bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La science citoyenne au service de la conservation : deux programmes dans la région transfrontalière des montagnes Vertes dans la chaîne des Appalaches
Authors: Grégoire Isabelle , Butler Bridget
Published: October 2019

Les programmes Faune sans frontières de la Fiducie foncière de la vallée Ruiter (FFVR) etWildPathsde Cold Hollow to Canada (CHC) illustrent la contribution de la science citoyenne dans l’avancement et la pérennité de projets de conservation et d’aménagement du territoire. Ils prennent place sous différentes plateformes éducatives dans la région des montagnes Vertes de la chaîne des Appalaches, qui chevauche le nord du Vermont et le sud du Québec. Ces programmes invitent les citoyens à prendre part à la science en participant concrètement aux projets en cours sur leur territoire. Parallèlement, ils incitent les scientifiques et experts du milieu à intégrer la science citoyenne dans leurs travaux de recherches en amont des mesures de conservation. En 2017, dans le cadre du vaste projet de Corridor appalachien sur l’identification et la protection des corridors naturels et des passages fauniques de part et d’autre de l’autoroute 10 au Québec, la FFVR a soutenu la formation de dizaines de citoyens au pistage et au suivi faunique. Cette initiative, réalisée en collaboration avec CHC, témoigne des efforts éducatifs communs qui appuient les projets de conservation dans la région transfrontalière des montagnes Vertes.
Bromate in Bottled Water – Potential Hazard for Human Health
Authors: Winid Bogumiła
Published: October 2019

In the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classification, bro­mates (by-products of water treatment) are categorized as Class 2B carcino­gens; i.e., substances that are possibly carcinogenic to humans. The maximal concentration of bromate in drinking water must not be higher than 10 μg/L, while the WHO recommends that bromate levels should be as low as possible. Investigations undertaken in several countries have revealed the presence of bromate in bottled water, too. The main factor responsible for the presence of bromate is ozonation during the manufacturing process or bromate-contam­inated substances used in the water disinfection.The regulations currently in force in Poland forbid the addition of bacteriostatic agents and the application of treatment processes that alter the microflora in water. On the other hand, raw water can be filtered, aerated, or treated with air enriched in ozone – although only in the amounts required to remove iron, manganese, arsenic compounds, and sulfides. However, during the manufacturing process, bottled water may be exposed to ozone from electric-powered ionizers used in the process of the dry-cleaning of bottles or PET preforms. The maximal admissible bromate contents in bottled water is 3 μg/L. The cur­rent regulations in Poland effectively reduce hazards due to the presence of bromate in water. However, the results of investigations undertaken in other countries indicate that this aspect should be brought to the attention of both water manufacturers and regulatory bodies.
Analytical Assessment of Power of Composite Flash Geothermal Systems
Authors: Barbacki Antoni
Published: October 2019

Analytical formulas make it possible to observe thermodynamic processes without using advanced numerical procedures, as the relationships between the physical parameters become clearly visible. While less accurate, these for­mulas enable students at the academic research level to quickly and easily model the phenomena using simple calculation programs.For a single-flash system, the linear approximation makes it possible to obtain the expression for the optimum flash temperature and maximal specific power in the assumed temperature interval of geothermal fluid (100–250°C).These formulas were presented in the author’s previous works. Now, this procedure was used in example analyses for double-flash, combination single & second, and combination single & ORC systems. It was shown that, in the assumed temperature interval of geothermal fluid, the percentage of the addi­tional power of composite-flash geothermal systems is almost a linear function of geothermal fluid temperature as related to a single-flash plant and that the single-flash & ORC cycle gives the highest additional specific power.
Increase of Organic Carbon Pool in Reclaimed Soils under Forest Stand
Authors: Gruszczyński Stanisław , Sroka Katarzyna , Wojtanowicz Piotr
Published: October 2019

This paper contains the results of the studies on the content of organic carbon in the initial soils formed from soilless formations reclaimed for forest management. The obtained data allowed for the assessment of the carbon resources in the organic layer and in the mineral layers close to the surface. It also allowed us to make models that enabled us to determine the main factors influencing the rate of the increase. The strongest influence on the carbon sequestration during the forest reclamation of soilless formations has their lithology (granulation) and species composition of the planted trees. The time and situation (on a slope or a horizontal surface) are less important. The calculated annual increase of carbon indicates that the period necessary to store carbon in reclaimed soils in the quantities similar to the ones occurring in the soils of a natural forest is more than 100 years.
Disinfection By-Products in Swimming Pool Water and Possibilities of Limiting Their Impact on Health of Swimmers
Authors: Ratajczak Katarzyna , Piotrowska Alicja
Published: October 2019

The presence of water disinfection by-products (DBPs) in the pool environment is a threat to the health of the users of swimming pools. Due to the mechanism of DBP formation, we are not able to prevent their presence. However, there are several ways to prevent the harmful effects of DBPs on the health of pool users; among these, various kinds of methods that result in the reduction of combined chlorine and DBPs precursors should be mentioned. And last but not least, a new approach to the design of the ventilation system for indoor swimming pools seems to be crucial for the above-mentioned purpose.
Influence of Pool Detergents on Formation of Chloramines in Swimming Pool Water
Authors: Stańkowska Emilia , Włodyka-Bergier Agnieszka , Bergier Tomasz
Published: October 2019

