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Biological Impacts of Climate Change on Sea Turtles: A Review
No full textClimate change poses significant threats to sea turtle populations, affecting reproduction, migration, and survival. This review explores the impacts of rising global temperatures, greenhouse gas emissions, and oceanic disruptions on these species. Elevated sand temperatures result in female-biased sex ratios, jeopardizing genetic diversity and long-term population stability. Rising sea levels and extreme weather events further reduce available nesting sites, while altered ocean currents disrupt migratory routes and food availability, endangering species viability. To mitigate these effects, robust conservation strategies are essential, including nesting site protection, sand temperature regulation, and bycatch reduction. Policies aimed at habitat preservation and carbon emission reduction are also critical for enhancing species resilience. Future research should prioritize adaptive strategies to ensure population sustainability in the face of ongoing climate change. This review emphasizes the urgency of integrated conservation efforts to safeguard these ecologically vital marine reptiles
Infectious Causes of Acute Meningoencephalitis Syndrome in Children: Insights from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan
No full textBackground: Acute Meningoencephalitis Syndrome (AMES) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide, with diverse infectious etiologies varying by geography and resource availability. While vaccines have successfully reduced bacterial meningitis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) in developed regions, serotype replacement and antimicrobial resistance pose ongoing challenges.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the frequency of infectious causes of AMES among children presenting to a tertiary care hospital in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, providing essential epidemiological insights to guide diagnostic and preventive strategies.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics at Lady Reading Hospital (LRH), Peshawar, from August 1, 2020, to January 31, 2021. 130 children aged 1–10 years with acute meningoencephalitis syndrome of ≤72 hours’ duration were enrolled. Lumbar puncture was performed for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and pathogens including Streptococcus pneumoniae, enterovirus, herpesvirus VI, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Escherichia coli, and Group B Streptococcus were identified. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 23, with stratification by age, gender, and duration of symptoms.
Results and Conclusion: The most commonly identified pathogen was enterovirus (23.1%), followed by Group B Streptococcus (19.2%), Escherichia coli (17.7%), and Streptococcus pneumoniae (16.9%). Herpesvirus VI was detected in 12.3% of cases, while Mycobacterium tuberculosis was the least frequent (3.8%). Male patients accounted for 73.1% of cases. Age stratification indicated higher infection rates among younger children (1–5 years), although no statistically significant differences were observed across age groups, gender, or symptom duration.
Viral etiologies, particularly enteroviruses, remain the predominant cause of pediatric AMES, aligning with global trends. However, the considerable burden of bacterial infections underscores the continued need for improved vaccination coverage and antimicrobial stewardship. The low detection rate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis likely reflects diagnostic limitations rather than its true prevalence.
These findings highlight the importance of early diagnosis, targeted treatment strategies, and enhanced surveillance to improve outcomes in pediatric acute meningoencephalitis syndrome cases
E-learning in Mathematics Education: Examining Teachers\u27 Attitude, Intentions and Barriers
No full textAim: This study delves into e-learning in mathematics education, examining teachers’ attitudes, intentions, and barriers in their teaching practices, specifically focusing on secondary school teachers in Laoang, Northern Samar.
Study Design: This study used a qualitative research approach, utilizing thematic analysis to examine the factors shaping mathematics teachers\u27 attitudes and intentions toward adopting e-learning tools, along with the challenges they faced. By exploring the deeper reasons behind their experiences, the research provided valuable insights into what drives or obstructs the integration of e-learning in mathematics education.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted between February and April 2025 in Laoang, Northern Samar, focusing on mathematics teachers from Laoang National High School and Laoang National Technical High School.
Methodology: This study examines seven (7) mathematics teachers who were purposively selected based on their experience and willingness to adopt e-learning tools from Laoang National High School and Laoang National Technical High School. Semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis provided an in-depth understanding of their perspectives.
