bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Heteroscedasticity in the Presence of Serial Correlations in Discrete-time Stochastic Series: A GARCH-in-Mean Approach
Authors: Moffat Imoh Udo , Akpan Emmanuel Alphonsus
Published: July 2019

Background: In modeling heteroscedasticity of returns, it is often assumed that the series are uncorrelated. In practice, such series with small time periods between observations can be observed to contain significant serial correlations, hence the motivation for this research.

Aim: The aim of this research is to assess the existence of serial correlations in the return series of Zenith Bank Plc, which is targeted at identifying their effects on the parameter estimates of heteroscedastic models.

Materials and Methods: The data were obtained from the Nigerian Stock Exchange spanning from January 3, 2006, to November 24, 2016, having 2690 observations. The hybridized Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average-Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (ARIMA-GARCH-type) models such as Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average-Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (ARIMA-GARCH), Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average-Exponential Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (ARIMA-EGARCH) and the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average-Glosten, Jagannathan and Runkle Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedastic (ARIMA-GJRGARCH) under normal and student-t distributions were employed to model the conditional variance while the GARCH-in-Mean-GARCH-type model corresponding to the selected ARIMA-GARCH-type model was applied to appraise the possible existence of serial correlations.

Results: The findings of this study showed that heteroscedasticity exists and appeared to be adequately captured by ARIMA(2,1,1)-EGARCH(1,1) model under student-t distribution but failed to account for the presence of serial correlations in the series. Meanwhile, its counterpart, GARCH-in-Mean-EGARCH(1,1) model under student-t distribution sufficiently appraised the existence of serial correlations.

Conclusion: One remarkable implication is that the estimates of the parameters of ARIMA-GARCH-type model are likely to be biased when the presence of serial correlations is ignored. Also, the application of GARCH-in-Mean-GARCH-type model possibly provides the feedback mechanism or interaction between the variance and mean equations.
Estimation of Malaria Symptom Data Set using Hidden Markov Model
Authors: Mbete Drinold , Nyongesa Kennedy , Rotich Joseph
Published: July 2019

Clinical study of malaria presents a modeling challenge as patients disease status and progress is partially observed and assessed at discrete clinic visit times. Since patients initiate visits based on symptoms, intense research has focused on identication of reliable prediction for exposure, susceptibility to infection and development of severe malaria complications. Despite detailed literature on malaria infection and transmission, very little has been documented in the existing literature on malaria symptoms modeling, yet these symptoms are common. Furthermore, imperfect diagnostic tests may yield misclassication of observed symptoms. Place and Duration of Study: The main objective of this study is to develop a Bayesian Hidden Markov Model of Malaria symptoms in Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology student population. An expression of Hidden Markov Model is developed and the parameters estimated through the forward-backward algorithm.
A Chinese Remainder Theorem Based Enhancements of Lempel-ziv-welch and Huffman Coding Image Compression
Authors: Ibrahim M. B. , Gbolagade K. A.
Published: July 2019

Data size minimization is the focus of data compression procedures by altering representation and reducing redundancy of information to a more effective kind. In general, lossless approach is favoured by a number of compression methods for the purpose of maintaining the content integrity of the file afterwards. The benefits of compression include saving storage space, speed up of data transmission and high quality of data. This paper observes the effectiveness of Chinese Remainder Theorem (CRT) enhancement in the implementation of Lempel-Ziv-Welch (LZW) and Huffman coding algorithms for the purpose of compressing large size images. Ten images of Yale database was used for testing. The outcomes revealed that CRT-LZW compression saved more space and speedy compression (or redundancy removal) of original images to CRT-Huffman coding by 29.78% to 14.00% respectively. In terms of compression time, CRT-LZW approach outperformed CRT-Huffman approach by 9.95 sec. to 19.15 sec. For compression ratio, CRT-LZW also outperformed CRT-Huffman coding by 0.39 db to 4.38 db, which is connected to low quality and imperceptibility of the former. Similarly, CRT-Huffman coding (28.13db) offered better quality Peak-Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (PSNR) for the reconstructed images when compared to CRT-LZW (3.54db) and (25.59db) obtained in other investigated paper.
Effect of Methanolic Extract of Vernonia amygdalina Leaves on Glycemic and Lipidaemic Indexes of Wistar Rats
Authors: Ogbuagu Emmanuel O. , Airaodion Augustine I. , Ogbuagu Uloaku , Airaodion Edith O.
Published: July 2019

Aim: This study sought to investigate the effect of methanolic extract of Vernonia amygdalina leaves on glycemic and lipidaemic indexes of Wistar rats.

Methods: Fresh plants of V. amygdalina were harvested from the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Ibadan. The leaves were dried and extracted using soxhlet apparatus and methanol was used as the solvent. The solvent was recovered in a rotary evaporator at 35°C with a yield of 2.24 g which represents a percentage yield of 8.96%. Ten adult male Wistar rats with body weight between 100 and 120 g were used for this study. They were randomly divided into two groups of five rats each. Animals in group 1 were administered normal saline while those in group 2 were administered V. amygdalina extract. The animals were exposed to the extract and saline solution at a dose of 3 mL per 100 g body weight 12 hourly via oral route of administration. After fourteen days of administration, the animals were fasted overnight and anaesthetized using diethyl ether. Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture. Fasting blood sugar and lipid profile were determined using standard methods.