Cleaning agents used in swimming pools are essential elements in maintaining the proper hygiene of a swimming pool facility. They can also pollute water and cause a potential health hazard for swimming pool users. Studies show that the combination of substances used for disinfection with some contaminations presented in pool water can cause the formation of many dangerous by-products. One of these is chloramines, which have carcinogenic and mutagenic properties; this is why an analysis of the factors that influence their formation is very important. The purpose of this article is to determine the effect of pool detergents used on swimming pools on the formation of chloramines in pool water. Samples of swimming pool water were treated with selected detergents (Benamin AKR, Benamin SND, Randklar A, and Randklar S) used in one of Krakow’s public swimming pools and then tested for monochloramine, dichloramine, and trichloride. The results may be helpful in taking the steps to mitigate the negative effects of using cleaning agents.
Process Optimization and Characterization of Gamma Irradiation Induced Variations in Functional Properties of Maize (Zea mays L.) Flour
Authors: Nawaz Haq , Aslam Shad Muhammad , Sonia Safdar Sonia , Jabeen Raheela
Published: October 2019

The effect of particle size and high dose gamma irradiation on functional properties of maize flour was studied. The maize flour at three levels of particle size (-177, -250 and -420 µm obtained from sieves of 80, 60 and 40 meshes respectively) was irradiated in transparent glass bottles at three levels of gamma radiation (25, 50 and 75 kGy) using 60Co gamma source. A significant linear increase in water holding and swelling capacities and bulk density values and significant linear decrease in emulsifying stability was observed in response to an increase in particle size of the flour. Gamma radiation dose was found to show a significant linear positive effect on water holding capacity and solubility but a significant linear negative effect on oil holding capacity, protein solubility and bulk density values. These observed trends in functional properties of maize flour with the application of gamma irradiation suggests that quality of maize flour, regarding the manufacture and packaging of food products, may be improved by irradiation process.
Efficiency of Triple Bagging System and Lippia multiflora Leaves for the Vitamin Quality Preservation of Cowpea Seeds (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)
Authors: Fofana Ibrahim , Chatigre Kouamé Olivier , Abouo N’guessan Verdier , Marius Biego Godi Henri
Published: October 2019

Aims: To assess the effectiveness of triple bagging systems with or without Lippia multiflora leaves on the vitamin-quality of cowpea seeds during storage.

Methodology: Cowpea seeds that have undergone any treatment were collected from producer in the southwest of Côte d’Ivoire. The fresh leaves of Lippia multiflora were collected and dried in sunlight for 7 days in center of Côte d’Ivoire. The storage bags used were obtained from the suppliers to Côte d’Ivoire in Abidjan. All this material was sent to the Laboratory of Biochemistry and Food Sciences, Felix Houphouet-Boigny University, Côte d’Ivoire to perform the experiment. Thus for the experiment realization, a central composite design (CCD) was used. The first factor of CCD consisted to six types of packaging, namely: one control with polypropylene bag (TST), one triple bagging batch (composed of 2 internal layers in independent high density polyethylene 80 mm thick and a woven bag polypropylene) without biopesticide (H0), and four batches (H1, H2, H3 and H4) containing respectively (0.7%; 2.5; 4.3%; and 5%) biopesticide. The second factor, storage time, it included six periods of observation (0; 1; 2; 4.5; 7 and 8 months). HPLC techniques were used for the separation and quantification of β-carotene, α-tocopherol (vitamin E) and the water-soluble vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine and folic acid). The estimated daily intake of folic acid (vitamin B9) was also evaluated for Ivorian adult of 70 kg.

Results: The results of vitamin properties indicate a significant influence (P < 0.05) between the type of treatments and shelf life. Multivariate analysis results (PCA and AHC) indicate that the addition of at least 0.7% Lippia multiflora leaves in triple bagging systems makes preservation more efficient and preserves the vitamin quality of the cowpea seeds during 8 months. The contribution to meeting vitamin B9 requirements is palpable when cowpea seeds are stored for up to 8 months in the triple bagging systems associated with the biopesticide.

Conclusion: Cowpea seeds storage in triple bagging systems with Lippia multiflora leaves appears as a method of effective and inexpensive conservation to ensure the vitamin-quality of cowpea.
Evaluating Market Structures and Credit Services for Small Scale Almond Producers in the Samangan and Balkh Provinces, Afghanistan
Authors: Khaliq Ahmad Jawid Abdul , Boz Ismet
Published: October 2019

