Rigorous Selection Criteria Research Articles

Scientific mapping of the use of lecithin in breast cancer therapy

Lecithin, a natural phospholipid, possesses health-beneficial properties, recognized for its potential in breast cancer treatment. In recent years, it has been utilized in systems to enhance chemotherapy effectiveness, increase tumor penetration, and reduce side effects, offering less invasive and economically viable treatments. The aim of this study was to identify publication trends and patterns, leading journals, prominent authors, frequent keywords, and the influence of collaboration among researchers and institutions in scientific production on the topic. Employing a scientometrics approach, the study involved rigorous criteria for material search and selection to ensure data quality. A total of 241 studies were identified, with 81 selected after detailed filtering. Results indicate a rise in publications post-2012, peaking in 2020. 411 authors were identified, with Le, Ngoc Thuy Trang standing out, alongside three high-impact factor journals dominating the field. Strong collaboration among researchers and institutions was observed. Results were interpreted and discussed within the broader context of scientometrics. The study faced limitations, such as exclusive use of Bibliometrix potentially restricting analysis scope, and reliance on different databases yielding incomplete information. This study suggests future research to explore other natural substances with therapeutic potential and develop new methodologies to optimize drug delivery.

Genetic diversity and population structure analysis of 418 tomato cultivars based on single nucleotide polymorphism markers.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a highly valuable fruit crop. However, due to the lack of scientific and accurate variety identification methods and unified national standards, production management is scattered and non-standard, resulting in mixed varieties. This poses considerable difficulties for the cataloging and preservation of germplasm resources as well as the identification, promotion, and application of new tomato varieties. To better understand the genetic diversity and population structure of representative tomato varieties, we collected 418 tomato varieties from the past 20 years and analyzed them using genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. We initially assessed the population structure, genetic relationships, and genetic profiles of the 418 tomato germplasm resources utilizing simplified genome sequencing techniques. A total of 3,374,929 filtered SNPs were obtained and distributed across 12 chromosomes. Based on these SNP loci, the 418 tomatoes samples were divided into six subgroups. The population structure and genetic relationships among existing tomato germplasm resources were determined using principal component analysis, population structure analysis, and phylogenetic tree analysis. Rigorous selection criteria identified 15 additional high-quality DNA fingerprints from 50 validated SNP loci, effectively enabling the identification of the 418 tomato varieties, which were successfully converted into KASP (Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR) markers. This study represents the first comprehensive investigation assessing the diversity and population structure of a large collection of tomato varieties. Overall, it marks a considerable advancement in understanding the genetic makeup of tomato populations. The results broadened our understanding of the diversity, phylogeny, and population structure of tomato germplasm resources. Furthermore, this study provides a scientific basis and reference data for future analysis of genetic diversity, species identification, property rights disputes, and molecular breeding in tomatoes.

Risk beyond the pap: A review of key epidemiological studies on cervical cancer risk factors and populations at highest risk

Cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern, with notable mortality rates worldwide despite advancements in screening technologies such as the Pap smear. While screening has substantially reduced the disease's incidence, understanding risk factors that extend beyond regular screening practices is essential for comprehensive cervical cancer prevention. This review synthesizes key epidemiological studies focused on the various biological, lifestyle, and demographic factors influencing cervical cancer risk, thereby identifying the populations at the highest risk. The methodology encompasses rigorous selection criteria, including studies from renowned databases such as PubMed and Scopus, and evaluates the strengths and limitations of common epidemiological study designs like case-control and cohort studies. The review categorizes risk factors into four primary areas: HPV infection, smoking, sexual behavior and contraceptive use, and genetic predisposition, each substantiated by evidence from recent epidemiological research. Additionally, it assesses populations facing elevated risk, such as those influenced by socioeconomic, geographic, and ethnic disparities, as well as immunocompromised and age-defined groups, to outline how these variables affect cervical cancer susceptibility. The findings underscore persistent disparities in cervical cancer incidence, especially among underserved and minority populations, where access to healthcare and awareness of risk factors remain limited. This review emphasizes the importance of addressing these disparities through targeted public health policies and enhanced screening protocols. Finally, the paper recommends future research directions, highlighting the need for longitudinal and multi-population studies to better understand the complex interplay of risk factors. Insights from this review can inform public health initiatives and shape preventative measures that extend beyond screening to reduce cervical cancer risk across vulnerable populations.

