bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Microbial Landscape of Infection Site and the Effectiveness of Antibiotic and Immunotherapy in Patients with Diabetic Foot
Authors: Sokolova V. I. , Sychev D. A. , Vasilieva E. I. , Babarina M. B. , Zavolovskaya L. I.
Published: August 2020

The article analyses the results of the study of 169 strains of microorganisms obtained from wound discharge from 132 patients with diabetes mellitus. Staphylococcus spp. bacteria held a leading place among Gram-positive pathogens. Gram-negative pathogens — Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, etc. — were found less frequently. All isolated cultures were sensitive to levofloxacin and moxifloxacin, and only Acinetobacter spp. (n=2) remained intact (in vitro) after the use of levofloxacin. The intra-arterial route of administration of levofloxacin (500 mg/day) in combination with polyoxidonium (12 mg/day) through a port was used in 16 patients with diabetic foot. In all clinical cases, positive dynamics was noted: subsiding of the inflammatory process, cleansing of the wound from a purulent-necrotic substrate, and early epithelialization of the wound was observed in patients with diabetic foot.
Which hand is mine? Discriminating body ownership perception in a two-alternative forced-choice task
Authors: Chancel Marie , Ehrsson H. Henrik
Published: August 2020

The experience of one’s body as one’s own is referred to as the sense of body ownership. This central part of human conscious experience determines the boundary between the self and the external environment, a crucial distinction in perception, action, and cognition. Although body ownership is known to involve the integration of signals from multiple sensory modalities, including vision, touch, and proprioception, little is known about the principles that determine this integration process, and the relationship between body ownership and perception is unclear. These uncertainties stem from the lack of a sensitive and rigorous method to quantify body ownership. Here, we describe a two-alternative forced-choice discrimination task that allows precise and direct measurement of body ownership as participants decide which of two rubber hands feels more like their own in a version of the rubber hand illusion. In two experiments, we show that the temporal and spatial congruence principles of multisensory stimulation, which determine ownership discrimination, impose tighter constraints than previously thought and that texture congruence constitutes an additional principle; these findings are compatible with theoretical models of multisensory integration. Taken together, our results suggest that body ownership constitutes a genuine perceptual multisensory phenomenon that can be quantified with psychophysics in discrimination experiments.
Analysis of the Effect of Product Quality, Price Perception, Brand Image and Promotion on Customer Satisfaction to Achieve Repurchase Intention (Fiesta Chicken Nugget)
Authors: S.S Theofilus Pirri, , M.H Dr. Dipa Mulia, M.M.,
Published: August 2020

This study aims to analyze the effect of product quality, price perception, brand image and promotion on customer satisfaction to achieve repurchase intention’s Fiesta chicken Nugget in Jakarta, Indonesia. This study uses Non Probability Sampling and purposive sampling methods with a total of 190 respondents. Data analysis of this study is carried out by structural equation model (SEM) analysis using Lisrel 8.8. The findings show that each independent variable namely product quality, price perception, brand image and promotion has a positive and significant influence on customer satisfaction as intervening variable. Customer satisfaction as intervening variable has a positive and significant influence on repurchase intention as dependent variable. The product quality has the biggest influence among the four independent variables on customer satisfaction. It is recommended that companies should focus on increasing the value of product quality and product price adjustments to increase customer satisfaction and the company should pay more intention to promotion and improve brand image for the better. Further research by conducting research on other variables with a larger sample is also recommended.
EEG Classification Using TQWT and Classifiers
Authors: Padhy Sibasankar , Suryateja S Sai
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study is to detect the epileptic seizures, which can be indicated by the abnormal disturbances in intracranial neurons using the electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. The EEG signals are grouped into three categories viz., Normal EEG signals (Z and O subsets), Seizure-free EEG signals (N and F subsets), and Seizure EEG signals (S subset). Whereas, for classification in this study, EEG signals are divided into three groups namely NF-S, O-FS, and ZO-NF-S. The signal length is fixed to be 4096 samples. The EEG signals will be decomposed by using Tunable-Q Wavelet Transform (TQWT), which produces intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) in decreasing order of frequency. These IMFs are analysed to gather the features of these signals, which help to classify them into various categories, and these features are fed as inputs to three classifiers viz., Random Forest (RF), Decision Table (DT), and Logistic Regression (LR). Logistic Regression classifier has showed higher accuracy, specificity and sensitivity for NF-S and O-F-S groups in comparison to RF and DT classifiers, whereas, Random Forest classifier expressed higher accuracy, specificity and sensitivity for ZO-NF-S groups in comparison to other classifiers. By utilising LR classifier, the suitable parameters of TQWT in NF-S (seizure-free vs. Seizure) are Q=6, r=3, and J=9 and showed maximum accuracy of 98%; and in O-F-S (Normal vs. Seizure-free vs. Seizure), Q=1, r=3, and J=9 attained maximum accuracy of 94.7%. Whereas, in ZONF-S (Normal vs. Seizure-free vs. Seizure), Q=4, r=3, and J=9 expressed maximum accuracy of 99.8% utilising Random Forest classifier.
UNDERSTANDING STRATEGIC ALLIANCE LIFE CYCLE: A 30 YEAR LITERATURE REVIEW OF LEADING MANAGEMENT JOURNALS
Authors: Dhaundiyal Mayank , Coughlan Joseph
Published: August 2020

