bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of microwave heating or simple heat (pan roasted) treatment of rice bran on the rate of release of free fatty acids during storage at room temperature
Authors: Weerathilake W.A.D.V.
Published: March 2022

Development of Free Fatty Acids (FFA) is a major problem which affects the use of rice bran as a feed ingredient. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of microwave heating and pan roasting on FFA development of rice bran during storage, proximate composition and to study the available phosphorous (P) content. Rice bran from raw and parboiled rice obtained from paddy variety BG 358 was treated using microwave heat and pan roasting. An experiment was conducted in a two-factor factorial with 2×3 factorial design. Treated samples were studied for FFA content up to 8 weeks in weekly intervals. Proximate composition was studied immediately after heat treatment and at the eighth week. Availability of P in rice bran was studied after heat treatment. Both the treatments significantly reduced the formation of FFA in rice bran during storage (P<0.05), while microwave heat treatment showed a higher effect on reduction of the formation of FFA content in raw microwave heated rice bran from 2.68 to 12.44 g 100 g˗1 and in parboiled microwave heated rice bran from 1.8 to 9.54 g 100 g˗1 during eight weeks of storage. There was no significant (P>0.05) difference in proximate composition of rice bran during the period of storage in any of the treatments. Both treatments improved P availability; however, pan-roasting had a high effect on P availability where raw pan roasted rice bran and parboiled pan roasted rice bran showed an increment of 17.67 and 19.43%, respectively. It is concluded that pan roast and microwave heat retard development of rancidity in rice bran, although at different degrees. These findings could be used with suitable modifications to the milling and storage processes to improve the quality of the rice bran available for animal feeding in Sri Lanka.
Food habits of Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus (Vermiculated sailfin cat fish) and coexisting fish species in Victoria and Kalawewa reservoirs, Sri Lanka
Authors: Wickramaratne I.U.
Published: March 2022

Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus is now recognized as an invasive alien species (IAS) in Sri Lanka. This species has established populations in local water bodies including Victoria and Kalawewa reservoirs. Current study aims to find out food habits of P. disjunctivus. Fish samples of P. disjunctivus and coexisting fish species were collected from Victoria and Kalawewa reservoirs in the months of August and September in 2018, respectively, with prior permission and their total length, standard length and weight were recorded to the nearest 0.1 cm and 0.1 g, respectively. Relative importance of food items, Pianka’s food niche overlapping index values were analyzed in the study. Relative importance of food items of P. disjunctivus, Oreochromis niloticus and Etroplus suratensis show similar values for both reservoirs illustrating similar food preferences and omnivorous feeding habit. Diets of Rasbora daniconius, Glossogobius guiris, Mystus vittatus and Heteropneustes fossilis consisted of more insects and fish particles in both reservoirs indicating a carnivorous feeding habit including Mastecembelus armatus. Diets of Puntius filamentosus (Dawkinsia filamentosa) and Puntius chola consisted mainly with plant particles showing that these species are macrophyte feeders which were caught from Victoria and Kalawewa reservoirs. Pianka’s food niche overlapping index values for the diets of O. niloticus, E. suratensis, with P. disjunctivus in both reservoirs showed high overlapping values indicating high dietary overlap but G. guiris, M. vittatus, H. fossilis, P. filamentosus, R. daniconius, P. dorsalis and P. chola with P. disjunctivus in Victoria reservoir showed low overlapping values indicating relaxed dietary overlap. Pianka’s food niche overlapping index values for the diets of G. guiris, M. vittatus, H. fossilis, P. filamentosus, R. daniconius, and P. chola with P. disjunctivus showed low overlapping values indicating low dietary overlap in Kalawewa reservoir. Pianka’s food niche overlapping index values revealed P. disjunctivus is in competition with food habits with O. niloticus and E. suratensis. Therefore, suitable fishing gear or trap should be identified for effective controlling of P. disjunctivus in Sri Lankan water bodies.
Necrotizing fasciitis arising from squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva
Authors: Cebeci Dua , Yaşar Şirin , Eker Tevfik , Bayraktaroğlu Görgün
Published: March 2022

