bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Communication and Leadership Style on The Employee Performance of Population and Civil Registration Service Office in Pamekasan Regency
Authors:   Universitas Madura, Indonesia, Hamzah Moh , Resdiana Enza ,   Universitas wiraraja, Indonesia, Bustaram Isnain ,   Universitas Madura, Indonesia, Kusuma Adriani ,   Universitas Madura, Indonesia, Aina Muslimatul ,   Universitas Madura, Indonesia, Zainurrafiqi Zainurrafiqi ,   Universitas Madura, Indonesia
Published: October 2023

An organization is a forum where people gather to work together to achieve the same goal. In organizations, of course, there needs to be a hierarchy of leaders and subordinates. Therefore, it is necessary to have quality human resources to become leaders and subordinates. The role of a leader in influencing his subordinates is very important for the progress of the organization. Leaders usually apply a certain leadership style to influence the performance of their subordinates. This research aims to determine the influence of communication and leadership style on employee performance. This research uses a survey method. The data source used is primary data obtained by distributing questionnaires. The data analysis used is descriptive analysis and multiple linear regression test analysis. The sample for this research was 90 employees of the Population and Civil Registration Service Office in Pamekasan Regency. The research results are that communication has a positive and significant effect on employee performance and leadership style has a positive and significant effect on employee performance.
Structural Model of a Nano Drive for Biomedical Research
Authors:   National Research University of Electronic Technology, MIET, Moscow, Russia, SM Afonin
Published: October 2023

The structural model of a nano drive is determined for biomedical research. The structural scheme of the piezo drive is obtained. The matrix equation is constructed for a nano drive.
First-Person Versus Third-Person
Authors: Siegenthaler Perina , Fahr Andreas
Published: October 2023

Research on health communication shows that audience involvement with media characters displayed in narratives represents a key mechanism that facilitates persuasive outcomes. This study analyses whether different narrative voices trigger identification with story characters and affect counter-arguments against and attitudes toward proposed recommendations. The online experiment (N = 364) investigates the effects of first- and third-person narrative voice in explainer videos using the example of work-related stress, and similarities between the audience’s situations and that of the character are accounted for. The moderated mediation analysis showed no effect of narrative voice on identification and being personally affected by the health issue addressed in the explainer video did not play a moderating role. Furthermore, the results showed that identification was negatively associated with disagreement and positively related to attitudes toward recommendations. Narrative voice did not have a direct impact on attitudes and there is was no effect mediated via identification and disagreement.
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen among Out Patients Attending a Tertiary Hospital in Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Uregwu Agnes Edia-Asuke  , Zainab Abubakar  , Sunday Asuke
Published: October 2023

A survey was conducted amongst 100 randomly selected out-patients attending Nigerian Reference Hospital (44), Kaduna State, Nigeria, in order to ascertain the prevalence of Hepatitis B infection and the general knowledge of people about this highly infectious disease. Sera collected were tested for the presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using Wondfo Diagnostic rapid test Kit (Biotech co. Ltd., China). Questionnaires were also distributed to the subjects in order to ascertain their perception about the disease, and to obtain useful socio demographic information. Chi square test was used to ascertain statistical associations between important characteristics in the study population. A total of 12 out of the 100 patients tested positive to HBsAg, giving a prevalence of 12%. There was significant association between seropositivity of HBsAg and blood donation (p= 0.018, df= 1), and also immunization status (p= 0.0183, df= 1). The knowledge of HBV infection in the study population was generally poor and this may have accounted for the prevalence of 12% in the study population.
Antibacterial Activities and Phytochemical Screening of Extracts of Flower of Azadiracthta indica (Neem) against Some Selected Clinical Isolates
Authors: Abdullahi, A.  , Nafiu, S.A  , Ishaq, S.A.  , Alkali, Z. D  , Lambu, Z. N.
Published: October 2023

A study on the phytochemistry and antibacterial effects of petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol extract of flower of Azadirachta indica on five clinical isolates viz: Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae was carried out using deep well agar diffusion and broth dilution methods. The results obtained showed that methanol flower extract possessed the highest antibacterial activity against P. miravilis with inhibition zone of 23mm at the concentration of 4000μg/ml. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the petroleum ether flower extract was 62.5μg/ml for all the test organisms while P. miravilis, S. aureus and K. pneumoniae had MIC value 62.5μg/ml with the exception of E. coli and P. aeruginosa.Methanol flower extract recorded  62.5μg/ml against P. miravilis, S. aureus. While E. coli, P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae had no MIC value across all the concentrations. the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) for the petroleum ether extracts was 125μg/ml, for chloroform extracts was 250μg/ml and for methanol extracts was 62.5μg/ml. Phytochemical analysis of the flower extracts showed the presence of reducing sugars, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, resins, and saponins, in all the extracts. Petroleum ether flower extract (PFE) showed antibacterial activities against all the test organisms while Methanol flower extract (MFE) had antibacterial activities against only two test organisms.
A Survey of Salmonella Species and their Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile from Selected Wells in Katsina State, Nigeria
Authors: Fatima Mukhtar  , UmmuSalma Aliyu Saulawa  , Mukhtar, G.L.
Published: October 2023

