bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptación y validación cultural del cuestionario II, barreras del paciente adulto con cáncer para el manejo del dolor
Authors: Ralat Fonseca Blanca Nidia , Arroyo Novoa Carmen Mabel
Published: August 2020

Objetivos: Traducir al español, adaptar y validar para la cultura puertorriqueña el Barriers Questionnaire II (BQ-II) que mide ocho ideas o actitudes del paciente con cáncer hacia el manejo del dolor con terapia farmacológica, y que representan las barreras del paciente para alcanzar alivio. Material y Método: Se realizó la traducción, adaptación cultural y validación del BQ-II utilizando las seis fases del proceso de Beaton y colegas con 30 participantes con cáncer y dolor mayor de cuatro en la escala numérica, de 21 años o más, para medir la consistencia interna del instrumento traducido. Resultados: Los participantes reportaron una mediana de edad de 52 (RIQ=16.5) años. La mediana para la intensidad del dolor fue de 7 (RIQ= 2,5) y el 100% de los participantes presentaron dos o más de las ocho barreras. El instrumento mantuvo una alta consistencia interna luego de la traducción y adaptación cultural, con un alfa de Cronbach de 0.85. Este mantuvo los 27 criterios de la versión original en inglés a pesar de reportarse redundancia en algunas de las preguntas. Conclusión: La versión en español (PR-BQII) retuvo una consistencia interna alta. Al demostrar su confiabilidad para medir las barreras del paciente, la versión adaptada puede ser de utilidad para la investigación del fenómeno en Puerto Rico. El nuevo PR-BQII demostró ser instrumento útil para la investigación de este fenómeno en Puerto Rico. Palabras claves: Dolor, Cáncer, Barreras del paciente, manejo del dolor.
Evaluasi Program Pelatihan Keterampilan Menjahit Di LKP Tri Nur Kelurahan Liluwo Kecamatan Kota Tengah Kota Gorontalo
Authors: Maruwae Fitriani , Duludu Ummyssalam A.T.A. , Rahmat Abdul
Published: August 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menilai Evaluasi Program Pelatihan Keterampilan Menjahit Di LKP Tri Nur Kelurahan Liluwo Kecamatan Kota Tengah Kota Gorontalo. Penelitian ini merupakan jenis penelitian evaluatif dengan menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan evaluasi program model CIPP (Conteks, Input, Proses, Produk) yang dikembangkan oleh  Daniel Stufflebeam. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan menggunakan wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi. Keabsahan data dengan menggunakan triangulasi, sumber data dan metode. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: 1) Evaluasi Conteks: Program yang diselenggarakan oleh LKP Tri Nur telah sesuai dengan kebutuhan warga belajar;  Tujuan yang ditetapkan oleh program selaras dengan tujuan warga belajar. 2) Evaluasi Input: Sebagian warga belajar telah memiliki pengalaman menjahit; Karakteristik Instruktur dalam pembelajaran telah sesuai dengan program; Sarana dan prasarana sudah menunjang proses pelaksanaan program. 3) Evaluasi Proses: Warga belajar ikut aktif dalam pembelajaran; Instruktur mengajar dengan melihat kemampuan warga belajar; Instruktur yang mengajar mempunyai kemampuan dibidang menjahit. 4) Evaluasi Produk: Tujuan diselenggarakan program pelatihan keterampilan menjahit telah tercapai dan sesuai dengan visi misi lembaga; Hasilnya warga belajar memiliki kemampuan sesuai dengan tingkatan kursus yang diambil; Dampaknya, warga belajar lebih yakin pada kemampuan diri sendiri dan beberapa ada yang sudah membuka usaha mandiri.
Peran Majelis Taklim Nurul Iman Dalam Meningkatkan Kehidupan Beragama Di Kelurahan Tenda Kota
Authors: Ibrahim Irmawati , Isa Abd. Hamid , Napu Yakob
Published: August 2020

Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui peran majelis taklim nurul iman dalam meningkatkan kehidupan beragama di Kelurahan Tenda Kota Gorontalo. Untuk mendapatkan jawaban di atas peneliti menggunakan metode Kualitatif Teknik Analisis bersifat uraian dari Hasil Wawancara dan Studi Dokumentasi. Penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa majelis taklim nurul iman dalam meningkatkan kehidupan beragama masyarakat kelurahan tenda cukup signifikan. Kebanyakan dari mereka para anggotanya setelah mengikuti mejelis taklim ini menjadi lebih giat dalam melakukan ibadah sunnah. Pada hasil penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa anggota Majelis Taklim Nurul Iman agar biasa mengoptimalkan kinerja, sehingga peran Majelis Taklim dapat dioptimalkan. Untuk para masyarakat lebih mempraktekkan ilmu-ilmu tentang Majelis Taklim yang telah didapatkan dalam kehidupan sehari-hari.
DRAFT CONCEPT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PENAL SYSTEM UNTIL 2030: ISSUES OF FORM, CONTENT AND COMPARISON WITH THE CONCEPT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PENAL SYSTEM UNTIL 2020
Authors: Усеев Ренат Зинурович
Published: August 2020