This paper contributes to the strategic alliance literature by undertaking a literature review of the burgeoning strategic alliance literature published in the last three decades in the mainstream management journals to fulfil two primary objectives. First, to bring a coherent structure into the fairly vast and growing alliance literature and second, to serve as a medium for a holistic understanding of the major life stages of strategic alliances. This is done by first dividing the alliance literature into three distinct yet related alliance life stages namely the pre-alliance stage, alliance formation stage and the alliance management and performance stage, and then by discussing in detail the three alliance stages individually. The paper would be useful for academics as well as practitioners looking to get a holistic understanding of strategic alliances and its three distinct yet related life stages and the key research papers which have been published focussing on each of these alliance stages.
The Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI): the first three years (2016–2018)
Authors: Gorin Sergey V , Koroleva Anna M , Gerasimov Alexey N , Voronov Alexander A
Published: August 2020

Objective: To observe changes in the number, form (print and online), and distribution (by academic disciplines) of Russian journals indexed in the first three years of the Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI).

Background: The globalization of science and the need to involve Russia in the international process of knowledge exchange have influenced the main directions of publication activity and interaction with the world scientific community. 

Methods: Statistical information freely available through the databases of the Scientific Electronic Library of Russia for January 2019 were compared with data from January 2016. 

Results: In 2016, the number of Russian journals included in the RSCI was 650; by 2019, the number had increased to 771, an increase of 18.6%. The number of journals with printed and online versions increased by 13.3% to reach 266 units. The number of Russian journals indexed in Scopus and the Web of Science databases increased during the period, as did the number of journals with both print and online versions.

Conclusions: Journals from the RSCI database tend also to be added to Scopus or WoS databases and do not remain exclusively as part of the local database. Implementing the RSCI project had a positive impact on the full spectrum of Russian academic journals, which are increasingly committed to improving their work to continue to be part of RSCI or Scopus or WoS databases.
A new species of Periclistus Foerster, 1869 from China and review of the tribe Diastrophini (Hymenoptera, Cynipoidea, Cynipidae)
Authors: Pang Yin , Liu Zhiwei , Su Cheng-Yuan , Zhu Dao-Hong
Published: August 2020

A new species of cynipid gall wasps,Periclistus orientalisPang, Liu & Zhu,sp. nov., is herein described from Hunan, China in the tribe Diastrophini (Hymenoptera: Cynipoidea: Cynipidae). The phylogenetic relationship betweenPericlistusand all the other Diastrophini genera, except the recently describedXestophanopsisPujade-Villar et al., 2019, was analyzed using a fragment of the mitochondrial COI gene and a fragment of the nuclear 28S gene. A taxonomic key to the known genera of Diastrophini and an updated taxonomic key to the known Eastern Palearctic species ofPericlistuswere provided. In addition, an updated checklist of the known species of the genus from the world is given.
Revision of Nagiella Munroe (Lepidoptera, Crambidae), with the description of a new species from China
Authors: Lu Xiao-Qiang , Du Xi-Cui
Published: August 2020

The genusNagiellawas studied using morphological and DNA barcode data.Nagiella bispinasp. nov.is described as a new species, andN. hortulatoidesMunroe is recorded in China for the first time. The diagnosis of this genus is revised, and the genitalia description ofN. quadrimaculalis(Kollar and Redtenbacher) andN. inferior(Hampson) are given in English for the first time.Nosophora incomitata(Swinhoe)stat. rev.is removed from the synonym ofN. quadrimaculalis. Photographs of the habitus and genitalia as well as COI DNA Barcode data of these four species are provided.
Les chemins de l’autisme : des psychopathies à la neurodiversité
Authors: Hochmann Jacques
Published: August 2020

Après l’idiot du xix e  siècle, dernier échelon de la dégénérescence, après les enfants schizoïdes de Sukhareva à Moscou, l’école de Vienne, autour de Lazar, reprenant le terme créé par Bleuler, décrit les psychopathes autistiques dont Asperger fera l’objet de sa thèse. Après l’Anschluss, les élèves de Lazar, George Frankl et Anni Weiss, apportent la notion à Kanner, à Baltimore, qui transforme les traits de personnalité en un syndrome auquel il donne son nom et qui devient célèbre. De nombreux psychanalystes essaient d’offrir un soin psychothérapique aux enfants autistes. Leur prise de position psychogénétique prévalente déclenche une violente réaction des associations de parents qui récusent les recherches en psychopathologie au nom d’une organogenèse exclusive et font la promotion de l’éducation spécialisée et des thérapies comportementales. Découvrant la thèse d’Asperger et ignorant les travaux de Lazar, Lorna Wing étend le spectre de l’autisme en créant le syndrome d’Asperger qui a un énorme succès. L’autisme devient un phénomène social. Les recherches historiques modernes ont révélé le rôle ambigu d’Asperger sous le nazisme et voulu faire du syndrome qui porte son nom une production nazie. Ce point de vue discutable s’inscrit dans une histoire dominée par des boucs émissaires, à chacun de ses tournants : « la mère frigidaire » de l’autiste, Bruno Bettelheim bourreau des parents, aujourd’hui Asperger, auteur supposé d’un « infâme » syndrome. Le concept de neurodiversité qui extrait l’autiste du champ de la pathologie est le dernier épisode d’une histoire tourmentée qui montre la fragilité du diagnostic en psychiatrie.
Voice Assistant Reminders for Pain Self-Management Tasks in Aging Adults
Authors: Shade Marcia Y. , Rector Kyle , Soumana Rasila , Kupzyk Kevin
Published: August 2020

