bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of life among general adult people aged 35-75 years living in Baghdad, Iraq
Authors: Ali Kareem Durib  , Jalil Ibrahim Saleh  , Sadoon Ibraheem  , Nawar Sahib Khalil  , Abdulmajeed Alwan. Hammadi  , Irina Stepanenko
Published: October 2023

Objective: To assess the quality of life among adults in an urban community.Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2019 to October 2021 in Baghdad, Iraq, afterapproval from the ethics review committee of the College of Medicine, Al-Iraqia University, Iraq, andcomprised adult subjects of either gender. Data was collected by direct interview using the short versionof the World Health Organisation quality of life questionnaire after it was modified and translated into thelocal Arabic language. Data was analysed using SPSS 18.Results: Of the 800 subjects, 496(62%) were males. The overall mean age was 48.7±13 years (range: 35-75years). There were 439(54.9%) subjects who were married, 602(75.3%) were employed, 516(64.5%) hadprimary and secondary levels of education, 586(73.3%) had own houses, 717(89.6%) were living in urbanareas, and 378(47.3%) had sufficient income. With respect to quality of life, the environmental domainhad the highest mean score 64.8±12.3, while the physical domain had the lowest 60.8±13.2. Gender, age,marital status, occupation, educational status, family income and family size were significantly related togeneral quality of life (p<0.05).Conclusion: Overall quality of life was found to be fair in among the general adult people studied.Keywords: Adult, Quality of life, Satisfaction, Housing, Arabs, Iraq, Marital status, Characteristics,Occupations.
Red eyes: COVID-19 or Microbial infection
Authors: Hussein Katai Abdul Sada  , Salah Zuhair Abed Al Asadi  , Ahmed Mohammed Alsamak  , Amaleed Abduljaleel Alkadhem
Published: October 2023

Objective: To identify the source of eyes infections during coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic.Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Al-Basrah Teaching Hospital, Iraq from March 2 to September24, 2020, and comprised eye swabs from patients having confirmed diagnosis of coronavirus disease-2019. The swabswere subjected to microbiological and molecular examinations. They were cultivated on blood agar and savoureddextrose agar plates to detect the types of microbes and then confirmed by genetic analysis using polymerase chainreaction. Chi-square was used to identify the differences between samples who had symptoms or those who had nosymptoms p Less than or Equal to 0.05 was considered significant.Results: Of the 213 patients quarantined with coronavirus disease-2019, there were 98(46%) males and 115(54%)females. Of them, 22(10.3%) had red eyes; 10(45.45%) males and 12(54.54%) females, with overall age ranging 18-74years. Streptococcus pneumonia was detected in 8(36.6%) patients, followed by staphylococcus aureus and candidaalbicans 5(22.7%) each, and haemophilus influenzae 3(13.6%).Conclusion: Red eyes of some patients with coronavirus disease-2019 may have been caused by secondary infection.Keywords: Agar, Staphylococcus aureus, Photophobia, Polymerase chain reaction, Glucose, Pruritus.
Premature infant parents’ Need at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Erbil City, Iraq: A descriptive cross-sectional Study
Authors: Kafia Hashim Karim  , Norhan Zeki Shakir
Published: October 2023

Objectives: To assess the perceived needs of parents who had premature infants in a neonatal intensive care setting.Method: The descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Raparin Teaching Hospital for Children, Erbil,Iraq, from April to June 2021, and comprised parents with premature infants who were enrolled during their infants’stay at the neonatal intensive care unit. Data was collected using a two-part questionnaire. The first part entailed aninterview exploring socio-demographic data, while the second part was a self-report questionnaire adapted from theCritical Care Family Needs Inventory, and had five domains; support, information, proximity, assurance, and comfort.Data was analysed using SPSS 25.Results: There were 57 sets of parents and premature neonates. The mean gestational age of the neonates was33.37±3.29 weeks, mean age of fathers was 31.44±7.24 years, and mean age of mothers was 27.51±6.19 years. Amongthe neonates, 31(54.4%) were boys, and 32(56.1%) had been delivered through caesarean section. Of the total 114mother and father, 106(93%) required assurance, 98(86%) needed comfort, and 96(84.2%) confirmed proximity as themost essential need. Besides, 84(73.7%) required information and 79(69.3%) required support.Conclusion: Parents of premature infants hospitalised in neonatal intensive care unit needed assurance, comfort,proximity, information and support in order of priority.Key Words: Premature, Infant, Parents, Erbil.
Association of Cd40 (rs1883832) SNP in some Iraqi patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and their correlation with disease activity
Authors: Sattar Brissm Hassan  , Hanaa Abdullah  , Khaled Yassin Zakair
Published: October 2023