В настоящей статье сравниваются по форме и содержанию два политико-правовых документа: действующая Концепция развития уголовно-исполнительной системы до 2020 года и проект документа по планированию дальнейшего развития уголовно-исполнительной системы (Концепция развития уголовно-исполнительной системы на период до 2030 года). Цель работы - на основе сравнения указанных документов показать авторскую точку зрения на наиболее актуальные и значимые положения проекта Концепции развития уголовно-исполнительной системы на период до 2030 года, а также определить иные мероприятия (положения), которые могли бы дополнить данный документ. Отдельные компоненты содержания статьи могли бы явиться некоторой основой для дальнейшей разработки проекта Концепции развития уголовно-исполнительной системы на период до 2030 года как политико-правового документа. Кроме того, отдельные сегменты статьи при их углубленном изучении могли бы лечь в основу уголовно-исполнительного законодательства Российской Федерации и правоприменительной практики в учреждениях и органах уголовно-исполнительной системы России. Методами исследования в научной статье явились универсальные методы (анализ и синтез, индукция и дедукция, аналогия и моделирование); эмпирические методы (обобщение, классификация); теоретические методы (идеализации, гипотетико-дедуктивный метод) и др. Выводы и результаты работы определяются достижением ее целей.

This article compares two political and legal documents in form and content: the current Concept for the Development of the Penal System until 2020 and the draft document on planning for the further development of the penal system (Concept for the Development of the Penal System for the Period of up to 2030). The purpose of the article is to show the author 's position on the most current and significant provisions of the draft Concept for the Development of the Penal System for the Period of up to 2030, as well as to identify other measures (provisions) that could supplement the document. Certain components of the content of the article could provide some basis for the further development of the draft Concept for the Development of the Penal System for the Period of up to 2030 as a political and legal instrument. In addition, certain segments of the article, when studied in depth, could form the basis of criminal enforcement legislation of the Russian Federation and law enforcement practice in institutions and bodies of the penalsystem of the Russian Federation. The research methods in the scientific paper are universal methods (analysis and synthesis, induction and derivation, analogy and modeling); Empirical methods (generalization, classification); Theoretical methods (idealizations, hypothetical-deductive method) and others. The conclusions and results of the work are determined by the achievement of its objectives.
DEVELOPMENT OF MORAL AND VALUE CONSCIOUSNESS OF LAW FACULTY CADETS
Authors: Жалмурзин Рустам Булатович , Дрозд Николай Александрович
Published: August 2020

В данной статье рассматриваются пути, программы формирования нравственного сознания курсантов юридического факультета. Основная цель исследования - внесение предложений по совершенствованию нравственного воспитания и формированию нравственной сферы сознания. В статье дается понятие нравственно-ценностной сферы сознания на основе анализа психологической и педагогической литературы. Приводятся примеры практических занятий, направленных на повышение морально-деловых качеств, а также обосновывается их эффективность. Рассмотрено деление нравственных ориентиров на общие и специальные. Наряду с этим вынесено предложение по созданию концепции воспитания юристов и формирования их нравственной сферы сознания на основе передового опыта и обобщения ведущих идей современных ученых в области педагогических и психологических наук. Сделан вывод о необходимости устранять пробелы в педагогических и психологических науках, обобщать идеи ведущих авторов и внедрять их в практическую деятельность педагогов, что, несомненно, прямым образом отразится на формировании нравственной сферы сознания и соответственно на нравственном воспитании личности, в том числе и курсантов.

This article considers approaches to the formation of moral consciousness of cadets oflaw faculty. The main purpose of the research is to make suggestions for improving moral education and forming moral spheres of consciousness. The article gives the concept of moral education of the sphere of consciousness based on the analysis of psychological and pedagogical literature. It also provides examples of practical classes aimed at forming the moral sphere of consciousness, which include practical classes and educational work plans aimed at improving moral and business qualities, as well as justifies their effectiveness. The classification of moral guidelines into General and special ones is considered. Along with this, a proposal was made to create a concept of educating lawyers and forming their moral sphere of consciousness, created on the basis of best practices and generalization of all the leading ideas of modern scientists in the field of pedagogical and psychological Sciences. Based on the analysis, it is concluded that it is necessary to eliminate gaps in pedagogical and psychological Sciences, generalize the ideas of leading authors and implement scientific progress in the field of educational activities in everyday life, which will undoubtedly affect the formation of the moral sphere of consciousness and directly affect the moral education of the individual, including cadets.
TauREx3 PhaseCurve: A 1.5D Model for Phase-curve Description
Authors: Changeat Q. , Al-Refaie A.
Published: August 2020

In recent years, retrieval analysis of exoplanet atmospheres have been very successful, providing deep insights on the composition and the temperature structure of these worlds via transit and eclipse methods. Analysis of spectral phase-curve observations, which in theory provide even more information, are still limited to a few planets. In the next decade, new facilities such as NASA–James Webb Space Telescope and ESA-Ariel will revolutionize the field of exoplanet atmospheres and we expect that a significant time will be spent on spectral phase-curve observations. Most current models are still limited in their analysis of phase-curve data as they do not consider the planet atmosphere as a whole or they require large computational resources. In this paper we present a semi-analytical model that will allow computing exoplanet emission spectra at different phase angles. Our model provides a way to simulate a large number of observations while being only about four times slower than the traditional forward model for plane–parallel primary eclipse. This model, which is based on the newly developed TauREx 3 framework, will be further developed to allow for phase-curve atmospheric retrievals.
Discovery of a Supercluster Candidate at z ∼ 1.1
Authors: Narwal Tapish , Goto Tomotsugu , Hashimoto Tetsuya , Kim Seong Jin , Chiang Chia-Ying , Wu Yi-Han
Published: August 2020

