bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IMPLICATIONS OF MILITARIZING ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA: THE EKITI AND OSUN STATE
Authors: Innocent Eme O. , Chibuike Ugwu C. , David Onu U.
Published: March 2019

One major issue emerging from the governorship elections conducted in Ekiti and Osun States of Nigeria is the presence of heavy security forces during their conduct. Platoons of security operatives, including military officers, were drafted to lock down the states shortly before, during and immediately after the elections with immediate consequences on peoples’ rights and freedom. Members of the opposition were specifically targeted. The pertinent questions to ask then is: What accounts for this? What are the implications of electoral governance in Nigeria? This study seeks to interrogate the foregoing questions. The data for this study will be generated from Focus Group Discussion, interviews, questionnaires and documentary sources. Tables and the technique of content analysis will constitute our data analysis technique
ADDRESSING EXECUTIVE-LEGISLATURE CONFLICT IN NIGERIA
Authors: Innocent Eme O.
Published: March 2019

This paper examined the phenomenon of executive dominance over the legislatures both at the national and state levels in Nigeria. The paper argues that legislatures in Nigeria generally are faced with the crisis of executive belligerence, which itself is a hangover of the military rule and decreed two party states between 1960 and 1999. This culture of executive dominance appears more endemic and destructive to democracy. The data for this study was generated from Focus Group Discussion, in-depth desk review and other documentary sources. The technique of content analysis will constitute our data analysis technique. The paper revealed that the legislatures in Nigeria are more or less one party dominated, influenced largely by the incumbent president and governors. Also the president and executive governors are overwhelmingly powerful and dominant because of their unlimited access to state resources, which give them control over party structures. The controls over candidates’ selection by the executives make legislators stooges of the former, which relegates the institution to mere rubber stamp of the executive. It is also found that control over legislative bureaucracy in the past and to some extent even now makes the legislature dependent on the executive. This undermines the capacity and independence of the legislatures to hold the executive accountable and to a large extent to function as co-equal of the executive arm of government. The paper concludes by positing that unless parties are funded independent of holders of executive power and moneybags, governors will continue to control the proceedings in the legislatures.
THE UNEMPLOYMENT PUZZLE AN INSURGENCE TO INSECURITY IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA
Authors: Peter Kabare T , Waswa Mercelline N. , Oloo Antone O.
Published: March 2019

A global crisis that has left continents and countries wage a lingering battle to their recession as they put up an inspirited battle to form a concerted approach to solve the puzzle. This global phenomenon has formed a base of linking it to a number of security insurgence that seems to affect their development hence developing their own ingenuity to survive. This study will look forward to unravel the puzzle of unemployment in relation to insecurity in Kenya. The study will be guided by the following objectives: To examine the alternatives that the government has put in place to curb unemployment, to evaluate the social contract in addressing the job challenges looms and lastly to respond to the increasing demands of security insurgence. The study will be informed and directed by an interdisciplinary approach by use of the Second Law of thermodynamics in explaining the cause and effect in the looming job challenges called the Law of Entropy. The study found out that institutional decay (through nepotism), education (inclusive growth), Governance (governments and accruing economic strife) are some of the key components of the unemployment puzzle towards insecurity and sustainable peace.
CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE SECURITY AND PEACE IN AFRICA
Authors: Peter Timothy K. , Waswa Mercelline N. , Oloo Antone O.
Published: March 2019

A global crisis that has left continents and countries wage a lingering battle to their recession as they put up an enspirited battle to form a concerted approach to solve the puzzle. This global phenomenon has formed a base of linking it to a number of security insurgence that seems to affect their development hence developing their own ingenuity to survive. This study will look forward to unravel the puzzle of unemployment in relation to insecurity in Kenya. The study will be guided by the following objectives: To examine the alternatives that the government has put in place to curb unemployment, to evaluate the social contract in addressing the job challenges looms and lastly to respond to the increasing demands of security insurgence. The study will be informed and directed by an interdisciplinary approach by use of the Second Law of thermodynamics in explaining the cause and effect in the looming job challenges called Law of Entropy. The study found out that institutional decay (through nepotism), education (inclusive growth), Governance (governments and accruing economic strife) are some of the key components to the unemployment puzzle towards insecurity and sustainable peace
REPRESENTATIVE BUREAUCRACY IN NIGERIA PUBLIC SERVICE AND THE PROBLEM OF SUSTAINABLE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: ISSUES AND POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
Authors: Onyishi Augustine E.
Published: March 2019

