Compared to their men counterparts, women do not rapidly climb up the leadership ladder due to a glass ceiling obstacle. This study aims to explore the inhibiting factors demotivating Africa women's leadership pursuit in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). A qualitative approach was adopted using online open-ended questions to seek narratives from African women leaders on their roles and experiences of a STEM career. Data were collected using a non-probability, purposive sample of African women leaders in STEM in African research institutes and universities. Forty-two women in leadership positions in 12 African countries participated in the study, which was content analyzed, seeking patterns and themes to explore the narratives. A common thread exists in the tone and life experiences of the African women leaders in STEM. Scholarship, supportive organizational structure, commitment, hard work, and tenacity were all experienced as enablers of the career path process and their attained positions. The education level contributed to a strong leadership position. Women experience less acceptance than males in STEM leadership as the organizational culture still devalues women in leadership positions in several African countries. The study's contribution, the limitations, recommendations, and managerial implications are discussed, with suggestions for further research are made.

Background: Insecticide resistance in Anopheles gambiae s.l. is a major challenge for malaria vector control in Nigeria. Both target-site insensitivity and metabolic resistance have been im-plicated in resistance process, with the latter receiving little attention in Nigeria. Therefore, we investigated metabolic enzyme activities in Anopheles gambiae s.l populations resistant to Del-tamethrin and Diethyldichlorotriethylethane (DDT) in South-West Nigeria. Methods: Anopheles larvae were collected from Ibadan, Oyo and Badagry, Lagos. Adults were exposed to Deltamethrin and DDT using WHO method. Cohorts of populations were further exposed to Pyperonil Butoxide (PBO) and Deltamethrin. Insecticide-exposed and unexposed co-horts were examined for metabolic enzyme activities. Results were compared between exposed and unexposed samples ANOVA (P<0.05). Results: Mosquitoes were identified as An. gambiae (89%, Ibadan; 0%, Badagry) and An. coluzzii (11%, Ibadan; 100%, Badagry). The populations showed varied level of resistance to Deltamethrin (26%, Ibadan; 71%, Badagry) and DDT (2%, Ibadan; 44%, Badagry). Mortality to Deltamethrin in-creased from 26% to 64% (Ibadan) and 71% to 84% (Badagry) when populations were pre-exposed to PBO. Biochemical analysis revealed significant high levels (P<0.05) of cytochrome P450 and GST in exposed samples. Conclusions: Cytochrome P450 and GST are involved in Deltamethrin and DDT resistance in Anopheles gambiae s.l populations in South-West Nigeria.

This analysis investigates health outcomes by cause and income group across European and African countries, highlighting significant disparities tied to economic status. Low and lower-middle-income countries in Africa face a greater burden of disease, particularly in acute lower respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, bacterial infections, HIV/AIDS, and maternal conditions. This is primarily due to limited access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare services. In contrast, high-income African countries exhibit better health outcomes. European countries show variations: lower-middle-income nations suffer more fro4m acute respiratory infections and HIV/AIDS, while high-income countries report higher incidences of cancer and bacterial infections. These differences reflect disparities in healthcare quality and social determinants. The study emphasizes the need for targeted policy initiatives to address these disparities by focusing on socioeconomic factors and improving healthcare access and quality across all income groups.

Background. The Weekly Mortality Cycle among CoViD-19 patients has been studied.Methods. Mortality data obtained from the 'Worldometer' website were analyzed with a comparison of absolute values, percentages, and p-value. Results. For patients suffering from CoViD-19, the most favorable or the safest days of the week were Sundays and Mondays. Conclusion. The weekly cycle with decreased mortality on Sundays and Mondays is a unique phenomenon observed among victims of CoViD-19. Presumably the decreased mortality on certain days of the week related to the optimized therapeutic protocols used on the "safest days".

Back pain is a common symptom that affects all age groups across the globe, when left untreated may eventually lead to disability. A convenient sample selection method was used in this study due to the global Covid-19 pandemic lockdown which was effective in Turkey during the investigation period. Thus, virtual data collection and health education including some health risks were employed. A total population of two hundred adult women was involved in the study but one hundred and twenty-one responses were collected. Findings show that, for socio-demographic characteristics, the pain was found highest in women between the ages of 41-50 and obese/overweight individuals. Although, there was no significant difference recorded in the marital status category. Moreover, statistical mean differences were detected between the scales for ODI (4.18) and BPFS (6.09). Also, p<0.05, paired sample t-test was 0.001 ODI and 0.001 BPFS after the training exercise. This suggests that exercise training is inversely correlated with pain severity which implies that training has a significant influence on pain intensity. Thus, it could be concluded that there is a relationship between the training exercise and ODI/BPFS.

Background: Sexual dysfunction is the most common side effect encountered by cervical cancer patients during and after treatment, and rehabilitation strategies are needed to improve their quality of life. A variety of rehabilitation strategies have been reported in previous studies, varying by country, race and even continent. However, the common rehabilitation strategies used by cervical cancer survivors in Tanzania and their outcomes are unknown. The study aimed to unfold sexual rehabilitation strategies and outcome practiced by cervical cancer survivors who experienced sexual dysfunction during and after treatment in North-western Tanzania. Methods: Descriptive qualitative study were employed. Phenomenology study design used with a sample of 7 participants and data corrected via in-depth interview guided by 11 questions. Audiotaped and transcribed to get main themes and sub themes through deductive analysis. Results: Most participants reported inability to achieve an orgasm and low libido and dyspareunia after treatment. Most participants were eagerly to have their sexual activity recovered. However, they were not familiar with any rehabilitation strategy after the experience of sexual dysfunction. Even though, some of the participants attempted various interventions, but all were unsatisfactory leading to a significant decline in sexual interest and activity. Conclusion: Cervical cancer survivors are not familiar with any sexual rehabilitation strategies. Health education concerning various sexual rehabilitation strategies should be provided to survivors during and even after treatment.

Worldwide cervical cancer ranks the fourth most common cancer in women. In Tanzania, cervical cancer is the leading female malignancy, and a major cause of cancer related mortality and morbidity in women. More than 80% of women with cervical cancer, are diagnosed with late stage, in which curative treatment options are not available. To explore the knowledge, perceptions and behaviors among women with late-stage cervical cancer who attended Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) from November to December 2021. Explorative qualitative study was conducted from November to December 2021 at BMC, involving 11 participants who had late-stage cervical cancer. Purposive sampling was used to recruit information-rich participants. Data collection was done by using open ended In-depth interview guide. The guide contained information on social demographic characteristics, knowledge on cervical disease, perceptions towards cervical cancer symptoms, health care seeking behaviors. Data was transcribed and analysed manually by using thematic approach. The coded texts generated three themes and nine subthemes. The results showed that Participants had poor knowledge about cervical cancer disease, causes, risk factors, prevention measures and treatment options which had impact on the perceptions and health care seeking behaviors. Participants misinterpreted the symptoms with other urogenital conditions like fungus and urinary tract infection. Misconception about the symptoms and disease, long distance to health facilities and financial challenges hindered involvement in seeking biomedical intervention and witch doctors were given a priority. Findings from this study suggest a strong need of intensive health promotion efforts and education through mass media and outreaches to improve adequate and correct knowledge and awareness about cervical cancer disease, causes, symptoms, risk factors, prevention and treatment options. Health care providers and policy makers should include cervical cancer disease as a topic of everyday health education in the health facilities.

Rhizosphere microbiomes which have been implicated to enhance plant growth and yield are modulated or influenced by a couple of environmental factors such as soil type, plant cultivar, climate change and anthropogenic activities. In particular, anthropogenic activity such as the use of nitrogen-based chemical fertilizers is associated with environmental destruction and this call for a more ecofriendly strategy to increase nitrogen level of agricultural land. This feat is attainable by harnessing nitrogen-fixing endophytic and free-living rhizobacteria. Rhizobium, Pseudomonas, Azospirillum and Bacillus have been found to have positive impacts on crops by enhancing both above and belowground biomass and could therefore play positive roles in achieving sustainable agriculture. Thus, it is needful to study these rhizosphere microbiomes with more sophisticated culture-independent technologies such as next generation sequencing (NGS) with the prospect of discovering novel bacteria with plant growth promoting traits. This review is therefore aimed at discussing factors that can modulate rhizosphere microbiomes with focus on the contributions of nitrogen fixing bacteria towards sustainable agricultural development and the techniques that can be used for their study.

Early diagnosis of malaria and treatment seeking behavior play key role in controlling and preventing further complication related to malaria disease. Aim of this study was to determine the responses on early malaria diagnosis and treatment seeking behavior among outpatient clients attending at Sekou toure regional referral hospital in Mwanza, Tanzania. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among outpatient client at Sekou-Touré regional referral hospital, convenient simple random sampling used and self-administered questionnaire were used to collect data and data was entered into Microsoft excel and then exported to SPSS version 25.0 for further analysis and presented on the percentages and table. The analysis of strength of relationships between categorical variables was conducted using the Chi-square test. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: A total of 192 respondents completed the study with a response rate of 97.6%. The study revealed that Most of the respondents about 90.6% stated they would seek treatment from health facility when symptoms appear. However, only 6.3% seek treatment within 24 hours of onset of illness (p= 0.017). Half of respondents (50.5%) experienced malaria symptoms in the past six months and only 30% seek for treatment at health facility. Preference of health facility, (51%) respondents were going direct to pharmacy to buy medicine for self-treatment. Overall, cost of service, time consumed and distance of health facility especially health center shows significant with such delay. Conclusion: A low proportion of malaria-suspected patients sought treatment within 24 h of fever onset compared to the national target. Distance from the health facility, cost of service and time consumed were found to be predictors of early treatment-seeking behavior for malaria. Strengthening strategies tailored to increasing awareness for communities about malaria, importance of going hospital and early treatment-seeking behavior is essential.

Background: The prevalence of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is increasing globally that is from 6.5% in 2000 to 11% in 2016. But there are regional variations where there is decrease of PPH in some parts of Asia and increase in Africa and developed countries. Objectives: The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence, causes and associated factors for postpartum haemorrhage at St. Joseph referral hospital in Peramiho- Songea from November 2017 to December 2019. Method: The retrospective cross-sectional hospital-based study was used and data was obtained from maternity hospital registry book/data base of St. Joseph mission hospital in Peramiho Songea, from November 2017 to November 2019. Descriptive data was analysed by tables and graphs. Results: The prevalence of PPH in Peramiho referral hospital was 1.3% in 2017, 1.26% in 2018 and 1.4% in 2019. The overage prevalence for the three years is 1.3%. However, 73.3% of total prevalence is from home deliveries in rural areas. The main cause of PPH in the hospital was uterus atony (42%), retained placenta (15.5%), 3^rd and 4^th grade tears (11.2%), uterine rupture (8.1%) and coagulopathy (5.6%). The main attributing factors were age >35years (34%), other antenatal pregnancy complication (27%), previous PPH (18.6%), Antenatal anaemia (16%), placenta previa, Eclampsia, preeclampsia (12%) each. Conclusion: The prevalence of PPH from this study is slightly high with the main cause being uterine atony and affected mainly those undergone SVD where about two quarter were home deliveries. However further research studies are needed to investigate the main reason for higher home deliveries in Peramiho residence and nearby area.

The optimization of the energy grid is a critical task for ensuring a sustainable and efficient energy future. Deep machine learning techniques have the potential to improve energy grid optimization by predicting energy demands and supplies, optimizing energy production and distribution, and detecting and preventing fraud. However, there are also several challenges associated with the use of deep machine learning in energy grid optimization. These include the lack of standardized datasets and data quality issues, interpretability and explain-ability of machine learning models, ethical and social implications of using machine learning, and integration with existing energy infrastructure and regulatory frameworks. Having a clear understanding that continued research and developments in deep learning applications to energy field are crucial for achieving a sustainable and efficient energy future. This paper therefore reviewed existing literature for challenges and opportunities associated with deep machine learning in energy grid optimization; and highlights the importance of continued research and development in the field. The paper found out that opportunities for future research in deep machine learning for energy grid optimization include advancements in machine learning algorithms and techniques, development of new datasets and data collection methods, integration of machine learning with other emerging technologies. It also established needs for collaborative research and public-private partnerships.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of controlled systemic hypertension and its associated risk factors among the hypertensive patients who attended the clinic at Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital in Tanzania. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study was used determine the prevalence of co to 252 hypertensive patients were recruited during clinic visit from September to November 2020 and participant was randomly selected interviews using structured self-administered questionnaires. Data was analyzed using chi square test to find the risk factors associated with controlled hypertension. Results: Among 252 participants, 94(39.7%) individuals with controlled hypertension giving the prevalence of controlled hypertension. The proportion of females with controlled hypertension was slightly higher than male (49 females to 45 males). The prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension was 152(60.3%) participants. The prevalence of controlled hypertension was higher among patients who have regular clinic visit (p< .05) and have daily adherence to their anti-hypertensive medication. A similar trend was observed among participants without financial challenges to attend clinic, short duration of illness, higher level of education and there was no association between age, sex, marital status, smoking, alcohol consumption, having health insurance and having chronic illness. Conclusion: Prevalence of controlled hypertension is higher among patients who have regular clinic visit and have daily adherence to their anti-hypertensive medication. Also, it is higher among participants without financial challenges to attend clinic so they can have regular clinic visit and checkup. Reinforcement on regular drug intake and clinic visit, good nutrition and reduced salt intake and modifying lifestyles of patient with hypertension is important.

The design of school environments plays a pivotal role in promoting student wellness, mindfulness, and socio-emotional learning (SEL). This article explores the integration of Environment Behaviour Studies (EBS) concepts into school design to enhance students' overall well-being and academic success. It highlights the importance of indoor environmental quality, ergonomic and flexible learning spaces, and biophilic design in fostering a healthy and engaging learning atmosphere. Additionally, the article delves into the creation of mindfulness spaces, sensory-friendly environments, and the use of colour and aesthetics to support emotional regulation and mental health. By examining case studies of successful implementations, the article underscores best practices for designing schools that promote positive social interactions, ensure safety, and reflect community values. Ultimately, this comprehensive approach to school design aims to nurture holistic development, support socio-emotional learning, and prepare students for lifelong success.

