bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overview of Gender With Examples From Turkish Media
Authors: Sarı Gülşah
Published: February 2022

In this study, the representation of gender in the media was examined. Examples of the media representations in the media has been presented as an introduction to the book. Gender development takes place in news, series, advertisements and the prevailing gender in cinema. After the theory part which includes academic studies and differences from sex. It was supported by examples from the media. In the study, women, men and homosexual representations in the Turkish media have been examined. At the end of the study, women have been depicted in the media in a disadvantaged and secondary position. Especially the news that the word “woman” in the news is reinforcing the disadvantageous position of women. In series and advertisements, women are either a carrier of an object or traditional role in the face of a man's perspective. In addition, men reinforce their dominant position in the society as well, while homosexuals are also disadvantaged like other women and continue their positions in the media.
A Feminist Film
Authors: Avcı İkbal Bozkurt , Çetin Derya
Published: February 2022

Feminist film theory evaluates films by some concepts such as subject positions, narrative closures, and fetishism. This theory suggests that the catharsis of popular films is in the service of the male audience. However, many feminist films centered on women are also made, which are outside the mainstream cinema and reach a considerable amount of viewers. This study aims to evaluate Caramel (Nadine Labaki, 2007) by the concepts of feminist film theory. The film expresses a country dominated by taboos through these five women.
Deleuzian Feminism
Authors: Avcı İkbal Bozkurt
Published: February 2022

Minority refers to a distinct deviation from something of which standards and norms are clear. In this direction, “becoming-woman,” which is revealed by Deleuze as the first becoming type is quite impressive for feminist theory. Women can enter into becoming-woman by disturbing the dichotomic order with their line of flight instead of acting according to the identities imposed on them. This study is based upon the concept of becoming-woman in the context of Deleuzian feminism tries to approach the issue of “becoming-woman” in the new Turkey cinema based on the film Zephyr (2011) by Belma Baş. The film is evaluated according to the three basic elements of minor cinema.
A Feminist Reading of an Oriental Tale
Authors: Çetin Derya , Deveci Mevlüde
Published: February 2022

Tales, which have an important place in the process of socialization, contain various ideological constructions like other narratives. This study aims to analyses an important tale of Turkey's tale corpus named “Crystal Manor and Diamond Ship” by the terms of feminist critics. This tale is considered among the tales of Anatolian field and is similar to some western tales such as Rapunzel. However, in terms of subject positions, which are one of the focal points of feminist criticism, the main female character, unlike most fairy tales, seems to be planning and implementing the actions that advance the plot, rather than waiting for a man to rescue her.
Collective Voices Online
Authors: Bernardini Vittoria
Published: February 2022

The chapter investigates how women use the practice of speaking out in their activism to bring issues that are significant to them from the private sphere into the public sphere. Specifically, it focuses on analyzing how this was achieved in the case of the #MeToo movement, taken as the most prominent example of activism against sexual harassment in recent years. Using the conceptual tool of counter public sphere developed by Nancy Fraser, the chapter examines two relevant events from #MeToo: the sexual misconduct allegations against actor Aziz Ansari and the circulation of the so-called “Shitty Media Men” list.
Breaking Silence Through Gender Jihad
Authors: Al-wazedi Umme
Published: February 2022

With the advent of the #MeToo movement many Muslim women are naming their abusers now—both in the US and internationally. First, it has opened the door for re-studying the orientalist approach to portraying Muslim women's bodies, and to challenge and critique the idea that Muslim women's complaints against Muslim men complicate race relations in the aftermath of the war on terror in the US and France. Second, this movement has created such movements as the #MosqueMeToo movement and has given birth to a very needed phase of Public Feminism that criticizes Muslim patriarchy. This chapter critically analyzes several documentaries and fictions written and directed by Muslim women and argues that this movement gives an opportunity to Muslim women to speak out against their abusers; it has given freedom to councilors in faith-based institutions and other not-for-profit organizations to talk about sexual assaults—a much needed community service that was previously unavailable.
COVID-19 Infection in Pediatric Population
Authors: Ferentinou Eftychia , Pappa Despoina , Dafogianni Chrysoula
Published: February 2022

COVID-19 disease, caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, started in the province of Wuhan in China in December 2019 and has reached pandemic proportions by March 2020 affecting many countries worldwide. The purpose of this review is to present scientific evidence found until April 30, 2020 on the characteristics of COVID-19 in the pediatric population. Bibliographical review of articles has been conducted through PubMed and Google Scholar, from January to April. Most of the research included was conducted in China because only a small number of studies from Europe and other affected areas could be found, as the pandemic is still in progress. As for the children, the disease turns up with mild symptoms while the mortality rate in childhood is particularly low. The diagnosis of the disease is made through specific criteria, while a therapeutic protocol is applied for the treatment of the disease. The virus is mainly transmitted through the respiratory tract, although it has not been scientifically proven that the virus is transmitted through vertical transmission from mother to fetus.
Sickle Cell Disease and Hidden Hearing Loss
Authors: Scott Diane M.
Published: February 2022