The term representative bureaucracy is not exclusively related to the Nigeria administrative system, it has gained popularity and become acceptable public policy in most heterogeneous societies globally, especially in the area of recruitment as well as promotion of personnel in public institutions. The principle arise in Nigeria  out of the need to ameliorate  the prevalent ethnic conflicts, arising out of the competition over the control of political power, government appointments  and employment as well as admission into federal universities in Nigeria. This study attempt to examine the impact of this policy in Nigeria public service on sustainable national development with data mostly generated from the secondary source, to analyze the relationship between the two variables. Using the Marxist political economy theory as its framework of analysis, this study argues that the brand of representative bureaucracy practiced in Nigeria public service is hostile to sustainable national development.  It however, recommends that there is need to revert to merit system instead of ethnic representation in employment into Nigeria public service as well as the federal universities since it is evident that the present arrangement has failed in all ramifications and has arrested any form of sustainable national development
POLITICAL ELITES IN NIGERIA AND THE POLITICS OF DEMOCRATIZATION IN LIEU OF DEMOCRATIZATION OF POLITICS: IMPLICATION FOR SOCIAL INTEGRATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Onyishi Augustine E.
Published: March 2019

Democratization is seen as the process of institutionalization of the major democratic doctrine as part of everyday culture in a given society. Its basic principles find expression in the channeling of a given society’s behavioral pattern towards democratic ideals; it penetrates all strands of community relations from economy through religion, family life to politics. This study seeks to ascertain the degree to which the Nigeria democracy has affected their national development, using empirical indicators such as poverty rate, unemployment rate, GDP growth rate, civil liberty, political right or freedom. It however, revealed that Nigeria strand of democracy is antithetical to national development arguing that the motive forces of their political elites are in sharp contrast with the end democratic principles seek to accomplish. This study empirically demonstrates how these trends have negatively affected the national development in terms of growth rate in Nigeria, and concludes that the breakdown of the present political structure is looming, since they have ceased to attract the allegiance of the common citizens
On Estimation of Number of Detectable Software Faults under Budget Constraint
Authors: Inoue Shinji , Hotta Kenta , Yamada Shigeru
Published: March 2019

Checking software quality and reliability of developed software system is one of the important activities for developing highly-reliable software system. In software testing phase, which is located in the final stage of software development process, software faults remaining the developed software system must be eliminated as possible as the testing manager could. Further, it is also important to develop testing plan to conduct testing activities efficiently under the certain constraints because there are some constraints, such as cost and delivery, in the actual testing phase. This paper discusses method to estimate the number of detectable faults under constant budget constraint by applying a two-dimensional Weibull type software reliability model, in which the software reliability growth process depends on testing time and testing effort factors. We finally show numerical examples of our method by using actual data.
Big Data and IT Network Data Visualization
Authors: Wang Lidong
Published: March 2019

Visualization with graphs is popular in the data analysis of Information Technology (IT) networks or computer networks. An IT network is often modelled as a graph with hosts being nodes and traffic being flows on many edges. General visualization methods are introduced in this paper. Applications and technology progress of visualization in IT network analysis and big data in IT network visualization are presented. The challenges of visualization and Big Data analytics in IT network visualization are also discussed. Big Data analytics with High Performance Computing (HPC) techniques, especially Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) helps accelerate IT network analysis and visualization.
An Approach for Solving Fuzzy Multi-Objective Linear Fractional
Programming Problems
Authors: Pramy Farhana Akond
Published: March 2019

In this paper, an attempt has been taken to develop a method for solving fuzzy multi-objective linear fractional programming (FMOLFP) problem. Here, at first the FMOLFP problem is converted into (crisp) multi-objective linear fractional programming (MOLFP) problem using the graded mean integration representation (GMIR) method proposed by Chen and Hsieh. That is, all the fuzzy parameters of FMOLFP problem are converted into crisp values. Then the MOLFP problem is transformed into a single objective linear programming (LP) problem using a proposal given by Nuran Guzel. Finally the single objective LP problem is solved by regular simplex method which yields an efficient solution of the original FMOLFP problem. To show the efficiency of our proposed method, three numerical examples are illustrated and also for each example, a comparison is drawn between our proposed method and the respected existing method.
Students’ Identities and its Relationships with their Engagement in an Online Learning Community
Authors: Khalid Fariza
Published: March 2019

Abstract—Communities of practice’ approaches have been proven to be effective in enhancing students’ learning as well as helping them to cultivate inter-personal skills, especially within the higher education system. An important development in relation to participation in communities of practice is members’ identities. This study was conducted with the aim of understanding students’ identities in relation to their participation in an online community and how the dimensions of their identities correlated to each other. The research par-ticipants were 123 first-year students who were involved in collaborative sharing activities via an online community, using Weebly. Data was collected using a set of questionnaires that discussed four main dimen-sions of identities: personal, professional, as learners, and as members of communities. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22. The overall findings offer a detailed description of students’ identities. A high posi-tive correlation was found between students’ prior knowledge and their motivation, commitment and beliefs with regard to the benefits of online communities. The only dimension of students’ identities that lacked cor-relation with other dimensions was students’ openness. The findings highlight the importance of understand-ing different aspects of identities and how this helps to enhance engagement in online communities. The findings are significant in terms of establishing a deeper understanding on learning process within a social learning theory.
Chiari I malformation, syringomyelia and papilledema: a malformative complex connected to oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum
Authors: Berio Agostino , Garlaschi Giacomo , Mangiante Giuseppe , Mariottini Gian Luigi , Piazzi Attilia
Published: March 2019

