bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Constraints to Adoption of Sweet Potato Processing Technologies among Actors in South East, Nigeria
Authors: Okeke M. N. , Mbah E. N. , Yanjoh E. T.
Published: June 2020

The study was conducted to analyze constraints to adoption of sweet potato processing technologies among actors in South East, Nigeria. Questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of eighty (80) respondents used for the study. Data were analyzed using mean score, standard deviation, factor analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. Results indicated that sex, educational level, marital status, processing experience and access to extension service had a positive influence on the adoption of sweet potato processing technologies in the study area. The respondents were highly constrained by inadequate processing machines/equipment (=2.88), high cost of processing produce (=2.86), inadequate knowledge of modern sweet potato processing techniques (=2.84), inadequate capital for start-off (=2.84), high cost of labor (=2.83), poor credit facilities (=2.80) and scarcity of processing materials like sweet potato tubers (=2.43). These variable constraints were further subjected to factor analysis and the variables were named technical and infrastructural factors. It is recommended that processors should be encouraged to form cooperative society to enable them to pool their resources together to obtain credit facilities and sweet potato labour saving processing technologies in order to increase productivity. There is also a need for creation of awareness by extension agents, public health agencies, nutritionists and non-governmental organizations on the usefulness of orange fleshed sweet potato in addressing Vitamin A Deficiency Syndrome.
The Role of Financial Inclusion in Women Entrepreneurs in Small and Medium Enterprises: Evidence from South Western Nigeria
Authors: Florence Oyebamiji, Funmilola
Published: June 2020

The study examines the role of financial inclusion in women entrepreneurs in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with particular reference to southwestern Nigeria.  Purposive sampling technique was employed to select 120 respondents from Lagos, Abeokuta, Ibadan, Osogbo, Akure and Ado-Ekiti.  A structured questionnaire designed for the study was used to collect data. Data analysis was performed with helps of mean, frequency, and simple percentages. The result shows that contribution, cooperative society, family and friends, and non- governmental organizations are the main sources of finance of women entrepreneurs in SMEs, while only a few financial products being offered by financial institutions are known to women entrepreneurs in SMEs. Therefore, the study recommends that women entrepreneurs in SMEs should be sensitized about the availability of financial products/services being offered by financial institutions, relaxing the conditions attached to loans, reduction of interest rate, and bring internet banking closer to the people especially women entrepreneurs in rural areas.
Recurrence of Falciparum Malaria under Coartem Treatment in the City of Mâncio Lima, Acre, Brazil: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Schlosser Andreus Roberto , Mantovani Saulo Augusto Silva , Arruda Rayanne Alves de , Araújo Felipe Monteiro de , Nogueira Rudi , Braga Cássio Braga e , Andrade Breno Wilson Benevides , Souza Mardelson Nery de , Pereira Thasciany Moraes , Martins Antonio Camargo , Lima Luiz Fernando Melo , Silva-Nunes Mônica da
Published: June 2020

Background: Malaria remains a health problem in the Amazon and since 2005 the state of Acre has high incidence of malaria. Treatment with Coartem® for cases of falciparum malaria was introduced in Acre in August 2012. In Brazil, there is still no published study on the effectiveness of Coartem in endemic areas.

Methods: This study was conducted in Mâncio Lima, Acre, in the western Brazilian Amazon region. All malaria cases notified in Mâncio Lima between August 01st, 2012 and October 31st, 2013 were revised. The therapeutic response to Coartem in Mâncio Lima, Acre, was evaluated. A recurrence of falciparum malaria was defined as a malaria case occurring in the same patient in a maximum interval of 40 days between the day treatments was started and the day the next diagnosis was made.

Results: All malaria cases (7,171) notified between August 2012 and July 2013 were revised. About 23.72% (n = 1,701) were falciparum malaria. There were six cases of recurrent falciparum malaria that can be classified as treatment failure. All cases had low parasitemia. The minimum and maximum interval between the first and the recurrent malaria episode was 17 days and 33 days. Age range was 9 to 50 years. Two patients were from rural areas, while all others were from riverine areas.

Conclusion: Possible failure to Coartem treatment was identified, however causes are not clear. Further studies are needed.
Diversity and Distribution of Vascular Epiphytic Flora in Sub-temperate Forests of Darjeeling Himalaya, India
Authors: Rai Preshina , Moktan Saurav
Published: June 2020

Aims: This communication deals with the diversity and distribution including host species distribution of vascular epiphytes also reflecting its phenological observations.

Study Design: Random field survey was carried out in the study site to identify and record the taxa. Host species was identified and vascular epiphytes were noted.

Study Site and Duration: The study was conducted in the sub-temperate forests of Darjeeling Himalaya which is a part of the eastern Himalaya hotspot. The zone extends between 1200 to 1850 m amsl representing the amalgamation of both sub-tropical and temperate vegetation. The study was conducted during the year 2018-2019.

Methodology: Process of random sampling collection was followed. Host trees with CBH >30 cm were identified and percentage of distribution of epiphytes in the host tree was analyzed and divided into two zones depending on the abundance of epiphytes. Data for the epiphytic plant specimens were collected in the field. Exsiccates were made with the collected voucher specimens and were deposited at the Calcutta University Herbarium (CUH) following the conventional methodology. Study on the taxa are based on their host tree distribution, micro-habitat and phenological status. The location and altitude of the study sites were recorded by global positioning system.