Results: V. amygdalina  leaves was observed to significantly lower fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, triglyceride and VLDL-cholesterol but had no significant effect on the concentrations of HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and HDL/LDL-cholesterol ratio when compared to those of the control group at p<0.05.

Conclusion: The lowering effect of V. amygdalina leaves on fasting blood sugar indicated that it has the propensity to be antidiabetic. Its effect on total cholesterol and triglyceride showed that V. amygdalina leaves could be useful in the control of obesity and hypertension.
Soil Chemical Properties as Influenced by Long Term Manuring and Nitrogen Fertilization in Bangladesh
Authors: Akter Fahamida , Rahman Md. Mizanur , Alam Md. Ashraful
Published: July 2019

Organic fertilizers are enriched in plant nutrients which may enhance the soil chemical properties. However, studies on the effect of long term fertilization on soil chemical attributes is yet lacking in Bangladesh. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to assess the changes of soil chemical properties as influenced by long term manuring and nitrogen fertilizer in silt clay loam soil under rice-wheat cropping system. The experimental plot received different organic materials for the last 26 years (1988-2014). Five types of organic materials treatments such as control (no manure), cowdung, compost, green manure and rice straw were applied at the rate of 0, 25, 25, 7.5 and 1.5 t ha-1, respectively in a yearly sequence. Three levels of nitrogen viz. 0, 75 and 100 kg ha-1 for rice and 0, 80 and 120 kg ha-1 for wheat were applied in this study. Long term application of different organic materials positively increased soil organic carbon and total N, P, S and decreased pH and K, Ca and Mg availability. Increase in soil organic carbon was found maximum under green manure and lowest in rice straw applied soil. The green manure contributed to the maximum accumulation of soil nitrogen. N dose of 80 kg ha-1 was found effective in increasing availability of soil nutrients.
The Thermistor Problem with Hyperbolic Electrical Conductivity
Authors: Durojaye M. O. , Agee J. T.
Published: July 2019

This paper presents the one-dimensional, positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor equation, using the hyperbolic-tangent function as an approximation to the electrical conductivity of the device. The hyperbolic-tangent function describes the qualitative behaviour of the evolving solution of the thermistor in the entire domain. The steady state solution using the new approximation yielded a distribution of device temperature over the spatial dimension and all the phases of the temperature distribution of the device without having to look for a moving boundary. The analysis of the steady state solution and the numerical solution of the unsteady state is presented in the paper.
Modern Fungicides: Mechanisms of Action, Fungal Resistance and Phytotoxic Effects
Authors: Baibakova Ekaterina V. , Nefedjeva Elena E. , Suska-Malawska Małgorzata , Wilk Mateusz , Sevriukova Galina A. , Zheltobriukhov Vladimir F.
Published: July 2019

The establishment of safe and effective methods for controlling fungal diseases is an urgent issue in agriculture and forestry. Fungicide research has provided a wide range of products with new modes of action. Extensive use of these compounds in agriculture enhances public anxiety due to the harmful potential for the environment and human health. Moreover, the phytotoxic effects of some fungicides are already recognized but still little is known about their influence on the photosynthetic apparatus and plant physiology. This review provides an understanding of the mechanisms of action of fungicides, mechanisms of fungicide resistance development, and the phenomenon of phytotoxicity.
Intraoperative Hypertensive Crisis in a Patient with Normotensive Primary Aldosteronism. Lessons from a Clinical Case
Authors: Kuzior Agnieszka , Nivelo-Rivadeneira Manuel Esteban , Fernandez-Trujillo-Comenge Paula , Perdomo-Herrera Esperanza , Tocino-Hernandez Alba Lucia , Martin-Perez Marta , Gonzalez-Diaz Paula , De Aja-Curbelo Maria Victoria Sainz , Santana-Suarez Ana Delia , Martinez-Martin Francisco Javier
Published: July 2019

Primary hyperaldosteronism is the most frequent cause of secondary hypertension. However, it can also be found in apparently normotensive patients, often associated with recurrent hypokalemia and isolated hypertensive episodes.

We hereby present the case of a normotensive 50-year-old female patient with a surgical left kidney mass; however, after anaesthetic induction, surgery was aborted due to a severe hypertensive crisis. She was referred to our Hypertension Outpatient Clinic to rule out pheochromocytoma/ paraganglioma. The anamnesis revealed unexplained episodes of hypokalemia. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring showed normal mean values of blood pressure and heart rate, with an isolated hypertensive peak. Plasma glucose, ions, creatinine, lipids, metanephrines and chromogranin A were normal, but plasma aldosterone was clearly elevated with suppressed plasma renin activity and high aldosterone/renin activity ratio. Primary aldosteronism was confirmed by the captopril test. Abdominal CT was compatible with left adrenal hyperplasia. Treatment with low-dose spironolactone was well tolerated and resulted in normal blood pressure, normokalemia and unsuppressed plasma renin activity. The patient underwent successful laparoscopic removal of a renal oncocytoma. 