The authors discuss the association of papilledema with Chiari I malformation (CMI) and syringomyelia on the basis of a clinical case studied by radiology, immunology and biochemistry methods. In the presence of normal haematology, blood immunology and biochemistry, clinical signs of headache and papilledema associated to hemifacial asymmetry, blind neck fistulas, malformed ears and spinal abnormalities (symptoms of oculo-auricolo- vertebral spectrum - OAVS), were observed. Magnetic resonance images and computed tomography demonstrated the occurrence of lowered cerebellar tonsils, but with values lower than those typical of the CMI syndrome and syringomyelia. The authors concluded for a minor form (benign ectopia) in the CMI syndrome, associated to papilledema and syringomyelia, and hypothesize an unique pathogenetic mechanism for this complex, connected to neural crest cell development and to OAVS, as extension of this spectrum. The authors underline the relevance of the facial/neck lateral signs for the diagnosis of OAVS associated to brain stem pathology and CMI.
Transient Ischemic Stroke due to Hyperhomocysteinemia: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Jagtap Ashok , Gupta Ankit , Mohniya Prakhar , Karande Priyanka
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Cerebrovascular disease in childhood is relatively rare. Recently, there has been much interest in homocysteine, a sulfur-containing amino acid, as an important risk factor for vascular diseases including stroke. We report the case of a 13-year-old girl presented with ischemic stroke due to hyperhomocysteinemia.

Case report: This case report describes a 13-year-old girl with repeated episodes of hemiplegia due to hyperhomocysteinemia.

Conclusion: There are strong clues in favor of a causal relationship between hyperhomocysteinemia and athero-trombotic diseases. Homocysteine levels can be lowered effectively by a combination therapy of folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6.
A differently managed Spleen Injury
Authors: Shoor G , Rulaniya S , Mukherjee K , Sengupta H , Saraf A
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Treatment of symptomatic splenic injury after more than 1 month of the trauma is not very specific. Moreover, here, we are reporting such a case where the patient was treated laparoscopically salvaging the spleen.

Case report: A 26-year-old young male presented with persistent pain in the left upper abdomen and back, following a splenic injury while playing football 1 month ago. Abdominal ultrasound showed subcapsular hematoma with intact hilum. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of whole abdomen showed large subcapsular hematoma grade III with intact hilar vessels. In view of persistent pain and discomfort, which debilitated and restrained him from daily as well as professional activity, even after 1 month of trauma, the patient was planned for diagnostic laparoscopy and proceed, which revealed hemoperitoneum and was aspirated. Omentum was separated from splenic capsule, breech in the capsule was extended, and hematoma was sucked out. The drain was removed on 4th postoperative day after ultrasound to exclude any fresh hemorrhage. The patient soon started daily activity and resumed his job after 15 days.

Conclusion: Surgical intervention in a hemodynamically stable splenic-injury patient may sometimes be required depending upon the condition and symptoms of the patient.
The Impact of Mobile Game-Based Language Learning Apps on EFL Learners’ Motivation
Authors: Gamlo Nada
Published: March 2019

This study examines the effect of integrating mobile-game based language learning applications (MGBLLAs) on Saudi female English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students’ motivation to learn English. It explores the perceptions of students regarding the pedagogical value of the following free MGBLLAs: Game books: Great Reader, Game to learn English - EnglishTracker, and Learn English Vocabulary Pop Quiz. A group of thirty Saudi female beginner level students, aged from 18-20 years old and enrolled for their foundation year at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) participated in the study. The study was carried out over a seven week period. Data were collected using two questionnaires. A pre-MGBLLAs integration questionnaire was modified to determine students’ motivations for learning English. A post-MGBLLAs integration questionnaire designed by the author was also issued. It was utilized to explore the perceptions of students regarding the use of the three mobile game-based language learning apps, and to discover any impact on learner motivation. The results of the pre-MGBLLAs integration revealed that the EFL students were motivated to learn English. However, their motivation was high instrumental motivation, because it is taught as a compulsory course in their foundation year and they must achieve high scores to be able to start studying their preferred major. Significantly, the findings of the post-MGBLLAs integration questionnaire revealed that students perceived the three apps as beneficial for learning and improving motivation. These results contribute to the literature regarding mobile game based learning, and EFL students’ motivation.
The Determinant of Bilateral Trade in the East African Community: Application of the Gravity Model
Authors: Wycliffe Oparanya Ambetsa , Mdadila Kenneth P. , Rutasitara Longinus K.
Published: March 2019

This study examines the determinants of bilateral trade flows within the East African region using the Gravity model approach. Using a 40 year data obtained from the World Development Institute’s data base, the Random Effects model is applied to empirically determine the variables that drive bilateral trade within the region.