Results: A total number of 115 species under 70 genera and 31 families have been identified with 65% other vascular angiosperms (basal angiosperms and eudicots) and 16% monocots. Orchidaceae among the monocots represented 36% with 41 species and 18 genera. Ferns and lycophytes include 25% of the diversity with 29 taxa under 6 families. Most favorable host trees were Ficus auriculata Lour., Ficus neriifolia Sm., Saurauia nepalensis DC., Erythrina variegata L., Macaranga denticulata (Blume) Müll. Arg., Cryptomeria japonica (Thunb. ex L.f.) D. Don and Engelhardia spicata Lechen ex Blume.

Conclusion: The other vascular angiosperms preferred wet monsoon for flowering whereas spring season was most favourable for Orchidaceae. Although a healthy number of vascular epiphytes have been identified, a number of threats are still prevailing in the regions which are mostly anthropogenic. Proper collaborative strategies have to be maintained for its conservation.
Aflatoxins and Moisture Levels in Edible Oils Produced in Burkina Faso
Authors: Zio Souleymane , Dembele Isaac , Bazoin Bazié Raoul Sylvain , Tankoano Abel , Tapsoba François , Hama-Ba Fatoumata , Songre-Ouattara Laurencia Toulsoumdé , Nikiéma Fulbert , Elothmani Driss , Traoré Yves , Savadogo Aly
Published: June 2020

Aim: The study aim was to assess aflatoxin and moisture levels in edible oils produced and consumed in Burkina Faso to know the impact on consumer health.

Methodology: A total of 61 samples of refined cottonseeds oils and crude peanut oils were collected from Ouagadougou, Bobo Dioulasso and surrounding areas. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), aflatoxin G1 (AFG1) and aflatoxin G2 (AFG2) were determined by HPLC and moisture by differential weighing after oven drying.

Results: The moisture content of peanut oils were ranged from 0.06 to 0.18% and cottonseeds oils from 0.02 to 0.17%. The moisture average is 0.13% for peanut oils and 0.08% for cottonseeds oils (P<0.05). The moisture of all oils is lower and conform to the Codex Alimentarius standard. AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2 were identified in 86.89% of the oil samples analyzed. The proportion of samples contaminated with AFB1 is 57.38%, 59.02% for AFB2, 42.62% for AFG1 and 65.57% for AFG2. The AFB1 average of peanut oils is 6.21 ng/g while that of cottonseeds oils is 0.03 ng/g. The AFB2 average of peanut oils is 0.89 ng/g against 0.04 ng/g for cottonseeds oils (P<0.05). The AFG1 average of peanut oils is 0.54 ng/g and 0.08 ng/g for cottonseeds oils (P<0.05). The AFG2 average of peanut oils was 0.66 ng/g against 0.64 ng/g for cottonseeds oils. AFG2 had the highest proportion of all oils while AFB1 has the highest concentration and proportion in peanut oils. The 72.13% samples analyzed in this study comply with the European Community standard for aflatoxin B1 level maximum in oilseeds.

Conclusion: Aside from the moisture content that comply with the standard, aflatoxins are present at varying levels and can negatively impact the consumer health. It is important to strengthen the monitoring and production system in order to have quality oil.
Sorghum Forage Farming for Crisis Resolution and Food Security in a Changing World: A Preliminary Study of Taraba State Nigeria Sorghum Production, Prospects and Problems
Authors: Gabriel Adelalu Temitope , Bakoji Yusuf Mohammed , Ezekiel Bwadi Benjamin , G. Clement Yakubu
Published: June 2020

Taraba State is endowed with natural resources; vast lands, water resources, animal resources and human resources. However, amidst plenty, food insecurity and incessant crisis ravage the government efforts to sustainable agricultural and economic development. This paper discusses the nexus between Climate vagaries and skirmish leading to shift in crop yields. It assesses grain yield variation, problems and prospect across the local governments in Taraba State. Apart from personal observation and focus group discussion, the paper relied mainly on secondary data that were generated through the analysis of relevant data from government and non-governmental agencies. Rainfall and agronomic data were collected from Upper Benue River Basin and Ministry of Taraba Agricultural Development Program (TADP) respectively. These were collated and analyzed using standardized anomaly index and linear regression in SPSS environment. The study fails to reject the null hypotheses that no relationship exists between the average annual rainfall and quantity of sorghum produced annually. It recommends application of biotechnology using (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) for animal feeds and food crop diversification to cushion the ever increasing demand for forage that often vortex crisis in the state. SFF can stand heavy grazing reduce roaming encourage ranching eliminate crisis.
Prevalence of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder among School-age Adolescent
Authors: Astitene Khalid , Aguenaou Hassan , Lahlou Laila , Barkat Amina
Published: June 2020

Aim: After a traumatic event, the person can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the purpose of the study is to assess the prevalence of PTSD in adolescents in public middle schools of the prefecture of Salé in Morocco and study anxiety and depression which are the comorbid disorders of the PTSD. The survey was carried out from March to June 2017.