Natural gas is an important energy source among various fossil fuels. However, natural gas typically contains a significant amount of water vapor, which can pose challenges in its usage. Therefore, the process of removing water vapor from natural gas, known as gas dehydration, is crucial in the gas industry. The presence of water vapor in the gas supply can lead to the formation of hydrates, which can cause issues such as blockages in pipelines. To tackle this problem effectively, gas dehydration makes use of Tri ethylene glycol (TEG) as a drying agent. TEG works by selectively absorbing water vapor from the natural gas flow, thereby significantly reducing its moisture content.In the gas dehydration process, wet gas is treated by using lean glycol in an absorber, where the water vapor is removed. The resulting rich glycol is then recovered and recycled for further use. In this study, we explore the possibility of replacing nitrogen with dry natural gas in the re-generator of the glycol dehydration system. The aim is to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of this alternative approach. To assess the performance of both techniques, we employed HYSYS modeling and simulation. Through this analysis, we compared the capital and utility expenses associated with each method while ensuring that the glycol purity requirements remained unchanged. By examining the results obtained from the simulations, we can gain insights into the economic viability and efficiency of utilizing dry natural gas in the re-generator stage of the glycol dehydration process.In addition to the primary purpose of removing water vapor, the wet gas obtained from the stripping mechanisms in the glycol dehydration process can serve additional functions. It can be utilized to power steam pumps and compressors, thereby maximizing energy efficiency within the system. Alternatively, the wet gas can be recycled back into the process for further treatment. To develop a comprehensive understanding of the entire mechanism, we constructed a model based on the actual flow diagram. This model takes into account the various components and processes involved in the glycol dehydration system, including the stripping mechanisms and their connection to other equipment. By analyzing the data and outcomes generated by this model, we can derive valuable insights. These findings can be utilized to optimize the heat and material balance within the plant, ensuring efficient operation and potentially leading to the design of an improved system in terms of energy consumption and overall performance

Health resorts aim to create health sanctuaries, fostering an environment conducive to treatment, healing, and well-being. Material selection choices for health resort designers should comply with specific minimal requirements and criteria to provide a suitable atmosphere for health and wellness. Based on this assumption and some selection criteria, the study intended to analyse purposefully selected health resorts as the foundation for identifying acceptable materials to construct health resorts. This study had three main goals: to define the evaluated health resorts’ physical characteristics, determine their external works specifications, and investigate the material usage utilised in the interior of three primary functional spaces. We employed a case study approach as the qualitative research method.Top of Form Data was analysed using narrative and content analysis. According to the findings, natural materials, particularly those produced locally, are best suited for the outside and interior of health resort buildings. Wood is the most commonly used material, appearing in all instances studied. The findings are consistent with current worldwide trends toward environmentally friendly facilities. Adopting natural materials such as wood, stone, and soil for health resort planning would be practical, considering the health advantages of such environmentally friendly materials.

Tropical regions face unique challenges in building sustainability due to high temperatures, humidity, and heavy rainfall. While building energy regulations are essential for promoting energy efficiency, their effectiveness in addressing tropical climate conditions needs to be studied more. This research aims to systematically investigate tropical building sustainability issues and evaluate the impacts of building energy regulations on these challenges. The study will identify gaps in current regulations by analyzing existing research and recommend strategies for developing more comprehensive frameworks that promote sustainable building practices in tropical regions. This research contributes to developing effective policies and strategies for achieving sustainable and energy-efficient built environments in tropical climates.

Typhoid fever is an infectious disease that affects humanity worldwide particularly in the lower socio-economic communities where many individuals are exposed to a dirty environment and unclean food. A mathematical model is formulated to analyze the impact of control measures such as vaccination of susceptible humans, treatment of infected humans and sanitation in the different socio-economic communities. The model assumed that the population comprises of two socio-economic classes. The essential dynamical system analysis of our model was appropriately carried out. The impact of the control measures was analyzed, and the optimal control theory was applied on the control model to explore the impact of the different control measures. Numerical simulation of the models and the optimal controls were carried out and results obtained indicates that the overall combination of the control measures eradicates Typhoid fever in the population but the controls are more optimal in the higher socio-economic communities.

Among other fossil fuels, natural gas is a major energy source. It is generally created saturated with water vapor. Dehydration of natural gas is vital in the gas business to remove water vapor from the gas supply, which may cause hydrate development in pipes. Gas dehydration employs Tri ethylene glycol (TEG) to remove water vapor from natural gas flow. The wet gas is dehydrated with lean glycol in an absorber, and the rich glycol is recovered and reused. This work investigates the use of dry natural gas instead of nitrogen in the glycol dehydration re-generator, and compares the results using HYSYS modeling and simulation. The two techniques were compared for capital and utility expenses, while maintaining the identical glycol purity criteria. The wet gas from the stripping mechanisms may also be utilized to run steam pumps and compressors or recycled. The model is based on the real mechanism flow diagram. Finally, the findings of this model might be used to design a new heat and material balance for the plant.

A comprehensive review of uncertainties in power systems, covering modeling, impact, and mitigation, is essential to understand and manage the challenges faced by the electric grid. Uncertainties in power systems can arise from various sources and can have significant implications for grid reliability, stability, and economic efficiency. Australia, susceptible to extreme weather such as wildfires and heavy rainfall, faces vulnerabilities in its power network assets. The decentralized distribution of population centers poses economic challenges in supplying power to remote areas, a crucial consideration for emerging technologies emphasized in this paper. In addition, the evolution of modern power grids, facilitated by deploying the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), has also brought new challenges to the system due to the risk of cyber-attacks via communication link. However, the existing literature lacks a comprehensive review and analysis of uncertainties in modern power systems, encompassing uncertainties related to weather events, cyberattacks, and asset management, as well as the advantages and limitations of various mitigation approaches. To fill this void, this review covers a broad spectrum of uncertainties considering their impacts on the power system and explores conventional robust control, and modern probabilistic and data-driven approaches for modelling and correlating the uncertainty events to the state of the grid for optimal decision making. This article also investigates the development of robust and scenario-based operations, control technologies for microgrids (MGs) and energy storage systems (ESSs), and demand-side frequency control ancillary service (D-FCAS) and reserve provision for frequency regulation to ensure a design of uncertainty-tolerance power system. This review delves into the trade-offs linked with the implementation of mitigation strategies, such as reliability, computational speed, and economic efficiency. It also explores how these strategies may influence the planning and operation of future power grids.

Knowledge and attitude towards mental illness play major role in the recognition, management, sociocultural factors and health seeking behavior among those with mental disorders. The study aim was to determine the knowledge and attitude among Nyamagana community members towards mental illness, Tanzania; A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study involving 384 participants from sample population aged 18 years and above who were mentally health and semi-structured questionnaires was used to collect data. The results 110 (28.8%) respondents have good knowledge toward mental illness, about 292(76%) have negative attitude towards mentally ill people, 92(24%) respondents have positive attitude toward people who are mentally ill. More over about 318 (82.9%) respondents agreed that care and support of family and friends, could help people with mental illness to get rehabilitation while 66(17.1%) respondents disagreed on the care and support of the family and friends could help mentally ill people to get rehabilitation; The findings show most have poor knowledge and negative attitudes towards people with mental illness and may impair their social reintegration in the community. There’s need to develop strategies to enlighten the public regarding nature of mental illness so as to foster acceptance of people with mental illness by the community members.

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical role in cancer progression and treatment outcomes. Despite advances in cancer research, many therapeutic strategies have failed to provide the desired clinical outcomes. In this integrated review, aimed to explore the role of TME in cancer biology and develop novel therapeutic strategies that target not only cancer cells but also the surrounding microenvironment. Study conducted a comprehensive literature search using PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for articles published between 2016 and 2022. Inclusion of articles that discussed the impact of TME on cancer development and progression, as well as articles that proposed novel therapeutic strategies targeting the TME. The analysis of the literature revealed that the TME plays a crucial role in cancer development and progression by promoting cancer cell survival, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis, and by interfering with the efficacy of cancer therapies. The TME is composed of a complex network of non-cancerous cells, extracellular matrix components, and signaling molecules that interact with cancer cells. Several novel therapeutic strategies have been proposed based on the modulation of TME components. One of the most promising approaches is the use of immunotherapy, which aims to enhance the immune system's ability to recognize and attack cancer cells. Immunotherapy drugs such as checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, and immune-stimulatory monoclonal antibodies have been approved for the treatment of different cancer types. These approaches have shown promising results in preclinical studies and clinical trials. The TME plays a critical role in cancer development and progression, and targeting its components represents a promising avenue for cancer therapy. Novel therapeutic strategies such as immunotherapy, extracellular matrix-targeting drugs, and nanoparticle-based therapies have shown promising results in preclinical studies and clinical trials. However, further research is needed to identify the most effective strategies and to overcome the challenges associated with TME targeting.

The present study evaluates the bioremediation potential of indigenous bacterial species isolated from dye-contaminated soil samples from small dyeing outlet located in Ilorin. The water pollution index was estimated based on the physicochemical characteristics and heavy metal concentrations of the raw (Day 0) and treated textile wastewater such as pH, biochemical oxygen demand-5, chemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids and total dissolved solid with mean values of 8.85±0.45 mg/L, 1200±21.3 mg/L, 2440±31.3 mg/L, 1660±17.2 mg/L and 2650±28.1 mg/L respectively, similarly, Lead was the most abundant heavy metal detected in the sample while Cadmium concentration was the lowest with the mean values of 3.52±0.00 mg/L and 2.18±0.00 mg/L respectively. The bacterial strain with highest dye decolorization capacity was screened and identified as Bacillus licheniformis ZUL012.The isolate was consequently used for the bioremediation of the wastewater over a period of 10 days. The results showed an incredible reduction in the physiochemical characteristics and heavy metal concentrations of the textile wastewater in the following ranges (8.85-6.55), (1200-300) mg/L, (2440-518) mg/L, (1660-666) mg/L and (2650-920) mg/L with the highest removal efficiency of 75 %, 78 %, 60%, 65%, recorded for biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total suspended solid, total dissolved solid, respectively while that of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, chromium and nickel were 80 %, 60 %, 67 %, 72 % reduction, respectively. Laccase and Azoreductase activities tend to decrease as the pH gradually moved towards acidic condition during the bioremediation process. Toxicity of the treated effluent was assessed using Maize and Bean seed germination test. Conclusively, these research findings can serve as a framework for the outlet design of wastewater treatment plant for local textile outlets.

This is a quantitative research based on secondary sources of data. The study examines the influence of Chief Executive Officer’s (CEO) compensation on a firm's performance. The objectives of the study were to determine if CEO compensation and firm size do significantly influence a firm’s performance. In other to elicit information to examine the relationship between the variables, the convenience sampling technique, with the combination of both the cross-sectional and time-series data (panel data) were used since they provide greater precision and guard against having an illusory sample. 10 banks quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange were sampled for easy accessibility of data. The least square regression technique was used to test the hypotheses of the study. Two hypotheses were tested using panel least square (EViews 8) and from the research work, we summarize the following results; there is a significant relationship between CEO compensation and firm performance in the Nigerian banking industry. In addition, firm size does significantly influence firm performance in the Nigerian banking industry. The study recommends that there should be proper compensation review as this will increase the productivity of the executives. Since increased pay is necessary for the efficiency of the workers, it is advised to ensure a considerable pay as this will ensure for efficiency in the organization. In addition, since the core goal of setting up any business is to make a profit, business organisations should sort out ways at maximising profit and this could include cutting down expenses such as cutting down excessive employees’ pay (CEOs pay especially) and setting apposite pay package for employees. Therefore, policymakers (board of directors) should make an effort to align CEO’s paywith the firm’s capability to pay.

Tropical regions face significant energy challenges due to climatic conditions. This study investigates the interplay between sustainable architecture and building energy regulations in mitigating these challenges. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of existing building energy regulations in promoting sustainable architecture in tropical climates and identify key architectural strategies and regulatory frameworks for optimizing energy efficiency in tropical buildings. A comparative analysis of building regulations and case studies of sustainable buildings in selected tropical regions is conducted. The findings reveal that current regulations often must be revised to address tropical climates' unique energy demands. Incorporating passive design principles, renewable energy systems, and material selection is crucial for energy efficiency. It is recommended that building energy regulations be strengthened to mandate sustainable design strategies and provide incentives to promote the adoption of energy-efficient technologies.

Background: Intrauterine device is a modern contraceptive method used in family planning process, it prevents conception (pregnancy) and it has duration of 12years. There some women of reproductive age who don’t use this method, which necessitates our concern to why they don’t use it. The aim of this study is to explore the knowledge and attitude toward utilization of IUCD as family planning method among women attending at Makambako RCH. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study was used to assess knowledge and attitude concerning use of intrauterine contraceptive device among 384 women of reproductive age. Random sampling was conducted in which every individual had an equal chance to be selected and structured self-administered questionnaire were used to collect data. Data was entered to Microsoft excel and then exported to SPSS version 20.0 for further analysis. Results: Findings of the study about 333 (86.7%) respondents had knowledge on IUD while 51 (13.3%) they lack knowledge on IUD and they agreed it helps to prevent unwanted pregnancies and they heard it from social media like radio and television, health care providers, friends and school. About 46 (12%) of the respondents had positive attitude and used IUD method of family planning, and they got influence of using IUD from health care providers, 82 (21.4%) got influence of using IUD from their partners and 27 (7.0%) influenced to use IUD due to the side effects of other family planning methods like Depo Provera and pills. 25 (5.7%) were not influenced by anyone to use IUD as family planning method. While 338 (88.0%) participants had negative attitude on IUD method and had never used IUD as family planning method. Conclusion: The findings show that IUD usage was found to be poor and majority of them they didn’t prefer it, despite of having less complications.

The plant microbiome is involved in enhancing nutrient acquisition, plant growth, stress tolerance and reduces chemical inputs. The identification of microbial functional diversity offers the chance to comprehend and engineer them for various agricultural processes. Using a shotgun metagenomics technique, this study examined the functional diversity and metabolic potentials of microbial communities in the rhizosphere soybean. 18 genera were selected out of which six are prominent in sample AB, the prominent genera are Geobacter, Nitrobacter, Burkholderia, Candidatus, Bradyrhizobium and Streptomyces. Twenty-one functional categories were present with 14 of the functions being dominant. The dominant functions include carbohydrates, fatty acids, lipids and isoprenoids, amino acids and derivatives, sulfur metabolism, and nitrogen metabolism. Kruskal- Wallis test was used to test samples’ diversity differences. There was a significant difference in the diversity with p-value of 0.04. ANOSIM was used to analyse the similarities of the samples, p-values and R-values of the samples were 0.01 and 0.5835 respectively. Phosphorus with p-value of0.718 and 64.3% contribution was more prominent among the soil properties that have influence on functional diversity of the samples. Given the functional groups reported in this study, it is clear that soil characteristics had an impact on on the functions role of the rhizospheric microbiome of soybean

Plant roots host various microorganisms around and inside their roots, known as the root microbiome. To become healthy and productive, plants should keep under surveillance niches around the roots to recognize disease-causing microbes and similarly exploit the services of beneficial microorganisms in nutrient acquisition, stress mitigation and growth promotion. Here we presented the communication strategies between plant roots and root-associated microbes in improving plant growth and yield. Understanding how plant root and root-associated microbes communicate is vital in designing ecofriendly strategies for targeted disease suppression and improved plant growth that will help in sustainable agriculture.