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a devastating soft tissue infection affecting fascias and subcutaneous soft tissues. While it is associated with several risk factors, including malignancy, alcoholism, liver disease, drug use, malnutrition, diabetes, male gender and old age, few case reports in the literature describe its rare connection with genital malignancy. Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the fourth most common malignancy, representing 5% of all gynaecological tumours among women. NF due to vulvar SCC is a rare complication. In this article, we present the 1991 case of a 58-year-old diabetic female patient with NF due to vulvar SCC. While surgical intervention was successful, the prognosis for vulvar SCC was poor because of late detection.
Scleredema diabeticorum
Authors: Pereira Mariana , Ramos Pinheiro Rita , Lencastre André , Bártolo Elvira
Published: March 2022

Scleredema of Buschke is a rare connective tissue disease with a poorly understood pathogenesis. Three types of scleredema have been distinguished according to its association with preceding or underlying conditions. Type 1 is usually secondary to a febrile infection, type 2 is mostly associated with paraproteinemia and type 3, usually named scleredema diabeticorum, has a strict association with Diabetes mellitus. A diffuse, non-pitting swelling and induration of the skin define this disease. The skin histology is characterized by a normal or slightly thinned epidermis, and the dermis containing a decreased number of elastic fibers and thick large swollen collagen bundles separated by mucopolysaccharide deposits in the deep reticular dermis. In this report we present a 58-year-old man with scleredema diabeticorum controlled with a topical steroid cream and an optimization of glycemic control. We reviewed clinical, histopathological characteristics and the various possible treatments.
Double hatchet flap as adequate dermatosurgical approach for tumours of the occipital scalp zone: Presentation of two cases
Authors: Tchernev Georgi , Lozev Ilia , Batashki Ilia , Kandathil Lorraine Joseph , Oliveira Nikhil , Cardoso Jose Carlos
Published: March 2022

Tumors of the scalp remain a serious challenge for clinicians since poor locoregional skin elasticity hinders the ability to utilise certain flaps, limiting the choice of reconstructive techniques available. As a result, surgical restoration of medium to large-sized defects are left to the discretion of the surgeon, who with a comprehensive knowledge of restorative techniques, along with the advantages, limitations as well as a sound understanding of the locoregional anatomy, can make thorough decisions on the choice of which flap is best suited for the defect. Here we present two cases where the double hatchet flap was employed as a dermatosurgical approach in order to provide exceptional cosmetic results. On dermatological examination, both patients presented with a medium to large- sized tumour formation but were otherwise in good health. Both underwent radical, widelocal excision, followed by reconstructive manipulation in the form of a double hatchet flap to close the defect. Postoperative follow- up reported positive signs of wound healing with aesthetically pleasing results. Finally, we discuss the use of various flaps in such conditions while providing evidence for the double hatchet flap as a possible alternative that provides perfect aesthetic results as seen in our cases. Such a complex surgical intervention requires the expertise of a multidisciplinary team in order to achieve an overall successful outcome.
COVID-19 pandemic and quick evolution of telemedicine: A gap analysis
Authors: Jayamani Jayagandan , Thangaraju Pugazhenthan , Gowda Ravish , Huchegowda Srinivas
Published: March 2022