The findings suggest that country size, contiguity, diaspora remittances and corruption index have a positive impact on the regions bilateral trade. On the other hand, foreign direct investment flows, net population effects and mobile subscription ratio have a negative impact on intra-trade flows among member states. Although not exhaustive, the study offers useful insights for policy makers to seek measures to spur the EAC intra-trade flows.
The Role of E-Commerce on the Auditing Practices
Authors: Al-Dalabih Firas A.N , Al-Sharairi Mohammad Enizan
Published: March 2019

This study aims to identify the role of E-commerce on the auditing practices in the Jordanian banking sector.

The sample of this study consisted of 120 selected from five banks in the north region in Jordan. These banks are: The Housing Bank for Trade and Finance, Union Bank, National Bank of Jordan, Arab Bank and Capital Bank, whereas a questionnaire was designed and distributed to them. A total of (100) questionnaire was retrieved that are valid for statistical analysis formed about 83.3% of overall distributed questionnaires; and the questionnaires have been analyzed using SPSS statistical software.

The results of the study indicate that there is a significant role of E-commerce in auditing process in the Jordanian commercial banks, beside that it was revealed that Jordanian commercial banks face many types of E-commerce risks associated with auditing, and the most risk that they faced was the lack of the auditors knowledge on the concepts of information technology and how they are used in auditing.

This study recommended the Jordanian commercial banks to conduct training courses for their auditors regarding the concepts of information technology, how to use them in auditing and the nature of the websites and how it design.
Cerebral cavernous malformations: epidemiological, clinical and diagnostic imaging aspects
Authors: Czekalska I. , Tyrakowska-Dadełło Z. , Werel P. , Tarasów E. , Grodzka E.
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are one of the most common vascular malformations of the central nervous system. Symptoms of CCMs are not typical; the disease can be asymptomatic or be manifested by a wide range of neurological symptoms.

Purpose: To evaluate chosen epidemiologic and clinical issues as well as advanced imaging diagnostics of CCMs in computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Materials and methods: The study was based on retrospective analysis of CT and MRI examinations from the 5 years period. The analysis covered 61 persons, 29 males, and 32 females. The CCMs were diagnosed based on MRI examination in 43 patients and CT in 13 patients.

Results: The rate of CCMs occurrence in own material was 0.2%. Single lesions were present in 90.2%, while multiple in 9.8% of cases. Supratentorial CCMs were observed in 77% of cases whereas subtentorial in 23%. Mean size of CCMs in the supra- and subtentorial area equaled 10.6±6.3 and 15.1±5.8 mm, respectively (p<0.05). Clinical symptoms occurred in 65.8% of patients, most frequently in patients with CCMs above 5 mm or with subtentorial lesions. All CCMs were hyperdense in CT images, with calcifications in 13.1%. In MRI, malformations showed diverse intensity of the central part with peripheral low-intensity rim of hemosiderine deposits in T2-weighted images.

Conclusions: The clinical symptoms occur in most cases of CCMs. These patients require periodic follow-up MRI examinations, specifically those with haemorrhagic incidents or epileptic seizures, with large size or subtentorial CCMs.
Evaluation of renal function in primary care
Authors: Musiałowska B. , Rudzińska M. , Koc-Żórawska E. , Żórawski M.
Published: March 2019

Evaluation of renal function is one of the primary tools used in treatment and monitoring kidney injury such as acute kidney injury (AKI) or chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Primary Care patients. Accompanying chronic diseases also have an impact on the assessment of renal function, treatment monitoring and adjustment of drug doses.
Systematic Needs of the Doctrine of Elements in Critique of Pure Reason
Authors: Baghai Farshid ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: March 2019

Most interpretations of Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason focus on its Doctrine of Elements, and ignore that the Doctrine of Elements needs to be grounded systematically in the Doctrine of Method. As a step toward remedying such neglect, this paper outlines the relation between the Doctrine of Elements and the Doctrine of Method within the Critique. It lays out the three systematic needs implied in the Doctrine of Elements, and shows that, in Kant’s account, these needs can be satisfied only in the Doctrine of Method. In doing so, the paper reveals the systematic dependence of the elements of cognitions on the method of cognition from pure reason.
Las Islas Chafarinas y su problemática medio ambiental
Authors: Escámez Pastrana Antonio Manuel
Published: March 2019

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Is biodiversity as intact as we think it is?
Authors: Martin Philip , Green Rhys E , Balmford Andrew
Published: March 2019

The Biodiversity Intactness Index measures the average abundance of wild species relative to that in pre-modern times. Recently BII was mapped at a global scale by Newbold et al and consequently has gained traction in policy circles. However, we have some concerns about the accuracy of this map. For example, BII exceeds 90% in many areas that have suffered widespread habitat loss. We show here that BII shows little relationship with the intactness of vegetation biomass (BMI) and that BII is higher than BMI in most locations. In addition, Human Footprint is strongly correlated with BMI but not BII. These patterns are worrying, but we do not understand why they occur. We recommend rigorous further testing of the BII before it is used to inform policy.
Foreldres erfaringer med utfylling av ASQ kartleggingsskjema i forbindelse med to års konsultasjonen på helsestasjonen - en kvalitativ studie
Authors: Herigstad Linda , Glavin Kari
Published: March 2019