Objective: To determine the genotyping of CD40 gene (rs1883832) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) amongrheumatoid arthritis patients, and to investigate its correlation with disease activity.Method: The case-control study was conducted at Baghdad Teaching Hospitals, its affiliated Rheumatology units andAl-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq, from July 2020 to May 2021, and comprised adult females withrheumatoid arthritis in group A and healthy controls in group B. The disease activity in group A was evaluated usingthe Disease Activity Score in 28 Joints scale. Samples from both groups were genotyped using TaqMan Assay for clusterof differentiation gene rs1883832 single nucleotide polymorphism. Data was analysed using SPSS 28.Results: Of the 118 participants, 76(64.4%) were in group A with mean age 45.38±1.23 years, and 42(35.6%) were incontrol group B with mean age 46.48±2.02 years. At cluster of differentiation gene rs1883832 single nucleotidepolymorphism, there was a non-significant difference in the frequency of T and A alleles as well as in TT, AA and TA ingroup A patients compared to group B controls (p>0.05). Rheumatoid factor and C-reactive protein concentrationswith TT, TA and AA genotypes in group A were significantly higher in group A compared to group B (p<0.05). Withingroup A, there was a significant increase in the TT genotype and a significant decrease in the TA genotype in severecases compared to mild cases. (p<0.05).Conclusion: The cluster of differentiation gene rs1883832 single nucleotide polymorphism T allele was found to be arisk factor for rheumatoid arthritis and disease severity. The TT and AA alleles acted as protective factors.Keywords: Polymorphism, Disease activity, Genotype.
The role of IL-24 as a pro-inflammatory cytokine in some Iraqi rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Sattar Brissm Hassan  , Hanaa Naji Abdullah  , Khaled Yassin Zakair
Published: October 2023

Objective: To determine the role of interleukin-24 as a pro-inflammatory cytokine among female rheumatoid arthritispatients, and its correlation with clinical parameters.Method: The case-control study was conducted from April to July 2021 at the Baghdad Teaching Hospital andYarmouk Teaching Hospital, Iraq, and comprised women aged 26-60 years in the Al-Karkh district having rheumatoidarthritis diagnosed by a rheumatologist, and healthy controls matched for age and gender. Data was analysed usingSPSS 28.Results: Of the 118 subjects, 76(64.4%) were patients with mean age 45.38±1.23 years, and 42(35.6%) were controlswith mean age 46.48±2.02 years. Rheumatoid factor level was highly significant among the cases37.30±2.50mg/L compared to the controls 4.91±0.53mg/L (p Less than or Equal to 0.05), and similar was the case with anti-cycliccitrullinated peptides 63.04±2.82U/mL versus 14.02±0.30U/mL (p Less than or Equal to 0.05). Serum interleukin-24 was considerablyelevated in patients 157.52±9.40 compared to controls 34.75±3.06 (p Less than or Equal to 0.05). Interleukin-24 had a significant positivecorrelation with rheumatoid factor, and a significant negative correlation with C-reactive protein and erythrocytesedimentation rate (p<0.05).Conclusion: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis had higher interleukin-24 serum levels than healthy controls, indicatingthat interleukin-24 may be a significant marker in rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis.Keywords: Protein, Antibodies, Cytokines, Arthritis, Rheumatoid.
Pregnant women’s knowledge toward the effects of drugs on mother health’s and foetus during pregnancy in Fatima Al Zahra hospital, Baghdad, Iraq
Authors: Shatha Mahmood Niazi  , Abeer Abed Gatea
Published: October 2023

Objective: To assess pregnant women’s awareness on medication use and its effects on their health and the healthof their unborn child.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study on pregnant women who frequently visited the outpatient clinic at theFatima Al-Zahra Hospital was conducted using a non-probability sampling technique. A two-part questionnaire, thefirst of which inquired about socio-demographic information and the second inquired about mothers’ awareness ofthe effects of medications on their health and the health of the foetus while they were pregnant, was used to collectdata through direct interviews. The content validity of the instrument was established with the assistance of 20specialists. Cronbach’s alpha Coefficient was used to assess the instrument scales’ reliability. A Likert item was used toassess respondents’ understanding of a certain topic or statement. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, thestrength of the independent correlations between different components and the desired results was evaluated.Results: The study’s findings show that participants’ awareness of how medications affect a pregnant woman’s healthand the foetus had a bad overall mean score. On average, they were 27.4 8.34 years old. A 75 (75%) of the participantsin the study were over the age of 21, had a secondary education, and were working in some capacity. A 50 (50%) ofwomen had had three to five pregnancies, and 48 (48%) were in the third trimester. 11 (11%) of them utilized themedication illicitly.Conclusion: Maternal awareness of medication use is statistically strongly associated with a number of factorsinfluencing outcomes. In fact, pregnant adults over the age of 21 had little knowledge about it, little education, andused the drug without a prescription. The results of the study highlight the need for increased communication aboutmedication use with expectant mothers in order to enhance their understanding and reduce self-medication.Keywords: Knowledge, Pregnancy, Mothers, Fetus, Medication DOI: https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.IQ-22
Investigation of anthraquinone-producing Trichoderma reesei by highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
Authors: Zeyad Khalaf Hussein  , Ghada Basil Alomashi  , Khaled Yassin Zakair
Published: October 2023