Results: finding reveals a complex interplay of enthusiasm and skepticism regarding e-learning integration. While teachers recognize its potential to enhance engagement and provide interactive learning experiences, concerns persist regarding accessibility, digital literacy, and the effectiveness of technology in teaching advanced mathematical concepts. The study identifies critical barriers, including inadequate technological infrastructure, limited digital literacy, misalignment between e-learning tools and curriculum goals, and institutional pressures driving a compliance-oriented approach.
Conclusion: Successful e-learning adoption requires a holistic strategy encompassing investments in technology, structured professional development, curriculum revisions to align with digital tools, and targeted initiatives to improve digital literacy among students and educators. Shifting from compliance-driven implementation to a blended learning model will foster more equitable and effective mathematics instruction
Evaluation of Open-pollinated Maize Varieties for Adaptability and Productivity in Golohajo, Somali Region, Ethiopia
No full textMaize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important cereal crops worldwide, serving as a staple food and a vital source of dietary energy. In Ethiopia\u27s Somali Region, however, maize production remains limited due to several constraints, notably the lack of access to improved varieties and essential production inputs. To address this gap, a field experiment was conducted during the 2023 cropping season at the Fafan Agricultural Research Center, located in Gursum Woreda, Somali Regional State (SRS), Ethiopia. The objective was to evaluate the agronomic performance and yield potential of improved open-pollinated maize varieties under local conditions. Three maize varieties were tested using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were collected on phenological traits, growth parameters, and yield components. The experiment was laid out in plots measuring 22.5 m² (5 m × 4.5 m), each containing four rows, with appropriate spacing to ensure optimal plant development. The analysis of variance indicated significant differences (p < 0.05) among the maize varieties for all measured parameters, except for plant height. The variety Afan-qalo exhibited the earliest tasseling (62.33 days), silking (67.33 days), and maturity (122.3 days), while Raare-1 was the latest across these stages. Afan-qalo also outperformed the other varieties in key yield components, including the number of ears per plant (1.333), ear length (30.40 cm), thousand seed weight (306.7 g), grain yield (49.08 Qt/ha), and biomass yield (284.0 Qt/ha). Based on these findings, Afan-qalo is recommended for sustainable maize production in the study area. To further enhance maize productivity in the Somali Region and similar agro-ecological zones, future research should include a broader range of maize varieties and extend across multiple locations and growing seasons
Sero-Prevalence and Immunological Profile of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Nigerian Sickle Cell Disease Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic
No full textIntroduction: Nigeria has the highest prevalence of sickle cell disease (SCD) globally, making it a major genetic disorder of public health concern in Africa. During the COVID-19 pandemic, SCD patients were particularly vulnerable due to their compromised immune and hematological systems.
Aim/Objective: This study aimed to determine the sero-prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies and assess the associated hematological and immunological profiles in Nigerian SCD patients during the pandemic.
Method: A case-control, cross-sectional study was conducted at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. The study involved 167 participants—122 confirmed SCD patients and 45 healthy controls. Blood samples were analyzed for hematological parameters (white blood cell count [WBC], platelet count, hemoglobin [Hb], and packed cell volume [PCV]), coagulation indicators (prothrombin time [PT], activated partial thromboplastin time [APTT], and D-dimer), and SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (IgG and IgM). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.0.
Results: SCD patients showed significantly elevated values for white blood cell count (11.37 vs. 5.64 × 10⁹/L), platelet count (351.62 vs. 233.04 × 10⁹/L), prothrombin time (PT: 15.33 vs. 11.86 seconds), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT: 32.25 vs. 29.27 seconds), and D-dimer levels (3347.08 vs. 1438.13 ng/mL) compared to healthy controls (p<0.05). In contrast, SCD patients had significantly lower hemoglobin concentrations (7.75 vs. 13.13 g/dL) and packed cell volume (PCV: 22.42% vs. 39.64%) (p<0.05). Although SCD patients exhibited slightly higher average levels of SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies, these differences were not statistically significant compared with the control group. A significant negative correlation was observed between age and IgM antibody levels (r = -0.223, p = 0.014), indicating a possible reduction in recent immune response with increasing age.