Aging adults are impacted by pain. Technology can assist older adults with pain self-management while allowing for independence. The current usability study explored the use of voice assistant reminders for two pain self-management tasks in aging adults. Fifteen community-dwelling older adults with chronic pain and an average age of 65 years used the voice assistant for 4 weeks. Participants had moderate scores for pain severity (mean = 4.6 [
SD
= 2.3]) and pain interference (mean = 4 [
SD
= 2.6]). Voice assistant usability was above average (78 of 100). Median time to set up the Google Home Assistant profile was 5 minutes (
SD
= 7.5), with a median of asking for help two times. Pain self-management task reminders from the voice assistant were perceived as consistent, easy to set up, and helpful for accountability. Voice assistant reminders may be an option to help encourage a variety of pain self-management tasks in aging adults. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 46
(10), 27–33.]
Negotiating a Medication Treatment Plan
Authors: Limandri Barbara J.
Published: August 2020

As difficult as it may be for someone to decide to seek mental health care, following up with repeat appointments is more difficult. A common route to that first appointment is discharge from an emergency department or a first hospitalization following a mental health crisis. Best practice in discharge planning is establishing an appointment with an outpatient therapist. Key to establishing care with a mental health professional is building a relationship based on trust and compassion. Establishing that relationship takes time, yet the beginning of that process occurs in the initial appointment and negotiation of a plan of care that the client can commit to. This article focuses on the process of negotiating a plan of care that is collaboratively agreed upon and renegotiated as appropriate. When the plan of care is collaboratively developed, psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy adherence become non-issues because the client and provider have established trust and a clear path to achieve the desired goals. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 58
(9), 9–12.]
La década prodigiosa de Regina Lamo: su compromiso con el cooperativismo obrero en la Cataluña de los años veinte
Authors: Osborne Raquel
Published: August 2020

Este trabajo pretende articular la construcción del personaje de Regina Lamo, hasta ahora presentado como sub­alterno a otras vidas que han alcanzado más relevancia históri­ca que ella. Entre otros activismos, Lamo se convirtió en líder de opinión y en creadora de escuela en el terreno del coopera­tivismo como forma más eficaz de lucha contra la explotación del movimiento obrero en las primeras décadas del siglo XX en España. La grave situación de conflicto social vivido en esas primeras décadas del siglo en el contexto de la modernización de España, y en particular en Cataluña, junto con el auge del movimiento obrero, provocó una fuerte represión de la princi­pal fuerza, el anarcosindicalismo. Se abrió así un espacio para los mutualistas que buscaban un desgaste gradual y pacífico del capitalismo y que estaban a favor de la economía social, frente a los bakuninistas, proclives a la lucha militante, la huelga ge­neral y la insurrección. En este marco, Regina Lamo perfila su compromiso con una original propuesta de creación de Bancos Populares de Crédito que singularizó su figura y la convirtió en un personaje relevante, transgresora de los límites de género, que hoy tratamos de reivindicar.
Militantes entre el ser y el deber ser. Compromiso, género y familias en la juventud revolucionaria de los años 70 en España y Argentina
Authors: Ortuño Martínez Bárbara , Moreno Seco Mónica
Published: August 2020

Desde una perspectiva transnacional y comparada, que incorpora la experiencia del exilio, este trabajo analiza las tensiones identitarias que afectaron a la juventud militante de la izquierda revolucionaria española y argentina durante los años setenta. A través de las relaciones familiares y de género, estudia las formas públicas y privadas del compromiso y la transgresión. Aborda cómo la politización de lo privado marcó a hombres y mujeres dentro de un proceso global contestatario, heredero del 68, para destacar las contradicciones que afloraron entre la teoría y la práctica, el deseo y la realidad, que llevaron a los jóvenes militantes a asumir un régimen emocional en constante debate entre el ser y el deber ser.
Transgresión banal: discursos, identidades y estereotipos de género entre los años 70 y 80
Authors: Mira Abad Alicia , Díaz Silva Elena
Published: August 2020

El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar las diversas manifestaciones de transgresión que tienen su origen en los últimos años de la década de los 70 y en los 80 en España, y su reflejo en los estereotipos de género. Desde las actitudes libertarias, pasando por la superwoman como modelo de mujer emancipada, hasta los nuevos modelos de maternidad intensiva que comienzan a introducirse a finales de los ochenta, la transgresión se ha manifestado de diversas formas durante este periodo en el que las españolas a duras penas lograron superar el modelo tradicional impuesto por el franquismo. En este contexto, la transgresión se manifestó como un fenómeno superficial, inherente al momento sociopolítico y vaciada de un contenido reivindicativo.
«Sociología del espacio». La distribución espacial de los paritorios como cultura material de los paradigmas obstétricos inmanentes y su repercusión en términos de humanización asistencial
Authors: Hernández Garre José Manuel , De Maya Sánchez Baldomero , Echevarría Pérez Paloma
Published: August 2020

