bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NPP Monitoring Missions via a Multi-Fleet of Drones
Authors: Fesenko Herman , Kliushnikov Ihor
Published: July 2020

A drone-based system of monitoring of severe NPP accidents is described. A structure of a multi-fleet of drones, consisting of main drone fleets and a reserve drone fleet, is considered. A matrix of drone fleet reliability assessment attributes is presented. Various structures for systems of control stations for the multi-fleet of drones are suggested. Reliability models for the multi-fleet of drones with centralized (irredundant), centralized (redundant), decentralized, and partially decentralized systems of control stations are developed and analyzed.
Upstream Industrial Competitiveness and Innovation
Authors: Almendra Rita Assoreira
Published: July 2020

The way industry can compete in a changing world in which sustainability issues push countries to act fast and efficiently makes academics ethically compromised with the mission to reflect on how knowledge creation can help people, companies, countries to find a systemic net of solutions that make it possible to redesign the world, thus redesigning the role and actions and interactions of persons, companies, and societies in general. Part of that redesign task depends upon policies that overrule actions at a macro level, the one of the companies, and the micro level, the one of individuals. Current Western initiatives already ‘merged' industry policies with innovation ones (that had already rehearsed the design inclusion), and there is an effort, namely of EU, to also embrace sustainability policies with the former ones. That calls for a different understanding of competitiveness as well as of the role industrial design has in this systemic and complex ‘new alignment' of the world.
Competitor Orientation, Pricing Strategy, and Business Performance
Authors: Sampaio Carlos A. F. , Rodrigues Ricardo G. , Hernández-Mogollón José M.
Published: July 2020

This study proposes to study the nature of the relationship between competitor orientation, a strategy based on low prices and hotel business performance, and to test if a low-price strategy plays a mediating role in the relationship between competitor orientation and business performance. A structural equation modeling approach is used, and a sample from the Italian hotel industry is used to evaluate the proposed hypotheses. Results show that competitor orientation is positively related to business performance and to a strategy based on low prices. Furthermore, it is found that a low-price strategy has adverse effects on business performance. Additionally, the mediating role of the low-price strategy is not confirmed.
The Viability of Heritage Craft in a Global Marketplace
Authors: Martins Nuno , Alvelos Heitor , Barreto Susana , Chatterjee Abhishek , Penedos-Santiago Eliana , Lima Cláudia , Silva Sara Alexandra
Published: July 2020

Portugal has a rich and diverse culture of artisanal arts and crafts, embodying significant symbolic and historical value. However, due to factors such as resource limitations, apathy from younger generations, and a growing incompatibility with the digital world, many age-old industrial techniques, traditions, and practices are ebbing away. In response, Anti-Amnesia, a design research intervention, intends to contribute to the revitalization of such artisanal heritage through leveraging digital technology as a means for dissemination and monetization. In particular, a component of the project is dedicated to the development of an online premise catering to the needs of the craft sector, including an embedded marketplace. This virtual market consists of a platform that functions as a commercial intermediary, where vendors are allotted a space and a set of tools to support publicity and sale of their products. This chapter discusses the feasibility of implementing the proposed output in relation to market research conducted and the inceptive outcomes accomplished.
Experimental Investigation on Bending Performance of Steel-Concrete Composite Slim Beams
Authors: Jiang Yu Chen , Hu Xia Min , Yan Huai Dong
Published: July 2020

In this paper, the mechanical behavior of steel-concrete composite slim beams was investigated by experiments, and the influence of sectional dimension of steel beams on the bending stiffness and flexural capacity of composite slim beams was evaluated. Test results show that good cooperative performance can be achieved in steel-concrete composite slim beams and the relative slip between steel and concrete is very small. The steel-concrete slim beam presents considerable deformation ability beyond the service stage, which indicates that the composite slim beam has good ductility. In addition, sectional dimension of steel beams is proved to have significant influence on both the bending stiffness and flexural capacity of composite slim beams.
Study on Degradation Factor Adsorption Effect by Epoxy Resin with Functional Adsorbent
Authors: Yokokawa Naoki , Senga Toshihiro , Yamauchi Tadashi , Date Shigeyuki
Published: July 2020

As a countermeasure against deterioration of reinforced concrete structures that have suffered from salt damage, materials containing salt adsorbents have been developed. In this study, the basic properties of the “Hybrid Epoxy Resin Repair Agent” in which a functional adsorbent was added to an epoxy resin were grasped and verified. As a result, chloride ion adsorption effect assuming repair of salt damage and sulfate ion adsorption effect assuming chemical erosion repair was confirmed.
One-Pot Photochemical Synthesis of Solution-Stable TiO2-Polypyrrole Nanocomposite for the Photodegradation of Methyl Orange
Authors: Buenviaje Salvador C.Jr. , Usman Ken Aldren S. , Edañol Yasmin De Guzman , Maylem Genes P. , Payawan Leon M.Jr.
Published: July 2020

