ACC), Business Administration (BA), Marketing & Public Relations (MPR), Human Resource Management (HRM), and Public Sector Accounting and Finance (PSAF). Data were analysed using SPSS 24, where a multiple regression model was developed to determine the linear effects of the nine determinants of enrolment rate decline. The results show that the key determinants of enrolment decline include entry qualifications, lack of information about the PLM program, lack of passion for the PLM program, negative community myths, and lack of social support. Other determinants, such as students’ ambitions, lack of funds, lack of information about the labour market, and inadequate training facilities, have an insignificant influence on enrolment rate decline. This finding implies that information regarding the PLM program is very important. Therefore, it is important to disseminate information about the PLM program’s structure, cost, and duration to potential applicants.
Challenges Facing the Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises in Tanzania: A Case of Mbeya’s Mwanjelwa Market
Authors: Tonya Emmanuel M. , Samwel Emmanuel 
Published: January 2025

The study investigated the challenges hindering the growth and sustainability of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Tanzania, focusing on implementing the SME Policy 2003. The main objective was to assess the effectiveness of SME policy in fostering business growth, particularly in the Mwanjelwa Market in Mbeya City. The study employed a descriptive design with a sample size of 90 respondents, selected using convenience sampling. The key findings indicate that SMEs face significant challenges related to access to finance, complex regulatory environments, limited market access, inadequate skills and training, and slow technological adoption. The under-utilization of government-built infrastructure and insufficient implementation of supportive policies exacerbate these challenges. The study found that the underutilization of storey buildings for small businesses is that business people and customers do not prefer searching for or buying upstairs. The study concludes that, although the Tanzanian government has supported SMEs, more must be done to address these barriers effectively. It recommends enhancing financial literacy programs, simplifying the regulatory framework, improving market access through infrastructure development and ecommerce, investing in business management training, and promoting technology adoption among SMEs. These measures would be essential for creating a conducive environment for SME growth and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Prevalence and phenotypic characteristics of Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from critically ill patients in two healthcare facilities in Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Authors: Ogbonna O. , Onuoha S.C. , David I.E. , Onwa C.N. , Eromonsele B.O. , Ogbu O. 
Published: January 2025

Background: The intrinsic property of Acinetobacter baumannii to survive in harsh conditions on environmental surfaces and its ability to resist commonly used antibiotics in hospitals make this pathogen to be one of the most prevalent causes of hospital infections. The present study was aimed at determining the prevalence of A. baumannii among critically ill patients in two tertiary hospitals; Alex Ekwueme-Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA) and Mater Misericodiae Hospital Afikpo (MMHA) in Ebonyi State, southeast Nigeria.
Methodology: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study of 300 consecutively selected critically ill hospitalized patients in the two hospitals over a period of 6 months, from whom a total of 300 different clinical samples were collected. The specimens were processed by standard microbiological culture methods at the Applied Microbiology Laboratory Unit of Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki. All isolated bacteria from cultures were phenotypically screened for A. baumannii by conventional biochemical test scheme and antibiotic susceptibility of test (AST) of confirmed isolates was done using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion technique, with AST results interpreted according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guideline.
Results: Of the 300 critically ill patients, clinical samples of 21 (7.0%) were positive for A. baumannii, with 20 (10.0%) of 220 samples from AE-FUTHA and 1 (1.3%) of 80 samples from MMHA. Analysis of the different isolation sites showed that catheter urine (16.0%, 11/70) from AE-FUTHA and (2.0%, 1/50) from MMHA was the most frequent site of A. baumannii isolation. A. baumannii isolates showed high resistance rates to tetracycline (100.0%), trimethoprim- sulphamethoxazole (100.0%), ceftriaxone (81.0%) and amikacin (81.0%), while low resistance rate was demonstrated to meropenem (14.3%), imipenem (19.0%) and polymyxin B (33.3%). The multiple antibiotic resistance index (MARI) of the A. baumannii isolates was 12.1, with average MARI value of 0.57.
Conclusion: Early diagnosis of infection caused by A. baumannii and its treatment with meropenem, imipenem or polymyxin B can reduce the risks of mortality and morbidity in A. baumannii infection of critically ill patients.
Post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV: A 10-year review of data from a tertiary health facility in northcentral Nigeria
Authors: Audu E.S. , Bello S.O. , Ablaku A. , Audu A.A. , Bako I.A. , Mathew M. , Anazodo M.C. 
Published: January 2025