Mapping the Research Landscape of Language Development in Autistic Children: A Preliminary Scientometric Analysis

Abstract Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often encounter difficulties in language learning and utilization, a concern that has gained significant academic attention, particularly given the widespread occurrence of ASD globally. Previous reviews, however, have relied on empirical observations rather than a more rigorous selection criterion. This preliminary study seeks to systematize the scientific knowledge base regarding language development in autistic children by utilizing the analysis tool Citespace 6.2.R5. We visualized and analyzed research patterns and trends regarding autism by drawing data from the Web of Science. Through document citation and emerging trend analyses, seven key research clusters and their chronological associations are identified, along with research hotspots such as language disorder diagnosis and intervention, social communication, language acquisition, and multilingual and multicultural influences. Research findings show that there exist some issues with the current research, including small sample sizes, the need for further investigation into receptive language development, and a lack of cross-cultural comparative studies. Meanwhile, the scope and depth of interdisciplinary research on language development in autistic children also need to be further enhanced. The research contributes to the extant literature by providing valuable references for autism researchers and practitioners.

Few-shot Algorithms for Consistent Neural Decoding (FALCON) Benchmark.

Intracortical brain-computer interfaces (iBCIs) can restore movement and communication abilities to individuals with paralysis by decoding their intended behavior from neural activity recorded with an implanted device. While this activity yields high-performance decoding over short timescales, neural data are often nonstationary, which can lead to decoder failure if not accounted for. To maintain performance, users must frequently recalibrate decoders, which requires the arduous collection of new neural and behavioral data. Aiming to reduce this burden, several approaches have been developed that either limit recalibration data requirements (few-shot approaches) or eliminate explicit recalibration entirely (zero-shot approaches). However, progress is limited by a lack of standardized datasets and comparison metrics, causing methods to be compared in an ad hoc manner. Here we introduce the FALCON benchmark suite (Few-shot Algorithms for COnsistent Neural decoding) to standardize evaluation of iBCI robustness. FALCON curates five datasets of neural and behavioral data that span movement and communication tasks to focus on behaviors of interest to modern-day iBCIs. Each dataset includes calibration data, optional few-shot recalibration data, and private evaluation data. We implement a flexible evaluation platform which only requires user-submitted code to return behavioral predictions on unseen data. We also seed the benchmark by applying baseline methods spanning several classes of possible approaches. FALCON aims to provide rigorous selection criteria for robust iBCI decoders, easing their translation to real-world devices.

Stakeholder mapping of precision weeding commercialization ecosystem in California

CONTEXTPrecision weeding, a sector of agricultural technology in which drones and/or automated weeders use chemical, mechanical, or thermal means to eradicate weeds, has moved from academic research settings to commercialization. Because of labor shortage pressures, the push to gain competitive advantages, and the environmental impacts of excessive chemical inputs, many California growers have been interested in adopting precision weeding technologies in their operations. OBJECTIVEUsing semi-structured qualitative interviews, this study investigated the viewpoints of three key stakeholder groups involved in the diffusion and adoption of precision weeding technologies: California growers, precision weeding startups, and agricultural technology venture capital firms. With the supplemental viewpoints of large agricultural firms and their corporate venture capital arms and government agencies, this study seeks to understand the compatible motivations between stakeholders, current collaborative models between stakeholders and their limitations, and the user journey for growers adopting precision weeding technology. METHODSWe conducted 17 semi-structured qualitative interviews with diverse stakeholders in the precision weeding sector to gather textual data and gain high data saturation. Data collection balanced rigorous criteria for participant selection with adaptive interview questions to ensure depth and relevance. The analysis procedure involved coding and thematic framework development, complemented by grounded theory for iterative data examination and stakeholder map creation for distilling cross-organizational insights and stakeholder dynamics. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe results indicated that compatible motivations include addressing current labor issues, reducing costs, and the potential of precision weeding to transform agriculture. Less cited but still popular motivations included having more weeding options, meeting specific field needs, and environmental sustainability. The individual and stakeholder group cognitive maps demonstrated that concerns such as startup longevity, the high expenses of precision weeding machinery, and some startups lacking a direct connection to growers commonly limit the growers' adoption of precision weeding technologies. SIGNIFICANCEThe procedure and cognitive mapping presented in this study can be applied to other emerging agtech technologies and ecosystems.

