bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a Prototype Knowledge-Based System for Diagnosis and Treatment of Diabetes Using Data Mining Techniques
Authors: Kedir Eyasu  , Worku Jimma  , Takele Tadesse
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a disease that affects the body’s ability to produce or use insulin. A total of 425 million people are suffering from diabetes in the world. Of this, more than 16 million people live in the Africa Region, which is estimated to be around 41 million by 2045. The main objective of this study was to design and develop a prototype knowledge-based system using data mining techniques for diagnosis and treatment of diabetes.METHODS: For this study, experimental research design was employed, and the researchers used domain expert knowledge as a supplement of data mining techniques whereby three classification algorithms in WEKA; namely J48, PART and JRip were used, and finally the researchers decided to use the results of J48 classification algorithm. Ultimate Visual basic studio 2013 (Vb.net) was used to store knowledge and as front side of prototype. Common lisp prolog (Clisp) was used for obtained knowledge back end coding.RESULTS: Using a decision tree algorithm; namely J48, 2512 (95.1515%) of the instances were classified correctly, and 128 (4.8485 %) were classified incorrectly. The second most performing model was generated by JRip Classier. This model scored the 94.7348% accuracy on the general data to classify the status of diabetic patient datasets. It classified the 2501 instances of the records correctly.CONCLUSION: The J48 model was the best performing model with the best accuracy of results.
Effect of Chronic Administration of Aqueous Leaves Extract of Moringa Stenopetala on Blood Parameters and Histology of Liver and Kidney in Rats
Authors: Fikre Bayu  , Mekbeb Afework  , Bekesho Geleta  , Wondwossen Ergete  , Eyasu Makonnen
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND: Moringa stenopetala is used as nourishments, and treatment of various diseases. However, there is no much information on its safety. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the chronic administration of aqueous leaves extract of the plant.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four rats were divided into: a control group administered with distilled water and three experimental groups, respectively, administered with the extract at doses of 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg orally for six months were investigated. Various hematological and biochemical parameters followed by histopathological analysis were evaluated.RESULTS: Treatment with the extract did not significantly affect most of the hematological parameters. However, there were a significant decrease of MCH at doses of 1000 mg/kg and 2000 mg/kg in male rats and increase of MCV at all doses in female rats. Levels of ALP at 2000 mg/kg and those of AST and ALT at 1000 and 2000 mg/kg were significantly increased in male rats. Furthermore, significant decrease in urea and increase in creatinine levels at the dose of 2000 mg/kg occurred in female rats. Mild histopathological changes were also observed in the liver of male rats and kidney of female rats treated with the extract, respectively at doses of 1000 and 2000 mg/kg, and 2000 mg/kg.CONCLUSION: Findings from the present study suggest that prolonged administration of extract of Moringa stenopetala at therapeutic doses is safe, but shows sign of mild toxicity as dose increases, with differential effect on male verses female rats.
Sexual Satisfaction and Its Associated Factors among Married Women in Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Betregiorgis Zegeye  , Gashaw Garedew Woldeamanuel  , Wassie Negash  , Gebretsadik Shibre
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND: Sexual satisfaction is an essential component of overall health related quality of life. However, the epidemiology of sexual satisfaction among Ethiopian women is largely unknown. Hence, the present study was undertaken to investigate the sexual satisfaction and its associated factors among married women.METHODS: Community-based cross-sectional study with mixed approach was conducted from March 1 to April 30, 2019 in Kewot District, Northern Ethiopia on a sample of 397 married women. Quantitative data was collected on a face-to-face interview using a pre-tested questionnaire while qualitative data was collected using in-depth interviews. The new sexual satisfaction scale was used to assess sexual satisfaction of the women. Descriptive statistics and ordinal logistic regression analysis were performed using SPSS version 23.RESULTS: The findings showed that half of the participants (50.4%) expressed moderate sexual satisfaction, and only 39% of the participants reported greatest sexual satisfaction. Poor partner communication (AOR = 0.30, 95% CI; 0.11- 0.79], poor sexual self-esteem (AOR = 0.17, 95% CI; 0.08 - 0.36), absence of social responsibility (AOR = 6.52, 95% CI; 3.32 - 12.80), poor sexual function (AOR = 0.36, 95% CI; 0.21 - 0.61), no previous information about sexuality (AOR = 0.06, 95% CI; 0.00 - 0.62) and perception of sexual talk as taboo (AOR = 7.15, 95% CI; 3.86 - 13.26) were significantly associated with sexual satisfaction.CONCLUSION: Several factors could affect sexual satisfaction of married women. Therefore, development of educational programs, pre-marriage counseling and continuous education should be conducted.
Real-Life Incentives Driving Public-Private Partnership in Diagnostic Services
Authors: Akram Baniasadi  , Ali Akbari Sari  , Abbas Rahimi Foroushani  , Mehdi Jafari Sirizi  , Ebrahim Jaafaripooyan
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND: Diagnostic services are highly critical in the success of treatment processes, overly costly nonetheless. Accordingly, hospitals generally seek the private partnership in the provision of such services. This study intends to explore the incentives owned by both public and private sector in their joint provision of diagnostic services under the public-private partnership agreement.METHOD: A qualitative, exploratory study was employed in Tehran hospitals from October 2017 to March 2018. Around 25 face-to-face, semi structured interviews were conducted with the purposively recruited hospital managers, heads of diagnostic services and managers of private companies. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using conventional content analysis, assisted by "MAXQDA-12".RESULTS: Three main categories and nine sub-categories represented the incentives of public sector, and four main categories and seven sub-categories signified those of private sector. The incentives of public sector included the status-quo remediation, upstream requirements, and personal reasons. As such, the individual, social and economic incentives and legal constraints were driving the behavior of the private sector.CONCLUSIONS: Financial problem and gain were the most noted incentives by the partners. Attention to the either side’s incentives and aims is likely to ensure the durability and effectiveness of such partnerships in the health sector.
Role of Vitamin D and Vitamin D Receptor in Oral Lichen Planus: A Systematic Review
Authors: Paria Motahari  , Fatemeh Pournaghi Azar  , Arefeh Rasi
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is known to be a chronic inflammatory disease associated with various other systemic disorders. Studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency can be involved in the pathogenesis of lichen planus. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of vitamin D and vitamin D receptor in OLP.METHODS: In this review study, all English and Persian articles were searched by relevant keywords from the Google scholar, PubMed, science direct, Cochrane, Scopus and Sid databases until January 2020.RESULTS: From the 16 articles obtained after reviewing the abstracts, finally 14 appropriate articles were included in this study.CONCLUSION: According to the results of the studies, vitamin D deficiency may be associated with an increased risk of OLP lesions.
Cardiac Rhabdomyoma: A Surrogate Diagnosis of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex in a Newborn Baby: Case Report from Tikur Anbessa University Hospital
Authors: Moges Tamirat  , Beyene Ayalew
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND: Neonatal tuberous sclerosis complex is an autosomal dominant inherited disease characterized by high rate of neurological, cardiac and skin manifestations. CASEPRESENTATION: We reported a 4 days old female neonate with respiratory distress, tachypnea, tachycardia and hypomelanotic macular lesions. Her chest X-ray and echocardiographic studies revealed cardiomegaly and multiple echogenic masses in the left and right ventricles, suggestive of cardiac rhabdomyoma. Furthermore, non-contrast brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed sub-ependymal nodules and cortical tubers. Therefore, a clinical diagnosis of neonatal tuberous sclerosis complex with heart failure was made. Then, the patient was initiated on diuretic treatment with oxygen by nasal catheter with subsequent improvement. Seizure was not occurred yet in the last three and half years of follow-up. Currently, the patient is thriving well with no symptoms.CONCLUSION: Detection of prenatal or early neonatal age, cardiac rhabdomyoma is a useful clue to the diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis complex in neonates. Proper clinical evaluation of patients at the time of first contact prevents missing of findings such as skin macules and chest X-ray findings, which helped us to diagnose tuberous sclerosis complex in the present case.
Histopathological Changes of Placenta Associated with Maternal Anaemia in Northeast Ethiopia: A Comparative Study