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal recessively inherited group of red blood cell disorders. It is more commonly found in African Americans and Hispanics in the United States. The sickle-shaped cells characteristic of the disease cause physiological problems, including hemolytic anemia and vaso-occlusion. Research has linked hearing loss to sickle cell disease. Studies have shown that children and adults with sickle cell disease may have higher rates of sensorineural and central auditory hearing impairment. This case study examines hidden hearing loss in an African American boy with SCD who presents with normal hearing thresholds. It also discusses the role of audiologists in the care of individuals with sickle cell disease and hearing loss.
Improved Automatic Anatomic Location Identification Approach and CBR-Based Treatment Management System for Pediatric Foreign Body Aspiration
Authors: M. Vasumathy , Thirugnanam Mythili
Published: February 2022

In general, the diagnosis and treatment planning of pediatric foreign body aspiration is done by medical experts with experience and uncertain clinical data of the patients, which makes the diagnosis a more approximate and time-consuming process. Foreign body diagnostic information requires the evidence such as size, shape, and location classification of the aspired foreign body. This evidence identification process requires the knowledge of human expertise to achieve accuracy in classification. The aim of the proposed work is to improve the performance of automatic anatomic location identification approach (AALIA) and to develop a reasoning-based systematic approach for pediatric foreign body aspiration treatment management. A CBR-based treatment management system is proposed for standardizing the pediatric foreign body aspiration treatment management process. The proposed approach considered a sample set of foreign body-aspired pediatric radiography images for experimental evaluation, and the performance is evaluated with respect to receiver operator characteristics (ROC) measure.
End-of-Life Decision-Making for Severely Ill Newborns
Authors: Chatziioannidis Ilias , Gkiougki Evangelia , Pouliakis Abraham , Iliodromiti Zoi , Sokou Rozeta , Vidalis Takis , Boutsikou Theodora , Xanthos Theodoros , Iacovidou Nicoletta
Published: February 2022

Advances in neonatology enabled significant improvements in neonatal survival, often at the expense of long-term morbidity. End-of-life decisions concern neonatal patients with fatal congenital anomalies, severe neurological deficits, and extreme prematurity at the limits of viability, presenting a complex issue for both healthcare professionals and parents. Since newborns cannot express their wishes or claim their rights, physicians and parents carry the responsibility to decide in their best interests, considering their future quality of life. Harmonization of scientific progress and legislation defining clear rules is necessary so neonatologists can proceed to such agonizing decisions. Greece lacks both specific legislation regarding such decisions and medical training on handling respective ethical dilemmas. Thus, guidelines improving such decisions are closely related to the quality of the healthcare system and should be established along with the legal system's adaptation.
Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Programme in Malaysia and Nigeria
Authors: Abdussalaam Iyanda Ismail , Abdullateef Ameen , Wahab Nurudeen Opeyemi
Published: February 2022

The developing countries of the world are still lagging in the implementation of the universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS). In other to eradicate unnecessary earshot impairments via suitable rehabilitation processes, there is need for more studies. Thus, this chapter is channeled to bridge this gap. This study used secondary data by comprehensively reviewing the published researches and other relevant and related works and found that UNHS practices in Malaysia and Nigeria have both differences and similarities. The two countries use AABR and OAE as their protocol, and the newborn hearing screening is not binding on the caregivers in both countries. However, their approaches differ in the area of finance, follow-up intervals, and the years of introduction among others. Nevertheless, there are some challenges impeding the effective implementation of the programme which includes include lack of awareness, death of personnel, inadequate diagnostic centers, among others. Given these findings, this chapter could be said to have practical implications for the stakeholders.
Feeding and Swallowing Issues in Children With Neuro-Developmental Disorders
Authors: Shabnam Srushti , Ravi Sunil Kumar , Swapna N.
Published: February 2022

The chapter highlights the feeding and swallowing issues seen in children with neuro-developmental disorders, types, and extent of the problem across different disorders; its relation with the neuro-development of the child; effect on the quality of life of the parents/caregivers along with the child, specifically in the Indian context. It also focuses on the importance of assessment, team approach, and review of available tests for the assessment of feeding and swallowing problems in these children. The chapter is also going to give a few insights into the challenges faced by speech-language pathologists during the assessment of the feeding and swallowing issues in these children in the Indian scenario. The chapter will also include a section on applications of ICF model to feeding and swallowing issues in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Dyscalculia
Authors: Prusty Anjana , Yeh Chia Jung , Sengupta Rakesh , Miller Ashley
Published: February 2022

Among learning disorders, dyscalculia remains less well-known and understood within the field of education. Research shows that children with dyscalculia face various challenges at schools and in their day-to-day life, situating this disorder as one demanding immense recognition. This chapter will address dyscalculia and its impact on different age groups by examining various theories of dyscalculia. Some research shows that the literature has tended to focus on particular difficulties and symptoms experienced by different age groups. Upon review, it becomes evident that research regarding dyscalculia has not yet been examined from a cohesive perspective, illustrating a lack of unification that undermines a more global understanding of this condition. Thus, this chapter aims to provide school rehabilitation professionals an overview of dyscalculia, useful definitions and characteristics, the diagnosis methods, and the current treatment procedures and interventions.
Virtual Reality (VR) as Medical Prevention of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Authors: Miron Anastasia
Published: February 2022