Reshoring concepts: definitions and a structured bibliometric review

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to clearly mark the clusters in the related literature using bibliometric analysis and draw useful implications for the academic research purposes especially in the stream of Supply Chain Management (SCM).Design/methodology/approachBy employing rigorous selection criteria, sample articles were selected for synthesizing and conducting a bibliometric analysis. This paper tries to identify the significance of the concept of reshoring with the aspect of SCM, operations, logistics etc. Starting from sample selection, systematic selection criteria has been used to generate the database, using Scopus. The sample size was 184. Using VOSViewer, statistical and graphical representations were generated for clusters in the literature that will be useful for judging the trends of research under shoring concepts.FindingsFindings show that unclear difference compared to other supply chain concepts obstructs further theory development within reshoring concepts. To address this challenge, the review categorizes themes and defines boundaries. Based on the analysis findings, this paper advocates for additional research in areas that are crucial but have received limited or no attention. Specifically, there is a need for action research on motivations, governance modes, and location selection concerning reshoring decisions.Research limitations/implicationsThis review has a few limitations. The absence of publications in other language, than English, may result in a significant loss of knowledge. This research paper cited a few relevant publications in the form of conference papers, industry reports, books, and book chapters. Nonetheless, they were excluded from the organized bibliometric audit. To further advance the knowledge in this field, exploratory longitudinal case studies will bring to focus the changes on manufacturing strategies using the shoring and reshoring stages.Practical implicationsA current example of this is a French company named Stil (Terzian, 2020) which brought its glass thermometer production back to its home after the unexpected closure of its suppliers from China. Another Italian firm has restarted production of disposal bio-degradable face masks after 15 years to compete with low-cost alternatives from China (Greco, 2020). Reshoring concepts are now under consideration of organizations including Boeing, Bosch, Phillips and more.Originality/valueTo the best of our knowledge, this represents one of the earliest efforts to conceptualize and define reshoring concepts, aiming to distinguish them from one another appropriately. To accomplish this, the earlier demarcated clusters precede this section’s classification of reshoring concepts illustrated in Table 8. Based on the synthesis of definitions and thematic clusters above, we have concluded the literature review in this emerging field. It is intended to contribute to theory development and practitioner support in reshoring decisions by clarifying the dimensions.

Reseña del uso del lenguaje de programación Python en el Desarrollo de Software

Introduction: This article provides a concise and clear definition of the Python programming language, highlighting its key features and its significance in the current landscape of software development. Python, renowned for its simple and readable syntax, has gained popularity due to its versatility and ease of use. Objective: The primary objective of this study is to answer the question: What role does Python play in current software development and what are its future prospects? This analysis aims to understand the impact of Python on the software industry and assess how its evolution may influence future technological trends. Methods: To address this objective, a literature review was conducted to gather relevant information about Python. Rigorous selection criteria were established to ensure the quality and timeliness of the consulted sources, and a data analysis was carried out that combined qualitative and quantitative approaches. Results: The article summarizes the main advantages and disadvantages of Python, as well as exploring its various areas of application. Python offers advantages such as ease of learning and a robust ecosystem of libraries, but it also presents disadvantages such as slower execution speed compared to other languages. Conclusions: In conclusion, the study synthesizes the results obtained, evaluates the current use of Python in software development, and provides practical recommendations for developers, highlighting the importance of staying updated with the latest versions and tools available.