Methods: 523 students were selected by the cross-sectional method from fifteen schools that were randomly selected, the age of the students vary between 12 and 17 years. For the survey, standardized questionnaires (the socio-demographic data, the Life Events Checklist, the CPTS-RI (Children's Post Traumatic Stress Reaction Index), the STAIY (State Trait Inventory Anxiety Form Y) and the CDI (Children Depression Inventory) were used which were filled in by the students.

Results: The prevalence of PTSD was 70.4% in the students who have PTSD. We found that the prevalence in boys was 46.74%, while in girls it was 53.26%. In addition to that, 81% of students found to be anxious and 51.8% of students have depression.

Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of post traumatic stress disorder among adolescents, there are practical implications for the support and care of these adolescents.
Chemistry of Indoor Pollutants and Their Impacts on Human Health
Authors: Davamani V. , Deepasri M. , Parameswari E. , Arulmani S. , Sebastian S. Paul , Ilakia T.
Published: June 2020

Indoor air pollution refers to the deterioration of indoor air quality by harmful chemicals and other products, which can be up to 10 times worse than the outdoor air pollution. Almost 90% of the modern human time is spent indoors. In India, out of 0.2 billion people using fuel for cooking; 49% use ﬁrewood; 8.9% cow dung cake; 1.5% coal, lignite, or charcoal; 2.9% kerosene; 28.6% liqueﬁed petroleum gas (LPG); 0.1% electricity; 0.4% biogas; and 0.5% any other means. The negative consequences of indoor air pollution result in around 2 million premature deaths every year, with 44% are due to pneumonia, 54% from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and 2% from lung cancer. The so-called "natural" or "ecologic" goods are not inherently free of adverse health effects. Certain other constituents such as terpenoids and linseed oil may be chemically reactive than those from non-ecologic products. Secondary emissions from these products may present a greater risk to human health than those compounds which are substitutes for their precursors.
Quality and Economics of Bt Cotton as Influenced by Compost, Organic and Inorganic Fertilisers
Authors: Vani K. P. , Rekha K. Bhanu , Nalini N.
Published: June 2020

Agricultural application of urban waste as nutrient source for plants and as soil conditioner, is the most cost effective option of waste management because of its advantages over traditional means such as land filling or incineration. Composting is an attractive alternative of urban waste recycling. Intensive cropping and indiscriminate fertilizer application depleted available NPK in almost all soils in India. Hence, replenishment of shoveled out nutrients is very essential, especially when exhaustive crops like cotton is cultivated. With this backdrop an experiment was conducted during kharif, 2014 carried out at College Farm, College of Agriculture, PJTSAU, Hyderabad, India to find the effect of combined application of municipal city compost with inorganic fertilisers on the yield, quality and economics of Bt cotton. The experiment was laid out in randomised complete block design with three replicates and eleven treatments viz; 100 % NPK alone (RDF: 150: 60: 60 kg NPK ha-1)100% NPK + FYM (farmers practice) and 100 %, 75%, 50% NPK integrated with 3 levels of Godavari Gold (GG) @ 1.25, 1.875 and 2.5 tonnes ha-1 respectively. The results indicated that Bt cotton registered significantly higher yield attributes and yield with the integrated application of 100 % NPK + 2.5 t ha-1 of Godavari Gold compost as compared to 100% NPK alone, 100% NPK + FYM (farmers practice) and 75 % RDF (112.5-45-45 kg NPK ha-1) and 50 % RDF (75-30-30 kg NPK ha-1) integrated with Godavari gold compost @ 1.25, 1.875 and 2.5 tonnes ha-1.There were no significant differences in quality parameters. Highest gross, net returns and B: C ratio was accrued with the application of 100 % NPK + 2.5 t ha-1 of Godavari Gold compost.
Growth and Physiological Responses of Vegetable Crops to Water Deficit Stress
Authors: Vashi Henil D. , Patel Prutha P. , Bardhan Kirti
Published: June 2020

Future climate change scenarios have become a major threat and limitation for global food production. The rise in greenhouse gases and temperature throughout the globe has caused perturbance in the natural seasonal cycles. This causes a threat to nutritional and calorific food security for the ever-increasing population in the South Asian Countries.  Reduction in the amounts of rainfall in the tropics and subtropics has increased the occurrence of drought leading to more frequent water stress affecting the production of crops, including vegetables, which are  predominantly grown in the tropical and sub-tropical regions. India is the second-largest producer of vegetables in the world and heavy consumer of vegetables. The mini-review focused on drought stress effects on the vegetable production and photosynthesis, transpiration, water uptake and other metabolic and developmental processes. Grafting, breeding, cultural and biotechnological strategies are used to combat drought stress and will be used in the future to ease the harmful effects of drought stress.
Effect of Land Cover Change on Atlantic Forest Fragmentation in Rio Largo, Al, Brazil
Authors: Silva Lucas Galdino da , Tavares Arthur Costa Falcão , Brandão Carlos Frederico Lins E. Silva , Verçosa João Pedro dos Santos , Cola Raquel Elvira , Silva Nivandilmo Luiz da , Santos Anderson Arthur Lima dos , Vieira Anne Carolyne Silva , Neto José Feitosa da Silva , Lana Mayara Dalla
Published: June 2020