This chapter identifies numerous cases on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their link with post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). It explores the use of virtual reality (VR) as a clinical tool in diagnosis, prevention and treatment of ACEs. The emotional, physical, psychological and cognitive demands of a child going through ACEs are discussed using scientific researchers. The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the beneficial uses of virtual reality (VR) in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of ACEs.
Management of Obese Pediatric Patients in the Digital Era
Authors: Vlachopapadopoulou Elpis , Georga Eleni I. , Fotiadis Dimitrios I.
Published: February 2022

Elpis Vlachopapadopoulou, Eleni I. Georga, and Dimitrios I. Fotiadis present state-of-the-art m-health solutions for monitoring and treatment of children suffering from obesity. M-health solutions are used for self-management, remote monitoring, and counseling of several chronic conditions, including diabetes mellitus, heart failure, Parkinson's disease, etc. Concerning childhood obesity, those solutions can combine targeted games and motivational approaches towards both physical activity and diet, which could help in addressing this serious and global health issue, in the direction of minimizing co-morbidities and eventually preventing serious, life-threatening events.
The Art of Consumption
Authors: Ashbrook Lauren G.
Published: February 2022

This chapter addresses the many different ways children consume both food and media, and the diverse effects these consumption habits have. This chapter also addresses how the consumption of these two variables are related and have reciprocal effects, which can be damaging, to one another. The negative effects of certain consumption habits can be detrimental for the child and family as a whole. Furthermore, the author discusses the most beneficial practices for children to cultivate in order to develop an overall healthy food and media diet.
Optimal Sizing of Passive Filters for Typical Industrial Power Systems
Authors: Hachemi Glaoui , Abdelkader Harrouz , Rachid Dehini
Published: February 2022

Because of The low complexity of passive filters (PF) compared to the active filter, their high efficiency, their ease of installation and their different topologies,theyremained the devices required in the power system. In order to minimize the harmonic distortion produced by the large industrial loads, harmonic filters should, therefore, be designed with the utmost rigor, because a poorly designed filter may amplify the undesired harmonics. The determination of the PFcomponents requires both adetailed study ofthe power system parameters, which influence the efficiency and economic viability of the harmonic compensation and the reactive power required by the load.This article studies the use of the Cuckoo optimization algorithm (COA), in order to designpassive filters with an improved power quality and reduced cost. The optimal filters are connected concurrently to the power system so that each individual Harmonic distortion respects the recommended limits. The results show that the optimized (PF) is effective, and has a lower cost.
AUGUSTO, L’EGITTO E I PAPIRI
Authors: Capponi Livia
Published: February 2022

The debate over the «Romanity» of Roman Egypt and on the creation of the province of Egypt between Ptolemaic continuities and Roman changes, lasting for nearly half a century, has involved both historians and papyrologists. This contribution summarises the main points of the controversy and attempts, in the lights of the most recent research, to offer a non-binary perspective on the question.
A revised moment magnitude catalog of eastern Canada's largest earthquakes
Authors: Bent A L
Published: February 2022

Although there are many scales used to calculate earthquake magnitude, moment magnitude is currently considered the preferred magnitude scale for use in seismic hazard assessment in Canada. Historically, moment magnitude was not determined for eastern Canadian
earthquakes although it has been routinely calculated for earthquakes of approximately magnitude 4.0 and greater, on regional magnitude scales, for the last decade. Thus, most moment magnitudes for eastern Canadian earthquakes must be obtained by converting from another magnitude scale or from felt
information. This paper provides a moment magnitude catalog for the largest earthquakes in eastern Canada and vicinity. The study derives moment magnitudes for some events but also makes use of values from the published literature. Earthquakes are assessed individually using all available sources of
information. The resulting catalog provides moment magnitudes for 254 events. Three additional events were evaluated but removed from the catalog as it is highly questionable whether they were earthquakes.
Procedures for seismic event type discrimination at the Canadian Hazards Information Service
Authors: Ackerley N , Bird A L , Kolaj M , Kao H , Lamontagne M
Published: February 2022

Within a catalogue of seismic events, it is necessary to distinguish natural tectonic earthquakes from seismic events due to human activity or other natural processes. This becomes very important when the data are incorporated into models of seismic hazard, since
natural and anthropogenic events follow different recurrence and scaling laws. This document outlines a two-step procedure whereby first, a most likely event type is identified, and second, confirmation or refutation is sought. The procedure is intended to be compatible with current and past
practices at the Canadian Hazards Information Service and the Geological Survey of Canada in assigning event types in the National Earthquake Database (NEDB). Furthermore, this document presents a new nomenclature and coding system for event types and their certainty, one that is compatible with
QuakeML. Detailed classification criteria are given for all common event types; for rare event types, only definitions and examples are given.
Nasal polyp load determines the recovery of olfaction after surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Haxel B.R. , Fischer L. , Pade J. , Reden J. , Hummel T.
Published: February 2022

