bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parallel Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm for Solving Advance Industrial Productivity Problems
Authors: Priya Annu , Mandal Shrabanti , Yogesh
Published: January 2024

Scheduling problems play a pivotal role in many of the fields today, such as manufacturing systems, industrial processes, production, etc. The job-shop scheduling problems are categorized as a non-deterministic NP hard problem. It is very complicated to find a better algorithm which can give an optimal solution under a given time constraint. A scheduling can be generally categorized as a set of jobs where each job can have greater than one operation to perform. The main aim of the scheduling would be to resolve the scheduling of the jobs that would minimize a measure of performance. A common measure of performance for dealing with the problems of the scheduling is the makespan of a schedule. Technique for calculating the shop scheduling problem ranges from simple FIFO and SPT to more sophisticated procedures, for instance branch and bound, tabu search, ant colony, genetic algorithm, and many others. The modified version of ABC is parallel ABC (PABC) for solving the JSSP. Projected method basically uses the concept of parallelism for the concept of scheduling.
Digital Evidence Collection and Preservation in Computer Network Forensics
Authors: Vaghela Rajdipsinh , Dankan Gowda V. , Taj Mohammad , Arudra Annepu , Chopra Manoj
Published: January 2024

The growing integration of information and communication technology (ICT) in today's world has led to the rise of crimes in the digital realm, specifically those linked to networks and computers. This surge in cybercrime presents substantial hurdles for forensic evaluation. A pivotal evidence source in cyber forensic probes, especially when pinpointing potential threats to confidential data, stems from the extensive data produced by network nodes. The primary goal of cyber forensics is to offer clear, well-documented evidence that can stand up in a courtroom. This chapter intends to deliver a thorough overview of the current scholarly material, emphasizing diverse aspects of cyber forensic endeavors. It encompasses foundational theories, prior data analysis blueprints, and initiatives to refine methods, thereby augmenting the reach, proficiency, and precision of the network forensic structure.
Investigating Factors Affecting Artificial Intelligence (AI) Adoption by Libraries at Top-Rated Universities Worldwide
Authors: Tomiuk Daniel , Zuccaro Cataldo , Plaisent Michel , Öncel Aslı Gül , Benslimane Younes , Bernard Prosper
Published: January 2024

This chapter aims at understanding better the perceptions of academic libraries' top managers with regards to artificial intelligence (AI) and adoption decisions. Building on previous research, this study reports on the relationship between perceived familiarity with AI and the decision-makers' positive adoption attitude regarding AI in libraries. Results indicate that the main issues faced by senior-librarians when considering an AI implementation are the lack of maturity of the commercial solutions offered, security and privacy concerns, the library's core values, its funding capacity, and the need for technical expertise. The most popular AI applications currently implemented are natural language processing and virtual reference librarians (chatbots) while the least popular are robot guides and facial recognition.
Fortifying Data Security in the Evolving Digital Landscape
Authors: Srivastava Naman , Sharma Harshita , Maliyal Akshita , Verma Madhav , Sinha Keshav
Published: January 2024

Data security presents significant concerns for organizations and individuals in today's evolving digital landscape. Prominent challenges include sophisticated cyberattacks, remote work vulnerabilities, cloud security, phishing, insider threats, data privacy, encryption, and identity and access management. In addressing diverse challenges, a range of solutions can be implemented, such as using multi-factor authentication (MFA) to enhance user authentication. At the same time, zero trust networking (ZTN) ensures continuous authentication and authorization. Dynamic data masking (DDM) alters sensitive data during transit to thwart unauthorized access. Regular security training, cloud security tools, and insider threat prevention measures further bolster data security. Techniques like data backup, encryption, and disaster recovery plan are used to safeguard against data loss and breaches. Organizations can strengthen their data security and protect sensitive information by adopting these solutions.
Growth and Poverty
Authors: Ghosh Meghna
Published: January 2024

This study estimates poverty in India across the different states in terms of incidence, depth, and severity by using different rounds of household level unit data provided by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO). In this study, the authors have estimated the different measures of both absolute and relative poverty, such as the poverty rate, depth, and severity of poverty across the 22 major states of India, separately for the rural and urban regions. Apart from this, the authors have made a regression analysis to estimate the growth elasticity of poverty (GEP) in India. The panel regression analysis has been carried out over the five rounds of the NSSO, i.e., the 50th (1993-94), 55th (1999-2000), 61st (2004-05), 66th (2009-10), and the 68th rounds. The analysis showed that the urban sector has a significant GEP. A detailed analysis of poverty creates an environment conducive for the poor to improve their living standards in the future. This research, if made available across all public libraries, will play an important role in that direction.
Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Clinical Decision Support Systems
Authors: Vasanthakumar G. U. , Dankan Gowda V. , Manage Prabhakar S. , Prasad K. D. V. , Hariram Venkatesan
Published: January 2024