Parents' experiences of completing the ASQ tool at the two-year consultation at the Child Health Center – a qualitative studyThis study has investigated the user perspective of parent-based screening tools at Child Health Centers. Age & Stage Questionnaires (ASQ) are used at the two years consultation at Child Health Centers. The aim was to explore parents experience of completing the ASQ tool at two years consultation at the Child Health Center. We used qualitative research methodology with in-depth interviews with parents. The findings show that parents felt positive to fill in the ASQ form. The study also shows a large variation in how parents experienced how the tool was used at the Child Health Centre. The parents' experiences are discussed against theory and other research in the field. The findings are also discussed in light of the purpose of implementing screening tools and results of previous studies in the field. The study concludes that there are many challenges related to the implementation of the tool in the service, and more research is needed in this area.
Compressive Behaviours of Oil Bean Shell and Wood Particulates/ Epoxy Composite Board
Authors: Edafiadhe E. O. , Nyorere O. , Hilary Uguru
Published: March 2019

The compressive behaviours (compressive strength, compressive energy, Young’s modulus, failure time, and compressive strain) of epoxy composite board, reinforced with oil bean pod shell particulates (OBPS) and mahogany timber saw dust (SD) were investigated in this research. The samples were prepared with five different fillers (OBPS and SD) percentage (10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 vol.%) in the ratio of 1:1. Both filler materials where treated with 5(w/v)% Sodium hydroxide solution to enhance their mechanical properties. All the composite samples were tested according to ASTM standards, by using the Universal Testing Machine. Results obtained from the research showed that fillers loading had significant (P ≤0.05) effect on all the compressive behaviours investigated. In addition, the results showed that the fillers significantly improved all the compressive parameters. The compressive strength of the composite increased from 14.54 to 48.19 MPa, as the fillers loading increased from 10 to 30 wt.%, while the Young’s modulus increased by 49%.  The compressive energy increased from 21.4 to 146 Nm. Data gotten from this research can be useful in the production of composite boards for engineering applications.
Training and Manpower Development Techniques Adopted in Nigerian Breweries Plc Impact on National Development
Authors: Esther F. Fomsi , Charles C. Ogoke
Published: March 2019

Aims: The study primarily aimed at assessing the techniques the Nigerian breweries adopts in its staff training and development for efficient performance and enhanced productivity; and its impact on national development.

Study Design: The study was guided by two objectives which were translated into research questions. The research design comprised of survey and ex-post facto.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted on Nigerian Breweries Plc Aba, Abia state of Nigeria, between July   2017 and May 2018. 

Methodology: The population was the company’s entire permanent staff numbering 445, comprising 10 managers and 435 non-managers. Stratified random sampling method was used to select a sample of 184 staff. Instrument for data collection was a questionnaire. The face and content validity of the questionnaire was determined using experts in Educational Technology and Measurement and Evaluation, while its reliability was determined using Crombach Alpha method with a coefficient of 0.74 obtained. Frequency and simple percentages were used to analyze the research questions.

Results: Out of the 184 staff, between 90 and 183 variously identified coaching, job rotation, apprenticeship, understudying and induction as forms of on-the-job training techniques commonly adopted in the company. Also staff response on non training but motivational techniques positively high in the areas of Free Medical Services 184; Free Transport 102; Transport Allowance 184; Christmas Bonus 184 and others 130.Fewer numbers ranging between 8 and 65 variously identified classroom assignment, discussion and conferences, committee assignment, film, TV and cinema, etc off-the-job training techniques.

Conclusion: The study revealed among others, that on-the-job training techniques were commonly adopted and considered most effective too. It also showed that the company’s manpower development was not based on training alone but also on other non-training staff welfare schemes designed to motivate workers.
Work Life Quality of Agricultural Professionals in Commercial Banks of Kerala
Authors: Suryaja Vagvala , Thomas Allan
Published: March 2019

This communication emphasis on Work Life Quality (WLQ) of agricultural professionals in commercial banks of Kerala with a distinct focus on dimensions of WLQ. Survey was conducted in Thiruvananthapuram district wherein ninety agricultural professionals were randomly selected from both State bank of India and Canara Bank. It was witnessed that more than fifty per cent (53.33%) of agricultural professionals in banks were having high WLQ. The results of the Principal Component Analysis based on Eigen values obtained revealed that all the six dimensions viz., fair compensation and rewards, work life balance, safe and healthy working conditions, career growth and development, social integration and interpersonal relationshipswere the dimensions influencing Work Life Quality.
Phytotoxicity of Cypermethrin Pesticide on Seed Germination, Growth and Yield Parameters of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)
Authors: Obidola S. M. , Ibrahim I. Iro , Yaroson A. Y. , Henry U. I.
Published: March 2019