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has estimated that 1.1 billion people globally lack basic access to drinking water resources, while 2.4 billion have inadequate sanitation facilities which accounts for many water related acute and chronic diseases. The study was designed to search for the presence of Salmonella spp from wells in Dan-musa, Mani and Danja Local Government Areas of Katsina State. The distances of wells to pit laterines were measured at collection points. The organisms were detected and isolated by cultural methods using selective media and were subjected to series of biochemical tests. They were sero-grouped using seroquick grouping reagents. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by disk diffusion method. All the distances measured were below the set standard of 30 meters by WHO and the Nigerian Environmental Protection Agency. Dan-musa Local Government Area had the highest mean coliform counts of 20.7cfu/ml, while Danja had least counts of 13.8cfu/ml. Out of the 300 well water samples collected, a total of 11 Salmonella strains were isolated belonging to three(3) different sero-groups (Group D, A and B). Significant statistical association (p<0.05) was found between the occurrence of these bacterial isolates and distance of wells to pit laterines. All the isolates were resistant to multiple classes of antibiotics, the highest resistance was to ceftazidime and cefuroxime, 100% each. However, the isolates were also sensitive to flouroquinolones, chloramphenicol and cefoxitin. The presence of these pathogenic bacteria from the well water samples analysed connote a serious health risk to consumers due to threat of disease and antibiotic resistance. The study accenuates the need to set standards for citing of wells away from pit latrines, provision of adequate potable water and improved sanitation.
Evaluation of Synergetic Activity of Honey and Ginger Extracts on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Idris, U. A.  , Tijjani, M. B.  , Aliyu, M. S.
Published: October 2023

This study was conducted to determine the antimicrobial and synergistic activity of honey and ginger extracts on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).Agar well diffusion method was used to determine susceptibility of the test organisms using honey and ginger extracts individually, and the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations of the antimicrobial agents was measured using the tube dilution method. Different proportions of 10% v/v concentrations of the antimicrobials were mixed and their activity against the test organisms determined also using the agar diffusion method. The most active proportion was taken as the proportion with the widest diameter zone of inhibition. The MIC and MBC of the most active proportions on the different test organisms were then determined. Honey-ginger powder extract mixtures produced the highest inhibition compared to the use of honey or ginger extract individually. The zones of inhibitions produced by a mixture of ginger extract and honey each of 10%v/v concentration on both Pseudomonas aeruginosa and MRSA was higher than zones of inhibition by honey and ginger extract of the same concentration used individually. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the most active proportions of honey-ginger extract mixtures on both Pseudomonas aeruginosa and MRSA was 1.25% v/v while minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of the different most active proportions were 2.5% v/v for both of the test organisms.
Antibacterial Activity of Citrus sinensis (Orange) Peel on Bacterial Isolates from Wound
Authors: Abalaka, M. E  , Bello, A. O.
Published: October 2023

The antibacterial activity of aqueous, ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of Citrus sinensis against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was determined. This work aimed to discover the effects of orange peels extracts in the treatment of wounds contaminated by bacteria. Four different concentrations (50mg/ml, 100mg/ml, 150mg/ml, and 200mg/ml) of each extract were used against the test organisms. The test isolates demonstrated susceptibility to the varying concentrations of the crude extracts; this was evident in the different diameters of zones of inhibition displayed by the extracts. Staphylococcus aureus was the least susceptible to the various extracts at different concentrations. The aqueous extract showed a zone of inhibition of 7±0.0mm at 50mg/ml and 16±2.0mm at 200mg/ml against Escherichia coli; Pseudomonas aeroginosa at 7±0.0mm, 50mg/ml and 15±1.0mm at 200mg/ml; Klebsiella pneumoniae 6±0.0mm at 50mg/ml and 15±1.0mm at 200mg/ml. Ethyl acetate produce the zone of inhibition of 9±0.0mm and 19±1.0mm with Klebsiella pneumoniae at 50mg/ml and 200mg/ml; Escherichia coli at 8±0.0mm and 14±1.0mm at 50mg/ml and 200mg/ml respectively; Pseudomonas aeroginosa was susceptible to ethanol extract giving zones of inhibition of 6±0.0mm and 14±0.0mm at the concentrations of 50mg/ml and 200mg/ml respectively. The result showed that the potency and efficacy of the orange peel extracts on the organisms that cause wound infection had different hierarchy of susceptibility among the test organisms. The crude extracts from orange peels may be used to disinfect wounds and probably lead to cure if it can be properly refined.
Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Screening of Ethanol Extracts of Zingiber officinale, Allium sativum and Syzygium aromaticum against Some Food Associated Bacteria and Fungi
Authors: Aliyu, M.S.  , Tijjani, M.B.  , M.H.I. Doko  , Garba, I.  , Ajimego A.B.  , Hanwa, U.A.  , Ibrahim, M.M.
Published: October 2023

The in vitro antimicrobial activities of ethanol extracts of ginger (Zingiber officinale), garlic (Allium sativum) and clove (Syzygium aromaticum) were evaluated against some bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and moulds (Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus stolonifer) isolated from food samples by agar well diffusion method and poisoned food technique respectively. The phytochemical screening revealed that the three extracts contained carbohydrates, flavonoids and triterpenes in addition to other bioactive components such as glycosides, saponins, steroids, tannins and alkaloids which varied among the extracts, however, anthraquinones are absent in all the extracts. The extracts showed inhibitory effects against the test organisms with zones of inhibition ranging from 10mm to 23mm at concentration range of 62.5 to 500mg/ml. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of clove was 3.90mg/ml, ginger 62.5mg/ml and garlic 125mg/ml on both bacteria. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were recorded for cloves at 15.62mg/ml while garlic and ginger had no MBC values. Percentage mycelial growth inhibitions ranging from 2.5% to 100% were recorded against the test fungi. Based on these findings, it may be suggested that these plant materials may be used as natural antimicrobial additives to improve the quality and shelf-life of foods.
The Role of Infections in Preterm Labour and It’s Control: A Review
Authors: Ummasalma Aliyu Saulawa  , Fatima Muktar  , Kamaluddeen Kabir
Published: October 2023

