bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunological indices of Giant African Land snails (Archachatina marginata) improved with fixed dose of vitamin C during acute heat stress
Authors: Iwuozo Odinaka Christian , Abiona John Adesanya , Abioja Monsuru Oladimeji , Ilori Babatunde Moses
Published: July 2022

The study determined immunological indices of Giant African Land snail (Archachatina marginata) improved with fixed dose of vitamin C under acute heat stress (AHS). Prior to the AHS, vitamin C was administered for four weeks to two treatment groups, while other two treatment groups were not. Each treatment was monitored, haemolymph collected at 0, 30 and 60 minutes exposure times. Immunological cytokines: interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin 2 (IL-2); and total haemocyte counts (THC) were determined. Under AHS, vitamin C elevated (p <0.05) IFN-γ production (606.33 ± 302.86) compared to other groups with or without vitamin C administration (7.20 ± 1.58 vs. 73.20 ± 32.23 vs. 7.80 ± 1.36). IL-2 was not affected (p >0.05) by vitamin C under AHS. Highest (p <0.05) THC values was obtained with vitamin C administration under AHS, but reduced under no AHS. Exposure time affected (p <0.05) IFN-γ production and THC values, but not IL-2 (p >0.05). With fixed dose of vitamin C and exposure time, highest (p <0.05) IFN-γ values were obtained under AHS with vitamin C administration at 30 minutes and at 60 minutes in THC, compared to other groups. The study concluded that fixed dose of vitamin C at 150 mg kg-1 of feed was appropriate under AHS to boost the immune system of the animals.
Medical Culture about Lignum Aquilariae Resinatum and its Maritime Silk Road
Authors: Tian Jing , Wang Zhenguo
Published: July 2022

Initially, Chen Xiang (沉香 Lignum Aquilariae Resinatum) was exotic, but it has been playing an important role in the development of traditional Chinese culture and medicine. This article explores the reason for differences in the quality of ancient and modern Chen Xiang (沉香 Lignum Aquilariae Resinatum) by analyzing the essential factors including the prosperity and decline of Maritime Silk Road, the relocation of the producing area, and the process of aroma forming. Based on the development and application of Chen Xiang (沉香 Lignum Aquilariae Resinatum) in Chinese literature and art, traditional Chinese medicine, and folk life over the past 2000-odd years, this article puts contends that Chen Xiang (沉香 Lignum Aquilariae Resinatum), which is endowed with the connotation of Chinese culture and health, should assume its new role as the traditional Chinese medical and cultural carrier on the New Silk Road.
TailorEd: Classroom Configuration and Activity Identifiers (CCID & CAID)
Authors: Calle Andres , Nguyen Quan , Lee Kristin , Voss Julia , Shaghaghi Navid
Published: July 2022

INTRODUCTION: The study of how classroom layout and activities affect learning outcomes of students with different demographics is difficult because it is hard to gather accurate information on the minute by minute progression of every class in a course. Furthermore, the process of data gathering must produce an abundance of data to work with and hence must be automated.
OBJECTIVES: A machine learning model trained on images of a classroom and thus capable of accurately labeling the classroom layout and activity of many thousands of images much faster and cheaper than employing a human. 
METHODS: Transfer learning can allow for preexisting computer vision models to be retrained on a smaller, more specific dataset in order to still achieve a highly accurate result. 
RESULTS: In the case of the classroom layout, the final model achieved an accuracy of 97% on a four category classification. And for detecting the classroom activity, after experimentation with several different versions that could work on a very small sample sizes, the best model achieved an accuracy of 86.17%.
CONCLUSION: In addition to showing that using computer vision to determine human activities is possible albeit more difficult than layouts of inanimate objects such as classroom desks, the study shows the differences between the use of self-supervised learning techniques and data augmentation techniques in order to overcome the problem of small training data-sets.
Influence of Protein Isolates from Pangas Processing Waste on the Quality of Tilapia (GIFT) Patties During Storage at 4°C
Authors: Surasani Vijay Kumar Reddy , Khairnar Sachin Onkar , Holeyappa Shanthanagouda A. , Tyagi Anuj , Singh Ajeet , Mandal Amit
Published: July 2022

GIFT (Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia) mince and protein isolates obtained from pangas processing waste (fillet frames) were used to prepare fish patties and the quality was evaluated during storage at 4˚C. Patties were prepared in three lots i.e. 100% GIFT mince (T1), mince with 5% protein isolate (T2), and mince with 10% protein isolate (T3). An increase in pangas protein isolate content increased the crude protein content of patties, while it decreased the fat and moisture content (P<0.05). No significant difference was found in the color values of patties with and without protein isolates throughout the storage period. An increase in protein isolate content to 10% caused a slight decrease in cooking yield and textural quality. All the lots showed a decreasing trend in cooking yield, textural quality, and sensory scores with an increase in storage period. Patties from all the lots had no significant differences in sensory scores and were acceptable for up to 12 days during storage at 4˚C. GIFT mince can be used to prepare patties with good quality, and shelf life and pangas protein isolates can be incorporated up to 10% of the mince, without affecting the quality, acceptability and shelf life.
Gelatine Extraction from Skipjack Tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) Head Bones by Acid-Hydrolysis Method and Its Physicochemical and Functional Characterizations
Authors: Jalili Seyed Hassan , Etemadian Yasaman , Alboofetileh Mehdi , Moradi Yazdan
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this study was to extract gelatine from skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) head bones, which is an abundant by-product of tuna canning factories. Acid-hydrolysis method was used. Used extraction condition was 70 ◦C, 90 min and 0.4% HCL. The gelatine sheets yield of raw material and gel strength were respectively 6.50% and 37.35 g. The results of chemical properties of the skipjack tuna (K. pelamis) head gelatine were 83.70% protein, 6.58% lipid, 6.09% moisture and 1.13% ash contents, and the pH, viscosity at 60 ◦C, gelling point, and melting point values were 4.7, 6.0 cP, 4-10 ◦C, and 25-27 ◦C, respectively. According to the results, skipjack tuna (K. pelamis) head gelatine complies with the physicochemical and functional requirements of Iranian National Standardization Organization for an edible gelatine. Therefore, skipjack tuna (K. pelamis) heads of tuna canning factories are a potential source for producing good quality gelatine that could be used in food and introduced for pharmaceutical applications.
The role of diaphragmatic thickness measurement in weaning prediction and its comparison with rapid shallow breathing index: a single-center experience
Authors: Lalwani Lokesh Kumar , Govindagoudar Manjunath B , Singh Pawan Kumar , Sharma Mukesh , Chaudhry Dhruva
Published: July 2022