Telemedicine though not a newer concept to healthcare community, it is relatively a new acquaintance to both healthcare providers and the general public. Since 11th of March 2020, the day when WHO declared COVID-19 infection as pandemic, the telemedicine services had achieved quick popularity. In fact this pandemic boosted a solid foundation for telemedicine and now it is one among the scope of services offered by any reputed healthcare organization globally. This article aims to emphasize how a symbiosis between telemedicine, POCT and mobile health units can help to deliver a high quality healthcare eliminating the risk of infection spread to both patients and health care providers. The methodology adopted includes collective viewpoints of authors which are based upon working experience gained during the current pandemic and literature review of recent and relevant articles related to process and pitfalls of telemedicine. Literature search was conducted by searching using key words and phrases like ‘Telemedicine’, ‘COVID-19 and Telemedicine’ and ‘Non- Communicable Diseases management during pandemic’. The scope and gaps observed by literature survey and personal experience included infrastructure, awareness and training of both health care providers and patient population, utilization of POCT devices, internet connectivity, need for an nationwide unified Health Information Management System (HIMS) to aid easy access to patient health information and easy referrals to higher centers. In summary telemedicine is an absolute necessity during this on-going pandemic and its enhancement by integration with artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms is a real need of hour.
Development of a RT-LAMP assay for detection of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Nandi Shyam Sundar , Lambe Upendra Pradeep , Sawant Sonali Ankush , Gohil Trupti , Deshpande Jagadish
Published: March 2022

Background & objectives

The pandemic of SARS-COV-2 began in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and has caused more than 101 million cases worldwide. Diagnostic technologies possessing sensitivity and specificity equivalent to real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assays are needed to ramp up testing capacity in most countries. Newer platforms need to be technically less demanding, require minimum equipment and reduce turn-around time for reporting results. The objective of this study was to exploit loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and evaluate its performance by comparison with rRT-PCR.

Methods

Reverse-transcription LAMP (RT-LAMP) assay primers were designed to detect envelop (E) and nucleocapsid (N) genes of SARS-CoV-2. Positive control RNA was prepared by in vitro transcription of E and N genes clones. RT-LAMP amplification reactions were incubated at 65°C for 30 min. Results were recorded visually. RT-LAMP results were evaluated by comparing the results obtained with a commercial rRT-PCR kit.

Results

The RT-LAMP assay for E and N genes was carried out in separate tubes. RT-LAMP detected about 40 copies of SARS-CoV-2 RNA per reaction. A total of 253 throat swabs were tested using the RT-LAMP assay. The overall diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the LAMP assay were 98.46 and 100 per cent, respectively, as compared to the rRT-PCR.

Interpretation & conclusions

SARS-CoV-2 RT-LAMP assay was designed, standardized and evaluated. The assay showed diagnostic sensitivity and specificity equivalent to rRT-PCR assays. The assay will be useful to increase testing capacity for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the country.
Influential Factors on Survival in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Roshanaei Ghodratollah , Kiumarsi Azadeh , Kasaeian Amir , Safari Malihe , Abbasi Mohammad , Rahimi Ali
Published: March 2022

Background:

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the conspicuous causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Considering the mounting incidence of this cancer in developing countries such as Iran, determining the influential factors on the survival of involved patients is noteworthy. Hence, we aimed to ascertain the survival rates and the prognostic factors in our GC patients.

Materials and Methods:

In this retrospective cohort study, data of 314 patients with GC in a referral cancer center in Hamadan province of Iran were studied. The outcome of our study was survival time and the influential factors were gender, age at diagnosis, tumor history, tumor grade, surgery history, radiotherapy history, stage of disease, metastasis history, and lymph node involvement. Kaplan − Meier method and log-rank test were used for the calculation and comparing the survival curves and Cox-proportional hazard model was used for the multivariable analysis of prognostic factors.

Results:

In a total of 314 GC patients, the median age at the diagnosis was 63 years (range: 21–92) with most patients (74.84%) being males. The median follow-up time was 2.42 years, and the median survival time was 2 years. The multivariable cox analysis of overall survival (OS) indicated that having distant metastasis increased the hazard of death by about 2.5 times (P < 0.0001, heart rates [HR]: 2.53, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.71, 3.75]), and receiving surgery as treatment, decreased the hazard of death up to 36% (P = 0.02, HR: 0.64, 95%CI: [0.46–0.89]). The other variables did not have any significant effects on the OS.