Authors: Teshome Gebremeskel  , Abay Mulu  , Solomon Kumbi  , Wondwossen Ergete
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND: Anaemia during pregnancy affects about half of all pregnant mothers in developing countries; it is the major causes of indirect maternal mortality. Anaemia can directly cause poor growth of fetus in utero due to inadequate oxygen flow to the placental tissue or it is indirect indicator of maternal nutritional deficiency. Mal-development of placenta is the leading cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and an important factor of fetal growth retardation. The aim of this study was to compare histopathological changes of placenta associated with maternal anaemia.METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from May-June, 2018 in Dessie Referral Hospital. A total of 66 placentas (33 anaemic and 33 non-anaemic) were collected after delivery. EPI data version 4.2.0 was used to enter the data while the data were analyzed by using SPSS version 22. Chi-square and oneway ANOVA were used to analyze the data.RESULTS; In pregnancies with maternal anaemia, 75.7% of anaemic placentas terminal villi vessels were increased in number, compared to 15.1% in non-anaemic (p=0.001). Placental calcification was 72.7% in anaemic groups compared to 54% in non-anaemic groups. However, it was insignificant (p=0.12). Intervillous space was wider in anaemic compared to non-anaemic groups (p<0.001).CONCLUSIONS; Chorionic villi capillaries were increased in number, and it was dilated in anaemic placenta, compared to non-anaemic. Intervillous space was significantly wider in anaemic placenta.
National Health Insurance Scheme: An Assessment of Service Quality and Clients’ Dissatisfaction
Authors: Ajeigbe Abiodun Kofoworola  , Ayinbuomwan Ekiye  , Adesina Olufunlola Motunrayo  , Adedeji Tewogbade Adeoye  , Makinde Ronke Adunni
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND: Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), a medical package to start with a fraction of Nigerians at its inception, with the expectation of optimal services to all in the long The Nigerian government established National run. However, there are complaints and dissatisfaction of enrolees of the scheme. This study determined factors responsible for enrolees’ dissatisfaction of services in a general hospital within the federal capital territory, Abuja.METHOD: Three hundred enrolees of National Health Insurance Scheme at the Kubwa general hospital were enrolled. Semi structured questionnaires were used to obtain information on socio-demography, education, enrolee status, perception of the scheme and factors responsible for enrolees’ dissatisfaction. SPSS version 22 was used to analyse Data using percentage.RESULTS: Majority (66.3%) of the respondents were between 35 and 54years while 28.5% were below 35years and 11.8% (32) were above 54years with the male to female ratio was 1.03:1. Sixty percent (179) of the respondents had a minimum of tertiary education with just 1.8% having primary education. Most (69.9% and 79.6%) respondents were principal enrolees and public servants respectively. Seventy percent of the respondents have been enrolled in NHIS for more than 3years and had a good perspective of the scheme. However, 30% of the respondents were not satisfied with NHIS services with 8.6% and 15.4% describing the services as substandard and below expectations respectively. Half (50.7%) of the respondents would consider an alternative to NHIS suggesting their dissatisfaction. The major factors responsible for dissatisfaction were billing system, long waiting hours and staff attitude accounting for 46.9%, 59.4% and 7.8% respectively.CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the level of clients’ dissatisfaction with NHIS services is high despite their acceptance of the scheme with the major areas of concern being the billing system, waiting time and staff attitude. Therefore, it is necessary for the providers to look more into these areas as targets for service delivery improvement.
Aquaporin-4-IgG Positive Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder from Ethiopia: A Case Report
Authors: Dereje Melka
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND: Neuromyelitis Optica spectrum disorder is an inflammatory disorder affecting the central nervous system), most commonly attacking the spinal cord or optic nerves. Limited cases of neuromyelitis optica have been reported in east Africa. Based on my review, if published, this would be the second published case of Neuromyelitis Optica spectrum disorder and the first published case of seropositive Neuromyelitis Optica spectrum disorder reported from Ethiopia. It signifies the need to have a high index of suspicion to promptly identify and properly treat these patients.CASE PRESENTATION: I am reporting a 32 years old female patient from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, who presented with recurrent lower limb weakness and impairment of right eye vision of two-year duration. She was diagnosed based on Neuromyelitis Optica spectrum disorder diagnostic criteria, by having transverse myelitis, optic neuritis, confirmed by MRI imaging and high level of aquaporin-4-antibodies. Symptoms improved after providing five days of Methylprednisolone followed by low doses of corticosteroids and Azathioprine. The patient is now fully functional except for the right eye vision impairment.CONCLUSION: The patient described here signifies a classic manifestation of Neuromylitis Optica disorder with aquaporin- 4-IgG occurring in Ethiopian woman. This case highlights the existence of Devic’s disease within our setting and the need toproperly diagnose this condition even in a resource-limited setting to avert disability.
Quality of Care Delivered to Tuberculosis Patients among Public Hospitals in Central Northeast Ethiopia
Authors: Balkew Asegidew Tegegn  , Betregiorgis Zegeye Hailu  , Birhanu Damtew Tsegaye  , Gashaw Garedew Woldeamanuel  , Wassie Negash
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND: Inappropriate Tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis and treatment contributes to unfavorable health outcome among TB patients. Improving quality of healthcare service helps to avert TB related morbidity. Despite these facts, the level of quality of service is not known in the hospitals. Hence, the present study was conducted to assess the quality of care delivered to TB patients among publichospitals.METHODS: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 15 to April 30, 2019 in North Shewa Zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia. All TB patients who had follow-up in the hospitals were included. This resulted in the involvement of 82 TB patients. Data was collected by trained data collectors using facility audit, clinical observation checklists, structured questionnaire and in-depth interview. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Binary logistic regression analysis was done to identify the predictors of patients’ satisfaction.RESULTS: In this study, 82 respondents with a mean age of 36.48 (±13.27) years were participated. The mean quality score for structural dimension was 59.5%, and 53.7% of participants were found to be satisfied in outcome dimension. The mean score for process dimension of quality of service were 67.9%. Having TB symptoms were significantly associated with the level of patientsatisfaction towards TB care [AOR = 0.217, p = 0.015].CONCLUSION:Quality of TB services from structural and outcome dimension were low and higher in process dimension. Thus, careful attention on the quality of services will help to reduce the burden of TB.
Group B Streptococcus Recto-Vaginal Colonization in Near-Term Pregnant Women, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Woubishet Girma  , Nadia Yimer  , Tesfaye Kassa  , Elias Yesuf
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is recognized as an important cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Maternal vaginal carriage of GBS (Streptococcus agalactiae) can lead to vertical transmission to the neonate at the time of delivery. However, little is known about its prevalence, predictors and antibiotic susceptibility pattern in Jimma, Ethiopia. This study assessed the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and determinants of GBS recto-vaginal colonization among near-term pregnant women.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to August 2015 at Jimma University Medical Centre in Southwest Ethiopia. Data through questionnaire and GBS isolates from vaginal and rectal swabs were collected. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed.RESULTS: The overall prevalence of GBS colonization among near term pregnant women (35-37 weeks) was 16.3% (22/135). The majority of GBS isolates were sensitive to Ampicillin and Penicillin G with 95.5% and 90.1%, respectively. Erythromycin and clindamycin were resisted by 50% and 40.9% of the isolates, respectively, whereas gentamicin was resisted by all isolates. GBS colonization was significantly associated with a history of preterm delivery (PTD) (AOR: 6.3, 95% CI: 1.42, 28.3) and history of urinary tract infection (UTI) during current pregnancy (AOR: 6.4, 95% CI, 1.95, 21.1).CONCLUSION: Our study indicated that one among six near-term pregnant women had recto-vaginal GBS colonization. In places where universal screening is not feasible, selective screening for factors particularly history of PTD and UTI during current pregnancy may be a reasonable option. Antibiotic susceptibility testing should be performed while using Erythromycin, Clindamycin or Gentamicin.
Decentralised Monitoring in Emerging Local Governments: An Analysis of Benefits and Constraining Factors in the Lawra Municipality, Ghana
Authors: Akanbang Bernard Afiik Akanpabadai , Bekyieriya Cosmas
Published: October 2020