Desde la perspectiva de la «sociología del espacio» el estudio explora las conexiones que se dan entre los factores ideológicos (paradigmas de representación del parto), los siste­mas de organización clínica (culturas del parto) y las evoluciones arquitectónicas (tipologías espaciales de los paritorios), y sus re­percusiones en clave de humanización asistencial. Para ello se ha realizado una investigación etnográfica de veinticuatro meses de duración en seis paritorios del servicio estatal de salud de una re­gión del sur de España. La técnica de investigación fue la observa­ción participante, acumulando un total de trescientas veinticuatro horas de análisis. Los resultados muestran cómo las disposiciones arquitectónicas están íntimamente ligadas a los paradigmas y cul­turas obstétricas preexistentes, tendiendo desde las perspectivas tecnocráticas, en clave orgánica, a una fragmentación del espacio asistencial que deshumaniza el proceso, y desde las cosmovisio­nes holístico-humanísticas, en clave de continuum, a una reinte­gración espacio-asistencial que contribuye a la humanización.
Protein Blend and Casein Supplementations before Inactive Phase Similarly Activate Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Signaling in Rat Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Vieira Tales Sambrano , Pinto Ana P. , Batitucci Gabriela , da Rocha Alisson L. , Filho Hugo T. , Gonçalves Dawit A. , da Silva Adelino Sanchez R. , de Freitas Ellen Cristini
Published: August 2020

During overnight sleep, the longest postabsorptive and inactive phase of the day causes protein catabolism and loss. However, the daytime ingestion of dairy proteins has been shown to stimulate muscle protein synthesis and growth. This study compared the effects of pre-sleep supplementation of a protein blend (PB) composed of micellar casein (MCa) and whey protein (1:1) versus isolate MCa on the plasma levels of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and the activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, a critical intracellular pathway involved in the regulation of muscle protein synthesis. After 10 h of fasting during the active phase, rats were fed with a single dose of PB or MCa (5.6 g protein/kg of body mass) by gavage, and samples of blood and gastrocnemius muscle were collected at 30, 90, and 450 min. PB and MCa supplementations induced an increase (~3-fold, P < 0.001) of plasma BCAAs at 30 and 90 min. Most importantly, the stimulatory phosphorylation levels of mTOR and its downstream target p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K) were similarly higher (~2.5-fold, P < 0.001) 30 and 90 min after MCa and PB. Plasma levels of leucine, isoleucine, valine, and overall BCAAs were correlated with the activation of mTOR (P < 0.001) and p70S6K (P < 0.001). MCa and PB supplementations before the inactive phase of rats resulted in an anabolic milieu in the skeletal muscle by inducing a transient increase in plasma BCAAs and a similar activation of the mTOR/p70S6K axis.
Role of Dietary Maize Formulations in the Healing of Experimental Acetic Acid Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Male Rats
Authors: Ige Serah Funke , Adeniyi Mayowa J. , Olayinka Alabi Timilehin , Kehinde Idowu Christiana
Published: August 2020

Dietary factors do not only contribute to remission of diseases but also play important roles in the progression of medical conditions. We investigated the effect of different formulations of maize diets on the healing of experimental acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in male rats. Thirty-five (35) male Wistar rats (150–170 g) were randomly divided into control (CTR), UC, UC + high maize diet (HMD), UC + low maize diet (LMD), and UC + maize-free diet (MFD) groups. CTR, UC, UC + HMD, UC + LMD, and UC + MFD groups were administered different formulations of dietary maize ranging from 0% to 70%. Body weight change (BWC), colon weight, macroscopic ulcer score, catalase, glutathione (GSH), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), myeloperoxidase, diarrhea score, superoxide dismutase (SOD), Ki-67 expression, and histological studies were done. Results were analyzed using SPSS 23. UC + LMD and UC + MFD groups showed a duration-dependent reduction in negative BWC, respectively. When compared with UC group, UC + LMD and UC + MFD significantly increased (P < 0.05) GSH and SOD respectively but had no effect on TNF-α and diarrhea score. UC + HMD increased diarrhea and macroscopic ulcer scores with Ki-67 expression highest in UC + MFD. The study indicated that consumption of either LMD or maize-free diet by colitic rats relatively enhanced healing of UC.
Chemical and physico-chemical properties of orange fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) chips dried using solar dyers
Authors: Pessu P.O. , Abel G.I. , Akande S.A. , Ayanda I.S. , Adarabierin I.G. , Olagunju O.D. , Gbabe E.K.
Published: August 2020

In this study, drying technology was employed to process fresh orange fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) into dried slices using NSPRI improved solar tent dryer, parabolic shaped solar tent dryer in comparison with open air drying and its effect on the chemical, physico-chemical and mineral constituents of dried OFSP slices was investigated. Results showed that the dried-OFSP contained ash (3.69-4.09 %), fat (4.09-5.09 %), crude fibre (4.69-5.15 %), protein (5.87-8.28 %), carbohydrate (78.22-82.21 %), vitamin C (8.55-20.49 mg/100g), phenolics (0.1-1.28 mg/kg), flavonoids (984-145 mg/kg) and reducing sugar (35.01-82.23 g/100g). The total titratable acidity of the dried OFSP slices varied between 0.56-0.89 %, total soluble solids ranged between 5.70-7.00 °Brix while pH ranged between 4.94-6.47. Zinc, magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium, iron were present in varying levels but aluminium, lead and cadmium were not detected in all the samples. This study therefore showed that good quality dried OFSP slices with appreciable nutrient content can be obtained from drying in NSPRI solar tent dryers especially with the use of the parabolic shaped solar tent dryer. Thus, the parabolic solar tent dryer is recommended for drying crops.