The objectives of the study were to investigate market price structure, market information systems, and credit services for smallholder almond producers around the Samangan and Balkh provinces of Afghanistan.  A sample of 125 almond producers were the participants of the study. The primary tool for data collection was a questionnaire conducted by face to face interviews, and the secondary data of the survey collected from various sources, (CSO, FAO reports, government publications, USAID reports, NGOs reports, journals, and websites). Data were analyzed using parametric and nonparametric statistical methods. Results of the study showed that there were significant fluctuations in the average price of different almond varieties between 2014 and 2018 period. Exporters and local traders have the most influence on price determination. According to the study on the market information; 41.6% of producers acquired market information regularly, and 58.4% of them did not receive market information regularly. The research concludes that Afghanistan has a high potential and many opportunities to produce good quality of almond not only for domestic use but also for export to neighbors and more distant countries. This will help the country to take steps towards sustainable horticulture and the improvement of a viable economy.
Technical Vocational Education in the Context of Globalization: Its Pedagogy and Strategies
Authors: G. Almerez Queenie Lyn , Adolfo Geonor Cuevas , G. Bucod Jasmine Eve , B. Egos Maricel , S. Tangpos Anabell
Published: October 2019

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the personal experiences of the teacher-participants in the teaching of Technology and Livelihood Education. It also ascertained and met the following objectives: 1) determine the teaching experiences of the TLE teachers; 2) to identify the training needs of TLE teachers; 3) ascertain the challenges faced by the TLE teachers; 3) discover the pedagogy and strategies used by the TLE teachers; and 4) find out the recommendations of the TLE teachers to improve the delivery of the course.

Study Design: Qualitative-phenomenological approach.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Sta Cruz National High School, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. The study was conducted for 6 months.

Methodology: The researchers purposely chose all the Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) teachers. The information were gathered through Focus Group Discussion (FGD).

Results: Six themes emerged from the data analysis. Generally, the teacher-participants found teaching of TLE subject was challenging because the activities were focused on exploration. Moreover, they felt satisfied because they were able to share their knowledge and skills to their students. It implies that the TLE teachers were committed and dedicated to their jobs despite the difficulties they encountered. However, the teacher-participants revealed that generally, they were not sent outside of the school to attend training-seminar for skills enhancement. It is an indication that the school heads lack concern for their teachers’ professional development. In addressing the challenges of the teachers, they collaborate with each other by sharing their resources. Despite the challenges they encountered, they were still optimistic to be globally competitive.  It implies that the TLE teachers do not give up easily. They suggested that the school administration needed to develop the participants’ personal character so that their teaching goals were met.

Conclusion: The TLE teachers loved and enjoyed their teaching jobs despite the challenges they faced. However, they clamored to the Department of Education (DepEd) to address their needs such as sending them to trainings and seminar-workshop to enhance their skills and capabilities. To show their dedication to their jobs, they brought their own tools and shared the same to other teachers. Notably, the participants only used three teaching strategies. It shows that TLE teachers lack the knowledge of other teaching strategies. The participants were optimistic that sooner or later their TLE programs are accredited and recognized locally and internationally. This implies that the participants were committed to their jobs. Ironically, they suggested that improvement of the teachers’ self was better than improving the TLE implementation. This shows that the teachers believed that materials can be easily acquired but not the attitude.
Evaluation of the Chemical and Oil Composition of Balsam Apple (Momordica balsamina) seed
Authors: Yerima B. I. , Umar A.
Published: October 2019

This research is aimed at the proximate chemical analysis of Momordica balsamina seeds with some properties of the oil. The results of the study showed that the seeds has high percentage of crude lipids, (38.77±0.15%) crude carbohydrates, (31.46±0.14%), crude proteins, (20.25±0.10%), moisture content, (5.25±0.25) and crude fibre, (1.67±0.20) as the least, with calorific value of (486.22Kcal) and some selected minerals Na, Mg, Ca, Fe with the concentration, 7.5, 61.5, 42, and 6.2(mg/100 g) respectively. So also, the oil indicated to have acid value of 0.426 and Saponification value of 183.4.Hence Momordica balsamina seeds could be a good source of food supplement.
Genetics of Inheritance and Interrelationship of Various Agronomic Traits of F2 Population in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Nawaz Bilal , Sattar Saira , Bashir Bilal , Jamshaid Muhammad , Hussain Khadim , Malik Tanwir Ahmad
Published: October 2019

Background: Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is grown in more than sixty countries worldwide. It is an important fiber crop in the world. It plays a vital role in our national economy being the source of earning of foreign exchange, therefore, it is considered to be the backbone of the economy of Pakistan. In Pakistan, millions of families are associated with cotton and textile industry for their livelihood.

 Results: In this experiment F2 population of the cross L. A. Frego Bract x CIM-600 and their parents was sown in randomized complete block design with three replications during normal growing season of the year 2014 to sort out best performing genotypes for yield related traits. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that parental and their F2 population showed significant differences for all the observed agronomic traits (plant height, number of monopodia branches, number of sympodial branches, number of bolls per plant, boll weight, ginning out turn, bract type, boll shape, beak size, seed cotton yield, staple length, fiber strength and fiber fineness). Estimation of correlation revealed that seed cotton yield was found positively correlated sympodial branches, fiber fineness and boll weight while ginning out turn, bract type, beak size, staple length and fiber strength were negatively associated with seed cotton yield. Epistasis was not found to be involved in any of the traits.

