bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum metabolites of broilers fed graded levels of beniseed (Sesamum indicum L.) waste meal in place of maize (Zea mays linn)
Authors: Olajide R. , Oyewumi O.O.
Published: August 2020

A 56-day feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary replacement of maize with beniseed waste meal (BSW) on the carcass  characteristics, organs weights, hematological and serum biochemical indices of broiler chicken. A total of 180 days old Marshal broiler chicks were randomly allotted to six treatments, each having three replicates of ten birds per replicate. Six experimental diets were formulated as follows; D1 (100% Maize: 0% BSW), D2 (80% Maize: 20% BSW), D3 (60% Maize: 40% BSW), D4 (40% Maize: 60% BSW), D5 (20% Maize: 80% BSW) and D6 (0% Maize: 100% BSW) for both broiler starters and finishers. The live weight, eviscerated weight, dressed weight, neck, thigh, wings and lower back weights were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the dietary treatments. The highest percentage dressed weight (63.52) obtained in D3 (40% BSW) was significantly (P < 0.05) different from 60.87 (0% BSW), 61.68 (20% BSW) 60.00 (60% BSW), 55.18 (80% BSW) and 56.52 (100% BSW). The organs (lungs, liver, kidney, intestine, gizzard and proventriculus) monitored were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the dietary treatments. Heart, pancreas and spleen were similar among the treatments. The serum biochemistry and haematological parameters measured were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by the dietary treatments. It was concluded that maize could be safely replaced with beniseed waste meal up to 100% level (55% BSW) in broilers diets.

Key words: beniseed waste meal, maize, broilers, barcass, health status
Association between Biogas Quality and Digester Temperature for Selected Animal Dung-Aided Water Hyacinth Digestion Mixes
Authors: Ojo O.M. , Babatola J.O.
Published: August 2020

In this study, the association between biogas qulaity and digester temperature for selected animal dung-aided water hyacinth digestion mixes was  evaluated. Substrates utilized in this study are water hyacinth (WH), poultry manure (PM) and cow dung (CD) and pig dung (PD). Thirty-one (31) co-digestion mix ratios were used in this study. The temperature ranged from 28.6 to 32.2 0C for the PD-aided WH digestion, 28.2 to 31.4 0C for the CD-aided WH digestion and 28.2 to 31.8 0C for the PM-aided WH digestion. This shows that the digestion process occurred within the mesophilic  temperature range. The data obtained were analyzed using non-linear parameter estimation. The results revealed that the PM-aided WH mix produced more gas but with less methane content compared to the CDaided and PD-aided WH digestion mix. The results further revealed that the best quality of gas produced by the PD-aided WH digestion. The association between the temperature and gas quality was positive suggesting that an increase in temperature within the digestion leads to an increase in the quality of gas produced.

Keywords: Biogas quality, temperature, co-digestion, animal dung, water hyacinth
Diversity of Bacteria and Fungi Associated with Freshwater Fishes from Mijawal River, Nasarawa, Nigeria
Authors: Adamu K.M. , Muhammad H. , Ahmad S.U. , Ahmad M.M. , Yakubu A.M.
Published: August 2020

Understudying the presence of bacteria and fungi population on freshwater fishes, provides the knowledge and understanding of their diversity and potential roles they may play in the health of the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The present study was conducted to evaluate the diversity of bacteria and fungi species of identified fish samples from River Mijawal, Nasarawa State. The fishes were sampled from the only landing for three months (October to December, 2019) for this study. During the sampling periods, thirteen (13) different fish species were identified; they were  swabbed with sterilized swab stick from the skin surface for bacteria and fungi identification. The Dominant fish species were Tilapia zillii, Labeo senegalensis, Mormyrus rume and Mormyrus tapines. The total number of thirteen (13) bacterial and five (5) fungi species were isolated and  identified. Eight (8) of the bacteria isolates, were gram negative bacteria (Pseudomonas sp, Aeromonas sp, Serratia mercescenes, Proteus sp, Salmonella spp, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp, and Enterobacter sp.); whilst the other five (5) were gram positive bacteria (Bacillus sp, Micrococcus sp, Staphylococcus sp, Enterococcus sp and Listeria monocytogenes).The five isolated fungi species were Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus sp, Penicillium  sp, Trichoderma viridae and Geotrichum candidum. The frequency of occurrence of the isolated bacteria indicated that Staphylococcus sp had the highest frequency of occurrence (16.67%) while Serratia mercescens had the least occurrence (2.78%). The highest number of occurrence of the isolated fungi species was observed in Rhizopus sp while the least was recorded in Geotricum candidum. It was observed that Tilapia zillii and  Mormyrus rume had the most frequent bacteria and fungi isolates. It can therefore be deduced from the results that fish samples identified from River Mijawal has high bacteria and fungi diversity that may be pathogenic to man. The occurrence of these microbes may be attributed of human  and animal faeces in the River 

Keywords: Freshwater fishes, Microbes, River Mijawal, Nasarawa
Construction of Mass Balances of Cocaine in Batch Studies for the Sewage Treatment Works
Authors: Mustapha A.O. , Adeyemi D.A.
Published: August 2020

The desired approach at safeguarding the environment both in control and effective monitoring of chemical discharges is the use of mass balances to account for inflow/outflow of pollutants. Whereas the previous studies were based on several assumptions, the batch studies enabled the construction of mass balances for the Sewage Treatment Work (STWs) using the removal rate data. This study, for the first time measures the rates of removal of cocaine in an STW, and the calculated mass balances were obtained from the removal rate data that were generated. The result of cocaine initial influent of 50 mg L-1 after after 2 hour hydraulic retention times (HRT) produced the final effluents of 110 mg L-1. Projected influent concentrations of cocaine (14, 471 ng L-1) were derived from back-calculation from final effluent concentrations. A useful tool that accounts for the mass-flow of trace drugs in the aquatic environment with minimal errors often due to sampling logistics and desludging process has been provided in this model of mass balance calculations in STWs.