The extensive use of clinical decision support systems (CDSS) and electronic health records (EHR) has significantly altered the landscape of healthcare. Medical professionals now have access to priceless tools that transform patient data management and help them make wise clinical judgments. However, as we seamlessly incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) solutions into EHR and CDSS, a new era of healthcare is beginning. The incorporation of AI technologies is thoroughly explored in this chapter, shedding light on how they might improve clinical operations and patient outcomes. The chapter opens by emphasizing the crucial role played by EHR in centralizing medical records, digitizing patient data, and enabling effective data sharing between healthcare providers. The chapter conducts an in-depth exploration of how machine learning algorithms are applied to unearth patterns in patient data, identify disease risks, and provide personalized treatment recommendations.
Virtue Ethicist of the Ideal Type
Authors: HUANG Yong
Published: January 2024

There has been an impressive revival of virtue ethics as a rival to deontology and consequentialism in contemporary Western normative ethics. Correspondingly, many comparative philosophers have shown a great interest in finding virtue ethics potentials in other philosophical traditions in the world, the most impressive of which is Confucianism. While the result of such comparative studies is equally impressive, in almost all these studies, scholars tend to use a historical example of virtue ethics in the Western philosophical tradition, particularly the Aristotelian one, as the ideal type of virtue ethics, to measure historical examples of virtue ethics in other philosophical traditions. The result is thus conceivably skewed: however great these non-Western examples of virtue ethics are, they are perceived to be deficient in one way or another in comparison with the Aristotelian one. In this paper, I first construct an ideal type of virtue ethics in its contrast with ideal types of consequentialism and deontology: a normative ethics in which virtue is primary. I then use this ideal type of virtue ethics to measure Aristotle’s virtue ethics and Zhu Xi’s virtue ethics, both regarded as historical types of virtue ethics, concluding that Zhu Xi’s is closer to the ideal type of virtue ethics than Aristotle’s.
An Introduction to Zoeontology
Authors: WU Fei
Published: January 2024

Zoeontology, or the study of living, is a philosophical system the author is constructing in the spirit of traditional Chinese philosophy. We see living as the central philosophical inquiry in the Chinese tradition, rather than being as in Western philosophy. Being is supposed to be eternal and death is a negation of being, but living consists of birth, growing, aging, and death. Hence in zoeontology, we see time as the rhythm of living, and space as the orientation in a living community. As a time-space system, a living subject interacts with the world from the perspective of the ego. Zoeontology is also a kind of subjective philosophy. Different living subjects interact with each other if their living rhythms parallel or overlap with each other. A child’s living process is internal to the parents’ living process, and hence there must be intimate and profound interactions between them. This is the beginning of a civil community. There is a dialectical relationship between civilization and nature. The purpose of human civilization is to civilize a natural living community, but it must obey the rules of nature. Human civilization is not meant to change nature, but to fulfil it.
On the Supremacy of Confucianism and the Periodization of Confucian Classics Learning in the Han Dynasty
Authors: LIU Yutong
Published: January 2024

Wang Baoxuan’s 王葆玹 argument that Emperor Wu of the Han dynasty respected the Five Confucian Classics and tolerated non-Confucian schools because the “supremacy of Confucianism” (獨尊儒術) was not implemented until the reign of Emperor Cheng can be disputed. Additionally, Wang’s premise that masters learning (子學) in the Warring States period was the source of classics learning (經學) in the Western Han dynasty, and the extinction of masters learning during the supremacy of Confucianism led to the decline of classics learning, can also be debated. This paper proposes that with regard to the supremacy of Confucianism, the focus was on the second founding of the Han dynasty, not on the relationship between classics learning and masters learning. Both the Qin dynasty and the Western Han dynasty had masters learning as their guiding ideology, but Emperor Wu found that solely relying on masters learning, which was a collection of ideas by important thinkers, was not sustainable. Instead, the Han dynasty needed to be based on classics learning, which represented the traditional Chinese civilization that was inherited from the three ancient and sacred Chinese dynasties of the Xia, Shang, and Zhou. The supremacy of Confucianism was thus a means of ensuring the continuity and stability of the Han dynasty that was applied by Dong Zhongshu and Emperor Wu.
Economic analysis of hybrid solar-wind power system for application in Heipang community
Authors: Maren Ishaku. B. , Adisa Ademola. B. , Dandakouta Habou. , Ejilah Robinson. I.
Published: January 2024

