bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of cowpea genotypes for resistance to the legume pod borer, Maruca Vitrata (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Agbim J.U.
Published: March 2023

16 cowpea varieties were screened for resistance to the legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata F. under natural infestation in the field. Plants were planted in a  randomized complete block design in three replicates; each plot consisted of four rows, 3m long. Spacing was 1.5m between plots and 0.75m between  rows. Intra- row spacing was 0.2m.Two weeks prior to planting experimental materials, a susceptible cultivar was planted perpendicular to every range of  rows within a plot to serve as a reservoir of the test insect, M.vitrata. Plants were sprayed with Monocrotophos at 200g a.i /ha once at the vegetative  stage and at the onset of flower bud initiation and later during podding to control other pests apart from Maruca. Larval density, flower damage, pod  damage, seed damage, pod load (a measure of the degree of successful pod production) and Index of pod evaluation (Ipe), calculated as [PL X (9-PD)], (a  measure of the varietal performance of the cowpea genotypes) were used to assess resistance in cowpea varieties. Significant variations were observed  in the level of resistance among the cowpea genotypes in the field. The findings show that Tvu 4578 is resistant while Tvu 1544, IT97K-499-35, IT93K452-1  and IT90K-76 show promising level of resistance. The probable factor contributing to resistance may be non- preference or host plant resistant factors.
Response of maize (Zea mays) to organic and inorganic fertilizer sources on soil under intensive continuous cultivation
Authors: Ogunweide T.A. , Odunjo T.E. , Fademi I.O. , Ande O.T.
Published: March 2023

A field experiment was carried out during the wet season of 2019 at the experimental plot of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (I.A.R&T),  Moor Plantation, Ibadan. The aim is to examine the response of maize to organic and inorganic fertilizer on soil under intensive continuous cultivation.  Initial soil samples were collected randomly from experimental plots and analyzed. The experiment was carried out using four treatments, organic,  inorganic, organic plus inorganic, and control with each replicated three times. Each plot has a dimension of 3m x 4m. Agronomic parameters observed  were plant height (cm), number of leaves (leaf area index, LAI), stover’s weight, ear weight, and yield of grain. After harvesting, soil samples were  collected to measure changes in soil properties. Calcium, magnesium, and sodium improved significantly after the application of organic and inorganic -  compared to other treatments. The result shows that plot treated with organic plus inorganic fertilizer (poultry manure + NPK) had the highest yield of  1.03t/ha compared to inorganic (NPK) 0.87t/ha, organic (poultry manure) 0.71t/ha and control which had no treatment has the least yield of 0.15t/ha.  Therefore, inorganic plus organic were recommended for optimum and sustainable production on degraded soil.
Prevalence of Aflatoxin B1 in marketed herbs and spices in Nairobi county Kenya: Consumer awareness, practices, and associated health risks
Authors: Wakhungu C.N. , Okoth S. , Wachira P. , Otieno N.A.
Published: March 2023

We conducted a study in Nairobi County to assess Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) levels in selected herbs and spices and to ascertain product use and consumer  awareness of fungi and mycotoxin contamination. Descriptive statistical analysis of the survey data was performed using R-studio software version 1.4.  Results revealed significant differences in consumers' preference for herbs and spices (P= 0.03671). Products consumed in less than one month were  significant in predicting preference by customers (P= 0.0207). 65% of the respondents were unaware of mycotoxins in herbs and spices, and 80% had  never attended mycotoxin training. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to analyze the samples for AFB1 contamination.  Aflatoxin B1 was found in all of the samples and the concentration in spices ranged from 2.17ng/kg to 32.40ng/kg while in herbs the range was from  6.60ng/kg to 27.20 ng/kg.Considering the consumption data collected from our survey, the AFB1 daily intake for spices ranged between 0.83 and 11.78  ng/kg bw/day and in herbs it was between 0.6 and 6.88 ng/kg bw/day. The results indicate a high possible risk of exposure to mycotoxins; thus, more  stringent measures must be taken for the prevention of mycobiota contamination in herbs and spices.
Obstrucción del régimen de visitas por parte del progenitor que posee la tenencia del menor
Authors: Sánchez Angie , Barrera Bravo Fausto
Published: March 2023

El presente trabajo investigativo tiene como finalidad analizar la obstrucción del régimen de visitas por parte del progenitor que posee la tenencia del menor, por lo que pretendemos justificar si verdaderamente llega a existir alguna vulneración de derechos que produce el otro ascendiente del menor. La metodología que se utilizó fue de inductivo- deductivo, llegando a comprender conceptos relacionados al tema planteado, otorgando de tal manera mayor amplitud en cuestiones sobre argumentos que enlazan a lo que es una obstrucción al régimen de visitas y las soluciones se pueden desprender, sin antes tener un resultado, en el presente trabajo investigativo, da como resultado el reconocimiento de vulneración de derechos en cuanto a régimen de visitas y tenencia destacando que en nuestra normativa recoge muy poco los derechos de los padres, ubicándolos en situaciones de vulneración.
Vol. 5 No. 1 (2014): Journal scientific and applied research
Authors:   Konstantin Preslavsky University of Shumen, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Boyanov Petar
Published: March 2023

