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This paper documents the results of an intervention conducted in Nigeria to test the effectiveness of a mobile phone technology, text4life, in enabling women to self-report gender-based violence (GBV). Women experiencing GBV and other challenges related to sexual and reproductive health and rights were requested to use their mobile phones to text a code to a central server. In turn, the server relayed the messages to trained nearby health providers and civil society organization (CSO) officials who reached out to provide health care and social management services to the callers. Interviews were conducted with some callers, health care providers, and CSO staff to explore their experiences with the device. The interviews and data from the server were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The results indicate that over a 27-month period, 3,403 reports were received by the server, 34.9% of which were reporting GBV. While interviewees perceived that a large proportion of the women were satisfied with the use of text4life, and many received medical treatment and psychological care, the consensus opinion was that many women reporting GBV did not wish to pursue police or legal action. This was due to women’s perceptions that there would be negative cultural and social backlash should they pursue civil punishments for their partners. We conclude that a mobile phone device can be used effectively to report GBV in low-resource settings. However, the device would be more useful if it contributes to equitable primary prevention of GBV, rather than secondary prevention measures.

ABSTRAСTWhile the coronavirus was a global health crisis, it also generated enormous socio-economic challenges such as trading, buying and selling, socio-economic meltdown, health sector breakdown, poor housing facilities, poverty, unemployment, low income, inequality, and epileptic power supply, amongst others, in developing countries like Nigeria. This paper interrogates the political economy of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) on socio-economic development in Nigeria from 2019–2022. The paper relied on qualitative methods using documentary research methods (analysis of secondary data from Nigeria’s Bureau of Statistics, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the NCDC report, the World Bank/IMF post-COVID-19 report, ECOWAS, the AU, WHO reports, and reputable journals). Findings revealed, among others, that Nigeria, being a revenue economy, suffered greatly from COVID-19 because it affected the economy’s development, diaspora remittance, and the health status of the nation due to the fall in oil prices, the shutdown of businesses, and the inflation of goods and services. On the positive side, the coronavirus-induced public health crisis provided a chance for many state governments to implement long-term public health reforms. The paper recommends, among other things, that the government intensify tremendous efforts to get support for strengthening production in the manufacturing industries as a way of implementing a post-COVID-19 economic recovery strategy. The Federal and State governments of Nigeria (ministry of health, budget and planning, EFCC/ICPC, and the National Assembly) need a paradigm shift from traditionalism (corruption and embesslement of public funds) to modernity (technologically driven society, accountability, transparency, investment in human capital development, diversification of the economy, investment in the health sector, and advancement in technology in tertiary institutions).

Abstract Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an interstitial lung disease that develops after inhalation of a variety antigens in susceptible individuals. The nasal mucosa is constantly exposed to these antigens that can irritate the respiratory mucosa. So, the purpose of this study was to study nasal histopathological changes in order to identify any shared pathological changes between the upper airways and the well-known pathological features of HP. 40 HP patients diagnosed at the Chest Department, Kasr Alainy hospital following ATS/JRS/ALAT guidelines were included. Patients were subjected to thorough history, high-resolution computed tomography, spirometry, cough evaluation test (CET), sinonasal outcome test-22 (SNOT-22), sinonasal examination and nasal mucosal biopsy by an otolaryngologist under visualization by a rigid nasal endoscope. The mean age of the patients was 46.2 ± 13.5 (85% were females and 15% were males). 90% of patients presented with cough and the mean CET was 17.15 ± 5.59.77.5% of patients suffered from sinonasal symptoms and the mean SNOT-22 was 12.18 ± 3.8. There was a significant correlation between the burden of sinonasal symptoms represented by the SNOT-22 and the severity of the cough represented by CET (r 0.40, p 0.01). 87.5% of HP patients had chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa with predominant lymphocytic infiltration in 72.5% of patients. 77.5% of HP patients had a high burden of sinonasal symptoms which is positively associated with cough severity. 72.5% of patients had predominately lymphocytic infiltration of the nasal mucosa. Trial registration: retrospectively registered, registration number is NCT05723796, date of registration 13/02/2023.

