bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Methodology to Fulfill Environmental Requirements for Implementing Projects with Subsea Systems in Campos Basin Sensitive Regions
Authors: dos Santos A. B. , de Freitas L. R. , Vigna M. F. , Schwarz G. P.
Published: May 2024

This paper presents a methodology to fulfill environmental requirements for implementing project with subsea systems in regions with great number of coral formations. Solutions for the complex environmental permitting process of Marlim Field Revitalization Project are also presented. To enable this, an in-house application was developed based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology for controlling and monitoring fulfillment of requirements imposed by the Brazilian environmental authority. Because of all complexity inherent to the project, the environmental permitting process faced several challenges, of which the most relevant are presented in this paper. GIS have been used in several areas, both by private companies as well as by the government sector, where georeferenced information is essential for planning, monitoring and controlling a great variety of activities. Petrobras has also been using GIS technology for several activities such as greenfield alternative studies, management of existing subsea systems, real-time monitoring of logistical resources as well as for environmental management. Due to the ecological importance of coral formations for the global climate balancing, and to preserve these ecosystems that are found massively in Marlim and Voador Field regions, the environmental feasibility of the project has been conditioned to the deployment of subsea flowlines in compliance with the routing proposed in the project subsea layout. Not only the flexible pipelines need to be laid without touching coral mounds, but also, corresponding evidence of deployment inside the predefined 20 m enlarged corridors along pipeline planned routes should be presented periodically to the environmental authority. The magnitude and complexity inherent to Marlim Field Revitalization Project can be considered as one of unique characteristics in the offshore oil and gas industry. The massive usage of GIS technology throughout the whole project can be also considered singular. It enabled an integrated view of technical and environmental aspects, ranging from alternative studies, planning and execution to the fulfillment of the requirements imposed by the environmental regulatory agency. The GIS system had a preponderant role for the environmental feasibility and licensing of such complex project.
Prostatic artery embolization for intractable hematuria in patients with unregulated coagulation parameters: three case reports
Authors: Belmonte Manuel , Khogeer Abdulghani , Moussaoui Ghizlane , Melo Rafael , Boucher Louis-Martin , Villalpando-Cabrera Tatiana , Carrier Serge , Aubé-Peterkin Mélanie
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a prevalent disease that could be responsible of severe intractable hematuria requiring invasive surgical management.
Case presentation: We report three high-risk cases presented with intractable hematuria of prostatic origin with high medical co-morbidities treated safely and effectively by prostatic artery embolization with favorable outcomes.
Conclusions: In non-surgical, anticoagulated patients, prostatic artery embolization represents a safe and effective intervention for the treatment of intractable hematuria related to benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Role of urine glycosaminoglycan levels in the diagnosis and follow-up in men with lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Aydin Hasan Riza , Sekerci Cagri Akin , Kocakgol Huseyin , Basok Banu Isbilen , Bedir Fevzi , Guctas Ahmet Ozgur , Akdeniz Firat , Aksoy Hamit Zafer , Ramazanoglu Mehmet Akif , Tanidir Yiloren
Published: May 2024

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether urinary glycosaminoglycans (GAG) levels reflect clinical status in men with lower urinary tract symptoms and if they could be used as a marker in management of overactive bladder (OAB).
Methods: A total of 34 patients were recruited who were admitted with LUTS and diagnosed as having clinically bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) due to prostate enlargement. These newly diagnosed, never treated patients underwent routine investigation, consisting of history, physical examination, PSA, ultrasound, uroflowmetry, assessment of symptoms scored by both International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Marmara- Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (M-OBQ). The patients were divided into two groups as those with an initial M-OBQ score < 12 (group 1) and ≥ 13 (group 2). Alfa blocker was initiated in eligible patients. Further evaluations included prostate volume measurement, pre- and post-treatment urinary GAG levels, IPSS and M-QAOB values and maximum urine flow rate (Qmax).
Results: Before treatment, urinary GAG level was 21.5 mg/gCr (6.1-45.5) in Group 1, and 23.35 mg/gCr (15.6-32.6) in Group 2 (p =0.845). After the treatment, the GAG level in Group 1 and Group 2 were found to be 19.8 mg/gCr (7.4-70.5) and 18 (7.6- 41.7), respectively (p = 0.511). No difference in GAG levels was found in subgroup analysis for patients with or without OAB.
Conclusions: In recent years, there have been many studies investigating the relationship between LUTS and urinary markers. However, in our prospective study, no relationship was found between pre- and post- treatment urinary GAG levels in patients with LUTS with or without OAB.
Could internal jugular vein ultrasound be useful in the assessment of patients with heart failure? A systematic review
Authors: Parenti Nicola , Palazzi Carmela , Parenti Matilde , D'Addato Sergio
Published: May 2024

