bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systems analysis of miR-199a/b-5p and multiple miR-199a/b-5p targets during chondrogenesis
Authors: Patel Krutik , Barter Matt , Soul Jamie , Clark Peter , Proctor Carole , Clark Ian , Young David , Shanley Daryl P
Published: October 2024

Changes in chondrocyte gene expression can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis (OA), and so recognition of the regulative processes during chondrogenesis can lead to a better understanding of OA. microRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression in chondrocytes/OA, and we have used a combined experimental, bioinformatic, and systems biology approach to explore the multiple miRNA–mRNA interactions that regulate chondrogenesis. A longitudinal chondrogenesis bioinformatic analysis identified paralogues miR-199a-5p and miR-199b-5p as pro-chondrogenic regulators. Experimental work in human cells demonstrated alteration of miR-199a-5p or miR-199b-5p expression led to significant inverse modulation of key chondrogenic genes and extracellular matrix production. miR-199a/b-5p targets FZD6, ITGA3 and CAV1 were identified by inhibition experiments and verified as direct targets by luciferase assay. The experimental work was used to generate and parameterise a multi-miRNA 14-day chondrogenesis kinetic model to be used as a repository for the experimental work and as a resource for further investigation of this system. This is the first multi-miRNA model of a chondrogenesis-based system, and highlights the complex relationships between regulatory miRNAs, and their target mRNAs.
Brain white matter pathways of resilience to chronic back pain: a multisite validation
Authors: Mišić Mina , Lee Noah , Zidda Francesca , Sohn Kyungjin , Usai Katrin , Löffler Martin , Uddin Md Nasir , Farooqi Arsalan , Schifitto Giovanni , Zhang Zhengwu , Nees Frauke , Geha Paul , Flor Herta
Published: October 2024

Chronic back pain (CBP) is a global health concern with significant societal and economic burden. While various predictors of back pain chronicity have been proposed, including demographic and psychosocial factors, neuroimaging studies have pointed to brain characteristics as predictors of CBP. However, large-scale, multisite validation of these predictors is currently lacking. In two independent longitudinal studies, we examined white matter diffusion imaging data and pain characteristics in patients with subacute back pain (SBP) over six- and 12-month periods. Diffusion data from individuals with CBP and healthy controls (HC) were analyzed for comparison. Whole-brain tract-based spatial statistics analyses revealed that a cluster in the right superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) tract had larger fractional anisotropy (FA) values in patients who recovered (SBPr) compared to those with persistent pain (SBPp), and predicted changes in pain severity. The SLF FA values accurately classified patients at baseline and follow-up in a third publicly available dataset (Area under the Receiver Operating Curve ∼ 0.70). Notably, patients who recovered had FA values larger than those of HC suggesting a potential role of SLF integrity in resilience to CBP. Structural connectivity-based models also classified SBPp and SBPr patients from the three data sets (validation accuracy 67%). Our results validate the right SLF as a robust predictor of CBP development, with potential for clinical translation. Cognitive and behavioral processes dependent on the right SLF, such as proprioception and visuospatial attention, should be analyzed in subacute stages as they could prove important for back pain chronicity.
Predicting maintenance lithium response for bipolar disorder from electronic health records—a retrospective study
Authors: Hayes Joseph F. , Ben Abdesslem Fehmi , Eloranta Sandra , Osborn David P. J. , Boman Magnus
Published: October 2024

Background

Optimising maintenance drug treatment selection for people with bipolar disorder is challenging. There is some evidence that clinical and demographic features may predict response to lithium. However, attempts to personalise treatment choice have been limited.

Method

We aimed to determine if machine learning methods applied to electronic health records could predict differential response to lithium or olanzapine. From electronic United Kingdom primary care records, we extracted a cohort of individuals prescribed either lithium (19,106 individuals) or olanzapine (12,412) monotherapy. Machine learning models were used to predict successful monotherapy maintenance treatment, using 113 clinical and demographic variables, 8,017 (41.96%) lithium responders and 3,831 (30.87%) olanzapine responders.

Results

We found a quantitative structural difference in that lithium maintenance responders were weakly predictable in our holdout sample, consisting of the 5% of patients with the most recent exposure. Age at first diagnosis, age at first treatment and the time between these were the most important variables in all models.