This paper contributes to the empirical literature on the benefits and constraining factors of monitoring in decentralised governments in emerging democratic governments. Decentralised monitoring has theoretically been recognised as providing comprehensive data for decentralised planning, quality service delivery, enhancing accountability, and assessing development interventions’ effectiveness at the local level. However, empirical evidence on its effectiveness in decentralised governance is still evolving. A case study design encompassing the conduct of 12 key informant interviews was used for the study. Findings show that monitoring supports early identification of problems for their quick resolution; enables shared learning; gives voice to community level stakeholders; checks the deviant behaviour of service providers and enhances efficiency in resource use. Inadequate staffing; scrawny knowledge and skills; derisory logistics; noncompliance to budget and calendar for monitoring and  uncoordinated arrangements in project implementation constrained decentralised monitoring effectiveness. The evidence gathered support thetheoretical arguments for decentralised monitoring and adds to the list of constraining issues in the organisational, human resource and policy factors. The study recommends effervescent advocacy for building monitoring capacity at district level and nurturing political leadership as champions for monitoring in order to get hold of development effectiveness at the local level of governance.

Keywords: Decentralised Governments, Monitoring, Decentralised Monitoring, Benefits,Constraints
Comprehensive Assessment of Sanitary Landfills in Edo State of Nigeria for Waste Management and Pollution Control
Authors: Kingsley-Omoyibo Q. , Akhimien F.O.
Published: October 2020