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is typically accompanied by impairment of olfaction. Despite of this, until today the efficacy of endonasal sinus surgery (ESS) in terms of olfactory function is still unclear. So far it is known that patients with nasal polyps are most likely to experience post-operative recovery. Within the present study we investigated the sense of smell and other parameters of impairment in CRS before and after ESS in relation to the degree of nasal polyposis, determined with the nasal endoscopic Lildholdt-score. Methods: Patients with different degrees of severity of nasal polyposis were included. Olfactory function was assessed for odor thresholds [T], odor discrimination [D] and odor identification [I] and the changes of these parameters were investigated postoperatively. Results: For 72 patients baseline measures were available and in 47 patients, postoperative changes were described. There was a correlation between olfactory scores and nasal anatomy/polyposis scores (Lildholdt scores, Lund-Mackay CT score), rated nasal health, and nasal quality of life (sinonasal outcome test). Three months after surgery the average TDI-Score improved by 3.1 points with 30% of patients showing significant clinical improvement. Patients with severe polyposis (Lildholdt score of 5 or 6) benefited most in terms of olfaction. Other significant prognostic indicators of a postoperative increase of olfactory scores included younger age, low pre-operative TDI-scores and high CT-scores. Conclusions: This study shows that not only the presence of polyps in CRS, but also the degree of nasal polyposis - measured by a grading system - predicts the results in olfactory test results. Additionally, the degree of recovery of olfaction after ESS seems to be most relevant in patients with high polyp scores.
CULTURA ORGANIZACIONAL E PRÁTICAS DE CONTABILIDADE GERENCIAL NO AGRONEGÓCIO COOPERATIVO
Authors: Tarifa Marcelo Resquetti , De Almeida Lauro Brito
Published: February 2022

Apesar da recessão econômica que assolou o Brasil a partir do ano de 2015, resultando em um Produto Interno Bruto negativo de 3,8%, as cooperativas agropecuárias do Estado do Paraná obtiveram um crescimento de 20% no valor de suas receitas de vendas, além de sobras representativas (OCB, 2016). No mesmo ano, o agronegócio representou 21,46% do PIB brasileiro e com boas perspectivas para o ano de 2016. Diante desse cenário, o objetivo desse estudo é investigar as características das cooperativas agropecuárias paranaenses com tipificações de cultura organizacional predominantes (Cameron e Quinn, 2006) e os níveis de práticas de contabilidade gerencial semelhantes. Foi realizado survey com os contadores gerenciais das cooperativas agropecuárias paranaenses a fim de se atingir o objetivo central da pesquisa a partir da construção do marco teórico-empírico baseado em diversos autores e respectiva criação de 4 proposições relacionadas a cada tipificação cultural. Os resultados demonstraram que, de acordo com a base empírica utilizada, há todos os estágios de práticas de contabilidade gerencial, com a predominância de ferramentas mais tradicionais, como rateio dos custos, orçamentos flexíveis e payback para investimentos de capital. Foram identificadas tipificações culturais grupais, hierárquicas e de mercado conforme modelo utilizado de Cameron e Quinn (2006). A ausência da cultura inovativa direcionou a rejeição da proposição P3. Por fim, foram realizadas análises de agrupamentos das cooperativas com a finalidade de demonstrar por meio dos 3 clusters identificados que existem características conjuntas entre práticas de contabilidade gerencial e cultura organizacional, aceitando-se assim as proposições P1, P2 e P4.
DETERMINANTES DA AVERSÃO À PERDA EM DECISÕES FINANCEIRAS: UMA INVESTIGAÇÃO POR MEIO DE MODELOS FATORIAIS
Authors: Melo Clayton Levy Lima de , Mól Anderson Luiz Rezende , Dantas de Melo Magaly Aparecida Galvão , Rodrigues Rodolfo Maia Rosado Cascudo
Published: February 2022

Este estudo tem por objetivo propor um modelo de medida que ancore os determinantes da aversão à perda em decisões financeiras, tratadas até então de forma parcial e fragmentada. A revisão bibliográfica conduziu ao desenvolvimento de um modelo fatorial confirmatório de segunda ordem com treze variáveis latentes e sessenta e cinco variáveis manifestas. Empregaram-se o método da Máxima Verossimilhança e, como mecanismo de robustez, o método da Distribuição Assintótica Livre, haja vista os desvios da normalidade multivariada encontrada nas variáveis de análise. A amostra deste estudo é não probabilística, formada por estudantes de graduação e profissionais de todo o Brasil, e composta por 9.308 dados válidos para a análise. Adotou-se uma abordagem de validação cruzada e a amostra dividida em duas subamostras com 4.654 observações, denominadas amostra de investigação e amostra de validação. A evidência empírica do modelo teórico foi submetida à amostra de investigação e validada pela amostra de validação. O modelo empírico de aversão à perda resultante deste trabalho mostrou-se estável e invariante, o que viabiliza e preenche uma lacuna premente na literatura de finanças, a ausência de uma métrica latente consistente da aversão à perda.
RELEVÂNCIA DA INFORMAÇÃO CONTÁBIL: ESTUDO DE EVENTOS NO SETOR DE PETRÓLEO E GÁS
Authors: Da Fonseca Raphael , Veiga da Costa Marques José Augusto , Morais dos Santos Odilanei
Published: February 2022