Vol. 5 No. 1 (2014): Journal scientific and applied research
METHOD AND SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC EQUIPMENT FOR WATER RESEARCH
Authors:   Konstantin Preslavsky University of Shumen, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Zhekov Zhivko
Published: March 2023

Modem measurement equipment must feature high measurement precision, swift operation, high sensitivity and reliability. The designing of such equipment includes coordination of the operation of optical, mechanical, and electronic assemblies and units, introduction of microprocessor systems and communication interface equipment etc. Therefore, the design, implementation, calibration etc. requirements for such equipment feature an ever growing variety strictness.
PHYSICAL READINESS OF CHILDREN FOR SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Authors:   KONSTANTIN PRESLAVSKY UNIVERSITY OF SHUMEN, Vacheva Snezhana
Published: March 2023

The paper dwells on the model of children’s physical readiness for school activities. It further comments on the following criteria: good health condition of the child, child’s fitness, level of endurance and industriousness of the child’s body, high level of resistance against diseases, harmonic physical and nerve-psychic development, high level of motor development, cultural-hygienic habits and manners in maintaining the principles of personal hygiene, motor skills; physical skills with children, interest and desire for participating in physical activities.
PROBLEMS OF THE MODERNIZATION OF THE ECONOMY OF BULGARIA
Authors:   TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF GABROVO, Totev Hristo
Published: March 2023

Innovation and modernization of the economy "We do not like the traditions -Henry Ford said - we want to live now and the only history that means something - this is what we are doing at that moment." For the creator of one of the largest markets in the world, man and businessman who lived in the time of the birth of the " American miracle " was easily and naturally to ignore the history. Today there are no such individuals nor in America or the world. In many countries facing the dilemma of restructuring the economy , debate on economic policy lead to the question , how to build a competitive economic structure , i.e. how structural adjustment to be bound to external economic exchange in order to form comparative advantages.
ASSESSMENT AND CONTROL OF QUALITY OF EDUCATION OF STUDENTS IN KONSTANTIN PRESLAVSKY UNIVERSITY OF SHUMEN
Authors:   KONSTANTIN PRESLAVSKI UNIVERSITY OF SHUMEN, SHUMEN 9712, 115, UNIVERSITETSKA STR., GEORGIEVA BOGDANA , NIKOLOVA SNEZHANA ,   KONSTANTIN PRESLAVSKI UNIVERSITY OF SHUMEN, SHUMEN 9712, 115, UNIVERSITETSKA STR.
Published: March 2023

The period from 2009 to 2011 can be described with a quality of new moments, requirements and more and more complex criteria relating to the educational process and the whole education of students. Bulgaria, as a member of the European Union, holds up to the normative and strategic documents. The University of Shumen attends and necessitates the comprehension to execute these, who premise the development of higher education – the European Qualifications Framework and her endorsement into the “The National Qualifications Framework”(2011), “Manual of appliance of the credential system”(2009), “Europe 2020”(2010). The following article examines the quality education of students in the University of Shumen.
Accumulation of 131Iodine in the nasolacrimal sac/duct after radioiodine therapy for papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Usmani Sharjeel , Jain Anjali , Al Riyami Khulood , Abubakar Sofiullah
Published: March 2023

SPECT/CT is a powerful tool for assessing unexpected concentrations of radioiodine resulting from benign uptake in organs with sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) expression. We report a case of accumulation of 131Iodine in the nasolacrimal sac/duct after radioiodine therapy for papillary thyroid cancer. A whole-body scan was taken 3 days after the administration of 5.5 GBq of 131Iodine. SPECT/CT images localized the focal tracer uptake in the nasolacrimal sac/duct likely due to nasolacrimal duct obstruction secondary to prior radioiodine or iodine therapies. Hybrid SPECT/CT allows precise anatomical localization and help differentiate benign mimics of disease, which can alter patient management.

Keywords: 131Iodine SPECT-CT, thyroid cancer, papillary thyroid cancer, nasolacrimal duct obstruction
Kille Çayı (Balıkesir) Fitoplanktonu ve Mevsimsel Değişiminin Bazı Fiziksel ve Kimyasal Değişkenlerle Olan İlişkileri
Authors: ÇELİK Kemal
Published: March 2023