Preterm labour (PTL) is described as the premature contraction of the uterus before 37 weeks of the gestation cycle, which could results in preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) and in most cases may lead to preterm birth. Preterm labour that results in preterm birth is a leading precursor of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Infection in the uterus occurs by the aptness of pathogenic microbes to ascend from the female genital area to the uterus. Lactobacilli species constitute about 95% of the female genital normal flora. But the invasion and colonisation of the genital area by gram-negative anaerobes has endangered the female genital area and exposed it to infection. Pathogens such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Candida albican, adenovirus and many more are indicated to play a role in preterm labour.The symptoms and clinical diagnosis of infections in the female genital area include itching and inflammation of the vaginal area, heavy, copious yellow-grey, fishy smell discharge etc. Routine clinical investigations from the first trimester of gestation cycle and the administration of probiotics, antibiotics as well as proper toiletry hygiene have contributed to reducing the prevalence of preterm labour.
Effect of Fermented Rice Dough on the Organoleptic Quality and Shelflife of Rice ‘’Masa’’
Authors: Dashen, M. M.  , Edia-Asuke, U.A.  , Amapu, T.Y.  , Jidangkat, M.G.  , Hassan, B. B.
Published: October 2023

The study involved the isolation and identification of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) from fermented rice dough and the use of the fermented rice dough for the production of ‘masa’. The study was aimed at determining the effect of the fermented rice dough on the sensory quality and shelf life of ‘masa’. The result obtained show that the fermented rice dough had a mean lactic acid bacteria count of 7.9x106cfu/g after five days of fermentation. The mean fungal and aerobic plate counts were 4.2x105cfu/g and 2.9x105cfu/g respectively. Five species of lactic acid bacteria were isolated and identified as Lactobacillus sanfranciscens, Lactobacillus pontis, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus fermentii and Lactobacillus brevis. ‘Masa’ made with 15% fermented rice dough was most effective in inhibiting fungal spoilage having the longest minimum mould free shelf life (MMFSL) of 8 days, but it was the least accepted in terms of organoleptic quality. The control ‘masa’ without fermented dough and the commercial ‘masa’ were the most accepted but have the least MMFSL of 4 days. However, ‘masa’ made with 5% fermented dough had an appreciable level of acceptance and an average (MMFSL) of 6 days. The findings of this work show that addition of fermented rice dough can improve the shelf life and organoleptic quality of ‘masa’ produced from rice.
Determination of Phytochemicals and Antimicrobial Activity of Aqueous Stem Bark Extract of Boswellia dalzielii against Some Common Pathogenic Microorganisms
Authors: Baha’uddeen Salisu  , Abdulkadir Muhammad Magashi  , Abdulrazak Mohammed Hussain  , Usman Adamu
Published: October 2023

Phytochemical screening by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) of crude aqueous extract of stem bark of B. dalzielii was performed and its antimicrobial activity on Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella typhi and Candida albicans was evaluated. The result of HPLC analysis revealed 10 components with major ones at peaks 3, 2, 4, 5, 8 and 6 with peak areas of 33.43%, 13.75%, 13.43%, 9.35%, 8.53% and 8.50% respectively; FT-IR revealed 18 functional groups which included amines, amides, a,β–unsaturated aldehydes, ketones, alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides, aromatics, aromatic and aliphatic amines; while the GCMS revealed 9 compounds with major ones as n- Hexadecanoic acid, Stearic acid, 9-Hexadecenoic acid, 1,E-11,Z-13-Octadecatriene with peak areas of 39.40%, 24.28%, 23.38% and 7.73% respectively. The susceptibility test showed that the extract at 50mg/ml to 5mg/ml was active against all the test isolates with higher zones of inhibition of 19±0.00mm for S. typhi and 18±0.30mm for P. mirabilis and 18±0.41mm for P. aeruginosa at 50mg/ml concentration each. Resistance was observed in E. coli and S. pyogenes at 2.5mg/ml concentration. Similarly, lowest MIC values of 12.5mg/ml were obtained for S. typhi and S. aureus and 25mg/ml for C. albicans, P. Mirabilis and P. aeruginosa. K. pneumoniae, E. coli, S. pyogenes and E. faecalis had MIC values of 50mg/ml each. The MBC/MFC values did not exceed the corresponding MIC values by more than a factor of 2. Conclusively, stem bark of B. dazielii contains many antimicrobial active compounds which can be purified and used as precursors for new antibiotics.
Assessment of Serum Biochemical Indices of Albino Rats Induced with Naja nigricollis Venom and Treated with Parkia biglobosa Stem Bark
Authors: Keta, J.N.
Published: October 2023