This study's objective was to analyze the effect of land cover change, between 1965 and 2018, using statistical metrics and geoprocessing tools. And consequently, to provide information of area (ha) and spatial fragmentation of the Atlantic Forest in the municipality of Rio Largo/AL, Brazil. The samples were collected and transferred by CECA, CADEH, and INCRA, between November 2019 and April 2020. The basic materials used in this work were multi-temporal aerial images in digital format, derived from the 1965 aerophotogrametric survey on the scale 1:25000, belonging to the collection of the Engineering and Agrarian Sciences Campus - UFAL, and images of Landsat satellites (5 and 8) processed and made available by the Mapbiomas Project. The statistic landscape metrics were calculated using Landscape ecology Statistics (LECOs), a QGIS plugin. The analysis of forest fragmentation areas over the 53 years showed a reduction between 32.17% (1965) and 12.04% (2018) concerning the total extension of the municipality. In 1965, the average area obtained from 49 fragments was 201.13 ha. The values show a higher distance of forest fragments between 1965 and 1989, and disappearance by 2018.The Pearson correlation coefficient for 1965 and 2018 presented the value of r = -0.525, indicating a moderate and negative correlation between the mean values of areas (ha) of forest fragments and the number of forest fragments. The worst-case scenario for the maintenance of native forests occurred in 1989, where the reduction of continuous forest areas had 10.87 ha for forest area average, being spaced in 327 fragments. In the period 1986 and 1996, there was a decrease in fragmentation, reaching 200 fragments. In 1996 and 1997, there was an imbalance in forest maintenance, again increasing the number of fragments to 250 areas, and being explained by the loosening of surveillance in previous years, followed by deforestation.
Estimating Mental Hygiene of Farm Women: The Socio-Ecological and Psychological Interpretation
Authors: Ghoshal Swagata , Acharya S. K.
Published: June 2020

The health-ecology and ecosystem has become very much vulnerable due to constant pollution, extortion, ground water depletion, arsenic and heavy metal contaminated water. This study dealt with health ecosystem and health dynamics of farm women so that they can combat various ecological and occupational problems as they are provider of food. This study was conducted with objectives to generate classified information on the mental hygiene of farm women. A survey was carried out at Kotulpur Block in Bankura district of West Bengal with one hundred farm women as respondents and they were selected randomly. The data were collected through pilot study, structured interview and focused group interview. The statistical tools used for data analysis were correlation analysis, multiple regression and step-down regression analysis, path analysis, factor analysis and artificial neural network analysis. Twenty independent variables were selected for this study i.e. functional literacy, per capita income, menstrual hygiene, status of drinking water etc. Distance of work place from residence (x7), duration of employment (x9), per capita income (x12), per capita expenditure (x13), dizziness (x17) and status of drinking water (x19) are some of those variables which have made a significant impact on the mental hygiene of farm women. Among those variables, per capita income (x12) is the most important factor as it has exerted the highest indirect effect on as many as 13 exogenous variables to characterize the mental hygiene of farm women (y) in path analysis.
Class of Degree and Postgraduate Students’ Performance in a Nigerian University
Authors: Oluwatayo Osakuade Joseph , Tayo-Olajubutu Olufunmilayo , Emmanuel Akinduyo Tosin
Published: June 2020

Aims: University education remains the engine tower of development in any country. In the realization of this, goals of university education and strategies to achieve them were clearly spelt out in the Nigeria National Policy on Education. Some employers of labour have been lamenting on the poor quality of Nigerian graduates despite that some of them came out with good grades. Class of degree speaks volume in the employment and admission criteria of this country. The thrust of this paper therefore is to examine the influence of class of degree on postgraduate students’ performance.

Study Design: The study adopted descriptive research design of the survey type.

Place and Duration of Study: The population comprised all the entire masters’ students that graduated from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria between 2015/2016 and 2018/2019 sessions.

Methodology: Proportional stratified random sampling technique was used to select one hundred and eighty nine (189) masters’ graduates from the six faculties of the university. Simple percentage, bar chart and Analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for data analysis.

Results: Finding showed that: (i) There is no significant difference in the performance of postgraduate students in course work based on class of degrees (F2,1860.05 = 0.527, p = 0.492 >0.05). (ii) There is no significant difference in the performance of postgraduate students in dissertation based on class of degrees (F2,1860.05 = 2.697, p = 0.070 >0.05).

Conclusion: Class of degree at undergraduate level has nothing to do with postgraduate students’ performance at postgraduate level. It was recommended that class of degree at undergraduate level should not be solely used to select candidates for admission into postgraduate programmes. Multiple measures should be adopted.
Problematic of Rattan Resource Management: Conservation and Post-harvest Concerns in Bamenda Town and Its Environs
Authors: Mofor Gilbert Zechia , Yemelong Temgoua Nadine , Dickson Thomas Ndamsa
Published: June 2020