Objective: To investigate the isolates of Trichoderma that produce anthraquinones by High-performance LiquidChromatography (HPLC).Methods: Trichoderma specimen were collected from Wassit Soil and identified dependent on morphological featuresand tested for production of anthraquinones by HPLC, Trichoderma isolate which produced a high concentration ofanthraquinones diagnosed for the species using PCR-ITS region.Results: Ten isolates were identified as Trichoderma according to morphological and microscopic features. Resultsthree Trichoderma isolates show differences between the concentrations of anthraquinones among the ten isolates.The total concentration of this compound in the extracts of specimens 1, 2 and 3 were (7.765ug/ml), (2.308ug/ml),and (4.977ug/ml) respectively. At the final concentration of Trichoderma isolates, genomic DNA have been extracted(400 to 600 ug) / (2 to 3g) fresh mycelium, and with a concentration of (1.6 to1.8), and the results of amplifyingTrichoderma DNA samples by using ITS-1 and ITS-4 showed a single unique band consistent with T. reesei F48-03, Whichwith other isolates of the Trichoderma were missing, were identified successfully.Conclusion: For identification and phylogenetic classification of Trichoderma, DNA-based methods that provide usefulclassification information are presently used. For several years, most T. spp. is regarded as a single species due to theirmorphological similarity. This research used ITS markers to distinguish genotypes within T. spp. because of amplifyinga distinct, naturally determined locus with a couple of T.reesei -specific oligonucleotide primers. This research wascarried out to provide supporting evidence for the long-standing antimicrobial use of anthraquinone.Keywords: DNA, Primers, Trichoderma, Phylogeny, Soil, Chromatography, Liquid, Polymerase, Reaction,Anthraquinones, Mycelium, Plant, Genomics.
Antimicrobial activity of aloe-emodin from Aloe-vera against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Ola Salam Znad  , Zainab Razzaq Zghair
Published: October 2023

Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial activity of aloe-emodin isolated from aloe-vera against staphylococcus aureusfrom human patients and cows suffering from respiratory tract infection.Method: The experimental study was conducted at the A;-Kut Technical Institute, Iraq, from October 2021 to December2021, and comprised human nasal swabs collected from Al-Zahraa Teaching Hospital and Al-Karama Teaching Hospitalin Wassit, Iraq, in group A, cow nasal swabs collected from city centre, Al-Hay, Al-Bataar, Sheikh Saad, Al-Azizia and Al-Suwaira fields in group B. Aloe-vera was taken from the local market for which certification was obtained from theDirectorate of Seed Testing and Certification, Ministry of the Agriculture, Iraq. The swab specimens were transferredto the laboratory under standard conditions. The specimens were inoculated to mannitol salt agar and blood agarmedia and were then incubated for 24-48hrs at 37°C under aerobic conditions. All the primary screened isolates werethen subjected to various morphological and biochemical tests to ensure their identity. Data was analysed using thestatistical analysis system, 2018.Results: Of the 200 samples, 100(50%) were in group A and 100 100(50%) in group B. Aloe-emodin was the mosteffective antibiotic that inhibited human and cow pathogenic bacteria with high inhibition zone range at (1%) whichincreased with increasing aloe-emodin extract concentrations at (2% ,4%). Staphylococcus isolates revealed a differentresponse to the aloe-emodin antimicrobial activity.Conclusion: Aloe-emodin extract of alo-vera showed high antimicrobial activity against all human and cowpathogenic bacteria.Keywords: Cattle, Aloe, Emodin, Plant, Anti-bacterial, Anti-infective, Nose, Agriculture, Ethanol, Seeds.
Almond oil improves the levels of some trace elements and antioxidant status in mice exposed to oxidative stress
Authors: Amer Alasadi  , Husam Al-Hraishawi  , Haider Humaish
Published: October 2023

Objectives: To evaluate the concentrations of some trace elements and the antioxidant status in male mice exposedto oxidative stress by carbon tetrachloride and then treated by either almond oil or vitamin C.Methods: The animal study was conducted in January 2020 at the College of Nursing of the University of Thi-Qar andthe Kut Technical Institute, Middle Technical University, Baghdad, Iraq, and comprised adult male mice. They weredivided randomly into four equal groups and treated for 21 days. Mice in group I received sunflower oil 1ml per mice,mice in group II were injected 0.3% carbon tetrachloride intraperitonially, mice in group III received 0.3% carbontetrachloride plus oral intubation of vitamin C 300mg/kg body weight daily, and mice in group IV were intubated with 2.26g/kg body weight of almond oil plus 0.3% carbon tetrachloride daily. Serum and liver homogenate were used tomeasure the levels of trace elements and the antioxidant status. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20.Results: There were 24 mice; 6(25%) in each on the 4 groups. Mice in group II showed a significant decrease in zinc,magnesium and phosphorus levels, and significant elevation in calcium levels (p<0.05). Mice in groups III and IVshowed a significant difference in trace elements compared to group II (p<0.05). Almond oil enhanced the antioxidantstatus and was more active than vitamin C (p<0.05).Conclusions: Almond oil was found to have beneficial and pharmacological effects against oxidative stress.Keywords: Carbon tetrachloride, Antioxidants, Prunus dulcis, Ascorbic acid, Phosphorus, Fatty liver, Zinc, Vitamins,Intubation, Intratracheal.
Analisis Pengaruh CSR, GCG, serta Ukuran Perusahaan terhadap Kinerja Keuangan pada Perusahaan Perbankan di BEI Periode Tahun 2015-2019
Authors: Rinofah Risal , Kusumawardhani Ratih , Ramadhani Pramudhita Annisa
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study is to find out the effect of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Good Corporate Governance (GCG), and Company Size on Financial Performance in Banking Companies listed on the IDX in the 2015-2019 period. The variables used in this study are Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Good Corporate Governance (GCG), and Company Size as independent variables, while the dependent variable is Financial Performance. This type of research is descriptive research with a quantitative approach. The subjects of this research are banking companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the 2015-2019 period. Secondary data was obtained from the annual reports of 9 companies by purposive sampling. Then the data were analyzed by using multiple linear regression technique. The results of the study using the t-test showed that the Corporate Social Responsibility (X1) variable had a significant effect on Financial Performance (Y) with a significance value of 0.000 <0.05; Good Corporate Governance variable (X2) has no significant effect on Financial Performance (Y) with a significance value of 0.085 <0.05; Firm Size variable (X3) has a significant effect on Financial Performance (Y) with a significance value of 0.009 <0.05.

Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility; Good Corporate Governance; Company Size; Financial performance.
Analisis Kecurangan Laporan Keuangan dalam Perspektif Teori Fraud Hexagon pada Perusahaan Industri Keuangan yang Terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia Tahun 2017-2022
Authors: Dewi Rahma , Luthan Elvira
Published: October 2023

This study aims to prove and verify the potential for Fraudulent Financial Reporting (FFR) based on the hexagon fraud theory. FFR practices cause losses to investors, creditors and other stakeholders, so it is important to identify the elements that trigger FFR practices. The elements of the hexagon fraud theory are stimulus, capability, collusion, opportunity, rationalization and ego in influencing the occurrence of FFR. Companies in the financial industry listed on the IDX 2017-2022 as the population in this study with a total of 95 companies. The sampling technique used purposive sampling and produced 55 companies as research samples. The research approach used is a quantitative approach. The data analysis technique used is SEM-PLS which is processed with the SmartPLS Vs 3.0 program. The findings in this study indicate that stimulus, capability, ego and collusion have a negative effect on FFR while there is no opportunity and rationalization effect on FFR. The results of this study contribute to academics in broadening references regarding factors triggering the occurrence of FFR, as well as adding insight to companies in detecting FFR as an effort to improve the company's control system and as a tool for potential investors in analyzing their investments to reduce the risk of loss
Pengaruh Brand Image dan Brand Awareness Terhadap Keputusan Pembelian Pizza Hut Delivery Cabang Plaju
Authors: Meilani Windi , Rosa Aslamia
Published: October 2023

This study aims to analyze the effect of brand image and brand awareness on purchasing decisions for pizza hut delivery at the Plaju branch. This study used a quantitative approach with data collection methods through questionnaires. The population in this study were people in Palembang City aged 15-25 years who had purchased pizza hut delivery from the Plaju branch in October, November, December 2022 and January, February, March 2023. The sampling method used purposive sampling with a total sample of 100 respondent. Data analysis techniques in this study were hypothesis testing, coefficient of determination testing, and multiple linear analysis. the results of testing the calculated F value of 73,597 with a significance value of 0.000 (0.000 <0.05), brand image and brand awareness together have a positive and significant effect on purchasing decisions for Pizza Hut Delivey Plaju Branch.

Keywords: Brand image, Brand Awareness, Purchase Decisions
Pengaruh Penggunaan Fintech Payment terhadap Perilaku Manajemen Keuangan
Authors: Azzahra Aqilla Fatimah , Andriana Isni , Saputri Nyimas Dewi Murnila
Published: October 2023

Penelitian ini memiliki tujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana pengaruh penggunaan fintech payment terhadap perilaku manajemen keuangan mahasiswa. Populasi yang diambil adalah seluruh mahasiswa aktif S1 Fakultas Ekonomi Universitas Sriwijaya dan sampel diambil menggunakan teknik non-probability dengan purposive sampling. Teknik pengumpulan data yang dipakai dengan kuesioner. Teknik analisis data yang dipakai adalah analisis regresi linier sederhana kemudian data diolah dengan program Statistical for Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) versi 26. Hasil dalam penelitian menunjukkan bahwasannya penggunaan fintech payment mempengaruhi secara signifikan terhadap perilaku manajemen keuangan di lingkungan mahasiswa aktif S1 Fakultas Ekonomi Universitas Sriwijaya.
Harga, Kualitas Layanan, dan Kepercayaan pada Transportasi Online Maxim terhadap Kepuasan Pelanggan
Authors: Sahda Fatimah Talitha , Putri Anisa Rachma , Kurniaty Dewi
Published: October 2023

This research was conducted to see the effect of price, service quality, and trust on Maxim online transportation customer satisfaction in Jabodetabek. The method used in this research was a quantitative method using multiple regression analysis to measure the effect of one variable on another, and obtained a total of 150 respondents. This research uses two variables, namely the independent variable with the indicator variables Price, Service Quality and Trust. As well as the dependent variable, namely the Customer Satisfaction variable. Based on the results of a simple correlation analysis, a correlation of 0.489 was obtained, which means there is a positive influence between the variables because the R value is positive. Then based on the results of the overall index of Price, Service Quality and Trust, customer satisfaction was 48.9%, which shows a very strong relationship. Looking at the background of this research, Maxim customers are dissatisfied with several service indicators provided, therefore the practical implication of the results of this research that can be carried out by online transportation service providers Maxim is the need to provide service quality that is comparable to several things, such as Maxim drivers responding and implementing suggestions for complaints given by customers, maintaining customer trust so that customers can feel satisfied with the services provided, accompanied by drivers who always maintain cleanliness and tidiness so that customers can feel comfortable when using Maxim's online transportation services.
Pengaruh Kualitas Pelayanan terhadap Kepuasan Lansia di Poli Lansia UPTD Puskesmas Emparu Kabupaten Sintang
Authors: Leo Donatus , Arifin Arifin , Aripin Sofjan
Published: October 2023