Akarsu ve durgun suların su kalitesinin belirlemesinde algler büyük önem arz ederler. Kille Çayı’nın planktonik alglerinin ekolojisini incelemek amacıyla Nisan ve Ekim 2019 tarihlerinde 2 istasyonda örnekleme gerçekleştirilmiştir. Yapılan bu araştırmada, Bacillariophytadan 32, Chlrophytadan 16 ve Cyanobacteriadan 6 olmak üzere toplamda 54 fitoplankton türü tespit edilmiştir. Su sıcaklığı (T) 13 ile 25°C, çözünmüş oksijen (ÇÖ) 3.55 ile 7.85 mgl-1, elektriksel iletkenlik (Eİ) 1346 ile 1631 μScm-1, pH 6.75 ile 7.84, nitrat azotu (NO3) 0.43 ile 0.86 mgl-1, toplam azot (TN) 1.9 ile 5.85 mgl-1, fosfat (PO4) 0.06 ile 0.08 mgl-1 ve toplam fosfor (TP) 0.06 ile 0.15 mgl-1 aralıklarında ölçülmüşlerdir. Bacillariophytadan Fragilaria capucina, Cymbella silesiaca, Gomphonema parvulum, Navicula subrhyncocephala, Navicula veneta, Chlorophytadan Cosmarium vexatum, Dictyosphaerium pulchellum, Tetrastrum komarekii, Cyanobacteriadan Aphanothece clathrata ve Chroococcus turgidus baskın türler olarak belirlenmiştir. Tespit edilen baskın fitoplankton türlerine göre Kille Çayı ötrofik karakterli bir su kütlesidir.
An approach to minimise bias in estimation of the lengthfrequency distribution of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) from aerial photogrammetric data
Authors: Koski W. R. , Rugh D. J. , Punt A. E. , Zeh J.
Published: March 2023

Past attempts to estimate the length structure of the Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort (B-C-B) stock of bowhead whales have yielded quite different results from one study to the next because of size segregation on the summering areas or because of size segregation during the spring migration combined with inconsistent sampling during the migration period. A new approach is presented to document the length-frequency distribution of the B-C-B stock using length measurements from 3,107 whale images collected during the spring migrations of 1985, 1986, 1989-1992 and 1994. This method provides estimates of the proportion of calves (length <6m), subadults (length 6-<13m) and adults (length !13m). The data from all years are combined by weekly period and a bootstrap sampling procedure is used to construct the lengthfrequency by week. The distributions for each week are then combined to obtain the overall distribution, with each week’s contribution being in proportion to the fraction of the migration estimated from ice-based census studies to pass during that week. Corrections for differential detectability of mother/calf pairs and for calves born after they pass Point Barrow, Alaska, are allowed for in the analysis. This new approach eliminates some of the biases that affected past attempts to estimate the length-frequency distribution for the B-C-B population of bowhead whales. It is robust to inclusion or exclusion of data for any given year and the time interval chosen to define repeat images. The new approach estimates a slightly higher proportion of subadults and lower proportion of adults in the population than most previous studies. The proportion of calves is also lower, but that is suspected to result from our inability to accurately estimate the proportion of the migration late in the season when many of the mother-calf pairs pass Point Barrow. These late season migrants have not been accounted for during past photogrammetry studies or the ice-based census. Although the results do not differ substantially from those of most previous studies, sensitivity analyses indicate that several biases existed in the previous methods, but largely cancelled each other out.
Biogeographic characterisation of blue whale song worldwide: using song to identify populations
Authors: McDonald Mark A. , Mesnick Sarah L. , Hildebrand John A.
Published: March 2023

Blue whale songs provide a measure for characterising worldwide blue whale population structure. These songs are divided into nine regional types, which maintain a stable character. Five of the nine song types have been recorded over time spans greater than 30 years showing no significant change in character. The nine song types can be divided into those containing only simple tonal components (high latitude North Pacific, North Atlantic and Southern Ocean song types), those comprised of complex pulsed units in addition to the tonal components (Pacific Ocean margin song types from California, Chile and New Zealand), and those which have the greatest complexity of all and the longest cycling times (Indian Ocean song types from Sri Lanka, Fremantle and Diego Garcia). We suggest that temporally stable differences in song provide another characteristic for comparison with genetic and morphological data when defining blue whale populations. Furthermore, as Mellinger and Barlow (2003) recommend, when there is a lack of other data or lack of clarity in other data sets, evidence of distinct differences in songs between areas should be used as a provisional hypothesis about population structure when making management decisions. Worldwide study is needed to better understand the various populations and subspecies within species like the blue whale that have large geographic distributions and have both migrating and resident populations.
Abundance and distributional ecology of cetaceans in the central Philippines
Authors: Dolar M. Louella L. , Perrin William F. , Taylor Barbara L. , Kooyman Gerald L. , Alava Moonyeen N. R.
Published: March 2023