Keywords: removal rate, effluent, influent, mass balance, sewage treatment work, cocaine
Thermo-Mechanical Analysis of Aluminium Silicon Carbide Composite Materials
Authors: Ekpu M.
Published: August 2020

In recent years, composite materials have dominated the electronics industries and other manufacturing industries. Hence, composite materials like aluminium silicon carbide (AlSiC), has been employed to produce heat sinks, which are used mainly to manage heat in electronic devices. However, thermal fatigue of such composite material is a major challenge in maintaining reliability of the device. This paper investigates the  thermomechanical effect of AlSiC composite materials. Finite element method (FEM) was used in the analyses of the composite materials based on the particulate inclusions between 10 – 50% compositions. The thermal profile (-40oC to 85oC) employed in this study is used commercially for consumer products. The fatigue life of the composite material which is based on the stresses and strains parameters were obtained and evaluated. The results from this investigation suggests that the deformations, strains, and stresses reduced with increase in the percentage of particulate inclusions. Also, the fatigue life of the composite material showed that the reliability of the material is increased with higher inclusions. This  investigation demonstrated that 50% particulate inclusions has a better number of cycles to fatigue failure (5.09E+04) when compare to other inclusions. While 10% inclusions has the least fatigue life (4.39E+04) based on this investigation.

Keywords: composite material; temperature profile; silicon carbide; thermal fatigue
Well Water Quality Assessment: A Case of Gaba and Zuma Communities, Bwari Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Ezeh C.C. , Udourioh G.A. , Echoke J.C. , Matthews-Amune O.C.
Published: August 2020

The sixth Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) underscores the need for clean, accessible water and good sanitation for all as an essential part of the world we live in. However, water scarcity still affects more than 30% of the world’s population. Many communities, especially in Africa, have resorted to substandard and cheaper sources of water for consumption, and hand dug well is one of them. In this study, the physicochemical, biochemical and microbiological assessment of well water samples from Gaba 1, Gaba 11 and Zuma 11 communities in Bwari Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria were carried out as a case study to determine the quality of well water. The American Public Health Association (APHA) standard analytical methods were adopted and results were compared with the World Health Organization (WHO) standards and Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ). From the results obtained for the physicochemical parameters, turbidity and colour did not meet up with the WHO and NSDWQ standard. Colour ranged from 330±20PtCo to 57.60±14.50PtCo as against 15PtCo by WHO and NSDWQ, turbidity ranged from 45.2±0.2NTU to 7.19±0.4NTU as against 5NTU by WHO and NSDWQ. Other physicochemical parameters were within WHO and NSDWQ limit. The bacteriological and biochemical results showed the presence of E-coli and other coliforms in all the samples. The total coliforms count for all the wells ranged from 1.55x102 to 1.775x102 CFU/ml, indicating a noncompliance to the zero count per 100ml by WHO. Well water from these communities pose a great health risk to the consumers.

Keywords: Well water, Quality assessment, Physicochemical parameters, Microbiological, WHO.
Biodegradation of Hydrocarbons by Bacillus cereus Isolated from Indoor and Outdoor Air of Selected Hospitals in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Authors: Adetitun D.O. , Tomilayo R.B. , Oguntoye M.B. , Raheem A.A.
Published: August 2020

Indoor and outdoor air of five (5) hospitals in Ilorin, Kwara state were sampled using settling plate method to isolate fifteen (15) bacteria. Bacillus cereus was the identified spore former. Biodegradation performance of Bacillus cereus on hexadecane and heptane using Mineral Salts Medium  (MSM) was studied for 20 days at four days interval using the Jenway 6320D Spectrophotometer to assess the optical density. The degradation and utilization of the hydrocarbons occurred before the fourth day with readings for optical density obtained as 1.051nm and 0.820nm for hexadecane and heptane respectively. After day 4, there was a sharp decline in the utilization of hydrocarbons. A second experiment was setup for optical density with heptane and decane utilization being checked daily for a period of 5days. Bacillus cereus utilized the hydrocarbons till the fourth day as the optical density dropped on the fifth day. The readings for decane obtained on day 4 and day 5 were 0.431nm and 0.338nm respectively. Also, there was a decline in the readings of heptane from 0.451nm obtained on day 4 to 0.343nm obtained on day 5. This study shows that Bacillus cereus is promising in the biodegradation of alkanes and can also be utilized to clean up pollution from petroleum spill which is becoming a prevalent ecological hazard.

Keywords: Air, Bacillus cereus, Biodegradation, Hospitals, Hydrocarbons
Effect of Processing Techniques on the Degradability Characteristics of Acacia Acacia hockii) Leaf
Authors: Aruwayo A. , Shehu T.M. , Adeleke R.A. , Salisu U.S. , Jamilu Y.R.
Published: August 2020

This experiment was conducted at the Federal University Dutsin-ma Livestock Teaching and Research Farm in Dutsin-ma Local Government area of Katsina State, Nigeria. The study was meant to ascertain the effect of processing techniques on crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) degradation characteristics of three differently processed Acacia hockii leaf meal (ensiled (T1), sun dried (T2) and fresh (T30) incubated in the rumen of five rams at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48hrs. Acacia hockii leaves were collected from Dutsin-ma town and used in the  experiment as as fresh leaves, sun-dried and ensiled. Five rams with average live weight of 20kg were fistulated and used as replicates in a  completely randomized design (CRD). They were fed with groundnut haulms, maize offal and cowpea husk in ad libitum at a ratio of 70%:30% respectively along with other management practices. The results of the rumen degradation characteristics showed that there was a significant (p<0.05) difference in the soluble fraction of crude protein, acid detergent fibre and neutral detergent fibre degradation among the treatments. There was also a significance (p<0.05) difference between the outflow rates of effective crude protein digestibility, effective acid detergent digestibility and effective neutral detergent digestibility. It was concluded from the study that ensiling and drying methods of processing reduces the ant-nutritional factors and the consequent better degradability of T1 and T2. However, the results of the study also revealed that ensiling is more effective than drying hence the better degradability recorded of crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and the effective passage rate.