The use of durable forest resources in urban areas has raised the question of link between conservation and usage patterns. Population growth in Cameroon urban areas has continued to trigger constant demand for forest resources notably for rattan resources. Owing to the thriving domestic use and trade indicators, it is observed that, the furniture processors have been experiencing considerable demand of rattan products. It was pathetic to observe that, though the whole chain of rattan dependable activities have become an integral part of livelihood strategy for many urban communities, it is without any regulatory rearmament. Such scenario has until recently been ostensibly clear that in Bamenda town is an epitome for non-awareness of the exact species used, ecological attitudes, post-harvest losses, innovative technologies and trade letdown. In the context of such lack of awareness, most socioeconomic and conservation benchmarks have remained trapped in inappropriate operations. It is in this light that, Bamenda town displays a range of concerns about the rattan resources management stakes and challenges. Thus, the main objective of this paper attempts to harness suitable socioeconomic and ecological strategies to ensure sustainability with significant potential for the rattan sources to the thriving investors’ livelihood. The study therefore, explores the stakeholders’ treasure on rattan resources derivatives and perceptions on conservation and socioeconomic standing in Bamenda town, which is a heavily dealing place. The study made use of primary and secondary sources to collect necessary data. The results indicate that, they are a chain of rattan resource investors, multiples sources of raw materials and local rattan workspaces. In addition, the paper established that, there are no conservation awareness and visions, no innovative technologies, insufficient basic knowledge about self-regulatory mechanism for informal trade on a sound rattan management as well as no veritable institutional support structures to strengthen the rattan sector. Therefore, imperiling this activity into a blur future given the gaps observed in the sector. Based on these challenges, the study has proposed pertinent concerns, which have some supportive regimented policies to awareness, sustainable conservation, production and trading trends management for livelihood of the rattan dealers in Bamenda town and beyond.
Effects of Some Ethno Medicinal Plant Extracts on Botryodiplodia theobromae the Causal Organism of Yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir) Rot
Authors: A. E. Chikwendu , R. N. Okigbo , C. A. Anukwuorji , J. U. Anukwu , H. N. Eze
Published: June 2020

Post-harvest deterioration and rot caused by diverse microorganisms is the single most important factor militating against yam production in Nigeria. In an approach towards the development of ecofriendly antifungal compound in controlling yam rot, ethanol and aqueous extracts of six commonly available plants: Vernonia amygdalina, Ocimum gratissimum, Azadirachta indica, Cymbopogon citratus, Carica papaya and Citrus sinensis were tested in combination for their synergistic effect against Botryodiplodia theobromae. Four different extract concentrations (2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5% and 10%) were obtained from each extract mixture. Cold solvent extraction method was used for the extraction of plant materials while food poisoning technique was used for in vitro screening of plant extracts against rot inducing fungal organism. Botryodiplodia theobromae was tested to be pathogenic on healthy yam tubers with rot incidence of 80 mm. The synergistic effects of the combined extract varied with the plants combined, solvent of extraction, concentration of extract and test fungi. Ethanol extract showed greater effect in the inhibition of the entire organism than aqueous. All the extract combinations that had Neem as a component did better than other combinations in aqueous extracts. Inhibition of fungal growth was best observed at 7.5% and 10% extract concentrations. The highest inhibitory effect on the test organism (Botryodiplodia theobromae) was by the combination of Neem/Bitter leaf and Orange/Scent leaf, with values of 98.40±0.095% and 94.24±0.583% respectively for aqueous while the highest inhibition for ethanol extract was observed from Scent leaf/Bitter leaf and Pawpaw/Lemon, with values of 99.80±0.000% and 98.83±0.619% respectively these were significantly (P<0.05) better than other combinations. With respect to the synergistic activity between the plants materials combined in this study, all the combinations showed great synergism against the test organisms. This is likely to be a means of achieving pragmatic, effective control and prevention of food spoilage, since the development of new classes of antifungal agents is of paramount importance. The crude aqueous and ethanolic extracts of all the six plant extracts showed potential synergy on organisms responsible for yam rot, hence they are recommended for the control of rot inducing microbial organisms.
Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile and Molecular Detection of tetA Genes in Tetracycline Resistant Salmonella Species Isolated from Different Water Sources in Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Adamu M. O. , Ishaleku D. , Ngwai Y. B. , Obiekezie S. O. , Owuna J. E.
Published: June 2020

This study was carried out to determine the antibiotics susceptibility profile and molecular detection of tetA genes in tetracycline resistant Salmonella species isolated from different water sources in Keffi, Central Nigeria. A total of 100 water samples, 25 each of well, public borehole, tap and sachet water were collected from different locations within the Metropolis and analysed using standard microbiological techniques. Of which 38(38.0%) of the samples were contaminated with Salmonella species with well water having the highest contamination rate, 18(72.0%) and sachet water having the least, 3(12.0%). The antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates revealed varying degree of susceptibility in which isolates were susceptible to Ciprofloxacin (100.0%), Gentamicin (84.2%) and Chloramphenicol (76.3%). Susceptibility of the isolates to the other antibiotics tested is as follows; Vancomycin (47.4%), Ceftriaxone (44.7%), Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid (39.5%), Tetracycline (36.8%), Sulfamethoxazole /Trimethoprim (31.6%) and Erythromycin (15.9%). They also exhibited different antibiotic resistance phenotypes: E, TE, SXT; AMC, E, SXT, TE, CRO, VA; TE, AMC, SXT, E; CRO, E, SXT, TE, AMC and E, AMC, SXT, TE, CRO which expresses a resistance frequency of 2(5.3%) respectively. The isolates were multiple antibiotics resistant with MAR index of 0.6 as the peak and 0.2 as the least. MAR index of 0.3 was the most encountered indices with an occurrence of 8(21.1%). Similarly, of the 38 total isolates, only 21(55.3%) were cured indicating that resistance were plasmid-mediated. Molecular detection of Tetracycline resistant plasmid gene (tetA) was conducted by Polymerase Chain Reaction method while agarose gel electrophoresis showed that the tetA genes were on the 282bp band. Therefore, water in Keffi should be properly treated before consumption while boreholes and wells should be dug far away from latrines and septic tanks so as to avoid cross-contamination by faecal materials and indiscriminate use of antibiotics should be discouraged.
Advanced Materials for Future Lunar Extravehicular Activity Space Suit
Authors: Weiss Peter , Mohamed Makthoum Peer , Gobert Thibaud , Chouard Yann , Singh Nisheet , Chalal Theo , Schmied Sibylle , Schweins Matthias , Stegmaier Thomas , Gresser Götz T. , Groemer Gernot , Sejkora Nina , Das Shumit , Rampini Riccardo , Hołyńska Małgorzata
Published: June 2020

