bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Need for More Women in Leadership Roles in Public Health and Emergency Response Logistics
Authors: Burrell Darrell Norman , Bradley-Swanson Orna T. , Wright Jorja B. , Shockley Tiffiny , Brown-Jackson Kim L. , Lewis Eugene J. M. , Duncan Terrence , Mairs-Levy Judith
Published: May 2021

Situations like Coronavirus (COVID-19), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronaviruses, and the damaged caused by Hurricane Maria in September 2017 in Puerto Rico create complex health public health management logistics problems. Disasters and pandemics often demand logistics planning to involve large-scale transportation of medical aid in the form of personnel and supplies, specialized equipment, and personnel for search and rescue, food, shelter, and other commodities used in massive relief operations. The research suggests improvements in organizational culture, modernization of recruitment strategies, and enhancement of leadership and professional development as approaches to improve gender diversity in leadership roles in emergency public health supply chain and logistics management. This paper provides emergency and disaster public health supply chain and logistics management practitioners and scholars insight into the dynamics of gender disparity in leadership roles in public health supply chain management.
Enhancing Student Affect From Multi-Classroom Simulation Games via Teacher Professional Development
Authors: Riel Jeremy , Lawless Kimberly A.
Published: May 2021

Educational simulations often require players to maintain a high degree of engagement for play in the simulation to continue. Student motivation and engagement is tied to affective factors, such as interest and self-efficacy. As such, game designs and teachers who implement them should promote student interest and self-efficacy in play. In this study, a responsive online professional development (ROPD) program was provided to teachers as they implemented a multi-classroom socio-scientific simulation game for middle school social studies classrooms called GlobalEd 2. A series of ANOVAs revealed that student affect toward the game and its content, including student interest and self-efficacy, was highest when their teachers likewise had a high degree of participation in the ROPD program. This evidence demonstrates the importance that ongoing implementation supports can have in classroom-based simulations and serious games and the benefits of ROPD in furthering the impact of simulation games.
Analyzing Enterprise Attribute-Dependent KPIs/KGIs by Bayesian Network-Leveraging LDA
Authors: Iwakami Yutaka , Takuma Hironori , Iwashita Motoi
Published: May 2021

In product development, key performance indicators (KPIs) and key goal indicators (KGIs) have complex influences on each other. To understand the structure among them, Bayesian network analysis is one of effective methods. However, relationships among KPIs/KGIs often differ in attributes of enterprises, such as business type and annual sales. In this study, the authors incorporate topics obtained via latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) into Bayesian network as nodes. With this “Bayesian network with topic nodes,” how KPIs affect the results of KGIs can be probabilistically inferenced and graphically observed according to attributes of enterprises. Furthermore, by configuring cultural or national differences as topic nodes, the proposed methods are expected to contribute overcoming barriers caused by these differences and accelerating improvement of product development in the global society.
Black Cumin Essential Oil Vapor Delays Postharvest Chlorophyll Loss in Garden Cress (Lepidium sativum L.)
Authors: Kasim Rezzan , Kasim M. Ufuk
Published: May 2021

Purpose: In this study, the effect of different concentrations of black cumin oil vapor on the quality of garden cress leaves during postharvest storage was investigated.Research Method: Three different doses of black cumin oil vapor including 11.4 ppm (CO1); 22.7 ppm (CO2) and 45.5 ppm (CO3) were used to treat garden cress leaf. The samples only water vapor-treated were taken as control (C). After the treatments, the samples were stored in a cold room set at 2±1°C temperature and 85-90% RH for 15 days. Color values, chlorophyll content, chlorophyll SPAD, electrolyte leakage, and weight loss were determined at three days intervals during storage.Findings: The results of the study have shown that the black cumin oil vapor treatment maintained the green color and increased chlorophyll content of the garden cress leaves. According to these results, it was also found that 22.7 ppm and 45.5 ppm concentrations were more effective than an 11.4 ppm dose.Originality/Value: According to the results, the black cumin oil treatments, especially high doses, have been successful in preventing chlorophyll losses. It is concluded that spraying the black cumin vapor to garden cress before marketing will extend the storage life of garden cress leaves.
Log-concavity and log-convexity of moments of averages of i.i.d. random variables
Authors: Lamkin Philip , Tkocz Tomasz
Published: May 2021

We show that the sequence of moments of order less than 1 of averages of i.i.d. positive random variables is log-concave. For moments of order at least 1, we conjecture that the sequence is log-convex and show that this holds eventually for integer moments (after neglecting the first
$p^2$
terms of the sequence).
Number of prime factors with a given multiplicity
Authors: Elma Ertan , Liu Yu-Ru
Published: May 2021

Let$k\geqslant 1$be a natural number and$\omega _k(n)$denote the number of distinct prime factors of a natural numbernwith multiplicityk. We estimate the first and second moments of the functions$\omega _k$with$k\geqslant 1$. Moreover, we prove that the function$\omega _1(n)$has normal order$\log \log n$and the function$(\omega _1(n)-\log \log n)/\sqrt {\log \log n}$has a normal distribution. Finally, we prove that the functions$\omega _k(n)$with$k\geqslant 2$do not have normal order$F(n)$for any nondecreasing nonnegative functionF.
Assouad dimension influences the box and packing dimensions of orthogonal projections
Authors: Falconer Kenneth J. , Fraser Jonathan M. , Shmerkin Pablo
Published: May 2021