Background: Acute respiratory failure (ARF) is commonly managed with invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). The majority of the time that a patient spends on IMV is in the process of weaning. Prediction of the weaning outcome is of paramount importance, as untimely/delayed extubation is associated with a high risk of mortality. Diaphragmatic ultrasonography is a promising tool in the intensive care unit, and its utility in predicting the success of weaning remains understudied.Methods: In this prospective-observational study, we recruited 54 ARF patients on IMV, along with 50 healthy controls. During a spontaneous breathing trial, all subjects underwent diaphragmatic ultrasonography along with a rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) assessment.Results: The mean age was 41.8±17.0 and 37.6±10.5 years among the cases and control group, respectively. Demographic variables were broadly similar in the two groups. The most common cause of ARF was obstructive airway disease. The average duration of IMV was 5.41±2.81 days. Out of 54 subjects, 45 were successfully weaned, while nine patients failed weaning. Age, body mass index, and severity of disease were similar in the successful and failed weaning patients. The sensitivity in predicting successful weaning of percent change in diaphragmatic thickness (Δtdi%) >29.71% was high (93.33%), while specificity was 66.67%. The sensitivity and specificity of mean diaphragmatic thickness (tdi) end-expiratory >0.178 cm was 60.00% and 77.78%, respectively. RSBI at 1 minute of <93.75 had an equally high sensitivity (93.33%) but a lower specificity (22.22%). Similar results were also found for RSBI measured at 5 minutes.Conclusions: During the weaning assessment, the purpose is to minimize both premature as well as delayed extubation. We found that diaphragmatic ultrasonography, in particular Δtdi%, is better than RSBI in predicting weaning outcomes.
Chemical composition and cytotoxic activity of Callistemon citrinus (Myrtaceae) volatile oil and active fraction
Authors: Imade R.O. , Ayinde B.A. , Choudhary M.I. , Alam A.
Published: July 2022

Background: Volatile oils have found use locally in the management of many diseases including tumor-related ailments. Due to the short-comings of orthodox medicine, there is a need to source for alternative drugs with better effects. Callistemon citrinus oil contains some bioactive compounds which are useful in treating many diseases. This study was designed to examine the chemical composition and cytotoxic efficacy of this plant oil.Method: Callistemon citrinus volatile oil was extracted from fresh leaves using a Clavenger apparatus by hydro-distillation method. Preliminary cytotoxic screening was carried out with brine shrimp at 10-1000 μg/mL. The essential oil was further tested on breast (AU 565) and cervical (HeLa) cancer cell lines at 50 μg /mL using MTT assay. Column chromatography of the oil was carried out and the resulting fractions subjected to biological testing. GCMS analysis was carried out on the oil and the most active fraction.Results: The oil produced concentration- dependent activity with an LC50 of 528.48 μg/mL in the brine shrimp mortality assay. The oil also produced -7.60 and +11.80 % inhibitions against HeLa and AU 565 cells respectively. Column fraction F1 produced the highest activity against AU 565 cells with 70.44 % inhibition and an IC50 of 15.96 μg/mL. C. citrinus oil revealed the presence of cineole (36.06 %) and α-pinene (21.41 %) as the major components while 1,1'-(5-hydroxy-2,2-dimethylbicyclo[4.1.0]heptane-1,7-diyl)bis-, (1α,5β,6α,7α)-ethanone (24.89 %.) was the most abundant in the active fraction.Conclusion: C. citrinus volatile oil has cytotoxic potential and is a good candidate for further in vivo studies.
In vitro and in vivo effects of Khaya grandifoliola C. DC. (Meliaceae) leaf on erectile dysfunction in male rats
Authors: Gbolade A.A. , Ahmadu N.B. , Igwe C.S.
Published: July 2022

Background: Khaya grandifoliola C. DC. (Meliaceae) is exploited as a popular antimalarial herbal medicine in Nigeria, externally in treating skin diseases, and to enhance libido.Objectives: This study evaluates the aphrodisiac potential of K. grandifoliola leaf in male Wistar rats. Materials and methods: Aphrodisiac property was determined by oral administration of graded doses: 100, 250 and 1000 mg/kg of crude methanol (MeOH) extract of K. grandifoliola leaf, and 100 and 200 mg/kg each of aqueous (AQ) and dichloromethane (DCM) fractions to male rats using standard procedure. Sildenafil citrate and distilled water served as positive and negative controls, respectively. Sexual behavioural parameters like mounting, intromission and ejaculatory frequencies and latencies were recorded on day 7. Anti-lipid peroxidation effect and serum testosterone concentrations were also monitored.