Tendo em vista as especificidades da contabilidade aplicada ao setor petrolífero, como a utilização de modelo próprio de reconhecimento e mensuração, além do fato de o principal ativo das empresas petrolíferas - suas reservas de petróleo e gás - não ser reconhecido atualmente em seus balanços, permanece viva a discussão acerca da relevância das informações contábeis produzidas por essas empresas. Nesse contexto, este estudo teve por objetivo geral avaliar a relevância do conjunto de informações reportado nas demonstrações contábeis das empresas petrolíferas para o mercado de capitais, por meio da técnica de estudo de eventos. Utilizou-se uma amostra composta por 752 observações relativas a 94 empresas petrolíferas atuantes no segmento de exploração e produção listadas na Bolsa de Valores de Nova Iorque – NYSE (New York Stock Exchange), referentes aos anos de 2006 a 2015. Os resultados demonstraram que as informações contábeis das empresas petrolíferas apresentam relevância. No entanto, esta relevância é viesada para baixo, tendo em vista que aumentou no biênio 2014/2015, período de baixa do preço do petróleo, e que predominaram movimentos de queda nos períodos próximos à divulgação, quando as observações de relevância sofrem acréscimo. Esses resultados reafirmam a relevância da contabilidade aplicada ao setor petrolífero.
ANÁLISE DE MÉTRICAS PARA A INTENSIDADE DE ATIVOS NO COMPORTAMENTO ASSIMÉTRICO DOS CUSTOS
Authors: Borgert Altair , Elias Thayse Moraes , Reis Luiza Santangelo
Published: February 2022

O objetivo deste estudo consiste em analisar a representatividade das diferentes métricas para a intensidade de ativos no comportamento assimétrico dos custos, com destaque para: (i) razão do Ativo Total pela Receita Líquida de Vendas; (ii) razão do Imobilizado pela Receita Líquida de Vendas; e (iii) razão do Imobilizado pelo Ativo Total. Por meio de um levantamento de informações das empresas listadas na BM&FBOVESPA, durante um período de 21 anos, empregou-se o modelo de regressão para dados em painel para identificar se as variáveis inseridas são significativas e o quanto influenciam na assimetria dos custos. Os resultados indicam a proxy razão do Ativo Total pela Receita Líquida de Vendas como a mais representativa para a análise da influência da intensidade de ativos, tanto no comportamento do Custo dos Produtos Vendidos como das Despesas com Vendas e Administrativas para as empresas estudadas, o que pode servir de suporte para as pesquisas em que a proxy para intensidade de ativos é aplicada. Assim, por meio dessa métrica conclui-se que, quanto maior a intensidade de ativos, maior a assimetria dos custos e das despesas no sentido Sticky Costs.
On the system of conversational thinking: an overview
Authors: Chimakonam Jonathan O
Published: February 2022

As more researchers are either discussing the approach of Conversational Thinking or deploying it in their work, one question persists; what is the nature of Conversational Thinking? In investigating this question, I will trace the roots of Conversational Thinking as a theory of meaning-making rather than a theory of meaning. I conceptualise meaning-making as an attempt, through the process of creative struggle, to create ‘presence’ from the ‘metaphysics of absence’ and to demonstrate their complementarity as equal binaries. I will show its affinity and divergence from theories of meaning such as analytic philosophy, deconstruction and hermeneutics. I will argue that the preceding three systems over-estimate the role of language in the production of meaning and that this was due to the influence and limitations of two-valued logic. To overcome these limitations, I will provide a general overview of the system of Conversational Thinking that encapsulates its foundation, architecture and doctrine, and indicate the logical underpinnings of conversational method to signal [the] methodological shift it represents in philosophy, the humanities and interdisciplinary studies.
Identification and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Enterobacteriaceae Isolated from Gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus)
Authors: Taiwo M.O. , Oyedemi O.T. , Adelabu B.A. , Shofunde A.A. , Ojesola C.O. , Anthony A.C.
Published: February 2022

Diseases and infections which are naturally transmitted between animals and humans are of major concern worldwide. Geckos (Hemidactylus frenatus) are known to be potential reservoirs of many zoonotic enteropathogens. This study was designed to isolate, identify, and evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Enterobacteriaceae from Geckos. Using standard microbiological procedures, bacteria were isolated from 138 intestinal samples of Hemidactylus frenatus collected from different sampling sites. A total of 20 bacterial species of 9 different genera were identified using automated Colorimetry VITEK 2 system. The percentage occurrences were Enterobacter aerogenes (35%), Proteus mirabilis (15%), Salmonella ser paratyphi B (10%), Serratia fonticola (10%), Enterobacter kobei (10%), Raoultella ornithinolytica (5%), Sphingomonas paucimobilis (5%), Acinetobacter baumannii, (5%) and Burkholderia cepacia (5%). Results obtained from the antibiotic susceptibility pattern according to CLSI guidelines revealed that all the 20 bacterial species have varying rate of resistance with 20 (100%) showing resistance to Ciprofloxacin (CPX), 20 (100%) Pefloxacin (PEF), 19 (95%), Augmentin (AU), 11 (55%) Cotrimoxazole (CXT), 10 (50%) Streptomycin (S), 9 (45%) Chloramphenicol (CH), 6 (30%) Gentamycin (CN), 3 (15%) Ofloxacin (OFX). This study revealed that Enterobacteriaceae in the intestine of Geckos are multidrug resistant and are potentially harmful when in contact directly or indirectly with humans. It becomes important to educate people on the importance of personal hygiene in order to eradicate Geckos from our environment.
Species Composition and Plasmodium falciparum Infection Rates of Anopheles gambiae s.l. Mosquitoes in Six Localities of Kwara State, North Central, Nigeria
Authors: Oduola A.O. , Obembe A. , Lateef S.A. , Abdulbaki M.K. , Kehinde E.A. , Adelaja O.J. , Shittu O. , Tola M. , Oyeniyi T.A. , Awolola T.S.
Published: February 2022