We present several applications of the Assouad dimension, and the related quasi-Assouad dimension and Assouad spectrum, to the box and packing dimensions of orthogonal projections of sets. For example, we show that if the (quasi-)Assouad dimension of

F \subseteq\mathbb{R}^n

is no greater than

m

, then the box and packing dimensions of

F

are preserved under orthogonal projections onto almost all

m

-dimensional subspaces. We also show that the threshold

m

for the (quasi-)Assouad dimension is sharp, and bound the dimension of the exceptional set of projections strictly away from the dimension of the Grassmannian.
Construction and box dimension of recurrent fractal interpolation surfaces
Authors: Liang Zhen , Ruan Huo-Jun
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we present a general framework to construct recurrent fractal interpolation surfaces (RFISs) on rectangular grids. Then we introduce bilinear RFISs, which are easy to be generated while there are no restrictions on interpolation points and vertical scaling factors. We also obtain the box dimension of bilinear RFISs under certain constraints, where the main assumption is that vertical scaling factors have uniform sums under a compatible partition.
Some elementary questions in the calculus of variations
Authors: Mantegazza Carlo
Published: May 2021

We discuss some elementary questions in the calculus of variations related to the Lavrentiev phenomenon and the uniqueness of the minimizers.
A natural fibration for rings
Authors: Bosi Alessandro Andrea , Facchini Alberto
Published: May 2021

A ringed partially ordered set with zero is a pair

(L,F)

, where

L

is a partially ordered set with a least element

0_L

and

F\colon L\to\mathsf{Ring}

is a covariant functor. Here the partially ordered set

L

is given a category structure in the usual way and

\mathsf{Ring}

denotes the category of associative rings with identity. Let

\mathsf{RingedParOrd}_0

be the category of ringed partially ordered sets with zero. There is a functor

\mathcal{H}\colon\mathsf{Ring}\to\mathsf{RingedParOrd}_0

that associates to any ring

R

a ringed partially ordered set with zero

(\mathrm{Hom}(R),F_R)

. The functor

\mathcal{H}

has a left inverse

Z\colon\mathsf{RingedParOrd}_0\to\mathsf{Ring}

. The category

\mathsf{RingedParOrd}_0

is a fibred category.
On log differentials of local fields
Authors: Mazzari Nicola
Published: May 2021

We prove a logarithmic version of Fontaine’s classic result on differentials of

\mathcal{O}_{\bar{K}}

over

\mathcal{O}_K

.
Comparison between rigid and crystalline syntomic cohomology for strictly semistable log schemes with boundary
Authors: Ertl Veronika , Yamada Kazuki
Published: May 2021

We introduce rigid syntomic cohomology for strictly semistable log schemes over a complete discrete valuation ring of mixed characteristic

(0,p)

In case a good compactification exists, we compare this cohomology theory to Nekovář–Nizioł’s crystalline syntomic cohomology of the generic fibre. The main ingredients are a modification of Große-Klönne’s rigid Hyodo–Kato theory and a generalization of it for strictly semistable log schemes with boundary.
Etiology, Clinical Course, and Outcomes of Pneumonia in the Elderly: A Retrospective and Prospective Cohort Study in Thailand
Authors: Osman Mayada , Manosuthi Weerawat , Kaewkungwal Jaranit , Silachamroon Udomsak , Mansanguan Chayasin , Kamolratanakul Supitcha , Pitisuttithum Punnee
Published: May 2021

Pneumonia is a leading cause of hospitalization and death among elderly adults. We performed a retrospective and prospective observational study to describe the etiology, clinical course, and outcomes of pneumonia for patients 60 years and older in Thailand. We enrolled 490 patients; 440 patients were included in the retrospective study and 50 patients were included in the prospective study. The CURB-65 score and a modified SMART-COP score (SMART-CO score) were used to assess disease severity. The median patient age was 80 years (interquartile range, 70–87 years); 51.2% were men. Klebsiella pneumoniae (20.4%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15.5%) were the most common causative agents of pneumonia. A significant minority (23%) of patients were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), and mortality among this subset of patients was 45%. Most patients (80.8%) survived and were discharged from the hospital. The median duration of hospitalization was 8 days (interquartile range, 4–16 days). In contrast, 17.6% of patients died while undergoing care and 30-day mortality was 14%. Factors significantly associated with mortality were advanced age (P = 0.004), male sex (P = 0.005), multiple bacterial infections (P = 0.007; relative risk [RR], 1.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19–2.79), infection with multi-drug-resistant/extended-spectrum B-lactamase-producing organisms (P < 0.001; RR, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.83–4.85), ICU admission (P < 0.001; RR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.4–2.3), and complications of pneumonia (P < 0.001; RR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.8–3.4). Patients with higher SMART-CO and CURB-65 scores had higher rates of ICU admission and higher 30-day mortality rates (P < 0.001). These results emphasize the importance of Gram-negative bacteria, particularly K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa, as major causes of pneumonia among the elderly in contrast to other reports, Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of pneumonia among elderly individuals worldwide. The SMART-COP and CURB-65 scores were developed to assess pneumonia severity and predict mortality of young adults with pneumonia. Few studies have examined the appropriateness of these scores for elderly patients with multiple comorbidities. A limited number of studies have used modified versions of these scores among elderly individuals. We found that Gram-negative bacteria has a major role in the etiology of pneumonia among elderly individuals in Southeast Asia. A significant proportion of elderly individuals with low CURB-65 scores were admitted to the hospital, indicating that hospital admission may reflect fragility among elderly individuals with low CURB-65 scores. The modified SMART-COP score (SMART-CO score) sufficiently predicted intensive care unit admission and the need for intensive vasopressor or respiratory support. A SMART-CO score ≥ 7 accurately predicted 30-day mortality.
Fuel Cell Vehicle Thermal Management
Authors:   Cooling Systems Standards Committee
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this SAE Information Report is to provide an overview of special requirements and practices in fuel cell vehicle thermal management. This document is primarily directed to fuel cell applications in motor vehicles.
Chylous Leakage Post-mastectomy and Axillary Dissection
Authors: Mwongeli Matheka , Wasike Ronald
Published: May 2021