Results: From the sexual behavioural study, MeOH extract of the leaf was active and significantly increased mount and ejaculatory frequencies, and decreased mount and ejaculatory latencies in a dose dependent manner, but had no effect on intromission latency and intromission frequency. Both AQ and DCM fractions were more active than extract, comparable to Sildenafil citrate, but DCM fraction was comparatively more active. Testosterone concentrations were also increased dose-dependently by all tested agents, but DCM fraction was the most active and comparable to Sildenafil citrate. Only DCM fraction significantly inhibited lipid peroxidation but was not comparable to Vitamin E.Conclusion: From all indications, MeOH extract and fractions of K. grandifoliola leaf which increased serum testosterone and sexual behavioural indices has potential for improving sexual dysfunction in males, and the more active DCM fraction qualifies for further phytochemical investigation to isolate active compounds. These findings therefore justify the acclaimed local use of K. grandifoliola leaf in treating male infertility.
Periplaneta americana: Antibiotic susceptibility profiles of associated biofilm-forming bacteria
Authors: Osungunna M.O. , Nwuga E.E.
Published: July 2022

Background: The high resistance attributed to biofilms can result in recurrence and persistence of infections with attendant consequences of increased morbidity and mortality rates, increased cost of treatment as well as length of hospital stay of the patient.Objectives: This study aimed at examining the biofilm-forming capacity of bacterial isolates from the external body of cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) and their susceptibility to selected commonly used antibiotics.Methods: Bacterial isolates associated with seventy (70) cockroaches were isolated, identified and characterized using morphology and conventional biochemical tests. The biofilm-forming capacity of the isolates was evaluated using the Congo red agar (CRA) method. The antibiotic susceptibility profiles of the CRA-positive isolates to selected commonly used antibiotics were evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method.Results: Of the one hundred and four (104) isolates, Bacillus subtilis was the predominant bacterial species (77.9%) while the least was Salmonella typhi (1.0%). However, 42% of the isolates showed tendency to form biofilms. The susceptibility study revealed that gentamicin was active against both Gram-positive and negative biofilm-formers.Conclusion: This study concluded that cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) can habour some bacterial species capable of forming biofilms which may adversely affect public health.
Improved generalized S-transform deconvolution for non-stationary seismic data
Authors: Sun Chao , He Dengke , Lijun Shen , Sun Liang
Published: July 2022

Improving the vertical resolution is one of the significant tasks for seismic data processing. Most traditional resolution-enhancement techniques assume that the seismic wavelet is time-invariant. However, the seismic wavelet varies with seismic wave propagation in the subsurface. To solve this issue, a new spectral-modeling method is proposed to extract the time-varying wavelet using improved generalized S-transform (IGST) and higher-order Fourier series. The IGST based on modified time-window function can effectively improve the resolution of the time-frequency (t-f) spectrum. The high-order Fourier series is used to fit on the logarithm t-f spectrum and achieve the high-precision time-varying wavelet. The proposed method is composed of four steps in the implementation. Firstly, the seismic data is decomposed by the IGST and converted to the logarithm t-f domain. Secondly, the time-varying wavelet spectrum is modeled at each time sample using a higher-order Fourier series. Thirdly, the boxcar smoothing method is used to smooth the time-varying wavelet spectrum and extract the time-varying wavelet with Hilbert transform. Finally, using the time-varying wavelet spectrum to spectrally balance seismic data to flatten the seismic response. Synthetic and field data examples demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method in improving the signal-to-noise ratio and enhancing the vertical resolution.
Testate amoebae: a review on their multiple uses as bioindicators
Authors: Freitas Yasmin de Góes Cohn , Ramos Beatriz Rodrigues D’Oliveira , da Silva Yemna Gomes , Sampaio Gabriela Silva , Nascimento Letícia da Silva , Branco Christina Wyss Castelo , Miranda Viviane Bernardes dos Santos
Published: July 2022

Testate amoebae (TA) are unicellular protozoans enclosed in a test capable of indicating a wide variety of environmental conditions. Among others, characteristics such as short life cycle, great sensitivity and worldwide distribution makes them adequate bioindicators. As a complement to physical and chemical measurements, biomonitoring can be a cheaper and fastest way of environmental monitoring. This research sought to evaluate the extent of TA use in biomonitoring and the responses given by them to environmental features. The research was conducted in Scielo, Science Direct, Online Library, Google Scholar and Capes Journal Portal and yielded 211 papers. TA bioindication is able to provide information on metal, trace element and atmospheric pollution, and to point out different trophic states, pH, and evidence on characteristics of hydrology. Further, TA can be used in paleoenvironmental reconstruction as they reflect climate, volcanic and even sea level change phenomena. Sometimes, together with other organisms in environmental analysis, they have shown to be an important complement to biomonitoring. Additionally, a functional traits approach has been recently included as a promising tool. Methodological adjustments that have been conducted throughout the years are allowing TA use to be more reliable and precise. This review provides insight on the many possible functions of TA in bioindication studies, highlighting their wide use as bioindicators.
Patterns of fungal diversity in needles, rootles and soil of endemic Pinus peuce
Authors: Lazarević Jelena , Topalović Ana , Menkis Audrius
Published: July 2022