Health services at the poly elderly puskesmas need to be considered and the quality of service is still often questioned, especially at UPTD Puskesmas Emparu. This quantitative study aims to obtain information on the quality of service satisfaction of the elderly who visit the Puskesmas. This study involved 75 elderly (men 23 elderly, women 52 elderly) as research subjects. Data on service quality and satisfaction of the elderly were collected by filling out questionnaires. The collected data was analyzed using classical assumption tests, simple regression analysis, validity tests, reliability tests, and t (partial) tests with the help of SPSS application version 30. Information was obtained that the dimensions of direct evidence (tangibles) and responsiveness (responsiveness) affect elderly satisfaction with services in the elderly poly. The follow-up that needs to be done for the elderly at the UPTD Puskesmas Emparu elderly poly is to update facilities and infrastructure as needed and respond quickly in serving
Thermophysical characterization of concrete reinforced with baobab trunk fibers (Adansonia digitata L.) for thermal insulation of buildings
Authors: GHABO Alphousseyni , TOURÉ Pape Moussa , DIÉYE Younouss , SAMBOU Vincent
Published: October 2023

This work deals with characterizing concrete based on baobab trunk fibers for thermal in- sulation in buildings. The aim is to study the effect of the fiber content and the type of fiber treatment on the hygroscopic and thermo-physical properties of the concrete. Therefore, two types of treatment were carried out: an alkaline treatment and a thermo-alkaline treatment. Hygroscopic test results (34.25% to 54.92% for fiber content ranging from 14% to 28%) show that adding fibers to concrete makes them more sensitive to water. However, thermochemical treatment of the fibers reduces this water sensitivity. The thermal conductivities of concrete range from 0.202 to 0.086 W/m.K for the same fiber content. These results show that these biomaterials can be used in construction to improve building insulation.
Analysis of VLF-EM Data for Potential Cassiterite Mineralization Delineation Zone in Rafin-Bareda Area North-Western Nigeria
Authors: Adamu Micah Adamu , Abdullahi Nasir K , Matoh Dogara D
Published: October 2023

VLF-EM geophysical technique was employed to delineate potential cassiterite mineralization at Rafin Bareda, Dutsen-Wai, Kubau Local Government area of Kaduna state, North Western,
Nigeria. A total area of 3.025 km2 was covered along eleven (11) traverses separated by 25 m with a measurement interval of 10m taken in the East-West direction. The response of the in-phase component revealed various anomalous zones while Fraser-filtered plots of the in-phase peaked over the anomalous zones and the Karous-Hjelt filtered response of the in-phase correlates quite well with the results of the Fraser filtered data. In order to achieve the aim of the investigation, and since the VLF data was collected in the magnetic mode, enhancement procedures such as reduced to equator and analytical signal techniques were applied to the Fraser Filtered response of the In-phase component and correspondingly, Center for Exploration Targeting (CET), Source Parameter Imaging and Euler Deconvolution algorithms of the Oasis Montaj were successively employed to delineate potential mineralization zones and best locations for drilling productive cassiterite in the study area. Enhanced maps show linear features trending in the NE-SW and NW-SE directions with minor traces in the N-S direction. Most of the delineated zones of high analytical signal signature were either intercepted or flanked by the extracted lineament which is indicative of positive correlation between the extracted lineament and the high amplitude response of the analytical signal and
also, validated the occurrence and positioning of the cassiterite mineral deposits is greatly controlled by the lineament system across the study area and the development of conductive zones of high apparent current with positive values reflects inferred subsurface structural fractures and/or mineralized zones. Depths evaluation analysis from the Euler Deconvolution (ED) technique using structural index of 1, ranged from 5 m to 15 m while depths varying from 4.9 m to 13.7 m were obtained from the Source parameter imaging technique.
Geophysical and Geotechnical Pre-Foundation Assessment of the proposed ICT center of the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa
Authors: Emmanuel Banso O , Olasele Adefemi F , Bamidele Bayode G
Published: October 2023

A geophysical and geotechnical pre-foundation study on the proposed ICT center of the
Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, was carried out to determine the suitability and competency of the subsurface soil and evaluate its engineering implications for infrastructural development. The Dipole-Dipole array, with a spacing of 5 meters, was used to investigate the subsurface lithology and its suitability for construction application in relation to the depth, thickness, and resistivity of subsurface materials. Three (3) traverses, 110 meters each, were employed. Four (4) soil samples randomly taken at depths of 0.5 meters were used to carry out geotechnical laboratory tests. The first layer resistivity ranges from 153 ohm-m – 1005 ohm-m with maximum thickness of approximately 2 meters, the second layers resistivity value ranges between 1162 ohm-m to 84965 ohm-m with corresponding thickness of 10 meters – 15 meters, and the third layer has resistivity values above 221486 ohm-m. Geotechnical analysis carried out on the soil samples obtained are Natural Moisture Content (NMC) with values between 14.1% to 14.3%, Grain Size Analysis with > 50% finer passing, Atterberg Limit Test with plastic limit ranging from 19.4% to 19.9%, Consolidation test ranging from 0.0131 – 0.0136m²/yr, Unconfined Compression (UC) Test revealing approximately 182.5Kla, Permeability test ranging from 1.33×10-5 cm/s to1.85×10-5 cm/s, and Specific Gravity (SG) of 2.648 - 2.654. Three geological layers were inferred namely; clayey sand, sandy clay and sand. From the geophysics and geotechnical it can be inferred that the study area is competent. But Excavation of soil to a depth of about 2 meters at which the soil is adequately competent (consolidated) is
recommended.
Comparative Study on the Development of Composite Briquette as Alternative Fuel using Rice and Maize Husk
Authors: Tasi’u Jamila , Abdulrashid Farida A , Abubakar Zainab I
Published: October 2023