Background: Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the use of short-term antiretroviral therapy (ART) following a single risk exposure to a potential source of HIV infection. If commenced within 72 hours following exposure, PEP has been reported to be very effective in preventing replication and spread of the virus and therefore prevent acquisition of infection. PEP is recommended for exposures occurring in both occupational and non-occupational settings. The objectives of this study are to review the profile of patients and determine the reasons for accessing PEP services in our facility with a view to recommending evidence-based solutions and ultimately contributing to achieving zero transmission of HIV.
Methodology: A retrospective review of records of patients who received PEP for HIV in our facility over a 10- year period was carried out. Demographic and clinical variables of interest were extracted from the medical records and the PEP register of 252 eligible patients. Data were presented as frequencies, means, percentages and range. Bivariate analysis to determine association of clinical and demographic variables was carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) with p<0.05 considered as statistical significance.
Results: The mean age of the 252 patients studied was 26.25±11.81 years, and females accounted for 52.7%. The commonest reason for seeking HIV PEP was occupational exposure from sharps or needle sticks or splashes in 43.3% (109/252), while rape/sexual assault was the most common non-occupational reason for PEP in 29.0% (73/252) cases. Most (72.6% and 95.2%) of the patients presented within 24 hours and 72 hours respectively following exposure. While females accounted for 98.6% of cases of rape and sexual assault, children aged 10 years and below made up 28.8%.
Conclusion: Although most patients sought PEP for HIV due to occupational exposure, majority of those who came for non- occupational exposure were due to rape or sexual assault, most of which occurred in children and adolescents. There is need to institute measures aimed at reducing the menace of rape and sexual assault especially of minors in our society and for health facilities to have psychosocial support mechanisms for these patients.
Automated blood culture systems for isolation of bacterial pathogens of bloodstream infection: The experience of Bobo-Dioulasso Teaching Hospital, Burkina Faso
Authors: Nagalo A. , Kabore O.D. , Koulbou M. , Sanogo B. , Yehouenou C.L. , Traore I. , Zoungrana J. , Poda A. , Ouedraogo A-S. 
Published: January 2025

Background: Identification of the causative agent is an essential requirement for better treatment of bloodstream infection. The BacT/Alert 3D (BioMérieux, Marcy l’Étoile, France), is a blood culture system equipped with CO2 sensors to monitor the growth of microorganisms in blood culture bottles designed to optimize bacterial growth. The aim of this study was to determine the performance of this equipment in detecting bacterial pathogens from patients with bloodstream infection in the context of low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs), with Bobo-Dioulasso Teaching Hospital as a case study.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 5 months at the Sourô Sanou University Hospital, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, a low-income country. Blood samples from a total of 231 patients with clinical suspicion of bloodstream infections were collected and processed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Results: Sixty-nine of the 231 blood culture samples of patients were positive, giving a bacteriological yield of 29.9%. Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp, and Staphylococcus aureus were the top three bacterial species isolated.
Conclusion: The implementation of the BacT/Alert 3D system has significantly enhanced the diagnosis of bacteraemia in the Bobo-Dioulasso Teaching Hospital. This enhancement is marked by time savings in patient care, reduced staff workload, and an increased bacteriological yield over time.
Nutrient evaluation, minerals quantification and antibacterial potential of <i>Mentha longifolia</i> (L.) flower, leaves and stem against foodborne bacterial pathogens
Authors: Ali Javid , Hussain Arshad , Ur Rahman Zia , Ur Rehman Inayat 
Published: January 2025

This study was conducted for the assessment of the nutrition, minerals and antibacterial activities of leaves, stem and flower of Mentha longifolia (wild mint). Proximate compositions were carried out using standards methods, mineral analysis were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and Flame Photometer, antibacterial activities were assessed using Zone of Inhibition Assay. Broth dilution method was used to determine the Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The proximate composition of Mentha longifolia observed that moisture was found in the range of 2.3-2.8%, ash was 2.5-7.5%, crude fat was 0.5-2.1%, crude fiber was 8.5-22.5%, protein was 2.1-4.5%, carbohydrate was 69.6-78.7% and energy was 291.3-347.7 Kcal/100 g dw. Sodium concentration was found in the range of 1250-1590 mg/kg, Potassium was 3240-4820 mg/kg, Calcium was 12400-24000 mg/kg, Magnesium was 4800-9600 mg/kg, Zinc was 32-64 mg/kg, Iron was 140-498 mg/kg, Manganese was 32-107 mg/kg and Chromium was 3-6 mg/kg in Mentha longifolia leaves, flower and stem. The highest zone of inhibition (23±0.2) of Mentha longifolia leaves extract (tincture) was calculated against Bacillus cereus. Similarly the highest zone of inhibition of Mentha longifolia flower and stem was noted against Bacillus cereus in tincture extract were 17±01 mm and 16±01 mm respectively. The Mentha longifolia leaves MIC range was 40–120 mg/mL and MBC 60–200 mg/mL. The flower extracts MIC range 70–220 mg/mL and MBC 110–300 mg/mL. Generally the antibacterial activities of wild mint leaves extracts were higher as compared to flower and stem extracts (p<0.05). The results commonly observed Gram-negative bacteria are typically high opposed to the Mentha longifolia extracts as compared to Gram-positive bacteria. The proximate and minerals analysis concludes that this herb is used to formulate nutraceutical products and their extracts can be used against multi drug resistance bacteria accomplished of causing foodborne diseases.
Insiders on the Margins: A Conversation with Susan Barry
Authors: Sepuru Phuti 
Published: January 2025