The aim of this study is to comprehensively assess the need for Sanitary landfills in Edo state for management of waste, control of pollution for  sustainable manufacturing system using concurrent triangulation design. The concurrent triangulation design is in two phases, Phase 1 using  quantitative analysis, descriptive statistics while phase 2 used the qualitative analysis using thematic selection. Final results collected from the  merger of results from phase 1 and phase 2 showed the Regression analysis results had a T-test value of -0.4615 at P value significant of 0.000 obtained for Sanitary landfill in the model and was less than 5% level of significance indicating that there is a significant relationship between Sanitary landfilling and pollution control. The Durbin Watson result of 1.955 showed that the model is reliable with absence of serial auto correlation. A coefficient of - 0.346 showed that 1% increase in sanitary landfilling activities results in 34.6% decrease in environmental pollution. Hence Sanitary landfilling for waste management has proved to sustain manufacturing system, control environmental pollution and reduce waste.

Keywords: Sanitary landfilling, waste management, pollution control, sustainable manufacturing system,
Determination and Comparative Evaluation of Mineral Content of Honey obtain from Rivers State University, Forestry Arboretum and Port Harcourt Local Market
Authors: Nnadi P.C.
Published: October 2020

The study was concerned with the comparative study of honey produced from forestry arboretum in Rivers State University and the local market. The objective of this research was to determine and compare the Mineral Content of Honey Obtained from Rivers State University, Forestry  Arboretum and the local market Using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Buck Scientific 210 vp) after digestion. Five elements were analyzed which include Calcium, Iron, Zinc, Magnesium and Potassium. The results gotten from the forestry arboretum honey are as follows; Calcium 1.14 ± 0.062mg/100, Iron 0.32 ± 0.001 mg/100 Magnesium 5.4 ± 0.472 mg/100, Zinc 0.12 ± 0.062mg/100g and potassium 470 ± 47.450mg/100 while for the local market Calcium is 0.3 ± 0.0017mg/100g, Iron 0.4 ± 0.003mg/100g, Zinc 0.17 ± 0.0062mg/100, magnesium 7.2 ± 0.260mg/100, and potassium 12.3 ± 0.145mg/100 .However Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium were the most abundant samples in the forestry arboretum and this is very important for development of the bones general body formation. A total of fifteen panelist were used to evaluate the honey sensory on a four point scale for different parameters. It was observed that appearance and opagueness has the highest score for samples, 3.43 and 3.42 respectively in forestry arboretum and the local market while texture, viscosity, taste and aroma are not farfetched. The results indicate that qualities of both honey samples are acceptable and both Honey Samples are rich in minerals.