In this study, the development of briquettes from agricultural waste mainly rice and maize husk is presented. A 0.12 kg of each sample with a combination ratio of 1:1 was used in the buildup. The results obtained shows that, rice husk, maize husk and the combination of rice and maize husk have calorific value of 15.27 kJ/kg, 17.13 kJ/kg and 16.20 kJ/kg, moisture contents of 78.8 %, 86.8 % and 79.1 %, ash contents of 39.74 %, 18.07 % and 13.39 % and densities of 1084.3 kg/m3, 1011.5 kg/m3 and 1012.4 kg/m3 respectively. The research shows that briquette made from maize husk has the highest calorific value that can meet domestic use as an alternative fuel compared to briquttes from rice husk and the combination of rice and maize husk.
Effect of sputtered silver thin film thickness towards morphological and optical properties of black silicon fabricated by two-step silver-assisted wet chemical etching for solar cells application
Authors: Abdulkadir Auwal , Isiyaku Aliyu K , Isah Mustapha , Abbas Dallatu U , Ismaila Tijjani
Published: October 2023

Effect of sputtered silver (Ag) thin film thickness towards morphological and optical properties of black silicon (b-Si) fabricated by two-step silver-assisted wet chemical etching for solar cells applications is investigated. The method involves low temperature annealing of crystalline silicon (c-Si) coated with Ag thin films of 10 nm, 15 nm, and 25 nm. This is followed by an etching in a solution of HF:H2O2:DI H2O (1:5:10 volume ratio) at room temperature for 70 s. Dense and spherical Ag NPs with an average diameter of 203 ± 17.8 nm and surface coverage of about 72.5% are achieved on a sample with Ag film thickness of 15 nm prior to the annealing process. After the etching, the average nanopores’ height of ~420 nm with an average diameter of ~200 nm owing to denser Ag NPs on the c-Si surface before the etching are obtained. Optical absorption enhancement due to low weight average reflection (WAR) within wavelength region
of 300–1100 nm is observed on the b-Si wafers. Sample with 15 nm of Ag thin film prior to annealing, demonstrates WAR of 7.7% compared 40.0% of the reference planar c-Si. The low WAR is due to the efficient light coupling effect of the b-Si nanopores. The fabricated b-Si nanopores can be used in b-Si solar cells for enhanced optical absorption and high photocurrent in the future.
Design of an Automated Admission Ranking Information System (AARISYS)
Authors: Samuel Yamusa J , Mustapha Rabi
Published: October 2023

A Decision Support System (DSS) is a useful information systems tool that supports decision-making as it aids institutional admission committees in effective and efficient decision-making. Several types of admission DSS are said to have existed over time. However, for most of the admission DSS as seen from the literature reviewed, soft copies of data are obtained from a source and uploaded onto the system, whereas, the DSS can be made to obtain data directly from the source into itself, thereby speeding up system procedures. The objectives of this study, are to develop an Application Programming Interface (API) and use mathematical methods of weighted grade points for ranking and provision of information for sensitive admission analysis and decision-making. The method of inquiry used in this study was inductive, geared majorly towards consultations of research papers, relevant materials such as educational journals, publications, websites etc., and resource persons through oral interviews. This study adopts a qualitative approach, by studying admission DSS with the aim of improving the existing systems. A Use-case scenario was used as a design model and the system architectural model and program flow were demonstrated as well. Thus, the DSS
developed in this study referred to as AARISYS (Automated Admission Ranking System),
was implemented using scripting (PHP & JavaScript) and markup languages (HTML & CSS) with MySQL. The web-based system fetches Applicants' data from an external Database (source) via an API, store and assign rank scores. Validation and defect tests were also used and the system results were displayed. Thus, with the aid of API, admission DSS can now obtain data from sources by itself, in contrast to the methods of inputting soft copied data, as used by other DSS.
Effects of Fractures on Buildings and Road Construction: A Case Study of Area BZ, Ahmadu
Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
Authors: Ngbede Inalegwu A , Adikwu Onum S , Amanyi Matthew I , Obinna Adukwu G , Afuwai Cyril G
Published: October 2023

Structural collapse due to the absence of geophysical information has become a major concern in the construction and building industries today. In this research, we reported the effect of fracture on some selected buildings in Area BZ, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Reflex W software was used to analyze the vertical and horizontal profiles of the subsurface features in two-dimensional (2D) tomography of seismically related regions. The data were collected using MK6 Terraloc seismograph. Seismic refraction method was used to obtain relevant information about the subsurface strata. The velocities of different layers were obtained from the distance-time graph to generate the tomography of the four profiles of 115 m distance each. Results revealed that there are fractures beneath the surface, starting from the depth of 10 m into the basement region as evident in the four (4) profiles with variations in the seismic velocities of 1652 to 2086 m/s and 2521 to 2955 m/s for given strata. The 2D tomography of the study area
also revealed that the eastern parts of profiles 1-3 may not be safe for the erection of buildings and other structures without excavation, while profile 4 revealed high levels of structural deformation and it is recommended as a high-risk region that will not support engineering structure. We, however, recommend that further geophysical surveys should be carried out in the area, using Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT).
First-principles Study on the Structural, Electronic, and Elastic Properties of Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
Authors: Yamusa Shehu A , Shaari Amiruddin , Isah Ibrahim , Farzan Basima , Ismail Magaji , Ahams Summanuwa T , Itas Yahaya S
Published: October 2023