We conclude that normotensive primary aldosteronism is not harmless; it can be associated with severe hypokalemia, anxiety, depression, hypertensive crisis and cardiovascular damage. Patients can also develop resistant hypertension. Adequate treatment can decisively improve the survival and quality of life of the patients with primary aldosteronism, but a correct diagnosis is needed first. Therefore, it must be considered as a diagnostic possibility in normotensive patients with unexplained hypokalemia or isolated hypertensive episodes.
A Review: Usage of Biofertilizer in Cereal Crops
Authors: Patra Bishnupriya , Singh Jagdev
Published: July 2019

Productivity of crops under various abiotic stress conditions can be increased through the application of suitable fertilizer levels along with biofertilizers. Nitrogen is one of the most important mineral nutrients for plants, influencing growth but the application of increased doses of N increases cost of production. Thus, there is a need to economies the nitrogen dose for various crops. Use of biofertilizer inoculation is one way to save the nitrogen level in crops and it will help in reducing the cost of production as biofertilizer is a cheap source of nitrogen.
Influence of Heavy Organics Composition on Wax Properties and Flow Behavior of Waxy Crude Oils
Authors: Eke W. I. , Achugasim O. , Ofordile S. E. , Ajienka J. A. , Akaranta O.
Published: July 2019

Paraffinic crude oils are desirable because of their high content of saturated hydrocarbons but may present handling challenges due to crystallization of high molecular weight paraffin at low temperatures. The prediction of wax properties and behavior of waxy crude oil is important in order to adopt appropriate mitigative measures to forestall flow assurance problems associated with wax crystallization and deposition. Accurate predictive models are limited mainly by the sheer complexity of crude oil composition. Result of analysis of saturates, aromatics, resins and asphaltene content of crude oils (SARA) has been used as a simple tool to predict and interpret crude oil properties and behavior but has been found inadequate in predicting wax instability. In this paper, we report on the use of SARA analysis and paraffin distribution data to interpret the wax properties and flow behavior of Niger-Delta crude oils. The crude oil properties determined include wax content, asphaltene and resin content by gravimetry, pour point, wax appearance temperature by cross-polarized microscopy and paraffin carbon number distribution of whole oil and wax precipitate by GC-FID. Asphaltene and resin content were found to influence the oil pour point, while saturates content, paraffin carbon number of crystallizing waxes and wax content control its low-temperature flow properties.
Assessment of Global Solar Radiation at Selected Points in Nigeria Using Artificial Neural Network Model (ANNM)
Authors: Friday Ibeh Gabriel , Udochukwu Bernadette Chidomnso , Igbawua Tertsea , Alaxander Tyovenda , Ndubuisi Ofoma John
Published: July 2019

In this study, spatial distribution, temporal variations, annual distribution, estimation and prediction of solar radiation in Nigeria was carried out using ANNs. Levenberg-Marquardt backpropagation algorithms was used for the training of the network using solar radiation data along the years (1979-2014). The data records were divided into three portions (training, testing and validation). The network processed the available data by dividing it into three portions randomly: 70% for the training, 15% for validation and the remaining 15% for testing. Input parameters were chosen as latitude, longitude, day of the year, year while observed solar radiation was chosen as targeted data (from a processed file). The output parameter was the estimated solar radiation. The network designs were tested with root mean square error and then the most successful network (taken to be best network) which is network with less error was used to carry out the study. The hyperbolic tangent sigmoid transfer function was also used between the input and the hidden layers as activation function, while the linear transfer function was used from hidden layers to the output layer as the activation function. The performance of ANNs was validated by; estimating the difference between the annual measured and estimated values were determined using coefficient of determination (R2). Results revealed that the R2 result was 0.82 (82%). The result of spatial variations indicated that both wet and dry seasons have their highest concentration in North-East of Nigeria. It is pertinent to also note that the lowest concentration occurred in North-West during wet season, while the lowest occurred at the South-South and South-West of Nigeria in dry season. In addition, the lowest in dry season is about 25W/m2, while that of wet season is about 15W/m2. The agreement between the temporal and annual variation of observed and estimated solar radiation reveals that the model exhibits good performance in studying solar radiation. The model was further used to predict two years ahead of the years of study.
Phytochemical Analysis and Antiplasmodial (curative) Activities of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Morinda lucida (Ewe Oruwo) in Male Swiss Mice Infected with Plasmodium berghei NK65
Authors: Oshiobugie Momoh Johnson , Anthony Damazio Olanrewaju , Oladipupo Ajetunmobi Asibiallau , Omosalewa Babalola Adenike , Michael Adekunle Oluwasegun , Olabisi Busari Nafeesat , Aiyegbeni Musa Abdullahi
Published: July 2019

Aim: Medicinal plants have been used for the treatment of many infections and diseases including malaria. The study was conducted to determine the effect of in vivo anti-plasmodial and antioxidant properties of the methanolic leaf extract of Morinda lucida in male Swiss albino mice infected with Plasmodium Berghei NK65.