We report a promising candidate for a distant supercluster at z ∼ 1.1 in the Dark Energy Survey Science Verification data. We examine smoothed semi-3D galaxy density maps in various photo-z slices. Among several overdense regions, in this work we report the most significant one as having a 3σ overdensity at a redshift of ∼1.1, over a ∼160 Mpc scale, much larger than the regular cluster scale (several Mpc). The shape of the supercluster is not circular in the sky projection. Therefore, we regard the point of maximum overdensity as the center for quantitative measurements. Two different estimates suggest the mass of the supercluster to be

, more than one order more massive than regular galaxy clusters. Except for protosuperclusters found with emission-line galaxies, this could be the most distant supercluster to date defined by regular galaxies. A spectroscopic confirmation would make this a very interesting object for cosmology. We discuss the possible implications of such a massive structure for ΛCDM cosmology.
Notes on some Catoptria Hübner, 1825 (Crambidae, Lepidoptera) from the Central Apennines (Italy), with the descriptions of Catoptria samnitica sp. nov. and the male of Catoptria apenninica Bassi, 2017
Authors: Bassi Graziano , Huemer Peter
Published: August 2020

Material collected in recent expeditions by staff of the Tiroler Landesmuseen, Innsbruck, allows an update of some high elevation Catoptria of the Central Italian Apennines. Catoptria samniticasp. nov. and the male of Catoptria apenninica Bassi are described from morphology and DNA barcodes, and adults and genitalia are illustrated. Both species are considered as regional endemics of the Central Apennines.
Synopsis of Schizanthus Ruiz & Pav. (Solanaceae), a genus endemic to the southern Andes
Authors: Morales-Fierro Vanezza , Muñoz-Schick Mélica , Moreira-Muñoz Andrés
Published: August 2020

We present a taxonomic synopsis of the South American genusSchizanthusRuiz & Pav. (Solanaceae), within which we recognise seventeen taxa (14 species with three infraspecific taxa). The genus is mainly distributed in Chile between the coast of the Atacama Desert and the southern temperate forests, while two species occur in the Argentinian Provinces of Mendoza and Neuquén. This taxonomic treatment is based on the analysis of herbarium specimens from 30 different herbaria. For each accepted species we provide details of type specimens and synonymy, key characters, habitat, distribution information and presence in public or private protected areas. We also incorporate a list of representative localities from examined material. We here described three new taxa: Schizanthus porrigens Graham ex Hook. subsp. borealis V.Morales & Muñoz-Schick,subsp. nov.,Schizanthus carlomunoziiV.Morales & Muñoz-Schick,sp. nov.and its variety Schizanthus carlomunozii var. dilutimaculatus V.Morales & Muñoz-Schick,var. nov., all of them from the coast of Coquimbo Region. We also recognise Schizanthus litoralis Phil. var. humilis (Lindl.) V.Morales & Muñoz-Schick,comb. nov., as a new combination.
A synopsis of the expanded Rhaphiolepis (Maleae, Rosaceae)
Authors: Liu Bin-Bin , Wang Yu-Bing , Hong De-Yuan , Wen Jun
Published: August 2020

As part of the integrative systematic studies on the tribe Maleae, a synopsis of the expandedRhaphiolepisis presented, recognizing 45 species. Three new forms were validated: R. bengalensis f. contracta B.B.Liu & J.Wen, R. bengalensis f. intermedia B.B.Liu & J.Wen, and R. bengalensis f. multinervata B.B.Liu & J.Wen, and four new combinations are made here: R. bengalensis f. angustifolia (Cardot) B.B.Liu & J.Wen, R. bengalensis f. gigantea (J.E.Vidal) B.B.Liu & J.Wen,R. laoshanica(W.B.Liao, Q.Fan & S.F.Chen) B.B.Liu & J.Wen, andR. latifolia(Hook.f.) B.B.Liu & J.Wen. Furthermore, one new name,Rhaphiolepis yuiB.B.Liu & J.Wen is proposed here, and three taxa were reduced as new synonyms. We also provide lectotypification for 13 names:Crataegus bibas,Eriobotrya philippinensis,Mespilus spiralis,Opa integerrima,Photinia luzonensis,Rhaphiolepis brevipetiolata, R. ferruginea var. serrata,R. fragrans,R. gracilis,R. hainanensis,R. kerrii, R. indica subsp. umbellata var. liukiuensis, andR. parvibracteolata.
Novel integrative data for two Milnesium Doyère, 1840 (Tardigrada: Apochela) species from Central Asia
Authors: Morek Witold , Surmacz Bartłomiej , Michalczyk Łukasz
Published: August 2020