Discussion

Even if we failed to predict successful monotherapy olanzapine treatment, and so to definitively separate lithium vs. olanzapine responders, the characterization of the two groups may be used for classification by proxy. This can, in turn, be useful for establishing maintenance therapy. The further exploration of machine learning methods on EHR data for drug treatment selection could in the future play a role for clinical decision support. Signals in the data encourage further experiments with larger datasets to definitively separate lithium vs. olanzapine responders.
Demographic Profile and Findings of On-call Emergency Ultrasound: A Descriptive Study from Arunachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Mari Taling , Riba Kenjum , Badu Omem , Sumnyan Wangju , Saikia Naba Jyoti
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Ultrasonography (USG) serves as a crucial diagnostic tool in emergency settings, extending beyond the assessment of the acute abdomen to encompass a wide range of acute conditions involving both superficial and deep soft tissue components of the body. Aim: To analyse the demographic profile and diagnostic findings associated with emergency USG requisitions at a tertiary care centre. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational descriptive study was conducted in the Department of Radiodiagnosis at Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), Naharlagun, Arunachal Pradesh, India. Data from all emergency on-call ultrasound cases performed at TRIHMS from June 18, 2022, to June 17, 2023, were collected from the ultrasound room. A total of 258 cases of emergency ultrasounds were conducted. The age, sex and findings of emergency USG were analysed. Results were expressed in terms of frequency and percentages. Results: Among a total of 258 cases, 175 (67.8%) were females and 83 (32.2%) were males. The mean age of the participants was 29.02±11.03 years. The distribution pattern by age revealed that the most common age group was 21 to 30 years, encompassing a total of 106 patients (41.1%), with 84 females and 22 males. A total of 71 cases were registered for obstetrics and gynaecology conditions, constituting 27.5% of the total. Conclusion: Although USG is requested for many emergency conditions in the hospital, the acute abdomen remains the foremost indication for an emergency USG call.
Multifaceted Approach in Diagnosing and Managing Pelvic and Hip Echinococcosis: A Case Report
Authors: Pandya Pankaj Kumar , Meena Dharmraj , Saxena Sangeeta , Sharma Ashok
Published: October 2024

Echinococcosis, a zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus or Echinococcus multilocularis, forms hydatid cysts in various organs, occasionally affecting the skeletal system. The present case study delves into a rare instance of pelvic and hip echinococcosis, underscoring the diagnostic and treatment challenges posed by such atypical manifestations. Hereby, the authors present a case of 42-year-old male, who presented with persistent lower back pain for four months. A combination of haematological tests, radiographic imaging and histopathological examination was employed to diagnose echinococcosis. Imaging techniques included X-rays, ultrasound, Non Contrast Computed Tomography (NCCT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), which revealed multiple cystic lesions with characteristics indicative of hydatid disease. Normal haematological tests showed no acute inflammation or infection. Radiographs displayed several expansile lytic lesions in the pelvis and femur, with double-walled cystic formations and interior septations being crucial for diagnosis. MRI showed the largest cyst in the perivesical space. Histopathology revealed laminated hydatid cyst walls and reactive alterations without cellular atypia. Echinococcosis should be considered when diagnosing cystic skeletal lesions, especially in endemic areas. This challenging condition requires a multidisciplinary strategy that integrates radiographic, serological and surgical methods, emphasising the need for increased awareness and diagnostic precision in atypical presentations of echinococcosis.
Diagnostic Performance and Accuracy of Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System Ultrasound Risk Score- A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kaur Guneet , Singh Amandeep , Pahwa Sangeeta
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Adnexal malignancies are a leading cause of mortality in gynaecologic cancers, posing significant diagnostic challenges. Ultrasonography (USG) is the primary imaging modality, and the development of the Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System Ultrasound (O-RADS US) aims to provide standardised interpretations to assist in management decisions. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of using the O-RADS classification system in diagnosing and characterising adnexal lesions. Materials and Methods: This single-centre prospective cohort study was conducted at the Department of Radiodiagnosis, Sri Guru Ram Das Charitable Hospital attached to Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Amritsar, Punjab, India from January 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024. The study included 50 patients with adnexal mass lesions from all age groups. All participants underwent transabdominal/ transvaginal ultrasonographic examinations, with Colour Doppler assessment included. The O-RADS classification system was employed to assess and characterise the adnexal mass lesions. The diagnostic accuracy of the O-RADS US risk score was determined. Statistical analysis was conducted using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0 to calculate the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, Positive Predictive Value (PPV), and Negative Predictive Value (NPV) for O-RADS US results in diagnosing ovarian masses. Results: The patients’ ages ranged from 18 to 83 years, with a mean age of 41.68±15.51 years. The cohort included 35 premenopausal and 15 postmenopausal individuals. The most common indication for USG was pelvic pain, observed in 15 out of 50 patients, representing 30% of the study cohort. The O-RADS sensitivity for the detection of ovarian cancer was 88.89%, with a specificity of 93.75%, NPV of 93.75%, and PPV of 88.89%, with an accuracy of 92%. These results were achieved by keeping O-RADS score of 4 as the cutoff for malignancy. Conclusion: The O-RADS US is effective in the risk stratification of ovarian lesions and has a high diagnostic performance. Implementing these guidelines in clinical practice could be beneficial for managing adnexal lesions.
Interdependent Effects of Agro-input Node Interventions on the Adoption of Cattle milk Production Technologies among Smallholder Farmers in Kericho County, Kenya
Authors: Mutai Alfred K. , Kibett Joash K. , Omunyin Michael E.
Published: October 2024