The experiment was carried out at Federal College of Forestry Jos, in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State to determine the phytotoxicity of cypermethrin pesticide on seed germination, growth and yield parameters of cowpea. Cypermethrin is popularly used by farmers as a means of treating seeds before planting to prevent insect, pest and birds attack. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) involving 5 treatments T0 as control (No cypermethrin used), T1 with 0.25% cypermethrin (0.25ml of cypermethrin in 99.75ml of water), T2 with 0.50% cypermethrin (0.50ml of cypermethrin in 99.50ml of water), T3 with 0.75% cypermethrin (0.75ml of cypermethrin in 99.25ml of water) and T4 contained 1.00% cypermethrin (1.0ml of cypermethrin in 99.00ml water). Data was collected on radicle length, plumule length, number of leaves, number of branches, stem girth, number of seeds/pod, 100 seed weight, pod length and dry matter. Data collected was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 5% level of significance using SPSS 23 and where significance was declared, Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was used to separate the means. The result of the research indicates that significance difference occurs in the radicle length (P<0.05) in which T1 has the highest mean value. The stem girth shows a significance difference with T0 having the highest mean value (7.32) at P<0.05. The result for the number of branches and the number of leaves shows significance difference with T0 having the highest mean values 39.15 and 101.65 respectively at P<0.05 level of significance. The yield parameters shows a significance difference for number of seeds/pod, 100 seed weight, pod length, as well as the total dry matter. The highest mean values for the yield parameters are observed in T0 with mean values 18.52, 18.53, 16.35 and 68.35 for number of seeds/pod, 100 seed weight, pod length and total dry mass respectively. Alpha amylase enzyme activity was observed to be higher at lower concentration of the cypermethrin (T1) on day 2 (2.75) but the increase in the enzyme activity tilted towards the highest concentration (T4) on day 3 and day 4 with mean value 2.70 and 3.10 at 5% level of significance.
Utilization of Acetyl Salicylic Acidand Irradiation as Postharvest Treatments for Storage of Persimmon Fruits Cv."Costata"
Authors: Al-Majed E. Azza , El-Shamma M. S. , Hafez M. Omaima , Saleh A. Malaka , Zaied S. Nagwa
Published: March 2019

Mature Persimmon fruits "Costata cv." were used to study the effect of Acetyl Salicylic Acid (ASA) at rates 0, 2, 3% and/or irradiation (IRD) with 0.0, 1.0, 2.0 KGy doses, using CO60 source at 2g /Sec as a trial for prolonging fruit marketing period and extending its shelf life with good quality, after cold storage treatment. Nine treatments including control were stored for 75 days at 0 ± 1oC with 80 + 2% relative humidity to measure weight loss, fruit firmness and decay percentages. Where, fruit quality parameters during shelf life were evaluated after 7 days of transference to room temperature (23 ± 2°C). Results showed a close relationship between high irradiation dose (2 KGy) and rate of detrimental effects by accelerating ripening process and softening during storage and shelf life to obtain less marketing fruits.  Adding ASA at either 3 or 2% to fruits irradiated with2 KGy,  slightly reduced the decline in fruit quality. Furthermore, non-treated cold stored fruits dominated 2 KGy treatment, in this respect.However, fruit constituent values were gradually progressed and 1 KGy dose recorded the highest storability effect in keeping fruits firm with less deterioration response as combined with 2% ASA, compared with sole ones.Moreover, improving effect in fruit components i.e., acidity, VC, SSC, sugar, T. flavonoids, β-Carotene and reduction in tannin contents were retained with 1 KGy treatment as combined with 2% ASA followed in descending order by 3% ASA. In general, irradiation of persimmon fruits at dose (2 KGy) was not suitablefor preserving stored fruits. Also, sole radiation treatment at 1 KGy was less effective than sole treatment of ASA at  either 2 or 3%  rates, in this respect.  Therefore, irradiation with 1 KGy combined with ASA treatment at 2% can be recommended for improving storability of persimmon"Costata cv." fruits  with the maintenance of good marketable and preferable nutritional parameters up to extended shelf life.
Biocolorants Production by Pigment-Producing Bacteria Isolated from Soil
Authors: Hizbullahi M. U. , Farouq A. A. , Baki A. S. , Ibrahim A. D. , Hauwa B. A. , Jumare F. I.
Published: March 2019

Background: The use of synthetic organic colors has been acknowledged for many years as the most reliable and economical method of restoring some of the food’s original shade to the processed products. However, from the health safety point of view, they are not accepted by consumers because they produce skin allergies, less stable and also produce highly toxic wastes that pose a threat to the environment.

The Aim of the Study: The aim was to isolate and identify pigment-producing bacteria from soil and to study various growth parameters for their pigment production.