Conclusion:  The correlation and genetics study of various yield related traits provides us useful information for effective selection and sustainable breeding programs. Estimation of broad sense heritability ( ) in F2 populations for different traits vary as following order; ginning out turn>plant height>seed cotton yield>sympodia branches>fiber length>fiber strength>bolls per plant>monopodia branches>boll weight>fiber fineness with heritability 0.90, 0.79, 0.78, 0.75, 0.73, 0.71 0.67, 0.64, 0.63 and 0.50 respectively. Results suggested form heritability and correlation that these traits can be improved either through appropriate selection method or hybrid breeding programme.
The Double Step Hybrid Linear Multistep Method for Solving Second Order Initial Value Problems
Authors: Skwame Y. , Donald J. Z. , Kyagya T. Y. , Sabo J.
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we develop the double step hybrid linear multistep method for solving second order initial value problems via interpolation and collocation method of power series approximate solution to give a system of nonlinear equations which is solved to give a continuous hybrid linear multistep method. The continuous hybrid linear multistep method is solved for the independent solutions to give a continuous hybrid block method which is then evaluated at some selected grid points to give a discrete block method.

The basic numerical properties of the hybrid block method was established and found to be zero-stable, consistent and convergent. The efficiency of the new method was conformed on some initial value problems and found to give better approximation than the existing methods.
A Rare Case of Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction 18 Years after a Mechanical Mitral Valve Replacement
Authors: Zghal Fathia Mghaieth , Boudiche Selim , Farhati Abdeljelil , Bonkano Ali , Halima Manel Ben , Rekik Bassem , Ouali Sana , Mourali Mohamed Sami
Published: October 2019

Background: Left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction is a serious complication that can occur after various mitral-valves, surgical or percutaneous, interventions.

It was rarely described in mechanical mitral valve replacements.

Aim: to describe a rare case of late LVOT obstruction after a mitral valve replacement by a low-profile mechanical prosthesis.

Case Presentation: A 48-year woman, with a history of rheumatic mitral valve disease and mechanical mitral replacement by a hemi-disc valve 18 years ago, presented for a recent dyspnea. Echocardiography showed a narrowing of the LVOT, with anterior position of the mitral prosthesis, aorto-mitral annular angulation, septal thickening and remnant native sub-valvular tissue attached to the septum in the LVOT region. This resulted in LVOT obstruction with a peak gradient of 75 mmHg. The heart team opted for a redo surgery, but the surgical decision was refused by the patient.

Discussion: This is a rare case of late LVOT obstruction after mitral valve replacement by mechanical low-profile prosthesis. Preserved native mitral valve tissue, which is the main described cause of LVOT obstruction after mechanical mitral valve replacements was not the unique cause of obstruction in this patient who had also a septal thickening and anterior prosthetic position. Aorto-mitral annular angulation that was identified as a risk factor of LVOT obstruction after trans-catheter mitral valve replacements, should be, probably, also took into account and assessed pre-operatively in patients undergoing surgical mitral replacements.

Conclusion: LVOT obstruction can occur after mechanical mitral replacements event with low profile prosthesis. In patients with identified risk factors of LVOT obstruction, preservation mitral anterior leaflet should be avoided, and preservation of other native mitral tissue should be discussed.
Incorporation of Bael (aegle marmelos L.) Pulp and Stevia (stevia rebaudiana) Powder in Value Added Sweet Products
Authors: Kaur Amarjeet , Kochhar Anita , Boora R. S. , Javed M.
Published: October 2019

Bael is a medicinal plant with known therapeutic properties. Stevia is a natural, zero calorie sweetener which is 300 times sweeter than sugar. Keeping in view, the properties of these two plants, value added milk based sweet products i.e., kheer and kulfi, were developed using different proportions of bael pulp and stevia. One gram of sugar was substituted by 5 mg of stevia powder in all the products. Organoleptic evaluation of the products was done by the semi-trained and diabetic panel. Incorporation of bael pulp in kheer and kulfi at 40 and 20 percent respectively was found highly acceptable and resulted in significant increase in their fibre, vitamin C, beta carotene and potassium content. Percentage of sugar reduced in kulfi and kheer using stevia powder was 75 and 67 percent, respectively, resulting in decrease in their energy content. Use of bael and stevia need to be encouraged in sweet products as they are natural, safe and possesses therapeutic benefits.
Exploration of Antifungal Metabolites of Aspergillus terreus (ENF12), an Endophytic Fungus Isolated from Mulberry (Morus indica L.) Leaf
Authors: Joncy A. Maria , Angappan K. , Nakkeeran S. , Tilak M. , Umapathy G.
Published: October 2019

Aims: The aim of this study was to explore the metabolic profile of endophytic fungi, Aspergillus terreus (ENF12) isolated from mulberry leaf and evaluate their antifungal efficacy against Macrophomina phaseolina causing charcoal rot disease of mulberry.

Study Design: Completely Randomized Block Design.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Plant Pathology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu during August 2018 to June 2019.

Methodology: The isolation was done by serial dilution and plating method. The culture was identified by utilizing the morphological, microscopical and taxonomical keys as A. terreus. The macroscopic observations such as colony growth, color, texture, pigmentation, growth rate and microscopic observations viz. hyphal and conidial characters were studied. The molecular confirmation was done by DNA sequencing using ITS 1 and ITS 4 primers. The extracellular secondary metabolites were extracted from A. terreus and screened against M. phaseolina by agar well method. The composition of the metabolites was analyzed through GC-MS.