Many recent studies have validated the internal jugular vein ultrasound (IJV-US) ultrasound for estimating volemic status in critical patients. If research confirms its accuracy in detecting intravascular volume, congestion, and prognosis, this method could help manage heart failure (HF) because it is simple, fast, and applicable in several settings. This review examines the IJV-US’s reliability, diagnostic accuracy, and ability to predict poor outcomes for HF, as well as its correlation with surrogate congestion tests like natriuretic peptides and elevated central venous pressure (CVP). Our systematic review followed the PRISMA statement for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Eleven studies examined the reliability and validity of IJV-US measures in predicting congestion, volume status, and prognosis in adult spontaneously breathing HF patients. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE. IJV-US measurements using Valsalva and sniffing seem more accurate for predicting congestion, volume status, high CVP, and poor prognosis. The IJV ratio in chronic HF and out-hospital patients and the absence of IJV area [cross-sectional area (CSA)] changes in acute HF (AHF) and in-hospital patients are the most validated measurements. No evidence suggests the method is reliable between and within raters. AHF patients’ IJV ratio and CSA absence appear to correlate with CVP and atrial natriuretic peptides. In conclusion, the IJV-US may be useful for managing HF patients, but more research is needed to confirm its reliability and prognostic accuracy. Develop a standard US protocol lastly.
Continuous kidney replacement therapy outcomes in infants and newborns
Authors: Sebeih Yousef , Al-Turki Abdullah , Alfattani Areej , Al-Shareef Turki , Saadeh Sermin , Al-Sabban Essam , Aldhaferi Rezqah , AlHusseini Noara , Alanzi Fawaz , AlMaiman Weiam
Published: May 2024

Background

Continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT) is utilized in the management of acute kidney injury (AKI). For infants and newborns, it is a challenging procedure. This study aimed to determine the outcomes of CKRT among infants and newborns, given the limited literature available.

Methods

A retrospective study reviewed charts and the Virtual Performance System in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in a tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia. This study included 40 patients (aged 0–1 year) who underwent CKRT from September 2009 to December 2019. Exclusion comprised individuals with a CKRT duration of <24 hours and patients whose primary diagnosis was cardiac in origin. Demographics, nature of diseases, presence of multiorgan failure, modality, and prescriptions of the CKRT were reported. Statistical analysis identified the correlation between the outcome and the mentioned data.

Results

The median age at intensive care unit (ICU) admission (0–12) was 5 months, and the median weight (2.20–9.70) was 5.45 kg. The most common category was bone marrow transplantation (42.5%), followed by metabolic conditions (20%). The most common modality was continuous venovenous hemodialysis (n = 21; 56.8%). The median blood flow rate (20–100) was 50 mL/min, and the median dialysate flow rate (100–800) was 400 mL/h. The median duration of PICU stay (0.80–139.01) was 16.97 days. Twelve patients (30%) survived, while the majority, 28 (70%), did not survive. The median duration of CKRT was 38.95 h. Most of the patients, 37 out of 40 (92.5%), developed complications during CKRT, with hypothermia (62.5%). The nonsurvived group had a higher weight (6 vs. 4.3 kg, P < 0.01) and was older at ICU admission (6 vs. 3.33 months, P = 0.02). The primary diagnostic category, reason to initiate CKRT, and the presence of multiorgan failure were found to be significantly correlated with the outcome (P < 0.01). Additionally, a significant correlation was found between serum creatinine levels after 3 months of CKRT and age at ICU admission (correlation coefficient 0.47, P = 0.05). Fifty percent of the patients had an overall survival time, from initiating CKRT until the PICU patients’ physical discharge, of 13 days (95% confidence interval: 9–26).

Conclusion

The overall mortality rate for all causes of CKRT initiation was 70%. However, newborns and infants who underwent CKRT for metabolic causes exhibited an 88% survival rate. Additionally, weight, age at ICU admission, coagulopathies, and the presence of multiorgan failure showed a significant a correlation with the outcome.
Pattern of Ametropia among Presbyopic Patients in-North-West Nigeria
Authors: Nwakuche I.P. , Saleh Hussaini , Eme Okpo
Published: May 2024

No Abstract
Knowledge and Utilisation of Glasgow Coma Scale in the Neurological Assessment of Children among Healthcare Workers in Jos Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: Achema G. , Wasat L.M.
Published: May 2024

No Abstract
Knowledge, Perception and Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination among Healthcare Personnel in Osun State University Teaching Hospital Osogbo, Osun State
Authors: Adeniran Ganiyat O. , Afolalu Olamide O. , Oyekale Rahmat A. , Adesina A. Kamoru , Akinwale Oladayo D. , Adeniyi Victoria Adenike , Dieseru Erezitome
Published: May 2024

No Abstract.
Solidarity and gender in protest novels: Bessie Head’s The Cardinals and Miriam Tlali’s Muriel at Metropolitan
Authors: Nivesjö Sanja
Published: May 2024