Keywords: Drying technology, Orange fleshed sweet potato, NSPRI solar dyers, Physicochemical properties
Effect of beetroots substitution and storage on the chemical and sensory properties of wheat noodles
Authors: Abiodun O.A. , Ojo A. , Abdulganiu O.S. , Olosunde O.O.
Published: August 2020

Beetroot consists of betalain, a natural red pigment which has desirable biological activities such as antioxidant, mineral and anti-inflammatory properties. Substitution of wheat flour with beetroot flour could improve the aesthetic and nutritional properties of the product. This study was conducted to determine the effects of beetroots substitution and storage on the chemical and sensory properties of wheat noodles. The noodles were prepared with beetroot powder of 5%, 10%, 15% and 100% wheat flour which serve as the control. Progressive decrease in lightness value was observed from 51.98 to 46.76 with increase in level of beetroot powder. The colour* value of control noodle was 1.13 and those of beetroot powder increased from 5.12 to 9.47, showing more reddish colour than the control. There were increase in redness (a*) value and decrease in lightness (L⃰) value with the increase of colouring pigments. At the third months of storage, the noodles became lighter losing the red colouration. No significant differences (p<0.05) in the protein contents of the noodles. The betalain contents of the noodles increased with beetroot substitution and decreased with storage. Cooking loss and swelling power of the noodles increased with increase in beetroot powder substitution. The antioxidant potential of the noodles increased with increase in beetroot powder with 15% having the highest value (39.22%) while the value decreased with storage. The sensory result showed that the appearance of the control noodles was more preferred and accepted than others.

Keywords: Noodles, Betalain, Storage, Colour, Antioxidant
Quality evaluation of chinchin produced from composite flours of wheat and germinated finger millet flour
Authors: Abioye V.F. , Olodude O.A. , Atiba V. , Oyewo I.O.
Published: August 2020

Composite flour was produced from germinated finger millet and wheat and its potentials in producing nutritious chinchin, a traditional Nigerian snack was investigated. Finger millet was sorted, germinated, dried and milled into flour. Simplex Lattice Designs was used in generating different formulations (100:0, 88:12, 75:25 and 50:50) of wheat and germinated finger millet, respectively, and used to produce chinchin. The composite flour was analyzed for proximate, minerals, antinutritional and functional properties while the chinchin samples were subjected to sensory evaluation. The values obtained for moisture, protein, fat, crude fibre, ash and carbohydrate were in the ranges of 10.47 to 10.71%, 8.74 to 9.64%, 1.79 to 1.95%, 1.38 to 1.55%, 2.31 to 2.57, 73.58 to 75.31%, respectively. The loose and packed bulk density ranged from 0.61 to 0.62 g/cm3 and 0.005 to 0.013 g/cm3. The calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus content of flour ranged from 0.1150 to 0.1300 mg/l, 12.033 to 13.633 mg/l, 0.158 to 0.187 mg/l, 0.389 to 0.428 mg/l and 0.271 to 0.296 mg/l, respectively. The anti-nutritional properties reduced with processing. This study has shown the potentials of composite flour from wheat and germinated finger millet in production of nutritious chinchin.

Keyword: Finger millet, wheat flour, chinchin, snacks, composite flour
Points to consider in the preparation and transfusion of COVID-19 convalescent plasma in low– and middle– income countries
Authors: Smid W.M. , Burnouf T. , Epstein J. , Kamel H. , Sibinga C.S. , Somuah D. , Stramer S.L. , Wendel S.
Published: August 2020

No Abstract.
Prevalence, risk factors and bacterial causes of bovine mastitis in southern Ethiopia
Authors: Abebe Rahmeto , Abera Mesele , Denbarga Yifat , Suleyman Mishamo , Fekadu Amene , Abunna Fufa , Abebe Adugna , Wale Demisie , Kassa Erdachew , Tune Beyene
Published: August 2020

Mastitis is one of the most economically important diseases in dairy farms worldwide. It is particularly important in Ethiopia where no routine prevention and control practices are in place. This cross-sectional study was carried out between October 2017 and June 2018 to estimate the prevalence of mastitis, identify the associated risk factors and isolate bacterial causes in dairy farms located in southern Ethiopia using standard microbiological methods and questionnaire survey. A total of 686 lactating cows which were found in 122 selected dairy farms were investigated by physical examination and California mastitis test. The overall cow-level prevalence of mastitis was 54.2% (95% CI: 50.5 – 57.9%). Based on the study site, the prevalence was 55.7% in Hawassa, 54.3% in Arsi Negele, 52.6% each in Wondo Genet and Wolayta Soddo towns with no significant (p > 0.05) difference among the sites. The majority of mastitis cases were subclinical (48.1%) while the clinical mastitis was only 6.1%. Of the 122 herds tested, 109 (89.3%; 95% CI: 82.1 – 93.9%) had at least a cow positive for mastitis. The study showed that high parity number (OR = 1.6; p = 0.015), flat (OR = 4.5; p <0.001) and round (OR = 2; p <0.001) teat end shape, history of mastitis in preceding lactation (OR = 3.3; p <0.001), and slightly (OR = 3.5; p < 0.001), moderately (OR = 4.9; p < 0.001), and very dirty (OR = 9.2; p < 0.001) udder and legs were the major risk factors which are significantly associated with higher prevalence of mastitis. Based on the available media and reagents, the major bacteria isolated from subclinical mastitic milk samples were Staphylococcus spp. (57.3%), Streptococcus spp. (18.6%), E. coli (17.3%) and Bacillus spp. (7.5%) in order of their abundance. The present study revealed a high prevalence of mastitis, particularly the subclinical one, and the associated risk factors. Enhancing the awareness of dairy farmers, regular screening of cows for subclinical mastitis, proper treatment of the clinical cases, improving the hygienic condition of the cows, and culling of chronically infected cows are critically important to prevent and control bovine mastitis.