Economic feasibility is one of the major criteria for selecting energy options for application in any location. One of the main drawbacks of renewable energy technology is its initial cost of investment which results in high energy tariffs making it unaffordable for low-income earners. The cost of renewable energy depends on many factors such as the potential of the renewable resources of the site and government policies on renewable energy technology. This paper aimed to determine the annualized cost of a designed hybrid solar-wind power system for the Heipang community to meet a load demand of 158.3kW and the sensitivity analysis of bank loan interest rate, inflation rate, day of autonomy, depth of battery discharge, and wind turbine rated velocity on the investment payback time. The cost of the components of the designed system was obtained from vendors and a techno-economic analysis was done using MATLAB software. Results show that the annualized cost of the hybrid solar-wind power system is ₦  52,268,266.97, with battery, solar, and wind power systems taking 85%, 8%, and 7% of the total annualized cost respectively, and Levelized cost of energy ₦ 154.53/kWh. The analysis further shows that for ₦  185.00, N 160.00, and ₦  127.00 per kWh cost of energy at a 19% inflation rate and 20% bank interest rate, the investment payback times are 8.3, 9.5 and 11.9 years respectively, and 9.8, 11.4 and 14.3 years respectively. Information from this work may help policy-makers and would-be investors make informed decisions on renewable energy technology investment.
Lineaments Characterization and their Tectonic Significance in Mineralization using Landsat TM Data and Field Studies along Mambilla Plateau, Northeast, Nigeria
Authors: Andarawus Yohanna , Likkason Othniel Kamfani , Sadiq Maigari Abubakar , Sani Ali , Aliyu Mohammed Kaura , Anzaku Ibrahim Yusuf
Published: January 2024

Lineament characterization and their tectonic significance in mineralization using Landsat TM data and field studies Along the Mambilla  Plateau and environs, northeast Nigeria .The area forms part of the mineralized shear zone of the Northeastern, part of the Basement  Complex. The Basement Complex rocks underlie more than two-thirds of the plateau and date back to the Precambrian to early Paleozoic eras. While the remaining part of the plateau and its surroundings are made up of volcanic rocks of the upper Cenozoic to Tertiary and  Quaternary ages. Remote sensing imagery data and field measurements were integrated for mapping the structural elements and  hydrothermal alteration zones related to mineralization. Tectonically the lineaments trends NE-SW, NNW-SSE, NW-SE, and NS, are the  main trends controlling mineralization in the area based on data from remote sensing and field measurements. On the other hand,  applying band ratios and the constrained energy minimization (CEM) technique to Landsat-8 data pointed out alteration minerals  associated with the hydrothermal fluids. Silica, sericite, and chlorite are the common alteration minerals detected, while goethite and epidote are less common in the alteration zones of the area under study. A combination of CET structural complexity, circular features,  and alteration zones produced a potential mineralization map, pointing out numerous prospective zones for mineralization that are  proximate to areas where artisanal mining activities are carried out. The predictive map was validated by projecting the known prospect zones in the study area, reflecting an agreement between the known occurrences and the higher classes of the predictive zone. The  techniques in the current research can be adopted as a direct indicator for structural mapping and detecting alteration zones related to  mineralization elsewhere.
Evaluation of the potentials of Pennisetium glaucum and Vigna unguiculata for phytoremediation of Spent-engine oil contaminated soil
Authors: Onifade Saheed Abayomi , Bale Sheriffdeen Issa , Ajadi Ayobami Elias , Sorunke Taiwo Ayodeji
Published: January 2024

One promising technique for cleaning up soil polluted by spent engine oil is phytoremediation. Particularly in the tropics, where  resources can be scarce and the climate is favorable for plant development. Finding plant species that will work well with this technology  was the aim of this investigation. The ability of a cereal (Pennisetum glaucum) and a legume (Vigna unguiculata) to remediate soil  contaminated with 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5% (W/V) of spent engine oil was evaluated. After 150 days of incubation, the Total Petroleum  Hydrocarbon (TPH) loss in greenhouse studies was calculated. The total petroleum hydrocarbon content of soil that was vegetated with  P. glaucum and V. unguiculata was substantially lower than that of non-vegetated soil. Furthermore, a positive association was discovered  between the initial TPH and the total petroleum hydrocarbon loss caused by planting P. glaucum. It was also discovered that P. glaucum  outperformed V. unguiculata in remediation capacity. These findings suggest that P. glaucum be investigated further, which might lead  to a better understanding of how to apply phytoremediation to soils contaminated with spent-engine oil.
Prevalence of Malaria among Pregnant Women Attending Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital Kano State, Nigeria
Authors: Idris H.Y. , Umar A.M. , Auta T. , Abdulmalik U.
Published: January 2024