Results: The septate and hyaline mycelium along with aleurioconidia was observed under microscope and based on the DNA sequencing, the ENF12 isolate was identified as A. terreus. The major compounds identified from the extracellular metabolites of A. terreus were tromethamine, benzenediol, tetracosamethyl cyclododecasiloxane, hexadecanoic acid, benzoic acid and pregnatriene. The ethyl acetate extract of the metabolite at 4000 ppm suppressed the growth of M. phaseolina by 77.78%. The pathway analysis revealed that the metabolites are involved in the metabolism of drug development, cellular processes, organismal systems and other pathways. The major identified metabolites and pathways were grouped under biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites, lipid metabolism and energy metabolism.

Conclusion: The endophytic fungi, A. terreus from mulberry could be an effective antifungal agent against M. phaseolina. The metabolic pathway analysis found that the major metabolites identified from A. terreus were also reported in mulberry plants thereby showed the mutual interaction between the host and endophyte.
Proximate and Elemental Analysis of Local Spices Used in Nigeria
Authors: Okorafor Lydia M. , Eneji Ishaq S. , Sha’Ato Rufus
Published: October 2019

Comparative study of the proximate and mineral components of five local spices (Denniettia tripetala, Monodora myristica, Piper guineense, Syzygium aromaticum, Xylopia aethiopica and) were investigated.  The proximate composition revealed that the spices had considerable carbohydrate ranging from 26.2 –  53.4%, crude fibre 13.6 – 23.7%, crude protein 5.67 – 10.9%, but low ash 2.41 – 5.56%, moisture 8.61 – 17.7%  and fat 2.34 – 24.3%; except D.tripetala  and M. myristica with high moisture content of 17.7%  and crude fat content of   24.3%, respectively.  The EDXRF analysis shows the presence of mineral elements in the order of K ˃ Ca ˃ Fe ˃ Zn ˃ Sr > Se ˃ Mo ˃ Cu ˃ Mn ˃ Br > Rb. Statistical analysis indicates that there is no significant difference (α = 0.01, 0.05) in the mean contribution of the various sample. However, there is a relationship between the constituents of P.guineense and S. aromaticum, X. aethopica, D. tripetala and the elements (Mn, Br) and (Se, Zn). Generally, the findings indicate that the five spices are good sources of nutrients and mineral elements which could be exploited as great potentials for drugs and/or nutritional supplements.
Assessing the Changing Rationale of the Fisher Youth in Climate Change Hotspots of Kerala
Authors: Salim Shyam S. , James Harsha Elizabeth , Shinu A. M. , Athira N. R. , Smitha R. X.
Published: October 2019

The Indian fisheries and aquaculture statistics seems fail largely to capture the youth and children working in the sector. A detailed study in the area related to the rising interest of fishermen, especially the younger generation to move out of fisheries in search of new opportunities in other fields and the reasons for the same has not been carried out. Taking this into consideration, to throw insights into the changing rationale of fisher youth, and their preferences in the context of climate change and depletion in fish catch over the years, a study was conducted in three coastal villages of Ernakulam district with the objectives of assessing the socio-economic profile of the fishermen community, younger generations interest in choosing fisheries as a livelihood option, generational shift in fishing operations and reasons for the disinterest of the younger generation in choosing fisheries as an occupation. Low status job, low profit and income, poor working conditions, high capital investment and operating cost and seasonal nature of occupation was reported as the five major reasons because of which the younger generation is not interested in choosing fisheries as an occupation and a considerable generational shift in social, economic and professional status was observed.
Climate Change and Man-made Interventions, as Destabilizing Factors of the Coastal Zone: Some Examples of Coasts and Coastal Wetlands in Urban, Peri-Urban Areas and Natural Parks in Greece
Authors: Mertzanis Aristeidis , Mertzani Asimina
Published: October 2019

The consequences of man-made interventions, Climate Change and future Sea-level rise upon some coastal plains of Greece are examined. Many urban, peri-urban areas and Natural Parks, in low elevation coastal zones in Greece are experiencing or are at risk of Sea-level rise, storm surges, water and soil pollution, saline water intrusion (salinity), coastal erosion and shoreline retreat, floods, and droughts. Sea-level rise could erode and inundate coastal ecosystems and disrupt wetlands, Urban and peri-Urban areas. Characteristic examples of these are the protected wetlands that exist in Greece such as those in the Delta and the river mouth areas of the Sperchios, Alfeios, Arachthos, Louros, and Inois rivers, and the small town of Tolo. Man-made interventions affect the coastal wetland ecosystems, Urban and peri-Urban areas under study. At the same time, an important factor of the destabilization of the ecological balance is the Climate Change and the expected sea-level rise. The main anthropogenic degradation and stresses on the under investigation areas, in recent decades, includes wetland draining, exsiccation of lagoons and lakes, river engineering works, dam construction, intensification and development of agriculture projects, sand mining from riverbeds and beaches, construction of motorways, construction of harbor structures, such as harbors, jetties, seawalls, groins, and breakwaters, rapid urbanization processes, holiday home building and tourist facilities, massive tourism and intense coastal development, water pollution, human-induced land subsidence (uncontrolled water abstraction from surface and underground water tables), and removal of coastal vegetation. Satellite images, maps and systematic in situ observations, integrated with the direct digitizing on the basis of different aged aerial photographs was adopted to estimate the coastal erosion and accretion rates in recent decades (1945-2019) in the areas, under study.
On Quasi-Hemi-Slant Riemannian Submersion
Authors: Longwap S. , Massamba F. , Homti N. E.
Published: October 2019