Tardigrada
are a phylum of microscopic animals inhabiting a variety of ecosystems, both aquatic and terrestrial, being recognised for their remarkable abilities to withstand tough environmental conditions. The order Apochela groups exclusively carnivorous species, with the vast majority representing the genus Milnesium Doyère, 1840. Representatives of this genus are characterised by simplified morphology, therefore possessing an extremely limited set of taxonomically meaningful morphological traits. Nevertheless, the taxonomy of Milnesium is mostly based on classical data: observations and measurements in light microscopy with the majority of descriptions lacking integrative data, most importantly DNA barcodes, but also scanning electron microscopy photographs and developmental variability analysis. Hence, re-descriptions that include novel integrative data are urgently needed. In this contribution, we provide new taxonomic data for two species described from Central Asia, Milnesium almatyense (a single population) and Milnesium reductum Tumanov, 2006 (five populations): morphometrics, DNA barcodes, SEM observations and description of developmental variability. As a result, we amend the description of both species and reveal phylogenetic relationships of those species and other sequenced congeners. The integrative data confirm the validity of the two species and include them in the growing set of Milnesium species associated with DNA sequences.
La diversification des trajectoires de métropolisation au sud du Vietnam
Authors: Tran Khac Minh
Published: August 2020

Depuis les réformes du Đổi Mới (Renouveau) de 1986, Hô Chi Minh Ville (HCMV) et les provinces voisines sont devenues le fer de lance de l’économie vietnamienne. Parmi les territoires historiquement dépendants de HCMV, la province de Binh Duong émerge aujourd’hui comme un nouveau pôle métropolitain. Le développement rapide de HCMV et de Binh Duong s’appuie communément sur une industrialisation globalisée, se traduisant par la création de multiples zones industrielles. À partir des années 2000, un secteur immobilier dynamique émerge et transforme en profondeur le paysage et la structure économique locaux. Dans la course à la métropolisation, ces deux provinces ont adopté des stratégies industrielles et urbaines spécifiques, dans l’objectif de renforcer leur compétitivité. En parallèle de la diversification de trajectoires urbaines et économiques, de nouvelles dynamiques transprovinciales de complémentarité, de coopération et de concurrence émergent, redéfinissant en profondeur la construction régionale du sud du Vietnam.
L’immobilier residentiel : principal moteur de la fabrique urbaine de Ho Chi Minh Ville
Authors: Musil Clément , Labbé Danielle , Khanh Vu Ngoc
Published: August 2020

À partir du cas de l’aménagement du district 2 et de la Nouvelle Zone Urbaine de Thủ Thiêm cet article explore le contexte au sein duquel prend place l’accroissement du rôle des acteurs privés de la promotion immobilière dans la production métropolitaine de Ho Chi Minh Ville et ses effets sur la fabrique des nouveaux territoires urbains. Alors que le marché immobilier résidentiel de la métropole du sud du Vietnam est l’un des plus dynamiques en Asie du Sud-Est, les pouvoirs publics s’appuient sur les acteurs de ce secteur afin de produire les infrastructures nécessaires au développement territorial et économique de la métropole. Malgré la mise en place de garde-fous, des dérives apparaissent et participent à la dilapidation d’actifs publics dont la vente est supposée financer l’urbanisation en cours.
Effect of adding dexmedetomidine or remifentanil to thiopental in patients with mood disorder candidate for electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: Heidarbeigi Faezeh , Jamilian Hamidreza , Alaghemand Anita , Kamali Alireza
Published: August 2020

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the appropriate treatments for many neuropsychiatric patients, especially those with mood disorders. Short-term complications of ECT include agitation and postictal. In this study, we compared the addition of dexmedetomidine or remifentanil to thiopental as the main anaesthetic used in ECT. In this double-blind randomised clinical trial, 90 patients with mood disorders (candidates for ECT) were divided into two groups based on their therapy: dexmedetomidine or remifentanil. In the first group (DG), patients were slowly injected intravenously with 0.5 μg/kg dexmedetomidine before induction of anesthesia. In the second group (GR), 100 μg of remifentanil was slowly injected intravenously.In addition, we collected demographic information such as respiratory rate, heart pulse rate, seizure time, mean of arterial blood pressure, recovery duration and the oxygen arterial saturation recorded after recovery. Data obtained were analysed by use of statistical software, SPSS-23. The mean age of both groups was approximately 37 years with the majority being men. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age and sex, blood pressure, heart rate, duration of seizures and arterial oxygen saturation before ECT. The mean blood pressure and heart rate in the recovery group were lower in the dexmedetomidine group than in the remifentanil group and the hemodynamics in the dexmedetomidine group were more stable. The recovery time in the dexmedetomidine group was longer than that of the remifentanil group (p = 0.001). Both groups had approximately the same satisfaction and the rate of agitation after ECT was the same. Both remifentanil and dexmedetomidine as adjuvants lead to a decrease in patients' post-ECT hyperdynamic responses. In our study, we demonstrated that the effect of dexmedetomidine is greater than remifentanil. On the other hand, neither dexmedetomidine nor remifentanil had a negative effect on seizure duration, but dexmedetomidine significantly prolonged recovery time, when compared to remifentanil.
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: clinical, radiological and pathological profile of 103 patients from North India
Authors: Kumar Raj , Spalgais Sonam , Ranga Vikrant
Published: August 2020