Keywords: Honey, Plant Diversity, Mineral Content, Forestry arboretum
Assessment of Heavy Metals Concentrations in Roadside Canola Fields in Mazandaran Province, Iran
Authors: Babaei S. , Khakipour N.
Published: October 2020

Contamination of agricultural products with heavy metals in soil and air is considered as serious threat to the quality and safety of these products.  Cars and vehicles are among the major sources of heavy metals such as lead, iron and copper in the environment surrounding roads and highways. According to carcinogenic and destructive effects of these elements on human health, the aim of this study is to measure the concentrations of lead, iron and copper resulting from the traffic of vehicles available in the soil and canola plants growing in the central regions of MAZANDARAN province in Iran. In this research, sampling was conducted randomly and the values of mentioned elements were measured using flame atomic absorption device according to standard methods. The results showed that the levels of lead, iron and copper elements were higher in canola plant samples, including root, aerial parts and seeds, compared with the respective cultivated soils. The results indicated that the contamination of canola plant with mentioned pollutants has been mostly through aerial parts compared to the soil.

Keywords: Lead, Iron, Copper, Canola, Roadside Fields
Ecological and Structural Characteristics of Riparian Forest in Omo Biosphere Reserve
Authors: Olatidoye O.R. , Oyelowo O.J. , Akinyemi O.D. , Kambai C. , Ayodele A.A.
Published: October 2020

An investigation on the structural characteristics of the riparian forest in Omo Biosphere Reserve was carried out. The structure was analyzed  through diameter class distribution, basal area and breast height. Riparian forest showed a major characteristic in the physiognomy of forests along major river, streams and Upland vegetation and the Core, Buffer and Transition zones that is highly variable in the diameter class distribution  (reserve J type), Mean basal area per hectare for major river is 294,089.30 cm2/ ha, Stream 613.027 cm2/ha, and Upland 205,648 cm3/ha. Mean basal area for core is 507,399.50 cm2/ha, buffer had 340,699 cm2/ha and transition 264,656 cm2/ha. While mean volume per hectare for core is 7955.2 m3/ha, buffer 7260 m3/ha and Transition 6254.4 m3/ha. Maximum dbh of 246 cm was obtained in the core species. Many stands of riparian forests are facing various levels of structural and floristic simplification, which include fundamental transformations in vegetation physiognomy from dense stands to riparian scrub or bare land.

Keyword: Riparian forests, structure, diameter, basal area, species dominance, Omo
Mapping Soil Erosion Sensitive Areas in Organic Matter Amended Soil Associations in the Ntabelanga area, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Parwada Cosmas , van Tol Johan
Published: October 2020

The study aims to map areas sensitive to erosion by water and rainfall erosivity after addition of organic matter (OM) in highly unstable soils. A soil association map was created using digital soil mapping methodology. Soil samples from six soil associations were incubated and analysed for several soil erodibility measures and inferred to the soil association map. Soil stabilization against soil erosion by use of OM was evaluated for 30 weeks under two simulated rainstorms, intermittent rainstorms (IR) and single rainstorm (SR). Rainfall erosivity (R-factor) was calculated from theduration of a rainstorm and the total amount of rainfall received under rainfall simulations. Erodibility factor (K-factor) was estimated using the soil OM content and texture. Largest area (40%) was covered by shallow soils and K-factor range of 0.0693-0.0778 t.ha.hha-1MJ-1mm-1. Largest (60.2%) area had a structural stability index of 0.8 and 42.7% of the area was covered by a dispersion ratio value range of 0.65-0.70. The area size with erosion rates of > 15 t/ha/yr was drastically reduced from 1 to 8 weeks after OM application thereafter gradually increased under both IR and SR.  Soil erosion rates of < 5 t-1 ha-1 yr-1 and > 15 t-1 ha-1 yr-1 were most and least observed respectively under both storms. R-factor was higher under IR than SR and the smallest areas with soil erosion rates of > 15 t-1 ha-1 yr-1 contributed most to the lost soil. Organic matter confers soil resistance to erosion up to a certain period before losing its effectiveness. The study provided first assessment of erosion dynamics, basis for identifying  conservation priorities which may be applicable in similar areas.

Keywords: Erosivity, planning, rainstorm, soil conservation, soil degradation
Quantitative Assessment of Land Cover Sensitivity to Desertification in Maigatari Local Government Area, Jigawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Ahmed A. , Abba S. , Siriki F. , Maman B.
Published: October 2020

Desertification alludes to land degradation in arid, semi-arid and sub-humid regions resulting from various variables, counting climatic variations  and human activities. When land degradation transpire within the world’s drylands. It regularly makes desert-like conditions. Land degradation  occurs all over, but is characterized as desertification when it occurs within the drylands. The study employed adjusted MEDALUS methodology  using eleven indicators rainfall, evapotranspiration, aridity, soil texture, soil depth, slope gradient, drainage density, plant cover, erosion protection, sensitivity desertification index and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Remote Sensing and GIS were the main techniques used in the indices computations and mapping. Thus, Shuttle Rader Topographic Map (SRTM) and Landsat 8 satellite imagery for the year 2019 with 30 meter  resolution, captured in the month of August (rainy season), covering the study area were acquired from Global Land cover Facility (GLCF) University of Maryland. The study finds that the duration and intensity of rainfall is declining especially at the edge of the desert, extreme north and western part of the area. Rain quickly drained through infiltration and surface runoff which carried the little nutrients attached to the soil. Rainfall and  climate is of arid type recording about 300-400mm of rainfall and the soil is low in organic matter content making it weak and less fertile and support only the cultivation of cereals and legumes. The study recommends that there is need to strengthen the laws and policies in controlling  desertification and land degradation, establishment of shelterbelts to control desertification and act also as wind breakers and encourage the use of  modern techniques such as drip irrigation to check the rate of infiltration and runoff.

