bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF POTATO VIRUS Y DISEASE SPREAD WITH OPTIMAL CONTROL
Authors: Degefa Shambel Tadesse , Makinde Oluwole Daniel , Dufera Tamirat Temesgen
Published: August 2022

Potato virus Y (PVY) is an aphid-borne plant virus that causes substantial yield losses in potato production. Control measures of the viral infection are both limited and expensive. A proper use of mixed-cropping strategy can reduce the spread of PVY. In this paper, we formulate and analyze a mathematical model of PVY spread in a mixed-cropping system. Then, we extend the model to an optimal control problem by considering use of mineral oil, insecticide and farmer’s level of ﬁeld inspection for infected plants. The analytic results show that the basic reproduction number ℜ0, a threshold parameter that decides properties of the dynamics. The disease free equilibrium is stable if ℜ0 < 1 and unstable when ℜ0 > 1. It is found that ℜ0, and hence, the disease dynamics is highly sensitive to the representative parameters of density the non-host plant and its quality in attracting vectors. The model exhibits forward bifurcation at ℜ0 = 1. The study of optimal control problem suggests that mixed-cropping combined with either mineral oil or insecticide is the best to control the disease. Furthermore, simulation results show that mixed-cropping can be used as an alternative strategy and can reduce the need of mineral oil or insecticide.
The First Fall is the Hardest: The Importance of Peculiar Galaxy Dynamics at Infall Time for Tidal Stripping Acting at the Centers of Groups and Clusters
Authors: Smith Rory , Calderón-Castillo Paula , Shin Jihye , Raouf Mojtaba , Ko Jongwan
Published: August 2022

Using dark-matter-only N-body cosmological simulations, we measure the pericentre distance of dark matter halos on their first infall into group and cluster halos. We find that the pericentre distance (R
peri) is an important parameter as it significantly affects the strength of tidal mass loss in dense environments, and likely other environmental mechanisms as well. We examine what determines the R
peri value and find that, for most infallers, the dominant parameter is V
⊥, the tangential component of the orbital velocity as the halo enters the group/cluster halo for the first time. This means that the strength of tidal stripping acting near the cores of groups/clusters are strongly influenced by the external peculiar velocity field of the large-scale structure surrounding them, which differs between clusters and is sensitive to the mass ratio of infaller to host. We find that filament feeding also partially contributes to feeding in low-V
⊥ halos. Dynamical friction can also play a role in reducing R
peri but this is only significant for those few relatively massive infallers (>10% of the mass of their host). These results highlight how the response of galaxies to dense environments will sensitively depend on dynamics inherited from far outside those dense environments.
GIGA-Lens: Fast Bayesian Inference for Strong Gravitational Lens Modeling
Authors: Gu A. , Huang X. , Sheu W. , Aldering G. , Bolton A. S. , Boone K. , Dey A. , Filipp A. , Jullo E. , Perlmutter S. , Rubin D. , Schlafly E. F. , Schlegel D. J. , Shu Y. , Suyu S. H.
Published: August 2022

We present GIGA-Lens: a gradient-informed, GPU-accelerated Bayesian framework for modeling strong gravitational lensing systems, implemented in TensorFlow and JAX. The three components, optimization using multistart gradient descent, posterior covariance estimation with variational inference, and sampling via Hamiltonian Monte Carlo, all take advantage of gradient information through automatic differentiation and massive parallelization on graphics processing units (GPUs). We test our pipeline on a large set of simulated systems and demonstrate in detail its high level of performance. The average time to model a single system on four Nvidia A100 GPUs is 105 s. The robustness, speed, and scalability offered by this framework make it possible to model the large number of strong lenses found in current surveys and present a very promising prospect for the modeling of


(

10

5

)

lensing systems expected to be discovered in the era of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, Euclid, and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.
Acceleration of Solar Wind Suprathermal Electrons at the Earth’s Bow Shock
Authors: Liu Zixuan , Wang Linghua , Guo Xinnian
Published: August 2022

We present a statistical study of the in situ acceleration of solar wind suprathermal electrons at the Earth’s bow shock, utilizing the Wind measurements in ambient solar wind and MMS1 measurements around the bow shock from 2015 September to 2017 December. All the selected 74 cases show significant suprathermal electron acceleration at the bow shock. The observed power-law indexes of accelerated electron energy spectra are significantly larger than the first-order Fermi acceleration prediction and the flux enhancement ratio peaks near a 90° pitch angle, suggesting that the shock drift acceleration (SDA) process plays a crucial role in accelerating suprathermal electrons at the bow shock. According to the observed electron spectral characteristics, the 74 cases can be classified into Types 1, 2, 3 and 4. The electron acceleration efficiency roughly increases from Type 1 to Type 4. For the Type 4 cases with strong electron acceleration, the shocked suprathermal electrons show a double-power-law energy spectrum bending downwards at a break near ∼65 keV with a low-energy spectral index of ∼3.1 and high-energy index of ∼7.6. The observed break energy is comparable to a critical electron energy

ε

ramp

dn

with its cross-shock gyrodiameter equal to the shock’s ramp thickness D
ramp. At energies below (above)