Society 5.0: Shaping the future of e-commerce

This paper explores the impact of Society 5.0, a Japanese initiative that integrates digital and physical spaces to address societal challenges and drive economic growth. It examines the role of decentralized technologies in enhancing e-commerce by adapting to consumer behavior changes and improving market dynamics. The study details the transition from Web 1.0’s basic functionalities to the more interactive and social Web 2.0, setting the stage for a more integrated and intelligent e-commerce environment under Society 5.0. This new paradigm emphasizes personalized consumer experiences facilitated by AI and big data, focusing on real-time data, predictive analytics, and tailored services. The paper also addresses how Society 5.0 prioritizes sustainability and ethical practices in AI, aligning e-commerce strategies with global sustainability goals through eco-friendly practices and green logistics. The methodology involves a detailed literature review using specified databases over a defined period, applying rigorous criteria for article selection and classification to ensure comprehensive topic coverage. This research highlights the potential of cutting-edge technologies to revolutionize e-commerce by making it more secure, efficient, and aligned with consumer expectations and environmental standards. The research employs a qualitative approach, synthesizing existing literature on Society 5.0 and its potential impact on e-commerce. We explore how blockchain and big data will personalize experiences, enhance operational efficiency, and introduce new products and services. While acknowledging the limitations of relying solely on secondary literature, the paper underscores the need for future research to include empirical studies and address challenges like data privacy, the digital divide, and evolving regulatory frameworks within the e-commerce landscape.

Effectiveness of deep brain stimulation on refractory aggression in pediatric patients with autism and severe intellectual disability: meta-analytic review

Some patients with autism and severe intellectual disability may experience uncontrolled aggression, causing serious injury or harm to others, and the therapeutic ineffectiveness of traditional pharmacological and behavioral treatment may aggravate symptoms. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been tested in patients with little evidence in children and adolescents. Therefore, we analyzed the efficacy and safety of DBS in refractory aggression in pediatric subjects with autism (ASD) and severe intelligence deficit (ID).Methods A meta-analytic review of Web of Science (WOS) and Scopus articles, following Prisma criteria. A total of 555 articles were identified, but after applying the inclusion criteria, only 18 were analyzed. The review of the registries and the extraction of information was performed by 2 independent groups, to reduce the evaluator’s bias. For the description of the results, pediatric patients with ASD or ID present in each registry, with an application of specialized scales (Overt aggression scale, OAS, and THE modified version of the OAS, MOAS) pre and post-DBS, with a clinical follow-up of at least 12 months, were considered valid. Clinical improvement was calculated using tests of aggressiveness. In each registry with available data and then pooling the means of all patients in the OAS and MOAS, the effect size of DBS (overall and per study) was estimated. Finally, the adapted NOS scale was applied to rate the studies’ quality and level of bias.Results In the studies analyzed, 65/100 were pediatric patients, with a mean age of 16.8 years. Most of the studies were conducted in South America and Europe. In all teams, aggressive behavior was intractable, but only 9 groups (53/65) applied specialized scales to measure aggressiveness, and of these, only 51 subjects had a follow-up of at least 12 months. Thus, in 48/51 a clinical improvement of patients was estimated (94.2%), with a considerable overall effect size (OAS: d = 4.32; MOAS: d = 1.46). However, adverse effects and complications were found in 13/65 subjects undergoing DBS. The brain target with the most evidence and the fewest side effects was the posteromedial hypothalamic nuclei (pHypN). Finally, applying the adapted NOS scale, quality, and bias, only 9 studies show the best indicators.Conclusion An optimal level of efficacy was found in only half of the publications. This is mainly due to design errors and irrelevant information in the reports. We believe that DBS in intractable aggressiveness in children and adolescents with ASD and severe ID can be safe and effective if working groups apply rigorous criteria for patient selection, interdisciplinary assessments, objective scales for aggressiveness, and known surgical targets.

A comprehensive systematic review of health-related quality of life measures in short stature paediatric patients

This systematic review investigates Patient-reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) and Observed Reported Outcome Measures (ObsROMs) pertinent to assessing Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in short-stature paediatric patients, focusing on Achondroplasia (ACH), Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD), Isolated Growth Hormone Deficiency (IGHD), and Small-for-Gestational-Age (SGA) diagnoses. Utilising rigorous selection criteria, 53 studies published from 1998 to 2023 were analysed, revealing a predominance of European-based research. Notably, the review elucidated the utilisation of disease-specific and generic HRQoL measures, showcasing the multifaceted nature of short-stature conditions and their impact across physical, emotional, and social domains. The Quality of Life in Short Stature Youth (QoLISSY), Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), and KIDSCREEN emerged as frequently employed instruments, offering nuanced insights into HRQoL perceptions across diverse age demographics. Additionally, the review highlighted the adaptation of adult HRQoL measures for adolescent populations, signalling a need for age-appropriate assessment tools. Furthermore, integrating PROMs and ObsROMs in HRQoL assessment underscored a comprehensive approach, considering both subjective patient perspectives and observed outcomes. Future research directions encompass comprehensive search strategies, longitudinal studies with diverse populations, and the development of age-appropriate HRQoL assessment tools. In conclusion, this review emphasises the importance of comprehensive HRQoL assessment to address the diverse needs of short-stature paediatric patients effectively.