Efficient oil–water separation using membranes directly aligns with removing oil pollutants from water sources, promoting water quality. Hence, mitigating environmental harm from oil spills and contamination and fostering ecosystem health for sustainable development. Computational learning, such as artificial intelligence (AI), enhances membrane oil flux and separation efficiency by optimizing process parameters, leading to improved oil–water separation and aligning AI with sustainable environmental protection and resource efficiency solutions. This study employed phase-inversion coupled with sintering to create the ceramic membrane. The Stöber method was adopted to prepare the superhydrophobic silica sol-gel solutions. The data from the mentioned experiment were imposed into regression models, namely, multilinear regression analysis (MLR), support vector regression (SVR), and robust linear regression (RLR), to simulate three different scenarios (oil flux, separation efficiency, and oil flux and separation efficiency). The outcomes were validated and evaluated using several statistical (R2, MSE, R, and RMSE) and graphical visualizations. For oil flux, the results show that the most effective simulation was achieved in SVR-M2 and the statistical criteria for the testing phase were R2 = 0.9847, R = 0.9923, RMSE = 0.0333, and MSE = 0.0011. Similarly, SVR-M2 was superior to other modeling techniques for the separation efficiency in the testing phase (R2 = 0.9945, R = 0.9972, RMSE = 0.0282, MSE = 0.0008). Reliability outcomes promise to revolutionize how we model and optimize membrane-based oil–water separation processes, with implications for various industries seeking sustainable and efficient solutions.

This study investigates the willingness to pay for carbon reduction by road users in Northeastern Nigeria and addresses the lack of research on this topic in the region. A survey was conducted among 601 road users, and the data were analysed using descriptive and open-ended contingent valuation approach. The outcomes of the study showed that 65.7% of the surveyed road users were ready to pay for carbon offset, but at relatively low price point. However, 83% of the participants do not have experience on buying carbon emission. Additionally, 42.8% of the road users have a basic understanding of carbon offset program. The average open-ended willingness to pay for a carbon offset was found to be ₦100.73 per trip. The study recommends the need for a programme that will increase awareness and education to road users not only on carbon emission and climate change issues, but also on the importance of carbon offset programme for improving environmental sustainability of the region.

Land surface temperature (LST) is the instantaneous radiative skin temperature of land obtained from satellite sensors. Measured by visible, infrared or microwave sensors, the LST is useful in determining thermal comfort for urban planning. It also serves as a precursor to many underlying impacts such as health, climate change and the likelihood of rainfall. Due to the paucity of observed data because of cloud cover or rain-bearing clouds in the case of microwave sensors, it is necessary to model LST for the purpose of forecasting. Two spatial regression models were employed: the spatial lag model and the spatial error model. Using Landsat 8 and Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), these models can be studied and compared in terms of their robustness in reproducing LST. Whereas LST is to be the independent variable, built-up area, water surface, albedo, elevation, and vegetation are to be considered as dependent variables and their relative contributions to LST examined. • Modeling LST based on spatial regression models with calculated LST as independent variable. • Dependent variables to be considered are normalised difference Built-up index (NDBI), normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI), modified normalised difference water index (MNDWI), albedo and elevation. • The models were validated using k-fold cross validation method, mean square error and standard deviation.