ε

ramp

dn

, the accelerated electrons can be effectively confined into (can easily escape from) the SDA process with a roughly energy-independent (energy-decreasing) drift time and a probably conserved (nonadiabatically reduced) magnetic moment, since their gyrodiameter is less (greater) than D
ramp. Therefore, such an SDA process could produce the observed double-power-law spectrum bending downwards at a break energy that is associated with D
ramp.
Lizards (Reptilia: Squamata) from the Caatinga, northeastern Brazil: Detailed and ﻿updated overview
Authors: Uchôa Lucas Rafael , Delfim Fagner Ribeiro , Mesquita Daniel Oliveira , Colli Guarino Rinaldi , Garda Adrian Antonio , Guedes Thaís B.
Published: August 2022

Abstract

The Caatinga is the largest seasonal dry tropical forest in South America and it has been historically neglected in terms of its biodiversity. Regarding lizards, different studies led to the current knowledge of diversity and endemism in Caatinga, but detailed syntheses are scarce in the literature. We present the most detailed and up-to-date synthesis of knowledge about Caatinga lizards by providing a detailed (i) list of species; (ii) taxonomic richness patterns; (iii) knowledge gaps and spatial biases; and (iv) detailed distribution maps of all species that contain at least one occurrence record within Caatinga limits. We created a distribution database using occurrences of lizards in Caatinga based on scientific collections, field collection, and literature. We produce up-to-date distribution maps, calculate the Extent of Occurrence and provide the environmental and bioclimatic profile for each species recorded. We draw taxonomic richness and sampling gap maps. Our database has 20,538 records of occurrence of lizards of the Caatinga. We recorded 93 lizard species (13 families), 52.7% of which are endemic. Forthy-four percent of the species present restricted distributions. We identified that 53% of the Caatinga area (or 70% of the municipalities) has no record of occurrence of lizards. The data presented are an important step towards synthesizing in detail the accumulated knowledge about Caatinga lizards and is crucial for accurate strategies for the conservation planning. It directs actions to advance our knowledge on Caatinga lizards: to concentrate inventories in sample void areas; continuous update of the species occurrence database, advance in the generation of autoecology data for species.
Welfare considerations for farming black soldier flies, Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae): a model for the insects as food and feed industry
Authors: Barrett M. , Chia S.Y. , Fischer B. , Tomberlin J.K.
Published: August 2022

Over two hundred billion black soldier flies (BSF,Hermetia illucens(Diptera: Stratiomyidae)) are reared annually across the globe, with the industry projected to grow substantially in the coming decade. Black soldier flies are being actively explored across the globe for use as livestock feed; fishmeal replacements; biodiesel; human, animal, and food waste management; and even sustainable human protein. Despite the huge number of individual insects reared and interest in BSF welfare by numerous producers and academics, there is no paper that considers the species-specific welfare of BSF in farmed conditions. We review factors that relate to BSF welfare in commercial rearing facilities, including: diseases/parasites, abiotic conditions (temperature, humidity/moisture, substrate aeration, light, pupation substrates, and adult spatial needs), adult and larval nutritional considerations, injury and crowding, handling-associated stress, selective breeding and genetic modification, environmental contaminants, and slaughter methods. We conclude with a discussion of the most pressing welfare concerns for the industry, recommendations for altering the conditions that give rise to them, and suggestions for future research directions that would lend valuable insights to BSF welfare. While this summary is BSF-centric, the core topic of animal welfare applies to all insect models currently, or in the future, produced as food and feed.
Time Series forecasting global price of bananas using Hybrid ARIMA-NARNN model
Authors: Chi Yeong Nain , Chi Orson
Published: August 2022

This study tried to demonstrate the role of Time Series models in a modeling and forecasting process using publicly available long-term records of monthly global price of bananas during the period of January 1990 to November 2021 reported in the International Monetary Fund. Following the Box–Jenkins methodology, an ARIMA (2,1,4) with a drift model was selected as the best-fit model for the Time Series, according to its lowest AIC value. Using the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm, the results revealed that the NARNN model with 12 neurons in the hidden layer and 6 times delays provided the best performance in the nonlinear autoregressive neural network models at its smaller MSE value. The ARIMA and NARNN models are good at modelling linear and nonlinear problems for the Time Series, respectively. However, using the HYBRID model, a combination of the ARIMA and NARNN models that has both linear and nonlinear modeling capabilities can be a better choice for modeling the Time Series. The comparative results revealed that the HYBRID model with 11 neurons in the hidden layer and 3 times delays yielded higher accuracy than the NARNN model with 12 neurons in the hidden layer and 6 times delays, and the ARIMA (2,1,4) with a drift model, according to its lowest MSE in this study.
Income-based disparities in the risk of distant-stage cervical cancer and 5-year mortality after the introduction of a National Cancer Screening Program in Korea
Authors: Bolormaa Erdenetuya , Choe Seung-Ah , Son Mia , Ki Myung , Paek Domyung
Published: August 2022