Conclusion:

The results of this study showed that lower survival (greater hazard of death) strongly and significantly associated with having distant metastasis in patients with GC and receiving surgery could significantly decrease the hazard of death in these patients instead.
An application of conversational thinking to the problem of racial discrimination in South Africa
Authors: Ofana Diana Ekor
Published: March 2022

The problem of racial discrimination in South Africa speaks to the question of who is to be included and excluded from South African society. South African society before the advent of democracy structurally and politically was built on exclusionary policies that are disadvantageous to those classified as blacks, colored (mixed raced individuals), and Indians (South Africans of Indian descent), respectively. To unpack the nature of this racial discrimination, I will start by showing how the historical workings of Apartheid policies contribute to the continued problem of racial discrimination in South Africa. I argue that the problem of racial discrimination in present-day South Africa can best be analyzed from new perspectives motivated by the legacies of Apartheid. One such perspective is the value of what I call racial complementarity. I tap into conversational thinking to show how we can rethink the problem of racial discrimination using a different framework other than ubuntu that has failed to adequately address racial discrimination despite its humanistic values. To go beyond ubuntu, one of the ways of addressing racial discrimination would be to cultivate the orientation of racial complementarity. I employed conversational thinking as my preferred methodology for managing the relationship of seemingly opposed variables like the racial lines in South Africa, making it possible for seemingly opposed variables to interact harmoniously and complement one another in ways that dispel unequal and discriminatory treatment of individuals within any society.
Transhumanism in Africa: a conversation with Ademola Fayemi on his Afrofuturistic account of personhood
Authors: Chimakonam Amara Esther
Published: March 2022

In “Personhood in a Transhumanist Context: An African Perspective”, Ademola K. Fayemi advocates for a kind of Afro-communitarian theory of transhumanism that is compatible with the Afro-communitarian idea of personhood. In this paper, I examine Fayemi’s account of transhumanism - in particular, his Afrofuturistic account of personhood. Against his Afrofuturistic account of personhood, I argue that enhancing personhood is more plausibly viewed in terms of what I call ‘technologized personhood’ and that even if such a technologized personhood contributes to the common good, this would not support the moral permissibility of transhumanism from an Afro-communitarian standpoint. I will deploy Ifeanyi Menkiti’s account of personhood to contend with the view that such a technologized personhood would have a great implication for the Afro-normative conception of personhood in the transhumanist future.
Is there a place for conversational thinking (CT) in Europe?: Germany/Austria in perspective
Authors: Idika Christiana
Published: March 2022

“Is there a place for conversational thinking (CT) in Europe? – Germany/Austria in perspective interrogates the visibility of the African philosophical method, namely Conversational Thinking in the philosophical praxis, teaching, and research in Germany and Austria. It will be considered in the light of epistemic injustice. The paper argues that the emergence of intercultural philosophy in the German/Austrian academic and intellectual cultural space affirms that conversational thinking should have a place. However, uncertainty points to a historically shaped academic, cultural consciousness informing cognitive orientation in engaging with African philosophy. The paper argues that for conversational thinking to have a place, it demands openness beyond the current approaches to intercultural philosophical engagement, which includes German and Austrian philosophers’ readiness to question the logic that shaped their thought and philosophical investigation. By logic, I mean something other than formal elite logic that shapes the context of thought and praxis.
Taking on the conversation: unresolved tensions in Conversationalism as a system
Authors: Harris Chad
Published: March 2022

In his “On the System of Conversational Thinking: An Overview”, and in the talk he presented as part of the development of this paper (similarly titled), Jonathan Chimakonam attempts the first systematic fusion of the various components of Conversationalism. I refer to the ideas in the paper and the talk as ‘SCT’ (short for System of Conversational Thinking) in the comments below. In my response, I make an effort to largely ignore the comparative aspects of the work. In other words, I am not too concerned with the case Chimakonam makes to distinguish Conversationalism as a Philosophy separate from other styles and approaches such as analytic philosophy and hermeneutics. Instead, I make an effort to focus on Conversationalism in its own right and not in contrast to other systems. In doing so, my conversational stance is one of a critical proponent in the sense that I am broadly in favour of much of Conversationalism, but insist on rigorous scrutiny of its insights in the interests of making it stronger. My comments are thus focussed on potential problems with the internal coherence of the ideas contained in Chimakonam’s work, and my hope is to excavate them as areas for further discussion. To this end, I call attention to the following areas of conceptual dissonance in the explication of Conversationalism in SCT.
A literary analysis of Yoruba-Ifá oral poetry and its implication for entertainment and cultural education in Nigeria
Authors: Adeseye Bifátife Olufemi , Olufunwa Harry , Ariremako Afolabi Innocent
Published: March 2022