Pinus peuce is a five-needle pine native to high-elevation montane habitats of the Balkans. This study aimed to assess the diversity and composition of fungal communities associated with soil, rootlets and living needles of P. peuce at three high-altitude forest sites with different edaphic conditions and stand characteristics in south-eastern Montenegro. In total, 90 samples of each substrate (needles, rootlets and soil) were sampled. DNA amplification using ITS2 rDNA as a marker and high-throughput sequencing resulted in 23,394 high-quality reads, representing 825 fungal taxa. There were 52.5% Basidiomycota, 43.9% Ascomycota and 3.6% Mucoromycotina. There were 118 unique fungal taxa in the rootlets, 230 in soil and 113 in the needles, and only 8 taxa were shared. The most common fungi in rootlets were Rhizopogon mohelensis (11.0%), Suillus americanus (8.4%), and R. fallax (6.9%), in soil – Phlebiopsis gigantea (5.1%), Tylospora asterophora (2.9%), and Sollicocossima terricola (2.7%), and in the needles – Dothideomycetes sp. (17.6%), Dothideomycetes sp. (10.7%), and Leotiomycetes sp. (6.5%). The results showed that functional tissues and the rhizosphere soil of P. peuce were inhabited by a  high diversity of fungi. Fungal communities in the rootlets and soil were largely determined by the site conditions such as  soil properties and forest stand composition.
Keywords: Pinus peuce, five needle pine, high-altitude forests, ectomycorrhiza, pathogens, saprotrophs, Montenegro
A práxis da educação ambiental como fundamento epistemológico da formação docente
Authors: Marques Ronualdo
Published: July 2022

Ao situarmos a Educação Ambiental (EA) na formação docente vê-se que ainda é tratada pelos paradigmas positivista e/ou pragmático em que a EA é suspendida para ser estudada como objeto além do homem. Nesse cenário, é indispensável fomentar o paradigma da práxis em que o homem se aprofunda na natureza para compreendê-la e se transformar por ela e vice-versa. Para responder a problematização desse projeto “Como a práxis da Educação Ambiental no percurso formativo pode contribuir como fundamento epistemológico da formação docente?”, utilizaremos a abordagem qualitativa utilizando-se da técnica de levantamento e análise documental. Os resultados apresentam que a práxis docente é permeada pelas mais diversas experiências constitutivas da pessoa humana e por saberes docentes que são oriundos de saberes profissionais, disciplinares, curriculares e experienciais e possuem as características de serem temporais, plurais, heterogêneos, sincréticos, personalizados, situados e sociais.
A materialidade do neoliberalismo e mercantilização dos corpos em relações de força e dominação
Authors: Sá Lucélia Cristina Brant Mariz , Moura João Vítor Sampaio de , Queiroz Alessandra Ribeiro
Published: July 2022

Atualmente vivemos envoltos em situações adversas que fazem com que as pessoas se sintam mobilizadas e, de alguma maneira, alterem suas rotinas e busquem novas estratégias de vida que podem remeter aos comandos do neoliberalismo e da mercantilização dos corpos. Nesse sentido, este artigo analisa a materialidade do neoliberalismo construído a partir da imagem do selfie, dos processos de leitura e do trabalho precarizado. Utilizamos como metodologia a pesquisa qualitativa interpretativa, com a contribuição, especialmente, dos autores Dardot; Laval (2016), Santos (2020), Oliveira; Sampaio (2018), Feitosa (2017), Pochmann (2016) e Antunes (2018), dentre outros. Os três aspectos apresentados se relacionam numa mesma perspectiva neoliberal, intensificada nos últimos anos pelo isolamento social, que mercantiliza os corpos numa relação de força e dominação. Os resultados dessa investigação interpretativa nos levam a práticas que, possivelmente seriam experimentadas como atos de liberdade e autonomia, contudo, camuflam tentativas de materializar e manter o controle dos indivíduos.
Educação 4.0 e aprendizagem no contexto da pandemia da Covid-19
Authors: Costa Rozalina Cássia de Andrade Ruas , Santos Werônica Maria  Brito , Silveira Iara Maria Soares Costa da
Published: July 2022

Essa pesquisa tem como objetivo analisar a importância da Educação 4.0, modelo de educação da era digital, para a aprendizagem escolar no contexto da Pandemia da Covid-19. Para seu desenvolvimento foi realizada uma revisão integrativa da literatura a partir de livros, noticias, legislação e nas bases científicas do Portal de Periódicos da Capes, SciElo, Google Acadêmico, dentre outras. Os resultados do estudo indicam que a pandemia intensificou o uso dos recursos tecnológicos no processo educacional remoto, contribuindo para o desenvolvimento da aprendizagem. Neste cenário, a Educação 4.0, além de transformar o modelo tradicional de ensino, inovando a prática pedagógica, ajudou as escolas a modernizarem e potencializarem o processo de ensino e aprendizagem a partir de atividades remotas com o objetivo de desenvolver habilidades e competências que favorecem a criatividade para resolver problemas, atitudes de empatia e de cooperação, pensamento crítico e a capacidade de trabalhar em equipe.
Apropriação da natureza na cidade: aspectos sobre a ocupação do solo urbano do município de Jaboticatubas – MG
Authors: Benvindo do Amaral João , Souza Luiz Humberto de Freitas
Published: July 2022

A busca por um estilo de vida mais tranquilo e o contato com o que, convencionou-se chamar, de estilo de vida rural, faz com que, cada vez mais municípios, que apresentam uma grande extensão de área preservada, sob o ponto de vista ambiental, mesmo em regiões metropolitanas, sejam alvos de especulações imobiliárias. Desse modo, este trabalho analisa, a partir do prisma da apropriação da natureza na cidade, os aspectos sobre a ocupação do solo urbano do município de Jaboticatubas – MG. Para isso, o presente trabalho foi dividido em 2 partes principais. Sendo a primeira a base teórica e legal da pesquisa. A fundamentação teve como base uma discussão sobre o processo de metropolização da RMBH, os instrumentos de regulação do espaço urbano e as questões ambientais em torno dos condomínios fechados. Desse modo, os agentes privados são os privilegiados na instalação de condomínios fechados no município de Jaboticatubas – MG. E que esses são verdadeiras cidades dentro de cidades. Portanto, fica da vez mais penoso a tentativa de uma ordenação séria, participativa e que discuta e leve em consideração as questões ambientais e sociais, nos parcelamentos do solo, seja em zonas urbanas ou rurais.
PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND PROXIMATE ANALYSIS OF THE LEAVES OF Launaea (Lactuca) taraxacifolia.
Authors: Anyanwu B. C. , Akoh O. U. , Otuokere I. E.
Published: July 2022