Plain language summary The onset of COVID-19 has raised concerns that it may compromise women’s access to sexual and reproductive health and rights. Although data are still emerging, some reports indicate reduced access to sexual and reproductive health services, largely due to disruptions in the demand and supply of contraceptive commodities, the diversion of staff and resources to other clinical services, and clinic closures. While these concerns have similarly been broached for Nigeria, there has been no systematic documentation of the extent of the disruptions of reproductive health services caused by COVID-19 and its effects on the provision and utilization of related services in the country This study was a cross-sectional facility-based survey conducted in 10 states, 30 Local Government Areas and 302 primary health centres in Nigeria. The objective of the study was to explore through key informant interviews with service providers in the health centres, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on demand and supply of sexual and reproductive health services. Field assistants administered a semi-structured interview guide to the heads of the health centres that elicited information on availability and use of the health centres before, during and after the lock-downs associated with the pandemic. The results indicate that a large proportion of the health centres opened for the provision of essential sexual and reproductive health services during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. However, fewer clients used the services due to difficulties in travel because of the lockdowns, stock-outs in the health centres, and the fear that they may contract the virus if they leave their houses to the health centres. Although the health centres reported some cases of COVID-19, there was limited provision for personal protective equipment to motivate the health workers to optimize services for clients. From this study, we conclude that efforts should be made to identify innovations for addressing these challenges to enable the continued provision of sexual and reproductive health services by health centres despite the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria’s health centres.

Despite fertilization efforts, phosphorus (P) availability in soils remains a major constraint to global plant productivity. Soil incorporation of biochar could promote soil P availability but its effects remain uncertain. To attain further improvements in soil P availability with biochar, we developed, characterized, and evaluated magnesium-oxide (MgO) and sepiolite (Mg4Si6O15(OH)2·6H2O)-functionalized biochars with optimized P retention/release capacity. Field-based application of these biochars for improving P availability and their mechanisms during three growth stages of maize was investigated. We further leveraged next-generation sequencing to unravel their impacts on the plant growth-stage shifts in soil functional genes regulating P availability. Results showed insignificant variation in P availability between single super phosphate fertilization (F) and its combination with raw biochar (BF). However, the occurrence of Mg-bound minerals on the optimized biochars' surface adjusted its surface charges and properties and improved the retention and slow release of inorganic P. Compared to BF, available P (AP) was 26.5% and 19.1% higher during the 12-leaf stage and blister stage, respectively, under MgO-optimized biochar + F treatment (MgOBF), and 15.5% higher under sepiolite-biochar + F (SBF) during maize physiological maturity. Cumulatively, AP was 15.6% and 13.2% higher in MgOBF and SBF relative to BF. Hence, plant biomass, grain yield, and P uptake were highest in MgOBF and SBF, respectively at harvest. Optimized-biochar amendment stimulated microbial 16SrRNA gene diversity and suppressed the expression of P starvation response and P uptake and transport-related genes while stimulating P solubilization and mineralization genes. Thus, the optimized biochars promoted P availability via the combined processes of slow-release of retained phosphates, while inducing the microbial solubilization and mineralization of inorganic and organic P, respectively. Our study advances strategies for reducing cropland P limitation and reveals the potential of optimized biochars for improving P availability on the field scale. Article Highlights: MgO and sepiolite doping optimized biochar's surface properties for phosphorus (P) retention and slow release The potential formation of Mg-PO4 phases on the optimized biochar surface regulated P retention and release MgO and sepiolite-ptimized biochars increased soil available P by promoting microbial P mineralization and solubilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, preparation of titanium dioxide nanomaterial (TiO2) using sol-gel method was achieved. 2.5 g weight of the titanium dioxide nanoparticles were added to the local paint using the casting method. Thin films were prepared by drop casting the paint onto the surface of pre-prepared samples, then several tests were carried out including adhesion test, hardness test (Shore B), brightness and whiteness, friction test, contact angle, and antibacterial activity. The nanomaterial at a percentage of 12% showed the best results when it was added to the paint. These results include adhesion strength, hardness strength, and exposing to weather conditions of temperature, and humidity. The adhesive strength increased when adding the nanomaterial from 112 to 139 before exposure to the weather and from 58 to 108 after exposure. The hardness also increased from 77.9 to 86.5 before exposure to the surrounding environment and from 94.2 to 96.8 after exposure. In addition, the paint with TiO2 nanoparticles exhibited antibacterial activity against two types of bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli), staphylococcus aurous (S. aurous) and antifungal candida. Paint with TiO2 nanoparticles is more efficient as antibacterial agents with E. coli as compared with S. aurous and candida.