This article ameliorates the dearth of literature devoted to South African women in jazz placing a lens on the lived experience of influential pianist, composer, and educator, Susan Barry. I first interviewed Barry in March 2018 for my doctoral research and was enamoured by the rich legacy of South African music within her shared narratives. I resonated with her story, despite our differences – her experiences as a white female musician during apartheid and mine as a black woman in jazz in post-apartheid South Africa. This resulted in a second in-depth interview in October 2021, where I probed further to unpack the untold parts of her story. This interview brings to the fore Susan Barry’s biography, philosophies, musical history and encounters with seminal figures in South African music and jazz. The interview also touches on her musical style, contributions and experiences as a female instrumentalist in South African jazz/ music.
Sex Machines: Performing and Critiquing Masculinity in the Music of Stereo Zen
Authors: Röntsch Marc 
Published: January 2025

Throughout its history, popular music has in ways both challenged and reinforced traditional perceptions of masculinity. With sexual themes as arguably core to its construction, funk music has continued to portray a more traditional notion of masculine sexuality and hypervirility. This trend was set through the traditional masculine imagery of funk musicians James Brown and George Clinton, as well as through the lyrical content of their music. South African funk-rock band Stereo Zen were heavily influenced by Brown and Clinton, as well as later funk-rock bands such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Active from 2004-2014, Stereo Zen’s musical and lyrical imagery aligns itself with the aforementioned artists’, yet their version of funk masculinity is mixed with insecurity and uncertainty over their position within this performative gendered framework. This insecurity is voiced at times through honest portrayals of feelings of inadequacy, as well as blustering postures of masculinity and offensive language. This paper reads the music of Stereo Zen through the lens of hooks’s concept of hypermasculine black male sexuality, in parallel with the history and development of funk, arguing that Stereo Zen’s music allows for nuanced interpretations of formations of masculinities, and their portrayal of these performative gendered structures speaks to a unique historical moment within South African history.
Assessing Practice Strategies in First-year South African Music Students: Considering the Value of a Standardised Practice Questionnaire
Authors: Panebianco Clorinda , Rhoodie Tessa 
Published: January 2025

Tertiary music studies place a huge amount of pressure on first-year music students who generally battle with the transition between school and university and, most particularly, the increased technical demands for their practical instruments. This study considers the value of using a standardised practice questionnaire to explore and understand first-year students’ practice strategies, organisation of practice, levels of concentration and attitudes toward practising. The practice questionnaire was administered to a total of 143 first-year music students over a period of six years. Students were enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts and Music (BA Mus) and Bachelor of Music (BMus) degrees at the University of Pretoria. A further goal was to explore differences regarding gender and instrument groups. The results reveal that overall first-year music students do make use of effective systematic practice strategies. Organisation and planning strategies, however, could be further developed. Concentration levels and attitudes towards practising were overall favourable. The article discusses the viability of this practice questionnaire as a diagnostic tool for first-year music students.
Efectos de la violencia armada en Guatemala
Authors: Estrada Flores América 
Published: January 2025

PROBLEMA: es fundamental comprender los efectos que la violencia armada tiene en la estructura social, económica y cultural del país, para tal efecto, surge la pregunta que se origina del problema a investigar: ¿Cuáles son los efectos originados de la violencia armada que impactan en la sociedad guatemalteca? OBJETIVO: establecer los efectos que se originan de la violencia armada y que impactan directamente en la sociedad guatemalteca. MÉTODO: para el desarrollo de la investigación y verificación del objetivo presentado, se utilizó el método científico en el proceso de recolección de datos y bibliografía relacionada, y el cualitativo útil para explorar experiencias y percepciones de personas encuestadas. RESULTADOS: con la investigación realizada, se evidencia que la violencia armada genera inseguridad en la población, en virtud que, un porcentaje considerable reporta haber sido víctima de algún delito cometido con arma de fuego ya sea a través de experiencias personales o de familiares cercanos. CONCLUSIÓN: los principales efectos originados de la violencia armada se materializan en los índices de criminalidad que impactan directamente a la sociedad, sobre todo la tasa de homicidios que se reportan en el país.
A Breakthrough in Library History Minority Press Within the Scope of the “Looking at History Through Newspapers” Project
Authors: Candeğer Ümmügülsüm 
Published: January 2025