This article analyses the critical role of gender within racial solidarity in anti-apartheid protest writing by comparing Bessie Head’s The Cardinals and Miriam Tlali’s Muriel at Metropolitan. Both novels depict the protagonist’s experience of being the only Black woman at a white-collar workplace during apartheid. The workplace relationships explored within the novels illustrate the complex role of gender in forming alliances and nurturing solidarity. Although Tlali’s novel prioritises solidarity between Black people in the face of apartheid, areas of significant gender inequalities are present. Head’s The Cardinals, on the other hand, explicitly explores the fissures in Black anti-apartheid alliances created by gender inequalities. The juxtaposition of these two novels challenges a uniform understanding of Black anti-apartheid solidarity, while also elucidating depictions of the competing relationships of solidarity for Black working women in female-authored protest writing. By forcing the reader to consider the place of gender in relation to both collectives of solidarity and to anti-apartheid protest, the novels trigger a rethinking of what traditionally male-dominated protest writing was and could be.
Extraction Characterization of Ackee Seed Oil and its Biodiesel Value.
Authors: Olumoroti Israel , Oyelaran Ajani , Bolaji Bukola
Published: May 2024

The research work is focused on the extraction and characterization of the oil and biodiesel obtained from Achee (Blighia sapida) seeds. N-hexane was used as solvent in the extraction of oil from ackee apple seed. The oil was characterized for yield, relative density, free fatty acid value, acid value, iodine value, and saponification value. The values obtained were: oil yield 19.51 %, relative density 0.91 g/cm3, free fatty acid value 1.06 mgKOH/g oil, acid value 2.12 mgKOH/g oil, iodine value 38.36mg iodine/100 g oil and saponification value 195.74 mg KOH/g oil. The results obtained for characterization for fuel properties of ackee seeds oil biodiesel are: boiling point 56°C, flash point 116°C, cloud point 2°C, pour point 4°C. Though the oil yield was low, the figure obtained for acid value affirmed that the ackee seed oil is not useful in the food industry as the extracted oil has a high acid value which makes it unfit for consumption. The oil however, has advantages over other edible seed oils as it is a waste material that is readily available and sustainable; thus, its use in bioresin production will not compete for its use as edible oil. Furthermore, the values obtained for iodine value and saponification value shows that ackee apple seed oil is suitable for bio-resin production.  The study has contributed to the broader understanding of utilizing natural resources efficiently and underscores the need for continued exploration into the diverse applications of agricultural by-products.
Mixed-Input Residual Network for Air Temperature Forecasting by Low-Power Embedded Devices
Authors: Ayodele Kayode , Adekola Faruk , Ogunseye Abiodun , Abiona Adedayo , Akinwale Olawale , Arewa Oladoyin , Offiong Funmilayo , Olawole Akinbode , Ajayi Vincent
Published: May 2024

Accuracy and model compactness are essential requirements for weather forecasting models designed for operation on low-power embedded devices. This study developed Mixed-Input Residual Network (MIRNet), a compact temperature-forecasting deep neural network model. MIRNet integrates stacked bidirectional long short-term memory layers using concatenated 1-dimensional and 2-dimensional convolutional layers to improve model accuracy. MIRNet was trained and tested on two datasets: one, IfeData, comprising historical weather data from Ile-Ife, Nigeria and the other a standard weather forecasting dataset called the Jena dataset. Training was carried out using 100 epochs of data partitioned in the standard 80:20 ratio, with an adaptable learning rate strategy. The model was tested for Nth-hour-ahead prediction for 1N24; where N are natural numbers, and performance quantified using metrics such as mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and mean square error (MSE). The model was also implemented on a Raspberry Pi 4 device with a 1.8 GHz 64-bit quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 processor. The model achieved a MSE of 1.00 x 10-3 on the IfeData dataset, and 1.23x10-4 on the Jena dataset for 1-hour ahead forecasting. This is currently the best verifiable result achieved on the Jena dataset by any prediction model globally. For Nth hour ahead forecasting, MIRNet achieved an MSE generally below 2.0x10-3 for all values of N on the standard Jena dataset. The MSE of MIRNet for N-sequential 1-hour ahead and single Nth hour predictions using the Jena dataset reveal quadratic and linear relationships with N respectively. The model compares favourably with existing models for multi-hour predictions. The developed model is compact and has good forecasting properties.
Investigation Of Delinquent Behaviour And Academic Performance Of Students In Biology In Public Secondary Schools In Obudu Local Government Area Of Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Felix Unimna Unimna , Lawrence Ekwok Mercy , Ugbong Kenneth
Published: May 2024

This study investigated delinquent behaviour and academic performance of students in biology in public secondary schools in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of this study, three hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The Ex-post facto research design was considered most appropriate for the study. The simple random sampling technique was adopted in selecting five public secondary schools and a sample of hundred students was used for the study. A twenty-item four point Likert scale questionnaire and students' achievement test in biology were the instruments used for data collection. The instruments were validated and tested for reliability before they were administered to the respondents. To test the hypotheses formulated for the study, Pearson product moment correlation statistical tool was used for data analysis. The results obtained from analysis of data and testing of hypotheses revealed that there is a significant relationship between truancy, drug abuse, lateness to school and academic performance of students in the study area. Based on these findings it was recommended among others that stringent measures should be adopted to discourage students from absenting themselves from school in order to improve their learning outcomes and subsequent performance.
Institutional Security Management For Goal Attainment Of Tertiary Institutions In Nigeria: A Case Study Of Cross River State
Authors: C Unimke Abana , G Odey Akpam , F Odozie Agabi
Published: May 2024