This review focuses on advanced materials already used and suitable for application in (future) lunar extravehicular activity space suits. A historical and current literature/market survey is presented. Different functional layers of an astronaut garment are defined with emphasis on the external layers subjected to abrasive action of lunar regolith and degradation via exposure to space radiation/vacuum environment. Requirements are defined that would need to be fulfilled by these layers and suitable materials candidates are reviewed based on their key properties, including mechanical durability. Smart materials, combining additional functionalities, such as garment health monitoring, are also considered. The lead topic is the subject of an ongoing ESA‐funded research activity.
Theoretical Progress on the Relationship between the Structures and Properties of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Geng Wei , Tong Chuan‐Jia , Zhang Yanning , Liu Li‐Min
Published: June 2020

Organic–inorganic lead halide perovskite solar cells have attracted great attention due to their high conversion efficiency, easy preparation, and low cost. In spite of impressive development, some fundamental scientific issues regarding perovskites have not been resolved, such as the inclusion of toxic Pb, their poor stability under moisture, oxygen, heat, and/or light conditions, and their hysteretic current–voltage behavior. In the past few years, theoretical approaches have been extensively and successfully applied to the investigation of perovskite solar cells. Here, the current theoretical progress in perovskite photovoltaic applications is summarized from a theoretical perspective, including important theoretical results in fundamental structures and properties, computational design of perovskites by high throughput calculation and machine learning, hysteresis‐related ion migration, compositional substitution and mixing, surface reconstruction, mechanisms of degradation and passivation, interface carrier recombination, and the distribution and rotation of organic cations caused polarization and domain.
Enhancing the permeability of reverse osmosis membrane by embedding the star‐like rigid supports in the substrate
Authors: Lian Xiangyang , Liu Wanjun , Xie Jianqiang , Shi Qiang , Yao Shaowei , Guo Yuexin , Zhang Yufeng
Published: June 2020

Thin film composite (TFC) reverse osmosis (RO) membranes with high permeability have been prepared by interfacial polymerization based on tailoring the polysulfone (PSf) substrate structure by in situ embedded poly(p‐phenylene terephthamide) (PPTA) star‐like rigid supports. The star‐like rigid supports were observed by the polarizing optical microscopy (POM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The surface properties of the substrates were investigated by FTIR, the water contact angle (WCA), FESEM and AFM. The WCA was decreased from 88.5° to 72.3° with the PPTA increasing from 0% to 8%, and the surface roughness increased from 24.2, 25.1, 33.5 and 58.6 nm, respectively. Furthermore, numerous interconnect micro‐structures were constructed in the substrate when the PPTA content was up to 8%. The pure water flux of 8% PPTA/92%PSf substrate was up to 377.0 L m−2 h−1 and the flux decline rate was lowest (64%) after compacted at 5.5 MPa for 30 min. Otherwise, increasing the PPTA contents in the substrate enhanced the roughness, encouraged nanosheet formation and improved the permeability of TFC RO membranes. The pure water flux of the TFC RO membranes increased from 36.32 to 58.42 L m−2 h−1, where the NaCl rejection was about 99.5% at 5.5 MPa.
Estimation of residential radon concentration in Pennsylvania counties by data fusion
Authors: Zhang Xuze , Pyne Saumyadipta , Kedem Benjamin
Published: June 2020

A data fusion method for the estimation of residential radon level distribution in any Pennsylvania county is proposed. The method is based on a multisample density ratio model with variable tilts and is applied to combined radon data from a reference county of interest and its neighboring counties. Beaver county and its four immediate neighbors are taken as a case in point. The distribution of radon concentration is estimated in each of six periods, and then the analysis is repeated combining the data from all the periods to obtain estimates of Beaver threshold probabilities and the corresponding confidence intervals.
The rotation–activity relation of M dwarfs: From K2 to TESS and PLATO
Authors: Raetz Stefanie , Stelzer Beate , Scholz Alexander
Published: June 2020