In general, little is known about cetacean abundance and distribution in Southeast Asia. This paper investigates the species composition, interactions/associations, abundance and distribution of cetaceans in an archipelagic tropical habitat characterised by deep, oceanic waters approaching the shore, high water temperatures and deep, stable thermoclines. Abundance is estimated using line transect methods. In addition, the cetacean fauna of the Sulu Sea is compared with those of other tropical marine ecosystems: the eastern tropical Pacific, the western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. The most abundant species in the two study sites (eastern Sulu Sea and the Tañon Strait) was the spinner dolphin, Stenella longirostris; with a population estimate of 31,512 (CV=26.63%) in the eastern Sulu Sea and 3,489 (CV=26.47%) in the Tañon Strait. Other abundant species were the pantropical spotted dolphin (S. attenuata), Fraser’s dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei) and the short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus). Density and species-abundance rank varied between the two study sites, with generally higher densities in the Sulu Sea than in the Tañon Strait. An exception was the dwarf sperm whale, Kogia sima, whose density was 15 times higher in the Tañon Strait. Fraser’s dolphin ranked third in abundance in the Sulu Sea but was absent from the Tañon Strait. Environmental factors such as depth, site and temperature were observed to have a significant influence on the distributions of various species.
Belongingness, Social Connectedness, and Life Satisfaction in College Students after COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Avcı Mehmet
Published: March 2023

University students' sense of belonging has been greatly underrated since the pandemic, despite the fact that school belonging has been studied for many years. Due to school closings during the pandemic, college students lost the majority of their social connections at their university, and they have trouble rebuilding their social networks after the pandemic. In the present study, the mediating role of social connectedness in the relationship between life satisfaction and university sense of belonging was investigated. The University Belonging Questionnaire was consequently initially translated into Turkish. The study sample included 456 college students from a public university in Turkey, with 75% of them being female. Findings demonstrated the validity and reliability of the University Belonging Questionnaire as a tool for Turkish culture. The findings showed that life satisfaction was significantly predicted by a sense of belonging. The findings also indicated that social connectedness has an indirect but significant influence on the link between a sense of belonging and life satisfaction. Implications for future studies and practice are discussed.
The Effects of Internal Security on Educational Challenges and Development in Nigeria
Authors: Bakari Akilu
Published: March 2023

Purpose: The security trials threatening the Nigerian state in this 21st century have disregarded any definite justification both from the government and private viewpoints. Unexpectedly these challenges are internally generated. Expressions like militant, insurgent and terrorist became a nearby impression in line with the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria where attacks on people, property and government infrastructures are Spartan. The challenge is that some of these groups’ aggressions have rare the peaceful co-existence of the society and the core value of the Nigerian state.

Methodology: This paper explores documentary analysis on the severity of attacks on the Nigerian state from the fourth republic with a key interest on the possibility of these attacks to lead to the balkanization of the country into different nations as suggested by viewers.

Findings: Terrorism is a global phenomenon. It is the use of violence and intimidation to coerce for various reasons. In recent times, the spate of terrorist attacks by various groups seeking political and religious reforms in Nigeria is alarming and has become worrisome as they pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s security. Furthermore, they are gradually destroying public confidence in the nation’s security system. Conditions which support the development and growth of terrorism in Nigeria range from socio-economic factors such as poverty to religion.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The paper argues that terrorism has adverse implications for Nigeria’s security. Socio-economic transformation, security and sensitization and collaboration among security agents among others are advocated as possible solutions to the menace.
Extraction and Characterization of Pectin from Orange (Citrus sinensis), Lemon (Citrus limon) and Tangerine (Citrus tangerina)
Authors: Twinomuhwezi Hannington , Godswill Awuchi Chinaza , Kahunde Daphine
Published: March 2023

Purpose: The study focused on the extraction and characterization of pectin from orange (Citrus sinensis), lemon (Citrus limon), and tangerine (Citrus tangerina)

Methodology: Pectin was extracted from lemon (Citrus limon), tangerine (Citrus tangerina) and orange (Citrus sinensis) peels. The feasibility of the citrus peel pectin for use in food processing was assessed. Pectin from these citrus fruit peels was extracted under the same extraction conditions. The pectin extraction was carried out using hydrochloric acid (0.05N, pH 2.22; 0.04N, pH 1.54 and 0.03N, pH 1.27).

Findings: Pectin from the acidified fruit peels was extracted at 70  ± 0.5°C for 1 hour at the different pH values. The highest pectin yield from all fruit peels was obtained at pH of 1.27, with lemons having the highest yield followed by oranges and lastly tangerine in the order; 16.61%, 16.01% and 15.23% respectively. Second highest yield was obtained at pH 1.54 in the same order; lemon (15.65%), orange (15.23%) and tangerine (13.87%). The least yield was obtained at a pH of 2.22; lemon (10.52%), oranges (11.01%) and tangerine (9.45%). The average yield was highest in lemon, orange and lastly in tangerine with percentages of 14.36%, 14.08% and 12.82% respectively. Chemical characterization of the citrus peel pectin revealed that the equivalent weight of pectin from all samples was generally low as compared to that of commercial pectin. The average equivalent weight in mg/mL was found to be 150.43, 116.78 and 97.15% for lemon, orange and tangerine respectively. Methoxyl content showed that the pectin obtained for all the samples was high (HM); lemon (11.49%), orange (14.94%) and tangerine (12.02%). Anhydrouronic acid (AUA) values were lemon (76.92%), orange (100.03%) and tangerine (86.38%) which are above the minimum of 65% set by FAO, while the degree of esterification (DE) was high for all; lemon (84.54%), orange (84.68%) and tangerine (78.88%) indicating that all were rapid-setting pectin. The colors of pectin obtained from lemon and orange were pale yellow while that obtained from tangerine was brown.