A Systematic Review of Genetics- and Molecular-Pathway-Based Machine Learning Models for Neurological Disorder Diagnosis.

The process of identification and management of neurological disorder conditions faces challenges, prompting the investigation of novel methods in order to improve diagnostic accuracy. In this study, we conducted a systematic literature review to identify the significance of genetics- and molecular-pathway-based machine learning (ML) models in treating neurological disorder conditions. According to the study's objectives, search strategies were developed to extract the research studies using digital libraries. We followed rigorous study selection criteria. A total of 24 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. We classified the studies based on neurological disorders. The included studies highlighted multiple methodologies and exceptional results in treating neurological disorders. The study findings underscore the potential of the existing models, presenting personalized interventions based on the individual's conditions. The findings offer better-performing approaches that handle genetics and molecular data to generate effective outcomes. Moreover, we discuss the future research directions and challenges, emphasizing the demand for generalizing existing models in real-world clinical settings. This study contributes to advancing knowledge in the field of diagnosis and management of neurological disorders.

Concordant Gene Expression and Alternative Splicing Regulation under Abiotic Stresses in Arabidopsis.

The current investigation endeavors to identify differentially expressed alternatively spliced (DAS) genes that exhibit concordant expression with splicing factors (SFs) under diverse multifactorial abiotic stress combinations in Arabidopsis seedlings. SFs serve as the post-transcriptional mechanism governing the spatiotemporal dynamics of gene expression. The different stresses encompass variations in salt concentration, heat, intensive light, and their combinations. Clusters demonstrating consistent expression profiles were surveyed to pinpoint DAS/SF gene pairs exhibiting concordant expression. Through rigorous selection criteria, which incorporate alignment with documented gene functionalities and expression patterns observed in this study, four members of the serine/arginine-rich (SR) gene family were delineated as SFs concordantly expressed with six DAS genes. These regulated SF genes encompass cactin, SR1-like, SR30, and SC35-like. The identified concordantly expressed DAS genes encode diverse proteins such as the 26.5 kDa heat shock protein, chaperone protein DnaJ, potassium channel GORK, calcium-binding EF hand family protein, DEAD-box RNA helicase, and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase 6. Among the concordantly expressed DAS/SF gene pairs, SR30/DEAD-box RNA helicase, and SC35-like/1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase 6 emerge as promising candidates, necessitating further examinations to ascertain whether these SFs orchestrate splicing of the respective DAS genes. This study contributes to a deeper comprehension of the varied responses of the splicing machinery to abiotic stresses. Leveraging these DAS/SF associations shows promise for elucidating avenues for augmenting breeding programs aimed at fortifying cultivated plants against heat and intensive light stresses.

Enhancing Care Standard at Public Healthcare Facilities through Patient Satisfaction Assessment – A Review

This review paper provides a comprehensive analysis of research on enhancing care standard at public healthcare facilities through patient satisfaction assessment. By synthesizing findings from peer-reviewed studies, this review aims to identify trends, gaps, and best practices in this critical area of healthcare. Through rigorous search and selection criteria, a total of 15 relevant articles were identified and analyzed. The review explores various dimensions of patient satisfaction assessment, including factors influencing satisfaction, methods of assessment, and the impact on healthcare delivery. Key findings highlight the importance of effective communication, staff attitudes, waiting times, and facility cleanliness in shaping patient satisfaction. Additionally, the review examines the role of different assessment tools, such as surveys, interviews, and online platforms, in capturing patient experiences. Furthermore, it discusses the implications of patient satisfaction assessment on healthcare outcomes, provider-patient relationships, and organizational performance. The review also identifies challenges and opportunities for future research and practice, including the need for standardized assessment tools, resource allocation, and cultural sensitivity. Overall, this review paper contributes to the understanding of how patient satisfaction assessment can be leveraged to improve the care standard at public healthcare facilities.