Chylous leakage is a rare complication following mastectomy and axillary dissection. We report a case of a 46-year-old female who underwent modified radical mastectomy and developed chylous leakage. She was treated successfully with conservative management.

Keywords: Chylous leakage, chyle, mastectomy, axillary dissection
Medical Students’ Perceptions of the Medical Education Learning Environment at the University of Nairobi: II. A Qualitative Study
Authors: Ojuka Daniel , Aseta Faith , Githambo Beth , Wambua Brian
Published: May 2021

Background: The educational environment (EE) has a significant influence on effective student learning. The Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) is a validated tool to assess the EE. A DREEM survey done in early 2019 among medical students at the University of Nairobi highlighted many problems. It was therefore important to explore why such perceptions existed among the medical students.

Objectives: To explore medical students’ perceptions ofthe medical education learning environment at the University of Nairobi. Methods: Qualitative focus group discussions (FGD) were held among medical students in years III to VI in groups of between 8and 12students. The discussions were recorded using a Samsung J6 phone voice recorder, transcribed, coded, and analysed for themes until saturation was reached.

Results: We held six FGD with medical students in years III to VI and identified four thematic areas: 1) poor educational infrastructure, 2) poor educational structure, 3) teacher-centred teaching, and 4) lack of social support for students in difficulties.

Conclusion: Exploring the perceptions of the EE confirmed students have a poor view of the educational environment. The issues raised are good feedback on teaching, governance and the social culture of the institution.

Keywords: Learning environment, DREEM, Medical students, Qualitative methods
Effet de l’implantation des souches de Panicum maximum var. C1 sur l’invasion de Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit dans les pâturages naturels au Nord-Béni
Authors: Ibrahima Souhaibou Yacoubou , Yaoitcha Alain S. , Lesse Paolo , Aboh André B. , Houinato Marcel R.B.
Published: May 2021

La productivité et la durabilité des pâturages naturels sont menacées au Nord-Bénin par la prolifération de Hyptis suaveolens. La restauration de ces pâturages nécessite des mesures de lutte contre cette plante. L’étude visait à évaluer l’effet de Panicum maximum C1 installé avec des souches à une densité de 4 plants/m2 sur H. suaveolens et à comparer les réactions face à H. suaveolens des souches de P. maximum issues d’un milieu infesté ou non par H. suaveolens. Le contrôle d’invasion de H. suaveolens par la culture de P. maximum a été évalué par la contribution spécifique de contact (CSC), le biovolume (Bv) et la biomasse (Bm) de H. suaveolens. Lesrésultats ont montré que la présence de P. maximum C1 a réduit significativement (p<0,05) la CSC, le Bv et la Bm de H. suaveolens respectivement à 13,20%, 0,16% et 15,62% après trois mois de culture sans exploitation. La provenance des souches n’a eu d’effet significatif (p>0,05) sur aucun des paramètres biophysiques de H. suaveolens, ni sur le développement de P. maximum C1 en présence de H. suaveolens. Ainsi, la culture de P. maximum dans les pâturages envahis a permis d’améliorer leurs caractéristiques pastorales et peut être promue en milieu paysan.Mots clé : Hyptis suaveolens, Panicum maximum C1, plante envahissante, pâturages, Bénin. Effect of Panicum maximum var. C1 stumps cultivation on invasion of Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit in natural pastures in northern Benin

 

The productivity and sustainability of natural pastures in northern Benin are threatened by the proliferation of Hyptis suaveolens. The restoration of these pastures requires control measures against this plant. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of Panicum maximum C1 installed with stumps at a density of 4 plants/m² on the development of H. suaveolens and to compare the reactions with respect to H. suaveolens of P. maximum’s stumps from an infested environment or not by H. suaveolens. Invasion control of H. suaveolens by culture of P.  maximum was assessed using the specific contact contribution (SCC), biovolume (Bv) and biomass (Bm) of H. suaveolens. The results showed that the presence of P. maximum C1 reduced significantly (p <0.05) the SCC, Bv and Bm of H. suaveolens respectively to 13.20%, 0.16% and 15.62% after three months of cultivation without exploitation. The origin of stumps had no significant effect (p> 0.05) on any of the biophysical parameters of H. suaveolens, nor on the development of P. maximum C1 in the presence of H. suaveolens. Thus, the cultivation of P. maximum in pastures invaded has improved their pastoral characteristics and can be promoted in rural areas.