This study sought to examine the relationship between institutional security management and goal attainment of tertiary institutions in Nigeria: A case study of Cross River State. From the purpose of the study, two (2) research questions were raised and two (2) null hypotheses formulated to direct this investigation. Literature reviewed was both empirical and theoretical. The correlational research design was adopted for the study. Samples of the study were drawn from the four tertiary institutions using stratified random sampling technique. A questionnaire titled “Institutional Security Management and Goal Attainment of Tertiary Institutions Questionnaire” (ISMGATIQ) was the instrument used for data collection. The instrument was validated by research experts in Measurement and Evaluation, Department of Educational Foundation, using face and content validation. The reliability of the instrument was achieved using the trial test with Cronbach Alpha coefficient of 0.88. The statistical tool employed for data analysis was the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient at 0.05 level of significance with 158 degree of freedom. The results of the analysis revealed that there is a significant relationship between institutional security management (students’ security management and facilities’ security management) and goal attainment of tertiary institutions. It was therefore,  recommended among others that school administrators and their supporting staff should adequately and properly manage institutional security to ensure effective teaching and learning for the accomplishment of tertiary institutional goals.
Teachers’ Professional Competencies As Determinants Of Students’ Academic Achievement In Mathematics In Uyo Education Zone Of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Effiong Ibok Ekpenyong , Raymond Ogbebe Ogar , Precilla Alu Olofu , Emmanuel Joseph Obogo , Morison   Udobong David , Patience Collins Etura
Published: May 2024

This study examined teachers’ professional competencies   as determinants of students’ academic achievement in Mathematics in Uyo Education Zone of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Two hypotheses were formulated to guide   the study.  Literature relating to the variables under study was reviewed. Ex-post facto research design was adopted. A sample of 800 out of 7479 students was selected using stratified and simple random sampling procedure. The instruments titled    Teachers’ Professional Competencies (TPC) and Mathematics Academic Achievement Test (MAAT) Items were used for data collection. The reliability estimate of the TPC was established using Cronbach Alpha giving a reliability estimate of .78 for   teachers’ lesson presentation and .79 for teachers’ knowledge of the subject mastery while MAAT was established using Kuder Richardson formula K-R20 at. 80. These estimates having met the criterion for stability, warranted in use for data collection. Linear Regression was adopted to test the two hypotheses at .05 level of significance. The result of the analysis revealed that teachers’ lesson presentation and teachers’ knowledge of subject mastery significantly predicts students’ academic achievement in Mathematics. Based on this finding, it was recommended among others that teachers should regularly attend conferences, seminars and workshops of stakeholders in education in order to improve their competence in lesson presentation, subject mastery   and enhance students’ academic achievement in Mathematics.
An Evaluation of Dramatic Elements in Selected Television Advertisements in Nigerian Media Space
Authors: Bardi John Ndubuisi
Published: May 2024

This study evaluates the dramatic elements in selected advertisements in Nigerian television media space between April and July, 2022. It  has been noticed that a lot of advertisements in Nigerian television media space make use of drama to project their messages. The  research methods that were employed in this study are mainly content analysis, observation and literary analysis. The study discovers  that almost all advertisements are dramatic, because they make use of one dramatic element or the other to project the advert  messages. It is concluded that Nigerian advertising agencies are adepts in the use of dramatic elements in advertisements. All the  advertisements studied show that there is none of them that the dramatic elements over-shadowed the advert messages. They laid emphasis on the messages instead of the drama; the drama is just a means to an end. It is recommended that advertisement agencies in  Nigeria should continue with the use of dramatic advertisements; because Nigerians love drama and they are naturally dramatic. As such,  they are always attracted to any advert that is dramatic. However, on no condition should the drama in the advert over-shadow the  advert messages.
Integrating Indigenous and Western Health Practices as Synergy for African Development in the Globalization Era: The Nigerian Example
Authors: Toyin Adepoju Adewale , Rasheed Onagun
Published: May 2024

The health policy of colonial rule precipitated structural and institutional changes in the healthcare system of the colonized Africans, as  Western medicine was imposed across Africa as a better system of health management. This development fundamentally altered the  professional and practical acceptability of indigenous medicine even beyond the colonial era. The much-acclaimed theoretical  incompatibility of western and indigenous medical systems is one of the major causes of the strain in the levels of acceptance between  indigenous medicine and western medicine in post-colonial Africa. In the case of Nigeria, a majority of the populace, especially in the  rural areas, still consult the indigenous medical care providers. This consultation is arguably as a result of some factors, including the people’s thin financial resources,the mythical belief in the therapeutic efficacy of indigenous medicine, and closeness of the indigenous healthcare centres to the patients, among others. Given this, it becomes imperative to explore the historical development and  value of Adepoju Adewale Toyin and Onagun Rasheed: Integrating Indigenous and… 415 indigenous healthcare practices in Nigeria  and determine the possibility of its integration with western medicine. Towards accomplishing this, we explore historical-analytic method,  using primary and secondary sources to examine the current state of indigenous traditional health practice in Nigeria, identify  the factors that drive (mis)communication between patient and practitioner, and suggest solutions that can be implemented to address  existing challenges. In addition, with illustrations drawn from successful examples of integration of indigenous and modern health practices in developing countries, the paper argues in the context of globalization that an advantageous synergy between indigenous  and western health practices is feasible as a development strategy for Africa.
Interrogating Nationalist Ideologies in Nigerian Drama: A Textual Analysis of Esiaba Irobi’s Hangmen Also Die
Authors: Adeyemi Olusola Smith
Published: May 2024

