University of Kara

To investigate the influence of surface characteristics on the shear strength of sand-fines mixture soil-foundation interface, a modified shear box was utilized. In this study, a smooth and two textured (or rough) surfaces that simulate conventional and innovative foundation elements were used, and the soil-surfaces interface was subjected to monotonic shear loading. The soil used in the present study is a mixture of medium sand and fine-grained soils. Two sand-fines mixtures were prepared (i.e., 100% sand–0% fines and 60% sand–40% fines). The results presented herein show that the increase in roughness level of tested surfaces leads to an increase in the interface shear resistance when compared to smooth condition. The higher interface resistance of textured (or rough) surface could be attributed to the creation of highly confined soil wedges (passive zones) at the face of elements and soil dilation with the displacement of surfaces against interface soil at a constant rate. The percentage of increase was up to 68.5% for 100% sand–0% fines mixture and 75.0% for 60% sand–40% fines mixture soils when compared to the interface resistance of smooth surface, respectively. The findings of the present study encourage the adoption of foundation elements with a textured (or rough) surface in sites consisting of sand-fines mixture soils.

In this study, graphdiyne (GDY) was grown in situ on sulfide surfaces derived from polyoxometalate (POM) to construct sp-C–S–M heterointerfaces between metal sulfides (Fe3S4 and MoS2) and GDY, thereby enabling highly efficient bifunctional oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysis. Experimental results reveal that the heterointerface configuration enhances the synergistic interaction between the POM-derived sulfides and GDY, promoting rapid charge transfer and increasing the number of active sites, which collectively boost the intrinsic catalytic activity. At a current density of 10 mA cm–2, the catalyst demonstrates low overpotentials of 132 mV for the HER and 218 mV for the OER and exhibits excellent catalytic activity. This work systematically clarifies the critical roles of electronic interaction and interfacial architecture between POM-derived components and GDY in enhancing HER and OER activities, offering an effective strategy for the design and construction of high-performance electrocatalysts.

Obesity has been defined as a pandemic for several years, and its management is multidisciplinary with an important role for surgeons. The aim of this survey is to assess the level of knowledge of Togolese trained doctors on metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) and its feasibility in Togo. A national Google Form®, cross-sectional survey including medical doctors residing in Togo, or Togolese, volunteers from September 9 to 30, 2023; assessed subjective and objective knowledge of MBS, perceptions regarding indications, referral pathways, and barriers. The data were processed by Epi Info 7.2.5 software. 90 physicians responded with a male predominance (sex ratio M/F = 7.18) and a median age of 34 years. MBS was assumed to be known by 73 practitioners (81.11%). The evaluation criteria showed that the level of MBS-knowledge was complete for 31 physicians (34.44%); average for 32 physicians (35.56%), and insufficient for 27 physicians (30%). In the univariate model, significant predictors of higher MBS-knowledge score were: specialist (P = .0052), higher professional level (P = .0214), and good answer to multi-disciplinary team specialist (P < .0001). There were 75 doctors (83.33%) who validated the feasibility of MBS in Togo. Morbidly obese and financially wealthy patients were indicated by 54.44% of physicians. Concerning care, 61 physicians (67.78%) would be willing to entrust their patient to a specialist residing in Togo. Physicians in Togo show insufficient objective knowledge and misconceptions regarding MBS. Strengthened training, national guidelines, and clear referral pathways are needed.

I read with great interest the article by Malekrah et al., entitled “The Crucial Role of Physical Activity Index in Predicting the Incidence of Pacemaker Syndrome,” published in the Journal of Arrhythmia. The study makes a noteworthy contribution by addressing the potential role of physical activity in the pathogenesis of pacemaker syndrome (PMS). However, several important limitations in methodological design and parameter selection restrict the clinical generalizability of the findings. First, implanting dual-chamber devices in all patients and reprogramming them to VVIR mode at discharge does not reflect clinical practice. Large randomized trials (PASE, CTOPP, MOST) have typically performed mode changes only in symptomatic cases or for comparative analysis [1-3]. Routinely implanting dual-chamber devices but programming them in single-chamber mode lacks clinical justification and creates a non-physiological environment of AV dyssynchrony. Therefore, the reported incidence of PMS was obtained under a protocol different from real-life practice and should be interpreted with caution. Second, the study population being limited to individuals under 65 years of age, with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 50% and sinus rhythm, excludes the highest-risk groups for PMS. The current ESC Guidelines on Cardiac Pacing and CRT [4] and the HRS/APHRS/LAHRS Guideline on Cardiac Physiologic Pacing [5] emphasize that hemodynamic intolerance related to PMS is more pronounced in patients with low EF and atrial fibrillation (AF). The exclusion of these patients limits the applicability of the results to a narrow group of “young, active, normal EF, and sinus rhythm” individuals. Third, many key parameters essential for understanding PMS pathophysiology were not evaluated in this study. Recent PMS studies have focused on hemodynamic indicators (blood pressure, stroke volume, cardiac output), electrophysiological variables (% ventricular pacing, AV interval, retrograde VA conduction time), and particularly mechanical synchrony parameters (global longitudinal strain, intraventricular dyssynchrony, mitral inflow patterns) [6-9]. None of these parameters were reported in the work of Malekrah et al. Fourth, the study demonstrated an increased incidence of PMS among individuals with high levels of physical activity. However, this finding may reflect increased symptom awareness or greater perception of effort-related symptoms rather than a causal relationship. Physical activity level was assessed using the self-reported IPAQ questionnaire, which carries a risk of measurement bias. Moreover, the study did not report whether higher activity actually led to greater ventricular pacing rates since parameters such as true pacing burden (%V-pacing), AV interval, and rate-adaptive sensor settings were not provided; the hemodynamic mechanism remains unsupported. In conclusion, the study attempts to explain the multifactorial nature of PMS through a single variable-the physical activity index. A model that does not simultaneously evaluate mechanical, electrophysiological, and clinical parameters cannot accurately represent the true pathophysiology of PMS. Future studies should include patients with low EF, a broader age range, and various pacing modes; an analytical approach supported by objective exercise testing and advanced echocardiographic measurements will enhance the scientific clarity of this issue. Sincerely, The author declares no conflicts of interest.