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the socioeconomic gradient in the risk of distant-stage cervical cancer (CC) at presentation and 5-year mortality for new CC patients after the introduction of a national Cancer Screening Program (NCSP) in Korea.METHODS: All new CC cases from 2007 to 2017 were retrieved from the Korea Central Cancer Registry database linked with the National Health Information Database of the National Health Insurance Service. The age-standardized cumulative incidence of CC, adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of distant metastasis at presentation, and adjusted all-cause mortality hazard ratios (HRs) within 5 years post-diagnosis were assessed according to the income gradient.RESULTS: The 11-year age-standardized cumulative incidence of CC ranged from 48.9 to 381.5 per 100,000 women, with the richest quintile having the highest incidence. Of 31,391 new cases, 8.6% had distant metastasis on presentation, which was most frequent among Medical Aid beneficiaries (9.9%). Distant-stage CC was more likely when the income level was lower (OR, 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI]), 1.28 to 1.67 for the lowest compared to the richest) and among Medical Aid beneficiaries (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.24 to 1.82). The 5-year mortality was greater in the lower-income quintiles and Medical Aid beneficiaries than in the richest quintile.CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of CC was higher in the richest quintile than in the lower income quintiles, while the risk of distant-stage CC and mortality was higher for women in lower income quintiles in the context of the NCSP. A more focused approach is needed to further alleviate disparities in the timely diagnosis and treatment of CC.
Acute flaccid paralysis incidence rate and epidemiology in children in Lebanon: a rise in numbers in the post-vaccination and refugee crisis era
Authors: El Hage Said , Safi Steven , Assouad Elise , El Kareh Antonio , Mokled Elie , Salameh Pascale
Published: August 2022

Background: Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) is a clinical syndrome characterized by the acute onset of weakness and paralysis with reduced muscle tone. This study explored the incidence and different aspects of AFP in Lebanese children between 2009 and 2019.

Methods: AFP data were collected from the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. Incidence rate according to year, age groups, clinical data, follow-up, diagnosis, and vaccination status was analyzed in the 11-years period.

Results: AFP incidence rates increased importantly from 0.63 per 100,000 in 2009 till 4.96 per 100,000 in 2019. Most of the patients were children under ten years of age, 40.6% of all cases were under five years old, and 37.9% were between 5 and 9 years old. Follow-up revealed that approximately two out of five patients experienced residual weakness. As for the final diagnosis, around 30% of cases were diagnosed as Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). Most cases were children having received between 3 and 5 doses of polio vaccine.

Conclusions: The rise in cases coincided with the Syrian refugee crisis in Lebanon and the progressively deteriorating economy in the country; yet, incidence rates were in the lower margin compared with other countries.

Keywords: Acute flaccid paralysis; Epidemiology; Guillain-Barré Syndrome; Lebanon; Pediatrics.
Moringa supplementation improves immunological indices and hematological abnormalities in seropositive patients receiving HAARTs
Authors: Sydney Aprioku Jonah , Robinson Ohanado , Wolfe Obianime Atuboyedia , Tamuno Igbiks
Published: August 2022

Background: Moringa oleifera Lam. is known to be of high nutritional and medicinal importance and has been demonstrated to possess a variety of biological activities.

Objective: This study investigated the beneficial role of M. oleifera (moringa) supplementation in HIV positive subjects receiving antiretroviral drugs.

Methods: Adult HIV positive individuals (104) attending the medical outpatient clinic in a tertiary health institution in Nigeria receiving highly active anti-retroviral therapies (HAARTs) were recruited in a randomized fashion for the study. Half of the subjects received moringa supplement (20 mg daily) additionally, while the others received only HAART and represented the control group. All subjects were monitored for 3 months during which their immunological status (CD4 counts and TNF-α), and hematological abnormalities at pre (baseline) and post study periods were determined.

Results: Baseline levels of CD4 increased while TNF-α decreased significantly in control and moringa supplemented groups (p < 0.01). However, the post study CD4 values in the moringa group were higher and TNF-α values were lower compared to the control group (p < 0.01). In addition, baseline hematological abnormalities (anemia, thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, lymphopenia, and neutropenia) were improved but most significantly in the moringa supplemented subjects.

Conclusion: The results suggest that moringa has immune-beneficial properties and improved hematological abnormalities in HIV positive individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy.

Keywords: Moringa; HIV; CD4+; TNF-α; immunology; HAARTs; Nigeria.
Knowledge of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis amongst Durban University of Technology students in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: the need for integrating public health education
Authors: Reddy Poovendhree , Ramraj Udhavana , Chetty Lauren
Published: August 2022

Background: Kwazulu-Natal is the epicenter of South Africa’s Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) burden which represents a growing threat to public health. Knowledge and awareness of MDR-TB are crucial for effective management and University students are an important vehicle for knowledge transfer of public health education.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of MDR TB and risk factors for transmission, prevention, treatment and control of MDR-TB among Durban University of Technology (DUT) students.

Methods: This quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 randomly sampled undergraduate students from 3 faculties and data was collected using a validated questionnaire.