Conclusion: The study revealed significant hematological and coagulation abnormalities in SCD patients, highlighting their heightened risk for thrombotic complications during infections such as COVID-19. Although no significant difference in SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels was found, the observed trends underline the need for routine serological and coagulation monitoring in SCD patients to support better clinical outcomes
Performance Evaluation of Released Haricot Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties Under Irrigated and Rainfed Conditions in the Somali Region, Ethiopia
No full textHaricot bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a vital legume crop in Ethiopia, serving as a key source of protein, energy, and income for smallholder farmers. This study was conducted to evaluate the growth performance, yield, and yield-related traits of six nationally released haricot bean varieties under irrigated and rainfed conditions at two sites in the Somali Region, Fafen and Dollo-Ado, during the 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons, respectively. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was employed. Data on phenological, morphological, and yield attributes were collected and analyzed using GenStat software. The results revealed significant varietal differences in major agronomic traits across both sites. At Fafen, the variety Seri 119 recorded the highest grain yield (1,484 kg/ha), while at Dollo-Ado, Seri 125 exhibited superior performance with the highest yield of 2,142 kg/ha. In contrast, Awash-2 and Awash-Mitin were the lowest-yielding varieties at the respective locations. These findings indicate that Seri 119 and Seri 125 are well adapted to the agro-ecological conditions of Fafen and Dollo-Ado, respectively, and hold promise for improving haricot bean productivity in the Somali Region. The results support targeted variety recommendations and underscore the importance of site-specific variety selection. Further multi-location and multi-year evaluations are recommended to confirm the consistency and stability of these varieties across diverse environments
Characterization of Prevalent Agroforestry Practices and Common Fruit Tree Management in Erer District, Sitti Zone, Somali Region, Ethiopia
No full textThis study was conducted to characterize the prevalent agroforestry practices and assess the common fruit tree management techniques in Erer District, Sitti Zone, Somali Region, Ethiopia. The research employed a multistage sampling technique, selecting 114 households (57 adopters and 57 non-adopters) from two purposively chosen kebeles (Hurso and Halsho). Data were collected through household surveys, key informant interviews (KIIs), and focus group discussions (FGDs), and analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods, including SPSS for statistical analysis. Results revealed that orange and mandarin trees are the most widely adopted fruit trees due to their drought tolerance and market value. Socioeconomic variables such as age, income, and education level significantly influenced the adoption of fruit-based agroforestry, while landholding size showed no significant difference between the adopter and non-adopter groups. Fruit tree management practices include irrigation, organic fertilization, pruning, and protection from animals. Marketing is dominated by informal traditional channels, with produce sold in local and regional markets. The study concludes that despite climatic challenges, agroforestry presents a viable livelihood strategy in dryland areas when supported with appropriate resources and training. Recommendations include improving access to quality seedlings, irrigation support, and market linkages to strengthen the agroforestry sector in Erer District
Toward a Unified Theory of Brain Hypergraphs and Symptom Hypernetworks in Medicine and Neuroscience
No full textMany biomedical systems exhibit interactions that go beyond simple pairwise connections. A hypergraph generalizes a graph by permitting an edge to connect any number of vertices—such edges are called hyperedges. A superhypergraph further extends this concept by recursively nesting powerset layers, enabling multi-level and self-referential relationships.
In neuroscience, Brain Graphs represent pairwise functional or structural connectivity among brain regions, while Symptom Networks capture statistical dependencies among clinical symptoms. In this work, We propose four novel frameworks—Brain Hypergraphs, Symptom Hypernetworks, Brain Superhypergraphs, and Symptom Superhypernetworks. For each, We provide rigorous definitions, illustrative examples drawn from real-world biomedical scenarios, and an analysis of their core mathematical properties. These advanced models are specifically designed to represent complex, multi-way, and hierarchical interactions that classical graphs cannot capture.