There is no contesting the fact that dramatic writing and criticism in Africa have their relevance; either for the purpose of entertainment,  information or conscientisation for social transformation, or drawing attention to new ideas in scholarship. Also, within this, is the notion  that every writer has his/her ideological leaning(s), which serve as the springboard for contextual understanding of what the work  addresses. Esiaba Irobi is one of such writers that deploy their drama texts in the signposting the aforementioned ideals. This article,  through textual analysis, investigates how the play, Hangmen Also Die engages the concepts of nationalism and the call for social order.  Using the Social Revolution Theory (SRT), the paper argues that Irobi’s Hangmen Also Die contributes to the comprehension of the  discourses of nationalism and national development. Like other related African drama texts, the play calls for subtle social revolution  especially in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Effect of Agricultural Investments, Credit and Exports on Agricultural Growth in Nigeria (1981-2020)
Authors: Sunday Ezekiel Benjamin , Umar Haruna Suleiman , Audu Sale Isah
Published: May 2024

This study evaluated the impact of agricultural investments, credit and exports on agricultural growth in Nigeria (1981-2020). Annual data were sourced from the CBN Statistical bulletins, FAO and World Bank websites. The Vecto Error Correction Model (VECM) and Single-Equation Error-Correction-Model (ECM) were used to examine the long-run and short-run relationships of the variables respectively. The VECM results shows that coefficients of agricultural export (AEXP) and public agricultural investment (PAI) significantly influenced agricultural expansion (growth) in Nigeria in the long run. While in the short run, only the coefficient of foreign direct investment (FDIA) was found to have significant impact on agricultural growth in Nigeria. The study recommended that the government at all levels should create a favourable investment climate in terms of policies to draw foreign investment to the agricultural sector and, Federal and State Governments should increase its level of budgetary allocation to the agricultural segment of Nigeria economy to boost the  agricultural sector.
Assessing Safety Culture Metrics Influencing Organisation Risk Scorecard among Selected Manufacturing Firms in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Kolawole Ibukun Olorunisola , Ajemunigbohun Sunday Stephen , Azeez Rasheed Olawale
Published: May 2024

This study evaluated the effects of safety culture metrics on risk scorecard among manufacturing firms in Lagos State. The study employed a descriptive survey research design; cum multiphase sampling techniques comprised of judgmental and convenience. Thus, a structured questionnaire of two hundred and eighty-two (282) were gathered from selected manufacturing firms in Lagos State. The statistical techniques adopted were simple frequency percentage, Friedman rank test, and simple regression method. While rank order tests were conducted for both safety culture and risk score metrics, positively low relationship was established between safety culture and risk scorecard among selected manufacturing firms in Lagos State. On recommendations, firms should endeavour to scale and underwrite in promoting vigorous safety cultures that permit for safety performance. The integration of safety culture and risk scorecard metrics should be yearned for to enhance organisational capabilities and ensure survival. Ensuring safety participation, priority, control, engagement, and communication will help organisation in building robust capacities to advance operational efficiency and quality.
Evaluation of the Performance of Residential Property Investments in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria
Authors: Aje Philip Ayomide , Udoekanem Namnso Bassey
Published: May 2024

This study evaluated the performance of residential property investments in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. Data for the study were collected through field survey from estate surveying and valuation firms which are active in the residential property market in Minna. Thus, a total of 382 residential investment properties were selected from the property portfolio of estate surveying and valuation firms in the city for the study. Variables utilised for the study include the capital value, annual expenses in form of taxes, rates, repairs etc. and annual rental value of 1-BR, 2-BR and 3-BR apartments for the period, 2009 – 2021 and analysed using analysis of variance, geometric mean and coefficient of variation. The findings indicate that the variance in total return for all residential investment property types across all the study locations is statistically significant, also the risk associated with this return varies according to the residential property investment types across all the locations considered in the study. The study recommends that prudent residential real estate investors in the city require impeccable pre-investment appraisal of residential property investments at all locations in the city before investing their capital, particularly if they are risk averse.
Money Market Instruments and Economic Growth in Nigeria
Authors: Akintola Abolade Francis , Olurin Oluwatoyosi Tolulope
Published: May 2024