Launaea (Lactuca) taraxacifolia also known as wild (African) lettuce is anethno-pharmacologically significant plant of the Asteraceae family. The plant was carefully chosen for this study due to its extensive use in traditional herbal practices to treat a wide range of ailments. The extraction of the leaves for phytochemical screening was carried out by subjecting the air dried pulverized plant materials into trichloromethane, normal hexane, ethyl ethanoate and methanol solvents for a period of some days, followed by filtration and concentration. Qualitative phytochemical screening of the extracts of the above solvents revealed the presence of saponins, phenols, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, tannins, plant steroids and flavonoids. Quantitative analysis of the phytochemicals showed that saponins occurred withthe greatest concentration of 4.26 ± 0.08 %, followed by cardiac glycosides with a concentration of 2.27 ± 0.02 %; while phenols had the least concentration of 0.13 ± 0.01%. The proximate analysis was carried out using the dried leaves and the results obtained revealed the presence of crude protein (38.40 ± 1.20 %), crude fibre (1.565 ± 0.08 %), crude fat (4.60 ± 0.04 %), crude ash (5.02 ± 0.070 %), moisture (14.91 ± 0.50) and available carbohydrates (35.50 ± 1.26 %). The calorific value of the leaves in gram per calories was estimated to be 337 ± 0.70. The extraction, purification, concentration, phytochemical screening and nutritional analysis were carried out at Post-graduates, chemistry and bio-chemistry laboratories, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.
ASSESSMENT OF NUTRIENTS AND TOXIC MINERALS LEVELS IN RICE AND BEANS SAMPLES BY INSTRUMENTAL NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS AND ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROPHOTOMETRY
Authors: Yusuf S. , Busari A.
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study was to assess the nutrients and toxic minerals levels in rice and beans by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Four varieties of rice and six of beans were bought from markets in Jigawa, Kano and Kebbi all in North-Western Nigeria in 2019 were investigated under this study. INAA was used for determination of multiple nutrients and toxic minerals and AAS was used to determine Pb and Cd The range obtained for each of the nutrients and toxic minerals in the rice samples analysed were Pb (3.91 to 5.00), Cd (0.0067 to 0.0233), La, (1.19 to 6.38), Cr (3.31 to 8.09), Co (0.00 to 0.456), Mn (13.5 to 45.4), Cu (2.08 to 19.9), Zn (66.5 to 146), Fe (250 to 700), Sm (0.169 to 0.605) and V (0.27 to 4.49), Mg (709 to 2061), Al (498 to 8636), Cl (151 to 482), Ca (672 to 2037), K (2789 to 4161), Na (517.5 to 2645), Br (0.54 to 4.41) and Sc (0.22 to 1.2) mg/Kg. while for the beans samples the range were: Pb (0.00 – 0.82), Cd (0.01 – 0.02), La (0.06 - 1.11), Cr (2.08 to 4.3), Co (0.19 to 18), Mn (16.1 to 48.1), Cu (0.000 to 5.15), Zn (26.0 to 60.0), Fe (0.000 to 420), Sm (0.006 to 0.132), La (0.060 to 1.11) and V (0.00 to 1.98), Mg (192 to 1998), Al (94.0 to 2799), Cl (152.7 to 195), Ca (624 to 1945), K (8522 to 13970), Na (314 to286), Br (1.33 to 2.98) and Sc (0.018 to 0.23) mg/Kg. The levels of the nutrients and toxic minerals were higher in the rice samples compared to the beans except for Co and Mn. Mean concentration of all the nutrients and toxic minerals analysed were within the limits set by FAO/WHO, except for Pb and Cr which were above the recommended limit. Lead (Pb) has been implicated to cause severe damage to the kidneys, nervous system, brain and reproductive system, whereas, chromium (VI) has been associated with lung cancer.
PROXIMATE ANALYSIS OF GRAIN SAMPLES FROM STRATEGIC GRAIN RESERVE FACILITIES IN NIGERIA
Authors: Ekanem S. F. , Audu A. A. , Lieberman M.
Published: July 2022

This study aims at evaluating the basic nutritional food value of grains from strategic grain reserve facilities in Nigeria. Of the twenty-two samples analysed, red maize from Lagos State has the highest protein content of 11.84±0.28% followed by millet from Gombe State (10.64±0.60%) and red maize from Minna in Niger State (10.42±0.66%). The protein content for all samples is found to be in the range of 23.92±1.3 to 8.40±0.59%. The carbohydrate content range is 73.87±0.33 to 53.97±3.19%, fat range is 4.87±1.56 to 1.47±0.49%, Crude Fibre range is 4.36±0.47 to 1.59±0.01%, ash content range is 3.56±0.11 to 1.21±0.30 and Moisture content range is 17.23±0.50 to 10.33±0.37. All maize, sorghum and millet samples were found to contain appreciable levels of carbohydrate, while the cowpea samples have high levels of protein. From the analysis, the grain samples were found to meet the minimum requirement for the different nutrient content (essential composition and quality factors) for which they were analysed, as spelt out in International Food Standards by WHO and FAO in CODEX Alimentarius and thus recommended fit for use as first line of food relief within the country, to assist friendly countries in times of pandemics, disaster and to make food accessible at other times at affordable prices in line with the vision for instituting the strategic grain reserve facilities in different states of Nigeria.
Xylopia aethiopica EXTRACT AS GREEN AND ECO-FRIENDLY CORROSION INHIBITOR AND ITS QUANTUM CHEMICAL ANALYSIS.
Authors: Ibisi N. E. , Yang J. , Ekweli A. A.
Published: July 2022