Gravitating towards Artificial Intelligence on Anti-Money Laundering A PRISMA Based Systematic Review

In Bangladesh, like many other countries, the implementation of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) measures plays a crucial role in the fight against financial offences and the maintenance of the financial system's integrity. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the technologies for AML that has emerged as a promising approach to enhance the detection and prevention of financial crimes. The researcher aims to investigate the current state of AML, the impact of AI, the roles involved, and the legislation to achieve economic stability for the transformation of Bangladesh into a smart nation by 2041. In this systematic review study, the PRISMA framework is utilized to provide a comprehensive analysis of existing literature on the application of AI in AML, with a focus on risks, laws, and implications, particularly within the context of Bangladesh. The review synthesizes findings from diverse sources (Web of Sciences, Scopus, PubMed, and DOAJ indexing articles and reports) including academic research, industry reports, and regulatory documents, to assess the effectiveness, challenges, and ethical considerations associated with AI-driven AML solutions. Through a structured search strategy and rigorous selection criteria, the researchers discovered a total of 299 research papers, consisting of 181 latest studies and 117 previous relevant studies identified and analyzed to elucidate key trends, methodologies, and gaps in the current landscape of AI-enabled AML practices. The review also offers insights and recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers interested in leveraging AI technologies to combat money laundering effectively while navigating regulatory frameworks and safeguarding privacy rights. By critically examining the intersection of AI, AML, and legal frameworks, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse on the role of technology in addressing financial crime challenges in Bangladesh and beyond.

Meta-analysis of endometrial transcriptome data reveals novel molecular targets for recurrent implantation failure.

Gene expression analysis of the endometrium has been shown to be a useful approach for identifying the molecular signatures and pathways involved in recurrent implantation failure (RIF). Nevertheless, individual studies have limitations in terms of study design, methodology and analysis to detect minor changes in expression levels or identify novel gene signatures associated with RIF. To overcome this, we conducted an in silico meta-analysis of nine studies, the systematic collection and integration of gene expression data, utilizing rigorous selection criteria and statistical techniques to ensure the robustness of our findings. Our meta-analysis successfully unveiled a meta-signature of 49 genes closely associated with RIF. Of these genes, 38 were upregulated and 11 downregulated in RIF patients' endometrium and believed to participate in key processes like cell differentiation, communication, and adhesion. GADD45A, IGF2, and LIF, known for their roles in implantation, were identified, along with lesser-studied genes like OPRK1, PSIP1, SMCHD1, and SOD2 related to female infertility. Many of these genes are involved in MAPK and PI3K-Akt pathways, indicating their role in inflammation. We also investigated to look for key miRNAs regulating these 49 dysregulated mRNAs as potential diagnostic biomarkers. Along with this, we went to associate protein-protein interactions of 49 genes, and we could recognize one cluster consisting of 11 genes (consisted of 22 nodes and 11 edges) with the highest score (p = 0.001). Finally, we validated some of the genes by qRT-PCR in our samples. In summary, the meta-signature genes hold promise for improving RIF patient identification and facilitating the development of personalized treatment strategies, illuminating the multifaceted nature of this complex condition.

Review of Sources of Uncertainty and Techniques Used in Uncertainty Quantification and Sensitivity Analysis to Estimate Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ruminants

Uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis are essential for improving the modeling and estimation of greenhouse gas emissions in livestock farming to evaluate and reduce the impact of uncertainty in input parameters to model output. The present study is a comprehensive review of the sources of uncertainty and techniques used in uncertainty analysis, quantification, and sensitivity analysis. The search process involved rigorous selection criteria and articles retrieved from the Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases and exported to RAYYAN for further screening. This review found that identifying the sources of uncertainty, implementing quantifying uncertainty, and analyzing sensitivity are of utmost importance in accurately estimating greenhouse gas emissions. This study proposes the development of an EcoPrecision framework for enhanced precision livestock farming, and estimation of emissions, to address the uncertainties in greenhouse gas emissions and climate change mitigation.