Agricultural extension service delivery system is a vital component in agricultural development initiatives of any nation. Several extension approaches are used to achieve these initiatives. Globally, many Governments and development partners in rural agricultural development initiatives have gradually transitioned away from total state control of rural community and agricultural extension service delivery into adopting and supporting a more multifaceted system built on holistic participatory approach commonly referred to as Agricultural Value Chain Extension Approach (AVCEA). This AVCEA is relatively new in developing countries, including Kenya, and specifically in Kericho County where exploration on its impact on farm-level technology adoption has yet to be undertaken. The purpose of this study was to investigate the interdependent effects of agro-input node interventions on the adoption of cattle milk production technologies among smallholder farmers in Kericho, Kenya. This study adopted an ex-post-facto research design and systematic random sampling technique to select a sample of 132 farmers who previously exposed to AVCEA. Interviews were conducted for eight (8) dairy production experts and 6 Dairy organization representatives as key informants. The primary data were collected using interview schedules, questionnaires and focus group discussion tools. The data were analyzed for descriptive statistics like frequencies, percentages and inferential statistics like Chi-square tests with the aid of SPSS version 26.0. The results of the study indicated that there was a significant interdependence between some agro-input value chain node interventions and the adoption of cattle milk production technologies. There was also Interdependence between ease of access to farmers ‘groups/cooperative societies and the adoption of cattle milk production technologies by the smallholder farmers. Based on findings of this study, Agricultural experts, stakeholders, and other concerned bodies should focus on developing strategies to strengthen interventions at the agro-input node, particularly by fostering cooperation among smallholder farmers to enhance collective actions.
Farm Management and the Production Efficiency of Rice Farmers in the Western Highlands of Cameroon: Evidenced from a Tobit Analysis Approach
Authors: Nyounibe Pekiaka Zebedee , Mbebeb Fomba Emmanuel , Mimba Tayong Desmond
Published: October 2024

The main objective of this study was to examine the effect of farm management on the production efficiency of rice farmers in the Western Highlands of Cameroon. Using a survey research design, data was collected from a sample frame of 260 farmers with the use of a questionnaire. Simple random sampling technique as well as snowball sampling technique was used to collect the needed data for this study where a TOBIT regression was used to analyse the data. Results from the analysis showed that planning exerts a negative significant (1%) effect on rice production efficiency. Contrary to planning, organizing, staffing, directing and control were all seen to exert a positive effect on rice production efficiency. However, organizing, staffing and control were all seen to be insignificant while directing was significant at the 1% level. Generally, the overall model was significant at 5% given that the p-value of overall significance was below 0.05. Thus, it can be concluded that farm management significantly affect rice production efficiency in the Western Highlands of Cameroon. Given these results, the study recommended that the government should partner with some higher institutions in the regions like the Universities of Bamenda and Dschang, given their different agricultural colleges, to help train farmers on rice management tactics. Also, based on the negative coefficients between planning and rice production efficiency, it was recommended that farmers, with help from the local meteorological station should look at the dictates of the weather for the current year before indulging in planting rice. This is to avoid misinterpretations of weather which can compromise efficiency.
Comprehensive Nursing Interventions in Heart Failure Management: Challenges, Opportunities, and Best Practices
Authors: Srivastava Manisha , Ranjan Shashank , Singh Ruby , Oza Namrata , Bhatt Priyanka Jigar , Dey Priyanka Aritra
Published: October 2024

Heart failure (HF) is a prevalent and complex chronic condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup and impaired organ function. Effective HF management requires a holistic approach, combining pharmacological interventions, lifestyle modifications, and continuous monitoring. Nurses play a pivotal role in managing HF through interventions such as patient education, medication adherence support, lifestyle counseling, and symptom monitoring. These interventions have been shown to improve patient outcomes, including better symptom control, reduced hospital readmissions, and enhanced quality of life. However, challenges remain, such as ensuring patient adherence and overcoming barriers to accessing necessary resources. Addressing these issues through personalized strategies, resource expansion, and ongoing professional development for healthcare providers can further enhance care delivery. Continued research and innovation in nursing practices are critical for advancing heart failure management and optimizing patient care.
Enhancing Real-world Language Skills through Clil: A Study on Language Mastery and Everyday Applications
Authors: Preksha  , Kaur Kanwalpreet
Published: October 2024

The study investigates how Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) enhances language proficiency and its practical application in professional, social and cultural contexts. The research aims to explore how CLIL impacts real-world language use by integrating subject-specific content with language learning. Using a mixed-methods approach involving 270 students, 12 educators and 3 curriculum developers across three educational institutions, data was gathered through classroom observations, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Key findings indicate that CLIL significantly improves students' communication confidence, particularly in professional and social settings and fosters greater intercultural competence. Students reported higher confidence in using language in everyday situations, including formal communication and informal social interactions. However, challenges such as the need for enhanced teacher training and alignment of resources and curricula were also identified. These findings provide important insights for educators and policymakers by demonstrating the potential of CLIL to transform language education, making it more relevant and applicable to real-life contexts. With adequate support and resources, CLIL can enhance language proficiency and intercultural skills, equipping learners to thrive in diverse social and professional environments.
Effects of Teifairia occidentalis and Vernonia amygdalina Supplements on Growth Performance of Clarias gariepinus Fingerlings
Authors: Ed-Idoko John O. , Ndubuisi Christiana O. , Xolani Nabani P. , Peter Peace I. , Tanimowo Adegboyega O. , Abidang Faith I. , Ibrahim Umar O. , Ibrahim Umar M. , Kwakibi Zakari M. , Akaenyi Kenneth I. , James Beauty L.
Published: October 2024