This work examines the corrosion inhibitory behavior of Xylopia aethiopica stem bark and root bark extracts respectively on corrosion of mild steel in 2M HCl solution and their quantum chemical analysis using gravimetric technique and quantum computational modeling. The corrosion rates of the mild steel coupons in blank HCl solutions were found to increase with increase in concentration of the corrodent, period of immersion and rise in temperature. On the other hand, the corrosion rate decreased in the acid solution containing the test extracts and the decrease became more pronounced on increase in the concentrations of Xylopia aethiopica stem bark and root bark extracts respectively. The decrease in corrosion rate indicates that the extracts inhibited corrosion of mild steel in the acid solution and inhibition efficiency increased with increase in extract concentrations. The inhibition is attributed to adsorption of the test extract constituent molecules on the mild steel surface, forming a film layer that protects the metal surface from the corrodent. Results of quantum chemical computational analysis proved that, 3-dimethyl- 1-vinylcyclohexene among the constituent compounds of Xylopia aethiopica bark extract would be the most likely organic compound to share electrons with the metal surface for possible adsorption bond. The adsorption of the extract molecules on the mild steel surface fitted into Langmuir adsorption isotherm with slope values of 0.86 and 0.98 for Xylopia aethiopica root bark and stem bark extracts respectively, and regression correlation (R2) values of 1.0 and 0.99 for root and stem extracts respectively.
THE SEDIMENTATION BEHAVIOURS OF AlPO4 AND Fe3(PO4)2 PRECIPITATES IN SOLUTIONS OF SODIUM CARBOXYMETHYLCELLULOSE AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES
Authors: Amadi K. G. , Iboroma D. S.
Published: July 2022

To evaluate the sedimentation of aluminium phosphate [AlPO4] and ferrous phosphate [Fe3(PO4)2] precipitates in sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Na-CMC) biopolymer at different temperatures, batch-wise precipitation and sedimentation tests of AlPO4 and Fe3(PO4)2 in solutions of Na-CMC were carried out at temperatures of 30, 40 and 50oC. The objective was to determine On-set Sedimentation Rate (OSR) and Sedimentation Volume Ratio (SVR) of the metal phosphates. Fixed volume of Na-CMC at different concentrations was mixed with constant volume and known concentration of phosphate ion precursor (disodium hydrogen phosphate solution) in a sedimentation measurement apparatus - PreSed Meter. The resulting solution was mixed separately with constant volume and known concentration of either aluminium ion or iron (II) ion precursor (either aluminium chloride or ferrous chloride solution). The settling of the precipitate so formed was monitored and recorded. Blank sedimentation tests, without Na-CMC, were also run. For every measurement, On-set Sedimentation Rate (OSR) and Sedimentation Volume Ratio (SVR) of the precipitates were computed. It was observed that in the absence of Na-CMC, AlPO4 precipitate readily dissolved into the medium immediately after stirring. Also, in the absence of Na-CMC, OSR and SVR of Fe3(PO4)2 precipitate increased directly with increased temperatures. The test results also indicated that AlPO4 precipitate suspension was poorly influenced by the biopolymer. Poor correlations in OSR (0.50 ≤ R2 ≥ 0.05) and SVR (0.49 ≤ R2 ≥ 0.005) indicating non-dependence with Na-CMC concentration, implying no chemical interactions with Na-CMC, were described for AlPO4 suspension at all temperatures investigated. For Fe3(PO4)2 suspension, good correlations in OSR (R2 = 0.94) and SVR (R2 = 0.93) indicating dependence with Na-CMC concentration, implying chemical interaction with Na-CMC, were obtained at high temperature (50oC). The observations imply that Na-CMC would be good stabilizing agent for drug formulations containing AlPO4. However, suspension of Fe3(PO4)2 in Na-CMC need not be stored in high temperature conditions.
POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PAHS) IN THE LEAVES OF PIPER GUINEENSE FROM TWO MARKETS WITHIN UMUAHIA METROPOLIS
Authors: Igwe O. U. , Nwosu E. N. , Egwu A. C.
Published: July 2022