Effect of money market instruments on economic growth of Nigeria from 1993 to 2022 was investigated in this study. Research design adopted for this study is ex-post-facto. Data were obtained from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin to estimate the model. Multiple regression approach was employed to analyse impact of money market instruments on economic growth in Nigeria for the period of the study. From the empirical result obtained, the study conclude that money market enhanced development in Nigeria. It is recommended that CBN create appropriate monetary and fiscal measures which would develop money market for promotion of productive activities and investment thereby improve Nigeria development.
Exploring the structural mechanics of titanium nickel solid alloy using COMSOL Multiphysics: A Poisson equation and continuity equation perspective
Authors: Manga P.J. , Maina Mohammed , Samaila H. , Likta E.W. , Amusat R.O. , Daniel S.
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the structural mechanics of titanium-nickel (Ti-Ni) alloy thin film using computational modelling through COMSOL Multiphysics based on Poisson’s equation and continuity equation for stress check by considering its linear elastic, conservation of charge and providing insight into nanomaterial deformation. In the COMSOL environment the parameters for titanium nickel (Ti-Ni) are embedded in the COMSOL Simulink interface. The Thin film layer was designed by defining the layer geometry of the size and shape of the layer with a width of 500 μm, depth of 200 μm and height of 3 μm subjected to boundary conditions such as von – mises stress, surface temperature, iso-surface temperature, multi-slice electric potential, displacement component, surface elastic strain energy density and total enthalpy. The results displayed a trend that is, as the surface temperature increases there will be an increase in the current densities associated with high electrical conduction. On the same note, the designed thin film layer will pass the percolation threshold. The results of surface elastic strain energy density and total enthalpy imply that the designed thin film layer is effective and efficient as a structural pseudopotential device (photodiode).
Assessment of participants’ perception on the use of mass drug administration in communities endemic to Wuchereria bancrofti Cobbold, 1877 in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Kamba B. , Ndams I.S. , Kogi E. , Aliyu M.
Published: May 2024

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is one of the neglected tropical diseases that cause permanent long term disability inform of hydrocoele, lymphoedema and elephantiasis that develop as a result of inflammation of the lymphatic system. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of lymphatic filariasis and perception of participants towards Mass Drug Administration (MDA) programme. The study was a community-based cross-sectional study for screening microfilariae of Wuchereria bancrofti in consenting participants. A total of 1010 participants’ from selected communities on the MDA programme in 5 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Bauchi, Plateau and Kaduna states were enlisted into to the study. The communities were chosen based on the presence of the people living with LF according to the signs and symptoms. A well-structured adapted questionnaire was administered to collect participants’ information and their perception of the MDA programme. Microflaria of Wuchereria bancrofti were identified based on the sheathed nuclear, caudal nuclei and bent tail in Parasitology and Entomology Research Laboratory, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared and odds ratio. Participants with knowledge (294/1010; 29.11%) of the MDA programme were less than those without knowledge (716/1010; 70.89%) of the MDA. Similar, the prevalence of LF was higher in participants with knowledge (26.87%) of the MDA than in those without knowledge (25.14%). The status of participation showed that, those that participated (380/1010; 37.62%) in the MDA were lower than those did not participants (630/1010; 62.38%); the infection in participants that did not partook in the MDA programme had higher prevalence (29.68%) of LF than those that participated. Participants gave various reasons for not being part of the MDA programme ranging from absent (177/1010; 17.53%) at the time of the campaign to side effect (2/1010; 0.20%) of the drugs after taking it. However, those that gave reasons for not participating because Community Drug Distributors (CDD) did not come, had highest prevalence (40.74%) of LF compared to those that gave reasons as side effect (0.00%) for not taking the drugs. Overall LF prevalence of 25.64% was found in this study. There is poor knowledge of MDA programme among the participants in the communities examined. Similarly, microfilaria was present in some participants despite the MDA campaign in the selected states. Intensive awareness campaign and drug distribution need to be carried out in most of the remote communities in the affected states. Furthermore, members of the communities must be part of the CDDs for acceptability and effectiveness of the campaign.
Plant use knowledge and quantitative analysis of some medicinal plants from Ondo State, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Adegbite A.E. , Aworinde D.O. , Fakoya S. , Erinoso S.M. , Aturu O.T. , Ojo S.O.
Published: May 2024