This study examined the growth-enhancing potential of Telfaira occidentalis and Vernonia amygdalina leaf powder in Clarias gariepinus culture. The experiment was conducted at Tiddo Fish Farm Makurdi. One thousand juvenile catfish were obtained from the farm’s hatchery and allocated to five treatment groups identified as Control (0% supplement inclusion), T1 (10% fluted pumpkin leaf powder inclusion), T2 (20% fluted pumpkin leaf powder inclusion), T3 (10% bitter leaf powder inclusion) and T4 (20% bitter leaf powder inclusion). The fish were fed thrice daily for 8 weeks and water changed daily, to determine growth parameters of fish and physico-chemical parameters of water. Results obtained show that after the treatment period, Mean Weight gain and Specific Growth Rate was not significantly different (p>0.05). However, Specific Growth Rate and Percentage Survival rate differed significantly (p<0.05), highest (7.9% and 100%) in T3 respectively. Water quality parameters such as pH, Dissolve Oxygen and Temperature were within the recommended range and not significantly affected. Both plant species feed inclusions were utilized by fish, which was observed to facilitate the growth and survival of the fish species, with high percentage survival. In conclusion, T3 inclusion levels showed better growth performance.
Response of Different Stem Cutting to IBA on Sprouting and Survival of Night-blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum L., Solanaceae)
Authors: Patil Mrunal D. , Malshe K. V. , Khanvilkar M. H. , Dalvi N. V. , Deshpande R. S.
Published: October 2024

The present investigation was assessed at Floriculture farm of College of Horticulture, Dapoli, Dist. Ratnagiri, (Maharashtra state) during Rabi season of the year 2023-24. The experiment was designed in Factorial Randomized Bock Design replicated thrice comprised two factors viz. types of stem cutting (Factor A) as softwood cutting, semi-hardwood cutting and hardwood cutting and IBA levels (factor B) as control, IBA @ 1500 ppm, 2000 ppm, 2500 ppm and 3000 ppm. Softwood cutting recorded minimum days taken for first sprout (6.33 days) and highest days required for sprouting (32.07 days). Hardwood cutting registered higher sprouting percentage (85.60 %) and survival percentage (80.93 %). Minimum days taken for first sprout (6.11 days), days required for highest sprouting (29.22 days) and maximum sprouting percentage (88 %) were recorded in control treatment. IBA @ 2000 ppm recorded the highest survival percentage (84.64 %). In interaction effect, softwood cutting treated with IBA @ 2000 ppm recorded early appearance of first sprout (4.00 days). However, softwood cutting treated without IBA took least days for highest sprouting (29.22 days). The highest sprouting percentage (100 %) was recorded in hardwood cutting treated with 1500 ppm IBA and 2000 ppm IBA. Hardwood cutting treated with 2000 ppm IBA recorded 100 % of survival percentage. Hence, it concluded that treatment combination of hardwood cutting treated with 2000 ppm IBA showed promising result for sprouting and survival percentage of night-blooming jasmine under Konkan agro-climatic condition.
Effect of Plant-derived Biofertilizers (Azolla filiculoides and Tithonia diversifolia) on Growth and Yield Parameters of Lokpa Yam (Dioscorea cayenensis-rotundata) Grown on Distric Plinthic Ferralsol in the Forest Zone of Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: René N’GANZOUA Kouamé , Guillaume Kouamé Amany , Noel GROGA , Zeh TOKPA Lisette , Dognimeton SORO , Sidiky BAKAYOKO
Published: October 2024

Aims: The study aims to assess the fertilizing potential of Azolla filiculoides and Tithonia diversifolia leaves on Lokpa (D-rotundata) yam cultivation in the forest zone of Côte d'Ivoire.
Place and Duration of Study: The study took place over 9 months (April-December) in 2022 at M'Bayakoffikro in the Daloa department of central-western Côte d'Ivoire.
Methodology: After clearing a soil fallow classified Distric plinthic ferralsol, microplots in randomized Fisher blocks of 2 replicates each with five treatments (Azolla filiculoides-AZ; Tithonia diversifolia with fresh biomass-TDF; Tithonia diversifolia with decomposed biomass-TDD; Azolla filiculoides + Tithonia diversifolia with fresh biomass-AZ+TDF and Azolla filiculoides + Tithonia diversifolia with decomposed biomass-AZ+TDD) and a control without fertilizer were delimited in which,10 mounds were levelled for sowing yam tuber pieces. Before sowing the tubers, the mounds were opened by hand and 0.5kg of each formulated fertilizer was ploughed in and then resealed. After 14 days of fertilization, the mounds were reopened and a single seedling was buried 20cm deep in each mound from top to bottom, followed by 300ml of water and then resealed. After germination, growth and production parameters were evaluated and the data obtained were subjected to an analysis of variance with Statistica 7.1 software at the 5% threshold.
Results: The different biofertilizer formulations had a significant effect on all growth and yield parameters of lokpa yam (D-rotundata). However, the highest values for both growth and yield parameters compared with other fertilizers at all measurement times and at maturity were obtained with Azolla filiculoides combining decomposed Tithonia diversifolia leaves on the one hand and fresh Tithonia diversifolia leaves on the other.
Conclusion: Improving soil productivity in forest areas by finding reliable and effective alternatives to mineral fertilizers is a necessity, and the combination of Azolla filiculoides and Tithonia diversifolia could be a good alternative for sustainable, environmentally-friendly agriculture.
Productivity and Profitability of kharif Rice (Oryza sativa L.) under Seedling Age and Nitrogen Management
Authors: Mishra Apurba , Bairagya Monotosh Das , Suresh Ankitha
Published: October 2024