In this paper, the structural, electronic, and elastic properties of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) in hexagonal and trigonal phases were investigated using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) as implemented in the Quantum ESPRESSO package. Our findings from the structural and electronic properties of MoS2 show that bulk hexagonal and trigonal MoS2 phases have a calculated bandgap of 1.37 and 1.56 eV respectively, which is in good agreement with available theoretical and experimental results. The elastic properties show that both space groups of MoS2 are brittle at zero pressure and they also agree with Born's mechanical stability condition. The overall results place our new optimized MoS2 as a potential candidate for optoelectronic application.
First principle study on the Structural and Electronic Properties of Lead-Free Double Halide
Perovskite Cs2InSbCl6
Authors: Ahmad Zainab , Ismail Magaji , Shuaibu Alhassan , Sodipo Bashiru K
Published: October 2023

The structural and electronic characteristics of Cs2InSbCl6 were investigated using first
principle density functional theory (DFT) within local density approximation (LDA) and
generalized gradient approximation (GGA) as implemented in the Quantum ESPRESSO
package. A supercell with 40 atoms was used in carrying out the calculations, using the
optimized lattice parameters of the Cs2InSbCl6 (a = b = c =11.342 Ǻ). The findings revealed
that Cs2InSbCl6 is a direct band gap material with gaps of 0.74 eV and 0.99 eV for LDA/PZ
and GGA/PBE respectively, in which the GGA/PBE gap shows consistency within the
literature range. The calculated densities of states highlight the contributions of the constituent atoms within the valence and the conduction bands.
Influence of Rare Earth Ions (REIs) on the Visible Emission of Magnesium Sodium Borate Glasses
Authors: Ephraim Garba M , Soje Emmanuel A , Bature Charles S , Kwasu Solomon D
Published: October 2023

Borate glass systems have been extensively studied for practical applications in optical display devices by virtue of their peculiar luminescence efficiency. However, the attainment of high emission from borate glass materials via apposite control of rare earth ions (REIs) contents remains a topical issue in Material Physics. In this paper, we report the influence of REIs (Dy3+, Eu3+, and Sm3+) on multiple-colour emission of magnesium sodium borate (MSB) glasses fabricated by using the conventional melt-quenching method. These glasses were optically characterized via X-ray Diffraction (XRD), UV-VIS-NIR and Photoluminescence techniques. The XRD pattern confirms the amorphous nature of the as-prepared glasses. The absorption spectra disclosed several absorption bands at 347 nm (6H15/2 → 6P7/2) for Dy3+, 393 nm (7F0 →5L6) for Eu3+ and 403 nm (6H5/2 →6P5/2) assigned for Sm3+ respectively. Also, the emission spectra radiate at 463 nm (4F9/2 → 6F11/2 + 6H9/2), 612 nm (5D0 → 7FJ) and 599 nm (4G5/2 →
6H7/2) for Dy3+, Eu3+, and Sm3+ correspondingly, wherein Dy3+ emits blue, yellow, and red light, Eu3+ emits red light and Sm3+ emits reddish-orange light. Finally, 1.0 mol% content of Dy3+, Eu3+, and Sm3+ in MSB glasses was found to be optimal and hence considered the best optical host for colour display devices.
Assessment of Heavy Metals in Fish Tissues of Tilapia and Catfish from River Hadejia, Northern Nigeria
Authors: Yalwa Lawan M , Durumin Iya Sani G , Ahmad Haruna
Published: October 2023

Kidney failure has become a growing problem at Hadejia Emirates over the last decade. This can be attributed to water pollution, possibly due to heavy metal contamination of River Hadejia that affects organisms living in it, such as fish. This study is aimed to determine the concentration of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Pb) in two fish muscles. The research was conducted on tilapia and catfish where two samples of both fishes were used. The fish tissues were cut and oven-dried at 110 °C, and then a motor and pestle were used to powder the dried fish sample. A wet digestion method was used based on the analytical methods for Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). The result obtained shows that the concentrations of heavy metals (Cr, Cd, As and Pb) in both fishes were found to be 0.3220 ± 0.0028; 0.1656 ± 0.002 (𝑚𝑔/𝑘𝑔), 0.0319 ± 0.0018; 0.0333 ± 0.0018 (𝑀𝑔/𝑘𝑔), 0.0697 ± 0.0011; 0.1035 ± 0.0015 (𝑚𝑔/𝑘𝑔) and 1.008 ± 0.0035; 0.600 ± 0.002 (𝑚𝑔/𝑘𝑔) respectively. The mean concentration value of the two samples of both tilapia and catfish were found to be above WHO standard limit except for cadmium in tilapia which is below WHO standard limit.
Electrical resistivity measurements in delineating near-surface lithologic units in Federal College of Education, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria: Implications for building foundation failure
Authors: Ese Esiekpe L , Edeki Imiere E , Aiyeoribe Alade M , Tafida Nuhu A
Published: October 2023