Results: While a majority of participants (70.67%) had previous knowledge on TB, only 30.67% knew of MDR-TB. Only 23.49% of students reported knowledge of preventative measures associated with MDR TB. Women had a lower probability of having knowledge of MDR-TB compared to men (OR=0.45; CI:0.22,0.95; p<0.05) and students from the Accounting and Informatics faculty were less likely to believe that MDR-TB was a life-threatening illness (OR=0.24; CI:0.05,1.44; p<0.05) and showed limited knowledge of MDR-TB transmission.Conclusion: This study showed that students lacked knowledge of MDR-TB with respect to risk factors, treatment and prevention, which necessitates intervention strategies at a tertiary level to educate and inform students about MDR-TB.

Keywords: Multi drug resistant TB; health education; public health; risk factors.
Attitude of literate married men towards the use of aphrodisiac herbs in Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria
Authors: Adeola Odebode Aminat , Baba Awoye Issa
Published: August 2022

Background: Sexual dysfunction among men is on the increase in Nigerian societies; however, many do not seek health care; and may prefer using aphrodisiac herbs.

Objectives: We investigated the attitude of literate married men towards the use of aphrodisiac herbs in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. We also examined whether there would be a significant difference in the attitude of literate married men towards the use of aphrodisiac herbs based on age and educational attainment.

Methods: Descriptive survey method was adopted for the study. A total of 200 literate married men were selected through simple random and purposive sampling. The participants responded to a researcher-designed questionnaire. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics at 0.05 alpha level.

Results: The attitude of literate married men was positive. There were significant differences in the attitude of literate married men towards the use of aphrodisiac herbs in Ilorin, Kwara State based on age and educational attainment.

Conclusions: Most literate married men in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria had a positive attitude towards the use of aphrodisiac herbs. Doctors and counsellors should organise community-based talk to orientate literate married men on the use of aphrodisiac herbs.

Keywords: Attitude; Literate Married Men; Aphrodisiac Herbs; Nigeria.
Learner pregnancies: views of parents in Madibeng Municipality, North West Province, South Africa
Authors: N Ramalepa Tshiamo , S Ramukumba Tendani , Elizabeth Masala-Chokwe Majapi
Published: August 2022

Background: The learner pregnancy phenomenon is one of a variety of social phenomena faced by schools globally. In South Africa, the phenomenon has been increasing in intensity over the years, as shown in the increasing number of learner pregnancies reported by the Department of Basic Education. Due to its social consequences, learner pregnancy involves different stakeholders, such as teachers, parents and the community.

Aims: The study aimed to explore the views of parents regarding learner pregnancy in schools of Madibeng Municipality, North West Province, South Africa.

Methods: A qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study was conducted using a purposive sampling method. Four focus group interviews were held with a total of 25 participants, and data were analysed using Tesch’s approach to content analysis.

Findings: Parents reflected that parents have a responsibility to communicate and share sexual and reproductive information with their children so that the children can make informed decisions about their sexual practices. They further agreed that the responsibility for learner pregnancy management should extend to teachers, parents, nurses, school governing bodies, churches, the community and the government.

Conclusion: Stakeholders such as parents, teachers and the community, as internal or external partners, should play a pivotal role in preventing and managing learner pregnancy in schools.

Keywords: Learner pregnancies; pregnancy in schools; prevention of pregnancy; school stakeholders; views of parents.
The prevalence and associated factors of birth asphyxia among neonates delivered in Public Hospitals, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Abose Selamu , Nuramo Amanuel , Brehane Merhawi , Lemma Lire , Ahemed Ritbano , Gebrehiwot Haftom
Published: August 2022

Introduction: A body of evidences showed that birth asphyxia is a serious public health problem in low income countries including Ethiopia. There are sparse data on the prevalence of birth asphyxia and its associated factors among neonates in low income countries like Ethiopia, as well as the research area.

Objective: Therefore, this study determined the prevalence and associated factors of birth asphyxia among newborns administered in public hospitals in Northern Ethiopia, 2019.

Methods and materials: A cross-sectional study of health institution was carried out in December 2019. Systematic sampling technique was used. Data was collected through interviews and chart review. Multivariate logistical regression analysis was done to control confounders and identify significantly associated variable. AOR with 95% confidence intervals were computed to identify the factors independently assoiated with birth asphyxia.

Results: The finding showed that the prevalence of birth asphyxia was 20.0%. Induction of labor (AOR=3.59, 95% CI: 1.36-9.46), Prolonged labor (AOR=3.59, 95% CI: 1.36-9.46), meconium-stained amniotic fluid (AOR=3.49), referred mothers (AOR=3.68, 95 % CI: 1.46-9.28), instrumental delivery (AOR=2.87, 95% CI: 1.09-7.55)and primiparous mothers (AOR=2.048 95% CI: 1.10-3.80).were significantly associated with birth asphyxia.

Conclusion: The Prevalence of birth asphyxia notable high. Therefore; intra-partum care services should be strengthened to prevent birth asphyxia.

Keywords: Birth asphyxia; associated factors ; Neonates; Northern Ethiopia.
Hearing loss among inmates of a juvenile correctional facility in Nigeria
Authors: Kayodele Omokanye Habeeb , David Dunmade Adekunle , Florence Tunde-Ayinmode Mosunmola , Mubashir Uthman Muhammed , Olawale Musbau , Emmanuel Ologe Foluwasayo
Published: August 2022

Background: Good hearing is essential to learning and rehabilitation of adolescent and young adults in juvenile correctional facilities. Hearing screening programme is not commonly in place for this incarcerated group.