We recall the notions of invariant, anti-invarian, semi-invariant, slant, semi-slant, quasi-slant and hemi-slant Riemannian submersions from almost Hermitian manifolds to a Riemannian manifolds. In this paper we contruct a Riemannian submersion which generalizes hemi-slant, semi-slant and semi-invariant Riemanian submersions from almost Hermitian manifold to a Riemannian manifold and study its geometry.
Secure Electronic Voting Using a Hybrid Cryptosystem and Steganography
Authors: O. Okediran Oladotun , A. Sijuade Adeyemi , B. Wahab Wajeed
Published: October 2019

Conventional voting techniques have been employed over the years in most elections. However, each of these techniques has attendant short comings. The existing conventional voting systems have been subjected to gross abuse and irregularities. Electronic voting (e-voting) which is emerging as an alternative to these conventional voting systems, though highly promising, is not also totally free of flaws; information security issues bordering on privacy, integrity and verifiability of the electronic ballots casted are still significant in most implementations of e-voting systems. In this paper, we developed a security scheme that was based on a hybrid Rivest-Sharma-Adleman (RSA) algorithm and Advance Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm with Least Significant Bit (LSB) replacement algorithm for securing ballot information in an e-voting system. An e-voting system with multiple voting channels which includes poll site voting, mobile voting and remote internet voting was developed in the contextual Nigerian scenario. The electronic ballots casted via the system during experimental usage were encrypted using the hybrid RSA-AES algorithm to circumvent the problems of privacy, integrity and verifiability associated with many e-voting systems. The encrypted ballots were then hidden using LSB replacement algorithm to improve their integrity. The image quality of the cover image used and stego image obtained from the security scheme developed was quantitatively assessed using Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR), Mean Square Error (MSE) and Correlation. Furthermore, a performance evaluation based on users' perception of the developed e-voting system showed that the system satisfied most of the generic security requirements for electronic voting.
Osteoid Osteoma of the Sacrum - Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Narshiman V. Vijaya , Raviraj A. , Anand Ashish
Published: October 2019

Sacrum is an extremely rare site for osteoid osteoma. We present a 25 year-old male, a computer operator who presented with chronic back pain of 4 years duration. He was initially investigated with routine x-rays and lab investigations and was treated for chronic back pain at another facility. Extensive work up at our clinic revealed a diagnosis of Osteoid Osteoma of Right 2nd Sacral vertebral arch Interlesional resection of the tumor was done and this was verified on histopathology. The patient had complete relief of pain following surgery. Repeat CT scan done at one year follow up. It showed complete removal of the Nidus. To the best of our knowledge there have not been many case reports in English Literature from the Indian subcontinent. There are many studies in which tumor of lumbar region is one of the causes of radiating pain in lower extremities but to the best of our knowledge this finding is unique and can also be an important cause of radicular pain.
Utilization of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test (CAT) in Patients with COPD in Low Resource Countries
Authors: Agada Akor, Alexander , Daniel Obaseki , Adeniyi Bamidele , Erhabor Gregory Efosa
Published: October 2019

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disorder commonly assessed by spirometry and health related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaires. COPD assessment test (CAT) is a new questionnaire used for HRQoL evaluation especially in a clinic setting.

Aims: To assess HRQoL using the CAT, and to determine the relationship of CAT to other measures of COPD such as pulmonary function test (PFT), dyspnea and six minutes walking distance test (6MDWT) among patients with COPD in Nigeria.

Settings and Design: Cross-sectional study.                 

Methods: Sixty stable patients with a clinical and spirometric diagnosis of COPD according to the GOLD criteria were recruited into the study. Spirometry was performed according to ATS/ERS guidelines. Health status, dyspnea and functional capacity of the patients were assessed using the CAT questionnaire, modified medical research council (MMRC) dyspnea scale and six-minute walking distance (6MDWT) respectively.

Results: The mean age was 68.8 years ± 10.3. Sixty percent of the study participants were male. The mean BMI was 21.6 ± 4.8 kg/m2, 37(61.7%) of the patients were ex-smokers, 3.3% were current smokers and 35% were never smokers. In terms of frequency of exacerbations 18.3% had ≤ 1 per year and 5.0% had ≥ 2 per year. The CAT was strongly associated with 6MWDT (r = 0.85P < 0.001), FEV1% predicted (r= 0.67, P< 0.001) and with MMRC (r=0.64, p<0.01).