Unique contribution to theory, practice, and policy: Depending on the AUA, lemon pectin was the purest of all the three samples, followed by tangerine and lastly orange peels. For commercial use of this pectin, lemon pectin is most suitable then tangerine and lastly orange basing on the methoxyl content. It is recommended that for better yields, pectin should be extracted on a dry basis instead of a wet basis.
Processing and Characterization of Limestone Nanoparticles
Authors: Ndukwe Francis , Ekpunobi A
Published: March 2023

The effective application usage of solid materials of cannot be granted if the fundamental properties of the material are unknown. Material characterization is one of ways science due apply to determine the fundamental properties of any material.  The characterizations of materials in the various discipline of science are of different methods. This research work, processing and characterization of limestone nanoparticles as concern the field of material science was experimentally studied on three major categories: The micro structure using an optical microscope, in which the micro-structure image was obtained at its particulate of approximately 2.5nm. The absorbance obtained experimentally using an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer at wavelength raging from 190nm to 900nm. The transmittance, reflectance, refractive index was obtained mathematically, with the optical band gap obtained to be equal to 1.62eV. Finally the elemental composition was obtained using an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS), at which calcium was found to have the highest concentration among other metal present in the limestone nanoparticle.
COMPARATIVE EFFECT OF THREE DIFFERENT ENERGY SOURCES ON HEMATOLOGY AND SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY OF RABBITS
Authors: Babangida Salihu Sani
Published: March 2023

Purpose: This study examined the effect of three different energy sources on hematology and serum biochemistry of rabbits.

Methodology: Eighteen seven-weeks old rabbits where randomly divided into three groups (A, B and C), each consisting of six rabbits. Group A, B and C were given maize, sorghum and millet respectively as their sources of energy and were fed for a period of five weeks before sample collection and analysis.

Findings: The results showed, that there was no significant different (P>0.05) in the hematology and serum biochemistry. Nevertheless, the red blood cells in all the treatment fell below the normal range. It was observed that the alkaline phosphatase of all the experimental rabbits were above the normal range. This study suggests that our test materials were not toxic to the muscle, kidney and liver of rabbits at 52.21% inclusion level.

Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: This implies that sorghum or millet can completely replace maize in rabbit diet with no adverse effect on the hematology and serum biochemistry parameters of rabbits.
NUTRIENT COMPOSITION, ANTIOXIDANT COMPONENTS AND ASCORBIC ACID CONTENT RESPONSE OF PEPPER FRUIT (Capsicum annuum L.) CULTIVARS GROWN UNDER SALT STRESS
Authors: M.J. Hand , G.V. Nono , L.B Tonfack , E. Youmbi , V.D. Taffouo
Published: March 2023

Purpose: Salinity stress occurs due to the accumulation of high levels of salts in soil, which ultimately leads to the impairment of plant growth and crop loss. Stress tolerance-inducing compounds have a remarkable ability to improve growth and minimize the effects of salinity stress without negatively affecting the environment by controlling the physiological and molecular activities in plants.

Methodology: The pots were arranged in a complete randomized design with one plant per pot and four replicates per treatment and carried out in 2017 and 2018 to study the influence of four levels of NaCl (0, 50, 100 and 200 mM) on the antioxidant, ascorbic acid, organic and inorganic compounds of three pepper fruits cultivars (‘Granada’, ‘Goliath’ and ‘Nobili’) at mature stage.

Findings: The results obtained showed that salinity decreased the mineral content (Ca, K, Zn, Mg, Mn, Iron, S and P), relative water content, and agromorphological parameters of pepper fruit. This decrease was accompanied by a significant increase of Na, soluble proteins, proline content, soluble sugar (fructose, glucose) and antioxidants, including total phenolics and ﬂavonoids, and reduced ascorbic acid and β-carotene content. It could be an indicator of salinity tolerance which explains the maintenance of a good water status among the studied plants. However, a varietal difference response to salt stress was observed between the studied varieties. Indeed, the varieties Granada and Nobili are characterized by their vigour in absence as in the presence of salt. Under the studied salinity level there was an enhancement of health-promoting compounds (phenolic compounds, ﬂavonoids, β-carotene and ascorbic acid) synthesis in pepper fruits, with signifcant changes in other quality parameters.

Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: It is concluded that varieties ‘Granada’ and ‘Nobili’ is more tolerant to salinity compared to the variety ‘Goliath’. Hence, they have a significant role to play in agriculture, food, and economy.
In vivo anti-cancer activity of N-halamines
Authors: Zahran Faten , T. Keshta Akaber , I. Ahmed Abd El-Shafey
Published: March 2023

Purpose: N-halamines were known for their antimicrobial action due to the presence of halogen in their structure. In our search for new anti-cancer agents, we have evaluated the anti-cancer and anti-oxidant properties of some synthetic N-Halamines with high and low molecular weight in comparison with their non-halogenated forms. Urea epichlorohydrin    copolymer         (1),                              4(1H,            3H-2, 6-dioxo-1,           3,                  5-trizenyl)-O-iminomethylpolyethylene (3) and cynuric acid (5) in addition to their halogenated forms 2, 4 and 6 were selected for this study.

Methodology: the toxicity for the synthesized compounds was determined. The anti-cancer and anti-oxidant activities were studied by evaluation the viability of tumor cells, life span prolongation, and estimation of antioxidants, and effects of these compounds on liver histology.

Findings: Doses up to 2000 mg/kg indicated good safety in all investigated compounds. In Vivo antitumor activity results against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells for the investigated compounds revealed that, the volume of ascites was significantly decreased in compounds 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 treated groups. EAC cell count was significantly reduced for similar groups, respectively, compared to the positive control group. Malonadildehyde, and nitric oxide showed a significant reduction in their levels in the treated groups, while catalase showed a significant elevation in its activity in the same groups compared to positive control group.

Conclusion: Halogenated compounds showed good anti-oxidant behavior while compound 6 showed the best anti-tumor effect.
Effectiveness of Engaging Experts in Helping Journalist in Kenya to Deal With Trauma
Authors: Mutua Joan , Mberia Hellen , Minja David
Published: March 2023

Purpose: The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of engaging experts in helping journalists in Kenya to deal with trauma.

Methodology: The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods of collecting data. This included the uses of questionnaires and interviews. The collected data was edited,  coded  and  analyzed  using  statistical  package  for  social  sciences  (SPSS).  The data was presented using both qualitative and quantitative statistics.

Findings: The results of the study revealed that engaging experts had a significant relationship with effective trauma management.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that journalists should engage spiritual leaders to help them to deal with traumatic experiences. In addition, journalists should also engage counselors to help them to deal with traumatic experiences.
Development Projects in Terms of Land Use on Converted Wetland Sites in Port Harcourt Municipality, Rivers State
Authors: Oscar Akue , Dagogo Samuel , Stanisslous Tobi
Published: March 2023

Purpose: Urban expansion and growth is one of the basic characteristics of urbanisation process. This expansion has telling effects on available land space in urban areas. The continuing reduction in available land space has led to the encroachment on wetland areas and its subsequent development. This study was carried out in Port Harcourt Municipality Rivers State. The aim was to assess development projects in terms of land use on converted wetlands.

Methodology: Purposive sampling technique was used to select four sites out of twenty four reclaimed sites identified within the study area.Three hundred and eighty (380) household heads from eight proximate communities to the four selected reclaimed sites was arrived at with the aid of Taro Yamane formulae and were interviewed using purposive sampling technique. The extent of wetland loss to physical development in the study area was ascertained by running a time series analysis using the Geographic Information System (GIS) technique. Data on physical development projects presently sited on the reclaimed wetlands were identified and their coordinates collected using handheld Global Positioning System (GPS), a process known as ground truthing. The coordinates of the different development projects presently sited on reclaimed wetlands so collected were interfaced with Google earth images of the different locations using the place-mark device available on Google earth software.

Findings: The study revealed that predominant land use in site A (Eastern Bypass) is industrial land use and a growing competing administrative land use; in site B (Borikiri Sand field), the predominant Landuse is residential with a growing competing commercial land use; In Site C (Eagle Island), the predominant land use is residential and in Site D (Ibeto), the predominant land use is residential with a growing commercial and industrial hubs. 

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study therefore recommends that reclaimed wetlands in the study area be properly plan and the different development projects earmarked for such site be fully implemented; Government should strictly enforce the land use control measures utilizing sub-division regulation, zoning ordinance, building and housing codes including site and service approach to ensure proper utilisation of reclaimed sites.
Developing Conceptual Framework of Software Defect Prediction in Software Testing: The Case of Ethiopian Software Industries
Authors: Gemeno Musa
Published: March 2023

Purpose: Software defect prediction is one of the most active research areas in software engineering. As our dependency on software is increasing, software quality is becoming gradually more and more important in present era. Software used almost everywhere and in every tread of life. Software consequences such as fault and failures may diminish the quality of software which leads to customer dissatisfaction. Different points that are related to the current work had been discussed.

Methodology: This research contains a detailed explanation of the scientific methods and methodologies used for the design of proposed framework. Primary and secondary source of data has been used.