Keywords: Hyptis suaveolens, Panicum maximum C1, invasive plant, pastures, Benin.
Occurrence, distribution and composition of marine mammals in the bight of Bony, Nigeria
Authors: Olakunle Gideon Wole , Ndubisi Ajuonu
Published: May 2021

Information on the distribution, occurrence and population structure of cetaceans (whales and dolphins) of the Atlantic coast of Nigeria in West Africa remains fairly sparse to date, with few detailed studies being conducted on this valuable marine resource. This paper highlights the abundant cetacean community sighted in the Nigerian coastal waters and the respective importance of this area as a prime coastal habitat for these mammals. The secondary objective was the evaluation of this resource and development of appropriatemanagement policies. Opportunistic data was collected on board six different marine vessels belonging to some international oil  companies (IOC) in Nigeria, whose primary objective was to conduct seismic operations. 8,327 hours and 36 minutes of effort was logged during 2 wet and 3 dry seasons respectively, covering almost 880 km2 at a depth range of 10 to 70 m. The total number of individuals recorded was 2199 of which 80% were dolphins and 20% were whales. Out of these, 55.14% was sighted at depth range of 21 – 30 m. This was followed by 30.42% recorded at depth range of 31 - 40 m. The least frequency of 0.75 % was recorded at depth range of 61- 70m. Five hundred and twenty-five (525) individual whales was recorded, out of which 77.14% were adults and 22.86% were  juveniles, while 1674 individual dolphins were recorded with 52.63% juveniles and 47.37% adult. Four species of dolphins were  identified. The bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus was the most abundant owing to the large size of the groups observed, followed by common dolphin, Delphinus delphis. All species of dolphins identified occurred throughout the sampling months. Two species of whales were identified with the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) predominant and killer whales (Orcinus orca) which seem to be present in just a part of a year. Nigerian coastal water is moderately rich in cetacean diversity, which is currently underreported due to limited research.Keywords: Whales, dolphins, species diversity, opportunistic surveys, Nigeria.
Microbiological analysis of the Cirina forda (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) commercialized in North Togo
Authors: Badanaro Fègbawè , Hoekou Yao , Gbogbo Koffi Apeti , Amevoin Komina , Amouzou Kou’santa
Published: May 2021

Edible insects are presented as a source of protein, fat and micronutrients. Consequently, they are an attractive growing environment for microorganisms. Although, professionals in this sector in Sub-Saharan Africa use traditional harvesting, processing and marketing techniques, there is little scientific data on the microorganisms that infest edible insects. The aim of this study was to identify the microorganisms present in the Cirina forda supply chain, the most commercially marketed insect species in Togo. A total of 300 samples of fresh, processed and commercial C. forda caterpillars were collected and analyzed using standard microbiological microorganism identification techniques. The caterpillar was 90% contaminated with Staphylococcus spp, 60% by Escherichia coli, 40% by Enterobacter spp, 40% by Aspergillus niger, 30% by Klebsiella pneumoniae and 10% by Mucor spp, Klebsiella oxytoca, Proteus spp, Serratia spp and Aspergillus flavus. Pathogenic microorganisms are found in all samples at all stages of the supply chain, so caterpillars handled using traditional methods are detrimental to the health of the consumer. The presence of germs indicative of contamination of the caterpillar analyzed exposes consumers to the risk of food poisoning.

Keywords: Cirina forda, marketing, microorganisms, Togo
A comparative study between experimental and theoretical buckling load for hollow steel column
Authors: Kashyap Sudhir Kumar , Kumar Sajal , Mallick Mousumi , Singh Rudra Pratap , Verma Manoranjan
Published: May 2021

Hollow mild steel columns of same outer diameter and length but different wall thickness show the buckling behavior in different manner in the fix-fix end condition. The behavior of the column is in good agreement with Rankine’s formula. Additionally, there is a very strong relation between actual buckling load and buckling load by Rankine’s formula. There is some difference between the theoretical and actual buckling load which may be due to geometrical defect, crack generation, chemical composition and formation of eccentricity. Columns show that the variation of differences between actual and theoretical buckling load with respect to wall thickness is parabolic in nature.Keywords: Hollow column, buckling load, compaction behavior, chemical composition, wall thickness
Profitability analysis and technical efficiency of Sasakawa global 2000 maize technology in Lere Agricultural Zone, Kaduna state, Nigeria
Authors: Durba A.M. , Adewumi A. , Musa U.
Published: May 2021

The study determined the profitability and technical efficiency of Sasakawa Global (SG-2000) maize technology in Lere Agricultural Zone, Kaduna State, Nigeria. A total of 146 respondents were selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected through structured questionnaire administered to the sampled respondents and complemented with interview schedule. Analysis of the data collected was done using descriptive statistics, farm budgeting technique and stochastic frontier function. Results showed that the mean age of SG-2000 adopters was 45years old, 73% of them were males and 81% were married. The mean farming experience of the adopters was 15 years, household size of 8 persons and farm size of 2.26ha respectively. Also, majority of the farmers were members of farmers’ cooperative society and had access to extension services. The farm budgeting technique revealed maize production was profitable in the area with gross margin and net farm income of ₦99,407.76/ha and ₦96,700.80/ha respectively. The maize farmers were not technically efficient with a mean efficiency score of 0.8181. The farm size at p<0.10, seed at p<0.01, fertilizer at p<0.01, capital input at p<0.01 probability levels respectively were efficiency factors, while the sex of farmer at p<0.10, marital status at p<0.10, farming experience at p<0.05 and access to credit at p<0.01 probability levels respectively were the inefficiency factors. It is recommended that other farmers in the study area should adopt the SG-2000 maize technology to improve their level of profitability and technical efficiency.