Objectives: This study aims to explore the evolution of libraries from traditional repositories of physical knowledge to modern digital platforms. It highlights the critical role of the digital library concept in contemporary librarianship. Additionally, the study focuses on the digitization of minority press publications in Turkey, specifically through the “Looking at History Through Newspapers” project. By examining the Armenian-language newspapers Arevelk and Jamanak, the study underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage through digital archives.

Methods: The research employs a historical analysis of libraries, tracing their transition from physical to digital platforms. It examines the efforts of the Istanbul University Library and Documentation Department to digitize minority press collections. The study specifically analyzes Armenian-language newspapers accessed through the project page of Istanbul University, focusing on editions from 1936 and 1937 that were digitized and made available online.

Results: Libraries have undergone a profound transformation, evolving from physical repositories of materials like clay tablets, papyrus, leather, and paper to digital formats. The Europeana project in Europe and similar initiatives in Turkey have significantly contributed to this digital transition. The Istanbul University Library, as part of its effort to preserve cultural heritage, has digitized Armenian-language newspapers Arevelk and Jamanak. These newspapers, from the years 1936 and 1937, are now accessible online, providing a valuable resource for readers and researchers.

Conclusion: The shift toward digital libraries marks a crucial milestone in the history of librarianship, enhancing accessibility and preserving cultural heritage. The digitization efforts of the Istanbul University Library exemplify the importance of safeguarding historical documents, particularly minority press publications. By making these materials available online, such projects ensure that they remain accessible to future generations, thereby enriching the understanding of history and cultural diversity.
Être ou ne pas être
Authors: Thévenaz Pierre 
Published: January 2025

Dans une conférence de 1941, Pierre Thévenaz (1913-1955) examine la question « Que suis-je ? » en suivant la méthode d’analyse réflexive. Dans une démarche ascendante, le philosophe part d’une réponse purement biologique et extérieure pour arriver, après les étapes psychologiques et éthiques, à la solution philosophique ou métaphysique : à travers le cogito cartésien, le moi identifie pensée et être. Cet être doit se comprendre comme activité : le « je » a alors l’expérience interne d’agir librement, comme une cause de soi. L’« être » du moi est pur devenir, donc pure spiritualité. Le non-être se définira alors également comme spiritualité : il sera la non-présence de l’esprit à lui-même.
Effectiveness of Distant/Remote Blessing Treatment on Cognitive-motor Function: A Randomized Double-blind Placebo-controlled Trial
Authors: Branton Alice , Trivedi Mahendra Kumar , Trivedi Dahryn , Mondal Sambhu , Jana Snehasis 
Published: January 2025

Background Biofield therapies can be administered in person (hands-on treatment) or remotely, and this study focuses on the latter. A literature review did not find any reports on the effectiveness of remote biofield energy /blessing therapy in enhancing cognition and motor function performance in adults. Objective The aim of this study was to examine the effect of distant/remote blessing (biofield energy) therapy on the cognitive and motor functions in adults with self-reported neuropsychological impairments using NIH Toolbox®. Methods The present study was a randomized, double-blind clinical trial involving 117 participants with self-reported neuropsychological impairments. These participants were stratified into three distinct groups: control, sham control, and blessing/biofield treatment as the intervention. At baseline (day 0), day 90, and day 180, NIH Toolbox® was employed to evaluate all participants’ cognitive and motor function scores. Results In the blessing treatment group, language function score (p <0.01), working memory (p <0.0001), and episodic memory (p <0.0001) scores exhibited statistically significant differences compared to both the naïve control and sham control groups. Moreover, in the blessing intervention group, a substantial improvement was observed in locomotion (p <0.0001), standing balance (p <0.01), dexterity (p <0.01), grip strength (p <0.05), and muscle endurance (p <0.05) compared to the naïve control and sham control groups. Importantly, no adverse effects were reported during the study period. Conclusion The study outcomes revealed that distant/remote blessing/biofield energy therapy is safe, non-invasive, and less expensive. It enhances cognitive-motor functions in adults with perceived neuropsychological impairments. Clinical Trial Registration CTRI/2022/07/043736.