Entomological data gathering is essential for monitoring malaria vector disease risks and selection of appropriate interventions for the protection of exposed human populations. This study assessed the relative abundance, species composition, and sporozoite infection rates of indoor resting An. gambiae s.l. malaria vectors in six communities across 3 Local Government Areas in Kwara State, Nigeria. Total number of mosquitoes collected by Pyrethrum Spray Catch method over a period of eighth months were correlated with rainfall values in the area. Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite infection rates and sibling species identification of collected An. gambiae s.l. mosquito samples were determined by ELISA and PCR respectively. Results showed a positive correlation (r = 0.639, p = 0.08) between rainfall and numbers of Anopheles mosquitoes in the study areas. The overall composition of the An. gambiae s.l sibling species in the collected samples from all the six communities showed the predominance of An. gambiae s.s 298 (75.3%) compared to An. coluzzii 94(23.7%) and An. arabiensis 4(1.0%). However, the sporozoite infection rate of An. coluzzii (22.3%) was higher compared to An. gambiae s.s (12.8%) and An. arabiensis (0%). Mean numbers of An. gambiae s.l mosquitoes were significantly higher in Ilorin west LGA compared to Asa (F = 17.81, P < 0.001) and Ilorin East LGAs (F = 22.81, P < 0.001). Sporozoite rates of both An. gambiae s.s and An. coluzzii sibling species were higher in Ilorin West communities (Aiyede 21%, Ogundele 32%) compared to Asa (Idi Emi 11.1%, Lasoju 5.1%) and Ilorin East (Oke Oyi 2.4%, Ote-efan 0%) communities. Prevalence of sporozoite-infected An. gambiae s.s and An. coluzzii indoors highlight the need for effective insecticide treated bed-nets interventions to protect the residents from malaria risks. Higher numbers of An. coluzzii in the swampy rice marshed Ilorin West LGA communities require larval source management as an additional strategy for effective malaria vector control.
Concentration and Toxicological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Dumpsite Soils within Benin City, Nigeria
Authors: Agho T.I. , Okpara B.C. , Akubuiro P.C.
Published: February 2022

Indiscriminate disposal of refuse and industrial effluents is a challenge in Nigeria. This poses a plethora of health and ecological risks from heavy metal contamination of soils. This study investigated the levels of heavy metal contamination in dumpsite soils and its effects on human health within Benin metropolis, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to determine the human and ecological risks via different exposure pathways. Soil samples were collected from three sampling stations, digested and analyzed for lead, cadmium, zinc, chromium, iron, nickel, manganese and copper using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Pollution Indices and Human health risk were estimated using appropriate formulae. Results showed that that the mean concentrations of the investigated metals in the three stations were chromium (17.12±1.00, 17.65±1.05 and, 17.24±1.05 mg/kg), nickel (37.60±7.95, 40.98±1.46 and, 41.25±0.92 mg/kg), copper (48.57±4.91, 47.76±3.66 and, 48.05±3.46 mg/kg), lead (8.2±0.22, 8.17±0.52 and, 8.25±0.16 mg/kg), manganese (94.52±4.90, 94.98±6.69 and, 95.06±4.63), iron (467.98±36.69, 464.90±22.36 and, 462.15±10.64 mg/kg), cadmium (2.30±0.16, 2.22±0.11 and, 2.22±0.10 mg/kg) and zinc (142.93±3.93, 142.29±3.41 and, 142.87±3.86 mg/kg) respectively. Human health risk assessment revealed that the highest and lowest daily intake for the ingestion, inhalation and dermal pathway for both adults and children were Zinc and lead. Daily intake for children was higher than for adults via the three pathways with lifetime cancer risk (LCR) higher for children than adults. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessment shows that there were minimal risks from heavy metal contamination of the soils. Effective management and continuous monitoring of dumpsite soils is recommended to prevent negative impacts to man and the environment.
Effect of Crude Oil on Biomass Production, Polysaccharide, and Polyphenol Content of Leucocoprinus cretaceus(Bull.) Locq. a white rot fungus
Authors: Sanni R.O. , Adongbede E.M.
Published: February 2022