This paper is devoted to the theoretical formulation and property analysis of these new network structures. We anticipate that future research will implement these frameworks computationally and validate them with domain experts to unlock deeper insights into brain function and disease symptomatology
Understanding the Potentials of Biochar and Nitrogen Fertilizer on Selected Soil Physical Properties and Maize (Zea mays) Performance
No full textBiochar (BC) application has recently gained attention from researchers due to its promising quality of improving soil properties, including physical qualities, and crop performance. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of biochar in combination with nitrogen fertilizer on selected soil physical properties and maize performance through a field experiment at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Technology, Minna. The study was a 3 x 4 factorial experiment set up in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three levels of biochar (0, 2.5, and 5 t/ha) and four levels of fertilizer (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg N/ha), replicated three times. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed on the obtained soil and plant data, and Least Significant Difference (LSD) was used to distinguish the significant means. The findings showed that the soil bulk density and soil moisture constants (SC, FC, PWP, and AWC) were not significantly affected (p ≥ 0.05) by the application of fertilizer and BC. The emergence of seedlings was not significantly impacted following the application of BC or fertilizer. Grain yields, stover, and plant height were all significantly (p ≥ 0.05) impacted following the application of nitrogen fertilizer. Plant height was maximum at 80 and 120kg N/ha application, while the control recorded the shortest plant height. Hence, the application of nitrogen fertilizer increased maize plant height, stover, and grain yields significantly (p ≥ 0.05). Yet, a more long-term study on BC and N fertilizer needs to be done to better understand their impacts on soil and crop performance
DNA-based Molecular Monitoring of Parasitic Infections in Invasive and Native Snail Hosts
No full textAims: This study aims to evaluate the ecological impacts of invasive freshwater snail species on parasite transmission dynamics and to assess the effectiveness of DNA-based surveillance techniques in monitoring parasitic infections and associated risks to native snail populations.
Methodology: This study employed a mini-review and meta-synthesis approach to evaluate peer-reviewed research articles investigating invasive snail–parasite–host interactions. The review synthesized findings from studies conducted globally between 1997 and 2024, with a particular focus on case studies from Zimbabwe, Brazil, the USA, Egypt, and Thailand. Relevant literature was identified through structured database searches in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, targeting studies that applied molecular diagnostics and ecological modeling frameworks. Included studies utilized tools such as environmental DNA (eDNA), nested and multiplex PCR, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), microsatellite genotyping, and DNA barcoding. Data on sampling methodologies, prevalence rates, host susceptibility, and spatial risk modeling were extracted and synthesized to reveal patterns in parasite spillover, spillback, and emerging biodiversity threats associated with invasive host-parasite systems.
Results: Across four major sites, 1,250 snails were sampled—650 invasive and 600 native—with DNA barcoding achieving 98% species-level accuracy. Molecular assays identified elevated parasite prevalence in native species compared to invasives (e.g., Physa gyrina 45% vs. Bithynia tentaculata 20%; Radix natalensis 30% vs. Melanoides tuberculata 10%). eDNA showed 95% sensitivity for Schistosoma mansoni and 90% for Centrocestus formosanus, detecting parasite presence in up to 80% of surveyed water bodies. Risk assessments revealed a positive correlation between invasive snail density and native snail infection rates (p < 0.05). Use of natural molluscicides (e.g., Achyranthes aspera) reduced invasive snail populations by 70% and native infection rates by 25%.
Conclusion: Invasive snails play a central role in modifying parasite transmission landscapes, posing significant risks to native biodiversity and public health. DNA-based tools offer accurate, non-invasive diagnostics essential for surveillance and targeted mitigation. Standardization of protocols, integration with ecological models, and expanded genetic databases are needed to strengthen control efforts and conservation planning