Photocatalysis is a promising technology used in wastewater treatment. However, the practical application of this approach has been hindered by several factors. One issue is the aggregation of the photocatalyst in solution which leads to significant decrease in catalytic efficiency. Recent innovations in photochemical research have geared towards improving the colloidal stability of well-known photocatalysts such as titanium dioxide (TiO2). In this study, a simple method of imparting colloidal stability to TiO2, through one-pot photo-polymerized polypyrrole (PPy) nanoparticle coatings were demonstrated. The resulting TiO2-PPy (TP) dispersions exhibited excellent resistance to aggregation as evident in their uniform particle size distribution (diameter = 81.40 ± 6.58 nm, polydispersity index = 0.412 ± 0.037) and stable zeta-potential values (ζ = 33.15 ± 4.35). The optimum TiO2 to polymer ratio also resulted to significant lowering in band-gap energy (from 3.54 eV to 3.15 eV) which is an indicator of improved photocatalytic properties. Photodegradation of a model pollutant, methyl orange (MO) performed at optimal lightning condition and 4TP dosage showed 35% /hour photocatalytic efficiency. Lastly, kinetic studies suggest that the catalytic performance is dependent on the pollutant concentration as shown by a second-order MO degradation with rate constant of 306.856 x 10-7 M-1 s-1 and proposed rate law of R = k [MO]2. The study had also indicated the chemical conversion of MO to CO2 by measuring about 43% decrease in total organic carbon in an hour.
Structural, Morphological, Optical and Photocatalytic Properties of Os and N Co-Doped TiO2 Films
Authors: Li Zhi , Ma Chun Yu
Published: July 2020

In the present work, Os and N co-doped TiO2 films were first prepared using a reactive RF magnetron sputtering of Ti–Os metallic target. The effect of Os concentration varying from 0 to 3.0at.% on structure as well as morphology and subsequent changes in optical and photocatalytic properties were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), optical absorption spectra and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. XRD and SEM results show that the co-doping of Os and N favors the crystal growth of TiO2 and leads to a low anatase thermal stability relative to N monodoping. The band gap of the N/Os co-doped films is reduced from 3.42 eV to 3.22 eV compared with the N-TiO2 film. PL investigation further exhibits the effects of Os doping on the electronic structures and defects in N-TiO2.The photocatalytic activities of the films were evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue in aqueous solution under UV light. It was found that the photocatalytic activity increases with increasing Os content first, and then decreases after the optimal Os content. Therefore, the photocatalytic activity of Os/N co-modified TiO2 photocatalysts can be adjusted by the Os content.
Calculation of Surface Hardness when Surface Grinding ASIS 1045 Steel
Authors: Trung Do Duc , Tung Nguyen Nhu , Son Nguyen Hong , Ky Le Hong , Hong Tran Thi , Cuong Nguyen Van , Pi Vu Ngoc
Published: July 2020

This study presents a prediction study of the surface hardness in surface grinding ASIS 1045 steel. Base on the experimental data on the changes in characteristics of steel in the heat treatment processes, the relationship between the surface hardness and the impacted temperature in surface was found. Besides, the relationship between the cutting temperature and the technology parameters in the grinding was created. The surface hardness was then formulated as a function of the technology parameters in the grinding processes such as the depth of cut, the grinding wheel speed, the workpiece speed, etc. The proposed model was verified by comparing the predicted and measured results of surface hardness. This model can be used to predict the surface hardness when surface grinding.
Hyperthermia Effect on Phantom of Breast Carcinoma Tissue Induced by Mn3O4 Nanoparticles Synthesized by One-Step Spray Pyrolysis Method
Authors: Gaona-Esquivel Alexa , Hernández-Manzo Diana S. , Sánchez-Trujillo Perla J. , Cigarroa-Mayorga Oscar E. , Meléndez-Lira Miguel
Published: July 2020

In this work, the synthesis of manganese oxide nanoparticles was achieved by one-step spray pyrolysis method. The nanoparticles were synthesized just from MnCl2 aqueous solution. The solution was nebulized to a Si substrate placed at 400 °C for 1, 5 10 and 20 min and transported at a 0.1 L /min rate in a Nitrogen flux. The X-ray diffraction confirms tetragonal Mn3O4 as the unique phase in the whole sample. The scanning electron microscopy images proved the achievement of irregular nanoparticles with an average diameter of 280 nm experimentally determined by dynamic light scattering. Energy dispersive X-ray and Raman spectroscopy confirmed that the nanoparticles were obtained with Mn3O4 single-phase and the employed methodology prevented any contamination. The nanoparticles proved to induce temperature enhancement on artificial breast tissue by exposition to microwave radiation by achieving an increase in temperature around 8 %.
Sonochemically Assisted Samarium Doped Copper (I) Oxide Nanostructures as Potential Component in P-N Junction
Authors: Cosico John Alec Mari , Marquez Menandro C.
Published: July 2020

The need for energy has reached a remarkable level that needs to be solved. In this study, nanoparticles of cuprous oxide (Cu2O) doped with varying amounts of samarium (Sm) were prepared by using solution precursor route approach with the aid of ultrasonic sound. Copper chloride and Samarium (III) Chloride was used as source for copper ions and samarium ions, respectively. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement confirmed that the prepared nanostructures are crystalline and the dopant Sm ion did not alter the crystalline structure of the Cu2O. The sample absorption spectrum was determined using UV-Vis spectroscopy in the wavelength range of 400nm to 700nm. The optical bandgap of the undoped and doped Cu2O was found to fall between 1.94 eV - 2.21 eV. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) paired with energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) was used to observe the morphology and the presence of samarium in the synthesized Cu2O nanoparticles. The results show that upon adding Sm to the Cu2O, in a facile way, it could bring an important impact on optoelectronic devices such as photodiodes and solar cells.
Study of Anti-A Antibody Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles as a Biomolecular Detection Probe for a Substance in Saliva
Authors: Loedsapchinda Naruenard , Ta-Aithuak Sarocha , Chueaiarrom Channarong , Srikhirin Toemsak , Houngkamhang Nongluck
Published: July 2020