Assessments of Serum Biochemical Indices of Albino Rats induced with Naja nigricollis venom treated with Parkia biglobosa stem bark were conducted and evaluated. A total of 42 healthy adult Albino rats of both sexes and average weight 153 -275g were used for the experiment. The venom was collected in low light condition at ambient temperature by using a short acting general anesthesia (Halothane) and kept at 4oC. The rats were injected with venom at 0.04 mg followed by conventional anti venom (1 ml) and the plant extract were administered at different doses of 300, 500 and 700 mg/kg respectively. The animals were scarified, and 5ml of blood samples were collected from each rat within 24hrs and tested for ALP, ALT, AST, total protein and Albumin. The LD50 was determined using Lorke’s method and found to be greater than 500mg/kg per oral. The results showed increased and decreased in ALT, ALP and AST while total protein and Albumin were normal. The stem bark extract of Parkia biglobosaa can be said to possess anti-snake venom activity which neutralize the toxic effects of N. nigricollis venom. The potent Snake venom neutralizing capacity of this plant extract is recommended for therapeutic purpose in case of snake bite.
Antibiotic Sensitivity Pattern of Bacteria Associated With Wound Infections in Kaduna Metropolis
Authors: Abdulfatai, K.  , Abdullahi, B.  , Emelda, M.E.
Published: October 2023

Chronic wounds infections could result to structural damage and establishment of a chronic biofilm which stimulates host immune response that cause further damage generating a vicious cycle. Bacteria pathogens associated with wound infections were characterised and their resistance profile to the most common conventional antibiotics generated. Fifty (50) wound samples were collected from 50 patients and were screened on blood agar and MacConkey agar, while Mueller Hilton agar was used for the determination of antibiotics susceptibility test using kirby Bauer disc method. The predominant bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus aureus (50%) followed by Escherichia coli (36%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (30%), Klebsiella pneumonia (16%), Streptococcus pyogenes (8%), Proteus mirabilis (4%) and least by Enterococcus feacalis (2%). Gram negative bacteria presented (58.9%) compared to their Gram positive counterpart which had 41.1% prevalence. Gram-negative bacteria were resistant to ampicillin. Gram- negative bacteria showed quite high resistant to the majority of antibiotics used in this research, while some were active against these bacteria. The antibiotics used on Gram negative bacteria in this research were; Ampicillin, Septrin, Chloramphenicol, Sparfloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Amoxacillin, Augmentin, Gentamycin, Pefloxacin, Tarivid and Streptomycin. While for Gram positive are; Ampicilin, Pefloxacin, Gentamycin, Ampiclox, Zinnacef, Recephin, Amoxacillin, Ciprofloxacin, Streptomycin, Septrin and Erythromycin. The knowledge of agents of wound infections and the antibiotic sensitivity test as was seen from this research could be viable tool in the selection of antibiotic therapy and infection control measures in public health care and policies regarding antibiotic utilization.
Optimization of Growth Conditions of Serratia marcescens for Prodigiosin Production
Authors: Shaba, A.M.  , Oyeleke, S.B.  , Ijah U.J.J.  , Oyewole, O.A.  , Adamu, B.B.  , Okeke, K.S.  , Baba, J.  , Cletus C.I.
Published: October 2023

This study examined the optimization of growth conditions of Serratia marcescens isolated from a loamy soil of the Federal University Technology Minna Nigeria, for prodigiosin production. The different optimized conditions examined were extraction solvents, incubation time, pH, temperature, carbon sources, organic nitrogen sources, inorganic nitrogen sources and agitation levels. The result reveals that methanol is an ideal solvent recording absorbance of 0.69nm, which is slightly followed by ethanol and acetone with absorbance of 0.4nm and 0.3nm respectively. The bacterium produced maximum level of pigment after 36 hours of incubation (22.20µg/L), although pigment production was observed from 12 hours of incubation onwards (7.40µg/L). The pigment production declined after 36 hours of incubation. The results also revealed that pigment production by S. marcescens was maximum at 25°C (25.10µg/L) followed by 30oC (22.50µg/L). The optimal production was obtained at pH 7 (25.00mg/ml) with dextrose as optimal source of carbon (22.40mg/ml). There was no pigment production at static condition but maximum pigment production was recorded at 150 rpm (22.50µg/L). All the inorganic nitrogen sources caused a reduced biomass production. Among the organic nitrogen sources tested, yeast extract supported maximum pigment (26.75µg/L) but peptone led to a decreased pigment production (9.15µg/L) compared to other organic sources. Addition of urea did not support pigment as well as biomass production. Statistical analysis shows significant differences (p<0.05) in prodigiosin productions with different substrates, temperature and agitation levels. The study revealed that the production of prodigiosin was significantly influenced by the extraction solvents, incubation time, pH, temperature, carbon sources, organic nitrogen sources, inorganic nitrogen sources and agitation levels.
Diversity of Fungi Inducing Leaf Spot on Spigelia anthelmia and Porphyrostemma chevalieri
Authors: Ibrahim, H.,  , Dangora, D. B.  , Khan, A. U.  , Haruna, M.
Published: October 2023

Leaf spot is a common descriptive term applied to a number of diseases affecting plants. The majority of spots are caused by fungi. Different leaf spots were observed on Spigelia anthelmia and Porphyrostemma chevalieri in Zaria area, Nigeria. The fungi were isolated by direct plating method on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) amended with streptomycin sulphate (1.5g/l). In vitro inoculation of healthy leaves of these plants produced spots symptoms. Macrophoma sp., Nigrospora aerophila and Trichoderma sp were isolated from Spigelia anthelmia while Macrophomina sp., Alternaria sp., and Helicosporium sp were isolated from Porphyrostemma chevalieri. These uncultivated plants serve as reservoir hosts of these fungi as the fungi isolated have been reported on cultivated plants. It can be concluded from this research that Spigelia anthelmia and Porphyrostemma chevalieri can serve as reservoir hosts of the isolated fungi which may infect the cultivated plants by producing leaf spots. It is therefore recommended that proper weeding is required to prevent the growth and establishment of the uncultivated plants (Spigelia anthelmia and Porphyrostemma chevalieri).
Occurrence of Salmonella serovars implicated in Salmonellosis in North-western part of Nigeria
Authors: Abdullahi, B.  , Abdulkadir, B.  , Olayinka, B. O.
Published: October 2023