Keyword: Digestibility, degradability, ensile, leaf
A Comparative Evaluation of Fast Dissolving Tablets of Acetaminophen Using Super-disintegrant Blends and Sublimation Method
Authors: Eraga S.O. , Okolo C.M. , Odionyenma B.U. , Mbadugha C.E. , Iwuagwu M.A.
Published: August 2020

Fast disintegrating tablets (FDTs) are gaining prominence as drug delivery systems and emerging as one of the popular and widely accepted dosage forms, especially for the peadiatric and geriatric patients. This study aims to evaluate and compare the tablet properties of fast disintegrating tablets of acetaminophen prepared by super-disintegrant blends and sublimation methods. Two groups of tablets comprising various batches were prepared by wet granulation. Granules batches of one group of tablets (A-G) were prepared with different concentrations of sodium starch glycolate and croscarmellose sodium while the other group of tablets (H-N) were incorporated with varying concentrations of menthol into the batches. The granules were subjected to analysis and compressed into tablets. The post-compression parameters of the tablets such as weight uniformity, crushing strength, friability, wetting and disintegration times, as well as dissolution studies were evaluated. Drug-excipient compatibility studies using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis was also carried out. Granules were fair to good in flow with Carr’s indices ≤ 20.14 and angles of repose ranging from 21.34 to 35.00°. Tablets crushing strength values were between 3.44 to 8.26 kp while their friability values were < 1.52%. They showed wetting and disintegration times that were ≥ 0.18 and ≥ 0.25 min. Dissolution studies showed that four batches of tablets (two from each method used in formulation) achieved 100% drug release within 30 min. FTIR analysis shows no interactions between acetaminophen and excipients used in formulation. Tablets from both methods were comparable in their tablet properties but the disintegrant blend tablets exhibited superior crushing strengths, hence formed harder tablets, while the sublimation method tablets were superior in their wetting and disintegration times.

Keywords: acetaminophen, super-disintegrants, sublimation, tablet parameters
Analytical comparison of the phytochemical composition and antioxdant actvity of methanol extracts derived from Alchornia cordifolia and Corchorus olitorius
Authors: Ikponmwosa-Eweka Omorede , Austin Eromosele I. , Eluehike Nkeiruka , Orumwensodia Kissinger Obasogie
Published: August 2020

Oxidative stress is an underlying pathological state in cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Medicinal plants are considered to be potential remedies for attenuating oxidative stress in these pathologies because they possess antioxidants. Thus, the quantity and activity of antioxidants in Alchornia cordifolia and Corchorus olitorius methanol leave extracts were evaluated in this study using phytochemical screening, 1,1 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)free radical-scavenging ability, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and reducing power assays. Qualitative phytochemical analysis showed that the two plant extracts had alkaloids, saponins, reducing sugar, terpenoids, flavonoids and tannins. While the quantitative phytochemical test revealed a greater presence of total flavonoids and proanthocyanidins (p<0.05) in Corchorus olitorius methanol extract compared to A. cordifolia methanol extract. Contrastingly, the quantities of total tannins and phenols were higher in Alchornia cordifolia methanol extract than in Corhorus olitorius extract. The capacity of Alchornia cordifolia to mop up DPPH (IC50= 0.01μg/mL) was greater than that of ascorbic acid (IC50= 0.055μg/mL) and C. olitorius extract (IC50= 33.10μg/mL) respectively. Ferric reducing potential of C. olitorius (479.80μM Fe(II)/g and A. cordifolia methanol extracts(510 μM Fe(II)/g) were significantly lower (p<0.05) than what was obtained for ascorbic acid (1005μM Fe(II)/g). A. cordifolia methanol extract demonstrated higher reducing power than C. olitorius methanol extract at identical concentrations. Our findings indicated that Alchornia cordifolia could be used as a rich source of antioxidants to alleviate oxidative stress underlying many chronic diseases.

Keywords: Alchornia cordifolia, Corchorus olitorius, phytochemicals, antioxidants
Synthesis, Characterization and evaluation of Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial Properties of some Cinnamic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Jacob B.B , Baba H. , Oluwadiya J.O.
Published: August 2020