In this research studied on the conjugation of antibodies on gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and the optimization in term of antibody concentration and albumin blocking concentration. Gold nanoparticleswith diameter size of ~20 nm were synthesized via chemical reduction of HAuCl4 with trisodium citrate as reducing and stabilizing agent. Gold nanoparticles and anti-A antibody at various concentrations were mixed and nonspecific binding sites were blocked by using bovine serum albumin (BSA) at various concentrations. The antibody conjugated gold nanoparticles were tested by coagulation with 1% sodium chloride salt solution to obtain the optimal antibody concentration. BSA 50, 100 and 200 μg/mL were added in solution after antibody covered on gold nanoparticles. The solutions were characterized by measuring absorbance spectra. From the results found that the optimal concentration of antibodies and BSA blocking were 45 μg/mL and 50 μg/mL, respectively. The anti-A conjugated gold nanoparticles were tested with saliva of blood group A sample to monitor the specific interaction between antibody on gold surface and antigen in saliva via the change of absorbance spectra.
A Rare Case of Scorpion Sting-Induced Myocarditis with Left Atrial Appendage Clot Leading to Thromboembolic Complications
Authors: Kalantri Piyush , Singla Rahul , Jain Akshat , Bansal Narendra Omprakash
Published: July 2020

Scorpion sting is common in India; usually, these are harmless and follow a benign clinical course but sometimes have serious life-threatening complications including death. Cardiovascular side effects are among the most important life-threatening complications of scorpion sting. We report herein a case of scorpion sting-induced myocarditis with left atrial appendage clot leading to thromboembolic complications.
Stein–Weiss inequalities for radial local Morrey spaces
Authors: Ho Kwok-Pun
Published: July 2020

This paper establishes a generalization of the celebrated Stein–Weiss inequalities for the fractional integral operators on radial functions in local Morrey spaces. We find that some conditions can be relaxed for the Stein–Weiss inequalities on radial local Morrey spaces.
On a local systolic inequality for odd-symplectic forms
Authors: Benedetti Gabriele , Kang Jungsoo
Published: July 2020

The aim of this paper is to formulate a local systolic inequality for odd-symplectic forms (also known as Hamiltonian structures) and to establish it in some basic cases.

Let

\Omega

be an odd-symplectic form on an oriented closed manifold

\Sigma

of odd dimension. We say that

\Omega

is Zoll if the trajectories of the flow given by

\Omega

are the orbits of a free

S^1

-action. After defining the volume of

\Omega

and the action of its periodic orbits, we prove that the volume and the action satisfy a polynomial equation, provided

\Omega

is Zoll. This builds the equality case of a conjectural systolic inequality for odd-symplectic forms close to a Zoll one. We prove the conjecture when the

S^1

-action yields a flat

S^1

-bundle or when

\Omega

is quasi-autonomous. Together with previous work [BK19a], this establishes the conjecture in dimension three.

This new inequality recovers the local contact systolic inequality (recently proved in [AB19]) as well as the inequality between the minimal action and the Calabi invariant for Hamiltonian isotopies

C^1

-close to the identity on a closed symplectic manifold. Applications to the study of periodic magnetic geodesics on closed orientable surfaces is given in the companion paper [BK19b].
Characteristics of ACGME Residency Programs That Select Osteopathic Medical Graduates
Authors: Beckman Jamie J. , Speicher Mark R.
Published: July 2020

Background

The transition from American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) residency matches to a single graduate medical education accreditation system culminated in a single match in 2020. Without AOA-accredited residency programs, which were open only to osteopathic medical (DO) graduates, it is not clear how desirable DO candidates will be in the unified match. To avoid increased costs and inefficiencies from overapplying to programs, DO applicants could benefit from knowing which specialties and ACGME-accredited programs have historically trained DO graduates.

Objective

This study explores the characteristics of residency programs that report accepting DO students.

Methods

Data from the American Medical Association's Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database Access were analyzed for percentage of DO residents in each program. Descriptive statistics and a logit link generalized linear model for a gamma distribution were performed.

Results

Characteristics associated with graduate medical education programs that reported a lower percentage of DO graduates as residents were surgical subspecialties, longer training, and higher US Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 scores of their residents compared with specialty average. Characteristics associated with a higher percentage of DO graduates included interviewing more candidates for first-year positions and reporting a higher percentage of female residents.

Conclusions

Wide variation exists in the percentage of DO graduates accepted as residents among specialties and programs. This study provides valuable information about the single Match for DO graduates and their advisers and outlines education opportunities for the osteopathic profession among the specialties with low percentages of DO students as residents.
QIPS CURE: Implementing a Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Curriculum and Resident Experience
Authors: Mustafa Reem A. , Gillenwater Kristin , Miller Suzanne K. , Aly Abdelrahman , Pamulapati Hema , Sifers Travis M. , Naji Darwish , Drees Betty , Wooldridge David
Published: July 2020

Background

Resident participation in quality improvement and patient safety (QIPS) programs is an essential training experience and Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education requirement. However, the most effective approach to achieve this is unclear.

Objective

We developed an experiential Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Curriculum and Resident Experience (QIPS CURE) program, which provides internal medicine (IM) residents with foundational QIPS knowledge, and evaluated its effectiveness.