Study Design and Methodology: Phytochemical, GC-MS and AAS analyses were determined in the plant. Swiss albino mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with Plasmodium berghei NK65. Thirty-five (35) mice were grouped into seven groups, five per group. Group A were not infected with P.berghei NK65. Group B, C and D served as the negative and positive control groups while Group E, F and G mice were treated with 400, 600 and 800 mg/kg body weight of methanolic leaf extract of M. lucida. Haematological parameters were determined in the whole blood using BC-3200 Auto Hematology Analyzer. TP, MDA, CAT, SOD % inhibition, SOD unit and vitamin A were all determined in the liver homogenate using standard procedures.

Results: The GC-MS result of the M. lucida shows the presence of five bioactive compounds. It was also observed that the plant contains the following minerals: iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and copper. Acute toxicity shows that the LD50 >000mg/Kg b.wt. The extract caused 30.96%, 32.93% and 67.23% reduction in parasitemia at 400, 600 and 800 mg/kg body weight respectively while chloroquine exerted 96.53% and artesunate exerted 92.03% reduction at 10 mg/kg body weight respectively. The Haematological parameters showed that the plant extract is not haematotoxic since it significantly (P<0.05) reduced WBC count, and increase RBC, HGB, and HCT values in the treated mice compared to the infected untreated mice. This study shows that the mean lipid peroxidation (MDA) level was significantly decreased in the malaria treated mice (group C, D, E, F and G) compared to the untreated mice (group B). There was also a significant increase in the total protein, catalase, SOD % inhibition, SOD unit and Vitamin A levels in the liver homogenate of animals treated with chloroquine, artesunate and extract of M. lucida compared to the untreated mice.

Conclusions: The study shows that Morinda lucida possess antiplasmodial activity in male Swiss mice infected with Plasmodium berghei NK 65.
Thermoregulation and Haematological Responses to Induced Acute Haemorrhage in Adult Nubian Goats
Authors: Abdalla Selma E. , Abdelatif Abdalla M. , Omer Shadia A.
Published: July 2019

Background and Objectives: Acute haemorrhage is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in surgery and trauma due to ischaemic lesions followed by multiple organ dysfunction. After haemorrhage, compensatory redistribution of blood volume may occur to more vital and survival organs. The objective of the study was evaluation of thermoregulation and haematological responses to acute haemorrhage in Nubian goats.

Materials and Methods: The study used 6 female mature goats, weighing 18.0 kg on average. The goats were subjected to 40% bleeding. The rectal temperature (Tr), respiration rate (RR) and heart rate (HR) were monitored before bleeding and then immediately after bleeding and at 1,2,3,4,5,6,24 hrs post-bleeding. Venous blood samples were collected before and then immediately after bleeding and at 6, 24, 48, 72 hrs post-bleeding. The haemoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), total leukocyte count(TLC), differential leukocyte count (DLC), serum total protein, albumin, and concentrations of sodium (Na) were determined.

Results: The post-bleeding values of Tr, RR and HR were significantly higher compared to the pre-bleeding values. The post-bleeding values of PCV, Hb concentration, erythrocyte count and TLC were lower compared to prebleeding values. The ratios of lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils decreased, whereas the neutrophil ratio increased post-bleeding. The values of serum total protein, albumin and serum Na concentrations decreased post-bleeding.

Conclusion: The studies indicate that the goat can be adopted as a valid research model in investigations of experimental haemorrhage. The findings have implications in the fields of veterinary haematology and surgery and comparative medicine.
Improvement of the Efficacy an WHO Alcohol-based Hand Rub Formulation by Reducing Isopropanol Content and Associating Syzygium aromarticum and Piper nigrum Essential Oils
Authors: Ismail Mahamat , Penlap Veronique , Mbacham Wilfred F. , Kamdem Sylvain Leroy Sado
Published: July 2019

Aim: This work was carried out in order to reduce the isopropanol contain of a World Health Organization (WHO) basic alcohol based hand rub (ABHR) formulation by substituting part of it with ethanol and essential oils.

Study Design: A quasi-experimental design was used, based on WHO basic formulation modification, antimicrobial assessment followed by a panel test and challenge test of the best formulation.

Place and Duration of the Study: The study was carried out in different laboratory of the University of Yaoundé 1 during March 2017 to July 2018.

Methodology: This study was performed by producing different formulations nested from the WHO basic formulation and testing their antimicrobial capacity on selected strains based on the microbial percentage reduction. Following this, the best formulation was compared to two commercial products trough a panel test and later challenged with selected organism (Staphylococcus aureus SR196, Salmonella Typhi 15SA, Escherichia coli ATTC25922 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01) inoculated in the product after different storage periods for one year and the antimicrobial stability assessed on the same strain for the same length of conservation.

Results: The partial substitution of isopropanol with ethanol and Piper nigrum and Syzygium aromaticum essential oils proved to possess more antimicrobial properties than the original WHO formulation. The best formulation caused a 6 Log cells/ml reduction of the initial population compared to the 4 Log cells/ml of the WHO formulation. The product also proved to maintain its activity for one year and to be able to deactivate possible contaminations by Salmonella Typhi 15SA, Staphylococcus aureus NCTC10652, Escherichia coli ATCC25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01.