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an interstitial lung disease, commonly occurring due to exposure to various inciting agent related to occupation. Few studies have shown that it can also occur without any occupation exposure. In this study we are presenting clinical, radiological and bronchoscopic finding of 103 HP patients. We retrospective analysis of 5½ years HP patient’s data from a chest institute of India. The diagnosis of HP was considered with following criteria: i) known exposure to an inciting antigen; ii) presence of respiratory symptoms; iii) radiologic evidence of diffuse lung disease; iv) no other identifiable cause; v) lung biopsy specimen that demonstrated features of HP; and vi) bronchoalveolar lavage lymphocytosis (≥30%). The mean ±SD age was 47±12.8 years; 67% were female. The common symptoms were cough (97%) and dyspnea (91%). History of exposure to inciting agent was present in 61% with pigeon exposure being the most common (56%). Majority of patients (86%) were having chronic symptoms for >6 months. On 6MWT oxygen desaturation >4% was seen in 57% patients. Centrilobular nodules (61%) and ground glass opacity (47.5%) were common finding on HRCT chest. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) lymphocytosis >30% was present in 48.5% and histopathological diagnosis HP on transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) and/or endobronchial lung biopsy (EBLB) was in 50% patients. HP is exposure related environmental disease, as it can occur without any occupational history. Bronchoscopy with BAL and lung biopsy should do in all suspected cases to confirm diagnosis in our country as it is less invasive, day care procedure with less complication.
Religious statecraft: Constantinianism in the figure of Nagashi Kaleb
Authors: Rukuni Rugare
Published: August 2020

The Himyarite invasion of 525 CE by Kaleb of Aksum was a definitive war in the narrative of global religion and politics. The accounts surrounding the war corroborate the notion of an impressed Constantinian modus of establishing religious statecraft. Whereas there has been much anthropological and archaeological work on the South Arabian–Aksumite relations from the 4th to the 6th centuries, revisionism in perspective of literary sources and respective evidence retains significance given the dynamism of Ethiopianism as a concept. Implicative document analysis, cultural historiography and archaeology of religion are relevant methods used in this study. There are parallels between Kaleb’s new Zion agenda and Constantine’s nova Roma persona, both resembling an emergent Christian-religious state. It is from this religious (Christian) state that a geopolitical policy that defined the trajectory of their respective nations emerged. The replete epigraphy and literary evidence on Ethiopia and its Byzantine connection aggregately affirms the explicit existence of a Christianised foreign policy.Contribution: The research revises the narrative of Ethiopian Christianity with a lens of political-religious dynamics thereby contributing to the field of theology and history.
Assessment of cross compatibility in three strains of Pleurotus species and yield attributes of the surviving progenies
Authors: Ogunleye R.I. , Bankole F.A. , Olaoye G. , Fawole O.B.
Published: August 2020

Despite the upsurge in mushroom consumption in Nigeria, breeding of new strains for improved quality, early maturity and biological efficiency is a new concept. This study investigated cross-compatibility among three mushroom parental strains (Pleurotus ostreatus, P. tuber-regium and Lentinus edodes) and assessed yield attributes in parents and the progenies of compatible strains – (P. ostreatus and L. edodes). The crosses were carried out at the Department of Biology, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria using the dual culture technique. Among the twenty-seven combinations, only five (5) hybridized successfully. Crosses between P. tuber-regium and the other two strains (P. ostreatus and L. edodes) failed to yield viable progenies while the cross between P. ostreatus (po) and L. edodes (le) yielded five (5) new strains. Data collected on morphological and yield attributes of the compatible parents and the new strains revealed that three (3) strains (po1 x le1, po3 x le2 and po3 x le3) produced white fluffy colony growth morphology which represented the characters of P. ostreatus while the remaining two strains (po2 x le1 and po2 x le3) had milky, appressed morphology, representing the attributes of L. edodes. The strain from cross combination po3 x le3 completed spawn run in 37 days which was the fastest (ρ < 0.05) among the strains and also exhibited superiority (ρ < 0.05 or ρ < 0.01) for all other attributes including fresh yield and biological efficiency over other strains and the two parents. Two other strains viz. po2 x le3 and po3 x le2 also exhibited significantly (ρ < 0.05) higher yield and biological efficiency than either of the parental strains. These new strains can be exploited for commercial production of improved mushrooms in Nigeria.

Key words: Cross Compatibility, Pleurotus, Dual Culture, Yield, Biology efficiency
Analysis of the poverty status of cashew farmers in Kogi State, Nigeria
Authors: Pelemo J.J. , Mohammed U. , Omaku M. , Opara S. , Nnachukwu V.C.
Published: August 2020

The study examined the poverty status of cashew farmers in Kogi State, Nigeria. A sample size of 210 cashew farmers was selected using the Yamane formula. Structured interview schedule was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Foster Greer Thobecke model. The findings revealed that 94.3% of the cashew farmers were of the male gender. The mean age of cashew farmers was 54.6 years. The mean years spent in formal education among cashew farmers was seven years while the mean farm size of cashew farmers was 6.1 hectares. The average income of cashew farmers over a period of 12 months was N134,517.14 while the poverty line was N 89,678.09. The FGT poverty measure showed that 24.8% of cashew farmers were living below poverty line. The poverty depth was 23.14% while poverty severity was 8.7%. The major constraints faced by cashew farmers were poor storage facilities and inadequate capital. It is recommended that government should provide storage and processing facilities in order to minimize the loss encountered by cashew farmers. Good and accessible feeder roads should be constructed for farmers and relevant extension sevices on cashew production should be provided to increase cashew output