Malaria in pregnant women remains a major public health problem especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Approximately twenty five million  pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa live at risk of malaria. The study was carried out between July and August 2021, to determine the  prevalence of malaria parasite among pregnant women attending Mohammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital Kano. Microscopic examinations of both thick and thin smears were made using Giemsa Stained solution. Out of one hundred and forty blood samples  examined, 60(42.9%) were positive for plasmodium falciparum parasite infection. Age group 18-22 years recorded the highest prevalence  rate of (17.90%) and the difference between the age group of the pregnant women was statistically significant (P<0.05) .Primigravida  women recorded highest infection rate (23.60%). However, those in first trimester recorded the highest prevalence of (25%) followed by  those in the second trimester (13.57%). These results show that pregnant women are more predisposed to malaria infection as they are  immunosuppressed especially at early stage and as a primigravida and as teenage mothers than multigravida and older mothers. The  problem of P. falciparum in pregnant women can be prevented by the preventive package of intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) with  sulfadoxine pyrimethamine (SP) at 2 doses given to the pregnant women during their antenatal clinical visits. During this study, the  prevalence of malaria infection among pregnant women attending Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital was notably higher. P.  falciparum is the most common Plasmodium parasite in this region therefore, more special attention should be directed towards  pregnant women who exhibit identified risk factors for malaria infection.
Ameliorating Effects of Curcumin on Diabetes
Authors: Ogbonnaya Faith Chidiebube , Amah Gogonte Hezekiah , Ugwu Justina Chioma , Akani Emmanuel Okoh , Karigdi Kayode Olayele , Ahanonu Ifechukwu Stephenie
Published: January 2024

The potential health benefits of turmeric have often been overlooked, but recent research is beginning to suggest that the active  ingredient found in the Turmeric, plays an important role in improving insulin resistance and metabolic disorders. Curcumin has been  found to possess some remarkable medicinal properties and has wide-ranging biological activities that can help ameliorate the  symptoms associated with these disorders. In this review, the positive effects of curcumin on the prevalent metabolic disorder known as  diabetes would be examined. Many recent studies have shown the positive effects of this spice and the benefits to patients suffering  from this disease. Curcumin has been reported extensively revealing that it improves insulin sensitivity and lowers the levels of glucose in  the blood. It also possesses antioxidant properties which have been attributed to the reduction in inflammation and protection of  body cells as well. The different bioactive ingredients present in curcumin, their healing characteristics and their applications in medicine  as a result of this healing constituent will also be highlighted in this review.
Enhanced Variance Estimation Techniques for Addressing Non-Response and Measurement Error Situations
Authors: Audu A. , Issa A.B. , Zoramawa A.B. , Almu A. , Ishaq O.O. , Yunusa M.A.
Published: January 2024

The use of relevant information from auxiliary variables at the estimation stage and design stage to obtain reliable and efficient  estimates is a common practice in a sample survey. Several Estimators of population variance have been suggested. However, these  estimators do not consider the situation of non-response due to non-availability of respondents, refusal to respond, presence of hard- core respondents or due to non-understanding of the question thereby, reducing the efficiency of the estimators and the parameters of  the auxiliary variable X̄ , S2x used are sensitive to outliers or extreme values which can either lead to underestimation or overestimation.  To address the aforementioned observations, classes of variance estimators under the simultaneous influence of non-response and measurement errors using outlier-free parameters as well as calibration approaches were proposed. The properties (Bias and MSE) of  the modified estimators were derived up to the first order of approximation using the Taylor series approach. The efficiency conditions of  the proposed estimators over the existing estimators considered in the study were established. The empirical studies were conducted  using simulation and the results revealed that the proposed class of estimators have minimum MSEs and higher PREs among all the  competing estimators. These imply that the proposed estimators are more efficient and can produce a better estimate of the population  mean compared to other existing estimators considered in the study.
Fuzzy Linear Regression Modelling of Federal Government Budget Performance
Authors: Malik Abdulrahman , Gabchiya Abubakar , Buba Ahmed Tarajo , Bakawu Maigana Alhaji
Published: January 2024

No Abstract
Evaluation of Proximate Composition Based on Cutting Heights of Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) in Bagauda, Kano State
Authors: Aliyu A.M. , Sulaiman J. , Manga A.A. , Gaya A.G. , Yawale M.A.
Published: January 2024

A field trial was carried out during the 2022 rainy season at the National Horticultural Research Institute Bagauda substation (NIHORT)  situated in the Sudan savannah ecological zone of Nigeria (190 4̍ N, long 120 26' E, and 721m above sea level). The trial was done to  investigate cutting heights response on the proximate composition analysis of Amaranthus cruentus. The treatments consisted of three  cutting heights (10cm, 15cm and 20cm) and laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Fresh samples were  oven dried and grounded into powder using blender and passed through 2mm sieve. which were determined using standard procedure  by AOAC method and analyzed for proximate composition.There were significant effects in the results obtained on the percentage of fat and crude fibre only.Percentage of protein, moisture, carbohydrate, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium were found to be non- significant. These findings suggest that cutting amaranth shoots at 20cm above the ground has an increased effect on means of  percentage fat (3.062) and crude fibre (3.80) containing nutrients that has great potential for mechanical harvesting that may improve  the nutritional components of the crop.
Application of Integrated Geophysical Methods in Mapping the Location of Basaltic Intrusions in Mambilla Plateau and Environs, Northeast, Nigeria
Authors: Andarawus Yohanna , Likkason Othniel Kamfani , Sadiq Maigari Abubakar , Sani Ali , Shekwonyadu Yakwari , Aliyu Mohammed Kaura
Published: January 2024