Studies of the rotation–activity relation of late‐type stars are essential to enhance our understanding of stellar dynamos and angular momentum evolution. We study the rotation–activity relation with K2 for M dwarfs, where it is especially poorly understood. We analyzed the light curves of all bright and nearby M dwarfs form the Superblink proper motion catalog that were in the K2 field of view. Using a sample of 430 M dwarfs observed in campaigns C0–C19 in long‐cadence mode, we determined the rotation period and a wealth of activity diagnostics. Our study of the rotation–activity relation based on photometric activity indicators confirmed the previously published abrupt change of the activity level at a rotation period of ∼10 days. Our sample, which is more than three times larger, increases the statistical significance of this finding.
Synthesis and Evaluation of a Macrocyclic Actinium‐225 Chelator, Quality Control and In Vivo Evaluation of 225Ac‐crown‐αMSH Peptide
Authors: Yang Hua , Zhang Chengcheng , Yuan Zheliang , Rodriguez‐Rodriguez Cristina , Robertson Andrew , Radchenko Valery , Perron Randy , Gendron Denise , Causey Patrick , Gao Feng , Bénard François , Schaffer Paul
Published: June 2020

Targeted alpha‐therapy (TAT) has great potential for treating a broad range of late‐stage cancers by delivering a focused and lethal radiation dose to tumors. Actinium‐225 (225Ac) is an emerging alpha emitter suitable for TAT; however, the availability of chelators for Ac remains limited to a small number of examples (DOTA and macropa). Herein, we report a new Ac macrocyclic chelator named ‘crown’, which binds quantitatively and rapidly (<10 min) to Ac at ambient temperature. We synthesized 225Ac‐crown‐αMSH, a peptide targeting the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), specifically expressed in primary and metastatic melanoma. Biodistribution of 225Ac‐crown‐αMSH showed favorable tumor‐to‐background ratios at 2 h post injection in a preclinical model. In addition, we demonstrated dramatically different biodistrubution patterns of 225Ac‐crown‐αMSH when subjected to different latency times before injection. A combined quality control methodology involving HPLC, gamma spectroscopy and radioTLC is recommended.
Single nucleotide polymorphism calling and imputation strategies for cost‐effective genotyping in a tropical maize breeding program
Authors: de Oliveira Amanda Avelar , Guimarães Lauro José Moreira , Guimarães Claudia Teixeira , Guimarães Paulo Evaristo de Oliveira , Pinto Marcos de Oliveira , Pastina Maria Marta , Margarido Gabriel Rodrigues Alves
Published: June 2020

Genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) datasets typically feature high rates of missingness and heterozygote undercalling, prompting the use of data imputation. We compared the accuracy of four imputation methods—NPUTE, Beagle, k‐nearest neighbors imputation (KNNI), and fast inbreed line library imputation (FILLIN)—using GBS data of maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines, genotyped using different multiplexing levels. Two strategies for SNP‐calling and genotype imputation were evaluated. First, only lines genotyped through 96‐plex were used for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) discovery, whereas both 96‐ and 384‐plex were simultaneously used in the second strategy. In the first genotype imputation strategy, only the 96‐plex lines were imputed, then the remaining lines were appended (96‐plex‐imputed plus 384‐plex) and then imputed. In the second imputation strategy, we jointly imputed both datasets. We also investigated the impacts of including heterozygous genotypes and distinct rates of missing genotypes per locus. The different SNP‐calling strategies and percentage of missing data did not substantially affect the imputation accuracy. However, the different imputation strategies showed a substantial effect. Generally, imputations were less accurate for heterozygotes. The scenario 96‐plex‐imputed plus 384‐plex showed accuracies similar to the 96‐plex scenario. Beagle and NPUTE produced the highest accuracies. Our results indicate that combining SNP‐calling and imputation strategies can enhance genotyping in a cost‐effective manner, resulting in higher imputation accuracies.
A metaheuristic‐based method for replica selection in the Internet of Things
Authors: Wang Suli , Batiha Khaldoun
Published: June 2020

With the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT), the count of gadgets connected to the Internet has been increased. IoT, as a modern paradigm, has been used to describe the future in which physical things like RFID tags, sensors, actuators, and cellphones can intermingle for achieving shared purposes. Also, we can employ cloud computing for storing the things' information in the IoT. However, this information has been replicated through the network for increasing availability. In this paper, due to the NP‐hard nature of the replica selection problem, an improved version of ant colony optimization (IACO) has been applied. The impact of pheromone on the chosen path is converted by ants to invert the underlying logic of ACO. Due to the existence of different IoT centers, the IACO has been employed for selecting the replicated data in the IoT where the load balancing among IoT centers has been considered. In this method, an ant chooses the ideal point for its movement; then others may not pass the track that the preceding ants have been passed. The obtained outcomes have shown that the method has outperformed the ACO, HQFR, and RTRM approaches regarding the waiting time and load balancing.
Magnetized mixed convection second‐grade fluid flow adjacent to a lubricated vertical surface
Authors: Ahmad Manzoor , Shehzad S. A. , Taj Muhammad , Ramesh G. K.
Published: June 2020

The aspects of magnetized mixed convection in second‐grade fluid flow near stagnant point induced by vertical wall are reported. The fluid is impinging orthogonally on the power law lubricant surface. The convective surface temperature and concentration distribution have been assumed. Both the lubricant and the base fluid are governed by the partial differential mathematical expressions. The velocity of the second‐grade fluid and the lubricant are supposed to be continuous at interface. To get the solution of defined nonlinear problem, an implicit numerical technique namely Keller‐Box scheme is applied. The influential constraints are visualized by plotting graphs on velocity, concentration, and thermal profiles. The results of skin‐friction factors, and mass and heat transport rates for both opposing and assisting flows are tabulated and evaluated. The obtained results are validated through available data for limiting conditions.
Influence of maternal and perinatal characteristics on risk of postpartum chronic hypertension after pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Keepanasseril Anish , Thilaganathan Baskaran , Velmurugan Bharathi , Kar Sitanshu S. , Maurya Dilip K. , Pillai Ajith A.
Published: June 2020

Objective

To assess the prevalence of new‐onset postpartum chronic hypertension (PPCH) after pre‐eclampsia and to determine the factors are associated with it.