Revolutionizing Lng Plant Construction and its Comprehensive Comparative Analysis And Evaluation Of Modular Design Development Versus Stick-Built Approach For Enhanced Efficiency And Cost-Effectiveness,.Although the utilization of modularization concepts in the LNG industry remains limited, this study focuses on exploring their potential. It is worth noting that modular units typically incur higher costs compared to field erected units due to the additional requirements of structural steel and robustness for transportation purposes.Nevertheless, the increased cost of modularization can often be balanced by conducting the work at the fabrication site instead of on-field construction. This approach reduces the overall project cost by minimizing field construction expenses and shortening the construction schedule. The objective of this paper is to assess and compare LNG modularization options for a newly established LNG facility in comparison to a conventional stick-built plant used as the base case.:The paper delves into various topics related to LNG plant construction, such as the development of modular units, a comprehensive comparison of different options, evaluation of construction schedules and manpower requirements, logistics considerations, and a recommended approach for design and construction. The cost estimates and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) schedules are meticulously compared for each option. Additionally, an inshore/near shore gravity base structure (GBS) option is included for further comparison. It is crucial to emphasize that establishing general costs is not possible as each project is distinct and requires individual study and analysis.:Each project has unique characteristics, resulting in varying shapes of cost curves and break-even points. The outcomes of the feasibility evaluation play a crucial role in determining the extent to which the modular approach to construction is advantageous for the specific project at hand. The evaluation takes into consideration multiple factors to determine the potential benefits of adopting a modular construction approach, allowing decision-makers to make informed choices regarding the project's construction methodology

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a significant cause of illness in adults, especially older adults and those with underlying conditions. This study aimed to assess the incidence of RSV hospitalizations in adults and identify risk factors for hospitalization and poor outcomes. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from two hospitals in southern Israel from 2016-2022. We calculated incidence rates of RSV and influenza hospitalizations. Risk factors for hospitalization were analyzed using Poisson regression. We evaluated poor outcomes (death, ICU admission, or mechanical ventilation) among RSV-hospitalized patients. Results: The median annual incidence of RSV hospitalization was 28.2/100,000 population, increasing with age to 199/100,000 in those ≥75 years. Significant risk factors for RSV hospitalization included pulmonary diseases (RR 4.2, 95% CI 3.4-5.2), cardiovascular diseases (RR 3.3, 95% CI 2.6-4.2), and chronic renal failure (RR 2.9, 95% CI 2.3-3.7). Among hospitalized RSV patients, 13.9% had poor outcomes. Renal failure (RR 1.81, 95% CI 1.23-2.66), neutropenia (RR 2.53, 95% CI 1.19-5.35), neutrophilia (RR 1.66, 95% CI 1.81-2.34), and lymphopenia (RR 2.03, 95% CI 1.37-3.0) were associated with poor outcomes. Conclusions: RSV causes a substantial burden of hospitalizations in adults, particularly among older adults and those with comorbidities. Identifying high-risk groups can help target prevention and treatment strategies, including vaccination.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to wreak havoc threatening the public health services and imposing economic collapse worldwide. Tailoring public health responses to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic depends on understanding the mechanism of viral replication, disease pathogenesis, and accurately identifying acute infections and mapping the spreading risk of hotspots across the globe. However, effective identification and isolation of persons with asymptomatic and mild SARS-CoV-2 infections remain the major obstacles to efforts in controlling the SARS-CoV-2 spread and hence the pandemic. Understanding the mechanism of persistent viral shedding, reinfection, and the post-acute sequalae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) is crucial in our efforts to combat the pandemic and provide better care and rehabilitation to survivors. Here we present a living literature review on SARS-CoV-2 viral persistence, reinfection and PASC. We also highlight potential areas of research to uncover putative links between viral persistence, intra-host evolution, host immune status, and protective immunity to guide and direct future basic science and clinical research priorities.

This paper presents a novel approach to predicting shot accuracy in badminton by analyzing Quiet Eye (QE) metrics such as QE duration, fixation points, and gaze dynamics. We develop a neural network model that combines visual data from eye-tracking devices with biomechanical data such as body posture and shuttlecock trajectory. Our model is designed to predict shot accuracy, providing insights into the role of QE in performance. The study involved 30 badminton players of varying skill levels from the Singapore Swimming Club. Using a combination of eye-tracking technology and motion capture systems, we collected data on QE metrics and biomechanical factors during a series of badminton shots. Key results include: 1. The neural network model achieved 85% accuracy in predicting shot outcomes, demonstrating the potential of integrating QE metrics with biomechanical data. 2. QE duration and onset were identified as the most significant predictors of shot accuracy, followed by racket speed and wrist angle at impact. 3. Elite players exhibited significantly longer QE durations (M = 289.5 ms) compared to intermediate (M = 213.7 ms) and novice players (M = 168.3 ms). 4. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.72) was found between QE duration and shot accuracy across all skill levels. These findings have important implications for badminton training and performance evaluation. The study suggests that QE-based training programs could significantly enhance players' shot accuracy. Furthermore, the predictive model developed in this study offers a framework for real-time performance analysis and personalized training regimens in badminton. By bridging cognitive neuroscience and sports performance through advanced data analytics, this research paves the way for more sophisticated, individualized training approaches in badminton and potentially other fast-paced sports. Future research directions include exploring the temporal dynamics of QE during matches and developing real-time feedback systems based on QE metrics.

The global centenarian population is expected to reach 3 million by 2050, yet little is known about the health status of centenarians in Sub-Saharan Africa. A case study examined the health conditions and functionality of nine Ethiopian centenarians. In-depth interviews revealed that all nine were Orthodox-Christians and lived with extended family; eight were male. Aside from minor health complaints, centenarians in rural Ethiopia perceived that their sensory/cognitive functionality was normal until their late 90s. Despite a lack of medical care, the centenarians included 2 survivors, 4 delayers, and 3 escapers. Centenarians in rural Ethiopia were embedded in closely-knit, religious, multigenerational households and communities and aspired to live resiliently. Findings call for consideration of the unique health status of centenarians in Global South nations in their own cultural context.

Polyamines are nitrogen-rich polycationic ubiquitous bioactive molecules with diverse evolutionary-conserved functions. Their activity interferes with numerous genes' expression resulting in cell proliferation and signaling modulation. The intracellular levels of polyamines are precisely controlled by evolutionary-conserved machinery. Their transient synthesis is induced by heat stress, radiation, and other traumatic stimuli in a process termed the polyamine stress response (PSR). Notably, polyamine levels decline gradually with age; and external supplementation improves lifespan in model organisms. This corresponds to cytoprotective and reactive oxygen species scavenging properties of polyamines. Paradoxically, age-associated neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by an upsurge in polyamine levels, indicating polyamine pleiotropic, adaptive, and pathogenic roles. Specifically, arginase overactivation and arginine brain deprivation have been shown to play an important role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis. Here, we assert that a universal short-term PSR associated with acute stimuli is beneficial for survival. However, it becomes detrimental and maladaptive following chronic noxious stimuli, especially in an aging organism. Furthermore, we regard cellular senescence as an adaptive response to stress and suggest that PSR plays a central role in age-related neurodegenerative diseases' pathogenesis. Our perspective on AD proposes an inclusive reassessment of the causal relationships between the classical hallmarks and clinical manifestation. Consequently, we offer a novel treatment strategy predicated upon this view and suggest fine-tuning of arginase activity with natural inhibitors to preclude or halt the development of AD-related dementia.

This research delves into the evolution of architectural styles throughout the 20th century, examining the transition from traditional to modern architecture. The study aims to identify the key factors influencing this transformation and analyze the impact of modernist principles on architectural design and practice. Employing a historical and analytical methodology, the research investigates the works of influential architects and the role of technological advancements. Key findings reveal that a confluence of cultural, technological, and socioeconomic forces drove the shift towards modernism, which focused on functionality, form, and innovation. The research concludes that the modernist movement fundamentally reshaped the built environment, leaving a lasting legacy on contemporary architectural discourse. It is recommended that future studies explore the long-term implications of modernism on urban planning and sustainability, as well as the potential for a synthesis between traditional and contemporary architectural approaches.

The construction industry is a cornerstone of Nigeria's economic growth, yet it faces significant hurdles, particularly from governmental constraints. This research aims to (1) identify the primary governmental constraints impacting the Nigerian construction sector and (2) evaluate the effectiveness of existing government interventions in addressing these challenges. Employing a comprehensive literature review, this study analyzes regulatory frameworks, bureaucratic processes, corruption, political instability, and infrastructure deficiencies. It also examines the consequences of these constraints on project costs, timelines, and quality. Key findings reveal that bureaucratic red tape and corruption are the most pervasive constraints, significantly hindering project execution. Consistent government policies and adequate infrastructure also contribute to project delays and cost escalation. To enhance the construction sector's performance, it is imperative to (1) streamline bureaucratic procedures and strengthen anti-corruption measures and (2) develop and implement consistent, long-term sector-specific policies. By addressing these recommendations, the government can create a more favorable environment for construction businesses, stimulate investment, and accelerate Nigeria's overall development.

Productivity levels of architecture students have been ascertained via research to relate strongly to the quality of studio culture in architecture studios. Students' comfort is significantly influenced by the quality of daylight within architecture studios, as demonstrated by research findings. The comfort level in architecture studios is also known to influence the productivity of architecture students significantly. Building on separate research findings that have proven the individual impact of daylighting and studio culture on the performance of architecture students, this research aims to explore the potential connection between daylighting and studio culture. At the commencement of this research, data collection was via a qualitative approach in the form of interviews. At a later stage, we administered structured questionnaires for a quantitative analysis. From observations, many students would instead not work in their studios but elsewhere – at the expense of cultivating a good studio culture. Hence, this research is pertinent in that it would discover the reason(s) behind this trend among architecture students in the sample universities and the contribution of daylighting to studio culture in these universities. The outcome of this research would provide a knowledge base to further improve the design of architecture studios in Nigerian universities.

Biodiversity loss poses a significant threat to ecosystems and human well-being globally, with Nigeria no exception. This article delves into the architectural implications of biodiversity loss in Nigeria, exploring the multifaceted factors contributing to this phenomenon and its ramifications for architectural practice. The discussion encompasses the adverse impacts of deforestation, pollution, and climate change on Nigeria's rich biodiversity and the challenges and opportunities they present for architects. Through examining case studies and examples, the article highlights innovative architectural projects that address biodiversity loss while promoting sustainable design principles. Moreover, it elucidates the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between architects, biologists, and policymakers in developing effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. Ultimately, this article underscores the urgent need for architects to integrate biodiversity conservation into their practices and advocates for policy interventions that prioritise the preservation of Nigeria's natural heritage.

Background: Anaemia in pregnancy have been a cause of serious concern and burden as it contributes significantly to high maternal mortality worldwide. This study aims to explore how big the burden of anaemia in pregnant women is, how it can be reduced during antenatal clinic in order to minimize risks and complications of anaemia among pregnant women. Method: An analytical cross-sectional study design used, involved 560 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at three regional referral hospitals in Dar es Salaam region, Tanzania, from January to June 2022. Those willing to participate and met inclusion criteria were included in the study. Data was collected by interview through a structured questionnaire. Analysis of data was done using SPSS v25.0, (p<0.001) considered statistical significant. Results: A total of 560 pregnant women were interviewed. The prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy is high about 70.9% whereby 61.2% participants had mild anaemia, 33.2% participants had moderate anaemia and 25.6% participants had severe anaemia. Significant associations were found between age, education level, marital status, Less ANC attendance (<3 visit), lack of health insurance and lack of employment among pregnant women. Conclusion: Prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy women is still high and its predictors highly affect its control. Hence the ministry of health in collaboration with other stakeholders should develop policies, educating community on the importance of antenatal visit for early detection and treatment of anaemia and impacting knowledge to medical personnel in management of anaemia in pregnancy and associated complications in order to decrease maternal mortality rate.

Spina bifida, a congenital neural tube defect, presents a complex set of challenges, particularly in motor function, for individuals across the lifespan. The condition is characterized by incomplete closure of the spinal column during embryonic development, leading to a spectrum of motor impairments such as gait abnormalities, muscle weakness, and compromised functional mobility. The prevalence of spina bifida remains a global concern, affecting approximately 1 in 1000 live births. This research investigates the potential impact of virtual reality (VR) rehabilitation on motor function in individuals with spina bifida in Tanzania. A randomized controlled trial involving 120 participants is designed, with one group undergoing traditional rehabilitation and another engaging in a six-week VR rehabilitation program. Motor function assessments, including gait analysis, muscle strength measurements, and functional mobility tests, were conducted at baseline, midpoint, and post-intervention. Preliminary analysis suggests that VR rehabilitation may offer unique benefits, leading to improvements in motor function. The study aims to contribute valuable insights into the efficacy of VR-based interventions for enhancing the motor capabilities of individuals with spina bifida, providing a foundation for future rehabilitation strategies in this population.

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) is the network of the resource-constrained network which forms the foundation of the Internet of Things (IoT). The Routing Protocol for Low-power and Lossy Networks (RPL) is responsible for generating and managing data routing paths. Nodes implementing RPL uses the mechanics of Objective Function (OF) to select the preferred next-hop node – parent node, and optimal routing path to the destination node. If routing decisions are not efficiently made, this results in increased collision domain, leading to packet losses and packet retransmission which impairs the network operational lifetime. In this study, we present the Contiki Operating System (OS), a state-of-the-art OS for IoTs, ContikiRPL; Contiki variant of RPL. We investigated the performance of RPL with respect to its two OFs; Objective Function Zero (OF0) and the Minimum Rank with Hysteresis Objective Function (MRHOF). The performance of these OFs was evaluated on the following metrics; Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR), Power consumption, and network latency. The result shows that MRHOF outperformed OF0 on all metrics with an overall average PDR of 91.5%, a latency of 44ms, and power consumption of 1.72mW across all nodes. This results in optimal network performance with improved network operational lifetime.