Keyword: Desertification; Sensitivity; MEDALUS; GIS; Maigatari
Assessment of Antimicrobial Effect of Alcohol and Aqueous Extracts of Garcinia kola on Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia
Authors: Banso A. , Banso B.F. , Koleola A.A.
Published: October 2020

As a result of the development of resistance of microorganisms to older antimicrobial agents there is need for a search for new agents, which are effective for the treatment of infections. The crude aqueous and alcoholic extr acts of Garcinia kola fruits were assayed against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The results revealed that the plant extracts possess inhibitory effect against the microorganisms tested. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the plant extracts ranged between 20mg/ml and 45mg/ml. There was a change in the antibacterial activity of the test extracts on variation of temperature. The results obtained may suggest that the plant extract is thermal stable and could serve as a source of industrial drugs useful in chemotherapy of some microbial infections.

Keywords: Garcinia kola, microorganisms, inhibitory, chemotherapy, drug
Fibre Characterization of Cassava Peel Leaf Meal and Its Utilization by Broilers
Authors: Kehinde A.S. , Babatunde T.O. , Kehinde J.O. , Babatunde O.O. , Adelakun K.M. , Fadimu B.O. , Abdulazeez F.I. , Ogundimu A.O.
Published: October 2020

One hundred and twenty ( n = 120) day old broiler chicks with an average weight (100.00±7.00g) were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments, with cassava peel leaf meal (CPLM) as replacement for maize at (starter and finisher phases).The trial was in three phases of adaptation  (1-2week),starter (3-5week) and finisher (6-9week).Thirty broilers chicks were assigned to each of the four treatments, while was replicated three times at 10 chicks each. Performance of the chicks such weight gain, feed intake and carcass yield was evaluated and the proximate and fiber quality of the diets and CPLM were also determined. Data obtained for performance evaluated was analyzed using ANOVA, while significant means were separated by SAS of the same package. The outcome revealed that CPLM had (89.93%) dry matter, (18.93%) crude protein and (43.28%) NDF, with anon-significant (p< 0.05) variation in weight gain, enhanced (p< 0.05) feed intake and depressed (p< 0.05) feed to gain ratio as CPLM inclusion increased. Dressing percentage values (69.00-73.00%) were obtained on the treatments. CPLM inclusion (0, 15, 30 and 45%) as replacement for maize in the diets of broilers produced a favourable performance.

Keywords: Cassava peel, cassava leaf, fiber, broiler chicks
Rural Households’ Attitude towards Potential Use of Jatropha for Environmental Restoration in Saki West Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Adeoye A.S. , Oke O.O. , Jatto K.A. , Ajayi O.O.
Published: October 2020

The study examined rural households’ attitude towards potential use of Jatropha for environmental restoration in Saki-West Local Government Area. A purposive sampling procedure was used in selecting due to deforestation for charcoal production, while 120 respondents were sampled with a simple random technique from the study area. The data were collected through a well-structured questionnaire with interview section, and were analyzed with frequencies, percentages, mean scores, and Pearson product moment correlation. There was correlation between rural households’ awareness on use of Jatropha and use of Jatropha for environmental restoration (r = 0.399**, p < 0.05). The respondents’ attitude was significantly related to their behavior in utilization of Jatropha for environmental restoration (r = - 0.182*, p < 0.05). The study showed that  awareness and attitude of rural households strongly influenced use of Jatropha for environmental restoration. The implication of this study is to ensure that the environment becomes free of hazards and degradation which affect survival of the ecosystem and biodiversity. Hence, government should join in the advocacy to open continuous channels of communication on the importance of Jatropha, and to also motivate the people to having right attitude towards the use of Jatropha as a measure to restoring the environment.

Keywords: Attitude, Rural Households, Jatropha, Environment, Restoration
Asserting the dominance of Igbo cultural motifs in Nollywood costumes: An analysis of select Nollywood films
Authors: Okadigwe Mary Nkechi
Published: October 2020

It is taken for granted that Igbo cultural motifs are pivotal to the formation of Nollywood costumes. The researcher thus finds the examination of the evolution of Nollywood costumes an important subject that requires urgent attention. The aim of this examination is to assert the dominance of Igbo cultural motifs in Nollywood costumes. Qualitative research method was adopted for the research. Using ethnographic research approach, the researcher had sought the opinions of experts in traditional Igbo aesthetics and symbols. The study finds semiotic theory appropriate model for the costume analysis. Findings from this research reveal that Igbo dress culture was pivotal to the development of Nollywood costumes and has continued to play significant roles in costuming Nollywood characters. This research recommends that Nollywood costume designers should focus more on the communicative essence of costumes and their effectiveness in preserving culture. Costume designers should also be given ample time and budget to carry out an ethnographic research in order to employ motifs appropriately. The case studies used for the research were Ijele, My Rising Sun, Living in bondage and The Priestess.