Methods

This study was conducted in a tertiary center in south India, between June 2018 and February 2019, consisting of pre‐eclamptic women who were recruited as part of an ongoing cohort and had completed at least 3 months of postpartum follow‐up. Demographic, medical, and laboratory details were collected. Primary outcome was a diagnosis of new‐onset PPCH at 3 months.

Results

PPCH at 3 months was noted in 32 (18.1%) women. During postnatal follow‐up, 2 (1.1%) women experienced hemiplegia from stroke and 19 (10.7%) had elevated serum creatinine levels (>1.1 mg/dL). On multivariate analysis, advancing maternal age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.21), multiparity (aOR 2.79, 95% CI 1.07–7.24), and eclampsia (aOR 3.07, 95% CI 1.03–9.13) increased the risk of PPCH at 3 months postpartum.

Conclusion

One in five women present with a diagnosis of new‐onset PPCH within 3 months postpartum in a cohort of predominantly preterm and/or severe pre‐eclampsia. A significant but weak association of PPCH with peripartum clinical characteristics was noted. The role of biochemical, hemodynamic, and echocardiographic biomarkers should be evaluated for prediction of PPCH after pre‐eclampsia in future studies.
Prenatal pregabalin is associated with sex‐dependent alterations in some behavioral parameters in valproic acid‐induced autism in rat offspring
Authors: Shamsi Meymandi Manzumeh , Sepehri Gholamreza , Moslemizadeh Amirhossein , Vakili Shahrbabaki SeyyedSajjad , Bashiri Hamideh
Published: June 2020

This study was performed to evaluate the effects of prenatal exposure to pregabalin (PGB) on behavioral changes of rat offspring in an animal model of valproic acid (VPA)‐induced autism‐like symptoms. Pregnant rats received VPA (600 mg/kg/i.p.) once at 12.5 gestational days for autism‐like symptom induction in offspring. After the delivery single male and single female offspring from each mother were randomly selected for behavioral test (anxiety, pain response, pleasure, and motor function) at 60th day adulthood (n = 7). Offspring received prenatal PGB (15 & 30 mg/kg/i.p.) during gestational days 9.5 to 15.5 either alone or in combination with VPA (PGB15, PGB30, PGB15 + VPA, and PGB30 + VPA). Control offspring received normal saline during the same period. The result showed that prenatal VPA exposure was associated with autism‐like behaviors in rat offspring. PGB treatment during the gestational period revealed significant reduction in sucrose preference test and anxiety in elevated plus maze and open field test in offspring. Also, PGB treatments exhibited a dose‐dependent increase in pain threshold in prenatally VPA exposed rats in tail‐flick and hot plate test. Also, there was a sex‐related significant impairment in motor function in beam balance and open field test, and male rats were affected more than females. However, no significant sex differences in sucrose preference and pain sensitivity were observed in prenatal PGB‐treated rat offspring. In conclusion, prenatal exposure to VPA increased the risk of autism‐like behaviors in the offspring rats, and PGB treatment during the gestational period was associated with some beneficial effects, including anxiety reduction and motor impairment in autism‐like symptoms in rat offspring.
Development of a fully automated low‐pressure [11C]CO carbonylation apparatus
Authors: Ferrat Mélodie , El Khoury Youssef , Larsen Peter , Dahl Kenneth , Halldin Christer , Schou Magnus
Published: June 2020

[11C]carbon monoxide ([11C]CO) is a versatile synthon for radiolabeling of drug‐like molecules for imaging studies with positron emission tomography (PET). We here report the development of a novel, user‐friendly, fully automated, and good manufacturing practice (GMP) compliant low‐pressure synthesis module for 11C‐carbonylation reactions using [11C]CO. In this synthesis module, [11C]CO was reliably prepared from cyclotron‐produced [11C]carbon dioxide ([11C]CO2) by reduction over heated molybdenum and delivered to the reaction vessel within 7 min after end of bombardment, with an overall radiochemical yield (RCY) of 71%. [11C]AZ13198083, a histamine type‐3 receptor ligand, was used as a model compound to assess the functionality of the radiochemistry module. At full batch production conditions (55 μA, 30 min), our newly developed low‐pressure 11C‐carbonylation apparatus enabled us to prepare [11C]AZ13198083 in an isolated radioactivity of 8540 ± 1400 MBq (n = 3). The radiochemical purity of each of the final formulated batches exceeded 99%, and all other quality control tests results conformed with specifications typically set for carbon‐11 labeled radiopharmaceuticals. In conclusion, this novel radiochemistry system offers a convenient GMP compliant production drugs and radioligands for imaging studies in human subjects.