Background: In the 21st century, grandparenthood is a significant phenomenon in the fields of demography, gerontology and sociology. It is mainly explored in the context of ageing, as it is poised to become one of the most significant demographic phenomena and social issues in contemporary South Africa. Therefore, this study examined the determinants associated with grandparents who are parenting as caregivers and the health challenges they are exposed to as a caregiver. Methods: The National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) Wave 5 dataset was utilized, and a total of 302 476 grandparents aged 25 years and older, who reported to be primary caregivers of double orphans, were included in the analysis. Both bivariate and multivariate binary logistics regression were performed to determine the predictors of the determinants of grandparents parenting as a caregiver and their health challenges in South Africa. Estimated odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used, and the threshold for statistical significance was established at ρ< 0.05. Results: A majority of the male and female grandparent caregivers are aged 24-34 years, were black Africans (69.8%), had secondary education (46.9%), reported health challenges (HC) (59.7%), with 26.4% reporting headaches in the last 30 days. Logistic regression revealed that grandparent caregivers aged 55-64 years were 8.9 times more likely to report health challenges as compared to those aged 25-34 years. Non-black African grandparent caregivers were found to be 0.61 times less likely to be report health challenges, compared to Black African grandparent caregivers. Those with perceived poor health status were 3.3 times more likely to report health challenges, compared to those with excellent perceived health status. Conclusion: Therefore, there is an urgent need to redesign health interventions to address these health burdens among grandparent caregivers and to take cognizance of providing economic and social support for these vulnerable populations.

Determining genetic and non-genetic sources of variation in a breed is vital for the formulation of strategies for its conservation and improvement. The present study was aimed at estimating the (co)variance components and genetic parameters of Mecheri sheep by fitting six different animal models in the restricted maximum likelihood method, with a preliminary investigation on the performance of animals for non-genetic sources of variation. A total of 2616 lambs were studied, and varying levels of significance were found for the effect of period, season, parity of dam and birth type on different body weight traits. Direct heritability estimates derived from the best animal model for body weight at birth, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months were 0.21, 0.24, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.09, respectively, and maternal heritabilities of the corresponding traits were 0.12, 0.05, 0.04, 0.04 and 0.04, respectively. The genetic correlations between body weight traits were all positive and moderate to strong except for birth weight with the other body weight traits. The significance of non-genetic factors studied in this work demanded a correction to improve the accuracy of the direct selection of lambs for body weight traits. The estimated genetic parameters identified the weaning weight as a selection criterion for the improvement in body weight of Mecheri lambs at different ages. Inbred individuals accounted for approximately 13% of the total population in the Mecheri sheep population studied. There were 877 founders in the population, and the actual effective size of the population was 128.48. The population's mean generation interval was 3.26. The mean inbreeding values ranged from 0.005 to 0.010 across generations. The population's average relatedness ranged from 0.001 to 0.014 across generations. Individual inbreeding was found to be 0.45 per cent for the entire population and 3.4 per cent for the inbred population.

The passenger prediction flow is very significant to transportation sustainability. This is due to some chaos of traffic jams encountered by the road users during their movement to the offices, schools, or markets at earlier of the days and during closing periods. This problem is peculiar to the transportation system of the Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria. However, the prevailing technique of passenger flow estimation is non-parametric which depends on the fixed planning and is easily affected by noise. In this research, we proposed the development of a hybrid intelligent passenger frequency prediction model using the Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) linear model, Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), and Kalman Filter Algorithm (KFA). The passengers’ frequency of arrival at the bus terminals is obtained and enumerated through the closed-circuit television (CCTV) and demonstrated using the Markovian Queueing Systems Model (MQSM). The ARIMA model was used for learning and prediction and compared the result with the combined techniques of using CNN-KFA. The autocorrelation coefficient functions (ACF) and partial autocorrelation coefficient functions (PACF) are used to examine the stationary data with different features. The performance of the models was analyzed and evaluated in describing the short-term passenger flow frequency at each terminal using the Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) and Mean Squared Error (MSE) values. The CNN-Kalman-filter model was fitted into the short-term series and the MAPE values are below 10%. The Mean Square Error (MSE) shows that the CNN-Kalman Filter model has the overall best performance with 83.33% of the time better than the ARIMA model and provides high accuracy in forecasting.

This paper presents some results from a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of a multi-megawatt crosswind kite spinning on a circular path in a straight downwind configuration. The unsteady Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations closed by the k−ω SST turbulence model are solved in the three-dimensional space using ANSYS Fluent. The flow behaviour is examined at the rotation plane, and the overall (or global) induction factor is obtained by getting the weighted average of induction factors on multiple annuli over the swept area. The wake flow behaviour is also discussed in some details using velocity and pressure contour plots. In addition to the CFD model, an analytical model for calculating the average flow velocity and radii of the annular wake downstream of the kite is developed. The model is formulated based on the widely-used Jensen’s model (Technical Report Risø-M; No. 2411, 1983), which was developed for conventional wind turbines, and thus has a simple form. Expressions for the dimensionless wake flow velocity and wake radii are obtained by assuming self-similarity of flow velocity and linear wake expansion. Comparisons are made between numerical results from the analytical model and those from the CFD simulation. The level of agreement was found to be reasonably good. Such computational and analytical models are indispensable for kite farm layout design and optimization, where aerodynamic interactions between kites should be considered.

While several studies have examined the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on smallholder rural farmers and possible efforts to scale up their livelihood and food security, the role of consumers’ buying orientation in addressing farmers’ vulnerability in the post-pandemic era has not been explored. The paper, therefore, aims to propose and conceptualize humane buying orientation, and further explore its role in attenuating smallholder rural farmers’ vulnerability in the new normal. The qualitative design approach has been employed in two different studies. Collected data were analyzed using the SPSS 23.0 and following the interpretative phenomenological analysis. Findings validate humane buying as an altruistic orientation that will contribute to lessening the vulnerability of smallholder rural farmers in the post-pandemic era. It also shows that an enlarged-stakeholders’ (government, international agencies, corporate bodies, institutions, privileged individuals/consumers, religious organizations, etc.) effort that is rooted in morality and empathy, is required to successfully tackle the vulnerability of smallholder rural farmers, especially in developing countries such as Nigeria. The study is the first to propose, conceptualize and validate humane buying as a post-Covid-19 orientation that is capable of attenuating the vulnerability of smallholder rural farmers which has been worsened by the pandemic. The paper contributes to the understanding of emerging strategic actions required for the attainment of the United Nation’s sustainable development goals - ending poverty and hunger by 2030, and how consumers can play a key role.

Plants support numerous microorganisms within their tissues and the rhizosphere, and these microorganisms, known as the microbiota, can influence plant growth and health. Up to 40% of a plant's photosynthetic metabolism may be invested in the rhizosphere. The microbiota is considered an extra genome that can be modulated to meet plant needs. Researchers have identified a set of genes from these microorganisms, known as the microbiome, which can be manipulated to enhance plant growth and health, improve nutrient absorption, reduce the need for chemical fertilizers, increase resistance to pathogens and pests, and increase stress tolerance. In particular, fungi exhibit large genetic and metabolic diversity and are often used to promote plant growth. For example, the fungus Purpureocillum lilacinum has been employed primarily as a biocontrol agent to manage nematodes, but some studies have suggested that it may also promote plant growth by increasing the efficiency of the plant to absorb nutrients from the soil and provide phytohormones to plants. Therefore, the current review aims to summarize the existing literature on the use of this fungus in agriculture as nematodes control and discuss its potential as a plant growth promoter.

As the demand for fossil fuels continues to rise and their availability becomes increasingly limited, it is crucial to explore innovative approaches to optimize fuel combustion in existing systems. Among various engines, diesel engines are heavily reliant on fluid motion within the engine cylinder, which plays a critical role in fuel-air mixing. This abstract focuses on the potential of dynamic mathematical model simulation for multi-compartment rotor compressed combustion engines, aiming to revolutionize power generation by enhancing fuel burning efficiency. By leveraging advanced simulation techniques, this research seeks to unlock new insights into fluid dynamics and optimize fuel-air mixing, leading to more efficient and sustainable energy utilization. Through this exploration, we aim to pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in the field of combustion engines, ultimately contributing to a greener and more sustainable future. In the realm of internal combustion engines, the fluid dynamics within the engine cylinder greatly influence the combustion processes and heat transfer. For compression ignition (C.I) engines, both the bulk gas motion and turbulence characteristics play vital roles in engine performance. This study focuses on enhancing the combustibility of the fuel-air mixture in C.I engines by modifying the engine design to induce turbulence through squish and tumble flows. The modification involves creating multiple compartments on the rotor crown, comprising three small chambers spaced 120º apart. By implementing this design, the aim is to optimize the fuel-air mixing and improve the overall combustion efficiency. Through comprehensive analysis and experimentation, we seek to revolutionize C.I engine technology and pave the way for more efficient and environmentally-friendly power generation. In this study, the performance of a compression ignition (C.I) engine with a multiple compartment rotor has been analyzed under motoring conditions using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations with FLUENT software. The obtained results have been compared with those of a base C.I engine. The analysis focused on the effects of the modified engine design on the tumble ratio and squish velocity, which are important parameters for fuel-air mixing and combustion efficiency. The results indicated a significant improvement with the modified engine, with a 35% increase in tumble ratio and a 31% increase in squish velocity compared to the base engine. These findings suggest that the modified engine design has the potential to enhance fuel-air mixing and combustion performance, leading to improved overall engine efficiency. This research presents promising insights into the optimization of C.I engine design and contributes to the development of more efficient and environmentally-friendly power generation technologies..

The understanding of weather and climate extremes provides academics, decision makers, international development agencies, nongovernmental organizations and civil society the necessary information for monitoring and giving early warning to prevent or minimize the risks associated with weather related hazards. Different researches were carried out to provide vital information that will further enhance the assessment of vulnerability and its impacts. Lack of proper understanding of weather and climate extremes was realized to be responsible for the huge and devastating losses that could have being averted or minimized over the past decades. Different countries and institutions have put in place a number of ways to increase sensitization and awareness of weather extremes. This became necessary in order to reduce the losses associated with these extremes both on local and regional scales.

Integrated photovoltaic-fuel cell (IPVFC) systems, amongst other integrated energy generation methodologies are renewable and clean energy technologies that have received diverse research and development attentions over the last few decades due to their potential applications in a hydrogen economy. This article systematically updates the state-of-the-art of IPVFC systems and provides critical insights into the research and development gaps needed to be filled/addressed to advance these systems towards full commercialisation. The design methodologies, renewable energy-based microgrid and off-grid applications, energy management strategies, optimisations and the prospects as self-sustaining power source were covered. IPVFC systems could play an important role in the upcoming hydrogen economy since they depend on solar hydrogen which has almost zero emissions during operation. Highlighted herein are the progresses as well as the technical challenges requiring research efforts to solve to realise numerous potential applications of IPVFC systems such as in unmanned aerial vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, agricultural applications, telecommunications, desalination, synthesis of ammonia, boats, buildings, and distributed microgrid applications.

We conducted a comparative study on the development of two synthetic methods. The solvent-free synthesis is a green chemistry method developed in a bid to ameliorate environmental adverse effects of the conventional solvent-based synthesis. The synthesis of novel dichloro and polymethoxy p-nitrophenylhydrazones through solvent free technique gave moderate to high yields which were however lower than those of the solvent-based method. The established solvent-free approach has several benefits, including universality and simplicity of the approach, catalyst-free conditions, non-use of an organic solvent, quick reaction time, fast and efficient workup, and un-solvated pure products in moderate to high yields.

In developing nations, such as Ekiti State, Nigeria, the use of remote sensing data, especially satellite and UAV imagery, remains significantly underutilized in land administration. This limits the potential of multi-resolution imagery in land governance and socio-economic development. This study examines factors influencing UAV adoption for land administration in Nigeria, mapping six distinct rural, peri-urban, and urban sites, and creating orthomosaics with resolutions ranging from 2.2cm to 3.39cm. Boundaries were manually delineated from multi-resolution orthomosaics to acquire coordinates, and parcel areas were calculated. Using 0.05m UAV imagery as the reference, the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) was computed to evaluate 0.1, 0.5, and 1m orthomosaics' accuracy for boundary delineation across the six geographical contexts. The Normalized Parcel Area Error (NPAE) was also calculated to determine how the multi-resolution imageries affected the property areas. Results showed a consistent increase in error with increasing resolution (0.1m to 1m) in formal areas (Igedora, Maryland, Okebola) with physical demarcations, from 0.117m to 1.747m RMSE. In contrast, informal settlements exhibited inconsistent error values, indicating a differing impact of resolution on error between formal and informal areas. The research demonstrates the role of physical demarcations in facilitating cadastral mapping, with formal settlements demonstrating the highest suitability. This study recommends the use of imagery resolution specific to each context, offering guidance for improved land governance. Implications and recommendations include promoting awareness of settlement typologies in aerial imagery use for cadastral mapping, leveraging UAVs for high-resolution aerial imagery, and addressing regulatory challenges to promote UAV adoption. Finally, the RMSE and NPAE values can serve as metrics for assessing different resolution images’ fitness for cadastral mapping.

S6K1 (ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1) is a critical serine/threonine kinase involved in the regulation of various cellular processes, including protein synthesis, gene expression, and metabolic homeostasis. The structural complexity of S6K1, with its multiple isoforms and unique kinase domain, allows for diverse functionality across different cellular contexts. In this review, we report the intricate structure of S6K1, highlighting the significance of its kinase domain. Additionally, we explored the tissue-specific expression and subcellular localization of S6K1 isoforms, emphasizing their distinct roles in cellular processes. The regulation of S6K1 extends beyond transcriptional control, with post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation and acetylation playing crucial roles in its activity and stability. The physiological implications of S6K1 are vast, influencing processes from cell growth and protein synthesis to immune responses and muscle hypertrophy. However, dysregulation of S6K1 is implicated in numerous pathological conditions, including cancer Studies reveal that altered S6K1 activity, particularly in its phosphorylation state, can lead to reduced neuronal viability, contributing to the progression of diseases such as Parkinson's. This manuscript synthesizes current knowledge on S6K1, offering insights into its multifaceted roles and highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in various disease contexts.

Purpose: To simplify the application of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for examination of subsurface morphology in the oral cavity and reduce barriers towards adoption of OCT as a biopsy guidance device. The aim of this work was to develop automated software tools for simplified analysis of the large volume of data collected during OCT. Methods: Imaging and corresponding histopathology were acquired in-clinic using a wide-field endoscopic OCT system. An annotated dataset (n = 294 images) from 60 patients (34 male, 26 female) was assembled to train four unique neural networks. A deep learning pipeline was built using convolutional and modified u-net models to detect the imaging field of view (network 1), detect artifacts (network 2), identify the tissue surface (network 3), and identify the presence and location of the basement membrane (network 4). Results: The area under the curve of the image and artifact detection networks was 1.00 and 0.94 respectively. The Dice similarity score for the surface and basement membrane segmentation networks was 0.98 and 0.83 respectively. Conclusion: Deep Learning (DL) techniques can identify the location and variations in the epithelial surface and basement membrane in OCT images of the oral mucosa. Segmentation results can be synthesized into accessible en face maps to allow easier visualization of changes.