There is need to establish the best lignocellulosic wastes with bio-stimulatory effects on mushrooms been investigated for myco-remediation purposes. Solid state fermentation of four substrates (sawdust of Anthostema aubryanum Baill, Mansonia altissima (A. Chev.) A. Chev., Nauclea diderrichii (De Eild & T. Durand) Merr and Malt Extract Agar) contaminated with various levels of crude oil contamination by Leucocoprinus cretaceus (Bull.) Locq., was studied. The effect of crude oil on mycelial biomass production, polysaccharide, and polyphenol contents of L. cretaceus during solid state fermentation of lignocellulosic wastes was determined. The polysaccharide and polyphenol content of the mycelia was determined with the Phenol-Sulphuric acid and Folin-Ciocalteu methods, respectively. Solid state fermentation of crude contaminated substrates improved biomass and polysaccharide content of L. cretaceus. The fungus is a good bioremediation agent degrading crude oil with increasing levels of crude oil contamination (28.00% in 1.00% crude oil contamination to 81% in 10.00% crude oil contamination). Radial mycelial extension increased with increasing levels of crude oil contamination. Crude oil did not cause increased polyphenol concentration and therefore not a stress factor. There was increase in polysaccharide content indicating metabolization of crude oil for metabolic build up. Supplementing crude oil contaminated substrates with the sawdust of M. altissima resulted in the highest level of crude oil degradation by the test fungus. L. cretaceus is a potential strong myco-remediation agent. This study records the first time the fungus is used for degradation of crude oil contaminated substrates. The mushroom has the potential to completely mineralize  petroleum hydrocarbons.
Influence of Increasing Cement Content on some Geotechnical Properties of selected Lateritic Soils of Western Niger Delta on Sapele-Agbor Road, Nigeria
Authors: Ugbe F.C. , Nwakaji K.N. , Emioge E.A.
Published: February 2022

This study is aimed at determining the influence of stabilization by percentage increase in volume of cement on Geotechnical properties of some lateritic soils obtained from two borrow pits along Agbor-Sapele road, Western Niger Delta, Nigeria. The soils are classified as A-7-6 and A-7-5 with high percentage of Fines, averaging 60.43%. These natural soil samples falls short of the Federal Ministry of Works Standard based on grain size and consistency limits. The values of 1950.91 Kg/m3 and 22.70% obtained for maximum dry density (MDD) and optimum moisture content (OMC) when soil was treated at 10% by volume of cement, reveals the fact that higher unconfined compressive strength (UCS) values would be noticeable at 10% by volume addition of cement with increasing energy level of compaction, than that to be obtained at 5% by volume of addition of cement with MDD of 1933.80 Kg/m3 and OMC 22.78%. When the soaked California Bearing Ratio (CBR) values for treated soils were considered, the reduction in soaked CBR value is minimal at 10%, with an average of 76.33% than that obtained at 5% by volume of cement with an average of 78.45%, compacted at varying energy level. In general, the study result clearly reveals that increasing cement content would result in improved strength characteristics even as permeability decreased from 6.744x10-8 mm/s to 6.129 x 10-8 mm/s across the compaction level of the stabilized soil samples.
Heavy Metals Concentration in Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia Occidentalis) Grown and Consumed in Camp-2 Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Eteng O.E. , Enobong J. , Ekpo G. , Arikpo I. , Ekam V. , Abam K. , Ubana E.
Published: February 2022

There are environmental and public health risk consequences, if plants take up nutrients as well as pollutants from the soil, which they can bio-accumulate. The Present study was carried out to assess the heavy metals concentration in vegetables plant called fluted pumpkin (Telfairia Occidentalis) grown and consumed in Camp2 Community of Akamkpa local government area of Cross River State (Nigeria). The plant samples were collected at the study sites in three locations, heavy metals analysis was carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) after a wet digestion. Heavy metals such as Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), and Chromium (Cr), Arsenic (As), Nickel (Ni) in vegetable plant were determined. The result shows that the mean value of Nickel, lead and Cadmium in vegetable plant were significantly (p<0.05) higher in Camp2 compared to the control site. Hence these values were above WHO standard (0.1mg/l) and FAO/WHO standards of (0.2mg/kg) while others were within joint FAO/WHO standard limit. The uptake of these heavy metals from the soil to the plant through transfer factor (TF) could be the reason why the plants were deficient in minerals component in Camp2 compared to the control site. Consuming vegetable plants on contaminated environment could bring about negative impact on both animals and human health.
Facies and Sequence Stratigraphic Study of Bema Field, Niger Delta, Nigeria
Authors: Jamabo B.F. , Okengwu K.O.
Published: February 2022

Facies architecture and sequence stratigraphic framework of a potential hydrocarbon Prospective Area of Bema Field, Central Swamp Depobelt, Niger Delta was investigated. This study utilized Well Logs, Side Well Samples, Biostratigraphic Data and 3-D Seismic. The study revealed four facies unites, namely, Sandstone facies (SF), Shaly-Sandsone facies (SSF), Mudsone facies (MF), and Heterolithic facies (HF). The Sequence Stratigraphic analysis of the field revealed Nine (9) stratigraphic surfaces, comprising of (Five Maximum Flooding Surfaces (MFSs) with ages ranging from 20.7 to 15.0 Ma, and Four Sequence Boundaries (SBs) with ages between 20.4 and 15.5 Ma respectively). Five Vail’s third order depositional sequences (SQ1, SQ2, SQ3, SQ4, and SQ5) and four (4) Galloway’s genetic sequences (GQ1, GQ2, GQ3 and GQ4) were recognized within the study area based on Stratigraphic Marker tops and system tracts. Hydrocarbon play assessment revealed that the HST and TST are key reservoir rocks in the study while the shale of the TST therefore forms the seal for the potential traps in the study area.
Evaluation of Medicinal Plant Trade Contribution, And Challenges Affecting Its Conservation in the Urban Livelihood of Ibadan and Ogbomoso Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Abisoye R.T. , Oyerinde V.O. , Atanda A.T. , Adekungbe A.O. , Adigun H.
Published: February 2022