Conclusion: The present work is a contribution to the improvement of ABHRs and could permit the reduction of hand hygiene associated infections in industries and health care facilities.
Nutrient, Bioactive Components and Effects of Ethanol Extracts of Annona muricata Leaves and Fagara zanthoxyloide Roots on Zidovudine-Induced Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats
Authors: Ekere O. U. , Monago-Ighorodje C. C. , Ogunka-Nnoka C. U.
Published: July 2019

The study was designed to determine the nutrient, bioactive components and the effects of ethanol extracts of the leaves of Annona muricata (AM) and the roots of Fagara zanthoxyloide (FZ) on zidovudine-induced oxidative stress in wistar albino rats. Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups of five rats each. Groups 2-4 were induced with 100 g/ml/Kg bw of zidovudine (ZDV) and varying concentrations of the extracts (group 3 and 4); while group 1 served as the control. The results of the proximate composition of both plants showed the following ranges: moisture (10.32-18.30%), ash (0.65-9.45%), crude protein (1.38-10.54%), crude fat (2.35-9.73%), crude fibre (3.00-15.53%) and carbohydrate (50.19-65.23%). Iron was the highest mineral present in all the samples followed by zinc and calcium for FZ and AM respectively; while folate and ascorbic acid were the highest vitamins present in both samples. Phytochemical composition results revealed higher concentrations of alkaloids, flavonoid and phenols in the leaves and roots of both samples. Acute toxicity study revealed no short term toxicity below 6 g/ml/Kg bw for the leave extract of Annona muricata and 4 g/ml/Kg bw for the root extract of Fagara zanthoxyloide. Administration of zidovudine to albino rats resulted in a significant increase (p≤0.05) in biomarkers of oxidative stress; while subsequent treatment with ethanol extracts of the leaves of AM and roots of FZ reduced the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione. The splenic histology revealed atrophy, early onset necrosis and reduction in sinusoidal pore size in the negative control group which were absent in the extract treatment groups indicating a protective effect conferred by extracts against oxidative stress. The study, therefore suggests that these plants may play some key roles in alleviating salient nutritional, physiological and oxidative stress related challenges.
Gut Microbiota Dysbiotic Pattern and Its Associated Factors in a Cameroonian Cohort with and without HIV Infection
Authors: Ako Simon Eyongabane , Akum Eric Achidi , Assob Jules Clement N. , Nkenfou Céline Nguefeu , Benjamin Pokam Thumamo , Eteneneng Enoh Jude , Nchang Cho Frederick , Mbanya Mbanya Gladice
Published: July 2019

Aims: To compare the gut microbiota dysbiotic pattern between the HIV-negative individual and HIV-positive patients with /or without first-line ARV and cotrimoxazole prophylaxis treatment through culture-dependent technique. And additionally to access the associations of gut microbiota at the genus level with sociodemographic and clinical factors.

Study Design:  This was a cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Participants were selected from the South West region at the Buea Regional Hospital UPEC unit. The study spanned from August 2018 to April 2019.

Methodology: We included 160 participants. Fecal and blood samples were collected from HIV-negative individuals (n=40), HIV-positive treatment naïve (n=40), HIV-positive + ARV (n=40) and HIV-positive + ARV + Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis (n=40). A self-structured questionnaire was administered to collect sociodemographic data. The stool samples were plated using three non-selective and ten selective media and colonies were identified using biochemical characterization methods. The CD4+ T cells (cells/mm3) count were evaluated with BD FACSCount System. Data were analysed using SPSS version 21. Categorical variables were analysed using the Chi-square test and multinomial Logistic regression analysis was used to verify associations between variables.

Results: The HIV-treatment naïve individual fecal samples showed a significantly increased growth occurrence for Candida (P < .001) and Fusobacteria (P < .001); and a decreased growth occurrence for Enterobacteriaceae family (P < .001), Staphylococcus (P < .001), Lactobacillus (P < .001) and Bifidobacteria (P < .001) compared to those of HIV-negative individuals. HIV-positive individuals on ARV and Cotrimoxazole had their stool samples showing a significantly decreased growth occurrence for Escherichia (P = .014), Salmonella (P = .002) and Staphylococcus (P = .04) compared to HIV-positive patients on ARV only. Increased growth occurrence of particular gut microbiota among participants was more likely associated with age, origin, residence community, occupation, drink, diet, and CD4+T cell count.

Conclusion: Our findings uncover dysbiotic changes at the genus level in the gut through culture-dependent technique in an adult Cameroonian population. The study enriched our insight on the effect of ART and cotrimoxazole prophylaxis in promoting dysbiosis towards a positive outcome by lowering pathobionts levels. Additionally, we revealed associations of sociodemographic and clinical factors with the occurrence of particular gut microbiota, thus reiterating the need for more in-depth and longitudinal studies to corroborate our findings.
Evaluation of Nephroprotective Properties of Aqueous and Hydroethanolic Extracts of Crinum scillifolium against Gentamicin Induced Renal Dysfunction in the Albino Rats
Authors: Bienvenu Koffi Francis , Cyril Droucoula Guillaume , Florian Yessoh Bogui , Felix Yapi Houphouët , Timothée Okpekon Aboua
Published: July 2019

Aims: Gentamicin, a widely used aminoglycoside antibiotic, is recognized as possessing significant nephrotoxic potential in human beings. The aim of this study was to determine the protective effect of aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of Crinum scillifolium on gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity using biochemical approaches and determined the most active extract in rat.