Background: Cinnamic acid and derivatives are widely spread in plants. They are important intermediates in the synthesis of many aromatic compounds and are known to have diverse biological activities.Objectives: To synthesize, characterize and evaluate some cinnamic acid derivatives, for possible antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities.Material and methods: Different cinnamic acid derivatives were synthesized by Knoevenagel condensation reaction between malonic acid and various derivatives of benzaldehydes in the presence of pyridine and hydrochloric acid. The cinnamic acid epoxide was formed in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and KOH, while dihydro-cinnamic acid and paramethoxy-dihydro-cinnamic acids were formed by reducing cinnamic acid and paramthoxy-cinnamic acid respectively with raney nickel in the presence of 10% KOH. The final products were purified on column chromatography (CC), eluting with petroleum spirit/ethyl acetate. All the synthesized compounds were unequivocally characterized using the combination of UV-Vis Spectroscopy, infra-red (FTIR), 1H and 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. In-vivo anti-inflammatory activities of the synthesized compounds was investigated using egg albumin-induced paw oedema in rat; while antimicrobial activity was evaluated by agar diffusion method.Results: The compounds were obtained in high yield (30 – 97 %) and purity. 3,4-dioxomethylene cinnamic acid produced the highest (60.8%) and significant (p < 0.05) anti-inflammatory effect at the 2nd hour of the highest dose. Dihydro-cinnamic acid and cinnamic acid epoxide with 4mg/kg dose produced 55.5% and 54.9% inhibition of inflammation respectively at the second hour, while para-methoxy-cinnamic acid at the second hour with 2 mg/kg dose level produced 54.0% inhibition. The reference compound; diclofenac produced no significant inhibition of inflammation at 4mg/kg dose level. All the compounds showed mild antimicrobial activities against the tested organisms.Conclusion: The findings from the study indicate that the synthesized compounds possess mild anti-inflammatory, with weak antibacterial and antifungal activities.

Keywords: anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cinnamic acid derivatives, Knoevenagel
Characterization of microemulsions formulated from naturally and chemically extracted oils from Cocos nucifera Linne
Authors: Adetunji O.A. , Adesanwo B. , Odeniyi O.A.
Published: August 2020

Background: Oil derived from Cocos nucifera Linne (CNL) has been used in formulating creams; however, its use in formulation of microemulsion is not well documented in literature.Objective: Oils obtained from CNL were characterized, used in the formulation of microemulsions and were evaluated for their antimicrobial properties in comparison with Castor oil BP (CO) and commercially available coconut oil (CACO).Methodology: Oil from CNL was extracted by maceration in hot – water and petroleum ether to yield naturally extracted oil (NEO) and chemically extracted oil (CEO) respectively. The NEO and CEO were used in formulating microemulsions containing pre-determined ratios (3:7, 1:1, 9:1) of oil to surfactant mix (Smix) [containing polyethylene glycol: Tween 80® at ratio 2:1] Characterization of NEO, CEO and microemulsions were carried out using elemental constituents, rheology, physico-and phyto-chemical analysis, thermal stability and antimicrobial profiles as parameters. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA at p<0.05Results: The NEO and CEO contained antraquinones and terpenoids, but were devoid of lead, copper, zinc, alkaloids, saponins, cardiac glycosides and flavonoids. Viscosity profiles were in the order CO>CEO>CACO>NEO. The microemulsions were in the size range 54.24±0.26-89.08±0.07 μm. Microemulsions of oil:Smix (3:7) were the most stable. Inhibition ranking was Candida sp.D25 (CEO:Smix>CACO: Smix>NEO: Smix>NEO>CO>CEO), Candida sp.D33 (CEO = CO>CACO: Smix=NEO>CEO:Smix=NEO:Smix), Staphylococcus sp.DS2 (NEO>CO>CACO:Smix>NEO: Smix>CEO: Smix=CEO) and Pseudomonas sp.DP8 (NEO:Smix>CO>CACO:Smix>CEO:Smix=NEO > CEO).Conclusion: Oil derived from CNL has good potentials as an excipient in the formulation of microemulsions and the method of oil extraction had a significant effect on the antimicrobial activities and on the microemulsions formulated using the oils.

Keywords: Coconut oil, extraction method, castor oil, microemulsions, antimicrobial properties.
Application of Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract (Mose) in the Removal of Heavy Metals from Tannery Wastewater
Authors: Tanko M.A. , Sanda B.Y. , Bichi M.H.
Published: August 2020

The main focus of this research work is to investigate the possibility of applying Moringa oleifera seed extract for the removal of heavy metals from tannery wastewater. Samples were collected from effluent discharge points of the GB tannery, Muhaza tannery and Z-tannery which are located in Challawa Industrial Area, Kano, Nigeria. The samples analyzed for physico-chemical parameters are pH, temperature, hardness, conductivity, turbidity, alkalinity, total suspended solid, total dissolved solid, calcium, magnesium, chloride, nitrates, sulphates and sulphide and heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium, copper, cobbalt, iron, lead, manganese and zinc. The results show that the final levels of heavy metals after the application of Moringa Oliefera seed extracts were within NESREA acceptable limits. The heavy metal removal efficiencies were as follows; 99.29% for cadmium, chromium and iron while 96.03%, 95.56%, 96.84%, 87.41%, 91.35% for copper, cobalt, lead, manganese and zinc, respectively. The cheap, easy and environmentally friendly material called Moringa oleifera could be recommended to tannery companies for effective removal of heavy metals so as to have a safe, non-polluting environment and also prevent endangering the lives of aquatic organisms andHUMANS

Keywords: Moringa Oleifera, tannery, wastewater, heavy metal, wastewater
Effects of dietary Phaeodactylum tricornutum supplementation on gustation, stomach histology and growth performance of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)
Authors: Gbadamosi Oluyemi K. , Bernadine W. Obe
Published: August 2020

This study assessed the effects of microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum supplement on the gustation, stomach histology, growth performance and nutrient utilization of Clarias gariepinus juveniles. One hundred and fifty (150) C. gariepinus juveniles of mean weight 20.05±0.05g were distributed into 15 plastic tanks (40×30×35) cm3. Five graded levels (0.00 (control), 0.50, 1.00, 1.50, and 2.00g/100g of P. tricornutum supplements were included in the diets of C. gariepinus denoted as Control, PT1, PT2, PT4 and PT5, respectively. Fish were fed for 56 days at 5% body weight. Results at the end of the experiments showed that the highest body weight was recorded in fish fed 1.5g/100g P. tricornutum diets. The best feed conversion ratio, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio and percentage survival was found in PT3. There was significant difference (p<0.05) in the feed intake of fish with PT4 having the highest feed intake. The stomach histology revealed increase in the gustation cells in the stomach of experimental fish with increasing levels of P. tricornutum supplementation. This study showed that the inclusion of P. tricornutum supplement at 1.5g/100g level in the diet of C. gariepinus juveniles improved the gustation, growth performance and nutrient utilization of C. gariepinus.