Keywords: Profitability, Technical efficiency, SG-2000 maize technology, Farmers and Kaduna State
Combining Ability of Sweet Potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] Genotypes for Beta Carotene and Dry Matter Content in Southern Guinea Savanna, Nigeria
Authors: Afolabi M.S , Agbowuro G.O , Salami A.E , Akoroda M.O
Published: May 2021

Roots of orange fleshed sweet potato varieties currently available in Nigeria contain high quantities of β-carotene or pro-vitamin A but have high moisture content. These varieties have been found to be a cheap and important remedy for vitamin A deficiency. The cream or white fleshed varieties on the other hand, have sweet taste with high dry matter content, giving a dry texture, a quality trait preferred in Nigeria. The objectives of this study were to examine the quantitative inheritance of important traits in sweet potato by means of a diallel analysis with a view to estimating the GCA and SCA components of genetic variance, and to determine the associated type of gene action controlling β-carotene content and root dry mass. A diallel crosses experiment using six parental sweet potato genotypes crossed in all possible combinations were carried out. Resultant thirty progenies were evaluated for beta carotene (β-carotene) and dry matter content in Landmark University, Omu Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria during the cropping season of 2012 and 2013. The 30 F1 progenies along with their parental lines were planted in the same field trial. The trial was laid out in 6 x 6 triple lattice in two replications. Highly significant (P≤ 0.01) differences were observed among the genotypes for all the tested traits. The average β-carotene content for the progenies was 2.86 (mg/100 g f.w.) while the dry matter content was 31.89%. The cross combination 199024.2 x Excel recorded the highest beta carotene (14.37 mg/100 g f.w) and dry matter content (40.10%), this candidate is therefore suggested for further evaluation.

Key words: Diallel analysis, Dry matter, Southern Guinea Savanna, Sweet potato, Vitamin A, β-carotene.
Anti-reproductive efficacy of Adansonia digitata Powder against Dinoderus porcellus Associated with Yam Chips Spoilage in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: John W.C. , Richard K. , Ishaya M. , Olori-Oke O. , Kyaharle B.S. , Chomini M.S.
Published: May 2021

This study assessed the reproduction inhibition effects of Adansonai digitata plant part powders against D. porcellus affecting yam chips. Reproduction of adults D. porcellus were monitored with various doses of Adansonai digitata plant part powders and untreated yam chips as negative control (0 g). The finding of the research indicated that all treatments exhibited anti-reproduction potential and strong inhibition of D. porcellus emergence. The result of analysis of variance showed significant difference between the treated samples and the control (untreated) after 37 days. Adansonai digitata stem bark powders (10 g) was able to achieve no reproduction(0.00) after 37 days exposure. Based on this results, combining yam chips with 10 g of Adansonai digitata stem bark powders could ensure adequate management of D. porcellus destroying yam chips and yam tubers as a whole.

Keywords: Adansonai digitata, D. porcellus, yam chips, Stem bark powder, Leaf powder
Effects of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on the Growth of Senecio biafrae (WOROWO) OLIVE & HIERN
Authors: Akintola O.O. , Abiola I.O. , Akinola O.O. , Babatunde K.O. , Ekaun A.A. , Olajiire-Ajayi B.L.
Published: May 2021

Soils have shown a negative balance in nutrient budget which poses a great threat to sustainable soil management for increase in growth and crop yield. This study thus investigated the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth of Senecio biafrae (Oliv. &Hiern). Topsoil, organic (poultry manure) and inorganic fertilizers (NPK 15:15:15) were used. The fertilizers were weighed and applied to the soil at 5g, 10g, 15g each; control topsoil without application of fertilizers and were replicated five times. Growth  parameters including height, number of leaves and stem diameter were taken weekly for the period of the experiment. Application ofpoultry manure and NPK fertilizer had significant effects on all the growth parameters considered. The application of poultry manure resulted into significant increase in the growth parameters towards the latter part of the study. This study has shown that organic manure has great potential for improving soil productivity and plant growth.

Keywords: Senecio biafrae, investigate, organic, inorganic, plant yield
Unresolved Water Conflicts by Water Sector Institutions in Ewaso Ng’iro North River Sub-Basin, Kenya
Authors: Lesrima S. , Nyamasyo G. , Kiemo K.
Published: May 2021

Water conflicts have huge impacts on livelihoods and without proper redress, have capacity to stall economic development of a community. This paper therefore explicates the impacts of unresolved water related conflicts in Ewaso Ng’iro North River sub-basin in Kenya and their persistence despite past major institutional and policy reforms in the water sector. Repetitive unresolved water conflicts curtail the prosperity of the communities on river basins. Study  objective was to assess continued unresolved conflicts albeit the numerous and robust water reforms. Mixed methods research design was adopted to capture both primary and secondary data. Game Theory supported the study explicating how water users both upstream and downstream are players whose payoffs if not transparent cause conflicts. Sampling formula was utilized to derive a sample size of 384 respondents and employed simple random sampling. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires, Key Informant interviews, Focused Group Discussions and Transect walks. Results show that water users aware of regulations in place governing water on river basins however had weak compliance. The legal and policy reforms need to be up scaled to enhance capacity to resolve conflicts by WRUAs and WRA. Compliance to regulations governing water to be enforced by mandated institutions to curb the repetitiveness of unresolved water conflicts.