Accurate diagnosis of clinical Salmonella enterica and differentiation into its serovars is important from a public health and epidemiological point of view. Standard cultural, biochemical and polymerase chain reaction techniques were employed to isolate and identify Salmonella enteric serovars implicated in salmonellosis. This study was carried out between June 2015 and May 2016 in some selected hospitals in North-Western Nigeria. Four hundred and twenty stool samples were collected from patients clinically diagnosed of pyrexia and/or gastroenteritis. Of the 420 samples collected, 27 were positive for Salmonella, given rise to an overall prevalence rate of 6.4%. One hundred and fifty two samples were collected from ≤1-5yrs age-group and 19 (12.5%) were positive for Salmonella species. Out of the 199 male patients recruited for this study, 16 (8.0%) had Salmonella infection while 11 (5.0%) of221female patients recruited had Salmonella infection. Sex of the patients has no significant association with the infection (p>0.05). Out of the 27 Salmonella isolated, six different serovars were encountered. S. typhi and S. enteritidis were the most frequently encountered; given rise to 25.9% prevalence rate each. The second most frequently encountered was S. typhimurium with 18.5% prevalence rate. The least encountered serovar was S. paratyphi B which had 3.7% prevalence rate. Out of the 27 Salmonella isolates, 17 (63%) were isolated from patients presenting with mix symptoms and S.Typhi was the most frequently encountered, given rise to 35.3%. Seven isolates (25.9%) of the 27 Salmonella were isolated from patients presenting with diarrheoa only and S. enteritidis (57.1%) was the most frequently encountered. However, frequency of occurrences of serovars has no significant association to the salmonellosis symptoms (p>0.05).The prevalence rate in elderly patients (≥60yrs) was also high, for out of the 18 samples collected from them, 5 (27.8%) were positive. The age-group with least prevalence rate was 16-40yrs; all samples collected from them were negative for Salmonella infection. Salmonella infection was significantly associated with the age groups with p<0.05.Out of the 16 cases of salmonellosis in male patients, 7 (43.8%) were typhoidal, while 9 (56.3%) were non- typhoidal. Among female patients, 11 salmonellosis cases were recorded, 5 (45.5%) were typhoidal and 6 (54.5%) were non-typhoidal. This result showed that there was reduced in Salmonella infection in part of North Western Nigeria. However, there is need to sustain good sanitary practices in order to curtail increase and reduced children’s exposure to the infection.
Historical Trend and Epidemiology of Zika Virus
Authors: Idris, A. N.  , Whong, C. M. Z.  , Abdulkadir, B.
Published: October 2023

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a flavivirus related to yellow fever, dengue, West Nile, and Japanese encephalitis viruses. In 2007 ZIKV caused an outbreak of relatively mild disease characterized by rash, arthralgia, and conjunctivitis on Yap Island in the south western Pacific Islands. Zika virus trend infection have been confirmed in several infants with microcephaly and in fetal losses in women infected during pregnancy. The virus can be prevented and control by sleeping under treated mosquito net to protect you from Mosquito bite. This was the first time that ZIKV was detected outside of Africa and Asia. The history, transmission dynamics, virology, and clinical manifestations of ZIKV disease are discussed, along with the possibility for diagnostic confusion between ZIKV illness and dengue. The emergence of ZIKV outside of its previously known geographic range should prompt awareness of the potential for ZIKV to spread to other Pacific islands and the America.
Bacteriological and Physicochemical Assessment of Drinking Water from wells located in the Industrial Areas of Kano Metropolis
Authors: Yahaya, S.  , Janet, T. S.  , Kawo, A.H.
Published: October 2023

Physicochemical and bacteriological analyses were carried out on well water samples from the eight selected locations within the industrial area of Kano Metropolis namely Bompai, Sharada, Chalawa and Jaba (a non-industrial area) serving as control, using the standard methods. The results obtained were compared with the World Health Organization and Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality. The physicochemical parameters monitored included pH, electrical conductivity, TDS, DO, BOD, Turbidity, chloride, nitrate, phosphate, zinc, iron, lead, manganese and chromium. The mean bacterial counts, coliform and faecal coliform counts ranged from 1.7 x103 cfu/ml, 18MPN/100ml, and 11MPN/10ml in BW2, (from Bompai), 3.2 x 102 cfu/ml, 33MPN/100ml, and 13MPN/100ml in CW1 (from Chalawa) and 7.0 x 10 cfu/ml, 11MPN/100ml and 4MPN/100ml in NW1 (from Jaba) respectively. Cultural, morphological and biochemical characterization of bacterial genera revealed the presence of E. coli,  Pseudomonas sp., Shigella sp., Proteus sp., Klebsiella sp., Staphylococcus sp., Salmonella sp. and Enterobacter sp. The samples displayed elevated mean value of lead (0.14mg/l), EC (590.9 us/cm), TDS (119.13mg/l), DO (4.67mg/l), BOD (1.25mg/l), Zinc (1.76mg/l), Iron (0.6mg/l), Manganese (0.44mg/l) and Chromium (0.57mg/l). The result shows that out of the eight (8) wells sampled, only one (1) i.e NW2 is safe for drinking. Hence there is need for improved hygiene and regular hygiene education.
Pathogenesis and Management of Tetanus
Authors: Abdullahi Samaila  , Bashir Abdulkadir  , Kamaladdeen Kabir  , Sani Aliyu  , Zubairu Umar
Published: October 2023