The article examines the potentials of Yoruba Ifá oral literature for entertainment and education, with an emphasis on the ways in which the desire  for entertainment in narrative poetry can precede educational requirements. The study observes that Ifá narrative is an integral part of the  complete Ifá divination process usually packaged in parable format. The inexhaustible nature of its source is affirmed by related studies done by  Yoruba language and literature scholars. It is also observed that every attempt at translating any language to another often results in obliterating  the imagery of the one being translated in the new presentation; hence, the study adopts the term transliteration. The literary stylistic devices  employed in Ifá narratives are discussed; for easy reference, the study classifies the content of Ifá narratives into three principal genres; poetry,  drama and music. This discourse is tailored to further appraise specific issues concerning the measurement and scoring Yoruba Ifá poetry using  global parameters. The performance essence, as in dramaturgy, of the poetry is reserved for further investigation. Examples of Ese Ifá (Ifá verses)  are subjected to repetition, parallelism and tonal counterpoint. The study affirms the applicability of Ifá oral literature to cartoon animation movies  geared towards effective indigenization of the Yoruba child as a paradigm of the African child. The structure of the study is woven around folkism  theory. The treatment adopts textual analysis in aesthetic evaluative style.
Influence of Professional Competence on Users Satisfaction of Colleges of Education Libraries in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Abdullahi Adejoke Mostura , Owolabi Ruth Onajite
Published: March 2022

Satisfaction is a driving force that makes a library user determined to use the library repeatedly. Satisfaction cannot be achieved in the library without a competent professional in the field of information management to manage the library resources and respond to users professionally although library employ graduate but there still exist the issue of users‟ dissatisfaction with some library workers. The study investigated the influence of professional competence on users' satisfaction with college library. The study adopted survey research design. The study population comprised 12,450 users of libraries in colleges of education in Lagos State, Nigeria. the sample size of 378 was derived from Krejcie and Morgan table of 1970. A validated questionnaire was used for data collection. The Cronbach alpha reliability coefficient of the construct ranged from 0.909 to 0.934. The response rate of 62% achieved. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings showed that professional competence has significant influence on users satisfaction if colleges of education libraries in Lagos State, Nigeria (R2= 0.268, β= 0.518, t = 9.207, p<0.05). Participants were satisfied with the level of library services in colleges of education in Lagos State, Nigeria was (x̅ =3.21). Library resources (x̅ = 3.15) and findings reveal that the colleges of education employ library staff with of B.Sc. (x̅ =3.36) with high level of communication skills (x̅ =3.19). In conclusion the study found that library environment and staff attitude contribute to users' satisfaction therefore professional with good working attitude and a good environment including complete infrastructure enhances satisfaction.
Librarians’ Knowledge and Use of Web Applications for Effective Services in Academic Libraries in Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: Nnedi Ofoma J. , Nwafor-Orizu Obianuju E.
Published: March 2022