Conclusions: CAT scores correlated well with percent FEV1, dyspnea and exercise tolerance which measures various aspect of COPD. It may serve as an easy to administer sensitive tool in assessing stable COPD in outpatient clinics especially in low resource countries.
Growth and Yield Responses of Curry Plant (Murraya koenigii) to Plant Row Spacing in an Utisol
Authors: Agba O. A.
Published: October 2019

Curry plant (Murraya koenigii) is one of the most important vegetable spices crops use for food, spice, medicinal and industrial purposes in Nigeria. However, curry plant production in commercial scale in Nigeria is highly constrained by several factors: it is not cultivated in regular farming system mainly due to lack of planting materials and improper plant spacing of this crop among others.

Therefore, field experiments were conducted to determine the effect of different levels of plant row spacing on growth and yield of Curry plant (Murraya koenigii) in Cross River University of Technology, Teaching and Research farm, Department of Agronomy, Obubra, Cross River state, Nigeria in 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design. Treatments were nine plant row spacing (70 x 50 cm, 70 x 70 cm, 80 x 40 cm, 80x60 cm, 90 x 30 cm, 100 x 50 cm, 100 x 70 cm, 100 x100 cm and 100 x130 cm) inter and intra row respectively with four replications. Results showed that plant row spacing have significantly affect the growth and yield of Curry plant. Closer plant row spacing of 70 x 50 cm significantly promoted the tallest plant height and highest leaf area inde x values of curry plant. Fresh and dry leaf yield on per hectare basis were significantly higher in closer plant row spacing than wider row spacing. The highest fresh and dry leaves yield per hectare at 20 weeks after planting (WAP) of 0.9742t/ha and 0.9871t/ha were obtained in closer row spacing of 70 x 50 cm in 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons respectively .

The number of leaves and branches per plant and their fresh leaf yield and dry matter of plant fractions were higher in wider plant row spacing plots. The wide plant row spacing of 100 x 130 cm produced the highest fresh leaf yield per plant of 88.54 g in 2017 and 83.46 g in 2018 cropping seasons. Based on this result farmers are advised to cultivate Curry plant (Murraya koenigii) using the plant row spacing of 70 x 50 or 80 x 60 cm for optimum growth and yield per hectare of the crop under the utisoil condition.
The Significance of Traditional Medicinal Plants Used for Treating Non-communicable Disease by Kani Tribes in Papanasam, Tirunelveli District
Authors: Sathiya R. , Manoharan A. , Rajarajeshwari A.
Published: October 2019

The significance of medicinal plants used by the ethnic group of people (Kani/Kanikaran) of Karaiyar, Papanasam through an ethnobotanical survey for treating Non-communicable diseases (NCD) is documented. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey. Sample size in the survey covers 30 tribal people (men-13, women-17) to analyse various factors and their relationship to the diseases.  The survey has included the age range, diseases frequency, gender stats, occupation, BMI, habits and the medicinal practices used. It is estimated that 67% of people still use traditional means for the treatment of diseases. Major medicinal plants used are indigenous to their geographical area which revealed high esteem of ethnobotanical significance and proven to be an effective and sustainable means of treating Non-communicable diseases.
In vitro Activity of Ceftolozane/Tazobactam for the Treatment of Complicated Urinary Tract Infections by Escherichia coli in the Era of Antibiotic Resistance “Rejuvenate the mystery”
Authors: Farooq Lubna , Ahmed Shaikh Nadeem , Khan Muhammad Aitmaud Uddolah , Ali Akhtar , Mehmood Sehrish , Arif Humaira
Published: October 2019

Background: Urinary tract infections are found to be commonest bacterial infections across the globe. Various studies have demonstrated high prevalence rate of UTIs in Pakistan. Multiple broad spectrum antibiotics are being used for the treatment of UTI but the resistance by the pathogen against these drugs is increasing worldwide. As the resistance in the organisms is increasing day by day, and it is now hall mark and matter of concern for clinicians to treat uropathogenic E. coli, so there is a pertinent need to explore new sensitive antibiotics or alternative options to manage the disease.

Aims: To determine the pathogen burden and susceptibility pattern of ceftolozane/tazobactam against MDR E. coli isolates from clinical specimens of urinary tract infections in Karachi.

Study Design:  It was an in-vitro clinical study.

Study Settings: The study was conducted in department of Pharmacology, Baqai Medical University and isolates were collected from Microbiology laboratory of Karachi.

Methodology: On the basis of identification methods, one hundred and fifty (150) strains of E. coli were isolated from 650 specimen of urine. Clinical isolates were identified by standard and specific microbiological methods. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern was determined by Kirby Bauer Disc diffusion method. Samples were processed as per procedures defined by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines 2018.