Tetanus is an infectious disease affecting the central nervous system caused by Clostridium tetani. The bacteria is an anaerobic Gram- positive bacilli that forms spores, which germinate in anaerobic condition to produce an exotoxin known as Tetanospasmin, and this is the whole mark of the pathogenesis of this disease. Tetanus remains a great public health problem in developing countries such as Nigeria. It affects all age group and both males and females. In Nigeria, the death rate differs from the range of 38% to 60%, depending on the infrastructural facilities and personnel at the reporting centre. The disease is not very common in developed nations. Mortality rate of 20-60% was reported in Africa. Four clinical types of tetanus were recognized such as generalized, cephalic, localized and neonatal type. Diagnosis is mainly clinical. The management of tetanus include Neutralization of unbound toxins, eliminating the source of the toxin and prevention of its further production, Control of spasm as well as general measures to support the life of the affected patient. It is a fatal disease with poor prognosis especially the cephalic type in adults, and neonatal tetanus. The objective of this work is to present a reviewed update on pathogenesis and management of tetanus. Additionally, to evaluate the contribution of tetanus towards the increased morbidity and mortality in Nigeria.
Human T-Lymphotropic Virus, Associated Myelopathy and Leukemia: A Review
Authors: Auwal, I. Kabuga  , Lawal D. Rogo
Published: October 2023

Human T Lymphotronic Virus type 1 was the first retrovirus discovered associated with fatal diseases in humans and said to have emerged following zoonotic transmission from simian populations. Their primary target is adult CD4 T-cells and most infected individuals are asymptomatic. However, a significant number may develop persistent infection and progress to an aggressive lymphoproliferative disease, known as Adult T-cell Leukemia/Lymphoma-ATLL. Some may develop a debilitating neuro-inflammatory disease called Tropical Spastic Paraparesis-TSP, predominantly involving the lower limbs, with or without hyperactive urinary bladder. Unprotected sexual intercourse and breastfeeding account for the highest number of cases and is also transmitted by uncheck blood transfusion or sharing of contaminated sharps. ATLL and TSP are life-threatening diseases initially restricted to Middle East and some parts of Africa, but recently, cases are being reported in many parts of the world. Unfortunately, even though the antiretroviral therapy have greatly improved and significantly reduced HIV progression to AIDS, such great break through is not worthy benefit for HTLV infected individuals. Thus, they are identified as severe human diseases of public health concern. This review is an overview and contains update about the biology of the virus, its interaction with the host, HAM/TSP and ATLL; their epidemiology and clinical presentations.
Studies on Bioethanol Production from Rice Stalk using Co-cultures of Aspergillus niger and Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Charanchi, A. S  , Ado, S. A.  , Ameh, J. B.  , Musa, B  , Hussaini, I. M.
Published: October 2023

Bioethanol production from lignocellulosics as an alternative automobile and engine fuelhas received a considerable attention from researchers worldwide. In the current work, Bioethanol was produced from sulfuric acid and alkaline hydrogen peroxide treated rice stalk employing simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process using co-cultures of isolated and characterized strains of A. niger and S. cerevisiae. The proximate composition of the substrate was determined following standard procedures described by Association of Official Analytical Chemist. The composition of the substrate treated with sulfuric acid was moisture (4.95%), ash (4.75%), fats (4.50%),protein (5.25%), fibre (50.90%),carbohydrates (80.55%), while that of alkaline peroxide-treatment was moisture (3.65%),ash (5.10%), fats (6.60%),protein (7.00%), fibre (38.65%) andcarbohydrates (77.65%). At optimal fermentation conditions of 35ºC temperature, 5.0 pH, 4% substrate concentration, 300rpm agitation rate and 4 days fermentation period and after determining the quantity of the ethanol produced using specific gravity method, a maximum of 5.06g/100ml and 3.91 g/100ml of ethanol was obtained from sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide treated rice stalk respectively. The qualitative analysis using FTIR-Spectrophotometry shows the absorbance peaks of the ethanol functional groups from all the ethanol samples produced and the functional groups had their absorption peaks within their normal ranges of 3100-3600cm-1, 2800-3000cm-1 and 1600-1675cm-1 for hydroxyl, alkane and alkene functional groups respectively.
Activation of the MyD88 Pathway of Innate Immune Response to Recombinant BCG Malaria Vaccine Candidate: The Role of TLR-4
Authors: Muhammad Adamu Abbas  , Rapeah Suppian
Published: October 2023