Findings: Due to the tremendous amount of data generated daily from fields such as business that software has resulted in the generation of tremendous amount of defected data. As the organizations struggle to handle and utilize effectively all the information available in order to provide better products and services and gain competitive advantage, defect separation and the so called “big data” analytics are two fields that currently constitute matter of concern and discussion.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: There are different research areas in defect prediction using big data analytics defect segmentations one of the issues. Defect Segmentation is an important component of much organization, and the algorithm designed in this work is expected to be a significant contribution to the field, and mainly to researchers working on various aspects of defect prediction defect segmentation using big data analytics. Therefore, the researchers in the area can use the algorithm or the implemented system for processing segmentation as component in their research, mainly on machine learning applications.
Great Game in Central Asia: Humanity at Venture
Authors: Bhat Ali
Published: March 2023

Purpose: Great game, a political attitude adopted by great powers to achieve geo-strategic and geo-economic benefits in the Central Asian and the Caspian region. The main thrush hold of current strategic and economic relations in the region are Afghan crisis. Throughout the nineteenth century, Great Britain was obsessed by the fear that one of the other European powers would take advantage of the political decay of Central Asia. From 18th century till date great powers are vulnerable to bump with each other to have hold on the central Asia. A new force after disintegration of USSR is trying and mending its shoulders to have control over central Asia. This economic hub is politically very important where almost all great powers from British to Russia, US and China have interest prone to collision. In such circumstances other regional states like Saudi Arabi, Iran and Turkey, nuclear states like Indian and Pakistan have sway in the region in order to have major control over the gigantic economic resources which can flow through their countries. This study will try to explore the overall complexity of contemporary strategic and economic relations in Central Asia, but also to identify the main characteristics of these relations, and the most important players and their strategies.

Methodology: The study used desttop literature review. It involves review of existing literature

Findings: The multifarious relations between the great and regional powers having interests in Central Asia work against tide of development instead revived great game. The war against terrorism by US and allies is observe by regional contenders as interference in the region and engaging for cold war. This resulted also to provide another major reason discontinuitiesin Central Asia’s future development.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommend that Russia, China, and the United States along with regional contenders have to build strong and trustworthy cooperation in the region.
Sudan’s North-South Conflict and Civil War
Authors: Muriuki Charity
Published: March 2023

Purpose: Sudan has been at war with itself following a conflict that has “consumed the country of 34 of its 45 years of independence and remains the only constant factor in a land whose population has repeatedly been devastated. The study sought to establish the Sudan North –South conflict and civil war.
Methodology: The research was purely qualitative. Desktop literature review was conducted. Critical analysis of the literature was conducted.
Findings: The study found out that the war in Sudan was caused by both economic and non-economic motives. It can be noted from this study that indeed, that war is caused by many factors. However, the most argued about cause of war is the economic agenda. For example, this study hypothetically argues that the economic agenda was a main cause of war in South Sudan. To begin with, the Government of Sudan was interested in the South due to the numerous oil deposits that are located there. That’s why, as observed by Prendergast, the Government of Sudan used helicopters and gunships to displace the southerners from oil rich areas. Consequently, any move towards self-determination would be uneconomical for the Government of Sudan. In addition, the Sudan war can also be described as a war of visitors as various Governments supported the two warring parties.
Unique Contributions to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study the study strives to promote academic qualifications and the building of capacities, for an informed academic exchange, intercultural learning and cooperation among researchers in the appropriate academic specializations under which Sudan’s north-south conflict would be best studied and discussed. The study is envisaged as being useful for policy inputs for future relief situations and/or improving the quality of the much needed ‘raw material’ for sustainable conflict management and/or resolution in countries or communities that experience violent conflict situations, which often also demand for humanitarian aid interventions.
Africa and the Commonwealth: What Relationship since 1994?
Authors: Faseke Modupeoluwa
Published: March 2023

The Commonwealth is a global organisation with some unique and importantcharacteristics that complement other global multilateral organizations. Its peculiaritiesmost especially its networking and informal qualities have endeared the organization untilrecently to her members. In this age of internet in which smartness and alertness arehighly valued, some of her traits are now becoming a thing of an anathema, regarded as acog in the wheel of progress. African continent alone has over thirty percent ofCommonwealth membership. This paper examines Commonwealth connection withAfrica since 1994, with particular emphasis on Nigeria. It recommends what both partieswould have to do to make the relationship more robust and the partnership more effectiveand impactful in the interest of all.
Government’s Responsibilities and Citizens’ Duties in a Democratic System: The implication for Nigerian Fourth Republic
Authors: Tom Tom
Published: March 2023