Aim: The aim of the experiment is to know the effect of seedling age and nitrogen management on growth, yield attributes, yield and economics of kharif rice.
Study Design: The experiment was laid out in split-plot design.
Place and Duration of Study: Research Farm of Agricultural Research Station, Brinjhagiri, Chhatabar of Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar (Odisha), during kharif season of 2023.
Methodology: Three seedling ages viz. S1: 3 weeks (21 days), S2: 4 weeks (28 days) and S3: 5 weeks (35 days) as main plot treatment and four nitrogen management strategies i.e. N1: 100% N through urea, N2: 50% N through urea + 50% N through neem cake, N3: 50% N through urea + 50% N through FYM and N4: 50% N through FYM + 50% N through neem cake as sub-plot treatments replicated thrice. The net plot size was 4m × 3m.
Results: S2 resulted highest grain yield (4.74t ha-1) and straw yield (7.18t ha-1). N1 produced highest grain yield (4.54t ha-1) and straw yield (6.96t ha-1). Maximum net return (Rs.60367) and return per rupee investment (1.98) received from 4 weeks old seedling with 100% N through urea application.
Conclusion: Transplantation of 4 weeks old seedling (28 days) and 50% N through urea + 50% N through neem cake can be recommended to achieve higher yield. Maximum net return (Rs.60367), gross return (Rs.121687) and return per rupee investment (1.98) received from 4 weeks old seedling with 100% N through urea application.
Analysis of Extreme Daily Rainfall in Cotonou, Benin (West Africa)
Authors: H. Kougbeagbede , S.F. Hounvou , A. Houeto , O. Waidi
Published: October 2024

Global warming has a global impact on the water cycle and in particular on precipitation. This work is devoted to the analysis of the variability of extreme rainfall in the economic capital of Benin. For this purpose, the 58-year daily rainfall data collected at the Meteo Benin synoptic station in Cotonou between 1960 and 2018 are used. The annual daily maxima was established for the analysis. The generalized distribution of extreme values ​​(GEV) is used to estimate the quantiles according to the defined return periods. The daily heavy rainfall had a normal character with return periods of less than six years in Cotonou, between 1960 and 2018. There was a marginal increase in frequency of extreme rainfall since the beginning of 21st century. Extreme rainfall events may lead to floods as seen in 2010. Therefore, pro-active short- and long-term measures are the need of the hour to cope up against rainfall variability under the global warming scenario.
Prevalence of Vibrio Species Isolated from Water Bodies in Buguma Community in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Angala Patmos Obu , Mbata Chris Alfred , Monsi Tombari Pius
Published: October 2024

Aim: To assess the prevalence of Vibrio species isolated from water bodies and stool samples in Buguma community in Rivers State, Nigeria.
Study Design: This was a cross-sectional study with simple randomized sampling technique.
Methodology: The study used a total of 80 samples comprising of 40 stool and 40 water samples from different water bodies where public toilets were collected in Buguma community in Rivers State, Nigeria. The Vibrio species were isolated from the samples using Thiosulphate Citrate Bile Salt agar (TCBS), and blood agar as a confirmatory after which biochemical tests were carried out for further identification. Data collected was analyzed with Graph pad prism version 8. The prevalence and distribution of Vibrio were presented in frequencies and percentages with all analysis done at a 95% confidence interval and P-values less than .05 were considered significant.
Results: From chi-square analysis there was a 35% prevalence rate in water bodies samples in comparison to stool samples that had a 7.5% prevalence (P value = .56). A higher prevalence was also reported in the female subjects (7.6%) compared to the male subjects (7.4%). There was a statistically significant difference in consumption of shellfish which poses to be a risk factor (P value = .01). There was also a statistically significant difference in prevalence of Vibrio species in water bodies and Vibrio species isolated from human stool sample (P value = .0026).
Conclusion: Higher prevalence of Vibrio species was found in water bodies compared to stool. The consumption of shellfish is potential a risk factor for Vibriosis in Buguma community in Rivers State of Nigeria.
Assessment of Groundwater Quality Using Water Quality Indices in Illegal Mining Communities: A Case Study of the Atwima-kwanwoma District and Obuasi East Metropolis, Ghana
Authors: Woananu Samira Esinam Elsie Aggor , Nwaogazie Ify L. , Joel Ogbonna Friday
Published: October 2024