Keywords: Mastitis, Prevalence, Risk factors, Southern Ethiopia
Theft, Mutilation and Abuse of Library and Information Materials by Undergraduate of University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Adenike Omoike , Raliat Alabi
Published: August 2020

The study investigates theft, mutilation and abuse of library and information materials by undergraduate students of the University of Ibadan, Ibadan. Survey research method was adopted for the study; undergraduates’ students in 100 level - 500 level were selected for this study.  Questionnaire are the main instrument for data collection. Data collected were analyzed using frequency, tables and percentages. The results reveal that financial constraint (85.7%), selfishness on the part of students (80.9%) and high demand of books (75.2%) among others were the major causes of theft and mutilation of library materials. Also, findings revealed that selfishness on the part of students (80.9%), inadequate number of library materials (71.4%) and fear that one may not find the material at the next visit (61.9%) were the major causes of abuse of library materials. The findings also revealed that the means through which library materials are being stolen are by putting it in their handbags (80.9%),  confusing/diverting the attention of people at the circulation desk (70.5%) and tearing of page(s) off etcetera. The findings further reveal that monitoring the attitude of people in the library and mounting of cameras in the library (94.3%), having qualified staff (92.4%) and good library orientation exercise (88.6%) among others were the major methods library adopt to prevent information resources from theft, mutilation and abuse. The study recommended that library management should implement a strong policy in the library such that users who are caught in the act of theft, mutilation and abuse of library materials will be expelled from the University.

Keywords: Theft, Mutilation, Abuse Academic Libraries, Library Materials
Relationship Between Information Communication Technology and Book Production in Publishing Industry in Nigeria
Authors: Egbunu Aishat Joyce
Published: August 2020

The study investigated the correlation between information communication technology and book production in publishing industry in Nigeria. Two forms of relationships were examined such as relationship between the application of communication facilities and book production and relationship between the application of technology facilities and book production in Nigeria. Null hypotheses were formulated thus: “There is no significant relationship between the application of communication facilities and book production in Nigeria and there is no significant relationship between application of technology facilities and book production in Nigeria.” Survey research design was adopted for this study. The subject of the study consisted of all staff of the ten selected publishing industries in Nigeria, but a total of five hundred and forty six (546) personnel were sampled for the study using purposive sampling technique. It was discovered that, there was a significant relationship between the applications of communication and technology facilities in book production in Nigeria. The findings revealed that, the publishers had accepted and adopted the use of communication and technology facilities in Nigeria publishing industry, and had improved quality of production and increased productivity of books. Based on the findings, recommendations were proffered.

Keywords: ICT, Utilization, Book Production Publishing Industry,, Library Materials
Awareness and Use of Electronic Information Resources by Students of College of Health Sciences in Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria
Authors: Osinulu Lolade Funmi
Published: August 2020

The study examined awareness and use of electronic Information Resources (EIR) among students in College of Health Sciences, Sagamu, Nigeria. The objectives were to establish types of resources available, determine level of awareness, extent of the use of e-resources and problems faced. Descriptive survey design with real-time observation method was used to collect data using a structured questionnaire. The population comprised 2000 students in the College while purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample of 200 registered library users for the 2019/2020 academic session. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that majority of the students were not aware of available EIR. It also revealed low frequent usage. The finding indicated that few respondents used EIR for academic purposes. However, inadequate computers, irregular power supply and slow internet speed were identified as major constraints using EIR. Upgrade of infrastructure, adoption of appropriate social media tools to promote awareness and collaborative effort by librarians and faculty members to train students the use of specialized databases were recommended.

Keywords:  Electronic information resources, awareness, use, Undergraduates, students, health sciences
Criblage phytochimique et activité antimicrobienne de six rhizomes comestibles utilisés en médecine traditionnelle à Lubumbashi (RDC)
Authors: Bashige Valentin Chiribagula , Bakari Amuri Salvius , Okusa Philippe Ndjolo , Kalonda Emery Mutombo , Lumbu Jean Baptiste Simbi
Published: August 2020

Les affections microbiennes constituent des pathologies dominantes en RDC où pour y faire face la population recourt aux plantes. Cette étude a été conduite en vue d’évaluer l’activité antimicrobienne et identifier des groupes phytochimiques à potentiel antimicrobien de six rhizomes comestibles, utilisées en médecine traditionnelle à Lubumbashi. Le criblage phytochimique réalisé par des réactions classiques en solution a permis d’identifier dans tous les rhizomes, des flavonoïdes, des saponines, des tannins et dans 66,7% d’entre eux, des quinones et des terpénoïdes. La méthode de dilution a permis d’évaluer l’activité antibactérienne des extraits aqueux (EAQ) et méthanoliques (EME) qui ont tous été actif avec une intensité allant de très forte (CMI = 1,7 μg/mL) à moyenne (CMI = 50 μg/mL). Eriosema verdikii (EME : CMI = 1,7 μg/mL sur N. meningitidis et S. aureus) a présenté la meilleure activité antibactérienne et Imperata cylindrica (EAQ : CMI = 1,7 μg/mL sur Trichophyton rubrum), la meilleure activité antifongique. Le potentiel antimicrobien de ces rhizomes mis en évidence in vitro dans cette étude, fait des espèces étudiées des candidates à des investigations approfondies pouvant aboutir à la mise au point des médicaments traditionnels améliorés ou à la découverte de nouvelles molécules antibactériennes.Mots clés : antifongique, antibactérien, criblage chimique, rhizomes comestibles, Lubumbashi.