Keywords: Igbo cultural motifs, Costumes, Nollywood, Dominance, Dress culture, Prototype
Leadership crisis in Nigeria: Theological study of John 10:11-15
Authors: Aboekwe Mary Emilia
Published: October 2020

The circumstance of every nation is determined by the quality and vision of her leaders. Since after independent, Nigeria has been so unfortunate not to have gotten competent, effective and purposeful leaders capable of turning her highly great natural potentials into real economic and political powers. Both leaders and the lead fail to identify the essential values that sustain various societies constituting the nation and infuse such values into the nation’s social system. This incompetence has led to leadership crisis and has now clogged on its wheel of striving for development. It is this bad leadership and perhaps the poor handling of many ethnic groups in the country that have triggered the conflict and anxiety that have trailed quest for national integration since after independence. This paper therefore, using the periscope John 10:11-15 which deals with the parable of the Good Shepherd, examines the leadership qualities of Jesus Christ and recommends it to Nigerian leaders. It further examines the text to ascertain its theological implications. The study traces two kinds of leadership operated in Nigeria (military and civilian) since after independence. While emphasizing the need for moral education and constant value re-orientation as the means to surmount the Nigeria’s leadership challenges, the study recommends among others, the urgent need for paradigm shift in our social system in order to restore value based Nigerian society that would directly translate to value based leadership.

Keywords: Leadership, Crisis, Education, Value
The use of video camera to create metric 3D model of engineering objects
Authors: Batakanwa Nicholas , Lipecki Tomasz
Published: October 2020

The article presents the possibilities of using a video camera to create a 3D metric model of engineering objects using Agisoft and CloudCompare software. Traditional photogrammetry technique does not always match up with production urgency needed by the market. Complexity is seen when used in huge objects leading to rise of cost, time and tediousness of the work. The use of Video Camera technique here termed as videogrammetry technique is comparable to taking pictures, however, it allows to speed up the process of obtaining data, which in many cases is a key element in anyb any project or research. The analysis of the quality of 3D modelling of the three filmed objects was performed, which allowed the authors to refine the procedure for acquiring images for spatial analyses. The applied technique of “videogrammetry” is comparable to taking pictures, but allows the data acquisition process to speed up, which in many cases is a key element in field research. 3D objects videos from no-metric camera were processed by Agisoft Metashape. To be able to assess the accuracy of the videogrammetry data, a well-established Laser scanner technique’s data was used for comparison. The laser scanner data were pre-processed in Autodesk Recap. Manual registration was performed utilizing 14 points from the three scans. The two 3D models were exported to CloudCompare software for comparison and further analysis. An analysis of the quality of 3D modelling of the three objects filmed was performed, which allowed refining the procedure for obtaining images for spatial analysis. The article presents the possibilities of using a non-metric mobile phone video camera “videogrammetry” to create a metric 3D model of engineering objects using Agisoft and CloudCompare software. In CloudCompare a registration, cloud to cloud (C2C) and profile to profile analysis was performed to determine the uncertainty of the 3D model produced from videogrammetry data determined as distance of separation between the two models. Results show average distance of separation between laser scanner and videogrammetry derived 3D model point cloud to be 34cm, the average profile separation was 25 cm in XY plane and 1.9 cm in Z-plane. Using Cloud to Cloud PCV the average difference of 84 cm was determined.
Schlafend unter Wölfen
Authors: Hürzeler Luzia
Published: October 2020

Der Zoo ist eine Einrichtung des Menschen für das Tier und für ihn selbst. Luzia Hürzeler hat diese Koexistenz am Beispiel des Wolfsgeheges im Zoo Zürich untersucht. Ausgangspunkt war die Absicht, ein lebensgroßes skulpturales Abbild ihrer selbst – schlafend – auf dem Hügel, der den Wölfen oft als Schlafplatz dient, zu platzieren. Das Ansinnen wurde abgelehnt, was der Künstlerin zum Anlass wurde zu erforschen, welche Vorstellungen des Mensch-Tier-Verhältnisses in der Ausstellungsanlage verkörpert werden. Hürzeler stellt dar, welche ›Bilder‹ durch Einblicke ins Gehege und ›Legenden‹ auf dem Tierschild präsentiert werden und welche ›Arbeit an den Bildern‹ dafür erforderlich ist. Ausgehend von einer genauen Betrachtung der räumlichen Anlage und den darin vollzogenen Handlungen sowie anhand von Gesprächen mit den unterschiedlichen menschlichen Akteuren im Zoo wird dargelegt, welche Konzepte von Natur und Kultur der Ausstellungsanlage des Zoos zugrunde liegen und in welche Beziehungen Mensch und Tier durch diese gesetzt werden.
Prirodna obilježja Svilaje s pregledom istraživanja flore i vegetacije
Authors: Milović Milenko , Jasprica Nenad , Tafra Damira , Pandža Marija , Krpina Vesna
Published: October 2020