Objective: To evaluate hearing threshold among inmates of a juvenile correctional facility in Nigeria and compare pattern of hearing loss with a control group.

Methods: A total of 135 inmates and equal number of age and sex matched control responded to interviewer-administered questionnaire followed by otoscopy and audiometry.

Results: Mean age of inmates was 19 years ±2.0, while that of control was 18yrs ± 2.5. (p-value 0.077). Four (3%) inmates had bleeding from the ear; otoscopy revealed traumatic tympanic membrane perforation in 2(1.5%) of them. Prevalence of hearing loss was 19.2% and for disabling hearing loss it was 1.4%. Conductive hearing loss was the most common 33(24.4%). Inmates had consistently worse mean hearing thresholds than controls across all frequencies tested in both ears (p-value <0.001).

Conclusion: Hearing loss is prevalent among inmates of juvenile correctional facility. Rehabilitation programme should be balanced with detail attention to health needs of inmates; including pre-admission and periodic hearing screening.

Keywords: Hearing loss, juvenile offender; audiometry; incarceration; correctional facility; adolescent.
Evaluation of Plant Materials for the Control of Leafworm (Acraea terpsicore L.) On Jute Mallow (Corchorus olitorius L.) in Lapai Southern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria
Authors: Danjuma Solomon , Yusuf Salihu , Musa Mundi Mahmud
Published: August 2022

Jute mallow, (Corchorus olitorius L.) is an important vegetable grown in most part of subsaharan Africa and classified as Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS). But insect pests are serious hindrance to its production. The present research was conducted at the teaching and research farm of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State in the growing season of 2017 - 2018. The research aimed at evaluating the efficacy of three plant materials (alligator pepper (Aframomum melegueta K. Schum,), black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) and neem seed (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) for the control of Acraea terpsicore (L.) (Leaf worm) on jute mallow. The plant materials were grounded separately into powder and weighed into 100g per litre of water. A day to spraying, the materials were soaked in water separately for 24hours and thereafter sieved with a muslin cloth and further filtered with Whatman filter paper to remove all fine particles. The extracts were then transferred in to the sprayer for onward spraying of the plant. Before spraying, the number of leafworms were counted, the count was repeated a day after spraying. The spraying was done at 3days interval. The numbers of damaged leaves were also counted at 4, 6 and 8 week after planting (WAP). At the end of the research, neem seed extract caused significantly highest mortality after each spray and the least number of damaged leaves at 4, 6 and 8 WAP, followed by black pepper. But contrarily, alligator pepper, on the other hand, had no significant effect on the leaf worm. The control presents the highest number of leaf worms and highest number of damaged leaves at 4, 6 and 8 WAP. Conclusively, with further research, neem seed extracts can be encouraged to be used in the control of vegetable insect pests as this is cheaper than synthetic pesticides and not toxic to man and his environment.
Aflatoxin Determination in Selected Spices in The Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Authors: Samari E. , Opoku N. , Lawal M.
Published: August 2022

This research was carried out to determine the level of aflatoxin present in common spices sold in Nima, Agbogbloshie and Tema Central markets in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Spices are used in everyday food preparation to enhance food properties and for medicinal and traditional purposes. The aflatoxin concentration was determined using the Neogen Reveal Q+test kit and the mobile assay. Aflatoxin was present in all the cloves, cumin, negro pepper and calabash nutmeg spice samples used for the study. 100% of the spices sampled in this study recorded concentrations above the EU acceptable aflatoxin concentration limit which is below 5ppb. Calabash nutmeg spice recorded the highest mean aflatoxin concentration (78.4ppb) while clove spice recorded the lowest mean aflatoxin concentration (11.2ppb). Tema Central market recorded the highest aflatoxin mean concentration (55.0ppb) followed by the Agbogbloshie market (27.6ppb) and Nima market (21.3ppb). The study identifies a major threat to food safety and calls for attention to good handling and storage of spices to reduce health hazards associated with aflatoxins in the Greater Accra Region.
Effects of Soil Texture and Nutrients Application On Soybean Nutrient Uptake, Growth and Yield Response
Authors: Bashir M. , Adam A. M. , Shehu B. M. , Abubakar M. S.
Published: August 2022

Soybean is a good source of protein and calories and therefore important for food security. Soybean yields in small scale farmers field stand at less than 1.0 t ha-1 against a potential of 3 to 3.6 t ha-1. This has been attributed to low soil fertility. Although a lot of work has been carried out on Soybean nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) nutrition, but research findings indicate that yields are still low, raising suspicion that other nutrients could also be limiting. To investigate this, a nutrient omission trial was used in the greenhouse to find out the nutrients that limit soybean production in four distinct soil textures - clay loam, sandy clay loam, sandy clay and sandy loam following the recommended rate of 20:40:20:5:20 Kg/ha for N,P,K,Zn, and S respectively. Similarly we applied 1 ton/ha of poultry manure with thirty six treatments combinations arranged in a completely randomized design. The results revealed that soybean performance and nutrient uptake varied significantly (p<0.05) between the soil texture andnutrients application. Sandy clay loam and sandy loam textures respond significantly to nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and manure application whereas zinc and NPK nutrients limits soybean performance and uptake in sandy clay and clay loam soils. In conclusion, to increase soybean production in sandy loam and clay loam of Sudan savanna of Nigeria, fertilizer formulations containing N, P, K and Zn should be used. Manure may be used to improve soybean production in sandy clay and sandy clay loam together with application of NPK fertilizer.
Production and Quality Evaluation of Herbal Tea from Moringa Leaves and Lemon Peel Powder
Authors: Ubbor S. C. , Ekeh J. I. , Ndife J. , Iguh B. N.
Published: August 2022

Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world next to water. It is made from tea leaves of Camellia sinensis. Herbal teas on the other hand, are tea variants not made from Camellia sinensis but from other plants, herbs, roots and plant extract. This study therefore, investigated the quality and acceptability of herbal teas made from dried Moringa leaves and lemon peel powder. Herbal teas were made from 100% dried Moringa leaves, 100% dried lemon peel powder and blends of Moringa leaves and lemon peel powder in the ratios of 50:50, 30:70 and 60:40. A total of five formulations were obtained. Using standard analytical methods, the proximate composition, vitamin content, phytochemical contents, chemical and sensory properties of all the tea formulations were investigated. Results obtained were compared to the control which was the Lipton Yellow brand tea. The result of the proximate composition revealed that the herbal teas formulated, compared favourably with the control (Lipton Yellow brand tea). The vitamin contents of all herbal tea formulated were relatively high compared to that obtained in the control. The phytochemical contents of the tea samples showed that the herbal teas contained significant levels of alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids and phytates. Tea made from 100% Moringa leaves was generally accepted and preferred over the control. It was concluded thatherbal tea from 100% Moringa leaves and lemon peel powder has therapeutic potentials and high nutritional value and therefore can thrive commercially in the tea market.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Weak Economy; Does Agricultural Exports Really Matter? Evidence from Cotton Seed Exports
Authors: Akenbor A. S. , Esheya S. A.
Published: August 2022

Following recent weakness in Nigeria’s economy, this paper examines how to possibly strengthen the weak economy through agricultural exports particularly cotton seed exports. The paper combines data on yearly cotton seed exports in Nigeria over 46 years (1970-2015) with data on the determinants to examine the relevant variables. Co-integration approach was used in analyzing the data to examine the presence of a co-integrating relationship between the variables in the short and long run. There are two main results from the study. First, the export of cotton seed in Nigeria within the study period was low and fluctuating apart from the 70s when it was high and stable. Second, there was Co-integration relationship between cotton seed export and macroeconomic factors during the study period in Nigeria as it indicated that producers’ price, exchange rate and output are long-run determinants of cotton seed exports. The results therefore indicate that commitments to policies and programmes that can favourdeterminants of cotton seeds exports in Nigeria are calls certainly in the right direction to strengthen its weak economy. These include the provision of export incentives such as removal of stamp duties from export trade, provision of explicit export bonuses, aligning producer price with export price as well as encouraging private sector inclusion through the provision of an enabling environment for the private sector to flourish and get involved in the strengthening of the weak economy. The paper has contributed to agricultural development policy implications connected with agricultural export programs for the government, investors, exporters and farmers in Nigeria.
Determinants of Treatment Outcomes among Drug-Susceptible Tuberculosis Patients on Directly Observed Treatment Short-Course at Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, South-West, Nigeria
Authors: Temitayo-Oboh A.O. , Azees A.S. , Amin J.O. , Salam A.R. , Fasiku M.M.
Published: August 2022

Background: Surveillance of tuberculosis treatment outcomes is very crucial in evaluating successes of tuberculosis (TB) intervention programmes  as well as assessing progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals target of ending TB infection by 2030. The study assessed  treatment outcomes of tuberculosis and the determinants among tuberculosis patients on Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTs) at  Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta South-West, Nigeria.

Methods: This was a retrospective review of treatment outcomes of patients managed for Tuberculosis at the facility between January 2015 and  December 2019. Data were retrieved from the treatment register and analysed using IBM® SPSS software version 23. Results were presented using  frequencies and percentages, while the Chi-square test was used to test for association between the treatment outcomes and the independent variables. Binary logistics regression was used to assess for determinants of treatment outcomes at a level of significance of p<0.05.

Results: A total of 726 records were reviewed. The median age of the patients was 35.0 years (IQR 25). The treatment success rate (TSR) and cure  rate were 83.2% and 43.7% respectively. TB patients with negative HIV status were about two times more likely to have successful treatment  outcomes (OR=1.86, 95%CI=1.20-2.88).