Keywords: Ewaso Ng’iro, Institutional reforms, Water Resources, Water Users, Unresolved Conflicts.
Insecticidal Effect Of Adansonia digitata Stem Bark And Leaf Powders On Dinoderus porcellus
Authors: John W.C. , Ishaya M. , Olori-Oke O. , Ukanyirioha C.J. , Chomini M.S. , Kyaharle B.S.
Published: May 2021

This study evaluated insecticidal activity of different doses of Adansonia digitata stem bark and leaf powders on yam beetles dinoderus porcellus. Obtained plant parts from Federal colloge of Forestry, Jos were pulverized into powders. Phytochemical constituents of the plant were extracted by Soxhlet extraction and identified using standard procedure. Mortality testing was done by exposing dinoderus porcellus to yam chips mixed with various doses of Adansonia digitata stem bark and leaf powders. Yam chips without treatment served as the control. The experiments were laid out in randomized complete design with three replications. Data obtained were analysed using analysis of variance (P≤ 0.05). The result of the phytochemical examination of ethanolic extract of A. digitata revealed the presence of saponins, phenols, tannins and alkaloids flavonoids. The finding revealed the superiority of yam chips mixed stem bark and leaf powders over the untreated. The effect of plant extracts on percentage mortality showed significant difference (p<0.05) among the treated and control. The sample treated with 15g of A. digitata stem-bark powder gave the highest mortality. The research hence recommends the use of 15 g of A. digitata stem-bark powder in elimination of Dinoderus porcellus infecting yam chips.

Keywords: A. digitata, Insecticida, Mortality, flavonoid, Dinoderus porcellus
Assessment of Wildlife Hunting Activities in Ido Local Government Area, Oyo State Nigeria
Authors: Layade K.T. , Layade A.A. , Kehinde O.J. , Alaye S.A. , Jayeoba W.A.
Published: May 2021

The study was conducted to assess hunting activities in Ido Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. A well-structured questionnaire was administered to obtain information from fifty hunters using a simple random sampling technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result showed that 96% of hunters in the study area were men. Most of the respondents were married (84%) and within the age bracket of 31 and 50 years (48%). About 34% and 40% of respondents had primary and secondary education respectively while 13% had no formal education. They had between 20 and 29 years’ experience in wild animal hunting. Sixty-eight percent of the hunters in the study area engaged in part-time hunting while 32% were full-time hunters. The study further revealed that the hunters engaged in hunting for financial gain (64%), leisure (34%) and family tradition (38%). About ten types of species of wildlife animals were commonly killed by the hunters, and the animals were sold within the community market (42%), outside the community market (32%) and to visiting bushmeat marketers (26%). The study therefore recommends a policy that will control hunting activitiesin the study area, knowing that animal hunting serves as another source of livelihood to the hunters.

Keywords: Hunters, wildlife, bushmeat, community market, occupation
Evaluation of Age Related Changes Associated with Exposure of Wistar Rats to Dichlorvor on some Haematological Parameters
Authors: Ige S.F. , Seriki M.A. , Olateju B.S. , Oladipupo V.A.
Published: May 2021

Different studies proved that exposure over prolonged periods to pesticides increase the likelihood of developing adverse effects. 2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate (DDVP) is a predominant pesticide used in controlling insects. Therefore this study was aimed to investigate the age related changes in hematological indices of animals exposed to DDVP. Thirty healthy male Wistar rats were used in this study. Animals were grouped into three major groups of ten animals each. Group one animals served as young group (5 - 6 weeks) while group two and three was the middle-aged (2 months) and old groups (3-4 months) respectively. All the groups were subdivided into control and DDVP group with five animals in each subgroup. The DDVP groups were exposed to DDVP for five weeks. At the end of fifth week, they were euthanized with blood collected through cardiac puncture, hematological indices were analysed with autohematological analyzer.Exposure to DDVP significantly increased white blood cell counts and basophiles in old group. Platelets count and plateletcrit (PCT) were significantly decreased in young animals that were exposed to DDVP while platelet distribution width (PDW) and Mean platelets volume (MPV) were not significantly different across the groups. Red blood cells count, Hematocrit, Hemoglobin concentration, Mean cell volume, Mean cell hemoglobin and Mean cell hemoglobin concentration also show no significant difference across groups. Exposure of Wistar rats to Dichlorvos has no impact on haematological parameters in middle agerats. However, dichlorvos affects young and old animals proving age dependent effect of DDVP on hematological parameters.