Materials and Methods: Soil samples were collected from different site within Sokoto State metropolis and were screened on nutrient agar for isolation of pigment-production bacteria. The isolated pigment-producing bacteria were subjected morphological, biochemical and molecular characterization. The phylogenetic analyses of bacterial isolates were carried out using Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis (MEGA 6 software). Ethanol, methanol and chloroform were used for pigments extraction and the extracted pigments were characterized using Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The effects of growth medium, pH, temperature, incubation time, shaking and static conditions on pigments production was determined. The stability of the pigments was tested toward pH and temperature.

Results: Three (3) isolates that showed purple, orange and blue-green pigment were selected for pigment productions. The isolates were identified as Chromobacterium violaceum, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salinococcus roseus. The optimization studies revealed that the Chromobacterium violaceum produced highest purple pigment in nutrient broth at pH 8 for 96 hours of incubation at 35°C under shaking condition while Pseudomonas aeruginosa produced green pigment in nutrient broth at pH 7, 72 hours of incubation at 37°C under shaking condition and Salinococcus roseus produced highest orange pigment on nutrient broth at pH 7, after 96 hours of incubation at 40°C under shaking condition. The characteristics of the pigments corresponded to that violacein, pyocyanin and zeaxanthin based on their FTIR, UV-visible spectroscopy and TLC results. It was found that all the pigments showed good stability at the temperatures of 200°C and fairly stable at lower pH (2).

Conclusion: It therefore concluded that the soil could be the source for isolating pigment-producing bacteria that would offer various industrial applications such textile industries.
Direct Financial Cost of Diabetes Mellitus among Adult Sudanese Patients in Khartoum State 2016-2017
Authors: Elnil Mahmoud , Swaraldahab Zeinab , Abdelaziz Sulaf Ibrahim
Published: March 2019

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease with devastating short and long-term complications that affect productivity. The corner stone for diabetes care is tight glycemic control with regular follow up. To achieve this care, medications and other health care services must be available and affordable.

Objective: To estimate the direct cost of diabetes mellitus care among adult patients in Khartoum state.

Methods: Cross-sectional study using multi-stage sampling technique to select the facilities proportional to population size. Patients were interviewed using questionnaire.

Results: The total annual cost of Diabetes was estimated to be 3820 Sudanese pound (SDG) per person. Hospitalizations fees accounted for the major portion of the cost. Forty-seven percent of the patients were admitted with diabetes related problems during the previous year. One in four of the diabetic patients had no sufficient supply of medications.

Conclusion: The total annual cost was significantly lower among those with regular follow up visits than those with irregular visits (P < 0.03). Emphasis should be put on providing affordable and available health services and medication especially at PHC level.
Glucocorticoid-Induced, Morpho-Functional Alterations in Pancreatic Beta Cells of Wistar Rats
Authors: Aigbiremolen A. , Omoirri M. A. , Udi O. A. , Iloh S. E. , Ogbonnaya M.
Published: March 2019

Background: Though prolonged use of glucocorticoids has been reported to promote adverse effects, traditionally, high-dose glucocorticoids have been implicated in immune-suppression following organ transplant with Cortisone being a well-known artificial glucocorticoid.

Objectives: This study investigated the histo-architectural and functional changes in pancreatic beta cells due to Cortisone administration.

Materials and Methods: Forty two (42) Wistar rats (140 – 200 kg) were assigned into seven groups of six (6) rats each with group A acting as a control. While groups B and C were respectively treated with 0.1 mg/kg and 0.3 mg/kg of Cortisone, groups D and E received 0.1 mg/kg and 0.3 mg/kg of Cortisone respectively plus 33 mg/kg of Ketoconazole; whereas, groups F and G were respectively given 0.1 mg/kg and 0.3 mg/kg of Cortisone alongside 150 mg/kg of Vitamin E each for twenty-eight (28) days. After 28 days of administration, rats were euthanized and blood samples collected for insulin assay. Pancreatic tissues were also harvested and observed for histo-morphological changes.

Results: Analysis of variance (ANOVA) found Cortisone to have significantly (p < .05) increased glucose level in a dose dependent manner. This was however attenuated following co-administration of Ketoconazole and Vitamin E as Ketoconazole showed more potency in this ameliorating effect. Also, Cortisone was observed to significantly decrease (in dose dependent fashion), pancreatic β-cell functions, with attenuating effect seen following co-administration of Ketoconazole.

Conclusion: It is recommended that caution is applied with the intake of glucocorticoids, especially in polypharmacy while treating certain ailments.
Menstrual Knowledge and Hygiene Management of Adolescent Girls
Authors: Rani Pretty , Reddy R. Geetha
Published: March 2019

Aim: The study measured the menstrual knowledge and hygiene practices of adolescent girls of low socio income group.

Study Design: Purposive sampling method was used for the selection of study participants.

Place and Methodology: A self-developed Questionnaire was used to collect data on knowledge and hygiene practices among the adolescent girls of Hyderabad.