Study Design: The leaves of Crinum scillifolium were collected in the district of Me (Côte d’Ivoire). The plant was identified and authenticated by the Department of Botany, Felix Houphouet Boigny University of Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire).

Place and Duration of Study: Analysis of the plant samples was done in pharmacodynamics Biochemistry Laboratory, Felix Houphouet Boigny University and the Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Natural Substances, Felix Houphouet Boigny University between July and August 2018.

Methodology: The extractions were execcuted by macerating 100 g of plant dry powder in 1 liter of distilled water (aqueous extraction) or in 2 liters of water / ethanol mixture (30/70 V / (ethanol extraction). The animals were divided according to weight in seven groups each of six rats. The nephroprotective effects were estimated by comparing the effects of the extracts (100 and 200 mg / kg) to that of vitamin E (250 mg / kg) against gentamicin-induced renal failure by (80 mg / kg). Gentamicin is administered to the animals one hour after treatment with the extracts for seven days.

Results: The administration of gentamicin through intraperitoneal route to rats for seven days, resulted in an increase in urea and creatinine concentrations as well as decrease of total protein concentration in the serum. The level of total protein and albumin increased in urine after administration of gentamicin. The treatment of animals suffering from nephrotoxicity with Hydroethanolic and aqueous extracts of Crinum scillifolium would have significantly reduced (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01) biochemical parameters considered as markers of nephrotoxicity.

Conclusion: This study proved that the aqueous extract of Crinum scillifolium possesses a nephroprotective activity against gentamicin-induced kidney failure in rats. So aqueous extract can be useful for preventives applications.
Malaria in Pregnancy: Prevalence and Risk Factors in the Mamfe Health District, Cameroon
Authors: Elime Felix Amate , Nkenyi N. Rene , Ako-Egbe Luis , Njunda Ann , Nsagha Dickson
Published: July 2019

Background and Aim: Malaria remains a major public health problem and a global threat to humanity especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In a bit to combat malaria in Cameroon, about 8million Cameroonian received the insecticide treating nets (ITNs) in 2011. However, hospital based reported prevalence of malaria still remains high. Our objective was to determine the community based prevalence and possible risk factors of malaria in pregnancy in the Mamfe health district, south west region-Cameroon.

Methods: This was a community-based cross-sectional study involving 269 pregnant women in the Mamfe health district of Cameroon. Three out of the 5 health areas were randomly selected and pregnant women were later sampled by convenience and an interviewer administered questionnaire was done. Also rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for malaria was done for all the participants. Data was analysed using Epi info version 3.5.4 at a level of error of 5%.

Results: Of the 269 pregnant women who took part in the study, 106 (39.6%) were positive for malaria. Risk factors associated with developing malaria among them were: presence of mosquito breeding sites (OR=0.001, 95%CI; 0.02-0.27, p-value=0.001), not sleeping under Insecticide treated nets(ITNs) (OR=0.01, 95%CI; 0.01-0.03, p-value=0.001), bushes around houses (OR=0.24, 95%CI; 0.07-0.79, p-value=0.02) and not taking intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) (OR=0.08, 95%CI; 0.01-0.49 p-value=0.01). Majority of participant knew malaria can be prevented by sleeping under ITNs 75% (95%CI; 69.9-80.5) and uptake of IPT 23.8% (95%CI; 18.8-29.2).

Conclusion: Prevalence of malaria in pregnancy in the Mamfe health district is higher than reported by the regional delegation of public health for the south west. Risk factors include: mosquito breeding sites, bushes around compound, not taking IPT and none use bed nets are known to pregnant women. Interventions to fight against malaria in pregnancy should target intensification of health education on environmental hygiene and use of ITNs.
“Black Ink” Sonographic Pattern as a Predictor for Invasive Papillary Thyroid Micro Carcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Trapanese Ersilio , Angrisani Basilio , Angrisani Alberto , D’Arco Ermanno , Agrusta Mariano , Bartolomeis Carmine De , Laudati Stefano , Tarro Giulio
Published: July 2019

Background: This study investigated the utility of the Sonographic pattern "Black Ink" with BRAF mutation testing of thyroid fine-needle aspiration cytology specimens for the risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC).

Case Presentation: We describe a case of a 41-year-old Caucasian woman affected by a ultrasonography “Black Ink” papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) of the left lobe of the thyroid gland with very tiny size (Ø 0.4 cm). The characteristics, with the Diagnostic Imaging using Ultrasonography (US), Superb Micro-Vascular Imaging (SMI), fine-needle-aspiration cytology (FNAC) and mutation analysis are here discussed. There are more rare subtypes of thyroid cancer as papillary microcarcinoma "Black Ink" that even if small, are invasive and there is why the need to early diagnosis to avoid their aggressive behavior is needed. Nowadays, focusing on the size, the cut-off for non-occult tiny tumors has dropped to 0.3 cm. This value is of great relevance.