Keywords: DDVP, hematology, white blood cells, platelet, age
Split-plot Central Composite Experimental Design Method for Optimization of Cake Height to Achieve desired Texture
Authors: Yakubu Y. , Aliyu Z.Q. , Usman A. , Evans O.
Published: May 2021

In many industrial experimental situations, the levels of certain factors under investigation are much harder to change than others due to time and/or cost constraints. An appropriate approach to such situations is to restrict the randomization of the hard-to-change (HTC) factors, which leads to a split-plot structure. This work designs and conducts a split-plot central composite experiment for optimizing cake height using oven temperature(Factor A) as the HTC factor, amount of flour (B), baking powder (C), and amount of milk (D) as the easy-to-change (ETC) factors. A second-order split-plot central composite design (CCD) model was fit to the generated data and analyzed using generalized least squares (GLS). A stationary point, which gives optimum cake height, was then determined. The results show that main effects of oven temperature, flour, baking powder, and milk were highly significant on the cake height . Their quadratic effects were also significant except that of the flour. The flower/baking powder interaction effect was significant. The fitted model  accounted for about 95% of the total variability in the cake height data. The observed optimum cake height was ̂ at a stationary point: A . This study has established the potentials of response surface experiments in optimizing products in food industries.

Keywords: Experiment, split-plot CCD, Cake height, Design, Stationary point.
In Silico Screening of Sesquiterpene Lactones as Aldose Reductase Inhibitors
Authors: Alhassan A.M. , Malami I.
Published: May 2021

Aldose reductase, a key enzyme of the polyol pathway catalyses NADPH-dependent reduction of glucose to sorbitol. Increased activity of this enzyme is considered a major factor contributing to the development of diabetic complications hence could be an important target in the treatment of these complications. In this work, a database of sesquiterpenes was prepared and screened for their drug-like properties based on the Lipinski’s rule of 5. The co-crystallised structure of aldose reductase was obtained from the Protein Databank and prepared for docking. In silico docking experiments was performed on Autodock tools using 198 sesquiterpene lactones that passed screening, and compounds with the lowest binding energy and favourable binding interactions were selected for molecular docking simulation. Six of the best ranking compounds selected had binding energies ranging from–11.96 Kcal/mol to -9.45 Kcal/mol  and were comparable to the energy of the standard inhibitor Idd594 used in the study. They also show good complementarity in their binding to the residues of the binding pocket. The results suggest that dehydrooopodin (1), 11(S),13-dihydrolactucopicrin (2), and Chrysanin (3) offered potential inhibitory activities toward aldose reductase and may serve as lead compounds for in vivo validation as aldose reductase inhibitors.

Keywords: Sesquiterpene lactones, Aldose reductase, Binding energy, Molecular docking, Autodock
Antihaemolytic, Antihaemorrhagic and Antifibrinolytic Effects of Fractions of Buchholzia coriacea Seeds on Naja nigricollis Crude Venom
Authors: Achika J.I , Ayo R.G , Oyewale A.O , Habila J.D , Ofemile P.Y
Published: May 2021

Bulchhozia coriacea (Capparaceae) seeds are used in managing snake bite in Western Nigeria were investigated against Naja nigricollis (Spitting cobra) venom-induced hemolytic, hemorrhagic and fibrinolytic effects. This study was aimed at determining the antihaemolytic, antihaemorrhagic as well as antifibrinolytic effects of B. coriacea on N. nigricollis crude venom. Microwave-assisted extraction with hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol was carried out. Naja nigricollis venom-induced erythrocyte lysis (100 %) was significantly reduced to 18% by the chloroform fraction at 0.625 mg/mL. At the concentration of 0.625 mg/mL, the hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions administered in combination with the venom reduced percentage hemorrhagic activity to 23%, 17%, 49%, and 87%, respectively. In conclusion, Bulchhozia coriacea seed fractions exhibited significant antihaemolytic, antihaemorrhagic and antifibrinolytic activities against N. nigricollis crude venom and may beneficial as a pre-treatment the while victim is transferred to a healthcare facility to receive the definite treatment to ensure speedy recovery.

Key words: Antihaemolytic, antihaemorrhagic, fibrinolytic, venom, Bulchhozia coriacea
Surveys of Canine Filarioids In Nigeria: The Path Travelled and the Way Forward
Authors: Joshua Kamani , Gonzlez-Miguel Javier
Published: May 2021

Filarioid worms infecting dogs have recently received increased attention globally because of their zoonotic potential. In Africa and, particularly, in Nigeria, however, where there is preponderance of the risk factors for vector-borne diseases transmission, there are few reports of the disease in the canid and felid definitive hosts, the wild/domestic reservoirs and humans. Thus, the epidemiology of the disease in Nigeria remains sketchy and needs to be investigated. A retrospective analysis of reported canine filarioids in Nigeria was undertaken with the view to highlight what has been done and reported, existing gaps in knowledge, what needs to be done to bridge the gap and possibly how it could be done. Thirteen published works on canine filarioids using classical laboratory methods in Nigeria, reported the finding of Dirofilaria immitis (0.4–15.1%), Dirofilaria repens (0.1–9.4%), Acanthocheilonema reconditum (0.4–9.2%) and a case of A. dracunculoides in an unspecified dog population. In most instances, the species identification of the filarioids reported was not conclusive due to limitation of the diagnostic methods employed. No human infection due to any zoonotic canine filarioid has been reported in Nigeria. Suggestions for prospective filarioids research in Nigeria were made.