Results: Results showed that the levels of knowledge regarding menstrual health is low among the adolescent girls. Menstruation is clouded in social taboos and is never discussed in homes and hence the adolescent girls are ignorant about it. They accidentally discover and experience menstruation as it happens. It is a prerequisite and a right for adolescent girls to have accurate and adequate knowledge about menstruation and its appropriate related hygiene practices.  Further, there exists a positive correlation between menstrual knowledge and hygiene management by adolescent girls which clearly indicates that if the menstrual knowledge increases among adolescent girls, then there can be improvement in the hygiene practices as well by the same group.
Improving Agricultural Productivity and Energy Sufficiency on Marginal Lands: The Agricultural Waste Recycling Approach in the Ndop Ecofarm, North West Region, Cameroon
Authors: Foncha Jicenta N. , Asongwe Godswill Azinwie
Published: March 2019

The Green Revolution, which promotes the extensive use of chemicals for improved productivity has witnessed enormous setbacks. Numerous small poorly equipped and very low-income farmers are unable to gain access to the new production means. As their income opportunities shrink, farmers are left with no options but to tend towards unsustainable activities that depletes the environment more; consequently precipitating the vicious cycle of poverty and environmental degradation characterized by, rising food prices, food security and energy crises. This study used the modified institutional analysis and development framework on the waste recycling approach to review the model for achieving agricultural productivity and energy sufficiency on marginal lands in the Ndop plain North West Region of Cameroon. It specifically analyzed the food and energy benefits alongside potential uptake by small-scale farmers. The results indicated that agricultural waste recycling provided improved market access; generate employment; increase income – increase purchasing power; improve household nutritional security and close the poverty gap (inequalities) amongst the rural poor in the community. Student t-test revealed a significant difference (t=-3.08, P=0.006) of farmers’ livelihood before and after commencing agricultural recycling. Engaging in agricultural waste has enabled 8.5% of farmers to improve their livelihood and enhanced energy efficiency.
Toric and Phakic IOLs for the Treatment of Astigmatism and/or High Myopia: Our Experience at Prince Hashem Hospital Zarqa
Authors: Raqqad Nancy Al , Fgara Naser Al , Dros Mohammad
Published: March 2019

Aim: to share our experience in treating patients with high myopia and or astigmatism  using toric and phakic intraocular lenses at Prince Hashem Hospital in Jordan.

Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective study of fifty eyes of 36 patients who were treated between June 2015 and July 2016 at Prince Hashem Hospital in Jordan. Patients’ age ranged between 22 years and 54 years. All patients had high myopia (≥6 dipoters) and/or astigmatism and were not eligible for surface laser ablation and intolerant to contact lenses. Preoperative best corrected visual acuity BCVA, ophthalmological slit lamp examination, manifest and cycloplegic refraction, corneal topography using Oculus Pentacam and IOL master were obtained in all patients.

Results: In all the patients preoperative refraction ranged between -4 to -33 sphere and -3.5 to -8 cylinder. Phacoemulsification and implantation of toric intraocular lenses (IOL) was done in 21 patients, Visian implantable collamer lens (sphere and toric ICL) were implanted in 18 patients and toric iris claw lenses (Ophthec Artisan/ Artiflex) were used for the remaining 11 patients. All surgical procedures were done under local anesthesia. All patients showed improvement in their visual acuity after surgery and spectacle independence.

Complications were minimal in the form of lens rotation resulting in decrease in BCVA seen in 3 patients with toric IOLs and two Visian ICLs patients.  High intraocular pressure was seen in one patient.

Mean follow-up period was between 6 months to 1 year.

Conclusion: Toric and phakic IOLs can be very useful in correcting astigmatism and or myopia. Proper patient selection and counseling is essential to ensure best refractive outcome and avoid complications.
Methodology to Evaluate the Fertilizer Distribution by Helical Doser from Seed Planter
Authors: Rosa David Peres da , Pagnussat Lucas , Alves Alisson , Pesini Felipe , Spagnolo Roger Toscan
Published: March 2019

This article aims to develop a precision methodology, to evaluate the work of a helical doser from a seed planter. The experiment was carried out in two conditions, a bench in laboratory, and, in a seed planter in the field, comparing the proposed evaluation methodology in the laboratory, linear methodology (LM), against the ISO 5690/2 (1984) method. In the laboratory’s test, it was tested: 0°, +11° and -11° slope of doser. In LM, it was used a metal gutter with 125 polyethylene collectors, both placed next to the other. In the field, it was used only LM, and for such two doses were tested, 250 and 440kg ha-1. The variation coefficient (VC) in the LM, the 0º condition performed with the best dosage, varying from 10.15% to 13.76%, against 13.95% to 17.84% in the + 11° slope and 11.86% to 13.79% in the -11º. The VC compared in ISO 5690/2 method shows a very different result, indicating variations from 0.7 to 2.3%, which is 88% smaller than LM. In field, the VC increased to 25.70% to 40.96%. Comparing the VC of ISO 5690/2 with the field test, the differences are even bigger, 2.3% compared to 40.96%. The LM presents concise data to clearly observe variations in the working conditions of the fertilizer helical doser.