Svilaja (1508 m n. v.) je planina u Dalmatinskoj Zagori, u središnjem dijelu unutrašnje Dalmacije. Flora i vegetacija planine Svilaje do sada nije sustavno istraživana. Od 2013. obavljaju se opsežna terenska istraživanja s ciljem inventarizacije ukupne flore. U ovom radu su, na temelju dostupnih podataka iz literature, prikazana obilježja reljefa, klime i fitogeografski položaj s općim pregledom vegetacije. U glavnom dijelu rada prikazan je detaljni pregled dosadašnjih istraživanja flore i vegetacije Svilaje. Analizirani su samo oni literaturni podaci o nalazima biljnih svojti i zajednica čija su nalazišta (lokaliteti) unutar granica istraživanog područja. Prema analiziranim literaturnim podacima, do sada je za područje Svilaje zabilježeno približno 700 svojti vaskularne flore, među kojima je značajan broj endemičnih, ugroženih i zaštićenih svojti kao npr.: Arenaria orbicularis, Astragalus monspessulanus ssp. illyricus, Crocus biflorus ssp. weldenii, Dianthus sylvestris ssp. tergestinus, Edraianthus tenuifolius, Hyacinthella dalmatica, Pulsatilla grandis, Thymus bracteosus, itd. Prema dosadašnjim saznanjima Svilaja se odlikuje iznimno bogatom florom orhideja (Orchidaceae): Coeloglossum viride, Dactylorhiza maculata, Gymnadenia conopsea, Listera ovata, Ophrys apifera, O. dinarica, O. tetraloniae, Orchis militaris, O. morio, O. tridentata, Platanthera chlorantha, itd. Točan broj prethodno zabilježenih svojti i biljnih zajednica nije moguće preciznije utvrditi zbog razlika u shvaćanju granica Svilaje i nepreciznom navođenju lokaliteta u prethodno objavljenim radovima. Podaci o dosadašnjim istraživanjima neophodno su polazište za sustavna istraživanja flore Svilaje koja su u tijeku. Na neophodnost sustavnih istraživanja flore Svilaje ukazuje starost većine zabilježenih nalaza i značajne promjene u biljnom pokrovu uzrokovane snažnom depopulacijom i smanjivanjem intenziteta tradicionalnog stočarstva i poljodjelstva te brojnim požarima.
Festinger’s Cognitive Dissonance
Authors: McLaughlin Caitlin
Published: October 2020

This module introduces the fundamental concept of Festinger’s Cognitive Dissonance and discusses its uses in the area of consumer behaviour. Specifically, the module discusses the fundamental experiment that led to the concept of cognitive dissonance before discussing how marketers utilize this understanding in order to reduce negative emotions after consumers purchase our products.
Pavlov’s Classical Conditioning
Authors: McLaughlin Caitlin
Published: October 2020

This module introduces the fundamental concept of Pavlov’s Classical Conditioning and discusses its uses in the area of consumer behaviour and marketing. Specifically, the module discusses the experiment that began our understanding of classical conditioning before moving to a discussion of its modern-day applications in the field of marketing and consumer behaviour.
Construction of a Power Quality Monitoring System Based on the Wavelet Transform Change-Point Detection Algorithm on the Virtual Instrument Platform
Authors: Lei Shi , Na Wang
Published: October 2020

It is aimed to carry out the investigation on power quality detection, promote the realization of efficient transmission of network data, and expand the application of wavelet transform change-point detection algorithm in the monitoring system. The voltage deviation is used as a starting point to explore the detection of power quality. First, it describes the harmonics of the public power grid and the limits of harmonic voltage. Second, based on the virtual instrument platform, the power quality monitoring system based on wavelet transform change-point detection algorithm is completed. Finally, by adding a monitoring terminal and a service terminal, the design of the monitoring system server is completed. Through the analysis of the experimental results, it is found that in the monitoring system, the current waveform and the three-phase voltage can be accurately displayed. The combined design of the networked monitoring system and the system server enables the system to complete the rapid transmission of data related to power quality, while having a good monitoring effect. For the optimization of networked monitoring experienceof the server, the application of wavelet transform in power quality measurement is realized. The power quality monitoring system proposed has a strong practicality in power quality monitoring.
Spor Eğitimi Veren Yükseköğretim Kurumlarında Öğrenci Memnuniyeti
Authors: ERDOĞAN Ali , YETİM Azmi
Published: October 2020

Çalışmanın amacı, spor eğitimi veren yükseköğretim kurumlarında öğrenci memnuniyeti kavramını ve bu kavramla ilgili yeni bir model önermektir. Bu amaç doğrultusunda ulusal ve uluslararası alanyazın taranarak öğrenci memnuniyeti ile ilgili çalışmalar incelenmiştir. İncelenen çalışmalarda yükseköğretim kurumlarında öğrenci memnuniyetini etkileyen değişkenler belirlenmiştir. Elde edilen literatür doğrultusunda spor eğitimi veren yükseköğretim kurumlarında öğrenci memnuniyetini değerlendirmek için altı değişkenli bir model önerilmiştir. Modelde yer alan değişkenler akademik personelin kalitesi, tesis kalitesi, lisans programlarının kalitesi, yönetim kalitesi, üniversitenin konumu ve üniversitenin imajı olarak belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca öğrenci memnuniyeti ile modelde yer alan değişkenlerin ilişkisi bilimsel çalışmalarla da desteklenmiştir. Sonuç olarak, bu çalışma ile önerilen model, spor eğitimi veren yükseköğretim kurumlarında öğrenci memnuniyetini değerlendirmek amacıyla kullanılabilir.