Results: Out of 150 isolates of E. coli, 95 (63.3%) were MDR E. coli. majority of the cases were obtained from age group 61-80 year (32.6%). Highest sensitivity was seen by ceftolozane/tazobactam (96%) followed by ceftriaxone (88%). Least sensitivity was observed with Imipenem (13.70%). However increased trend of resistance was seen among all empirical used drugs.
Hepatoprotective Effects of Suberoylanilide Hydroxamic Acid (A Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor) in Immunological Liver Injury in Rats
Authors: Alhaddad A. , Abdel Kawy H. , Ramadan W. , Abbas A.
Published: October 2019

One of the main reasons for the development of chronic liver disease is autoimmune hepatitis (AIH).  There is no clear etiological factor for AIH occurrence and no drug has been approved for its treatment. Vorinostat, a Histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) has been shown to reduce inflammation. Our aim was to explore the therapeutic potential of vorinostat in a rat model of AIH induced by Concanavalin A (Con A). The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups; control group, con A (20 mg/kg/iv/wk) group, vorinostat (15 mg/kg/day p.o) group and Con A with vorinostat group. Blood and liver samples were collected at the end of the fourth and eighth weeks for biochemical and histopathological examinations. Results revealed that administration of Con A elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) liver enzymes, which were reduced to 52.8% and to 61.8% respectively on simultaneous administration of Vorinostat as compare to Con A group.  Furthermore, Vorinostat reduced fibrosis and diminished apoptosis as deduced by the decrease in the hepatic hydroxyproline content of the liver and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels. Relative gene expression analysis of interleukin 1b and transforming growth factor beta were significantly decreased in groups treated with vorinostat. Histopathological analysis showed that administration of vorinostat significantly restored the well organized structure of the liver, decreased initial inflammation produced by Con A, reduced liver fibrosis and mitigated hepatic stellate cell’s activities. In conclusion, administration of vorinostat in Con A model of autoimmune hepatitis, significantly decreased liver inflammation and fibrosis. So vorinostat might show a novel therapeutic approach for management of autoimmune hepatitis and its obstacles.
A Study of Generalized Fourth-Order Pell Sequences
Authors: Soykan Y üksel
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we investigate the generalized fourth order Pell sequences and we deal with, in detail, three special cases which we call them as fourth order Pell, fourth order Pell-Lucas and modified fourth order Pell sequences.
Fermion Colour and Flavour Originating from Multiple Representations of the Lorentz Group and Clifford Algebra
Authors: Marsch Eckart
Published: October 2019

Where do such fermion properties as colour and flavour come from? We attempt to give a possible answer to this question in our paper. For that purpose we use the reducible (1/2,1/2) representation of the Lorentz group. Then the fermion corresponds to a doublet, each component of which can be described by the standard Dirac equation. In this way we conclude that quark and lepton, when being considered as doublets, originate from the discussed multiple representations of the Lorentz group (LG) and the related Clifford algebra. In particular the threefold colour degree of freedom emerges naturally, and similarly the threefold generation degree, both being enabled essentially by the fact that the SU(2) group has three generators given by the Pauli matrices. The Dirac spinor, or for zero mass the chiral Weyl spinor, remains the building block of that theory.
Effect of Primary Radio Climatic Variables on Tropospheric Surface Radio Refractivity Over 3 Stations in Nigeria
Authors: Kareem A. I. , Olaseinde K. F. , Aminu K. A.
Published: October 2019

This study investigates the effect of primary radio climatic variables on the tropospheric surface radio refractivity across three stations (Makurdi (7.7322° N, 8.5391° E), Jos (9.8965° N, 8.8583° E) and Lagos (6.5244° N, 3.3792° E) in Nigeria. Two years (January 2008-December 2009) primary radio climatic variables data (temperature, pressure and relative humidity) obtained from the archive of the Tropospheric Data Acquisition Network (TRODAN) of the Centre for Atmospheric Research (CAR), which is an activity centre of the Nigeria National Space Research and Development Agency (NASDRA) was used for this study. The measurement was made at 30 minutes interval for a complete 24 hours cycle. The results obtained establish the variation of temperature and relative humidity to refractivity across the region.
Frequency Tunable Film Bulk Acoustic Resonator Integrating PMN‐PT/FSMA Multiferroic Heterostructure for Flexible MEMS
Authors: Arora Diksha , Kaur Davinder
Published: December 2024

Frequency tunable flexible piezo resonators exhibit significant potential for technological advances in wearable magnetic field sensing, futuristic wireless telecommunication devices, and flexible micro‐electromechanical systems. This study presents a multifunctional and flexible 0.67Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3−0.33PbTiO3(PMN‐PT)/Ni50Mn35In15 (Ni‐Mn‐In) multiferroic heterostructure‐based bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonator fabricated over Kapton substrate. The fundamental resonance frequency (fR = 5.31 GHz) of the resonator is tunable with magnetic and electric fields. A significant change in resonance frequency (ΔfR) of 405 MHz has been achieved with 3.37 Hz nT−1 sensitivity using a direct current (DC) magnetic field of 1200 Oe, attributed to the delta‐E effect. The resonator displays a significant magnetic field tunability of 8.83%. Additionally, a substantial ΔfR of 360 MHz, 36 Hz µV−1 sensitivity and 6.78% tunability is attained with 10 V of DC bias voltage. The impact of magnetic field and DC bias voltage on the acoustic characteristics have been studied by fitting the resonance frequency curves with an equivalent modified Butterworth‐Van Dyke model. The fabricated BAW resonator exhibits outstanding flexibility with no discernible change in fR up to 2000 bending cycles. Such PMN‐PT/Ni‐Mn‐In‐based multiferroic BAW resonators displaying magnetic and electric field tunability are propitious for next‐generation flexible electronics and magnetic field sensors.