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were probed in the leaves of Piper guineense obtained from Orieugba and Isigate markets within Umuahia metropolis in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State. Prior to drying, milling and extraction procedures, P. guineense obtained from each of these markets was divided into three portions. The first portion was not washed (UW), the second portion was washed with ordinary tap water (WTW) while the third portion was washed with about 0.17 mol dm-3 of NaCl solution (WSS). Quantitation of the PAHs was done using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) technique. Eighteen PAHs were analyzed and P. guineense samples from Orieugba market gave a total PAHs content of 30.71, 22.18 and 8.31 mg kg-1 for UW, WTW and WSS, respectively. The samples from Isigate market gave 18.27, 15.59 and 1.20 mg kg-1 for UW, WTW and WSS, respectively. This investigation showed that the level of PAHs in the leaf samples of P. guineense from the two markets decreased when washed with ordinary tap water but decreased more significantly when washed with the salt solution. In addition, the risk assessment of ΣPAH4 (the sum of benzo[a]pyrene, benz[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene and chrysene) in the vegetable sample indicated that there was no risk associated with the consumption of the vegetable samples. However, it is pertinent to wash vegetables with a salt solution before proper rinsing as this would help to reduce the quantity of PAHs in them. Keywords: PAHs; P. guineense; GC/MS; Vegetables; Leaf sample
Upaya Badan Pengelola Lingkungan Hidup dalam Menanggulangi Tindak Pidana Lingkungan Hidup di Kota Jayapura
Authors: Nur Nurul Chaerani
Published: July 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dan menganalisis upaya Badan Pengelola Lingkungan Hidup dalam menanggulangi tindak pidana lingkungan hidup di Kota Jayapura dan untuk mengetahui dan menganalisis faktor-faktor yang menghambat penanggulangan tindak pidana lingkungan hidup di Kota Jayapura. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode penelitian Yuridis Empiris, yaitu penelitian dengan melakukan pendekatan terhadap masalah dengan melihat norma-norma atau ketentuan hukum yang berlaku, kemudian dihubungkan dengan fakta-fakta yang ada dari permasalahan yang akan diteliti. Badan Pengelolaan Lingkungan Hidup (BPLH) Provinsi Papua melakukan beberapa kegiatan dalam upaya menanggulangi tindak pidana lingkungan hidup, diantaranya yaitu: Melakukan Sosialisasi Undang-undang Nomor 32 Tahun 2009, Melakukan inventarisasi dan klasifikasi terhadap tindak kejahatan lingkungan yang dilaporkan, Melakukan pembinaan kepada para pelaku usaha terkait dengan usaha dan atau kegiatan yang dilakukan, Melakukan pengawasan terhadap usaha dan atau kegiatan terkait hasil uji parameter. Faktor-faktor yang menghambat penanggulangan tindak pidana lingkungan hidup di Provinsi Papua, diantaranya dana yang tidak tersedia, luas wilayah, kurangnya dukungan dari para pengambil keputusan, kurangnya ketersediaan sumber daya manusia, kurangnya sarana dan prasarana pendukung.
Pilihan Hukum Adat dalam Penyelesaian Sengketa di Tanah Papua
Authors: Hamid Kasim Abdul
Published: July 2022

Indonesia dikenal sebagai negara yang memiliki ragam budaya yang terbentang dari sabang sampai merauke. Keanekaragaman budaya menjadikan Indonesia sebagai salah satu negara di dunia yang memiliki sistem hukum lebih dari satu. Pluralisme hukum yang dianut Indonesia selain sistem hukum positif warisan kolonial Belanda, juga berlaku sistem hukum Islam serta sistem hukum adat yang oleh para pakar hukum adat menyebut sebagai hukum asli bangsa Indonesia. Sentralisme hukum (hukum positif) yang dipaksakan keberlakuannya oleh negara terhadap masyarakat Indonesia merupakan bentuk pengabaian terhadap sistem hukum yang lain terutama sistem hukum adat. Tanpa disadari bahwa mayoritas penduduk Indonesia merupakan masyarakat adat yang lahir dari berbagai suku bangsa yang ada di Indonesia, namun terbelenggu oleh positivisme-legalistik yang berbasis pada peraturan tertulis. Namun berbeda dengan kebanyakan masyarakat adat Papua yang memiliki keinginan kuat untuk menjadikan hukum adat sebagai suatu sistem hukum yang mandiri. Kemandirian sistem hukum adat dalam arti hukum harus merupakan legitimasi keinginan yang lahir dari nilai-nilai yang hidup dan tumbuh dalam masyarakat. Hal inilah yang kemudian hukum adat menjadi pilihan bagi masyarakat adat di Papua dalam menyelesaikan setiap sengketa. Karena hukum yang ideal adalah hukum yang mampu memuaskan semua pihak, bukan memenangkan satu pihak dan mengalahkan pihak lain.
Upaya Kepolisian Perairan Resort Biak Numfor Dalam Pencegahan Illegal Fishing
Authors: Asrul Asrul
Published: July 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dan menganalisis faktor-faktor penyebab terjadinya illegal fishing di Kabupaten Biak Numfor, dan upaya yang dilakukan oleh Satuan Kepolisian Perairan Resor Biak Numfor dalam upaya pencegahannya. Pendekatan yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah penelitian yuridis empiris. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah observasi, wawancara dan studi pustaka. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi terjadinya illegal fishing di Biak Numfor adalah faktor ekonomi masyarakat nelayan yang rendah, faktor pengetahuan yang minim akan bahaya dan dampak dari illegal fishing, dan faktor pendidikan yang rendah sehingga cenderung berpikir instan tanpa memperhitungkan akibat illegal fishing. Upaya penanggulangan illegal fishing yang dilakukan Satuan Kepolisian Perairan Resor Biak Numfor meliputi upaya preventif (mengadakan penyuluhan hukum, mengadakan patroli secara rutin, bekerjasama dengan instansi lain yang terkait) dan upaya represif berupa melakukan penangkapan dan pemeriksaan serta menegakkan hukum secara tegas dalam penerapan sanksi terhadap pelaku tindak pidana illegal fishing.
Implikasi Prinsip Transfer of Undertaking Protection of Employment (TUPE) Terhadap Hak-Hak Pekerja Berstatus Perjanjian Kerja Waktu Tertentu (PKWT)
Authors: Buchari Imam
Published: July 2022