Keywords: Microalgae, Aqua feed, Nutrition, Gustation, African catfish
Effects of Sand Bed Anti-Vibration Mount on Transmitted Noise from Portable On-Site Electricity Generator
Authors: Aremu A.S. , Amao T.K. , Mokuolu O.A.
Published: August 2020

This study investigated the effect of different particle sizes of sand bed anti-vibration mount on transmitted noise from a portable on-site electricity generator. Ten sand bed anti-vibration mounts, 650mm x 650mm in cross section and 75mm thickness were prepared with particle sizes ranging from 0.09 to 2.30mm. Noise measurements were taken in the four cardinal directions using Extech HD600 digital sound level meter. The results of the study showed that the ability of the sand particles to dampen vibration noise from the portable electricity generator reduces with increase in particle size. The sand bed anti-vibration mounts reduced noise levels by 0.11 to 2.78 dB(A). However, fine sand bed of particle size 0.09mm and 0.15mm exhibited superiority in noise reduction over all other sand beds. In order to achieve appreciable noise reduction, the use of ISO 14688-1:2002 fine sand category is recommended as anti-vibration mount in combination with other damping methods.

Keywords: Electricity generator, noise, sand, particle size and attenuation
Antibiotic potential of some synthesized derivatives of C-9154 antibiotic
Authors: Bello Isaac Asusheyi , Bello Isaac Asusheyi , Ndukwe George Iloegbulam , Amupitan Joseph Olorunju , Ayo Rachael Gbekele , Shode Francis Oluwole
Published: August 2020

Structural modification of the C-9154 antibiotic in an attempt to simultaneously improve its activity and lower its toxicity led to the synthesis of an analogue of the C-9154 antibiotic and six derivatives of this analogue. The significant reduction of the polarity of the synthesized analogue in the derivatives to increase permeability across cell membranes was achieved by conversion of the highly polar carboxylic group to the nonpolar ester functional groups. The compounds were synthesized by condensation of 4-nitroaniline with maleic anhydride and then conversion of the terminal carboxylic acid functional group to an ester functional group using a thionyl chloride-mediated esterification. The in vitro biological activity using gram positive bacteria (MRSA, S. pyogenes, B. subtilis, and C. ulcerans), gram negative bacteria (E. coli, P. mirabilis, P. aeruginosa, S. typhii, S. dysenteriae, and K. pneumonia and some fungi (C. albicans, A. nigre and T. rubrum), showed that the derivatives were more active than their respective analogue and significantly better than the standard antibiotics (Sparfloxacin and Fluconazole) used for comparison, establishing their potential or use as antibiotics. The derivatives exhibited activity at concentrations as low as 0.625μg/mL while the analogue was active at 2.5μg/mL. These values were higher than results obtained for the standard drugs which showed activity at concentrations of 5 μg/mL. The derivatives however did not show activity against A. nigre whereas the analogue was active against it.

Keywords: C-9154 Antibiotic, Bioactivity, Fumaramidmycin, antibacterial, antifungal
Digital Colonialism on Digital Natives: A WhatsApp Usage Perspective
Authors: Oji Ruth Karachi Benson , Nzeaka Emmanuel Ezimako
Published: August 2020

In the new media debate, digital colonialism has become a topic of serious contention. This work looks into the allegation that the internet is exploitative of digital natives’ daily routine and regulates their lives. This study explores this argument in relation to the degree of consciousness of digital natives to seek out their perception of politics of Western domination in the WhatsApp usage. Therefore, the primary purpose of this paper is to find out whether digital slavery is real. Centre Periphery theory and Electronic Colonisation theory form the theoretical background of the study, which utilised questionnaires to determine areas of controversy. Using survey, we found that digital natives do not count the use of the WhatsApp as an element of colonialism. Consequently, 53.26% of the natives do not consider themselves enslaved to WhatsApp usage and thus its colonial powers; however, 28.26% view themselves as willing slaves consequent on the benefits from using the App, while an 18.48% are unsure of their position. Based on the results, it is argued that the concept of digital slavery in terms of absolute dependence on WhatsApp does not quite appeal to digital natives, except that the amount of time they spend on it could make them enslaved, whether or not they agree. To be surer of the level of influence of internet based apps on digital natives, it is recommended that further studies be conducted that will investigate the amount of time they spend on other apps, using a wider sample population.

Keywords: Digital Colonialism, Digital Natives, WhatsApp Usage, Western Domination, Electronic Colonisation
Tác động của quản trị công ty đến cấu trúc vốn: Nghiên cứu thực nghiệm từ các công ty niêm yết trên thị trường chứng khoán Việt Nam
Authors: Thuận Nguyễn Văn , Thủy Nguyễn Thị Thu
Published: August 2020

Nghiên cứu này kiểm chứng tác động của quản trị công ty với cấu trúc vốn của các công ty niêm yết trên thị trường chứng khoán Việt Nam giai đoạn 2008-2018. Sử dụng phương pháp GMM cho mẫu dữ liệu gồm 479 công ty. Kết quả cho thấy có mối quan hệ cùng chiều giữa thành viên hội đồng quản trị độc lập (TVHDQTDL), quy mô hội đồng quản trị (QMHDQT), tỷ suất lợi nhuận trên tổng tài sản (ROA), tài sản cố định (TSCD) với cấu trúc vốn của doanh nghiệp. Mối quan hệ ngược chiều của quy mô công ty (QMCT) với cấu trúc vốn. Tác giả không tìm thấy mối quan hệ giữa nữ tổng giám đốc điều hành (CEONU) và cấu trúc vốn.
Đánh giá sự phù hợp của hệ thống phân ngành GICS và TRBC: Nghiên cứu thực nghiệm tại Sở Giao dịch chứng khoán Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Authors: Huân Lê Khoa , Quỳnh Trần Thị Ngọc , Nghi Lê Đình
Published: August 2020