Conclusion: The TSR and cure rate obtained in this study were below the national targets set by the World Health Organization, and HIV co-infection  was a threat to successful treatment outcomes among TB patients. Ensuring optimized antiretroviral therapy, prompt diagnosis and  treatment of TB in HIV patients will go a long way in improving treatment outcomes.
Publications on Afrotropical Papilionoidea during 2021
Authors: Williams Mark C.
Published: August 2022

The articles published since the author’s Publications on Afrotropical Papilionoidea during 2020 (Metamorphosis 31(1): 155–156, which dealt with scientific research into Afrotropical Papilionoidea, including those published in 2020 that were not included, are listed alphabetically by author.
Anti-diarrhoeal effects of Garcinia kola (Heckel-Holl) seed methanolic extract and its fractions in animal models
Authors: Okoronkwo MO , Suleiman MM , Chiezey N , Udechukwu CC , Oyetunde JS , Jolayemi KO
Published: August 2022

This study investigated the In vitro spasmolytic and In vivo anti-diarrhoeal effects of Garcinia kola seed extract/fractions. Extraction was done by maceration in 70% methanol, serially partitioned in ethyl acetate and n-hexane. Qualitative phytochemical screening was carried out on the crude extract/fractions. The In vitro spasmolytic effect of the extract and fractions at different concentrations (0.5×103, 0.2×103,0.1×103, 0.6×102 mg/ml) were investigated against spontaneous and acetylcholine-induced contractions in isolated rabbit jejunum as well as histamine-induced contractions using isolated guinea pig ileum. The In vivo anti-diarrhoeal effect of the extract was evaluated using three diarrhoeal models: castor oil-induced diarrhoea, charcoal meal gastrointestinal transit time and castor oil-induced enteropooling. In each model, 25 mice were randomly divided into five groups of 5 mice each. Group I served as the untreated control, while group II was a positive control. Groups III-V were administered 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg of the crude methanol extract, respectively. The crude extract, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions at 0.5×103 mg/ml respectively exhibited 14.4%, 12.9% and 12.2% spasmolytic activities against acetylcholine-induced rabbit jejunum contractions. Histamine-induced guinea pig ileum contractions were inhibited by crude extract (6.2%), ethyl acetate (6.2%), aqueous fraction (7.2%) at 0.6×102 mg/ml. For castor oil-induced diarrhoea, the crude extract at 500 mg/kg produced a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the diarrhoeal index and faecal weight with a percentage inhibition of 70.4% compared with controls. Similarly, the crude extract (500 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the charcoal meal gastrointestinal transit time with a percentage inhibition of 33.9% and elicited significant (p < 0.05) intraluminal fluid reduction (9.1%) in castor oil-induced enter pooling test when compared with the untreated group. In conclusion, the anti-motility and anti-secretory activities of the crude extract were attributed to the phytochemical constituents present.
Effect of sodium selenite on sub-acute paraquat-induced toxicity in male rats
Authors: Idris SY , Kakkaba HA , Enam SJ , Adekunle LA , Abdullahi I , Adamu S
Published: August 2022

Acute paraquat (PQ) toxicity induces redox cycling leading to fatality in both man and animals with clinical management being supportive therapy due to lack of specific and effective antidote. This study thus aimed at determining the sero-biochemical and pathological changes induced by acute PQ administration in male rats and the mitigating role of sodium selenite. Forty male rats were used for the study and were grouped into 5 of eight rats viz: Group I (control) administered distilled water (2 ml/kg), group II (15 mg/kg of PQ), group III (15 mg/kg of PQ + 0.3 mg/kg sodium selenite), group IV (30 mg/kg of PQ) and group V (30 mg/kg of PQ + 0.3 mg/kg sodium selenite). Administration were achieved per os and lasted for a week. Sera, lungs, liver and kidney samples were harvested at the end of the experiment. Result showed a significant (p < 0.05) higher liver enzymes, urea and creatinine in treated groups when compared to control. Biomarkers of oxidative stress revealed a significant (p < 0.05) increased superoxide dismutase and malondealdehyde activities of the lungs and liver. A dose-dependent pathologic lesion was also observed with milder lesions in selenium supplemented groups. The results demonstrate that selenium supplementation may be a promising therapy and should further be clinically validated.
Assessment of healthcare waste management practices among healthcare workers at two hospitals in Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Aworh MK , Kwaga JKP , Okolocha EC
Published: August 2022

Healthcare waste (HCW) is generated from hospitals or healthcare related facilities and is considered a major source of environmental contamination because it is made up of potentially harmful substances. In developing countries, especially Nigeria, management of HCW is becoming an issue of concern. The main objective of this study was to assess the current HCW management practices at two hospitals in Abuja, Nigeria. This cross-sectional study was conducted from June to July 2018 among randomly selected healthcare workers (HWs) practising at two hospitals in Abuja, Nigeria, using an electronic interviewer-administered questionnaire installed on a smartphone via an open data tool kit. We evaluated the waste segregation practices and assessed the knowledge of HWs regarding HCW in one public secondary and one private tertiary health facility. The status of waste management practice in the health facilities was carried out using the following criteria: waste management (responsibility, segregation, storage and packaging); waste transport; waste recycling and reuse; waste treatment and final disposal. Data gathered were analysed by performing descriptive statistics. Of the 105 health workers interviewed, 69 (65.7%) were females and mostly (44.8%) were within the age group 31-40 years. The proportion of respondents who had received specific training in the management of HCW was 17.1% (18/105). The level of HCW management practices in both facilities was found to be level 2: operating in a manner with some aspects that are considered sustainable. HCW management (HCWM) in Abuja is worth sustainable, especially in resource-limited settings. Hospital Management Board needs to ensure that measures needed to improve the HCWM at hospitals are provided.
Effects of Allium sativum and Allium cepa on semen characteristics, sperm reserves and haematology of rabbit bucks
Authors: Olojo SD , Rekwot PI , Olobatoke RY , Uchenna SF , Jolayemi KO
Published: August 2022