In this study, we attempted to verify the hypothesis that total metals bound to dust of different particle sizes may reflect pollution levels, but cannot predict its bioavailability and risks in human health assessments. Dust samples were collected using active sampling method; during the dry season months of November, 2014 to March, 2015 at different locations in Akure (7˚10ʹN and 5˚15ʹE). The samples were sorted into different particle sizes (< 10µm, 10 – 50 µm, >50µm), analyzed for some physicochemical properties and assessed for metals bioavailability using two-step physiological extraction method. The amount of metals (Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn and Mn) released in each particle sizes were determined using Perkin-Elmer 6000 Inductively Coupled Plasma - Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES) analysis. The results showed that bioavailability of some metals (Cd, Ni, Pb, and Zn) decreases with increasing particle sizes, however, the reverse trend was observed for Mn, Cu and Fe concentrations. This may be attributed to some combination of physicochemical characteristics of the dust and metal speciation. Hence, it was concluded that metal bioaccessibility in dust can best be described by the knowledge of physicochemical characteristics. The exposure dose of the metals showed that cancer risks due to inhalation were very high when compared to other exposure routes (ingestion and dermal contact). The calculated non-cancer (HQ) and cancer risk (HI) for humans in the area showed values higher than unity, indicating possibility of the metals’ body burden.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are recognized as the main drivers of economic growth and development in many countries throughout the world. SMEs represent about 90% of the manufacturing sector and contribute about 14% of the total manufacturing contribution to GDP. Despite SMEs’ potential to change Nigeria’s status from a consumer economy to a production economy, policies that will ensure that environmentally- friendly manufacturing processes and production technology are not implemented or complied with. SMEs’ operational activities may be deleterious to human health and the ecosystem if environmental management practices are not adopted or prioritized. This paper evaluated the perception and adoption of the Environmental Management System, mainly ISO 14001, by SMEs in Nigeria. One hundred and fifty (150) SMEs in the manufacturing sector in Lagos and Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria, were randomly selected for this study. The paper posits that environmental management literacy and advocacy should be carried out in SMEs. Environmental management practices involve engaging both industries and product end-users in sustainable practices. The paper concludes that the implementation of environmental management practices and culture by SMEs will abate environmental pollution and its concomitant health risks to humans, the environment, flora, and fauna. Mandatory and voluntary environmental measures are suggested as a means of engendering eco-friendly innovation for sustainable development, triggering employment, job security, and gross domestic product.

This study identified high-risk locations (hotspots), using geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial analysis. Five years of accident data (2013-2017) for the Lokoja-Abuja-Kaduna highway in Nigeria were used. Accident concentration analysis was carried out using the mean center analysis and Kernel density estimation method. These locations were further verified using Moran’s I Statistics (Spatial Autocorrelation) to determine their clustering with statistical significance. Fishnet polygon and Network spatial weight matrix approaches of Getis-Ord Gi* statistic for hotspot analysis were used for the hotspot analysis. Hotspots exist for 2013, 2014, and 2017 with a significance level between 95% - 99%. However, no hotspots exist for 2014 and 2015 since the pattern is random. The spatial autocorrelation analysis of the overall accident locations with a z-score = 0.0575, p-value = 0.9542, and Moran's I statistic = -0.0089 showed that the distribution of accidents on the study route is random. Thus, preventive measures for hotspot locations should be based on a yearly hotspot analysis. The average daily traffic values of 31,270 and 16,303 were obtained for the Northbound and Southbound directions of the Abaji-Abuja section. The results show that hotspot locations with high confidence levels are at points where there are geometric features.

The presence of high concentrations of flammable gases and volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere has been widely reported to be detrimental to human survival. A lot of research effort has been put towards finding an efficient means of quick detection of these gases below their ‘immediately dangerous to life or health’ concentrations. Detecting these gases in an oxygen-deficient environment is a crucial task to consider and has been overlooked. In this research, double substitution spinel with chemical formula Co1-2xNixMnxFe2-yCeyO4, where 0 ≤ x = y ≤ 0.3, were prepared via the glycol-thermal technique. The final products following the appropriate substitution are CoFe2O4 (dried naturally), CoFe2O4 (dried with Infrared lamp), Co0.8Ni0.1Mn0.1Fe1.9Ce0.1O4, Co0.6Ni0.2Mn0.2Fe1.8Ce0.2O4, and Co0.4Ni0.3Mn0.3Fe1.7Ce0.3O4 spinel ferrites. The X-ray diffractometry (XRD), High resolution transmission electron micrographs (HRTEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of the samples confirm the formation of the spinel. The gas sensing performance of this samples were tested at operating temperature of 225 ºC towards liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), ammonia, ethanol, and propanol. The Co0.8Ni0.1Mn0.1Fe1.9Ce0.1O4-based sensor was selective to LPG, with a high response of 116.43 toward 6 000 ppm of LPG when helium was used as carrier gas, 3.35 when dry-air was the carrier gas, 4.4 when nitrogen was the carrier gas, but was not sensitive when argon was used as a carrier gas.

The broad and rapid application of new genomic techniques (NGTs) such as CRISPR-Cas has led to a fast increase in the number of genetically modified crops. With the recently published EU Commission’s (EC) regulatory proposal on plants generated with NGTs (July 5, 2023) the process of admission of such genetically modified plants is aimed to get accelerated and simplified. NGT plant applications shall be categorized based on their molecular characteristics into category 1 NGT (NGT1) and category 2 NGT (NGT2), which is in divergence from the current legislation centered around Directive 2001/18/EC. In the regulatory proposal NGT2 plants are envisioned to undergo a reduced risk assessment while for NGT1 plants no risk assessment is foreseen at all. To demonstrate were the path of the proposal leads to in practice, we applied the proposed criteria for categorization to a list of NGT plant applications that are currently in the commercialization pipeline. A key finding is that out of those plant applications affected by the EC proposal, 94% would be classified as NGT1 and thus would receive a market approval without risk assessment, monitoring and sufficient labeling provisions. The remaining 6% of applications would be classified as NGT2 plants for which, in deviation from the current regulation, an adapted risk assessment is proposed. A screening of intended traits in the pipeline highlights that certain NGT1 plants can pose similar environmental risks (e.g. invasiveness) compared to other genetically modified organisms (GMOs), as defined in Directive 2001/18/EC. For example, NGT1 applications based on RNAi technology can exhibit insecticidal effects with potential side effects on non-target organisms (i.e. other insects). Our quantitative and case-specific elaboration on how the current EC regulatory proposal would affect the environment, health or consumer protection will be informative for decision makers and politicians.

Under batch experiment conditions, this work seeks to successfully remove Diclofenac-Na (DCF-Na) from an aqueous solution utilizing a composite sorbent made of Bentonite, Kaolinite clay, and Worm casting (BKW). This study investigated the structural modification of the H₃PO₄ Modified Clay by X-ray fluorescence and the effect of selected adsorption factors – DCF-Na concentration and modified BKW composite dosage. The concentration equilibrium data was used to study six isotherm models. Freundlich isotherm model better explained the adsorption of DCF-Na onto modified BKW composite with a correlation coefficient close to 1. Kinetics models were examined, and the Elovich model gave a better fit than other kinetic models studied. Mass diffusion mechanisms and thermodynamics studies were successfully carried out. The enthalpy change values evaluated were negative, which revealed the spontaneity of DCF-Na remediation onto modified BKW, and that DCF-Na adsorption is exothermic and occurred through a physisorption process.

This study investigates the utilization of Eco-Innovation practices within Nigerian industries to mitigate urban soil contamination. Soil samples were collected from various urban land uses in Ijebu Ode town, specifically mechanic workshops (MW), roadsides (RD), industrial areas (IL), and market zones (MT). Ten composite soil samples were randomly gathered from each land use at a depth of 0-30cm and subjected to analysis for heavy metal concentrations (copper Cu, iron Fe, lead Pb, zinc Zn, cadmium Cd, manganese Mn) using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. This facilitated the calculation of contamination levels and pollution load index. The findings indicate that the concentration of Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn is highest in soils from mechanic workshops, with the degree of soil contamination ranking as follows: Mechanic Workshop > Industrial land use > Roadside > Market land use. The study concludes that elevated levels of heavy metals in the sampled urban soil are closely linked to improper land use practices and other human activities. It advocates for the promotion of sustainable environmental practices through comprehensive stakeholder engagement aimed at educating the populace on the management and preservation of urban soils against harmful practices.

The impact of climate extremes on the society has been of great concern to environmental scientist and policy makers. The destructive consequence attributed to natural hazards associated with climates extremes has been estimated to billions of dollars across the globe. To carry out a robust and effective researches that help to minimize or prevent the loss, detailed datasets of the past, present and future are needed. This will help to give an accurate prediction and early warning which is necessary for the policy making.

: Optical coherence tomography is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides three-dimensional visualization of subsurface tissue structures. OCT has been proposed and explored in literature as a tool to assess oral cancer status, select biopsy sites, or identify surgical margins. Our endoscopic OCT device can generate widefield (centimeters long) imaging of lesions at any location in the oral cavity – but it is challenging for raters to quantitatively assess and score large volumes of data. Leveraging a previously developed epithelial segmentation network, this work develops quantifiable biomarkers that provide direct measurements of tissue properties in three-dimensions. We hypothesize that features related to morphology, tissue attenuation, and contrast between tissue layers will be able to provide a quantitative assessment of disease status (dysplasia through carcinoma). This work retrospectively assesses seven biomarkers on a lesion-contralateral matched OCT dataset of lateral and ventral tongue (40 patients, 70 sites). Epithelial depth and loss of epithelial-stromal boundary visualization provide the strongest discrimination between disease states. The stroma optical attenuation coefficient provides distinction of benign lesions from dysplasia and carcinoma. The stratification biomarkers visualize subsurface changes which provides potential for future utility in biopsy site selection or treatment margin delineation.

Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious and usually causes severe illness that affects Aves all over the world, including domestic poultry. Depending on the virus's virulence, it can impact the nervous, respiratory, and digestive systems and causes up to 100% mortality. The chIFITM genes are activated in response to viral infection. The current study was conducted to quantify the mRNA of chIFITM genes in vitro in response to ND viral infection. It also examined its ability to inhibit ND virus replication in Chicken Embryo Fibroblast (CEF) cells of Aseel and Kadaknath breeds. Results from the study showed that the expression of all chIFITM genes was significantly upregulated throughout the period in the infected CEF cells of both breeds compared to uninfected CEF cells. In CEF cells of the Kadaknath breed, elevated levels of expression of the chIFITM3 gene dramatically reduced the ND viral growth and the viral load was 60% lower than in CEF cells of the Aseel breed. The expression level of the chIFITMs in Kadaknath ranged from 2.39 to 11.68 log2 folds higher than that of control CEFs, and was consistently (p<0.01) higher than Aseel CEFs. Similar to this, IFN-γ gene expresses strongly quickly and peaks at 13.9 log2 fold at 48 hpi. The result suggests that the Kadaknath chicken breed may have a higher level of disease tolerance compared to the Aseel chicken.

This study assessed the perception and use of digital applications for soil fertility management and conservation strategies among small-scale crop farmers in southwest Nigeria. A total of 376 farmers were randomly selected across the six southwest states. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Logit regression. Majority of the farmers relied on perception and other non-conventional approaches such as the appearance of weeds and performance of crops in the previous season to assess soil fertility. Only 1.1% and 0.3% of the farmers assessed soil fertility through soil test and digital application respectively. Most farmers adopted bush fallowing and the use of inorganic fertilizer to improve soil fertility. Although, 4.8% of the farmers indicated that they had digital application on their mobile phones, only 2.9% reported to have used such. More than half (56.4%) of the famers stated that lack of awareness of the existence of digital application and internet enabled telephones were reasons they have not been able to use digital applications. Majority of the farmers (97.3%) indicated their willingness to embrace the use of new farm decision digital application which can provide more information especially on soil fertility if introduced. Logit model results revealed that literacy level, membership of farmers’ association and extension contact significantly increased the likelihood of willing to use soil digital application, but older farmers are less likely to use digital application.

One of the main objectives of developing new anti-cancer vaccine strategies is to effectively induce CD8+ T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity. Live recombinant vectors, notably Listeria mono-cytogenes, have been shown to elicit a robust in vivo CD8+ T cell response in preclinical settings. Significantly, it has been demonstrated that Listeria induces inflammatory/immunogenic cell death mechanisms such as pyroptosis and necroptosis in immune cells that favorably control immunological responses. Therefore, we postulated that the host's response to Listeria-based vec-tors and the subsequent induction of CD8+ T cell-mediated immunity would be compromised by the lack of regulatory or effector molecules involved in pyroptosis or necroptosis. To test our hy-pothesis, we used recombinant L. monocytogenes carrying the ovalbumin gene (LM.OVA) to vac-cinate wild-type (WT), caspase-1/11-/-, gsdmd-/-, ripk3-/-, and mlkl-/- C57Bl/6 mice. We performed an in vivo cytotoxicity assay to assess the efficacy of OVA-specific CD8+ T lymphocytes in eliminat-ing target cells in wild-type and genetically deficient backgrounds. Furthermore, we evaluated the specific anti-tumor immune response in mice inoculated with B16F0 and B16F0.OVA mela-noma cell lines. Our findings demonstrated that while caspase-1/11 and GSDMD deficiencies in-terfere with the rapid control LM.OVA infection, of the KO seems to contribute to the early acti-vation of OVA-specific CTL responses. In contrast, individual deficiency of each one of these pro-teins negatively impact the generation of long-lasting effector CD8+ T cells.

Rural areas are not only faced with the problems of rural depopulation but also with the problem of water supply and water quality which is a basic necessity of life. In light of this, this paper assesses the rural water supply situation and the bacteriological quality of different water sources in the Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. The safety of the water sources for human consumption and possible occurrence of the water borne diseases in the study area were determined. The study employed descriptive and analytical methods of data analysis to achieve the objectives of the inquiry. Findings showed that the study area suffered from inadequate water supply and poor locations of the sources of water: The study also revealed that the microbiological quality of the water sources used was unsafe, poor and not acceptable for human consumption. In addition, many man- days-hours were wasted in search of water. It is therefore recommended that the government should make the rural water supply and the maintenance of water quality a priority in its policy formulation.

Shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) is an important fruit tree crop because of its oil used for cooking and industrial manufacture of cosmetics. Despite its many benefits, quantitative trait loci linked to the economic traits have not yet been studied. In this study, we performed association mapping on a panel of 374 shea tree accessions using 7,530 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) markers for oil yield and seed related traits. Twenty three markers that were significantly (–log10 (p) = 4.87) associated to kernel oil content, kernel length; width and weight were identified. The kernel dry matter oil content and kernel width had the most significant Marker Trait Association (MTA) on chromosomes 1 and 8 respectively. Sixteen candidate genes that condition early induction of flower buds and somatic embryos, seed growth and development, substrate binding, transport, lipid biosynthesis, metabolic processes during seed germination and disease resistance and abiotic stress adaptation were identified. The presence of these genes suggest their role in promoting shea bioactive functions that condition high oil synthesis. This study provides insights into the important marker-linked seed traits with genes controlling them, useful for molecular breeding for improving oil yield in the species.

This study aimed to determine the pathogenicity of the bacteria isolated and characterized from the kpètè kpètè used to produce two fermented beers in Benin. Species were identified by specific biochemical tests such as catalase, coagulase, and API 20 E. Antibiotic sensitivity was tested according to the French Society of Microbiology Antibiogram Committee. The crystal violet microplate technique and conventional PCR evaluated biofilm production to identify genes encoding virulence and macrolide resistance. Our data shows that Kpètè Kpètè used to produce beers are contaminated by Enterobacteriaceae species (Klebsiella terrigena, Enterobacter aerogens, Providencia rettgeri, Chryseomonas luteola, Serratia rubidae, and Enterobacter cloacae) and Staphylococcus spp. These multidrug-resistant strains can produce biofilms with a strong predominance of Enterobacter aerogens, Klebsiella terrigena (100%), and Staphylococcus spp (60%). Enterobacter cloacae (4%) and Coagulase negative Staphylococcus (5.55%) harbor the macrolide resistance gene. For other strains, these genes were not detected. Foods contaminated with bacteria resistant to antibiotics and carrying a virulence gene could constitute a potential public health problem. There is a need to increase awareness campaigns on hygiene rules in preparing and selling these traditional beers.

Tamil Nadu, a state in southern India, is bereft of any native milch or dual-purpose cattle breed and the state depends chiefly on crossbred cattle for milk production. As most (90 percent) of the milk production in the state was contributed by Jersey crossbred cattle, the genetic evaluation study was intended to assess the milk production traits viz., test-day milk yields (TDMYs), total milk yield (TMY) and 305-day milk yield (305MY) in these crossbred cattle reared under farmers’ rearing environment. Data on monthly TDMYs (TDMY1 to TDMY10) of Jersey crossbred cows (n=81,653) reared by the farmers over 24 years (1999-2022) were collected for evaluation. The influence of non-genetic factors viz., location (agroclimatic zones), period and season of calving, and parity on TDMYs, TMY, and 305MY were assessed, and the variance and covariance components for genetic parameters (heritability and genetic correlation) of the traits were estimated by the method of restricted maximum likelihood (REML) under multivariate animal model and by random regression model (RRM). The overall means of various TDMYs ranged from 4.98 (TDMY10) to 9.95 kg (TDMY2) and, for TMY and 305MY the means were 2480.33 and 2393.71 kg respectively. The heritabilities estimated by animal model for TDMYs were high and ranged from 0.39 ± 0.01 to 0.47 ± 0.01 and were fairly less variable throughout the lactation while the estimates obtained by RRM were medium to high and ranged between 0.28 ± 0.01 and 0.65 ± 0.02 for different days in milk (DIMs). The heritability estimated for TMY and 305MY were 0.48 ± 0.01 and 0.49 ± 0.01 respectively. The estimates of heritability in mid-lactation yields were comparatively little less than those at the beginning and the end of lactation. The high estimates of heritabilities for TDMYs, TMY, and 305MY obtained in the present study offered an ample scope for improving milk production through selective breeding. Genetic correlations between TDMYs estimated by animal model were positive and moderate to high, with a range between 0.47 ± 0.01 and 0.99 ± 0.00. Considerably higher estimates (0.97-0.99) were observed between adjacent TDMYs showing strong genetic associations. By RRM, genetic correlations estimated between DIMs were positive, except for a few estimates and the magnitude of genetic correlation decreased with an increase in the interval between the DIMs. The high genetic correlation observed between the TDMYs in early and mid stages of lactation with TMY and 305MY suggested that these test day yields could be used favorably for the early selection of cows for milk production which facilitates reduction in the generation interval and consequently increase the annual genetic gain for the milk production traits.

The objective of this study was to investigate the transcriptomic profiling of differentially ex-pressed genes between a commercial layer breed and an indigenous Indian breed. RNA was ex-tracted from NDV-infected and uninfected embryo lung tissue samples of Aseel, Kadaknath, and White Leghorn chickens. RNA-Seq was performed, and reads were aligned to the chicken refer-ence genome (Galgal7). A total of 594 genes were significantly differentially expressed, with 264 upregulated and 330 downregulated in infected embryos. Highly overexpressed genes in infect-ed conditions included C8A, FGG, PIT54, FETUB, APOC3, FGA, SPIA1, AvBD13, APOH, AMBP, TTR, PLA2G12B. Additionally, 29 novel transcripts and 20 lncRNAs were upregulated. White Leghorn embryos showed distinct expression patterns for CAV1 and GATA3, while Kadaknath healthy embryos had higher levels of CYTB, HBBA, ND4, ND4L, and ND5, indicating breed uniqueness. The analysis revealed significant gene involvement through Gene Ontology and KEGG pathways, highlighting alterations in gene expression related to immune function, me-tabolism, cell cycle, nucleic acid processes, and mitochondrial activity due to NDV infection. ALDOB, PRPS2, XDH, DCK2, and TK1 genes, which were involved in several metabolic path-ways, clearly displayed an altered expression pattern in the infected embryo. Additionally, ALB, TLR4, TLR2, TLR21, IL1R2, IL22RA2, HSP90AA, HSPB9(p60), and HSPB8 were significantly up-regulated in infected lung samples, while CXCR4, CXCL14, GATA3, IL17REL, and IL22RA1 were downregulated. Notably, higher expression of HSPs in Kadaknath suggests heat tolerance. This research provides insights into the genetic differences between commercial and local breeds and reveals the impact of NDV infection on metabolic processes, potentially identifying candidate genes for breed improvement.

Trichoderma has been widely studied for its potential as a biocontrol agent against plant pathogenic organisms. Trichoderma's biological control mechanisms include competition, modification of environmental conditions, antibiosis, induction of plant defensive mechanisms, and mycoparasitism. Trichoderma species are known to produce a variety of secondary metabolites that have antifungal activity. These metabolites include peptaibols, gliotoxin, and trichokonins. Trichoderma also produces chitinases and β-1,3-glucanases that can degrade the cell walls of fungal pathogens. In addition to direct antagonism against fungal pathogens, Trichoderma can also induce systemic or localised resistance in plants, which is achieved through the production of elicitors such as chitin oligosaccharides and β-glucans that activate plant defence responses. Trichoderma can also form mutualistic associations with plants. In these associations, Trichoderma colonises the roots of plants and promotes plant growth by increasing nutrient uptake and inducing systemic resistance. Using Trichoderma as a biocontrol agent has several advantages over conventional crop protection techniques based on applying synthetic pesticides.

Northern Nigeria has had historically low antenatal care (ANC) utilization rates with poor health outcomes. Group antenatal care (gANC) improves ANC behavior and pregnancy outcomes. The gANC has been adopted in Kaduna and Kano states, Nigeria. This paper presents baseline findings from the evaluation of the implementation of the gANC program to support scaling in real-world setting. Baseline data were collected from a cohort of 1,269 and 1,200 pregnant women enrolled in gANC at health facilities in Kaduna and Kano states respectively from March to April 2024. Analyses of socio-demographic and pregnancy behavior data were done. Participants were mostly between ages 19-31 years, married or living with a partner, with over 50% having their own businesses. Over 62% and 34% had completed secondary or higher-level education with 60% and 80% living in urban areas in Kaduna and Kano States, respectively. In Kano State, &gt;60% of the women had their last delivery at home with 41.6% not assisted by a skilled birth attendant. In Kaduna, &gt;63% delivered in the hospital and &gt;50% had skilled attendance during labor. Almost half had not used contraceptives previously. Subsequent longitudinal data will examine the impact of gANC utilization on perinatal outcomes.

The mechanization of agricultural activities has led to indiscriminate deposition of toxic xenobiotics, including organophosphates in the biomes, and this has led to intoxication characterized with deleterious oxidative and neuronal changes. This study investigated the consequences of oxidative and neurogenic disruptions that follow exposure to two organophosphates, chlorpyrifos (CPF) and dichlorvos (DDVP) on neuro-cognitive performance and anxiety-like behaviors in rats Thirty-two adult male Wistar rats (150 – 170g) were randomly divided into 4 groups, orally exposed to normal saline (NS), DDVP (8.8mg/kg), CPF (14.9mg/kg) and DDVP+CPF for 14 consecutive days. On day 10 of exposures, anxiety-like behaviors and amygdala dependent fear learning were assessed using Open Field and Elevated Plus Maze paradigms respectively, while spatial working memory was assessed on day 14 in the Morris water maze paradigm, following 3 training trials each on days 11, 12 and 13. On day 15, the rats were euthanized, and their brains excised, hippocampus and amygdala removed, 5 of which were homogenized and centrifuged to analyze nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, total reactive oxygen species (ROS), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and the other three processed for histology (cresyl violet stain) and proliferative marker (Ki67 immunohistochemistry). Marked (p≤0.05) loss in body weight, AChE depletion, and overproduction of both NO and ROS were observed after repeated exposure to individual and combined doses of CPF and DDVP. Insults from DDVP exposure appeared more severe owing to the observed greater losses in the body weights of exposed rats. There was also a significant (p≤0.05) effect on the cognitive behaviors recorded from the exposed rats, and these deficits were related to the oxidative damage and neurogenic cell loss in the hippocampus and the amygdala of the exposed rats. Taken together, these results provided an insight that oxidative and neurogenic damages are central to the severity of neuro-cognitive dysfunction and increased anxiety-like behaviors that follow organophosphate poisoning.

Substances derived from herbals are much in demand in doping practices because of their interesting biological properties for physical exercise and sport. This review aimed to investigate anti-fatigue herbals, their properties, analysis methods and toxicity. Data indicate that phytomolecules have beneficial effects on the physiological and biochemical parameters of the body undergoing exercise. They reduce fatigue and promote recovery by improving antioxidant enzyme activities, immune responses, blood pressure, body composition and by reducing the accumulation of toxic metabolites and systemic inflammation. Thus, the use of herbal could provide relief to people who exert intense physical activities such as farmers and athletes; for this, these peoples must do careful, the use of doping herbal must be done in accordance with all the previsions which take into account the need for the use of herbal supplement, the doses. In addition, these benefits attributed to herbals should not conceal the drawbacks of using them in sport.Some phytomolecules are toxic when used in large quantities, and others, in this case alkaloids, should be avoided by athletes.

This study presents a comparative analysis of indoor air quality (IAQ) across health centers in Arakale, Iju, Owode, FECA, and Oba Ile, Ondo State, Nigeria. Particle count data were analyzed to identify common trends, similarities, and differences in IAQ parameters, with the aim of informing targeted interventions for improving indoor air quality in healthcare settings. The findings reveal consistent positive skewness in particle count distributions, indicating occasional spikes in pollution levels amidst generally lower concentrations. Fine particles in the size range of PC 2.5 were consistently dominant across all locations, emphasizing their significance in IAQ assessment. Similar variability in particle count data suggests comparable levels of fluctuations in IAQ among the health centers. However, variations in PCA patterns highlight unique factors influencing IAQ in specific locations, such as combustion sources and control strategies. Targeted interventions, including enhancing ventilation systems, controlling indoor pollution sources, and promoting smoking cessation programs, are proposed to mitigate health risks associated with indoor air pollution exposure. Ongoing monitoring and collaboration with environmental experts are crucial for assessing IAQ trends and implementing evidence-based interventions to safeguard the health of patients, staff, and visitors in healthcare facilities.

With increasing fatalities, the COVID-19 pandemic constitutes a formidable global health challenge. The causative agent, SARS-CoV-2 constantly tests the efficacy of the immune system of its victims. The protective ability of the innate immune system as the first responder largely determines the progression of disease and its clinical prognosis. Evidence suggests that mortalities associated with COVID-19 are largely due to hyperinflammation and a dysregulated immune response. Consequently, the degree of the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL1, IL-6, and TNF alpha remarkably distinguishes between mild and severe cases of COVID-19. The early prediction of a cytokine storm is made possible by several serum chemistry and hematological markers. The prompt use of these markers for laboratory tests, and the aggressive prevention and management of a cytokine release syndrome is critical in determining the level of morbidity and fatality associated with COVID-19. With respect to the SARS-CoV-2 and the host cell, this literature review focuses on the dynamics of the COVID-19 disease highlighting on the pathogenesis, and the markers of Cytokine Storm. It also proffers solutions by critically looking at the current and potential pharmacological agents that are or can be used to mitigate and manage cytokine storms.

Credit card payment platforms are increasingly used for e-commerce activities. Credit cards are payment cards issued to individuals so they can purchase products and services based on their accumulated debt. Since credit cards are becoming very popular and widely used, the number of related fraud cases is likewise increasing. Whereas, there are large numbers of credit card transactions daily; thus, it becomes complex to differentiate between fraudulent and non-fraudulent transactions. Accordingly, different machine learning (ML) tools have been deployed in the literature to filter credit card transactions to prevent cardholders and financial institutions from losing money. In this article, the ensemble hidden Markov model (EHMM) approach is deployed to predict credit card fraud. EHMM is a popular and flexible ML tool that can easily model randomly changing datasets. Yet, the performance of the EHMM solely depends on the adopted feature extraction technique. The more reliable the feature extraction technique, the better the performance of the EHMM. In this vein, this article analyses two feature extraction techniques that can be combined with the EHMM for the prediction of credit card fraud. First, the principal component analysis (PCA) feature extraction techniques are combined with the EHMM to effectively predict credit card fraud. Yet, the PCA increases the computational time complexity of the EHMM. Therefore, this article adapts some statistical features to reduce the computational time complexity imposed on the EHMM. These robust but simple statistical features termed MRE; Mean, Relative Amplitude, and Entropy, are merged to form a feature vector that can be combined with the EHMM to effectively predict credit card frauds. The performance of the PCA-EHMM and MRE-EHMM are evaluated using the credit card transactions dataset of European cardholders gathered within two days in September 2013. The results were documented using different performance metrics such as recall/sensitivity, specificity, precision, and F1-score. The findings of this article will offer solutions to the loss experienced by cardholders and financial institutions as a result of online banking which requires credit card details.