Nghiên cứu này nhằm đánh giá sự phù hợp của hai hệ thống phân ngành là GICS (Global Industry Classification Standard) và TRBC (Thomson Reuters Business Classification - TRBC) tại TTCK TP. HCM dựa trên phân tích tương quan SSL giữa các cổ phiếu trong cùng ngành và khác ngành. Sử dụng dữ liệu SSL từ 01/01/2014 đến 31/12/2017, đối với SSL theo tháng, kết quả nghiên cứu chỉ ra trong cả hai hệ thống phân ngành GICS và TRBC, sự khác biệt tương quan suất sinh lợi (SSL) trung bình giữa các cổ phiếu trong cùng ngành và khác ngành có ý nghĩa thống kê. Như vậy, nếu xét dựa trên tiêu chí phân chia các cổ phiếu cùng ngành thành các nhóm đồng nhất, cả hai hệ thống phân ngành TRBC và GICS là phù hợp đối với TTCK TP. HCM.
Vốn xã hội, chia sẻ tri thức và hiệu quả làm việc của nhân viên trong khu vực công tại tỉnh Tiền Giang
Authors: Sơn Đoàn Bảo , Trí Hà Minh
Published: August 2020

Nghiên cứu này nhằm đề xuất và kiểm định mô hình lý thuyết về mối quan hệ giữa vốn xã hội, chia sẻ tri thức và hiệu quả làm việc của nhân viên trong khu vực công. Khảo sát được thực hiện bằng bảng hỏi để thu thập dữ liệu theo phương pháp lấy mẫu thuận tiện. Nghiên cứu đã thu thập được 298 bảng trả lời từ các đáp viên là công chức và viên chức đang làm việc tại 18 sở, ngành của tỉnh Tiền Giang. Các giả thuyết nghiên cứu được kiểm chứng bằng mô hình cấu trúc tuyến tính (SEM). Kết quả nghiên cứu cho thấy cả ba chiều kích là vốn xã hội cấu trúc, vốn xã hội quan hệ và vốn xã hội tri nhận đều có tác động tích cực đến chia sẻ tri thức hiện và chia sẻ tri thức ẩn. Ngoài ra, chia sẻ tri thức hiện và chia sẻ tri thức ẩn cũng đều có ảnh hưởng tích cực đến hiệu quả làm việc của nhân viên. Nghiên cứu của chúng tôi đề xuất với các nhà lãnh đạo trong khu vực công của tỉnh Tiền Giang một số chính sách giúp cho nhân viên làm việc hiệu quả hơn bằng cách thúc đẩy vốn xã hội và chia sẻ tri thức.
Các nhân tố ảnh hưởng đến chất lượng thông tin kế toán trên báo cáo tài chính của các doanh nghiệp niêm yết tại Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Authors: Trang Lê Hoàng Vân , Hiền Võ Văn , Thơ Nguyễn Hoàng
Published: August 2020

Mục đích của bài viết này là xác định mức độ ảnh hưởng của các nhân tố bên trong đến chất lượng thông tin kế toán trên báo cáo tài chính của doanh nghiệp niêm yết tại Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh. Nghiên cứu hỗn hợp được sử dụng trong bài báo, trong đó nghiên cứu định tính được sử dụng trước với phương pháp tình huống thông qua kỹ thuật thảo luận, phỏng vấn và sử dụng điểm bão hòa. Kết quả cho thấy có 7 nhân tố ảnh hưởng để xây dựng mô hình lý thuyết, với thuế là nhân tố phát hiện mới – đặc thù khi thực hiện nghiên cứu tại Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh. Tiếp theo, nghiên cứu định lượng được dùng để kiểm định lại mô hình. Kết quả nghiên cứu chỉ ra rằng có 4 nhân tố tác động đến chất lượng thông tin kế toán trên báo cáo tài chính của doanh nghiệp niêm yết, được sắp xếp theo mức độ ảnh hưởng giảm dần: bộ máy kế toán, nhà quản lý, chứng từ kế toán và thuế. Trên cơ sở đó, nghiên cứu đưa ra một số khuyến nghị nhằm nâng cao chất lượng thông tin kế toán tại các doanh nghiệp niêm yết trên địa bàn nghiên cứu, đồng thời đề xuất hướng nghiên cứu cho tương lai.
Development of pancytopenia after single low-dose methotrexate therapy in patients with chronic kidney disease: a review of the literature
Authors: AKDAĞ İbrahim , ERSOY Alparslan
Published: August 2020

Methotrexate (MTX) is widely used in the treatment of both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PA) with a side effect of pancytopenia. However, very few cases of severe pancytopenia caused by low-dose MTX therapy have been described in chronic kidney disease. Pancytopenia occurred after using a single dose of MTX in three patients with chronic kidney dysfunction. While one patient died due to sepsis and multiple organ failure, the others recovered. The severity of MTX-inducedpancytopenia in our cases was likely related to the underlyingkidney disease. These cases suggest that uremic patients may develop severe fatal bone marrow toxicity even with a single dose of MTX. Therefore, close blood count monitoring after MTX treatment in this population would be beneficial.
Simulation and Implementation of a Modified ANFIS MPPT Technique
Authors: Bachar Meryem  , Naddami Ahmed  , Fahli Ahmed
Published: August 2020

The maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms ensure optimal operation of a photovoltaic (PV) system to extract the maximum PV power, regardless of the climatic conditions. This paper exposes the study, design, simulation and implementation of a modified advanced neural fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) MPPT algorithm based on fuzzy data for a PV system. The studied system includes a PV array, a DC/DC buck converter, the ANFIS controller, a proportional-integral (PI) controller, and a load. The simulation and experimental tests are carried out with the MATLAB/Simulink software and LabVIEW, respectively. Moreover, the obtained results are compared with previously published results by incremental conductance (IC) and fuzzy logic (FL) algorithms under different climatic conditions of irradiation and temperature. The results show that the proposed ANFIS algorithm is able to track the maximum power point for varying climatic conditions. Furthermore, the comparison analysis reveals that the PV system using ANFIS algorithm has more efficient and better dynamic response than FL and IC.
The first record of Valgothrombium (Acari: Microtrombidiidae) from Iran with description of a new species
Authors: SABERI-RISEH Nasir , SABOORİ Alireza , ASADI Mahdieh , GOLYPAYEGANI Zahedi , NOZARI Jamasb
Published: August 2020

A new species Valgothrombium takhtii Saberi-Riseh and Saboori n. sp. (Acari: Microtrombidiidae: Valgothrombiinae) is described and illustrated based on larvae collected from soil, i.e. off their host from Riseh village, Shahre Babak city, Kerman province, Iran. This is the first record of Valgothrombium for Iranian mite fauna and 15th species of the genus based on the larva. In Asia, the genus Valgothrombium is reported from China, Bhutan, Yemen from larval form, and Japan and Malaysia from post-larval forms.
Diversity and distribution of phytophagous and predatory mites on rosehip (Rosa canina L.) (Rosaceae) in Ankara, Turkey
Authors: ERDOĞAN Tuğba , COBANOGLU Sultan
Published: August 2020

The study was carried out to detect phytophagous and predatory mites on rosehip (Rosa canina L.) (Rosaceae) in Ankara, Turkey. The samples were collected monthly from Ayaş, Çubuk, Gölbaşı, Haymana, Kahramankazan and Kızılcahamam districts of Ankara province from March to November between 2012 and 2014. As a result, a total of 12 mite species were identified namely; Amphitetranychus viennensis (Zacher), Bryobia kissophila Eyndhoven, Eotetranychus populi (Koch), Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), Cenopalpus pulcher (Canestrini and Fanzago) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), Tarsonemus smithi Ewing (Acari: Tarsonemidae) as phytophagous mites, and Euseius finlandicus (Oudemans), Kampimodromus aberrans (Oudemans), Paraseiulus triporus (Chant and Yoshida-Shaul), Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) bagdasarjani Wainstein and Arutunjan, T. (A.) psyllakisi (Swirski and Ragusa) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and Zetzellia mali (Ewing) (Acari: Stigmaeidae) as predatory mites. Tetranychus urticae and K. aberrans are the most common phytophagous and predatory mites, respectively. Tarsonemus smithi is a new record for the Turkish fauna.
Software educativo para el reconocimiento de emociones en niños con autismo: Caso de estudio en el Instituto de Educación Especial “Carlos Garbay”
Authors: Paula Paulina , Cunalata Verónica , Acosta Daniel , Santillán Patricio
Published: August 2020

El presente trabajo reporta sobre el desarrollo de una herramienta software para dar soporte en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje acerca del reconocimiento de emociones por parte de niños autistas. Para recabar información específica del grupo objetivo se realizó un estudio de campo en el Instituto de Educación Especial “Carlos Garbay” de la ciudad de Riobamba. La información recogida dio inicio a la etapa de diseño, basada en la metodológica de Bruce Archer, permitiendo elaborar una identidad específica para la aplicación. En cuanto al desarrollo del software educativo se tomó la metodología de Peré Marqués. Como resultados se obtienen la marca como identidad, la estructuración y la maquetación del software educativo con el respectivo mapa de navegación y manual de usuario. Además, de las pruebas realizadas en el Instituto, se observó que el reconocimiento de emociones por parte de niños autistas aumentó de un nivel medio a medio-alto.
Análisis Histórico Crítico de la Proporción en Occidente desde el Período Griego hasta el Renacimiento
Authors: Idrobo Cárdenas Ximena
Published: August 2020

El estudio de la proporción ha sido relevante en el diseño desde el periodo griego hasta el Renacimiento, Existen infinidad de tratados que abordan el tema, pero no de manera explícita. De la inexistencia de un cuerpo teórico específico de la proporción en los periodos de estudio, se establece como objetivo determinar los elementos constitutivos de la proporción desde el análisis histórico-crítico, a través del análisis de las definiciones desde el periodo griego hasta el Renacimiento, el procedimiento de diseño y la determinación o no de los componentes de un sistema proporcional. Metodológicamente se procedió a utilizar los métodos histórico-crítico para desentrañar los elementos que caracterizan las proporciones o sistemas, el método analógico proporcional para establecer los elementos comunes en las definiciones que emergen en los periodos de estudio, el método sistémico-estructural para la determinación de las directrices aplicativas y los componentes de un sistema proporcional.  El análisis histórico crítico de la proporción desde el periodo griego hasta el Renacimiento permitió, establecer los elementos constitutivos de la proporción que por su complejidad trasciende el nivel de categoría compositiva y se convierte en sistema proporcional, así como también demostrar la relevancia del manejo de la proporción en el diseño y su vinculación con el pensamiento y las consideraciones estéticas.
Estudio de cobertura del programa espacial de monitoreo de desastres naturales “Copernicus” en países de Latinoamérica
Authors: Moreno Valarezo Gerlani Jalid , Achig Lizbeth , Ruilova Jomaira , Vinueza Rodrigo
Published: August 2020