Conclusion: Ultrasonography, FNAC and BRAF molecular study have proven to be the most sensitive diagnostic combination for the early detection of thyroid cancer. Despite the size of this micro-lesion, the Black Ink ultrasonographic pattern associated with malignant cytology at FNAC represents an important biological risk factor and could still be a predictor of the PTMC and risk for neck lymph node metastases.
Sensory Evaluation of Shrimp Flavored Nile Tilapia Mortadella
Authors: Filho R. Bernadino , Silva O. S. , Queiroga A. X. M. , Oliveira S. N. , Oliveira M. N. , Vasconcelos U. A. A.
Published: July 2019

Objectives: The aim was to develop and evaluate the microbiological and sensory characteristics of a mortadella made from mechanically separated shrimp flavored Nile Tilapia.

Study Design: In the data generated in the acceptance test of the mortadellas, the averages and standard deviations were calculated and the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was subsequently performed, the averages were compared by the Tukey test, at the level of 5% significance.

Place and Duration of Study: Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Department of Graduate Studies in Process Engineering, between January 2017 and May 2018.

Methodology: Three mortadellas formulations were developed with varying concentrations of shrimp flavored aromatic extract. In formulation M0.5 0.5% was added, in formulation M0.75, 0.75%, and in formulation M1 1% of aromatic extract. In the microbiological analyses, Staphylococcus coagulase-positive, Salmonella sp. and Coliforms at 45°C were determined. Acceptance and purchase intention tests were performed with 100 untrained judges.

Results: All formulations presented microbiological characteristics within the standards established by the legislation in Brazil. The sensory tests indicated a good acceptance of all mortadellas samples, achieving an acceptability rate of 85.97% for formulation M1, and 84.42% and 80.25% for formulations M0.75 and M0.5 respectively. The addition of higher concentrations of aromatic extract had a positive influence on the acceptance of the products. For the purchase intention test, M0,75 and M1 formulations were statistically equal (p<0.05) and had a better evaluation with averages of 4.32 and 4.38 respectively, corresponding to the term "I would possibly buy".

Conclusion: It can be presumed that the formulations developed are an alternative to add value to the residues from the processing of tilapia filleting, and can be used in the elaboration of mortadella with healthier and more nutritious characteristics and with a possible acceptability for marketing.
Assessing the Need for and Constraints to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Integration in the Teaching and Learning of Tourism at Higher Education Institutions in Kenya
Authors: Kinyanjui D. N.
Published: July 2019

The aim of the current paper is to provide an extensive review of the theoretical and empirical literature that justifies the need for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the teaching and learning of tourism in the Kenyan institutions of higher learning. Further, a review of existing constraints is also explained using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) which has proved to be a suitable theoretical model in helping to explain and predict user behaviour of information technology and subsequently proposes the way forward towards enhanced integration. This study examines literature review that reveals the different points of view in relation to the integration of ICT in teaching and learning in tourism higher education institutions in Kenya. Specifically this paper sought to establish the various ICT resources applicable in tourism education, determine the benefits of integrating ICT in tourism education and lastly establish the external factors and user based factors that influence or constrain acceptance of ICT in tourism education in higher institutions and recommend the way forward.

The findings from the literature reviewed indicates that, the use of ICTs transforms the teaching and learning experience by changing the manner in which the tourism and hospitality skills and knowledge is acquired.  However, the need for more appropriate modes of delivery to make the tourism education programmes more convenient for the modern student is quite crucial. Findings further showed that students are willing to adapt and use ICTs for learning but there are numerous barriers that are either user or institutional based. It was established that institutions are slow to implement their use while lecturers are slow to adapt to their use. Other barriers to the integration of instructional technology into higher education that were identified included poor technology infrastructure, lack of proper institutional policies on ICT use and minimal low computer use competency. Further, many higher online educational institutions had failed due to the high cost of technology, poor decisions, competition, and the absence of a business strategy.  Consequently, many universities that provide e-learning face enormous difficulty in achieving successful strategies, including the delivery, effectiveness, and acceptance of the courses. To effectively utilise ICT in tourism teaching and learning in Higher Education Institutions (IHEIs) will require proper network infrastructures, increased computer to student ratios, good Internet connectivity speeds with high availability as well as technical support for the users. There is also a need for a change in the tourism curriculum to integrate the use of ICTs in teaching and learning while at the same time, enhance policies that recognise and award those who use of ICTs for teaching.
Magnetic Susceptibility Mapping of Rocks and Depth Estimation of Anomalies: A Case Study of Igarra and Its Environs
Authors: Nwugha V. N. , Ikoro D. O. , Okeke-Oguegbe C. N. , Ezebunanwa A. C.
Published: July 2019