This study was conducted to investigate the plants used medicinally in rural and semi-urban areas of Ondo State, Nigeria with a view to generating a comprehensive list of therapeutic plants and evaluating their importance quantitatively. Surveys were conducted in some communities in Ondo State between November 2021 and November 2022 with focus on different uses of plants. Structured questionnaires were administered to plant collectors and users. Data were analyzed based on some ethnobotanical indices. In total, 179 medicinal plants belonging to 66 plant families were recorded. The family Fabaceae had the highest (16.20%) representative species while shrubs formed the most used plant form (32%). The highest Frequency of Citation (FC, 49) was obtained for Azadirachta indica. The most valuable plant was A. indica (0.17) based on the Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) and highest (1.67) Use Value (UV). The Consensus Index and Fidelity Level (FL) were also found to be highest with A. indica (50% and 83.33% respectively) while Fabaceae had the highest Family Importance Value (FIV, 10.98%). The ethnomedicinal use of A. indica, V. amygdalina etc. in the treatment of malaria/fever has been further confirmed in this study. The family Fabaceae has been shown to contain plant species that are important to the informants. The use of quantitative techniques in ethnomedicinal studies allows the identification of commonly used plants and their recommendation for pharmacological research to confirm traditional claims. There is need to properly educate plant users in the communities on the sustainable use of plant resources.
Determination of prevalence, risk factors and symptoms of urinary schistosomiasis among school children in Kaduna South Local Government Area, Kaduna State
Authors: Bishop Henry Gabriel , Opawoye Eliabeth , Ezea Blessing Ndjideka , Apata Christiana Ozeiza , Jacob Samuel
Published: May 2024

Schistosomiasis negatively impacts children’s health. Children expose themselves daily to schistosome infections due to lack of awareness and knowledge about the disease or the danger of infested water bodies. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence, risk factors and symptoms of urinary schistosomiasis among school children in Kaduna South Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Four hundred (400) consented school children submitted 10mL urine each and responded to structured questionnaires. Sediment of each urine sample was examined by light microscopy, after centrifugation at 3000 rpm for 5 min. Overall prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis was 4.5%. Both male and female children were equally infected (4.5% each). Older children between 13-17 years old were more infected (5.0%) and more at risk (OR = 2.982) than younger children (8-12 years old) who had 1.7% of the infection. No infection was recorded among children who had awareness about the disease. Water-based activities that served as significant risk factors for the infection included swimming in river (8.7%, P=0.016, OR= 3.064), fishing (12.2%, P=0.005, OR=3.942) and washing of clothes in river (17.4%, P=0.002, OR=5.459). Significant symptoms of urinary schistosomiasis identified were frequent urination (12.5%, P=0.023, OR=3.612), abdominal pain (10.0%, P=0.045, OR=2.880), and terminal haematuria (13.6%, P=0.002, OR=4.526). Infected individuals were more at risk of experiencing pains during urination (7.4%, OR=2.047). Unawareness promotes the spread of schistosomiasis among Nigerian children; their continuous exposure to infested water poses a greater risk. Creation of awareness amongst children will help to control their play habits in unsafe water bodies.
Cellulolytic potentials of aspergillus oryzae and streptomyces griseus isolated from waste dump soil in Nile University Of Nigeria, Abuja
Authors: Ezeagu G.G. , Fadayomi M. , Rikiji U.S.
Published: May 2024

The potential of using microorganisms as biological sources of industrially economic enzymes has stimulated interest in the exploitation of extracellular enzymatic activity in several microorganisms. The aim of this research is to assess the cellulose degrading potentials of two microorganisms, Aspergillus oryzae and Streptomyces griseus using cellulose Congo red agar media. Soil sample collected from waste dump was serially diluted and inoculated in starch casein agar and SDA to isolate S. griseus and A. oryzae respectively. To assess their potentials to utilize cellulose, each of the two microorganisms was inoculated on cellulose Congo-red media and incubated at 30 ºC for 7days. A zone of clearing around the colonies after incubation confirms the secretion of extracellular cellulase, and was used as an indication for cellulose utilization. The zone of clearing was measured with a meter rule. In the results obtained, both microorganisms demonstrated cellulose utilization ability with Aspergillus oryzae showing a zone of clearing of 30.50 ± 0.50 mm while Streptomyces griseus showed a wider zone of clearing of 60.00 ± 1.00 mm. The results indicate that both microorganisms can be potent producers of the enzyme cellulase, with Streptomyces griseus having a higher cellulase-producing ability.
The determination of heterogeneous catalytic performance of Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) in the production of biodiesel via transesterification of Jatropha oil
Authors: Uba A.R. , Jamo H.U. , Ismail U.I. , Musa F.U. , Gwadabe S.H.
Published: May 2024

The high energy demand with the negative environmental impacts of using fossil fuel for energy generations raised question on over dependability on it for sustainable economic growth. Biodiesel tend to be one of the renewable alternative solutions towards the above problems. Biodiesel can be produced through various methods such as transesterification, micro emulsion and pyrolysis The heterogeneous catalytic performance of Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) in the production of biodiesel via transesterification of jatropha oil was investigated. The morphological and chemical properties of POFA were studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Fluoroscopy (XRF) respectively. The crude Jatropha oil was transesterified and 0.1 wt%, 0.2 wt%, 0.3wt%, 0.4wt% and 0.5wt% of POFA were used as heterogeneous catalyst. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) has been used to determine the functional group of the samples. SEM indicates the presence porous structure, texture and irregular shape on POFA while XRF shows that it comprises mainly of SiO2 (79.45 %). The maximum percentage of biodiesel yield was 92.30% at the application of 0.2wt% POFA. This shows that POFA can be used as a heterogeneous catalyst in the production of biodiesel.
Evaluation of phytochemical, in vitro antibacterial and rate of kill assay of Terminalia avicennioides leaf against some bacteria associated with diarrhoea
Authors: Musa F.M. , Muhammad-Idris Z.K. , Wartu J.R.
Published: May 2024