El avance de los satélites de observación de la tierra ha sido de gran utilidad para la realización de varios estudios importantes relacionados a áreas que relacionan el cambio global, ya que proporcionan información cartográfica del planeta y datos en tiempo real que ayuda a la visualización y monitoreo de desastres naturales. El Servicio de Gestión de Emergencias (EMS) del Satélite  Copernicus es un claro ejemplo de Satélites de Observación de la Tierra ofertando servicios e información geoespacial oportuna y precisa derivada de la detección de desastres por satélites y completada por fuentes de datos disponibles, un claro ejemplo de ello es la misión Copernicus Sentinel-2, la cual comprende de dos satélites de órbita polar colocados en la órbita del sol con una fase de 180° entre sí, este proyecto tiene la finalidad de mantener un monitoreo constante de los cambios de la superficie de la Tierra, así también enfoques como la gestión de emergencias, seguridad  y cambio climático. Con el objetivo de conocer su funcionamiento, se diseñó una simulación de un satélite de observación que proporcione una cobertura a países de América Latina tratando de acercarnos a la realidad en caso de implementarse alguna clase de estos satélites en un lugar específico de la zona sur del continente americano.
Análisis comparativo del nivel de defectuosidad en los dispositivos de potencia SiC MOSFETs
Authors: Guevara Esteban , Tinajero José , Guevara Mauro , Cajas Mildred
Published: August 2020

Actualmente los transistores de efecto de campo fabricados en carbono de silicio son una tecnología emergente que está ingresando al mercado de los dispositivos de potencia, debido a los superiores beneficios que presenta esta familia de semiconductores con relación al silicio. Por su amplia banda prohibida presenta varias peculiaridades de defectuosidad dentro de su estructura que afectan directamente a las características eléctricas de los dispositivos, el objetivo de este artículo es determinar el grado de defectuosidad al interno de la estructura MOS, mediante la técnica de caracterización histéresis en corriente continua, Para lograr este propósito, experimentalmente se evaluó dos familias de dispositivos MOSFETs fabricados en silicio de carbono de características eléctricas diferentes, los dispositivos evaluados pertenecen a la misma empresa. El grado de defectuosidad mostrado por cada dispositivo marca una tendencia de acuerdo con sus características eléctricas y su respectiva familia.
Análisis de Desempeño entre MONGODB y COUCHDB utilizando Norma ISO/IEC 25000
Authors: Narváez Miryan Estela , Calapucha Grefa Pablo Ronny , Tarco Caisa Marco Vinicio , Buñay Guisñan Pamela Alexandra
Published: August 2020

Las bases de datos NoSQL han surgido para dar respuesta a problemas de escalabilidad y rendimiento, que en general, las bases de datos relacionales no pueden abarcar. La gran flexibilidad y las posibilidades de optimización en sus diseños las convierten en una atractiva variante a tener en cuenta para el desarrollo de aplicaciones de gestión de información. El objetivo principal del proyecto de investigación fue un estudio comparativo entre MongoDB y CouchDB utilizando la norma ISO/IEC 25010, con el fin de analizar y medir el desempeño de los gestores de base de datos NoSQL, en cuanto al consumo de recursos utilizados. Como resultado de la investigación se obtuvo que MongoDB fue ligeramente superior a CouchDB, demostrando que las bases de datos NoSQL tienen mejor rendimiento al momento de administrar grandes volúmenes de datos.
Aplicación de Mediciones de Ruido de Baja Frecuencia para el Análisis de Efectos de Estrés Térmico y Eléctrico en Dispositivos de Potencia
Authors: Berrones Sofia , Barcia Macías Ronald Marcelo , Cajas Buenaño Mildred , Morocho Caiza Andres
Published: August 2020

Este documento presenta el estudio del efecto del estrés térmico y eléctrico en dispositivos semiconductores de potencia a través de mediciones de ruido de baja frecuencia. Se aplico una prueba de Polarización Inversa a Alta Temperatura (HTRB por sus siglas en inglés) a los dispositivos de potencia, determinando sus características eléctricas. Las herramientas utilizadas para este estudio fueron una fuente de tensión variable hasta 1200V diseñada para la aplicación de estrés eléctrico, un módulo de temperatura compuesto por un mini calentador y un módulo de control diseñado para la aplicación de estrés térmico junto con el analizador de parámetros Keithley 4200-SCSn para la caracterización corriente-voltaje y un sistema de medición de ruido de baja frecuencia para caracterización de canales conductivos en dispositivos electrónicos. Los resultados indican un mayor nivel de ruido flicker después de la aplicación del estrés sobre los MOSFETs estudiados, que se relacionan con cambios en el voltaje de umbral producto del estrés aplicado, correlacionando directamente dichos parámetros.
LA META: SEGUIR CRECIENDO
Authors: Bragagnolo Julio César
Published: August 2020

Comienza el ciclo 2016 de la Revista de la Sociedad Argentina de Diabetes (SAD) y nos encuentra avanzando un peldaño sobre las metas comentadas en el primer artículo editorial de 2015.La buena noticia inicial es que en este último año hemos progresado en la indexación, dado que la Revista de la SAD en papel ha sido aceptada e incluida en el catálogo de la base de datos Latindex (Ver: http://www.latindex.org/latindex/ficha?folio=11448).La evaluación realizada por los responsables del Centro Argentino de Información Científica y Tecnológica (CAICYT) dependiente del Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) nos calificó con un cumplimiento casi perfecto, de 32 sobre 33 puntos, por la importancia de sumar artículos originales de investigación en forma regular.