Keywords: Poverty, Cashew, Farmers, Constraints
Farm risks and management strategies among arable crop farmers in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Aminu F.O , Balogun E.O.S. , Oke O.B.
Published: August 2020

This study examines farm risk and management strategies adopted by arable crop farmers in Ogun State, Nigeria. A two-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 120 respondents for the study with the aid of questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Likert scale and logit regression model. Results revealed that erratic rainfall, pest and diseases were the major production risks faced by the farmers. Ill-health (69.2%) and low produce price (92.5%) were the major personal risk and marketing risk experienced by the farmers respectively. The major financial risks were insurance (86.7%) and lack of access to loan (83.3%) while the major institutional risk was lack of agricultural loan and subsidies (100%) from government. The major preventive strategy adopted by the arable crop farmers were use of agrochemicals and selling at reduced price. The most employed mitigation strategies were diversification (82.5%), on-farm sales (78.3%), esusu (77.5%), cooperative society membership (71.7%) and self-medication (70%). The prominent coping strategies employed were hired labour (77.5%), off-farm activities (73.3%) and borrowing (60%). The significant factors influencing the attitude of arable crop farmers to risk were sex, educational level of the farmers, household size, farming experience, membership of cooperative association, access to bank loan, farming system and off farm income The study concluded that the arable crop farmers were risk averse and recommended that efforts should be geared towards training the farmers on the appropriate management strategies with emphasis on the need for the farmers to adopt innovations that will enhance improved farm practices in the study area.Keywords: Arable crop, farm risk, management strategies, logit
Susceptibility of ten pepper breeding lines to cucumber mosaic virus disease
Authors: Adama C.J. , Salaudeen M.T. , Bello L.Y. , Anyaoha C.O. , Abdullahi A.A.
Published: August 2020

Pepper (Capsicum annuum) is a major vegetable of global importance. Its production is however affected by varying biotic and abiotic stresses. Virus infections possess a genuine danger to pepper cultivation in Nigeria and all over the world resulting in over 50 % yield losses. Thus, the need to subject available pepper germplasm to screening against virus diseases for possible identification of resistant genes which may be used in breeding programmes to obtain improved lines that are high yielding. This study was undertaken to evaluate the growth and performances of ten pepper breeding lines under cucumber mosaic virus disease. The experiment was laid out in completely randomised design with five replications. Ten pepper breeding lines were evaluated as healthy and inoculated with cucumber mosaic virus and evaluated for their responses. Data were recorded for disease incidence, severity, growth and yield attributes. The data were subjected to analysis of variance. The results revealed that NHPK/D6-1-1 which showed mild disease incidence (36.7 % on average) with an average severity (score = 2.2), produced the highest number of leaves per plant (13) and branches (8) under diseased condition was the least vulnerable. The CMV-infected breeding lines were fruitless except for NHPK/D6-1-1 and NHPK/21-4-1-2 which produced an average of 2 fruits per plant. The selection of NHPK/D6-1-1 and NHPK/21-4-1-2 for further evaluation is therefore recommended for possible CMV-tolerant genes. The identification of virus-resistant breeding lines would provide more effective control of virus diseases in pepper production.

Keywords: Capsicum annuum; Cucumber mosaic virus; Breeding lines; NHPK
Sustainable efficiencies in small scale cassava farmers in Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Akpan S.B. , Udo U.J. , Okon U.E.
Published: August 2020

This study derived sustainable technical, economic and allocative efficiencies from a set of efficiencies generated from the maximum likelihood estimation of stochastic production and profit functions fitted with data collected from small scale cassava farmers. The study was conducted in Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A three-stage sampling method was employed to select choose respondents’ to which structured questionnaire was administered to obtain the necessary information for the study. The result revealed an average sustainable technical efficiency of 81.60%, 30.40% for profit efficiency and 38.40% for allocative efficiency. Results further showed that farming experience, membership in social organization, years of formal education, farm capital and farm size were the positive determinants of sustainable technical efficiency while household size, number of female cultivating cassava, poor farming households and the use of organic manure were negative. In the same Vein, farming experience, education farm size, gender and the use of tillage technology were identified as positive determinants of sustainable economic or profit efficiency while household size and quantity of fertilizer use had negative impacts. Similarly, cassava farmers’ farm size, age, educational level, farming experience, gender and the use of tillage technology impacted positively on sustainable allocative efficiency while household size and the quantity of fertilizer have negative relationships. In order to achieve sustainability of small scale cassava farms, it is recommended that social capital formation should be intensified among cassava farmers. Also, adult education and family planning programmes for farmers should be fine-tuned in the state for effective delivery among others.

Keywords: Cassava, Technical efficiency, economic efficiency, allocative efficiency, sustainability.
Sedimentologic, Heavy Mineral and Provenance Studies of the Cretaceous Sediments in the Auchi Area of the Anambra Basin
Authors: Ilegieuno O.A. , Ighodaro E.J. , Sunny R.O.
Published: August 2020

The Upper Cretaceous Deposits of the Anambra Basin has a part of its sedimentary rock deposited in the Auchi area of Edo State. Geologic field and Sedimentological studies carried out on twenty eight (28) selected samples from a section of a road–cut show that the sediments range from fine through medium to coarse grained. Morphoscopic studies reveal subangular to subrounded outline of sand particles. These coupled with the  various colours observed in the sediment, ranging from whitish sand through yellowish brown, pink and reddish brown possibly indicate a non–marine environment and a fluviatile to deltaic environment of sedimentation is suggested. Heavy mineral assemblage made up mainly of opaque, andalusite, zircon, hornblend, sphene and epidote suggest derivation from the Precambrian Igneous and medium to high grade metamorphic rocks of the underlying Basement Complex of Nigeria.