This study investigated groundwater quality in illegal mining zones within the Atwima-Kwanwoma District and Obuasi East Metropolis of the Ashanti Region, Ghana, employing both the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCME-WQI) and Nemerow's Pollution Index (NPI). The analysis revealed severe contamination across multiple parameters, including heavy metals, microbial indicators, and physicochemical parameters. The CCME-WQI values for the five towns consistently indicated "Poor" water quality, ranging from 26.8 to 31.1, reflecting significant deviations from acceptable water quality standards. Notably, Town A exhibited a cyanide concentration of 11.25 mg/L, while Town B recorded lead levels at 118.73 μg/L, both far exceeding permissible limits set by health authorities. The presence of Escherichia coli further exacerbates health risks, underscoring the urgent need for improved water treatment and management practices. This study demonstrates that the integrated use of NPI and CCME-WQI provides a comprehensive assessment of groundwater quality, revealing significant environmental and public health challenges. Immediate intervention, including regulatory enforcement, sustainable mining practices, and remediation strategies, is crucial to safeguard groundwater resources. The findings contribute uniquely to the understanding of water quality dynamics in mining-affected regions and advocate for a coordinated approach to mitigate environmental degradation.
Distribution of Sheep Fattening Practices and Marketing Systems in the Sagnarigu Municipality in Northern Ghana
Authors: S. M. A. Husein, , A. Braimah, , P. T. Birteeb,
Published: October 2024

The study was conducted in the Sagnarigu Municipality in Northern Ghana to assess sheep fattening practices and marketing systems. Eighty respondents were selected and questionnaires administrated to them. Data was summarized and analysed using SPSS version 20. Majority of the fatteners were within the ages 21-30 years. Sheep fatteners were not equally distributed across the different age groups. Most of the farmers had at least primary education while majority (30.0%) of them had tertiary education. The sheep fattening enterprise in the area was male and Muslim dominant activity. Majority of respondents were engaged in specialized skill work as their main occupation with self-financing as the main source of income for the sheep fattening business. Majority had at most 5 years fattening experience. Semi-intensive system of management was mainly practiced. Farmers use wide range of feed stuff alternatively and supplied from multiple sources. Mature animals (≥ 6 months) sourced from farmers’ own flock were mostly used in fattening. Generating cash was the primary motivation for fattening sheep, with a convenient market for the fattened sheep. Customers of fattened sheep were mainly butchers. mostly at local markets (50%). Price determination for the fattened sheep was bargaining. The major constraints of sheep fatteners were diseases and mortality and lack of capital/financial. It was concluded that sheep fattening practices and marketing system was a business in the Sagnarigu municipality, nevertheless, it was not well organized and developed. To create a lucrative sheep fattening industry, government and non-governmental organizations should promote sheep fattening by providing financial and training support for the fatteners and the teaming youth in Ghana to venture into the business. This could contribute to enhancing livelihood of rural resource poor farmers, unemployment and poverty reduction as well as women empowerment in the country.
A Review on Nanotechnological Approaches for the Management of Stored Insect-Pests: Present Scenario and Future Prospects
Authors: Tirunagaru Krishna Chaitanya , Kolluru Ramesh , Singh Indra Raj
Published: October 2024

Approximately 10% to 30% of the stored agricultural produce is damaged out of which 26% is due to insect-pest infestation thus seriously impacting the food security. The infestation also leads to loss of quality and thereby affecting the overall profitability. In absence of enough storage space, usually farmers dispose-off their produce immediately after harvest and thus do not get remunerative prices. For those opting for storage, physical and chemical methods are in vogue to manage the storage insect-pests. Fumigation with chemical pesticides such as methyl bromide and aluminium phosphide is a common method, though it has its own health and environmental risks. Inhalation of phosphine gas released when aluminium phosphide is used could seriously affect human animal health, sometimes leading to deaths. Thus for using these fumigants, strict supervision of government recognized experts is required. Due to their wide usage, some insect-pests have developed resistance against these molecules. Nanotechnology has created numerous new opportunities in agriculture and allied sectors. Insecticide formulations based on nanotechnology could be a viable alternative to toxic chemicals like aluminium phosphide to manage storage insect-pests. In recent years, a variety of formulations including solid nanopesticides, controlled-release formulations, nano-emulsions, and nano-suspensions have been developed possessing different modes of actions and applications. Their small size is a significant advantage because it provides higher insect-body surface area coverage and thus enhanced efficacy as compared to traditional pesticides. Aside from their small size, they are reported to be safe for non-target beneficial organisms. Nano-pesticides can thus prove as effective and eco-friendly alternatives for insect pest control in storage. However, there is a need to establish their safety on the human and animal ecosystems to rule out their ecological hazards over time. In absence of such information, nanopesticides will not be widely accepted despite their other beneficial effects.  In this article, an effort is made to review the current status of nano-formulations for the management of storage-insect-pests, the research and extension gaps and ways to bridge the gaps to ensure safe use of the technology for efficient management of postharvest storage losses.
Metal Pnictides: Structures and Thermoelectric Properties
Authors: Assoud Abdeljalil , Kleinke Holger
Published: August 2017