Malaria, a highly devastating disease caused by Plasmodium spp. puts half the world’s population at risk and has defied the ever-enhanced treatment, control and elimination strategies, necessitating the search for vaccine alternatives. A recombinant BCG (rBCG) expressing the merozoite surface protein 1C (MSP-1C) of Plasmodium falciparum was developed in our laboratory, which exhibited some immunomodulatory effects through undefined mechanisms likely activated by Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4). This study tested the hypothesis that TLR-4 mediates the attachment between rBCG and macrophages eliciting an immune response through the myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) pathway. In this study, mice (n = 6 per group) were injected with PBS-T80, parent BCG or rBCG in the presence or absence of a TLR-4 inhibitor; TAK- 242 and western blot analysis carried out on the macrophages obtained to determine the role of TLR-4 in the activation of the MyD88. The results obtained showed a significant increase in the expression of the proteins in favour of the rBCG construct compared to the parent BCG and PBS- T80. These increase was significantly inhibited in the presence of TAK-242 signifying the role of TLR-4 in the activation MyD88 pathway of innate immune responses against recombinant BCG malaria vaccine candidate, presenting for the first time an empirical evidence of the importance of TLR-4/macrophage attachment mechanism and its effects as a fore-runner in the MyD88 pathway of immune response to our rBCG expressing the MSP-1C of P. falciparum.
Evaluation of Synergistic Activity of Black Seed Extract (Nigella sativa), Honey and Zamzam Water on Candida albicans
Authors: Ummasalma Aliyu Saulawa  , Sani Liti Hamisu
Published: October 2023

Pathogenic yeast are resistant to the existing synthetic antifungal agents, demanding an additional efforts to seek more effective therapeutic agents as antifungal against such pathogens. In order to achieve this, we try to evaluate the antifungal activity of black seed, honey and zam-zam water using C. albican as the test organism. Samples of black seed powder, honey (HN) and Zam-zam water (ZZ) were collected from Katsina metropolis, Katsina state. The samples were then transported to the Microbiology laboratory, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University Katsina for analysis. An ethanolic extraction of the black seed was prepared. The clinical isolates C. albicans was cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA). Agar well diffusion method was used in evaluating the synergistic activity of the test samples on C. albicans. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of the test samples were also evaluated. The result shows that ethanolic black seed extract (BSE) has the highest zone of inhibition at 14mm followed by honey (HN) with 12mm while Zam-zam (ZZ) water having the least at 2mm. The MIC and MFC of the most active sample were found to be at 30mg/ml and 60mg/ml respectively.
Incidence of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria among Pregnant Women Attending Federal Medical Center, Katsina
Authors: Abdulkadir B.  , Aisha A. S.  , Abdulqadir I.  , Abdulkarim B.  , Binta S. A.  , Ahmed Y.
Published: October 2023

Asymptomatic bacteriuria is common among pregnant women and it is frequently associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes leading to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The burden of asymptomatic bacteria in pregnancy has not been previously evaluated in this environment. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria and its clinical correlate among pregnant women attending Federal Medical Center, Katsina. The study was a prospective study conducted among 126 antenatal attendees from 19th September – 4th November 2017. Urine microscopy and culture technique were conducted for each participant. The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria among pregnant women was 19.8% and only gestational age and tribe had significant association with asymptomatic bacteriuria (p = 0.02) respectively however age (p = 0.66), educational status (p = 0.19) and settlement (p = 0.91) showed no significant association. Staphylococcus aureus was the most prevalent organism (40%), followed by coagulase negative Staphylococcus (32%) while Eschericia coli was least prevalent organism (4%). Asymptomatic bacteriuria is not uncommon among pregnant women in this environment; as such urine culture should be routinely carried out as part of antenatal care package for early detection and prevention of possible complications of urinary tract infections in pregnancy.
Microbiological Quality of Traditionally Fermented Fresh Cow Milk (Nono) Retailed in Selected Local Government Areas of Kano State, Nigeria
Authors: Omola, E.M.,  , Kawo, A.H.  , Bukar, A.
Published: October 2023

Nono is an African fermented beverage commonly prepared by the Fulani cattle herdsmen and sold by their maids to both rural and urban people.This study was conducted to assess the microbiologicalquality of traditionally fermented fresh cow milk (Nono) retailed in selected local government areas of Kano State, Nigeria using standard protocol.The physico-chemical parameters (pH, titratable acidity and viscosity) were determined according to standard methods. The microbiological analyses carried out were based on the enumeration of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, Streptococcus sp.,fungi, Shigellasp. as well as the isolation and identification of Salmonella sp., Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium botulinum using the method of International Dairy Federation. The results of the analyses showed that the pH ranged from 3.59 - 5.36, titratable acidity (0.73 - 2.17%), viscosity (10.14 – 550 cp). The aerobic mesophilic count ranged between 0.0 – 2.8 x 106cfu/ml. Lactic acid bacteria ranged from 4.0 x 103 – 6.0 x 106 cfu/ml. Streptococcus sp. ranged from 0.0 – 4.8 x 105cfu/ml.Fungal count ranged from 0.0 – 8.8 x 106cfu/mlwhile Shigella sp. ranged between 0.0 –9.3 x 104 cfu/ml. Staphylococcus aureus was not detected in any of the samples analyzed. The incidence of Salmonella sp. obtained in this study was 3.5% while Clostridium botulinum was 1.75%. The presence of these pathogens in nono milk is a source of public health concern.
Optimization of Culture Condition in the Production of Bioenzymes by Bacteria Isolated from Poultry Waste in Sokoto State, Nigeria
Authors: Hauwa, H.,  , S.B. Oyeleke  , Adamu, Shahidah Ahmed
Published: October 2023