This paper aims at assessing what librarians in academic libraries in Anambra state know about web applications and how they utilise them Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study which involved 120 librarians and library staff in four academic libraries. Four research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. The two instruments used were validated by two senior lecturers in the Department of Library and Information Science and one expert in measurement and Evaluation. The reliability of the WAKT (Web Application Knowledge Test) was calculated using the Kudder-Richarchson K-20 formula with reliability coefficient of 0.98; while Cronbach Alpha was used to calculated the reliability coefficient of WAUQ (Web Applications Use Questionnaire) with coefficient 0.75, 0.82, 0.84 for section A, B, C respectively. Percentages, frequencies and mean ratings were used to answer the research questions. T-test was used to test hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The major findings of the study included among others, that librarians from state institutions understood more the meaning of web applications than their counterparts in federal institutions, while the librarians from federal institutions understood more of the use process of web applications. However, the aggregate average of all the librarians is above the pass mark of 50%, but the average use of web applications in rendering library services, online delivery of tutorials is low. No significant difference was found in the mean achievement scores of librarians in federal and state institutions on their level of knowledge of web applications. The study recommended that it should be made a point of duty to conduct orientations at least annually for librarians on how helpful web applications can support their duties and tasks, research and academic work.
Usage of Solar Inverter Technology as Alternative Energy Source: A Catalyst for Round the Clock Electronic Services in Nigerian University Libraries
Authors: Ogo Emuejevoke Paul , Omosekejimi Ademola Ferdinand , Ebhonu Sylvester Israel
Published: March 2022

This study examines usage of solar-inverter technology as alternative energy source: a catalyst for round the clock electronic services in Nigerian university libraries. The total population for this study comprised three hundred and seventy one (371) librarians from 40 university libraries in South West, Nigeria. The data collected were analyzed using simple percentage/frequency counts and weighted mean. Findings from this study revealed among others that the extent of librarians’ awareness of solar- inverter technology as alternative sources of energy in university libraries in South West, Nigeria is very high; electronic reference service, online interlibrary loan service, online cataloguing and classification service, OPAC service, online current awareness service, electronic indexing and abstracting service, online selective dissemination of information service, e-mail service, electronic charging and discharging service among others are types of electronic services that can be provided round the clock in university libraries in South West, Nigerian using solar-inverter energy as alternative energy source and that the extent to which solar-inverter energy can be used as alternative energy source to power ICT equipments for electronic services in university libraries in South West, Nigeria is high among other findings. Recommendations made based on the findings of the study include: University library management should make it a point of duty and also take it as priority to allocate fund for the acquisition and installation of solar-inverter technology as this will help them fulfil the library goal of rendering round the clock electronic library services to their users among others.
Pest status of termites on different Eucalyptus species in Afaka, Nigeria
Authors: Alamu O.T. , Suleiman R.A. , Ayandokun A.E. , Ete J.A. , George-Onaho J.A. , Agboola I.S.
Published: March 2022

Eucalyptus is one of the exotic tree species used for fuel wood and utility pole purposes in Northern Nigeria. The early stages of its plantation establishment face the challenges of insect attack, especially the subterranean termites. The pest status of termites on Eucalyptus tree species is a prerequisite for effective management strategies. This study assessed the pest status of termites on four Eucalyptus tree species: Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus citriodora, Eucalyptus cloeziana and Eucalyptus tereticornis in Afaka, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The four Eucalyptus species were planted in the field in a Randomized Complete Block Design and replicated three times. Seedling mortality counts were taken at 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 months after transplanting. Mortality data were subjected ANOVA and significant means were separated using Tukey’s HSD (p = 0.05). The results showed that lower significant seedling mortality (9.66 ± 5.3%) was observed in E. camaldulensis at 1 month after transplanting. Seedling mortalities within a period of 1 – 12 months after transplanting ranged from 9.66±5.43 – 74.65±8.97%, 34.29±4.80 - 66.87±1.72%, 27.32±2.08 - 61.24±5.85% and 18.01±3.05 - 63.61±2.49% in E. camaldulensis, E. citriodora, E. cloeziana and E. tereticornis, respectively. It is therefore concluded from this study that the first year of Eucalyptus plantation establishment is critical for termite infestation and requires a prompt decision to embark on termite management strategies.
Synthesis and characterization of Cr (III)-ascorbic acid complex
Authors: Otuokere I.E. , Nwaiwu K.C. , Nwadire F.C. , Akoh O.U.
Published: March 2022