In any political system the presence of government and citizens is sine qua non. Inkeeping with the purpose for which government was established, citizens expectgovernment not only to be responsible for all its actions towards them, but also beresponsive to their yearning just as government expects its citizens to discharge theirduties to the state. It is often claimed that democracy is a system of government thatenables both the leaders and the citizens to be conscious of what is required, andaccomplish it for the betterment of the society in terms of political, social and economicdevelopment. In Nigeria, it is argued, however, that neither government nor the citizenshave discharged their statutory functions satisfactorily. The study was undertaken toexamine the extent to which the Nigerian state and its citizens have lived up to theirstatutory and civic requirements. The study revealed that most citizens of Nigeria arepolitically docile, gullible, and parochial. This has led to a situation where citizen‘ rightsare trampled upon and made them easy target of elites‘ maneuvers. The citizens‘ levelof political awareness and participation is low and this has resulted in the being shirkingof their duties to the state. The work is of the view that democratic system in Nigeriacould only be sustained when both the state and its citizens accept their duties andresponsibilities as being inherent and inalienable. Both descriptive and historicalmethods were used in the study. It recommended among others that governmentshould work to help citizens through massive education to develop their capacity fordemocratic participations and civic leadership.
QUR'ANIC TRANSLATION IN THE FRAME OF COMMUNICATION (An Evaluative Study of the Translation of Message Terms in the Qur'anic Translation of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia)
Authors: Amrullah Amrullah
Published: March 2023

Purpose: This paper critically examines the translation of  message terms in Qur’anic Translation of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Republic of Indonesia.

Methodology: The writers analyzed the case through three steps. The first step, is analyzing the context. The context covers people who involved in the process of communication; communicator, communicant, and communication environment. The  second  step,  is  analyzing  key word of communication, especially to look for its derivation and its denotative meaning. The third step,  is determining  the indicators of key word. Finally, is exploring  the  implication of indicator in communication activities.

Result:  The study result shows that some translations of the terms are difficult to understand due to illogical use of Indonesian language. Moreover,   some  translations  of the term do  not refer  the context of the verse. In addition, some translations of the term are overlapped. These translations do not reflect Qur’an-based communication and eventually do not support the   integration of religion and science.

Recommendation: New translation based on a good Indonesian language, context of verse and refers to communication studies will produce a better understanding of  Qur’anic verses of communication. Moreover, it is recommended to use translations of key words that writers offer in this paper as an alternative. In addition, giving footnote for key words is another alternative that should  be considered by translator team.
Elections in Kenya: When All Roads in East Africa Lead to Nairobi
Authors: Francis Luangisa
Published: March 2023

Kenya went to the elections in August 2022. The increasing unpredictable and competitive elections have often down-graded general election trends in the East Africa region where predetermined outcomes and poll fixing are the often norm Kenya was not going to be an exception. However, the case in Kenya was different this time. The era of unquestionable linchpins in Kenyan politics seemed to no longer dictate the tone among Kenyan voters. The voting alliance usually set among ethnic lines appeared to have been a matter of the past.  Leading candidates set tone by disowning violence and instead appealed for peace to their supporters during the process of elections. Independent monitoring via parallel vote tabulations and public access of data released by the electoral commission from polling stations kept the public informed of the contest. Before the elections, during and after, anxiety was on the rise within Kenya, among Kenya’s neighbors, the rest of Africa and elsewhere.

This study examines the 2022 General Election in Kenya as to the maturity of the Kenya electorate against all the odds that has always beset the nation during such particular times. The example set is worth emulation by willing neighboring East African and African states in particular and the world at large. Literature on the elections from reliable daily and weekly tabloids, newsreels, interviews from the mass media, one- to- one debates with political analysts, active participation in panel discussions on the election and discussion groups furnished the necessary information to put something on paper. The general consensus in the discussion groups pitted Kenya to have made a leap forward.

The conclusion can be drawn that a significant progress has been made in Kenya’s election process since 2007-2008. The process in 2022 has displayed a maturity of democracy worth rivalling.
Restrictions during the Intermediate Licensing Phase: A Content Analysis
Authors: Asa Nicole , Hautmann Amanda , Sullivan Lindsay , Feiss Robyn , Smith Gary A. , Yang Jingzhen
Published: March 2023

Introduction: This study analyzed the content of intermediate licensing restrictions of all 50 US states and examined the variation in strictness and language of four restriction categories: minimum age, nighttime driving restrictions, passenger restrictions, and traffic violation penalties.

Methods: We analyzed state intermediate licensing restrictions using data from four online sources (AAA Guide to Teen Driver Safety, National Conference of State Legislatures, Teen Driving Laws, and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). Two trained coders independently coded the content of the restrictions, identified four restricted categories and subthemes for each category, and scored each subtheme from 0 to 2, with a higher score indicating a stricter restriction. Direct quotes from state laws were identified to support each subtheme.

Results: All 50 states included a minimum age for obtaining an intermediate license. Of 50 states, 49 (98.0%) contained nighttime driving restrictions, 46 (92.0%) contained passenger restrictions, and 43 (86.0%) included traffic violation penalties. Variations existed in the minimum age for an intermediate license and length required in the learner permit phase, the starting time and length of the nighttime driving restrictions, the number and age of passengers in passenger restrictions, the minimum time the driver needs to be violation-free before obtaining a full license, and the type and severity of traffic violation penalties.

Conclusions: Although all states have intermediate licensing restrictions, variations exist in the strictness and language of these restrictions. Future research should assess how these variations impact driving safety among teens when they first start driving unsupervised.