Keywords: Sedimentology, Cretaceous, Morphoscopic, Heavy Mineral, Provenance
Assessment of Environmental Radioactivity Level and its Health Implication in Imiringi Community Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Authors: Anekwe U.L. , Onoja R.A.
Published: August 2020

A total forty two (42) sampled points were investigated for radioactivity level and health implication using standard method. The exposure dose rate  ranged from 14 to 32μRh-1 with an average value of μ23Rh-1. Dose rate and equivalent dose rate ranged from 121.8 to 278.4nGyh-1 and 1.18 to 2.69mSvy-1 respectively. The average value of the indoor annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), outdoor AEDE, and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) were computed to be 0.936 mSvy-1, 0.311 mSvy-1 and 0.810 x 10-3 respectively. Analysis of dose to human organs; testes and ovaries, were 0.61 and 0.43 mSvy-1 respectively. Exposure rate, dose rate and ELCR exceeded the recommended values. All the outdoor AEDEs were within the permissible value of 1.0 mSvy-1 for general public and below the limit of 20 mSvy-1 for radiological workers as recommended by InternationalCommission on Radiation Protection (ICRP).

Keywords: Assessment, Environmental radioactivity, Exposure dose, Health impact
Biodegradation Studies of Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene (BTEX) Compounds by Gliocladium sp. and Aspergillus terreus
Authors: Usman N. , Atta H.I. , Tijjani M.B.
Published: August 2020

Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) are monoaromatic hydrocarbons found frequently in petroleum and its derivatives; and they are among the most important pollutants of soil and groundwater. This study focused on harnessing the enzymatic capabilities of filamentous fungi Gliocladium sp. and Aspergillus terreus, dwelling in a petroleum-contaminated soil to degrade benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) compounds. The biodegradation experiment was carried out using the fungi individually and in consortium in a batch culture containing mineral salts medium supplemented with 1% v/v BTEX. The experiments were carried out in triplicates at room temperature on a rotary shaker (180rpm) for twenty five days and aliquots were taken on a five day interval to determine the hydrocarbon utilizing fungal (HUF) count and residual BTEX in order to monitor the rate of biodegradation. The hydrocarbon utilizing fungal counts were determined by direct counting using a Neubauer  Haemocytometer while, the residual BTEX was determined using absorbance values measured using a spectrophotometer and the corresponding concentrations determined from a standard curve. The highest percentage degradation of BTEX was observed with Aspergillus terreus (89.1%) while, the least was observed with Gliocladium sp. (84.4%). The growth peak was attained on the 15th day in all treatments after which the HUF counts declined. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference (P>0.05) in the mean amounts of BTEX degraded and hydrocarbon-utilizing fungal counts between the treatments. The strains of Gliocladium sp. and Aspergillus terreus used in this study showed high ability for BTEX degradation thus, they are potential candidates for bioremediation of soils contaminated with monoaromatic hydrocarbons.

Keywords: Biodegradation, BTEX, Gliocladium sp., Aspergillus terreus, Monoaromatic hydrocarbons
Non-Heme Iron Content and Antioxidant Activities of Wistar Rats Fed Aqueous Extract of Elaeis guineensis (Banga Soup) Cooked Using Different Utensils
Authors: Otuaga E.J. , Okpoghono J. , George B.O.
Published: August 2020

Cooking utensils may leach toxic metals or trace elements into food. Iron is an essential nutrient and both iron deficiency and iron excess can affect optimal health. The aim of the study was to determine non-heme iron (NHI) and some antioxidant parameters of rats fed banga soup (BS) prepared using different utensils. Twentyfive Wistar albino rats were used for the study. They were allowed to acclimatize for one week before commencement of the experiment. Group 1 served as control. Rats in Group 2, 3, 4 and 5 were administered BS cooked using cast iron pot (CIP), aluminium pot (AP), blended mixture (BM) of BS and aqueous tween 80 respectively. Rats in Group 1 to 5 received tap water daily and standard laboratory diet (feed) throughout the experiment period of 28 days. There were no significant difference in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, albumin (Alb) and total protein (TP) in the serum and liver of the entire experimental Groups. Significant decrease were observed in total phenol content (TPC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and ascorbic oxidase (AO) activity in the serum and NHI content in the serum, liver and kidney of Group 2, 3 and 4 when compared with Group 1 and 5.