Integrated geophysical investigation on the Mambilla Plateau and its environs was necessary to map the locations of basaltic intrusions  and their patterns of distribution. The Landsat-8 ETM+ false colour composite image (bands 7, 4, 2 in R, G, and B) was used to identify  rocks such as younger basalt (yb), porphyritic granite (pg), granite gneiss (Gn), and migmatite gneiss (Mg). Similarly, rocks like granite gneiss (Mg), porphyritic granite (pg), and migmatite gneiss (Mg) were recognised by the Principal Component Analysis of the Landsat 8  ETM+ picture (PC2, PC1, and PC4 in R, G, and B). The lowest and maximum values for the total magnetic intensity map were 33030.343 nT  and 33172.792 nT, respectively, along with mean of value 31.50nT to 33068.89nT.The primary magnetic field map showed an average  value of 33293.4495 nT, with values ranging from 33228.522nT to 33358.377nT. The crustal magnetic field map resulting from ore bodies  or intrusions had an average value of -159.50 nT, with values ranging from -397.669 nT to -80.699 nT. The RTE values, which range from  -82.382nT to -392.122nT, indicate regional geological intrusions, fractures, and faults. Values were shown on the magnetic equator field  map, which was further upward continued to 15 km, with an average values ranging from -279.141nT to -157.160nT. The pseudo-gravity  map of the region showed two low densities, ranging from -0.11 to -0.01 mGal, depending on the location, and three high densities, indicating moderate to intermediate densities, ranging from 0.25 mGal to 0.01 mGal. RTE anomaly data produced from subsurface rocks  typically has the greatest horizontal gradient along the object's border. This means that the maximum gradient is directly localised to the  map boundaries of the distinct lithologies. By examination of the abrupt changes in rock magnetism in a lateral direction, this led to the  determination of contact limits of the basaltic intrusion, faults, and mineralization of the underlying rocks
Assessment of Dietary Pattern and Nutritional Status of Adolescents in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Daniel Madaki Comfort , Abubakar Salisu Maiwada
Published: January 2024

No Abstract
Generation of Bioelectricity in Microbial Fuel Cell using Kitchen Waste Obtained from Dutse Urban, Nigeria
Authors: Haruna Sadiq , Yusuf Hindatu , Gumel Ahmad Muhammed , Buhari Aisha Salisu , Abubakar Umar Umar
Published: January 2024

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have shown promise as a sustainable technology for wastewater treatment and energy recovery. In this study,  cattle dung was used as an inoculum and kitchen waste (KW) from Dutse urban, Nigeria was used as a substrate for bioelectricity  generation in MFC. The MFC was operated in a fed-batch mode over 37 days, spanning three cycles. During characterization, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the KW was found to be 30421 ± 124 mg/L, indicating a high concentration of organic pollutants. The MFC's  performance was evaluated based on the voltage generated, with the first cycle reaching a peak of 254 mV, the second cycle 247 mV, and  the third cycle 242 mV. Current and power densities during the three cycles decreased gradually from 66.84 mA/m² and 16.84 mW/m² in  the first cycle to 63.68 mA/m² and 15.41 mW/m² in the third cycle respectively. Furthermore, there was a notable reduction in COD from  the influent diluted from initial measured COD, from 1120 ± 63 mg/L to an effluent level of 226 ± 49 mg/L, indicating approximately 80%  removal rate. The pH of the anolyte progressively dropped with each cycle, reflecting the metabolic activities of bacteria in the anode chamber. The findings underscore MFC's potential for organic waste management and electricity generation, with results outperforming  some contemporary studies.
Decrease of deforestation in Protected Areas of Madagascar during the Covid-19 years
Authors: Andrianambinina F. Ollier D. , Rafanoharana Serge C. , Rasamuel H. Andry T. , Waeber Patrick O. , Ganzhorn Joerg U. , Wilmé Lucienne
Published: January 2024

Deforestation poses a significant threat to global biodiversity and ecosystem services. This study focuses on estimating the deforestation within Protected Areas (PAs) in Madagascar over a 21- year period from 2001 to 2022. A novel methodology utilizing remote sensing data and specific thresholds of tree canopy density is employed to estimate annual deforestation rates and identify trends and patterns within PAs. The analysis reveals significant deforestation in the PA network over the last decade, particularly in 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2019. Notably, the lowest annual deforestation rates were estimated during the Covid-19 years of 2020 (0.66%), 2021 (0.62%), and the subsequent year in 2022 (0.67%) when considering the entire network of 103 PAs with natural forests from 2013 to 2022.
Translation and transformation
Authors: Richard Alison F.
Published: January 2024

No abstract.
Green synthesis, characterization, and antibacterial activity of silver nano particles against some bacterial isolates
Authors: Gabi Baba , Aliyu Aishatu M. , Orasugh Jonathan Tersur , Abdullahi Zakari
Published: January 2024

Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising field for the development of novel antibacterial agents with reduced environmental impact. In this study, we present a novel green synthesis approach for the production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using a plant-based extract. These AgNPs were subsequently characterized using various analytical techniques, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed the formation of AgNPs by exhibiting a characteristic surface plasmon resonance peak at around 401 and 420 nm. XRD analysis revealed the crystalline nature of the AgNPs, with distinct diffraction peaks corresponding to the face-centered cubic structure of silver. TEM analysis demonstrated that the synthesized AgNPs were predominantly spherical in shape and exhibited an average size within the nanoscale range. FTIR analysis was employed to elucidate the potential bioactive compounds present in the plant extract responsible for the reduction and stabilization of AgNPs. Furthermore, we evaluated the antibacterial activity of these synthesized AgNPs against a panel of bacterial isolates. All the bacterial isolates were sensitive to the silver nanoparticles. Staphylococcus aureus as found to be most resistant, while E. coli as found to be the most sensitive.
Effect of drought at different reproductive stages on yield and yield components of some cowpea (Vigna unguiculata l. Walp) varieties in Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria
Authors: Muhammed H.M. , Stephen D.Y. , Gabi U.A. , Rabe A.M. , Saratu M.L.
Published: January 2024

Drought is one of the most unfavorable abiotic factors that can affect the growth and yield of cowpea. Drought at different reproductive stages can interfere with the morphological processes of plants. Therefore this research aim to determine the effect of drought at different reproductive stages on yield and yield components of some cowpea varieties. A screen house experiment was conducted at the Botanical Garden of Biological Science Department, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, University during the 2022 cropping season The three cowpea varieties used were; FUAMPEA 1, FUAMPEA 2 and ITK89KD-288 which were planted and subjected to water stress at three different reproductive stages which included; early flowering stage, early pod set stage, early seed filling stage and a well-watered treatment to serve as control. The treatments were arranged in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) in three replications. Cowpea yield attributes evaluated were; number of pods per plant, pod length, pod weight per pot, number of seeds per pod, 100 seed weight, total grain yield per pot and estimated grain yield per hectare. Results revealed that variety was highly significant (p≤0.01) for pod length, total grain yield per pot and estimated grain yield per hectare. On the other hand, drought was significant (p≤0.05) for pod weight per pot. Variety however was not significant for number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod and 100 seed weight. Drought showed a highly significant effect (p≤0.01) on number of pods per plant, pod length, pod weight per pot, number of seeds per pod, 100 seed weight, total grain yield per pot and estimated grain yield per hectare. Water stress at early seed filling stage significantly reduced total grain yield per plot and total grain yield per hectare. Drought at different reproductive stages affects the morphological and physiological processes of cowpea as a crop. This is an indication that water is very crucial during the growth and yield of cowpea.
Exploring wireless connectivity and network performance: A dataset of 4G LTE user equipment measurements
Authors: Garba S.A. , Ambursa F.U. , Baguda Y.S. , Shehu M.A.
Published: January 2024

Wireless networks, especially 4G LTE technology, have revolutionized the way we communicate and access information (Dike & Iddy, 2023). The performance and reliability of these networks, specific to the network operator in this study, are critical factors in ensuring a seamless user experience. However, the understanding of network behavior in urban environments, characterized by high population densities and diverse mobility patterns, remains a challenging task. This paper presents a dataset comprising 4G LTE user equipment measurements collected along Sabon-Gari Market, located in Kano, Nigeria, using a major 4G LTE network operator. The dataset is the result of a comprehensive data collection effort aimed at understanding wireless connectivity and network performance within this urban market environment. The primary objective is to share and make available this dataset to the research community, fostering further investigations and advancements in the field of mobile communication technologies. The work undertook an extensive data collection campaign in Sabon-Gari Market using a major 4G LTE network operator. The G-NetTrack Pro Android application was utilized to capture user equipment measurements during a three-week period, encompassing both morning and evening periods. The aim is to provide valuable insights into the wireless connectivity and network performance characteristics of Sabon-Gari Market using a major 4G LTE network operator. Researchers and practitioners can leverage this dataset to analyze network behavior, study mobility patterns, investigate the impact of various factors on network performance, and develop innovative solutions to enhance wireless communication technologies in similar urban environments.
Remediation of crude oil contaminated soil with locally formulated bioremediation agent
Authors: Ugoma F.E. , Ijah U.J.J. , Abioye O.P. , Musa I.O.
Published: January 2024