Ascorbic acid is a powerful antioxidant because of its ability to eliminate free radicals generated by the body. The ability of this compound to protect the body cells and its components from radicals has been proven. In this work, a complex of Cr (III) ascorbate was synthesized through the reaction of ascorbic acid and Chromium (III) chloride. The nature of the coordination between chromium ion and ascorbic acid was studied. The complex was characterized by UV-Visible, Infrared and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The yield, melting point and solubility of the complex were determined. The solubility parameter suggested that the complex is mildly polar. Electronic spectrum of the complex showed ligand to metal charge transfer (LMCT) and d-d transition. FTIR spectrum of the complex showed a shift to lower frequency for C=O and OH functional groups. Spectroscopic characterization suggested the involvement of carbonyl and 2 hydroxyl group of ascorbic acid ligand in coordination with chromium (III) ion to form the complex. A tridentate geometry was proposed for the complex based on the spectroscopic studies. The Ascorbic acid behaved as a bidentate ligand towards Cr (III) ion. Finally, the ability of ascorbic acid to extract Cr (III) ions from environment or biological system is hereby assured.. The application of ascorbic acid in Cr chelation therapy is hereby recommended.
Analysis of Physicochemical and Bacteriological Quality of Surface and Groundwater Samples in Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria
Authors: Obiora-Okeke O.A. , Ojo O.M. , Alabi S.A. , Olabanji T.O.
Published: March 2022

The water quality assessment in First Baptist Church, Offa, Kwara State Nigeria was carried out by examining nine samples in and around the church premises. One surface water sample, five borehole water samples and three well water samples were examined. The result obtained from the physicochemical analysis showed a turbidity range of (2-6NTU), electrical conductivity EC (693-893 μs/cm), total dissolved solids TDS (346-542mg/L), pH (6.83-7.62), magnesium Mg (17-53mg/L), manganese Mn (0.02-0.1), aluminium Al (0.02-0.13mg/L), iron Fe (0.10-0.44mg/L), zinc Zn (0.8-3.60mg/L), chromium Cr (0.02-0.13mg/L), lead Pb (0.01-0.04), Sulphate SO4 (3- 20mg/L), Nitrate NO3 (3-18mg/L), phosphate PO4 (1.5-14mg/L), chlorine Cl (14-42mg/L), copper Cu (0.04- 0.7mg/L), chemical oxygen demand COD (62-120mg/L), total hardness TH (80-160mg/L) and total alkalinity TA (80-136mg/L). These results, together with that of the microbial analysis were compared with the standard provided by the World Health Organization WHO. Hence, it is crucial that the water supplies are regularly assessed and properly treated to provide the consumers with safe and healthy water.
Heat exchanger network design for the optimization of total annual cost of the Catalytic Reforming Unit
Authors: Udochukwu E.C.
Published: March 2022

This research involved the energy integration of the Catalytic Reforming Unit of a Refinery using Aspen Pinch 11.1 Software. The operating data of the unit was analyzed on composite and grand composite curves from the Software to obtain an optimum minimum temperature of 15oC, pinch temperature of 149.5oC and hot and cold utilities targets of 37094 kW and 22440 kW respectively. Problem table algorithm (PTA) was used as a sensitivity tool to test the accuracy of these values; the exact same values were obtained with less than 0.4% difference between the energy targets. This integration achieved a minimum heat recovery (QREC) of 55465.00 kW with an increase in the number of heat exchangers from eighteen (18) to twenty one (21) with total area of 1995.80m2. Power law correlation was used for the heat exchanger costing to obtain a minimum Annual Capital Cost of $5,918.25/yr, Annual Energy Cost of $2,892.28/yr and Total Annual Cost (TAC) of $57,442.90/yr. By extension, these will certainly reduce the annual operating cost in terms of cost of utilities as well as minimize pollution emissions. Pinch analysis provides the best target for the minimum energy consumption as well as minimum total annualized cost.
Inhibitive effect of Irvingia Gabonensis leaf extract on the corrosion of mild steel in 1.0m hydrochloric acid
Authors: Okuma S.O. , Onyekwere K.C.
Published: March 2022