The study was aimed to evaluate the phytochemical constituents, in vitro antibacterial and rate of kill assay of Terminalia avicennioides leaf extract against some bacteria associated with diarrhoea. The phytochemical constituents of the ethanol of Terminalia avicennioides leaf, aqueous, n- butanol, and ethyl acetate fractions of the leaf extract were determined using standard analytical methods. The antibacterial activities of the leaf extract and extract fractions against clinical isolates of Salmonella Typhimurium and Escherichia coli isolated from diarrhoeaic patients were determined in vitro by agar diffusion, dilution and time - kill methods. The result of phytochemical screening revealed the presence of carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, saponins, flavonoides, tannins, alkaloids, phenols and triterpenes. The crude extract and extract fractions of T. avicennioides leaf were effective against the test bacterial isolates at varied concentration of extracts but the n-butanol fraction was more effective with Minimum inhibitory and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration of 6.25 and 12.5mg/ml. The clinical isolates of E. coli and S. Typhimurium were completely killed within 180 minutes of exposure to ethanol leaf extract and extract fractions at varied MBCs of 12.5 mg/ml and 25.0 mg/ml. The clinical isolates of E. coli and S. Typhimurium were more susceptible to n-butanol fraction within 120 minutes of exposure to the extract fraction.
Effects of ethanolic extract of Aristolochia repens on biochemical and histological changes in high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced rats
Authors: Omar S.A. , Abubakar F.A. , Onemola K.R.
Published: May 2024

The study evaluated the lipid profile, electrolytes and histological changes in diabetic Wistar rats treated with stem bark extract of Aristolochia repens. Type 2 diabetes was induced in rats with high-fat diet and low dose of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg body weight). A total of thirty-five Wistar rats were fed with high-fat diet for eight (8) weeks, while five (5) Wistar rats (Sham control) were fed with low-fat diet. Non-induced male Wistar rats were treated with distilled water (Sham control); while the induced male Wistar rats were treated with distilled water, metformin (100 mg/kg), 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg ethanolic extract of Aristolonchia repens stem bark for 28 days. The rats were sacrificed; liver, kidney and serum were collected and analyzed for serum glucose, lipid profile, electrolytes and histological changes. Treatment with ethanolic extract of Aristolonchia repens stem bark significantly reduced the body weight, glucose level, total cholesterol concentration, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein concentration and atherogenic indices. Mild pathological alterations were observed in the liver and kidney of diabetic rats at dosage above 50 mg/kg. However, the extract reduced the blood glucose, lipids and improve the selected electrolyte balance. This study suggests that ethanolic extract of stem bark of A. repens possesses antihyperglycaemia and antilipidaemic potential and might not be safe at dosage above 50 mg/kg.
Analysis of injuries in aircraft accident victims in 2002–2022 based on the resources of the Jagiellonian University Department of Forensic Medicine in Kraków = Analiza obrażeń ofiar katastrof lotniczych w latach 2002–2022 na podstawie danych pochodzących z materiałów Zakładu Medycyny Sądowej Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego w Krakowie
Authors: Juda Piotr , Pajor Dawid , Wójcik Łukasz , Kaczmarska Anna , Nowak Milena , Konopka Tomasz
Published: May 2024

Aim: The study aimed to analyse the most common injuries of victims of aviation accidents and compare it with the most recent literature.

Methods and materials: Retrospective analysis of autopsy protocols of aircraft crash victims from the Forensic Medicine Department from years 2002–2022. The case selection has been made by two independent researchers. After applying the exclusion criteria 27 cases were obtained. Further searched for features that the bodies of victims had in common. There were analysed sex, age, circumstances of the incident, injuries, presence of psychoactive substances (alcohol, drugs), and blood concentration
of carboxyhemoglobin.

Results: Among 27 cases we found 19 airplane crashes, 4 glider accidents, 3 motor glider accidents, and one helicopter crash. The 1 case had no information about the type of aircraft. The injuries that emerged in each of the victims were typical results of direct impact forces. The most common were rupture of the lungs 63.0 % (n = 17/27), heart 55.6% (n = 15/27), liver 51.9% (n = 14/27), aorta 40.7% (n = 11/27) and spleen 29.6% (n = 8/27). Common bone traumas included fractures of the ribs 77.8% (n = 21/27) upper limbs 77.8% (n = 21/27), skull 74.1% (n = 20/27), pelvis 59.3% (n = 16/27) and spine 51.9% (n = 14/27). Injuries of the cervical spine occurred in victims who violently tilted their heads back.

Conclusions: In most cases, the immediate cause of death was extensive multi-organ injuries, followed by thermal burns or brain injuries. In almost half of the victims, the presence of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood indicates that they were alive during the crashes. Knowledge of injury patterns can improve aviation safety and guide in reconstructing the mechanisms and sequences of the accidents.