An electrical resistivity investigation was carried out in parts of the College of Education
(Technical) Asaba to delineate the subsurface lithologic units with special emphasis on the competence and suitability for engineering foundations. A total of ten (10) vertical electrical sounding and two (2) horizontal profiling stations were covered within the study area using the Schlumberger and dipole-dipole configurations. The acquired data was analyzed using WinResist and RES2DINV Software; the subsurface within the study area is composed of mostly 3 geoelectric layers: topsoil, clay/sandy clay/clayey sand and sand. The second and third layers have relatively low resistivity ranging between 29 – 94 Ωm and consist of incompetent clayey material underlying about 60 % of the investigated study area. The interpreted field results showed a significant clay overburden that is over 5 m thick. A fourth layer of sand with resistivity values ranging between 451 – 1258 Ωm was encountered at depths between 4.9 – 11.5 m; the thickness of this layer with reference from the borehole log is greater than 20 m. It is therefore recommended that the incompetent clayey material be avoided or excavated before constructing any structure.
Influence of Front Contact Layer on the Performance of Bismuth-Based Perovskite Solar
Cells
Authors: Sani Faruk , Abdullahi Sanusi
Published: October 2023

Numerical analysis has been carried out using SCAPS-1D to investigate the power conversion efficiency of bismuth-based perovskite solar cells employing various Transparent Conductive Oxides (TCOs) such as Molybdenum Trioxide (MoO3), Boron-doped Zinc Oxide (BZO) and Zinc Oxide (ZnO). For the initial simulation, the power conversion efficiencies obtained for MoO3, BZO and ZnO were 0.24 %, 0.17 % and 0.17 % respectively. The influence of thickness, donor concentration and working temperature of the TCOs were varied to study their impact on the device’s photovoltaic performance. By varying the thickness, doping concentration and operating temperature, the electrical parameters observed for the three selected TCOs exhibited insignificant impact on the device’s performance. However, the highest performance was achieved using MoO3 at the thickness of 200 nm, donor concentration of 1x10^17 cm^-3 and
the operating temperature of 300 K with the corresponding power conversion efficiency of 0.24%, Jsc, Voc and FF of 0.2610 mA/cm2, 1.6509 V and 54.97 % respectively. The numerical simulation shows the potential of designing and fabricating an improved bismuth-based perovskite solar cell with MoO3 as front contact as an alternative to Fluorine-doped Tin Oxide (FTO) and Indium-doped Tin Oxide (ITO).
First Principle Investigation on Electronic Properties of Cationic and Anionic CO-Alloyed
Cu2ZnSnS4 Kesterite Material
Authors: Masanawa Aliyu A , Shuaibu Alhassan , Aliyu Muhammed M , Magaji Ismail
Published: October 2023

The primary goal of kesterite alloying is to allow for fine tweaking of the material's
characteristics for advanced device engineering. Additionally, it is seen as a viable solution to inherent kesterite absorber difficulties such as the Cu/Zn disorder or Sn multivalency. The most interesting alloying elements for kesterite are Ag replacing Cu, Cd replacing Zn, and Ge replacing Sn for cationic substitution, as well as Se replacing S for anionic substitution. This research work investigates the effect of alloying CZTS with Silver (Ag) (Cation) and Selenium (Se) (Anion) theoretically using Density Functional Theory (DFT). The compounds were found to exhibit indirect bandgap characteristics, with conduction band minima (CBM) and valence band maxima (VBM) located between the N and gamma points of the Brillouin zone for pure kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 and between the N and A points for alloyed Ag2ZnSnSe4 respectively. The bandgap of around 1.22 eV and 0.78 eV were recorded for the pure and alloyed kesterite materials. From the obtained results, a shrink in bandgap was observed due to the presence of heavy anion (Se) and cation (Ag) alloying at the same time. It was also found that the contribution of different atomic orbitals to the formation of the valence and conduction bands is approximately identical for pure and alloyed materials.
Prevalencia de embarazo adolescente y su relación con el abandono académico de las estudiantes en la unidad educativa Ernesto Velásquez Kuffo, Manabí, 2018-2019
Authors: Laines Jirón María Gabriela , Neira Vera Mayra Alejandra , Espinales Párraga Karen Andrea , Intriago Velásquez Jorge Luis , Encalada Campos Grecia Elizabeth
Published: October 2023

Introducción: El embarazo a temprana edad representa una problemática de salud pública a nivel mundial que compromete su desarrollo a nivel personal y profesional, en mucho de los casos existe el abandono de los estudios. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de embarazo adolescente y su relación con el abandono académico de las estudiantes en la Unidad Educativa Ernesto Velásquez Kuffo de la parroquia Barraganete, cantón Pichincha, provincia de Manabí, durante el período lectivo 2018-2019. Metodología: El diseño de la investigación fue no experimental, de tipo descriptivo y corte transversal. La modalidad fue cuantitativa y el método analítico-sintético e inductivo-deductivo. La población estuvo compuesta por 27 embarazadas adolescentes, no se empleó fórmula de muestreo, para la recolección de datos se empleó la encuesta y como instrumento un cuestionario semiestructurado con 10 preguntas. El procesamiento de datos se realizó con el programa SPSS versión 25. Resultados: Se evidenció una prevalencia de 81,5% de abandono académico en las gestantes adolescentes de la unidad educativa contexto de investigación; las principales causas de abandono académico fue la disfunción familiar en el 29,6%, falta de apoyo de pareja en el 22,2% y problemas con compañeros en el 18,5%; por último, existió relación entre prevalencia de embarazo adolescente y abandono académico, principalmente en el estado civil (p=0,000) y las diversas causas (p=0,002). Conclusión: Existe asociación del embarazo adolescente con el abandono de los estudios, por ello se sugiere continuar realizando acciones enfocadas a mejorar el conocimiento de las adolescentes sobre salud sexual y reproductiva.