(1)Background: Fascioliasis is considered a neglected tropical disease affecting an estimated 17 million people in more than 70 countries worldwide. The highest prevalence of human fascioliasis is found in regions where livestock farming and consumption of raw or undercooked freshwater plants are common, such as parts of Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. It is responsible for over 90,000 disability-adjusted years of life due to associated abdominal complications. We conducted a study to investigate the prevalence of human fascioliasis through a systematic review and meta-analysis of all available literature in Sun-Saharan Africa.(2). Methods: We screened a total of 126 publications using pubmed online search engine databases; Web of Science and CAB for articles published within a 20-year period between 2000 and 2022. We used a comprehensive search method using a combination of terms, parasite and disease names. The initial search resulted in a screening of articles by title, abstracts and full texts. The relevant information on the prevalence of human fascioliasis in Africa was extracted. Of the 126 publications, 33 articles were selected for meta-analysis. The essential information required was extracted from these documents and determined through statistical analysis in Microsoft Excel for calculating the prevalence of human fascioliasis in sub-Saharan Africa. The variance of each study was assessed using a bimodal distribution and heterogeneity assessment using a I2 index. Analysis was performed using random effects models.(3)Results: A total of 271 articles were searched through the database search and 33 articles were eligible studies that provided qualitative information on the prevalence of human fascioliasis in Africa. These make up 12.17% (n=33). The pooled prevalence estimates for human fascioliasis are 0.032% (IVhet PPE: 0.032% (95%CI 1.4-6.53). The highest prevalence rate was observed in Egypt with a prevalence of 100%. The prevalence of human fascioliasis is very high in some sub-Saharan countries, partly due to neglect of diagnostics, demonstrating the bias of available information for decision-making in human fascioliasis across Africa, given the spatial presence, scarcity and incompleteness are region.(4)Conclusions: The prevalence of Human fascioliasis is very high in some Sub-Saharan Countries partly due to neglect in diagnostics. This presents how highly focal with spatial occurrences, scarcity and patchy the available information for decision making is on Human fascioliasis across the Sub-Saharan African region.

Emerin is a nuclear envelope protein that contributes to genome organization and cell mechanics. Through its N-terminal LEM-domain, emerin interacts with the DNA-binding protein Barrier-to-Autointegration (BAF). Emerin also binds to members of the Linker of the Nucleoskeleton and Cytoskeleton (LINC) complex. Mutations in the gene encoding emerin are responsible for the majority of cases of X-linked Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy (X-EDMD). Most of these mutations lead to an absence of emerin. A few missense and short deletion mutations in the disordered region of emerin are also associated with X-EDMD. More recently, missense and short deletion mutations P22L, ∆K37 and T43I were discovered in emerin LEM-domain, associated with isolated atrial cardiac defects (ACD). Here we reveal which defects, at both molecular and cellular levels, are elicited by these LEM-domain mutations. Whereas DK37 mutation impairs correct folding of the LEM-domain, P22L and T43I have no impact on the 3D structure of emerin. Surprisingly, all three mutants bind to BAF, albeit with a weaker affinity in the case of DK37. In human myofibroblasts derived from a patient’s fibroblasts, emerin ∆K37 is correctly localized at the inner nuclear membrane, but is present at a significantly lower level, indicating that this mutant is abnormally degraded. Moreover, SUN2 is reduced, and cells are defective in producing actin stress fibers when grown on a stiff substrate and after cyclic stretches. Altogether, our data suggest that the main effect of mutation DK37 is to perturb emerin function within the LINC complex in response to a mechanical stress.

Mitochondrial dysfunctions remained a pivotal mechanism in manifold neurodegenerative diseases. Mitochondrial homeostasis within the cell is an essential aspect of cell biology. Mitochondria which is also known as the power-generating set of the cell, have a dominant role in several processes associated with the genomic integrity and cellular equilibrium maintenance. They are involved in maintaining optimal cells functioning and guidance from possible DNA damage which could lead to mutations and onset of diseases. Conversely, system perturbations which could be due to environmental factors or senescence induce changes in the physiological balance and result in the mitochondrial functions impairment. The focal point of this review focuses on mitochondrial dysfunction as a significant condition in the onset of neuronal disintegration. We explain the pathways associated with the dysfunction of the mitochondria which are common amongst the most recurring neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimers and Parkinsons disease. Do mitochondrial dysfunctions represent an early event in causing a shift towards neuropathological processes?

This paper presents a case study of Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria, whose traditional ethnoveteri-nary practices risk being lost as the country transitions to more intensive and enclosed livestock practices. We use a planetary health framing to make visible the value of indigenous practices that are less damaging to the environment, animal welfare and human health. Through ethnographic observation, focus group discussions (FGD) and key stakeholder interviews, we show that the Fulani use a complex system of herbal medicines and traditional herding practices to maintain herd health, manage and treat animal disease when it arises. However, their traditions often sit uncomfortably with commercial farming practices. As traditional Fulani grazing lands are eroded, dispossessed Fulani take employment from businessmen farmers but both parties’ inex-perience with shed hygiene, artificial feed and less environmentally resilient crossbreeds leads to increased incidence of infectious disease. This in turn drives higher use of antibiotics. There is a ‘causal chain’ of underlying drivers that leads, through poorer environmental, animal and hu-man health, to increased use of antibiotics. The antibiotic resistance that emerges from this chain threatens human health now and into the future. Through a planetary health framing we advocate for more respect for Fulani herdsmen and their traditional ethnoveterinary practices as an alter-native to increasing antibiotic use.

In the face of persistent soil degradation in Benin due to poor agricultural practices, including excessive use of chemical fertilizers, there is an urgent need to seek solutions that integrate microorganisms of interest. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of combining three strains of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on maize production in northern Benin. The study involved 34 growers in Ouénou, Bagou, and Kokey. The experimental set-up consisted of three elementary plots with three treatments. Growth parameters were measured every 15 days, from the 15th to the 60th day after sowing, on ten plants per plot. Plant nutritional status, grain yield and mycorrhization were measured. Results showed that biostimulant + 50% NPK_Urea had similar positive effects on growth parameters to those induced by the application of 100% NPK_Urea. Gains of 30.25 to 36.35% were recorded in plant height at Kokey. On the other hand, biostimulant+ 50% NPK_Urea induced a better phosphorus uptake of 21.08 to 27.77%. In addition, the grain yield of mycorrhizal plants was 8.37% higher than that of plants receiving 100% NPK_Urea at Ouénou. These results show that this technology could be integrated into the agricultural system to promote sustainable maize growing in Benin.

Abstract: Malaria transmission intensity affects the development of naturally acquired immunity to malaria. An absolute correlate of protection against malaria is lacking. However, anti-body-mediated functions against P. falciparum correlate with protection against malaria. In children, antibody-mediated functions against P. falciparum generally decline with a reduction in exposure; however, it is unclear whether adults maintain antibody-mediated functions in the context of re-duced exposure. This study assessed antibody-dependent respiratory burst (ADRB) in individuals from an area with declining malaria transmission. In an age-matched analysis, we compare ADRB activity during high versus low malaria transmission periods. Age significantly predicted higher ADRB activity in both the high and low malaria transmission periods. Within all age categories, ADRB activity was higher during the high compared to the low malaria transmission period, with only the adults during the high malaria transmission period having their mean ADRB activity above the ADRB cut-off. Interestingly, ongoing P. falciparum infection influenced ADRB activity during the low but not the high malaria transmission period. These findings propose that naturally acquired immunity to P. falciparum is affected in children and adults as malaria transmission declines, im-plying that vaccines will be necessary to induce and maintain protection against malaria.

Objective To measure, exposure to PM2.5 particles in outdoor smoking areas and changes in breathing rates in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Setting Sixty venues in Czechia, Ireland and Spain, in an open, non-randomised, clinical trial. Participants We studied 60 patients-30 asthma patients (Female 63.3%), with a mean age (+/-standard deviation [SD]) of 47.4 (19.0 SD), and 30 COPD patients (Female 51.6%), mean age 63.5 (10.1 SD), smokers, non-smokers or ex-smokers, recruited through medical clinics. Intervention Patients wore a PM2.5 particle monitor (AirSpeck), and a breath monitor (RESpeck) for 24 hours to determine changes in breathing rates (Br) at rest and during a visit to an outside smoking area. Spirometry and breath CO were measured before and the day after visiting an outdoor smoking area. Results PM2.5 levels in the 60 venues were highly variable, in 1 premises levels of PM2.5 were sustained for at least 15 minutes at ≥ 2,000 µg/m3, in 4 premises, ≥ 500 (range 1,933-539) µg/m3, in 8 premises, ≥ 200(range 480-203) µg/m3, in 9 premises, ≥ 100 (range 170-108) µg/m3, in 8 premises, ≥ 40 (range 80.5- 40.1) µg/m3, in 9 premises, ≥ 25 µg/m3, in 10 premises, ≥ 10 µg/m3, in 8 premises, and ≤10 µg/m3 in only 3 premises, with a single wall. The overall breathing rates/minute (Br)did not change significantly but in 28 patients mean Br increased from 21.47 (1.74 SD) to 22.8 (2.29 SD), change of -1.35 (-1.80-0.91 C.I), p value 0.00 and mean in 29 patients Br decreased from 21.95(2.43 SD) to 20.38(2.79 SD), 1.57(1.03-2.12 C.I), p value 0.00. Conclusion Exposure to high levels of PM2.5, and associated alteration of patients’ breathing rates occurred in outdoor smoking areas despite national comprehensive smokefree laws. These exposure levels support the abolition of such areas. (Words 295) ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03074734 Ethics: Approval Number: Ref: 15-103

This review explores the potential implementation of lithium tetraborate (Li2B4O7) as a scintillator medium for neutron detection applications. Several characteristics required for the neutron detection process suggest that Li2B4O7 could be a suitable material for scintillation-based neutron detection systems. The inherently large neutron capture cross-section due to 10B and 6Li isotopes, and the ease with which Li2B4O7 can be enriched with these isotopes, combined with the facile inclusion of rare-earth dopants are all expected to improve luminescent properties as well as neutron detection efficiency of Li2B4O7. The electronic structure of doped and undoped Li2B4O7 are explored using photoemission and inverse photoemission spectroscopies, optical measurements, and theoretical computational studies such as density functional theory. The scintillation properties are further enhanced because of the wide bandgap, and transparency towards the photons that are emitted following neutron capture.

Background: Accurate estimation of the spread of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for guiding public health strategies. Underreporting from PCR-based testing, especially in low- and middle-income countries, often obscures the true extent of exposure and immunity to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and antibody levels against SARS-CoV-2 among patients visiting hospital-based sentinel sites in Kenya's Rift Valley region following the Omicron wave. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study in four hospital-based sentinel sites among patients with acute respiratory infection symptoms. Patients aged six months or older visiting the sites between January 2022 and December 2022, presenting with symptoms of acute respiratory infection, were enrolled. Clinical and sociodemographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire. We used a quantitative ELISA kit to detect IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 S protein in serum samples. Results: Among 557 individuals enrolled in the study, the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 97.8% (n=545). Vaccinated individuals demonstrated significantly higher odds of seropositivity compared to unvaccinated counterparts, with an odds ratio of 3.33 (95% CI: (0.4, 27.87)). While seropositivity remained consistent across age groups, older adults exhibited the highest odds. Site-specific differences in enrolment and vaccination rates highlight potential access-related disparities. Conclusion: Our findings indicate widespread prior exposure to SARS-CoV-2 within the study region, underscoring the significant impact of both natural infection and vaccination efforts in driving SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence within the Rift Valley region. Despite the underestimation of infections and disparities in vaccination access, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of vaccination for conferring SARS-CoV-2 immunity. Targeted interventions are crucial to address accessibility barriers and vaccine hesitancy, ensuring equitable vaccination coverage.

Rationale: Genetically modified (GM) foods have the potential to reduce food insecurity and address economic and environmental issues. Despite these benefits, GM foods continue to face significant criticism and there is limited information on public awareness and understanding of their nutritional and environmental health benefits in Nigeria. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating public knowledge and perceptions of GM foods in Victoria Island, Lagos. Methods: A convenience sampling method was used to recruit 369 respondents from Victoria Island, Lagos. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire. The target population comprised employed adults either residing or working on Victoria Island. Statistical analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between sociodemographic factors and awareness of GM foods. Results: The study found that a majority of respondents (62.9%, n=232) were knowledgeable about GM foods and their associated issues. However, many believed that their community was not well-informed on the topic. Awareness of GM foods was significantly associated with sociodemographic factors such as marital status and education (P<0.01). Most respondents were well-informed about the environmental and health benefits of GM foods, with 61.8% believing that GM food production could sustainably reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, fertilizers, and other energy inputs, thus mitigating their ecological impacts. Additionally, most respondents did not feel that purchasing or consuming GM foods conflicted with their beliefs or would affect their food choices. Conclusion: The study concludes that while individual awareness of GM foods is relatively high, there is a perception that community awareness is low. Sociodemographic factors play a significant role in shaping public awareness and perceptions of GM foods. Recommendations: This includes government should actively educate the public on the ecological and health benefits of GM foods and address any safety concerns; Implement strict border controls and food labeling for GM products to protect consumer rights and preferences for organic foods, provide sufficient technical and financial assistance to farmers who participate in organic seed programs to enhance national food security. Significant Statement: This study highlights the importance of public education on GM foods and underscores the need for government intervention to ensure informed consumer choices and support for sustainable agricultural practices.