Methods

After reviewing IM residency QIPS curricula and obtaining input from institutional stakeholders in 2013–2014, we launched a longitudinal QIPS curriculum for all 66 postgraduate year 1–3 IM residents in July 2014. The QIPS CURE included 2 major elements: didactics, delivered through a variety of sources, including online modules and workshops, and hands-on projects. We delivered this curriculum annually from 2014 to 2018. We used project completion and an attitude survey of participants to evaluate it.

Results

Six projects were completed in 2014–2015, and 10 projects completed yearly for the next 3 academic years. Residents presented all projects at regional meetings. Surveyed residents reported improvement in understanding (M = 5.71, SD = 1.07 pre- to M = 6.38, SD = 0.49 post-curriculum, P = .013) and competence (M = 3.31, SD = 1.18 pre- to M = 6.08, SD = 0.77, post-curriculum, P < .001) when comparing graduates of the curriculum with incoming interns. Qualitative analysis revealed perceived acquisition of skills needed to carry out successful QIPS projects.

Conclusions

This QIPS program was sustainable over 4 years and generally well-received by residents, with many projects completed each year.
Adoption of improved maize varieties in northern Guinea Savannah of Borno State, Nigeria
Authors: Kadafur Ibrahim Mohammed , Idrisa Yusuf Lawal , Shehu Abbas
Published: July 2020

This study examined the adoption of improved maize varieties in northern Guinea Savanna of Borno State. Primary data were collected by using structured interview schedule. Two hundred maize farmers were systematically selected from. Percentage and logit were used for data analyses. Overall adoption rate was 89.0%. Coefficient of socio-economic and institutional factors such as extension contact (0.0360), farm size (0.2319), education level (0.0460), access to credit (0.6363) and age (0.7619) were found to be significant (P≤0.01) and positively influencing adoption of improved maize varieties. Household size (0.2708) and income level (0.3285) were also significant (P≤0.05) and positively related to likelihood of adoption of improved maize varieties. Non-availability of technology (99%), high cost of technology (92%) and high cost of labour (88%) were the major constraining factors to adoption of improved maize varieties. Community seed production should be encouraged and promoted to facilitate easy access to improved seeds by farmers. The extension system should be strengthened, a policy, which provides adequately trained and equipped extension workers for disseminating extension messages to farmers, re-strengthening of community based organizations and seed companies to introduce labour saving tools like planters and harvesters etc.Keywords: Adoption; improved maize; guinea savannah
Involvement of rural households in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) fruits postharvest activities in Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Alabi Dorcas Lola , Famakinwa Michael , Akinnawonu Oluwakemi Esther
Published: July 2020

The study assessed the involvement of rural households in oil palm fruits post-harvest activities (PHAs) in Ondo State, Nigeria. Specifically, examined their perception towards involvement in oil palm fruits PHAs; identified oil palm fruit PHAs respondents were involved in; determined their level of involvement in those activities and identified constraints associated with their involvement. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 120 processors from selected 3 LGAs in Ondo State. Data were collected using structured interview schedule and summarized with percentages, means and standard deviations while correlation and chi-square analyses were used to draw inference on hypothesis. Results showed that the majority (63.3%) of the respondents had favourable perception towards involvement in oil palm fruits PHAs. The majority of the processors were mostly involved in marketing of palm oil (86.8%), storage of palm oil (80%) and packing of palm oil (60.8%). Also, more than half (61.7%) of the respondents had moderate level of involvement in oil palm fruit PHAs. Lack of modern processing unit (x̄ =2.96), inadequate access to credit facilities (x̄ =2.90), lack of adequate technology (x̄ =2.81) were the major constraints limiting respondents’ involvement in oil palm fruit PHAs. The result of correlation analysis showed that years of residence (r= -0.184), family size (r=0.200) and years of education (r=0.322) had significant relationship with respondents’ involvement in oil palm fruits PHAs. The study concluded that respondents had moderate involvement in oil palm fruits PHAs and recommended that the government at the grassroot should assist in providing modern processing and functional credit facilities.Keywords: Oil palm fruits, Postharvest activities, Involvement, Rural households
Physicochemical Characterization of a liquid Effluent from a Refinery
Authors: Osuoha J.O. , Nwaichi E.O.
Published: July 2020

The physicochemical profile of wastewater from a Refinery in the Niger Delta was evaluated to ascertain efficiency of wastewater treatment methods applied using standard analytical methods. In all samples, temperature ranged between 26.45 – 28.65 º C while the pH values of the untreated and treated wastewater samples were 8.39 ± 0.04 and 7. 82 ± 0.02 respectively. Total dissolved solids and observed total hydrocarbon levels gave maximum values of 172 mg/L and 11.35 mg/L respectively. The turbidity values for untreated and treated wastewater samples were 7.55 ± 0.08 and 3.49 ± 0.01 NTU respectively. The results revealed that the untreated wastewater sample had a higher concentration of phenol (28.46 ± 1.23) when compared to those (9.34 ± 0.89) of the treated wastewater sample while the cyanide content was relatively higher when compared to the limits set by World Health Organization for such effluents. Although substantial improvements were obvious in some water quality indices with treatment, high concentration of major effluent pollutants, phenol and total hydrocarbon content in the treated wastewater is indication of ineptitude in the effluent management system and calls for immediate intervention Keywords: Refinery effluent; Water treatment; Contaminants in wastewater; Water quality.
Evaluation of the Biofilm Forming Capacities of Bacterial Isolates Recovered in Raw and Treated Effluent from Wastewater Treatment Plant of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria
Authors: Ugwoke MI , Machido DA , Tijjani MB
Published: July 2020