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui Prinsip Transfer of Undertaking Protection of Employment (TUPE) pada Perusahaan Alihdaya Outsourching di Indonesia, Konsep Perjanjian Kerja Waktu Tertentu (PKWT) pada perusahaan alihdaya serta mengetahui Implementasi prinsip TUPE pada Hak-Hak pekerja Outsourching dengan status Perjanjian PKWT. Untuk melindungi hak-hak pekerja outsouching dengan status perjanjian PKWT, perusahaan penyedia jasa pekerja berkewajiban untuk mencantumkan klausul jaminan kelangsungan bekerja, jaminan terpenuhinya hak-hak pekerja sesuai peraturan perundang-undangan yang berlaku serta jaminan perhitungan masa kerja apabila terjadi pergantian perusahaan penyedia jasa pekerja/buruh untuk menetapkan upah.
Penerapan Asas-Asas Penyelenggaraan Pemerintahan Yang Baik Ditinjau dari Undang-Undang Nomor 32 Tahun 2004
Authors: Supusepa Devi
Published: July 2022

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui penerapan tata pemerintahan khususnya di Kabupaten Yahukimo ditinjau dari Undang-Undang Nomor 32 Tahun 2004, dan untuk mengetahui kendala-kendala yang dihadapi Pemerintah Kabupaten Yahukimo dalam rangka penerapan tata kepemerintahan yang baik. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode penelitian yuridis empiris yang dilakukan untuk mencari dan memperoleh data secara langsung di lapangan sesuai permasalahan yang diteliti. Data diperoleh melalui observasi, wawancara, dan studi dokumen. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penerapan tata kepemerintahan khususnya pada pengadaan barang dan jasa pemerintah Kabupaten Yahukimo secara umum berpedoman pada Undang-Undang No. 32 Tahun 2004 dan Keputusan Presiden nomor 80 tahun 2003 tentang pedoman pelaksanaan pengadaan barang dan jasa pemerintah. Kendala dalam penerapan tata kepemerintahan yang baik khususnya pengadaan barang dan jasa di Kabupaten Yahukimo tidak sepenuhnya memenuhi harapan tata pemerintahan yang baik, masalah ini disebabkan: (1) Peraturan perundang-undangan sebagai pedoman pengadaan barang dan jasa pemerintah baik tidak mengatur secara jelas; (2) Belum dibentuknya lembaga yang secara khusus menangani pengembangan kebijakan, pembinaan dan pengendalian pengadaan barang dan jasa pada pemerintah pada Kabupaten Yahukimo; (3) Kualitas dan kuantitas Sumber Daya Manusia; (4) Sarana dan prasarana informasi dan teknologi pada Pemerintah Kabupaten Yahukimo belum dapat menunjang untuk pengadaan barang dan jasa.
Penanggulangan Pelanggaran Hak Cipta Pembajakan CD/VCD
Authors: Hasniah Hasniah
Published: July 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dan menganalisis fenomena pelanggaran hak cipta pembajakan CD/VCD dan untuk mengetahui dan menganalisis penanggulangan pelanggaran hak cipta pembajakan CD/VCD di Kabupaten Biak Numfor. Pendekatan yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah penelitian yuridis empiris. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah observasi dan wawancara. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa munculnya pembajakan CD/VCD di Biak Numfor tidak lepas dari kondisi sosial ekonomi yang ada di masyarakat Biak Numfor. Kondisi inilah yang menjadi landasan kuat dari para pembajak untuk membuat produk bajakan yang murah. Berkembangnya pembajakan ini tidak lepas dari peran masyarakat itu sendiri, dimana masyarakat sebagai konsumen tidak hanya merasa tidak bersalah dengan membeli produk hasil bajakan, tetapi sering kali merasa diuntungkan dengan sangat murahnya harga kaset CD/VCD hasil bajakan. Upaya penanggulangan pelanggaran hak cipta pada pembajakan CD/VCD di Kabupaten Biak Numfor adalah upaya preventif dan represif.
Eksistensi Lembaga International Monetary Fund, World Bank, dan International Labour Organization Sebagai Organisasi Ekonomi Internasional
Authors: Darajati Muhammad Rafi
Published: July 2022

Sebagai salah satu subjek hukum internasional, organisasi internasional memegang peranan penting di dalam perekeonomian internasional. Hukum ekonomi internasional tidak sekedar membahas mengenai aturan-aturan hukum melalui perjanjian internasional dan prinsip-prinsip, tetapi juga mengatur mengenai fungsi dan kewenangan organisasi ekonomi internasional yang telah diakui sebagai subjek hukum internasional. Di antara organisasi internasional tersebut terdapat IMF, World Bank, dan ILO. Artikel ini bertujuan untuk membahas mengenai eksistensi IMF, World Bank, dan ILO di dalam bidang hukum ekeonomi internasional. IMF dan World Bank lebih bergerak dalam membantu negara-negara yang mengalami kesulitan ekonomi yang serius, sedangkan ILO lebih berfokus mengenai isu perburuhan.
Exploration of the foundations of ethnic conflicts in Balochistan: a theoretical perspective
Authors: Ejaz Muhammad , Rehman Abdur
Published: July 2022

The objective of this study is to understand the foundations of the violent ethnic conflicts of Balochistan, a federating unit of Pakistan so that the primary causes of the conflict are to be addressed. The mainstream theories of ethnic conflicts, i.e., primordialism, instrumentalism, and constructivism, are reviewed and applied in the context of Balochistan. This research attempt has been made because, in the past, the state responded to ethnic conflicts without understanding the actual causes. The qualitative research methodology with descriptive and interpretive approaches has been adopted to address the objectives. The article is principally based on a critical review of the literature. The arguments have been developed by juxtaposing the primary and secondary information collected through books, journals, periodicals, and electronic sources. It is argued that primordialism has limited explanatory power while constructivism has explanatory power, but its appeal is limited in Balochistan’s context. Instrumentalism explains the foundations sufficiently, while primordialism and constructivism provide the bases for instrumentalism. It is suggested that reconciliations should be adopted as the policy for ethnic conflicts so that the political and economic causes that play an instrumental role in addressing the ethnic conflicts can be resolved.