Effect of Celebrity Endorsements on Consumer Purchase Intentions in Africa

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of celebrity endorsements on consumer purchase intentions in Africa. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Research on the effect of celebrity endorsements on consumer purchase intentions reveals a complex interplay of factors. While celebrities can positively influence consumer perceptions of a product or brand through their endorsement, the effectiveness of such endorsements depends on various factors such as the credibility of the celebrity, the congruence between the celebrity and the product, and the level of engagement the celebrity has with the brand. Studies suggest that celebrity endorsements can enhance brand recall and recognition, create a favorable brand image, and increase purchase intentions, particularly when the celebrity is perceived as trustworthy and relatable to the target audience. However, overexposure of a celebrity or controversies surrounding them can lead to negative effects on consumer attitudes and purchase intentions. Additionally, the type of product being endorsed and the cultural context play significant roles in determining the impact of celebrity endorsements on consumer behavior. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Source credibility theory, elaboration likelihood model and social identity theory and social learning theory may be use to anchor future studies on assessing the effect of celebrity endorsements on consumer purchase intentions in Africa. Implement rigorous celebrity selection criteria based on strategic alignment with brand values and target audience demographics. Advocate for industry-wide guidelines or standards governing celebrity endorsements to ensure transparency and ethical practices.

RADIOCARBON AND URANIUM PROFILES IN MARINE GASTROPODS AROUND THE JAPANESE ARCHIPELAGO

ABSTRACT In this study, we investigate the distribution of radiocarbon and uranium in the calcified opercula of Turbo sp. collected from Ryukyu region and Chiba, Japan, to explore the potential of U/Th dating using mollusks collected from the Japanese archipelago. We acquired high-resolution radiocarbon and uranium concentration measurements using single-stage accelerator mass spectrometry and laser ablation−inductively coupled plasma−mass spectrometry. Our results show that uranium in the opercula of modern Turbo sp. is unevenly distributed at concentrations 1000 times less than those in coral skeletons. Radiocarbon found in the calcified opercula samples record ambient seawater radiocarbon values as well as coral skeletons. Uranium in the calcified opercula of Holocene Turbo marmoratus were also unevenly distributed and concentrated within the opercula in a different manner than observed in modern samples, suggesting uranium exchange after death. Our results suggest variable uptake of uranium isotopes into mollusk shells and highlights the need for rigorous sample selection criteria when choosing mollusks species for U/Th dating around Japan.

Comprehensive Assessment of Exclusive Breastfeeding: Insights into Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice among Lactating Mothers at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Hoima District: A High-Impact Analysis

This research aimed to rigorously evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice concerning exclusive breastfeeding among lactating mothers attending Hoima Regional Referral Hospital (HRRH). Employing a quantitative descriptive research design, the study meticulously selected mothers seeking medical attention for their infants at HRRH, adhering to rigorous selection criteria. A sample size of 208 subjects participated, comprising lactating mothers with infants aged between 0-6 months, utilizing a self-administered structured questionnaire to gather comprehensive data on exclusive breastfeeding behaviors. The data collected underwent meticulous analysis utilizing Statistical Analysis Software (STATA) version 10. Results revealed that a majority of the participants were aged between 25-29 years (30.8%) and had attained secondary education (38.5%), with an employment status predominantly as employed individuals or peasants (38.5%). The study cohort primarily resided in urban areas. Among the 208 lactating mothers, a significant proportion (61.5%) initiated breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, with the mode of delivery significantly influencing this initiation, favoring normal deliveries. However, the practice of exclusive breastfeeding exhibited a decline over subsequent months. Assessment of knowledge demonstrated that over 80% of mothers possessed substantial knowledge regarding exclusive breastfeeding, with a small percentage (5%) exhibiting poor knowledge. In terms of attitude, 74.4% expressed comfort and acknowledged exclusive breastfeeding as superior to artificial feeding, yet 40.9% reported feelings of shyness while breastfeeding. Interestingly, a positive correlation between higher education levels and a favorable attitude toward exclusive breastfeeding was observed. Overall, the study revealed a generally commendable level of knowledge, attitude, and practice concerning exclusive breastfeeding among lactating mothers attending Hoima Regional Referral Hospital. However, a notable finding was the significant decline in exclusive breastfeeding prevalence observed from the first month following initiation. Keywords: Exclusive breastfeeding, Breast milk, Infants, Lactating mothers.