Biofilm producing bacteria are associated with many recalcitrant infections and are highly resistant to antimicrobial agents, hence notoriously difficult to eradicate. This study aimed at determining the biofilm forming capacities of bacterial isolates recovered in the raw wastewater and treated effluent from Wastewater Treatment Plants of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria using Tube Method (TM) and Congo Red Agar (CRA) method; and from the results, among the isolates recovered from the raw wastewater, TM detected 62.5% isolates as positive and 37.5% as negative for biofilm production, CRA detected 37.5% isolates as positive and 62.5% as negative for biofilm production. TM also demonstrated to be more suitable in detecting biofilm producing bacterial isolates from the treated effluent were it detected 50% isolates as positive and 50% as negative. However, CRA detected only 12.5% isolates as positive and 87.5% as negative for biofilm production. We therefore, conclude that the TM is more efficient and reliable for detection of biofilm producing bacteria in the laboratory when compared to CRA method and can be recommended as one of the suitable standard screening method for the detection of biofilm producing bacteria in laboratories.Keywords: Biofilm; Bacteria; Congo red agar and Tube method
Effects of Crude Oil on the Growth of Oyster Mushroom; Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacaum ex.fr. Kummer)
Authors: Chukunda F.A. , Simbi-Wellington W.S.
Published: July 2020

: The effect of crude oil on polluted sawdust on the growth of Pleurotus ostreatus was evaluated. The experiment was laid in a completely randomized design (CRD) with five replicates. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANVOA) and the mean separation was done using Duncan Multiple Range test (DMRT) at the probability of 5%. Result showed that micro-morphological characteristics of P. ostreatus grown on sawdust polluted with crude oil at varying concentrations of 50 ml, 100ml and 150ml and allowed to be contaminated for 8, 10 and 12 day respectively before sowing the mycelia in the polluted sawdust. Marco-Morphological at 10ml level of crude oil polluted sawdust significantly reduced the marco-morphological features of the P. ostreatus mushroom harvest at different days compared to 50ml crude oil polluted sawdust, in 8 days, the cap length measurement are (4.43cm±1.10 – 6.55cm±1.10), for stipe length (3.31cm ± 0.01 - 7.41cm ± 0.02) while the fresh fruit body weight (115.2g ± 2.01 - 175.3g ± 2.01). It is observed that the growing of P. ostreatus using wastes will help to reduce the huge agricultural wastes within our environment that sometimes when not properly managed caused serious environmental pollution. The research therefore recommended for the use of sawdust in the growing of Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom species, since sawdust and mushroom are good remediators of crude oil pollution. The summary of the result indicated that increase in crude oil pollution significantly (P≤0.5) affected the macro morphological features of the oyster mushroom production.Keywords: Oyster mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus, morphological parameters and crude oil.
Evaluation of Antibacterial Potential of Biosynthesized Plant Leave Extract Mediated Titanium Oxide Nanoparticles using Hypheae Thiebeace and Anannos Seneglensis
Authors: Hassan H. , Omoniyi K.I. , Okibe F.G. , Nuhu A.A. , Echioba E.G.
Published: July 2020

The need for new antimicrobial agent has drawn attention on developing new and emerging materials based on nanoparticles with antimicrobial activity. The aim of this research was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of nanoparticles of titanium dioxide. A green synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles was done using a plant extract of H. thelbiecea and Ananos seneglensisa The presence of various photochemical like flavonoids, steroids, polyphenols, and terpenoids was investigated by following standard biochemical methods. The titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) synthesized was confirmed by their change of colour to brown and reddish brown due to the phenomenon of surface Plasmon resonance. The characterization studied was done by UV-vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The green synthesized TiO2 NPs excitation was confirmed using UV–Vis spectrophotometer at 270 and 290 nm. SEM revealed that the synthesized TiO2 NPs are spherical and crystalline in nature. The overall sizes are 40 and 50 nm for H. thelbiecea and Ananos respectively. FTIR spectroscopy analysis showed the presence of flavonoid, polyphenols and amide groups likely to be responsible for the green synthesis of titanium oxide nanoparticles using H. thelbiecea and Ananos seneglensis aqueous leaf extracts .The XRD pattern showed the characteristic Bragg peaks of (111), (200), (220) and (311) facets of the anatase titanium oxide nanoparticles and confirmed that these nanoparticles are crystalline and spherical in nature. The two plants used to synthesized titanium oxide nanoparticle (H. thelbiecea and ananos seneglensisa) showed good antimicrobial activity against clinically important pathogens.. The antimicrobial study of TiO2 NPs shows that 20 μg/ml TiO2 NPs is effective for complete inactivation of Gram positive, Gram negative as well as fungal cultures. This effective microbial inactivation is mainly attributed to its ability to cause damage to the cell membrane.Keywords: Titanium oxide, phytochemicals, antimicrobial activity, H. thelbiecea, Ananos seneglensisa
Chemical Substances and in-Vivo Antiplasmodial Activity of Ageratum Conyzoides in Plasmodium Berghei Infected Mice
Authors: Ifijen I.H. , Maliki M. , Ogbeide O.K. , Okonkwo R.O. , Omorogbe S.O. , Ikhuoria E.U.
Published: July 2020