Poultry wastes obtained from a poultry farm in Sokoto metropolis were analyzed for cellulose producing bacteria. Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus laterosporus, and Bacillus amyloliquifeciens isolated were screened for their ability to produce cellulase enzyme. All the isolates showed cellulose activity by exhibiting a wide halo on caboxymethylcellulase medium (CMC).The fermentation process was optimized using the following parameters, inoculum size, pH, Substrate concentration, temperature, and incubation periods. Cellulase activity was determined using DNS method, Banana peels was used as a substrate for the production of the enzymes, this was analysed with atomic absorbtion spectrophotometer (AAS).Cellulase enzyme was produced at innoculum size 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5%. pH 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. Substrate concentration 1g, 2g, 3g, 4g,  and 5g. Temperature 35, 45, 55, 65, and 75, for 1, 2, 3, 3, and 5, days respectively. Bacillus laterosporus recorded the highest cellulase activity 0f 0.37mg/ml in 5% substrate concentration among all the isolates while Bacillus amyloliquefeciens recorded highest cellulose production at pH3 with 45mg/ml Bacillus laterosporus recorded highest activity of cellulose production with 0.71mg/ml Temperature was also studied in the cellulose production and Bacillus laterosporus showed highest activity at 75⁰C with activity of 0.66mg/ml. This study showed that Bacillus laterosporus was the best cellulase producing bacteria among all the isolates.
Innovadoras Tecnologías para Mitigar las Emisiones de CO2 en Edificios Residenciales
Authors: Chavarry Vallejos Carlos Magno , Támara Rodríguez Joaquin Samuel , Chavarría Reyes Liliana Janet , Blas Cano Jaime Walter , Milla Vergara Elio Alejandro , Reyes Roque Reynaldo Melquiades , Terry Vascones Luis Armando , Alva Villacorta Oscar Fredy , Minaya Huerta David , Poma González Carla Grisselle , Gómez Ramírez Allende Elías , Valencia Gutierrez Andres Avelino
Published: October 2023

En el vertiginoso transcurso de los años, mientras nuestra sociedad prospera y se expande, hemos desarrollado un tejido intricado de edificaciones que nos cobijan, nos resguardan y nos definen. Estas estructuras han sido testigos mudos de nuestras alegrías, penas, avances y tropiezos a lo largo de generaciones. Pero, a medida que las ciudades crecen y se multiplican, el eco del progreso se encuentra entrelazado con la sombra de un desafío crítico: el cambio climático. Este libro surge en un punto de inflexión, en un momento en que nuestras decisiones pueden moldear el destino de nuestro planeta y el futuro de las próximas generaciones. "Innovadoras Tecnologías para Mitigar las Emisiones de CO2 en Edificios Residenciales " no es simplemente un compendio técnico, sino una llamada a la acción, para repensar la manera en que concebimos, construimos y vivimos en nuestros hogares.
Pengaruh Kepuasan Kerja dan Komitmen Organisasi terhadap Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) pada Baitulmaal Muamalat Medan
Authors: Astri Astri , Hayati Isra
Published: October 2023

The research was conducted at Baitulmaal Muamalat with the aim of knowing the effect of job satisfaction and organizational commitment on Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) carried out by Baitulmaal Muamalat employees. This study uses quantitative methods and data collection is carried out using primary data derived from questionnaires. Research results reveal that job satisfaction has a positive influence on Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) behavior. It is shown from the results of the t test where t count > t table (2,114 > 2.026) and a significance value of 0.041 <0.05. Organizational commitment variable also has a positive influence on Organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) where t count > t table (2,621 > 2.026) and a significance value of 0.013 <0.05. The results of the F test obtained that the variables of job satisfaction and joint organizational commitment significantly influence Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) towards Baitulmaal Muamalat Medan where the Sig value is 0.008 <0.05. R2 test results R2 number of 0.232. This shows that 23.2% interest in Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) is influenced by job satisfaction and organizational commitment

Key Points: Job Satisfaction, Organizational Commitment, Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB)
Pengaruh Kepemimpinan Dan Disiplin Kerja Terhadap Kinerja Karyawan Di Kantor Pos Cabang Utama kebonrojo Surabaya
Authors: Septiani Yuyun , Adiwati Mei Retno
Published: October 2023

Kinerja pegawai ialah aset di suatu organisasi dalam mengembangkan bisnisnya, namun ada faktor yang dapat menurunkan tingkat kinerja tersebut seperti kepemimpinan dan disiplin kerja. Adanya penelitian ini yakni untuk mengetahui bagaimana pengaruhnya kepemimpinan dan disiplin kerja terhadap kinerja karyawan di Kantor Pos Cabang Utama Kebonrojo Surabaya. Populasi pada penelitian ini yakni seluruh pegawai bagian pelayanan, proses dan distribusi di Kantor Pos Cabang Utama Kebonrojo Surabaya yang berjumlah 60 orang. Untuk pengambilan sampelnya menggunakan sampling jenuh yakni seluruh populasi ditetapkan sebagai responden dengan jumlah 60 karyawan. Metode penelitian yang digunakan yakni dengan wawancara dan menyebarkan kuesioner secara langsung pada responden. Penetapan analisis data ialah Partial Least Square (PLS) dengan skala ukur ordinal melalui skala likert. Hasil dari penelitian ini ialah kepemimpinan dan disiplin kerja berpengaruh secara signifikan dan positif terhadap kinerja karyawan di Kantor Pos Cabang Utama Kebonrojo Surabaya.