The effect of dietary inclusion of garlic and onion on semen characteristics, gonadal, extragonadal sperm reserves and haematology of rabbit bucks were evaluated. Twenty-four rabbit bucks of average age and weight 10 ± 2.0 months and 1.47 ± 0.01 kg respectively, were used for the study. They were randomly assigned into four groups of six bucks each. Group A served as control, while Groups B, C and D received dietary inclusion of 5% garlic, 5% onion, 2.5% garlic + 2.5% onion, respectively. The fresh bulbs of garlic and onions were peeled, air-dried, and the dried bulbs were weighed, added to the feed and grounded together to form experimental diets. Before dietary supplementation, semen samples were collected to serve as baseline values, followed by weekly collections for another 9 weeks using an artificial vagina. Haematological parameters were examined according to the standard procedure, while testosterone profile was conducted using the ELISA method. At the termination of the experiment, two bucks from each group were euthanised, and the testes were harvested to evaluate gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves. No significant (p > 0.05) difference was recorded in the live weight, sperm concentration, and sperm abnormality of the rabbit bucks. A significant (p < 0.05) difference was observed in the ejaculate volume, gross motility, pH, reaction time, and percentage of live spermatozoa. The epididymal sperm reserves in group B, was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the right than left. Testosterone profile showed significant (p < 0.05) difference at 9 and 10 a.m. On haematology, there was a significant increase in PCV, RBC count, haemoglobin concentration and WBC count in groups B, C and D by week 9 compared to the control. In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of garlic and onion effectively improved the spermiogram of rabbit bucks.
Comparison of haematological changes associated with coccidiosis in commercial layer chickens at different production stages in Zaria, Nigeria
Authors: Umar FS , Usman SG , Muhammed MS , Enam SJ , Babashani M , Adamu S
Published: August 2022

Avian coccidiosis remains an economically important disease affecting the poultry industry worldwide. The dearth of information on haematological changes resulting from field cases of coccidiosis in commercial layer chickens necessitated this research. One hundred and twenty commercial layer chickens sampled from different farms in Zaria, diagnosed of coccidiosis at early, mid/peak and late production stages were used for this study. Results showed a significant (p < 0.05) decline in almost all haematological parameters (except for elevated MCV) of commercial layer chickens which were diagnosed of coccidiosis at the different production stages when compared to corresponding values of other apparently healthy layers that served as controls. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) values in the layers diagnosed of coccidiosis at all production stages were significantly higher than the values obtained from the corresponding apparently healthy ones that served as control, whereas the MCHC showed significant decreases across all layer chickens diagnosed of coccidiosis at different production stages when compared to the corresponding values of the apparently healthy control layers. Thus, the erythrocytic indices of the layer chickens with coccidiosis showed the RBCs were macrocytic and hypochromic. On the basis of mean PCV, layer chickens at early production stage (PCV: 24.51 ± 3.17%) were most severely affected by coccidiosis, following closely by the layers at mid/peak production stage (PCV: 24.66 ± 1.64%). The highest mean WBC (19.15 ± 2.99 x109/L) was recorded in layers with coccidiosis at mid/peak production stage, which showed they were better in mounting inflammatory response when compared to the mean values of layers at early (14.92 ± 2.85 x109/L) and late (17.99 ± 2.70 x109/L) stages of production. In conclusion, coccidiosis in commercial layer chickens caused significant haematological alterations which could necessitate dietary supplementation to prevent occurrence of anaemia and decline in egg production.
Prenatal skull radiography and calvaria histogenesis in Uda and Yankasa breeds of sheep
Authors: Atabo SM , Umar AA , Shehu SA , Abubakar AA , Danmaigoro A , Muazu TA
Published: August 2022

The anterior fontanelle was opened and radiolucent in the second trimester; at the third trimester, the fontanelle began to shrink and finally closed at birth and became radiopaque. The borders of the orbit and the teeth were both radiolucent and undifferentiated at the second trimester and at the third trimester, and these regions became radiopaque at the second and third trimester, respectively. The histomorphology of the calvarium in the first-trimester foetus had three layers consisting of the mesenchymal and osteoblast cells; as the foetus ages within the second trimester, the mesenchymal cells were transformed into osteoblast, colonies, primitive bone spicules, matured bone spicules, and primitive trabeculae respective, in the third trimester, the primitive trabeculae developed into a matured trabeculae, in the day old, the matured trabeculae transforms into a primitive spongy bone. However, this process occurs earlier in Yankasa than in Uda. The histomorphology of the calvarium during foetal life is similar in the Uda and Yankasa. However, the stages of calvarium development occur earlier and faster in Yankasa than Uda of the same ages. This implies that foetal development and time of parturition could occur earlier in the Yankasa compared to the Uda breeds.