Abstract Climate-smart agriculture is heralded for enhancing productivity and combating climate change. It has been purported that the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices and technologies (CSAPT) remains limited, with various reasons. A key challenge in the existing literature is conflating traditional CSAPT, such as intercropping, with innovative CSAPT, like improved seeds, obscuring critical distinctions. Recognizing that CSAPT adoption is highly context-specific, especially in regions like Northern Togo with unique agro-ecological and socio-economic challenges, this study analyzed farm production efficiency under traditional and innovative CSAPT. Using data from over 500 households in Togo’s Kozah prefecture, farmers were categorized into those who adopted only traditional CSAPT and those combining traditional and innovative CSAPT. A binary probit model identified adoption determinants, while stochastic frontier analysis evaluated farmers’ technical efficiency. The findings indicate that most farmers continue to rely only on traditional CSAPT. Probit analysis indicates that factors like gender, land tenure, farm size, organization membership, and dry spell exposure influence the likelihood of adopting traditional and innovative CSAPT. Farmers combining traditional and innovative CSAPT had higher efficiency than those using only traditional methods. These findings have important policy implications. They emphasize the need for agricultural policies that reduce barriers to adopting innovative CSAPT. Policies should ensure land access for women, empower farmer organizations to spread technology, and develop localized climate-resilience strategies. These initiatives can increase the adoption of efficiency practices, boosting agricultural productivity and food security amid climate change.

Purpose The objective of the study is to examine the impact of external debt on inflation by highlighting the moderating role of imports in the external debt–inflation nexus. Design/methodology/approach The autoregressive distributed lag model is employed to show short-run versus long-run dynamics using data from Guinea for the period of 1986–2021. Findings The findings reveal that imports negatively affect inflation in the short-run, while (public) external debt and imports drive long-run inflation. Furthermore, imports positively moderate the external debt–inflation nexus in the long run. The threshold of imports above which external debt has a positive effect on inflation is roughly 34 (% of GDP). Research limitations/implications Although this research reports interesting findings, the small sample size represents a structural limitation of our findings. Another limitation is data quality, a common problem in research. Originality/value The contribution is threefold. First, Guinea is an African country where inflation is relatively higher. In general, there is a lack of studies analyzing simultaneously the effect of external debt and trade on inflation, and statements concerning the role of imports on inflation remain conjectural. To fill this gap, this research simultaneously highlights their impacts on inflation. Second, for the sensitivity analysis, this research analyzes the effects of overall trade and public external debt on inflation. Third, to our knowledge, it is the first time a study explores the moderating role of imports in the external debt–inflation nexus.

Abstract This study evaluates different options for the valorisation of olive cake waste in Jordan, focusing on direct combustion, gasification, and composting. Physical/chemical, biological/ecological, sociological/cultural, and economic/operational aspects of each option are assessed using the Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix (RIAM) procedure. The findings indicate that composting of olive cake emerges as the most favourable option, offering positive impacts on soil quality, minimal environmental and social risks, and economic benefits through job creation and value-added products. Gasification and direct combustion also show potential but may require further consideration of local context and stakeholder preferences. Overall, the study provides valuable insights for decision-makers in selecting the most suitable olive cake valorisation option in Jordan.

The research aim is to trace the memorial transformation of the image of Russo-Ukrainian relations in Ukraine’s visual culture, from the Soviet «fraternal» narrative to the contemporary antagonistic discourse. Methodology. The study is based on an interdisciplinary approach including cultural anthropology, memory studies, and discourse analysis. The research applies an extensive corpus of visual sources (sculpture, photography, cinematography, posters, caricatures, memes, social media content) to analyze the semantic shifts in the visual representation of Russia and Ukraine, as well as the specifics of their relationship. The novelty lies in its comprehensive and long-term analysis of visual culture as the primary field of the Russo-Ukrainian mnemonic struggle. Conclusions. The study confirms the transformation from the «fraternal» image to «neighborliness» in the 1990s – 2000s, and eventually, to the emergence of metaphors like «foe» and «aggressor» in Ukraine after 2014 and 2022. Ukrainian media have consistently attempted to form a powerful visual counternarrative, yet this process was complicated by inherited conceptual paradigms and the absence of a visual «enemy» template from the Soviet era. In general, modern Russian memory politics, while reinforcing the Soviet metanarrative of «one people», simultaneously aimed to construct Ukrainians as a marginalized «Other».