This chapter provides an overview of the structures and thermoelectric properties of metal pnictides, with focus on the antimonides. In addition, several references are provided in the introduction to refer the reader to the other potential uses of metal pnictides, including applications in hydrogen storage, lithium batteries, photocatalysis, heterogeneous catalysis, lithium‐ion conductors, and superconductivity.We present an encompassing picture of the binary antimonides of interest, group by group, followed by selected ternary antimonides. In addition to the heavily investigated family of filled skutterudites, several other antimonides with highly complex crystal structures exhibit outstanding thermoelectric performance, mostly because of their extraordinarily low thermal conductivity.
Metal Hydrides
Authors: Zhang Yaoqing , Verbraeken Maarten C. , Tassel Cédric , Kageyama Hiroshi
Published: August 2017

This chapter discusses the various classes of hydride compounds, with a special focus on saline and metallic hydrides as well as oxyhydrides. It includes the following topics: thermodynamic stability, crystal chemistry, synthesis, and physical properties. The chapter also highlights recent progress in understanding hydride ion mobility in alkaline earth hydrides. It further deals with hydride compounds and in particular those containing alkali, alkaline earth, and transition and rare earth metals. The saline hydrides, that is, AH and AeH2(with ALi, Na, K, Rb, and Cs; AeMg, Ca, Sr, and Ba) are proper ionic materials, in which hydrogen is present as hydride anions, H−. Saline hydrides show many similarities with their halide analogues, especially concerning crystal and electronic structures and, perhaps to a lesser extent, physical attributes such as brittleness, hardness, and optical properties.
Structures and Properties of Dielectrics and Ferroelectrics
Authors: Itoh Mitsuru
Published: August 2017

From the chemical viewpoint, it is usually unapproachable to the basic concept of physics, especially in the field of dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric materials due to the reason that these fields are closely related to the phase transition mechanism, which is mainly described by the phenomenology based on Landau theory. For chemists who are required to design new materials in ferroelectric and piezoelectric materials, comprehension of the physical background including phenomenology, phase transition mechanism, phonon physics, and tensor is indispensable.

In this chapter, first, it is explained that insulating materials are generally classified into paraelectric, piezoelectric, pyroelectric, and ferroelectric ones. Second, the importance of the relationship between crystal symmetry and dielectric property is figured out. In the next sections, second‐ and first‐order phase transitions in ferroelectric are roughly explained based on the Landau theory. This explanation is finally conducted to a formula for real ferroelectric. Explanation for antiferroelectric and ferrielectric are also included in the last part. In the succeeding sections, important ferroelectric materials including Rochelle salts (order–disorder type), KDP (hydrogen bonded system), and perovskites are explained. Finally, recent topics on quantum paraelectricity, relaxor ferroelectric, piezoelectric PZT, and organic ferroelectric are introduced.
High‐Temperature Methods
Authors: Pöttgen Rainer , Janka Oliver
Published: August 2017

The synthesis of ceramics and intermetallics, especially when starting from oxidic precursors and refractory metals, requires high temperatures. This chapter describes most of the high‐temperature techniques and discusses standard commercially available and self‐constructed furnace types. The use of high‐temperature synthesis techniques readily calls for suitable crucible materials that resist the synthesis conditions. Important parameters for a suitable crucible material are the melting temperature, the oxidation stability, the surface wetting, and the machinability. While solar heating can be used for large‐area materials processing, mirror furnaces are employed for selective heating, for example, crystal growth. Solar furnaces produce powers up to 1000 kW, which is large compared to CO2or Nd‐YAG lasers with powers of 2–5 and 0.5 kW, respectively. The generation of very high temperatures (up to 4000 K) is possible by arc melting, where a plasma volume is heated by an electron beam between two electrodes, similar to the well‐known welding techniques.
Glass Formation and Crystallization
Authors: Komatsu T.
Published: August 2017

Numerous oxide glasses (glass formation) with different systems and compositions have been synthesized from scientific interests and practical applications. For the glass formation, crystallization in super‐cooled liquids must be avoided kinetically, and it is of importance to understand the relationship between glass composition and crystallization behavior. In this chapter, the basic scenario for glass formation, the fragility concept, and the nanoscale structure in oxide glasses are described, and features relating to the glass formation in some interesting glass‐forming oxide systems are discussed. The glass formation and crystallization are becoming more and more important as a novel technique for the development of new functional hybrid materials and also as a step for a deep understanding of nanoscale heterogeneous structure in glasses.
Reactive Fluxes
Authors: Janka Oliver , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: August 2017

This chapter deals with reactive fluxes that deliver part of the reaction educts and the liquid phase at the same time. In the case of metal fluxes, this can be only one element, for example, a tin flux, while binary and ternary compounds can be used for a decomposition reaction in reactive salt fluxes, often leading to kinetically controlled products. Liquid aluminum, gallium, indium, tin, lead, and zinc are the commonly used flux media. They all have comparatively low melting points and a broader liquidus range. Crystal growth is an important task in explorative synthesis for the discovery of new materials (micrometer‐size crystals for structure determination) or for semiconductor crystals in centimeter size, for example, GaN. Lithium nitride (Li3N) and sodium azide (NaN3) are the important flux media in this field.
Thermodynamic and Kinetic Aspects of Crystal Growth
Authors: Klimm Detlef
Published: August 2017