Magnetic Susceptibility Mapping and Depth Estimation of Anomalies were carried out on Igarra and its environs, Southwest Nigeria. This was to assist in mineral exploration in the area. The study area is located within the Igarra schist belt which is underlain by rocks of Precambrian basement complex. The Total Magnetic Field over the study area was obtained by digitizing the aeromagnetic map of Auchi (Sheet 226) acquired from the Nigerian Geologic Survey Agency (NGSA). A total of 19 (nineteen) magnetic anomalies were identified on the map; 5 magnetic highs and 14 lows. 8 anomalies have a NW-SE strike direction, 4 in the NE-SW and 7 in the E-W direction. The amplitude of the anomalies and strength of the total field were used to determine the susceptibility values for each of the anomalies. The Susceptibility values were used to generate a Magnetic Susceptibility map of the study area on SURFER 13 software. TMI plots on the anomalies were carried out on MICROSOFT EXCEL 2010. Depth estimates of the anomalies were got using three methods: The Half Width rule, Hannel rule and Tirburg rule. The Susceptibility map shows a noticeable pattern of increase in magnetic minerals from the Southwestern to the Northeastern part of the map. The Depth of the basement anomalies were relatively shallow ranging from 0.8 km to 2.6 km. The results of this work provide a preliminary guide to those that engage in mineral exploration / exploitation in the area.
Photographic Changes in the Alar Base Width in Using Modified Alar Cinch Technique Following Lefort I Osteotomy: A Narrative Review
Authors: Momeni Mehrnoush , Mortazavi Seyed Mostafa
Published: July 2019

Introduction: The alar cinch techniques are used in order to control the alar base widening following Le Fort I surgeries. Three main alar cinch techniques include classic, Shams-Kalantar and modified techniques. There is scarcity of scientific literature regarding the modified technique therefore, this review was conducted to assess the photographic changes in the alar base width following Lefort I osteotomy using the modified Cinch technique.

Methods: Literature search was performed using the “Modified”, “alar base”, “Lefort I osteotomy” keywords in the Web od Science, PubMed and Scopus databases. Articles published between 2010 till Jun 2019 were included in the study. Identified articles were screened based on inclusion and exclusion criteria by two researchers independently and the identified articles were discussed afterwards.

Results: The search yielded 7 articles in English language. The findings of all the included studies revealed that the modified technique was as effective as the classic and Shams-Kalantar techniques. Furthermore, it was reported that the modified technique was more effective in controlling the alar base width in case of alar base flaring.

Conclusion: The findings of this review revealed that the modified cinch technique was more effective compared to other techniques. In conclusion, the advantages of the modified technique including better control of the alar base width and improved patient satisfaction following orthognathic surgery out power its disadvantages.
Exploring Social Media as a Strategy for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Performance: Evidence from Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Ladokun I. O.
Published: July 2019

This study explored the role of social media strategy in the performance of SMEs in Oyo state, Nigeria. Specifically the study identified the various types of SMEs using Social Media for marketing, examined the relationship between social medial strategy and SMEs performance, and determined the factors influencing adopting social medial strategy by SMEs in Nigeria. The population of this study was comprised one thousand four thousand and fifty eight (1,458) SMEs that registered with the SMEDAN, while one hundred and thirty two (132) was selected as a sample size for the study. The data collection instrument for the study was a structured questionnaire and personal interview. Data analysis was performed with the aid of descriptive and inferential statistics. The result showed that Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are the major social media employed by the SMEs to exploit competitive advantage. The result also revealed that build brand awareness, promote products and/or services, and collect customers feedback are the majors principal factors influencing adoption of the social media strategy by SMEs. In conclusion, the study confirmed that there a significant relationship between social medial strategy and SMEs performance. Subsequently, the study recommended that Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria should sensitize the SMEs operators on how to make use of social media strategy and benefits accrued to its usage. Also, government should provide conducive business environment that will enable SMEs to thrive.
Design of Wavy Ag Microwire Array for Mechanically Stable, Multimodal Vibrational Haptic Interface
Authors: Kang Joohoon , Park Jae Hoon , Choi Dong‐Soo , Kim Do Hwan , Kim Sang‐Youn , Cho Jeong Ho
Published: July 2019

A vibrotactile interface is an actuator device to convey haptic information intuitively from electronics to users. For the next‐generation of user‐friendly interface applications, the vibrotactile actuator is required to be vibration intensity/frequency controllable, mechanically stable, transparent, and have large scalability. Previously, although these requirements are satisfied via several approaches using a random network film of Ag wires or a mixture with conductive polymers, the random‐network‐based materials only have limited control on material density and uniformity, which in turn hinders precise control over vibration intensity and device transparency. Here, a new approach to assemble large‐scale Ag microwire arrays is demonstrated by involving an evaporative assembly method and is presented to overcome the current limitations. In particular, the 1D wavy structure derived from fractal designs promotes vibration intensity and cycling due to greater areal coverage and improved mechanical stability. Furthermore, by taking advantage of the precisely aligned microwires array, tunable multimode vibration frequencies are obtained by generating two different voltage frequencies. The large‐scale wavy Ag microwire array with precise spatial controllability will be directly adaptable as a user‐friendly interface in electronic applications like wearable devices, computer interfaces, and flexible mobile phones.