Malaria afflicts millions of people globally, particularly in tropical Africa; it is transmitted to humans through a bite of an Anopheles mosquito. Phytochemical, acute toxicity and in-vivo antiplasmodial activity of the leaves of Ageratum conyzoides were examined to study its effects on Mice that have been infected with the malaria parasite. Phytochemical screening of the methanol extract revealed the presence of secondary metabolites such as terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids and chromene. The LD50 was established at ˃ 1000 mg/kg body weight of mice. The methanol extract of A. conyzoides displayed intrinsic prophylactic and curative anti-malaria activity. At 200 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg body weight of mice, the extract revealed the highest percentage inhibition (83 and 61) for the prophylactic and curative study respectively. The acute toxicity study showed that A. conyzoides extract is relatively safe within the study administered doses. The methanol extract of the prophylactic study against Plasmodium berghei revealed an increase in the level of significance at administered portions of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg in comparison with 0.2 ml distilled water and 10 mg/kg chloroquine. The methanol extract of the therapeutic study against Plasmodium berghei revealed a slight increase in the level of significance at administered doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, however, no significant effect was observed for 400 mg/kg compared to the negative control and reference drug. The outcome implies that methanol leave extract of A. conyzoides possesses meaningful antiplasmodial activities and could be a promising source of novel antimalarial.Keywords: Malaria, Ageratum conyzoides, phytochemical screening, acute toxicity, Plasmodium berghei
A Computational Study of Quinoline Derivatives as Corrosion Inhibitors for Mild Steel in Acidic Medium
Authors: Erazua E.A. , Adeleke B.B.
Published: July 2020

The corrosion inhibition efficiency of three quinoline derivatives namely; ethyl 2-(((8-hydroxyquinolin5-yl)methyl)amino)acetate (QN1), 5-((benzylamino)methyl)quinolin-8-ol (QN2) and 5-(azidomethyl)quinolin-8-ol (QN3) on the mild steel in 1 M HCl was studied using density functional theory (DFT) calculations and quantitative structural activity relationship (QSAR) approach. The experimental inhibition efficiency were discussed in relation with molecular descriptors such as such as EHOMO (energy of the highest occupied molecular orbital), ELUMO (energy of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital), band gap (BG), dipole moment (DM), chemical hardness (η), softness (σ), electronegativity (χ), electrophilicity (ω), global nucleophilicity (ɛ), electrons transferred from inhibitors to metal surface (ΔN), initial molecule–metal interaction energy (∆ψ), the energy change during electronic back-donation process (ΔEb-d), Molecular weight (MW), and Volume (V). The result showed that EHOMO, σ , ω, ΔN, ∆Eb-d and ∆ψ increases as the percentage inhibition efficiency (%IE) increases. ELUMO, BG, η , DM, and e decreases with increasing% IE, while χ , MW and V did not show any correlation with %IE. The QSAR model developed reproduced the observed corrosion inhibition efficiencies of these compounds well with a cross validation (CV. R2 ) value of 0.9994 and adjusted squared correlation coefficient (R2 adj) value of 0.9988. The results obtained in the study are in good agreement with experimental inhibition efficiency results reported earlier in literature.Keywords: Corrosion Inhibition, Quantum Chemical Calculation, Quinoline Derivatives, QSAR
Development of a Software Package for Cattle Identification in Nigeria
Authors: Bello R.W. , Abubakar S.
Published: July 2020

Open grazing or free-range grazing is one of the methods employed by the Nigeria nomadic cattle herders to provide pasture for their cattle. This method of providing pasture for cattle comes with so many challenges among which are cow swapping, ownership disputes, rustling and cow intrusion to farmland. Some existing methods of guiding against these challenges are expensive, injurious, and unreliable to apply. The objective of this paper is to develop an enhanced and affordable software package for cow recognition and identification using a graphical user interface and information encoding method. Data analysis module with software application for the analysis of the generated code is proposed; the software application installed on a computer or smart-phone may be standalone or otherwise. Data about individual cow is digitally collected, coded and stored using necessary resources, tools, and methods. Moreover, by tagging individual cow with the generated code, and matching the code with the ones in the database using code reader, individual cow can be recognized and identified.Keywords: Open grazing; Free-range grazing; Nomadic herder; Cow identification; Pasture.
Heavy Metal Concentrations in Water Samples from Lake Kivu, Rwanda
Authors: Nsabimana Antoine , Habimana Valens , Svetlana Gaidashova
Published: July 2020

Heavy metals are among the pollutants threatening the living organisms including human beings. The presence of heavy metals in water is of great concern due to their toxicity to aquatic organisms, humans and ability to accumulate in food chains. Thus, there is a need to regularly monitor heavy metal levels in aquatic medium. The present study was conducted to assess heavy metal concentrations in Lake Kivu water. Water samples from Lake Kivu were taken from three sites, namely: Rusizi, Karongi and Rubavu. Heavy metals in the samples were analyzed using Atomic Absorption spectro-photometer (SHIMADZU AAS-6800) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES).Copper, lead, cadmium, chromium, manganese, mercury and arsenic concentrations were determined. Copper ranged from 3.24 to 10.01 μg/l, lead varied from 8.81 to 37.44 μg/l, cadmium ranged from 5.01 to 14.01 μg/l,chromium was between 139.5 and 226.6 μg/l, manganese varied from 598.3 to 795.7 μg/l, mercury ranged from 0 to 0.047 μg/l, while arsenic was not detected in any of the analyzed water samples. Except for arsenic, all the other heavy metals exceeded the EPA (US Environment Protection Agency) maximum permissible limit for class III surface water intended for fish consumption and recreation. Thus, there is a need to establish the sources of lake water pollution by heavy metals in order to design further strategies limiting the amounts of heavy metals entering Lake Kivu.