Hydrocarbon pollution is one of the major environmental challenges facing the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, and over the years, various methods and strategies have been suggested to be used in tackling these problem. This research was aimed at restoring crude oil contaminated soil with locally formulated bioremediation agent (coded LOFBA). The local bioremediation agent (LOFBA) formulated consisted of cow dung, chicken droppings and periwinkle shells. Four soil treatments (unpolluted soil, polluted soil with crude oil, polluted soil remediated with LOFBA and polluted soil remediated with NPK) were setup using completely randomized blocked design (CRBD). The microbial isolates were identified on the basis of cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics. Physicochemical properties of the soil (pH, total nitrogen, sulphate, phosphorus, total organic carbon, moisture, exchangeable cations, heavy metals) were estimated using standard procedures while total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were determined using the gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GCMS). The LOFBA had pH 5.6, high calcium (47.325%), Nitrogen (1.49%), phosphorus (0.26%), electrical conductivity (194.81μmho/cm) and high counts of bacteria and fungi. The microbial isolates identified were Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus cereus, Acinetobacter aceti, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pyogenes. Soil remediated with LOFBA showed a significantly (p < 0.05) higher bacterial counts total nitrogen and exchangeable ions (K, Mg, Na and Ca) than other treatments. Heptadecane, pristine, octadecane, eicosane, herieicosane and hentriacontane were more highly degraded in LOFBA remediated soil than NPK remediated soil. Naphthalene was the only PAH present in all soil samples after six months although LOFBA remediated soil had the lowest concentration. Besides, Acenaphylylene was detected in crude oil contaminated soil and soil remediated with NPK while none was detected in soil remediated with LOFBA. The results also revealed that total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) from unamended soil decreased from 21.33 mg/kg to 16.61 mg/kg (22.13% degradation), from 15.18 mg/kg to 3.03 mg/kg (80.04% degradation) in LOFBA remediated soil while that of NPK remediated soil decreased from 18.70 mg/kg to 7.97 mg/kg (57.38% degradation) after six months. The results indicate that the locally formulated bioremediation agent (LOFBA) enhanced the recovery of the oil contaminated soil better than NPK fertilizer. LOFBA is therefore, recommended for oil spill remediation in the tropic.
ELAVL1 ameliorates sevoflurane induced neurotoxicity by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation
Authors: Xia Yan , Wang Kunguang , Chen Yan , Du Xiaoxuan
Published: January 2024

Purpose: To investigate the role of embryonic lethal-abnormal vision like protein 1 (ELAVL1) in sevoflurane-induced neurotoxicity.

Methods: A cell model was established in HT22 cells by exposing them to 3 % sevoflurane for 12 h. The HT22 cells were transfected with siRNA ELAVL1 (si-ELAVL1) or siRNA negative control (si-NC) to knockdown ELAVL1 expression. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to assess the levels of proinflammatory factors in HT22 cell culture supernatants. Cell apoptosis was analyzed using flow cytometry while apoptosis-related proteins and NLRP3 inflammasome pathway proteins were determined by western blot.

Results: ELAVL1 was upregulated in sevoflurane-exposed HT22 cells. Sevoflurane exposure also resulted in inflammation, apoptosis and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome of HT22 cells. Importantly, knockdown of ELAVL1 inhibited inflammation and apoptosis in HT22 cells caused by sevoflurane through the inhibition of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α production and bys regulating Bax and Bcl-2 protein expression. Furthermore, knockdown of ELAVL1 suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activity as reflected by the inhibition of the expression of caspase 1, ASC, IL-1β and IL-18. 

Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that the knockdown of ELAVL1 alleviates the inflammation and apoptosis of HT22 cells induced by sevoflurane which impeded the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, suggesting that ELAVL1 would make a good therapeutic target for sevoflurane-caused neurotoxicity.
Pitavastatin calcium significantly improves glucose and lipid metabolism of patients with coronary atherosclerosis and reduces the occurrence of adverse cardiovascular events
Authors: Liu Jun , Li Bing , Wang Cuiping
Published: January 2024

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of pitavastatin calcium and atorvastatin calcium on coronary atherosclerosis (CA) and compare the influence of the two schemes on adverse cardiovascular events.

Methods: The medical records of 198 patients with CA admitted at Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, China from August 2019 to May 2011 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were grouped into pitavastatin calcium group (n = 102) and atorvastatin calcium group (n = 96). The efficacy, incidence of adverse cardiovascular events, as well as changes in blood lipid metabolism and blood glucose metabolism indices before and after therapy were recorded and compared.

Results: Compared with atorvastatin calcium group, pitavastatin calcium group yielded a significantly higher overall response rate (ORR, p < 0.05) and presented a significantly lower total incidence of cardiovascular adverse events (p < 0.05). After therapy, pitavastatin calcium group displayed significantly lower triglyceride, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels (p < 0.05), and also presented significantly higher high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels (p < 0.05) in contrast to atorvastatin calcium group. Furthermore, pitavastatin calcium group presented significantly lower fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels than atorvastatin calcium group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Compared with atorvastatin calcium, pitavastatin calcium displays a better therapeutic effect in patients with CA, lowers the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events and improves glucose and lipid metabolism of patients. Future studies will focus on longer follow-up sessions to better understand the impact of the drugs on patient’s prognosis.
Application of a combination of lactated Ringer's solution and ulinastatin for early resuscitation in sepsis
Authors: Min Yuyuan , He Yinbin , Tuo Lei , Fan Meizi , Xie Yaning
Published: January 2024

Purpose: To investigate the effect of early resuscitation using a combination of lactated Ringer's solution and ulinastatin on the survival rate of patients with sepsis.