English Title: Phytochemical Screening and Antimicrobial Activity of Six Edible Rhizomes Used in Traditional Medicine in Lubumbashi (DRC)Microbial infections are dominant pathologies in the DRC where, to deal with them, several people resort to plants used in traditional medicine. This assesses the antimicrobial activity of six edible rhizomes used in traditional medicine in the city of Lubumbashi (DRC) and identifies phytochemical groups. Phytochemical screening by solution reactions allowed the identification of flavonoids, saponins and tannins in all rhizomes, and in 66.7% of the rhizomes were found quinones and terpenoids. The dilution method allowed the evaluation of antibacterial activity, aqueous (EAQ) and methanolic (EME) extracts. This varies from very high (MIC = 1.7 μg / mL) to medium (MIC = 50 μg / mL). Eriosema verdikii (EME: MIC = 1.7 μg / mL on N. meningitidis and S. aureus) has the greatest antibacterial in the collection and Imperata cylindrica (EAQ: MIC = 1.7 μg / mL On Trichophyton rubrum), the greatest antifungal activity. The results obtained by this study show that the six rhizomes studied, along with their food virtues, possess antibacterial and antifungal properties that can explain their use in traditional medicine against various conditions; In addition, the various phytochemical groups within them would play an important role in the proven virtues.Keywords: antifungal, antibacterial, chemical screening, edible rhizomes, Lubumbashi
Analysis of technical efficiency among rice farmers in Ebonyi State of Nigeria: A stochastic frontier approach
Authors: Chikezie C. , Benchendo G.N. , Ibeagwa O.B. , Oshaji I.O. , Onuzulu O.A.
Published: August 2020

This paper analysed the technical efficiency of rice farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. It specifically analysed the levels and determinants of technical  efficiency. A multistage sampling technique was adopted for sample selection. A total of 150 well-structured questionnaires were distributed but only 91 were returned. The Cobb-Douglas production function model was used to predict the farm level technical efficiency. Results from the Cobb- Douglas Regression showed a sigma square (σ2) of 0.06584 which was statistically significant at 1 percent. The technical efficiency scores among the rice farmers ranged from 0.012 to 1.000 with a mean of 0.350. Farm size, quantity of rice seedlings, quantity of fertilizer and quantity of  agrochemical all were showed positive correlation with coefficients of 0.93511, 0.08310, 0.11200 and 0.14345 respectively while farm labour showed  a negative correlation with technical efficiency. The determinants of technical inefficiency were age, household size and extension visits. This paper advocates the strengthening of existing extension system for timely sourcing of highly improved rice varieties and subsidized fertilizer. There is the need to enhance farmers’ technical efficiency through adequate training on optimum input mix.

Keywords: Rice production, technical efficiency, cobb-douglas production function
Extent of rural women involvement in agro-based entrepreneurial activities in Imo State Nigeria
Authors: Egwuonwu Helen A , Iwunwanne Confidence A.
Published: August 2020

The study assessed the extent of rural women involvement in agro-based entrepreneurial activities in Imo state, Nigeria. Data for the study were  collected using a structured questionnaire from 120 rural women through random sampling procedure. Data collected were analyzed using frequency, percentages, mean and regression analysis. Majority (73%) of the women were married with an average age and household size of  37years and 7 persons respectively. Approximately 53% had primary education with 52% belonging to cooperative society. Average farming experience and farm income were 8years and N35, 424.74 respectively. A reasonable proportion (60%) had access to credit facilities. Results showedthat the majority (53%) of the women were highly involved in agro-based entrepreneurial activities with crop production (95%), marketing (97%) and land preparation (87%) as the major agro-based entrepreneurial activities they were involved in. Women’s involvement in agro-based  entrepreneurial activities was found to be influenced by household size, membership in cooperative society and access to extension contact. The study further showed that inadequate capital (96.67%)), high cost of capital (93.33%) and inadequate skilled labour (91.67%) were major constraints to women’s involvement in agro-based entrepreneurial activities. This research therefore recommends that the women should be encouraged through enhanced access to loans and credit facilities. They should also be encouraged to belong to cooperatives and other societies which can access grants and loans as this would increase the extent of their involvement in agro-based entrepreneurial activities in the area.

Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Agro-based activities, rural women involvement
Assessment of carbonated and healthy drinks consumption pattern among undergraduates in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife, Osun State
Authors: Idumah F.O. , Orumwense L.A. , Awe F. , Irem J.N. , Abdullahi O.A. , Ogunlana S.O. , Olumakinwa O.E.
Published: August 2020

The study assessed carbonated and healthy drinks consumption pattern of the undergraduate students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), IIe –  Ife, Nigeria. Random sampling technique was employed in this study. The study relied on primary data which was collected through questionnaires. Data collected were analyzed using mean and percentages. The total number of respondents was 260 undergraduate students, which comprised 102 males and 158 females. Majority (47.3%) of the respondents were between 17 – 20 years old and were single. It was indicated that majority (49.6%) of the respondents has less than N10,000 as income level from their monthly stipend. The result indicated that the carbonated drinks that the students consume the most were Fanta and Coke. Majority (38.5%) of the respondents consume fruit smoothies while they sometimes (38.8%) consume zobo drink. The result also reveals that zobo drink has the highest percentage (76.2%) of consumption than other healthy drinks. The major factors influencing healthy drinks consumption based on individual perceptions were taste (40.4%), price (38.9%), preferences (36.2%), and  nutritional benefit (35.0%) while price (36.5%), taste (35.8%), preferences (33.5%) and availability on campus (31.5%) were the major factors influencing carbonated drinks consumption based on individual perceptions. It is therefore recommended that the Federal and State Government should ensure proper health education of undergraduates regarding the nutritional benefits of healthy drinks as well as the adverse effects of  carbonated drinks.

Keywords: carbonated drinks, healthy drinks, consumption pattern, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
Comparison of haematological indices, blood group and genotype of Chrysicthys nigrodigtatus and Synodontis batensoda from Geriyo Lake
Authors: Onyia L.U. , Ochokwu I.J. , Edison E.S.
Published: August 2020

The comparison of haematological indices of Chrysicthys nigrodigtatus and Synodontis batensoda was carried out to evaluate their blood group, genotype and haematological profile. Test tube techniques based on agglutination test was used to evaluate the blood group, while the genotype was determined by haemoglobin electrophoresis. The haematological parameters were analyzed using standard methods. Sample size was n=10 for both fish. Results showed that WBC counts in C. nigrodigitatus males were 39.79±26.45μL and females 40.56±7.06μL, while RBC counts for males were 5.40±1.13μL and females 4.50±1.62mm3. Other results were: MCHC 33.31±0.01g/dL-1 and 33.29±0.05g/dL-1; PCV 33.6±6.73 and 33.80±9.44. HB 11.19±2.24 and 11.26±3.14 (g/dL-1); MCH 1.97±0.42 and 2.74±1.37μL and MCV 63.74±17.13 and 82.46±41.24 (fl) for male and female fish respectively. The genotype of all the males and females were the same (SS). The blood group recorded 40% for A+, 40% O+ and 20% for O- in males and 40% A+, 40% AB+ and 20% O- in females. Meanwhile, S. batensoda males and females had 10.16 ± 6.07μL and 10.65 ± 8.61μL in WBC and 9.14 ± 4.01μL and 7.76 ± 1.17μL in RBC counts respectively. While MCHC count was 33.32 ± 0.01 and 33.32 ± 0.00 g/dL-1; PCV count 39.00 ± 4.79 and 38.80 ± 5.21; HB count 12.99 ± 1.59 and 12.93 ± 1.73 (g/dL-1); MCH 1.64 ± 0.67 and 1.66 ± 0.10μL and MCV 49.64 ± 20.30 and 50.12 ± 3.11 (fl) all for males and females respectively. The genotypes of all the males and females were the same (SS). The blood group for males recorded 40% for A-, and 40% O+ and 20% O- while females recorded 40% A+, 40% O- and 20% for O+ respectively. This is similar to what is obtainable in humans. The differences in the blood group among the species could be associated with the differences in the physiological indices of the fish. Meanwhile the similar genotype observed in both species showed that the species were not migratory fishes but predominant in the lake.

Keywords: Haematological indices, blood group, genotype, Chrysicthys nigrodigtatus and Synodontis batensoda
Growth performances, nutrient utilization and haematology of Clarias gariepinus juveniles fed varying concentrations of Gongronema latifolium leaf extracts
Authors: Ikwuemesi J.C. , Irozuru O.E. , Okwu I.J.
Published: August 2020

There had been growing interest in the use of extracts from different plants species to boost fish production. In this study Gongronema latifolium leaf extract was supplemented in a commercial diet of Clarias gariepinus juveniles at varying concentrations of 0.5g (T2), 1.0g (T3) and 1.5g (T4) per kg of feed while the control (T1) had no leaf extract. They were fed for 8weeks while growth performance and haematological data were collected and analysed. Proximate composition of the fish flesh was carried out after the feeding trials. The initial mean weight ranged between 9.0±0.5 to 9.0±0.7g, the best mean weight gain (14.3±2.0g) was observed in T3 while the least (12.3±6.2) in T2. Specific growth rate recorded was 5.4±0.4, 5.3±0.5, 5.4±0.1 and 5.3±0.2 for T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the survival rates among treatments. The best feed conversion ratio was observed in T3 and the control group. The results of haematological indices revealed that red blood count ranged between 3.0±0.1109cells/l in T3 to 33.61±0.2 109cells/l in T1, pack cell volume (38.9±1.3%) was best in T1, the least white blood cell (165.1±4.9109cells/l) in T4 while the highest level (169.8±1.3109cells/l) was recorded in (T1). The platelets and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration showed no significant difference amongst the treatments. The haematological results showed that the leaf extract enhanced the status of some of the haematological parameters such as the white blood cell. The proximate composition of the fish flesh was not significantly different amongst the treatments. The findings of this study also revealed that increase in the concentration of the leaf extract affected the acceptability of the feed hence a decline in growth. Considering the foregoing, G. latifolium leaf extract has shown to have some prospects in aquaculture when supplemented at various concentrations.

Keywords: Gongronema latifolium, Clarias gariepinus, haematology, leaf extract, juveniles