Keywords: Cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, manganese, mercury
Water Physico-Chemical Characteristics of the Lakes Burera and Ruhondo, Rwanda
Authors: Habimana Valens , Nsabimana Antoine
Published: July 2020

Rwanda possesses multiple lakes, whose properties were rarely described. The present study assessed physico-chemical characteristics of water in Burera and Ruhondo lakes located in highly populated area with steep slopes, which are under extensive agriculture, thus water quality monitoring is important. Both lakes were alkaline with high content of Mg, while Ruhondo had higher electrical conductivity than Burera. Phosphorus and nitrogen exceeded Class III EPA standards indicating that both lakes are at risk of eutrophication.

Keywords: water quality, lakes Burera and Ruhondo, Rwanda
Communal breeding in White-backed Vultures Gyps africanus
Authors: Salewski Volker
Published: July 2020

No Abstract.
Youths and poor emotional wellbeing: is it just a matter of stress? A longitudinal survey
Authors: Gubelmann Alicia , Auderset Diane , Akre Christina , Barrense-Dias Yara , Suris Joan-Carles
Published: July 2020

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT: To date, research on emotional wellbeing among youths has been mostly based on cross-sectional studies, and little is known about its evolution over time.
WHAT DOES THIS ARTICLE ADD: Our study adds a longitudinal approach to emotional wellbeing and defines different groups of youths according to their evolution over a two-year period. Stress and perceived health status seem to be the most important factors related to emotional wellbeing. Our research shows the importance of health care professionals exploring psychological health, especially when a youth has atypical somatic complaints. This could allow the early detection of psychological problems and the provision of proper timely treatment.

AIM OF THE STUDY
To assess how emotional wellbeing evolves over a two-year period among youths in Switzerland, and to assess their characteristics.

METHODS
Data were obtained from the first and third waves of the GenerationFRee study (n = 1311, aged 15–24 at baseline). The sample was divided into four groups according to the evolution of their emotional wellbeing (WB): good at both waves (GoodWB: 67.9%), poor at T1 and good at T3 (BetterWB: 8.4%), good at T1 and poor at T3 (WorseWB: 13.2%), or poor at both waves (PoorWB: 10.4%). Significant variables at the bivariate level were included in a multinomial regression analysis using GoodWB as the reference category. Results are given as relative risk ratios (RRRs).

RESULTS
The BetterWB group reported more stress at T1 (RRR 1.34), as did the WorseWB group at T3 (1.43). Those in the WorseWB group were more likely to report poorer health status at T3 (6.51). Finally, the PoorWB group reported more stress at T1 (1.33) and T3 (1.44), and poorer health status at T1 (9.39) and T3 (5.75). Other variables not significant in all groups were perceived onset of puberty, having a chronic condition, area of residence and relationships with parents.

CONCLUSION
Using a longitudinal approach, stress and perceived health status seem to be the main factors that change with emotional wellbeing among youths. Inquiring about stress could be a good proxy for emotional wellbeing, especially among males, who tend to underestimate their emotional worries.
LAS MICROFINANZAS Y SU APORTE AL DESARROLLO PRODUCTIVO LOCAL. UN ENFOQUE DE GÉNERO
Authors: Flores-Anchundia Nancy , Valdés-Pérez Dayana
Published: July 2020

Las microfinanzas son estrategias que permiten responder y actuar frente a la pobreza y generar desarrollo productivo en los territorios locales, puesto que abarcan la intermediación financiera y la intermediación social, lo que implica que además de entregar servicios bancarios, permiten generar un aporte al crecimiento sostenible de los grupos de interés social. En la presente investigación se analizó la incidencia de las microfinanzas sobre el desarrollo productivo desde un enfoque de género; así mismo se evaluó si los microfinanciamientos han contribuido al desarrollo del sector productivo del país, disminuyendo los obstáculos causados por el género, debido a que no se considera la equidad de género, ni entre sus objetivos ni entre las condiciones para su desempeño. El estudio se delimitó en la ciudad de Portoviejo y los sectores rurales del mismo, involucrando a las mujeres microempresarias del sector. Por lo tanto, se aplicaron encuestas a 328 mujeres que han recibido apoyo o financiamiento de entidades bancarias, de manera que se logró inferir acerca del impacto del emprendimiento sobre el empoderamiento femenino. Se determinó que las microfinanzas tienen una importancia relevante en el empoderamiento femenino, puesto que si bien han sido concebidas para generar desarrollo productivo; los grupos de mayor vulnerabilidad, en algunos casos, no podían acceder a estas fuentes de financiamiento. Esto se debe a que las mujeres señalan en su gran mayoría que debido al emprendimiento que han liderado, se genera una satisfacción personal con una significancia altamente relacionada con el empoderamiento personal y colectivo.