The extent of the medicinal plant trade is largely unaccounted for as records of sales transactions are seldom kept and the trade is often illicit in nature. The effect of this is usually on its conservation status due to several human activities such as overharvesting and deforestation. This study shows that 1. The income from the trade of medicinal plants contributed to their income level in both metropolises. 2. The people mostly obtained their medicinal plants from the forest which came first in position, and grazing lands as second. 3) Plant collection for them is easy (because they do have information on where to get it) and difficult which is because of changes in land use and overexploitation (as the distance get farer). According to the data gathered from the key-informant discussion, conservation of medicinal plants in the area faces many challenges such as lack of access to land, fund, government policies and lack of conservation awareness.
Structural and Petrographic Study of Crystalline Rocks in Part Of Oban Massif, South-Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Ubit G.E. , Ibanga I.M. , Bassey N.E. , Inim I.J.
Published: February 2022

The study aims at differentiating lithologic units, general structural trends and orogenic implications of crystalline rocks within part of Oban Massif, Southeastern Nigeria. Field study involve geological mapping, rock description and structural measurement, while laboratory analysis covered photomicrograph. Field observation and microscopic analysis reveal five petrological units; gneisses, schists, granodiorite, pegmatite and quartz veins. The rocks are generally siliceous and quartzo-feldspathic. The schist show foliation planes trending majorly in the NE-SW direction. The gneisses were highly fractured, indicative of a polyphase deformation. Structural elements such as joints, fractures, foliations and veins show series of deformational episodes that affected the area. Rose diagram plot for these structures show the NE-SW direction indicative of the Pan-African orogeny (600±150 Ma) and interpreted as the most recent event affecting the area. NW and NE trending joints are consideredto be tectonic in origin based on their alignments with major structures of the area. Furthermore, the structures also showed weak NW-SE and E-W trends, an imprint of older (Kibaran orogeny) deformational episodes.
Germination Biology of Bell (Passifloria burifolia L.) and Sugar Apple Seeds (Annona squamosal L.) in Southern Nigeria
Authors: Ejeheri P.U. , Anoliefo G.O.
Published: February 2022

Germination biology of two species of the apple – Bell apple (Passifloria burifolia L.) and Sugar apple (Annona squamosal L.) was undertaking to determine the possibility of growing apple in Southern Nigeria. Some seeds were sown directly in a garden soil in polythene bags, while other seeds were subjected to different treatments like scarification with sand paper, in boiling water for 1 minute, placing in 10% H2SO4, puncturing seeds with needle and soaking seeds in tap water for 24 hours. Seedlings of Bell apple and Sugar apple were planted directly in garden soil using the square system method of planting. Effects of different treatments on seed germination and growing of seeds and seedlings were investigated. Seedling growth parameters such as number of leaves, measurement of stem girth, leaf area and plant height for both seedlings grown from seeds and seedlings planted directly into the garden soil were studied at a 7day (weekly) interval. The water holding capacity of soil, nutrients availability, soil conductivity and pH were also investigated. Observations revealed that seeds soaking enhanced the rate of germination of the seeds of sugar apple, and the garden soil enhanced the growth rate of seedlings of Bell apple.
In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Assessment of a Topical Formulation Containing Ehretia Cymosa Extract Mediated-Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Adeleye O.A. , Bamiro O.A. , Bakre L.G. , Badru A.O. , Balogun-Agbaje O.A. , Olusola A. , Adejumo O.E.
Published: February 2022

Background: Silver nanoparticles (SNP) are the most preferred and most often used metallic nanoparticles in biomedical studies. However, there are only few studies on its application in topical drug delivery design. Objectives: This study was carried out to design topical ointments containing n-hexane and methanol Ehretia cymosa leaf extracts mediated-silver nanoparticles for the treatment of inflammation.Methods: Silver nitrate was reacted with n-hexane and methanol extracts of Ehretia cymosa leaf to synthesize SNP  used in the formulation of an ointment. The SNP was characterized by visual observation, UV–visible spectroscopy,  atomic absorption spectroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy. The physical characteristics of the ointment and  spreadability were evaluated. Inflammation was inflicted by carrageenan-induced paw acute edema  method in albino  rats. The linear paw circumference was measured hourly after application of the ointment.Results: There was colour change as the synthesis progresses. The absorption peak of n-hexane SNP (N-SNP) and methanol SNP (M-SNP) was 450 nm and 430 nm respectively. The ointments were easy to administer with satisfactory spreadability but difficult to wash off. Ointments containing SNP had significantly higher activity (p < 0.05) than the crude extract and ointments containing M-SNP had significantly higher activity (p < 0.05) than ointments containing N-SNP.Conclusion: The anti-inflammatory activity of ointment containing SNP synthesized with methanol extract is significantly higher compared to ointment formulations containing silver nanoparticle synthesized with n-hexane extract and the reference drug (diclofenac).