Keywords: Banga soup; non-heme iron; antioxidant; aluminium pot; cast iron pot
GC-MS analysis and Mitochondrial Functionality Potential of the Fruits ofTetrapleura tetraptera By Cupric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity Assay
Authors: Alaribe Chinwe S. , Oladipupo Akolade R. , Ojo-Nosakhare Osamede , Kehinde Omotayo , Ogunlaja Adeniyi S.
Published: August 2020

The use of antioxidants has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for the management of mitochondrial dysfunction and other oxidative stress-related degenerative pathologies. Tetrapleura tetraptera is a well-known tree and its fruit is applied traditionally as spice and in the preparation of remedies for different ailments. In this study, the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis and mitochondrial functionality potential of T. tetraptera fruits were investigated. GC-MS was used to detect compounds in then-hexane and ethanol extracts of T. tetraptera fruits. Cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assay was used to evaluate the mitochondrial functionality potential of the ethanol extract. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of six compounds in then-hexane extract of T. tetraptera fruits. These compounds were detected in trace quantities, the most abundant being 2,3-dimethyl-3-buten-2-ol (0.04%). The compounds: cis-vaccenic acid (35.37%), n-hexadecanoic acid (28.09%), 6-octadecenoic acid (25.21%), and octadecanoic acid (11.33%) were identified in the ethanol extract of the fruits. Consequently, the ethanol extract was subjected to CUPRAC assay. The ethanol extract exhibited a concentration-dependent high cupric reducing capacity, returning CUPRAC values in the range of 0.090 to 0.403 at the concentration of 10 – 80 μg/ml. This activity was comparable to that of the positive control, naringenin, which showed CUPRAC values of 0.059 – 0.378 at the same concentrations. These results indicate that T. tetraptera fruits possess good antioxidant property as evaluated by other related antioxidant assays. This could be attributed to a synergistic effect of the phytochemical constituents. Hence consumption of T. tetraptera fruits could be beneficial for the prevention of mitochondrial dysfunction and other oxidative stress-related degenerative disorders.

Keywords: Tetrapleura tetraptera, mitochondrial dysfunction, degenerative disorders, CUPRAC, GC-MS, Nigeria
Phytochemical, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial studies of Lannea egregia Engl. & K. Krause (Anacardiaceae) extracts and chromatographic fractions
Authors: Idowu Philip A. , Ekemezie Loveth C. , Olaiya Charles O.
Published: August 2020

Screening ‘new’ medicinal plants of traditional importance for bioactive components is a sure way of discovering novel therapeutic agents to treat diseases. This study, therefore investigated the presence of phytochemical, antioxidant and antibacterial components of the extracts of Lannea egregia. Phytochemical screening was done by standard methods. Antibacterial activity of the extracts of Lannea egregia was determined by agar well diffusion method while the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by agar dilution method. The antioxidant capacity of the crude extracts was determined through the evaluation of total flavonoid content, total phenolic content, ferric reducing power, total antioxidant capacity and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl. The phytochemical screening of the different parts of this plant revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, emodins, phlobatannins, anthocyanins, coumarins and phenolics. Phlobatannins was observed to be absent in the stem bark. The crude extracts obtained from the leaves, stem bark and roots of this plant exhibited good antibacterial activity against typed strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. The diameter of the zone of inhibition ranged from 9.0 to 26.0 mm at 100 mg/mL for all the plant parts. The ethyl acetate leaf extract of this plant possessed the highest antibacterial activity with MIC and MBC values of the range of (3.125 to ˃50 mg/mL) and (12.5 to ˃50 mg/mL) respectively. The zone inhibition of the chromatographic fractions of both plants ranged 15-23 mm. Antioxidant study of the extracts of the leaf of L. egregia revealed that the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts have good antioxidant potentials comparable to that of ascorbic acid control. This study has revealed that the extracts from different parts of L. egregia possess good antibacterial and antioxidant activities which could be a function of the various phytochemicals detected in the plant.

Keywords: Lannea egregia, Phytochemical, Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Column chromatography.
Silver Sulphadiazine- xanthan gum- hyaluronic Acid Composite Hydrogel for Wound Healing: Formulation Development and in vivo Evaluation
Authors: Ilomuanya M.O. , Seriki Z.A. , Ubani-Ukoma U.N. , Oseni B.A. , Silva B.O.
Published: August 2020

Background: Development and modifications of hybrid hydrogels have been done to improve biological properties or to decrease the disadvantages of biomaterials.Objectives: The efficacy of hyaluronic acid in combination with silver sulphadiazine in wound healing was investigated. The retaining properties of xanthan gum to aid re- epithelialization was also explored.Materials and Method: Four hybrid hydrogels comprising of different concentrations of xanthan gum, eugenol and antimicrobial agents – hyaluronic acid and silver sulphadiazine were formulated. The physicochemical properties of the gels were assessed, and the antimicrobial effectiveness of the different hydrogel were determined using the extent of wound closure as an index.Results: The hydrogel samples had approximately 90% moisture content with rate of evaporation between 26- 32% for a 5 h period at 37oC. The pH of all formulations was between 7.59 - 8.05 considering that the formulation would be applied to underlying tissues of the skin. The swelling index after a 12 h period in distilled water was 10% for HX 1, 27% for HX 2, 29% for HX 3 and 30% for HX 4. There was no new peak observed in the FTIR analysis to indicate formation of new bonds.Conclusion: Incorporation of silver sulphadiazine at 0.1% and hyaluronic acid at 1.5% in the formulation yielded the best results with regards to least presence of inflammatory cell infiltrates and excellent wound closure at 14 days compared to the control and other formulations. Further investigation may be required for clinical use as an effective wound dressing material.

Keywords: Silver sulphadiazine, Xanthan gum, Hyaluronic acid, Hydrogels, Wound healing.