Keywords: Filarioids, dog, zoonosis, diagnosis, Nigeria
Biochemical effect of varied mixtures of extracts of Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) and Gnetum africanum (Okazi leaf) on alloxan induced diabetic wistar rats
Authors: Ifeanacho M.O. , Oshotse R.B
Published: May 2021

Diabetes mellitus is prevalent in many countries of the world, affecting all ages both in developing and developed nations. The use of plants as remedies or preventive therapies has increased over the years. The study investigated the biochemical changes caused by  combined leaf extracts of Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) and Gnetum africanum (okazi leaf) on alloxan induced diabetic wistar rats.Aqueous extracts of the leaves were prepared using the conventional method.Forty male wistar rats weighing 150-180g were  grouped into eight (five rats each). Group 1 was the normal control while diabetes was induced using alloxan (160mg/ kg)in groups 2-8.Group 2 received no treatment while groups 3-7 received varied ratios of the extracts at (BI/OK|10:90%), (BI/OK|30:70%),  (BI/OK|50:50%), (BI/OK|70:30%) and (BI/OK|90:10%). Group 8 was the diabetic control treated with the standard diabetic drug (Metformin). The animals were weighed and blood glucose was determined at 7-day intervals. They were sacrificed on the 28th day and blood samples collected for serum protein, serum electrolyte, urea, creatinine, liver enzymes and markers of oxidative stress analyses.  The results showed steady increase in the body weights (g) of the rats with (BI/OK|70:30)% treated group showing the highest increase (175.40±1.28). The fasting blood sugar (mg/dl) showed timedependent reduction in all the treated diabeti groups with (BI/OK|90:10)% having the highest (56.20±1.65) reduction. There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in total blood protein concentration (g/dl) in all the treated groups. The results of this study showed time and ratio dependent effect on the parameters measured. Since the two plants are staple vegetables in some countries, their utilization particularly in appropriate combinations should be encouraged.

Key words: Extracts, bitter leaf, waterleaf, diabetes mellitus, biochemical parameters.
Radioactivity content surveillance on canned food products in Nigeria
Authors: Agbalagba O. Ezekiel
Published: May 2021

The radionuclides surveillance on imported can food products in Nigeria market has been investigated using High purity Germanium detector. The radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, 210Pb and 137Cs in selected brands of imported canned food products categorized into staple foodstuffs, beef and seafood were analyzed. The results obtained for staple foodstuffs shows a mean activity value of 12.33±3.68, 12.35±4.62, 51.48±15.12, 2.65±0.18 and 0.61±0.27 Bq kg-1 for 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, 210Pb and 137Cs respectively, while in beef food products, it is 14.41±4.79, 14.12±4.83, 50.44±14.80, 1.11± 0.07 and 0.32±0.20 Bq kg-1 respectively, and for seafood products it is 17.95±5.71, 16.24±5.48, 61.65±18.07, 1.17±0.13 and ND Bq kg-1 respectively. The overall results indicate that the natural radioactivity in the three categories of canned foodstuffs examined are well below the UNSCEAR and other regulatory bodies recommended permissible limits. The presence of 137Cs in some samples potent some degree of heavy metal contamination of those foodstuffs. The computed dose to essential organs and tissues indicates a highest dose level of 0.2 mSvy-1 which is well within the 1mSvy-1 recommended permissible level of the public. The calculated collective effective dose equivalent revealed that 97,463,16 of the total population are exposed to radiation from ingestion of the canned foods with adults most impacted. The total health detriment indicates radiological risk ratio of 1:2238 for infants, 1:2583 for children and 1:4238 for adults. From the estimated costdetriment, it is obvious that the economic benefits which is directly proportional to cost of purchase and importation put at about nine billion US dollars annually derived from consuming these imported canned food products is far above the health detriment.

Keywords: Radioactivity surveillance, canned food, health detriment, Nigeria
Comparative chemotaxonomic investigations on amaranthus hybridus l. and Amaranthus spinosus L.
Authors: Wahua C. , Nwikiri J.
Published: May 2021

The present study is set to investigate the comparative chemotaxonomic investigations on Amaranthus hybridus L. and Amaranthus spinosus L. which belong to the family Amaranthaceae. They are dicots pre-dominantly found in the Niger Delta Tropics, Nigeria. The species are annual erect herbs with flower inflorescences as elongated spikes which are mostly paniculate occurring at ends of branches in globose fashion in axils of leaves.The nodes often have pair of axillary spines. Flowers are small, greenish with male ones at the top while the female ones below the clusters and stem is greenish but often reddish with one-seeded capsule as fruit in Amaranthus spinosus which attains up to 80 ± 20cm in height whereas A. hybridus differ in absence of a pair of axillary spines, the stems are greenish or slightly pinkish which grows up to 100 ± 10cm in height. A. hybridus is more of a vegetable and has alternate phyllotaxi and narrow cuneate base. Fruits from both species are circumscissile capsules and their inflorescences are terminal racemes positioned at their axils with female perianth segments of five. Epidermal studies revealed amphistomatic stomata which is anisocytic  type for both species. The stomatal index for A. spinosus adaxial foliar epidermis is 20% and the abaxial 20% whereas for A. hybridus adaxial is 20% and abaxial foliar stomatal index of 20%. Anatomical studies revealed open vascular system, collenchyma dominating the hypodermis while parenchyma occupied the general cortex and pith regions. A. hybridus has more vascular bundles and trichomes, and wider pith than A. spinosus. Phytochemical studies showed the presence of tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and flavonoids are present in A. spinosus while alkaloids were absent only in A. hybridus. This may be the reason why A. spinosus is used more in tradomedicine than A.hybridus which served more as vegetable.

Key Words: Morphology, Anatomy, Phytochemistry, Amaranthus, Amaranthaceae