Most crystal growth processes are performed close to thermodynamic equilibrium, and can hence be described by equilibrium thermodynamics. This chapter presents several terms and tools that are useful for the understanding of crystal growth from a thermodynamic point of view. One focus is on systems with two components in coordinates temperature versus composition. Phenomena such as solid solutions, eutectics, and peritectics are discussed. Qualitative and quantitative information of the crystallization process can be obtained with the lever rule, even if crystallization runs under nonequilibrium, for example, Scheil–Gulliver conditions or constitutional supercooling. A special focus is on equilibria including the gas phase, which are relevant not only for classical gas‐phase growth by
PVT
(physical vapor transport) or
CVT
(chemical vapor transport). It is emphasized that suitable “reactive atmosphere” conditions allow to fine‐tune the temperature‐dependent oxygen fugacity, and this way also the oxidation state of metal oxides in the system.
Scanning Probe Microscopy
Authors: Nowicki Marek , Wandelt Klaus
Published: August 2017

Scanning probe techniques have revolutionized the fundamental research of properties and processes at solid surfaces. On the one hand, these techniques provide information on the atomic scale. On the other hand, the probe tip may be used as a tool enabling manipulations with individual atoms and molecules. In this chapter, we first describe the physical background of the two most prominent techniques – scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) including its spectroscopic versions (STS,IETS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) – and then point to further variations of these techniques. Subsequently, we present and discuss a selection of examples showing their applicability for surface studies in vacuum, in gas atmospheres, and even in liquids. Particular emphasis is placed on fundamental solid‐state chemistry‐related phenomena, such as adsorption, reaction, supermolecular and controlled molecular assembly, and so on in different ambients, which are the basis of important applications in various disciplines.
Recent Developments in Soft
X
‐Ray Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Moewes Alexander
Published: August 2017

X
‐ray absorption spectroscopy (
XAS
) is one of the oldest and most widely employed spectroscopy techniques today. The principles emerged shortly after Röntgen's discovery of
X
‐rays in 1895 (Sagnac, G. (1901)
Ann. Chim. Phys
.,
23
, 145–198; Stumm von Bordwehr, R. (1989)
Ann. Phys. Fr
.,
14
, 377–466), while the discovery and naming of the K‐ and L‐lines occurred in 1911 (Stumm von Bordwehr (1989); Inokuti, M. and Noguchi, T. (1974)
Am. J. Phys
.,
42
, 1118–1119). The first tunable synchrotron light source was built in the 1940s, and while their use in the study of materials dates back to roughly 50 years ago, it was only in the 1980s that soft
X
‐ray absorption spectroscopy rose to its current popularity. Today,
XAS
is routinely applied at all synchrotron sources to solve scientific problems in physics, chemistry, material sciences, life sciences, geology, medicine, and engineering. The technique is powerful because it is element specific, nondestructive, and highly sensitive to the local bonding environment and geometric structure surrounding the absorbing atom as well as to spin, orbital angular momenta, and the polarization of the exciting radiation.
Optical Properties of Hybrid Organic–Inorganic Materials and their Applications – Part
I
: Luminescence and Photochromism
Authors: Parola Stephane , Julián‐López Beatriz , Carlos Luís D. , Sanchez Clément
Published: August 2017

Research on hybrid inorganic–organic materials has experienced an explosive growth since the 1980s, with the expansion of soft inorganic chemistry based processes. Indeed, mild synthetic conditions, low processing temperatures provided by “chimie douce” and the versatility of the colloidal state allow for the mixing of the organic and inorganic components at the nanometer scale in virtually any ratio to produce the so‐called hybrid materials. Today a high degree of control over both composition and nanostructure of these hybrids can be achieved allowing tunable structure–property relationships. This, in turn, makes it possible to tailor and fine‐tune many properties (mechanical, optical, electronic, thermal, chemical, etc.) in very broad ranges, and to design specific multifunctional systems for applications. In particular, the field of “hybrid optics” has been very productive not only scientifically but also in terms of applications. Indeed, numerous optical devices based on hybrids are already in, or very close, to the market. This review describes most of the recent advances performed in this field. Emphasis will be given to luminescent, photochromic,
NLO
, and plasmonic properties. As an outlook, we show that the controlled coupling between plasmonics and luminescence is opening a land of opportunities in the field of “hybrid optics.”
Resonating Valence Bonds in Chemistry and Solid State
Authors: Plekhanov Evgeny A. , Tchougréeff Andrei L.
Published: August 2017

This chapter combines two complementary parts. In the first part, we discuss (largely qualitatively) the relations between the resonance valence bond (RVB) and tight‐binding/linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO) pictures of the electronic structure using the archetypal example: the π‐system of benzene. The second more formal part is devoted to extensions of theRVBideas to solids. We exemplify these issues by several simple models ranging from the one‐dimensional polyene chain – an infinite extension of benzene molecule – through graphene and finish by probably the most spectacular example of the enigmatic quantumRVBstate of copper(II) carbodiimide (CuNCN) – the new material, where an assumption of the RVB character of its electronic phases was crucial for explaining its room‐ and low‐temperature physics.