Obesity is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases and has become a global epidemic. Obesity leads to a greater risk of breast cancer (BC), metastases, recurrence, and decreased survival. For sustained weight loss, bariatric surgery is effective as a long-term solution. Bariatric surgery is associated with improved outcomes of several cancers including BC, although the mechanisms mediating this protection are unknown. We hypothesized that elevated bile acid pools detected after bariatric surgery may be factors that contribute to improved BC outcomes. Indeed, patients with greater expression of the bile acid receptor FXR displayed improved survival in specific BC subtypes. Patients with tumors that are estrogen receptor negative (ER-) displayed significantly elevated survival with higher FXR (NR1H4) expression compared to lower expression. FXR is a nuclear hormone receptor activated by bile acids. Therefore, we posited that activating FXR using an established FDA-approved agonist would display anticancer effects. Indeed, FXR agonism by the bile acid mimetic known commercially as OCALIVA (“OCA”), or Obeticholic acid (INT-747), significantly reduced BC progression and overall tumor burden in a pre-clinical model. In human and murine BC analyses in vitro, agonism of FXR significantly and dose-dependently inhibited proliferation, migration, and viability. In contrast, synthetic agonism of another common bile acid receptor, the G protein-coupled bile acid receptor (GPBAR1, TGR5) which is mainly activated by secondary bile acids, failed to significantly alter cancer cell dynamics. In conclusion, agonism of FXR by primary bile acid memetic OCA yields potent anti-tumor effects potentially through inhibition of proliferation and migration and reduced cell viability. Findings suggest that FXR is a tumor suppressor gene with high potential for personalized therapeutic strategies for individuals with BC.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health concern in low and middle-income countries including Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the spatiotemporal distribution and identify TB risk factors in Ethiopia's Oromia region. Descriptive and spatiotemporal analyses were conducted. Bayesian spatiotemporal modeling was employed to identify covariates that accounted for variability and spatiotemporal distribution of TB. A total of 206,278 new pulmonary TB cases were reported in the Oromia region between 2018 and 2022, with the lowest annual TB case notification (96.93 per 100,000 population) reported in 2020 (i.e., during the COVID-19 pandemic) and the highest TB case notification (106.19 per 100,000 population) reported in 2019. Substantial spatiotemporal variations in the distribution of notified TB case notifications were observed at zonal and district levels with most of the hotspot areas detected in the northern and southern parts of the region. The spatiotemporal distribution of notified TB incidence was positively associated with different ecological variables. The findings of this study indicated that preventive measures considering socio-demographic and health system factors can be targeted to high-risk areas for effective control of TB in the Oromia region. Further studies are needed to develop effective strategies for reducing the burden of TB in hotspot areas.

Background: Early diagnosis of postoperative complications is an urgent task, allowing timely prescribing of appropriate therapy and reducing the cost of patient treatment. Prognostic models based on various data could help in the early diagnosis of postoperative complications after cardiac surgery. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to determine whether an integrated approach based on clinical data along with metabolites and biomarkers had greater predictive value than the models built on less data. Methods: The study included patients (n=62) admitted for planned cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass), who were retrospectively divided into two groups depending on the presence (n=26) or absence (n=36) of postoperative complications of all types. Clinical and laboratory data on the first day after surgery were analyzed. Additionally, patients' blood samples were collected before and on the first day after surgery to determine biomarkers (interleukin-6, procalcitonin, NT-proBNP, high-sensitivity troponin T) and metabolites (8 aromatic and 2 dicarboxylic acids were detected using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry). Results: Patients before surgery, compared with healthy donors, differed in the concentration of metabolites (p &lt; 0.05), and had concentrations of a number of biomarkers exceeding the corresponding reference values. Multivariate PLS-DA models, predicting the presence or absence of postoperative complications, were built using clinical data (ROC-AUC=0.71), concentrations of metabolites and biomarkers (ROC-AUC=0.60), and the entire data set (ROC-AUC=0.75). For comparison we built univariate models using the EuroScore2 (ROC-AUC=0.59) and SOFA (ROC-AUC=0.76) scales; concentrations of lactate (ROC-AUC=0.71), the dynamic changes of 4-hydroxyphenyllactic acid (ROC-AUC=0.69), and the sum of three sepsis-associated metabolites (ROC-AUC=0.70). The proposed complex model using entire data set was comparable to the SOFA scale, which confirms the expediency of searching for new predictive models based on a variety of factors.

Milk serves as a crucial source of natural bioactive compounds essential for human nutrition and health. The gastrointestinal digestion of milk proteins releases various biologically active peptides that positively impact human health and enhance physiological performance. With the growing production of cheese, Greek yogurt, and other dairy products, the volume of unutilized acid whey is significantly increasing. Acid whey, containing almost all whey proteins and approximately one-quarter of casein, presents a valuable raw material for generating peptides with potential health benefits. These peptides exhibit properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antihypertensive, antithrombotic, opioid, mineral-binding, and growth-stimulating activities, contributing to improved human immunity and the treatment of chronic diseases. Enzymatic hydrolysis of milk proteins has been developed as a method to produce these peptides, facilitating their use in food fortification. To incorporate whey into functional beverages, it undergoes fermentation by lactic acid bacteria with proteolytic activity. To specifically enrich these beverages with peptides exhibiting targeted bioactivities, it is essential to select lactic acid bacteria strains possessing the requisite protease profiles. Additionally, the sensory properties of the final product can be enhanced using starter cultures with diverse metabolic capabilities, even in the absence of added flavoring agents. Given the imperative to develop waste-free technologies and enhance the profitability of the dairy industry, there is a growing need to efficiently utilize and transform acid whey into a broad spectrum of valuable products and food additives. This approach is justified not only by the nutritional benefits of the bioactive components in whey but also by the commercial potential of safe and health-enhancing products.

The paper focuses on the application of a multilevel, integrative and territorial approach to the protection of cultural heritage through planning instruments in Serbia. It points out the problems of the sectoral approach and discusses international recommendations that can be integrated into the planning methodology. The case study is the area of Djerdap National Park, which has an already established international and national importance. The research suggests that the cultural heritage in the area, with the exception of the Roman limes, is still recognized at the level of individual localities. The study emphasizes the importance of aligning all levels of governance to safeguard the whole spatial entity rather than focusing solely on its particular areas. The interna-tional and national importance of the planning area contributes to the strengthening of awareness of heritage and its institutional protection. However, the vitality of the area, which is key to its sustainable development, comes from the local level. Planning documents contribute to the inte-gration of local values and local communities into development programs and projects.

The impact of interaction SS with MJO on rainfall along Java Island to East Nusa Tenggara has been studied using daily rainfall observation data from 2140 weather observation stations, which are also equipped with GSMaP, OLR, and ERA5 data. There were 61 SS events found, 17 during active MJO and 44 in inactive MJO. Rainfall increases more in the western study area when the active MJO and more in the eastern study area when the inactive MJO is due to SS. SS reduces rainfall in the Jakarta region, regardless of the activity or inactivity of the MJO. SS causes extreme rainfall to only occur in a small part of certain areas, so it tends to significantly reduce the possibility of extreme rainfall. In the southern part of the IMC, SS predominates over MJO in supporting increased water vapor transport. Large-scale synoptic circulations like the monsoon, SS, and MJO can interact with local land-sea wind circulation to produce spatiotemporal variability in rainfall on Java Island. Rainfall mostly increases in the afternoon and decreases in the morning when SS occurs, whether there is MJO or not. Convective instability analysis indicates that SS increases precipitation, most likely by lowering CIN and raising VIMFC.

In order to shorten the detection time and improve the average precision on embedded devices, A lightweight and high accuracy model is proposed for passion fruit in complex environments (backlight, occlusion, overlap, sunny, cloudy, rainy). Firstly, replacing the backbone network of YOLOv5 with a lightweight GhostNet model reduces the number of parameters and computation while improving detection speed. Secondly, a new feature branch is added to the GhostNet network, and the feature fusion layer in the neck network is reconstructed to effectively combine the lower-level and higher-level features, which not only improves the accuracy of the model but also maintains its lightweight. Finally, the knowledge distillation methods are used to transfer the knowledge from the more capable teacher model to the less capable student model, which significantly improving the detection accuracy. The improved model is denoted as G-YOLO-NK. The average accuracy of the G-YOLO-NK network is 96.00%, which is 1.00% higher than the original YOLOv5s model. Furthermore, the improved model size is 7.14MB, reduced to half of the original model, and the real-time detection frame rate is 11.25 FPS on the Jetson Nano. Compared to the state-of-the-art model, the proposed model outperforms them in terms of average precision and detection performance. The present work provides an effective model for real-time detection of passion fruits in complex orchard scenes, which can provide valuable technical support for the development of orchard picking robots and greatly improve the intelligence level of orchards.

The Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (SLAM) scanner is an easy and portable Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) data acquisition device. Its main output is a 3D point cloud covering the scanned scene. Regarding the importance of accuracy in the survey domain, this paper aims to assess the accuracy of two SLAM scanners: the NavVis VLX and the BLK2GO Scanner. This assessment is conducted for both outdoor and indoor environments. In this context, two types of reference data are used: the Total Station (TS) and the static scanner Z+F Imager 5016. To carry out the assessment, four comparisons are tested: cloud to cloud, cloud to mesh, mesh to mesh, and edge detection board assessment. However, the results of the assessments confirm that the accuracy of indoor SLAM scanner measurements (5 mm) is greater than that of outdoor ones (between 10 mm and 60 mm). Moreover, the comparison of cloud to cloud provides the best accuracy regarding direct accuracy measurement without manipulations. Finally, based on the high accuracy, scanning speed, flexibility, and the accuracy differences between tested cases, it is confirmed that SLAM scanners are effective tools for data acquisition.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, with high rates of transmission and low case detection rates. This paper presents the challenges of TB screening and the existing gaps in Contact Investigation (CI). This descriptive qualitative study was conducted in 8 local government areas with high TB burdens in Oyo and Osun States, Nigeria. Twenty-four focus group discussions and 27 key informant interviews were conducted among TB patients, household TB contacts, and government TB staff, among others. Respondents' ages ranged from 17-85 years with a mean of 42.08±14.9 years, and (4.0%) had a postgraduate degree. The unwillingness of the majority of TB contacts who tested negative for TB to be placed on TB preventive therapy because of the belief that only a sick person should take drugs and hostility from the TB contacts to the contact tracers during the house-to-house screening of presumptive TB cases due to community stigma associated with TB were some of the existing gaps reported in TB contact investigations. The findings emphasize the importance of tailored approaches in TB prevention and control, addressing challenges in testing and contact investigations; this necessitates investments in community engagement strategies to enhance the cooperation of TB contacts.

Background: Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases that infect wildlife, such as African swine fever, avian influenza, and SARS-CoV-2, have highlighted the necessity for wildlife health surveillance (WHS) due to their direct and indirect impacts on wildlife species, ecosystems, domestic animals, and human health. While global policies and guidelines exist, a critical gap remains in local-to-national implementation of WHS systems. A group of local, national, and global actors in WHS have formed a working group to address this gap. Methods and Findings: The working group reports on a theory of change (ToC) developed to implement WHS from local to global scales. Through brainstorming, plenary exercise, and building on peer-reviewed science and existing surveillance systems, we identified six transformative pathways to be implemented via collaborations across scales and contexts: mindset change, policy and investment, user-driven science, user-driven technologies, capacity enhancement, and mobilization of a global community of practice. Interpretation: This ToC serves as a roadmap to develop effective WHS systems that support adaptive management and implementation. WHS is fundamental to understanding the impacts of health threats to biodiversity and human and domestic animal health. This ToC presents an approach to operationalize integration of wildlife health into collaborative One Health surveillance. Funding: The Science for Nature and People Partnership.

In recent years, electroencephalogram (EEG) emotion recognition has emerged as a research hotspot in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Despite advancements in EEG-based emotion recognition, room for enhancing performance persists due to EEG signal redundancy and limitations in feature extraction, leading to inefficient models and emotional information loss. To fully utilize EEG's emotional information and improve recognition accuracy while reducing computational costs, this paper proposes a Convolutional-Recurrent Hybrid Network with a dual-stream adaptive approach and an attention mechanism (CSA-SA-CRTNN). Firstly, the model utilizes a CSAM module to assign corresponding weights to EEG channels. Then, an adaptive dual-stream convolutional-recurrent network (SA-CRNN and MHSA-CRNN) is applied to extract local spatial-temporal features. After that, the extracted local features are concatenated and fed into a temporal convolutional network with a multi-head self-attention mechanism (MHSA-TCN) to capture global information. Finally, the extracted EEG information is used for emotion classification. We conducted binary and ternary classification experiments on the DEAP dataset, achieving 99.26% and 99.15% accuracy for arousal and valence in binary classification, and 97.69% and 98.05% in ternary classification, surpassing relevant algorithms. Additionally, the model's efficiency is significantly higher than other models, achieving better accuracy with lower resource consumption.

Glycosidic linkage analysis was conducted on the unfractionated polysaccharides in the alcohol-insoluble residues (AIRs) prepared from six red seaweeds (Gracilariopsis sp., Prionitis sp., Mastocarpus papillatus, Callophyllis sp., Mazzaella splendens, and Palmaria palmata) using GC-MS/FID analysis of partially methylated alditol acetates (PMAAs). The cell walls of P. palmata primarily contained mixed-linkage xylans and small amounts of sulfated galactans and cellulose. In contrast, the unfractionated polysaccharides of the other five species were rich in galactans displaying diverse 3,6-anhydro-galactose and galactose linkages with varied sulfation patterns. Different levels of cellulose were also observed. This glycosidic linkage method offers advantages for cellulose analysis over traditional monosaccharide analysis that is known for underrepresenting glucose in crystalline cellulose. Relative linkage compositions calculated from GC-MS and GC-FID measurements showed that anhydro sugar linkages generated more response in the latter detection method. This improved linkage workflow presents a useful tool for studying polysaccharide structural variations across red seaweed species. Furthermore, for the first time, relative linkage compositions from GC-MS and GC-FID measurements, along with normalized FID and total ion current (TIC) chromatograms without peak assignments, were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) as a proof-of-concept demonstration of the technique's potential to differentiate various red seaweed species.

Background: Educating college students about the importance of good sleep habits could lead to the adoption of healthier sleep routines, including sufficient sleep duration and sleep quality. The current pre-post study examines the impact of completing a sleep education program called “Sleep 101” on (1) sleep hygiene practices, (2) sleep quality, and (3) weekday and weekend sleep behaviors among college students. “Sleep 101” is an interactive online course developed to educate college students about the importance of sleep by addressing basic sleep physiology, the impact of sleep on mood, academic and physical performance, the interactions between sleep and various substances, and common sleep disorders. Methods: 338 college students were recruited from a midsized public university in the US and invited to participate in “Sleep 101”, of which 25 participants completed the baseline and post-intervention questionnaire. The Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI) was utilized to evaluate sleep hygiene practices, while standard questions were employed to assess weekday and weekend sleep behaviors and overall sleep quality. Results: Those who completed the study demonstrated a significant increase in weekday sleep duration and were less likely to engage in negative prior bedtime activities. In addition, 40% of those who completed baseline and post-intervention assessments noticed improvements in their sleep quality. Conclusion: These findings suggest that a brief online program is beneficial in improving sleep behaviors among college and could be a scalable approach to addressing current sleep issues and preventing future sleep problems in college students.