Palabras clave: mujeres, microfinanzas, créditos bancarios, desarrollo productivo, emprendimiento.
Le rôle des inégalités horizontales dans l’émergence des conflits dans les pays de migration
Authors: Fabien Cottier , Roch Yao Gnabéli , Jean-Louis Lognon , Sarah Bütikofer
Published: July 2020

Dans un contexte marqué par des flux migratoires soutenus, les inégalités horizontales structurelles contribuent à accroître les risques de violence nativiste. Comme le montre notre étude menée en Côte d’Ivoire, le manque d’attention accordée à ces deux problèmes a nui aux efforts déployés afin de promouvoir des relations pacifiques entre migrants et autochtones.
Kanser Hastalarında Konstipasyon Sıklığı ve Gelişme Riskinin İncelenmesi
Authors: ÖZTÜRK Nazli , ÇELİK KOCABIYIK Burcu , ARIKAN Fatma , COŞKUN Hasan Şenol
Published: July 2020

Giriş: Konstipasyon kanser hastalarında sık görülen semptomlardan biri olup, bu semptomun görülmesinde hareket azlığı, yetersiz sıvı alımı, kemoterapi, radyoterapi gibi tedavi yöntemleri ve opioid kullanımı gibi birçok faktör etkili olabilmektedir. Kanser hastalarının konstipasyon gelişme riski açısından yakından izlenmesi bu semptomun erken dönemde tanılanmasına katkı sağlar. Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı onkoloji kliniğinde yatan kanser hastalarında konstipasyon sıklığı/gelişme riski ve konstipasyon gelişmesini etkileyen bazı faktörlerin belirlenmesidir. Yöntem: Tanımlayıcı nitelikteki bu çalışma Ekim 2018-Şubat 2019 tarihleri arasında 18 yaşından büyük, kanser tanısı almış 129 hasta ile yürütülmüştür. Veriler ‘Birey Tanılama Formu’ ve ‘Konstipasyon Risk Değerlendirme Ölçeği’ kullanılarak toplanmıştır. Verilerin değerlendirilmesi Ki-kare, Mann-Whitney U testi analizi ile yapılmıştır. Bulgular: Hastaların yaş ortalaması 59 ± 1.12 yıl, %34.2 'si kadın, %65.8 'i erkek ve konstipasyon görülme sıklığı %62’dir. Hastaların konstipe olmasında sürekli opioid tedavisi alma, hastaneye yatış nedeni ve metastaz varlığına göre istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir farklılık olduğu belirlenmiştir. Sürekli opioid tedavisi alan ve destek tedavi almak amaçlı hastaneye yatan hastalarda konstipasyon oranı daha yüksekti (p < .05). Konstipe olmayan hastaların ise konstipasyon gelişme riskinin orta düzeyde (13.1 ± 4.3) olduğu saptanmıştır. Sonuç: Çalışmamızda onkoloji kliniğinde yatan hastaların çoğunluğunun konstipasyon yaşadığı, sürekli opioid tedavisi alma, destek tedavi alma ve metastaz varlığının hastaların konstipasyon yaşamasında etkili olduğu ve konstipe olmayan kanser hastalarının ise orta düzeyde risk altında olduğu belirlenmiştir.
Агендерная эстетика: тело не образ, а поток
Authors: Toropova Anastasia A.
Published: July 2020

Статья посвящена анализу агендерной эстетики как постмодернистского проекта по отказу от гендерной идентичности. В статье рассмотрены идейные предпосылки развернувшегося проекта денатурализации человеческого тела, гендера и пола в рамках постструктуралистких исследований. Выявлены аксиологические основания критики традиционного понимания идентичности. Лакан, Кристева, Бодрийяр раскрыли механизм формирования идентичности как искусственной конструкции, закрепленной за телесность. Батлер предложила стратегию ускользания от идентификации, сформулированную в концепции перформативности. Эти идеи нашли свое отражение в институте моды в творчестве дизайнеров, разделяющих постмодернистские ценности. В статье раскрыты механизмы конструирования агендерной телесности модным домом Gucci. В фундаменте агендерной эстетики лежит идея отказа от идентификации и провозглашение тела как уникального единичного бытия, проявляющего себя перформативно. Было выявлено, что художественной задачей агендерной эстетика является развитие визуальной пластичности человеческой телесности. Эксплицированы основные приемы для решения этой задачи: сочетание вещей с идейно противоположными вестиментарными кодами, изъятие элементов одежды с жесткими гендерными коннотациями из привычного контекста и вписывание их в новый визуальный ряд для придания им гендерной нейтральности. Осуществлена проблематизация эстетических оснований агендерного стиля. Исследование позволяет сделать вывод, что постмодернистское переосмысление человеческой телесности не как образа, а как потока, выходят за пределы элитарных практик искусства и становятся актуальными для массового сознания западного человека.
A 100 años de la reforma de Córdoba, ¿Qué ha sido del legado dejado por los estudiantes argentinos a la universidad latinoamericana?
Authors: Escalante Roberto , Ramírez Didou Pablo Henri
Published: July 2020

La Reforma de Córdoba dejó una impronta perdurable en la historia de la universidad Latinoamericana ya que represento el triunfo de un movimiento estudiantil en contra de un sistema autoritario de viejas costumbres en el cual se perpetuaban las oligarquías y el clasicismo heredado de los tiempos coloniales.
La autonomía universitaria como legado de la reforma de córdoba
Authors: Pennington Henning Jensen
Published: July 2020

A cien años de la Reforma Universitaria de 1918, mejor conocida como Reforma de Córdoba, las universidades públicas latinoamericanas tienen importantes retos y perspectivas por delante. Muchos de estos desafíos se centran en la defensa de su ejercicio del legado principal de esta reforma -la autonomía universitaria-, y por ello cobra especial relevancia hacer una reflexión crítica acerca de esta importante herencia, que ha marcado el devenir de estas instituciones a lo largo de un siglo.