The enhancement of self-driving vehicles has the potential to disrupt traditional transportation systems, Utilizing progress in secure and intelligent mobility. However, control of movement in self-driving vehicles is still difficult to carry out driving duties in a constantly changing road environment. The regulation of bearing angle is an essential component in selfdriving vehicles navigation systems, facilitating the secure and efficient operation of vehicles across a range of environments, including urban streets, highways, and off-road terrain. It employs algorithms and sensor fusion to perceive surroundings, compute trajectories, and execute precise steering commands. The bearing angle represents the angle between the vehicle's current and desired directions. By consistently monitoring this angle and implementing appropriate steering inputs, the selfdriving vehicle can accurately stay on track and proactively adapt to obstacles or adhere to a designated route. In this context, we explore the advancements in bearing angle control methods for self-driving vehicles. By conducting simulations of a simplified block diagram for a self-guiding vehicle's bearing angle control techniques, the efficacy of the steering system of self-driving cars has been briefly examined. We provide various methods of control, which are considered approaches for controlling the angle of bearings through lag lead compensation and PID auto-tuned controllers. The results show that the autotuned PID controller outperforms all other controllers in terms of transient and steady-state responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The development of the face occurs during the early days of intrauterine life by the formation of facial processes from the first Pharyngeal arch. Derangement in these well‐organized fusion events results in Orofacial clefts (OFC). Van der Woude syndrome (VWS) is one of the most common causes of syndromic cleft lip and/or palate accounting for 2% of all cases. Mutations in the IRF6 gene account for 70% of cases with the majority of these mutations located in the DNA‐binding (exon 3, 4) or protein‐binding domains (exon 7–9). The current study was designed to update the list of IRF6 variants reported for VWS by compiling all the published mutations from 2013 to date as well as including the previously unreported VWS cases from Africa and Puerto Rico. Methods We used PubMed with the search terms; "Van der Woude syndrome," “Popliteal pterygium syndrome,” "IRF6," and "Orofacial cleft" to identify eligible studies. We compiled the CADD score for all the mutations to determine the percentage of deleterious variants. Results Twenty‐one new mutations were identified from nine papers. The majority of these mutations were in exon 4. Mutations in exon 3 and 4 had CADD scores between 20 and 30 and mutations in exon 7–9 had CADD scores between 30 and 40. The presence of higher CADD scores in the protein‐binding domain (exon 7–9) further confirms the crucial role played by this domain in the function of IRF6. In the new cases, we identified five IRF6 mutations, three novel missense mutations (p.Phe36Tyr, p.Lys109Thr, and p.Gln438Leu), and two previously reported nonsense mutations (p.Ser424*and p.Arg250*). Conclusion Mutations in the protein and DNA‐binding domains of IRF6 ranked among the top 0.1% and 1% most deleterious genetic mutations, respectively. Overall, these findings expand the range of VWS mutations and are important for diagnostic and counseling purposes.

In the design of modern processors, power and thermal management have become prominent issues of portable computer systems. Dynamic threshold voltage scaling (DTVS) is an effective lowpower design technique for reducing the dissipated power. The technique adjusts the body bias voltage (VBB) and, correspondingly, the threshold voltage (Vth) adaptively. This paper presents a tuning loop design for regulating VBB as well as Vth of transistors, which consistently allows compact efficient thermal and low power consumption of high-speed processors. SPICE simulations LTspice-XVII and ORCAD 17.2 are used to evaluate the presented theoretical basics and fundamentals. Results show that significant amount of power consumption reduction as well as temperature reduction challenges have been obtained for different workload environments.