Methods: 82 patients with septic shock admitted to Xi'an People's Hospital, China from June 2017 to December 2020 were enrolled and randomly divided into control and study groups (n = 41 each). Patients in control group were given conventional fluid resuscitation and anti-infective therapy, while patients in study group were additionally given ulinastatin. Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II) score, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, and tissue perfusion were determined. Also, mechanical ventilation time, intensive care unit (ICU) stay time, and 28-day mortality rates were recorded.

Results: Both groups presented no significant difference in clinical characteristics before treatment. After treatment, APACHE II score, SOFA score, and lactic acid level of the study group significantly decreased (p < 0.05), and the patients’ condition improved. Moreover, inflammation-related indices, viz, procalcitonin (PCT), white blood cells (WBC), and C reactive protein (CRP) were significantly reduced in the study group (p < 0.05). Renal function-related indices which include creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) significantly decreased in study group (p < 0.05). Mechanical ventilation time, and ICU stay time were significantly shortened (p < 0.0001), while short-term survival rate significantly improved (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Lactated Ringer's solution in combination with ulinastatin expedites tissue perfusion and recovery, suppresses inflammation, enhances renal function, and significantly enhances the survival rate of septic patients. These findings provide valuable information for exploring new therapeutic approaches to sepsis.
Efficacy of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide as an adjuvant therapy for severe heart failure, and its impact on oxidative stress and quality of life in patients
Authors: Zeng Yanping , Ma Weixing , Xue Hua , Ma Cheng , Wang Yan , Ren Xiaohui , Jiang Zhenhua
Published: January 2024

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide as an adjuvant therapy for severe heart failure, and its effect on oxidative stress and quality of life in patients.

Methods: The study was conducted on 100 patients with severe heart failure who met the screening criteria for this study. They were evenly but randomly divided into two groups. Patients in the control group were given routine treatment (diuretics and cardiac stimulants) for severe heart failure, while the study group received recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide adjuvant therapy in addition to the treatment administered to the control group. Cardiac function, heart rate, oxidative stress indicators, quality of life levels, and adverse drug reactions during treatment were compared before and after treatment.

Results: After the intervention, the NT-proBNP level in the study group was significantly lower than in the control group while LVEF level was significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the study group showed a significant decrease in heart rate (p < 0.05). The MDA level of the study group was significantly lower than that of the control group while the SOD and GSH-PX levels were significantly higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, the GQOLI-74 score of the study group was significantly higher than that of the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference in incidence of adverse reaction between control and study groups (14.0 and 16.0 %, respectively, p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide has a significant therapeutic effect on severe heart failure, thus improving patients' cardiac function, alleviating their oxidative stress state and enhancing their quality of life, and is also safe.
Novel approaches and therapeutic targets for diabetic nephropathy: Advances and promising strategies
Authors: Ubhenin Abraham Ehinomhen , Ikebuiro Joshua Onyeka , Anura Fatima , Idris Ramatu Iya , Erharuyi Osayemwenre
Published: January 2024

Diabetic nephropathy is a progressive condition characterized by kidney damage and functional decline, primarily attributed to hyperglycemia. Special keywords and probes related to diabetic nephropathy were utilized by Google search engine to obtain relevant information from Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Alert, and Google Scholar databases. This review explores the interconnected mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis. Hyperglycemia initiates glomerular hypertrophy and increased glomerular filtration rate as compensatory responses, but persistent hyperglycemia leads to renal inflammation, oxidative stress, abnormal extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation, and increased albuminuria. These processes contribute to structural changes, declining glomerular filtration rate, and potential end-stage renal disease (ESRD) progression. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) play key roles in hyperglycemic-induced glomerular hypertrophy. Glomerular hyperfiltration, mediated by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), impaired tubuloglomerular feedback, and increased capillary filtration coefficient, further contributes to increased glomerular filtration rate. Inflammation and oxidative stress, triggered by hyperglycemia and AGEs, promote kidney damage. Abnormal ECM accumulation, driven by hyperglycemia and the transforming growth factor-beta pathway, leads to structural changes. Hyperglycemia-induced microalbuminuria and proteinuria reflect early signs of kidney damage. Managing diabetic nephropathy poses challenges, but ongoing research offers potential solutions. Novel therapeutic targets, combination therapies, personalized medicine approaches, regenerative medicine, and gene therapy are being explored. Advancements in diagnostics, including targeted therapies and non-invasive tools, show promise in preventing or mitigating the progression of diabetic nephropathy. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for early detection, glycemic control, blood pressure management, and targeted therapies to slow disease progression. Collaboration among healthcare stakeholders is essential in finding effective solutions for this complex condition. This review therefore highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to managing diabetic nephropathy and improving patient outcomes.