This investigation utilizes leaf extracts as corrosion inhibitors and studies the inhibitive effect of Irvingia gabonensis leafextracton mild steel immersed in 1.0M HCl acid at ambient conditions. The phytochemical constituents responsible for the corrosion inhibition were determined by standard phytochemical methods. The chemicals detected were alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tanins. The study was carried out using eleven (11) experimental setups, which consisted of: 1.0M HCl (control 1), 10ml, 15ml, 20ml, and 25ml extracts in 1.0M HCl and distilled water (control 2). The experiment was conducted using the weight loss/corrosion rate measurement technique and the results showed that the extract concentration and exposure time had effects on the corrosion rate, whilst the 25ml extract inhibited the most in the acidic medium.The results of the experiment with the two-factor ANOVA without replication indicated that the extract concentration had a more significant effect on corrosion rate than the exposure time. Having this in mind, the inhibitive effect of Irvingnia gabonensis (Africa mango or ogbono) leaf extract as an organic "green" inhibitor on mild steel corrosion in an acidic medium can be said to depend on the concentration of the extract for better effectiveness and inhibition efficiency. Therefore, Irvingia gabonensis leaf extract, with an inhibition efficiency of 67.14% on mild steel in a moderate acidic environment, can be recommended for use in commercial and industrial environments where mild steel material is required in service.
Exploring the Impact of COVID-19 on Communities and the Mitigation Efforts
Authors: Okojie OH
Published: March 2022

Background: The Coronavirus disease 2019 caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has triggered a pandemic of a proportion that was only seen over a century ago when the Spanish flu ravaged the world in 1918. The focus of this review was to explore the impact of COVID-19 on communities and the mitigation efforts.Discussion: The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered an enormous impact on various communities; including geographical, working, those who have fled conflict areas and academic/research communities with a global surge in the demand for health and social services. There are also some positive impacts such as the boom in research output and global collaboration while bringing to the fore the very important role of public health and community medicine specialty.Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the enormous deficiencies in health systems including the social and welfare support of various communities. There is need to sustain mitigation efforts that have been instituted and prepare for future pandemics as connected cycles while learning from the past ones.

Keywords: Communities; COVID-19; Impact; Mitigation; SARS-CoV-2
A new species of Thestor Hübner, [1819] (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae: Miletinae) from the Clanwilliam region of the Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Pringle Ernest L. , Heath Alan
Published: March 2022

A new species from the western mountains of the Western Cape is described, and the evolutionary origins, as well as the taxonomic history, of the species and its genus are briefly discussed.
Publications on Afrotropical Lepidoptera during 2019
Authors: Williams Mark C.
Published: March 2022

The articles published since the author’s Publications on Afrotropical Lepidoptera during 2017-2018, which deal with scientific research into Afrotropical Lepidoptera, are listed alphabetically by author. Articles dealing with control of Lepidoptera as pests are excluded.
Karoo BioGaps project – butterfly survey results and their interpretation
Authors: Edge David A. , Mecenero Silvia
Published: March 2022

The Karoo BioGaps project (KBGP) data acquisition phase was executed between March 2016 and December 2018. Butterfly surveyors made 82 visits to 46 survey sites, selected statistically to represent the types of habitats found in the Karoo. 600 species records were made of 101 species and 262 DNA samples were collected. The data have been analysed to compare expected butterfly occurrence with the actual observations; identify new quarter degree grid square species records and new species records for the entire KBGP study region; assess the impact of the new data on the Red List status of selected butterfly taxa; identify the butterfly functional types found in the Karoo; determine the average species richness in the Karoo vegetation types and biomes; and assess the impact of rainfall and veld condition on species richness. Recommendations are made to improve the efficiency of data acquisition in future surveys in the Karoo.
Additional notes on butterflies of the Cape Verde Islands
Authors: Tennent W. John , Russell Peter J.C.
Published: March 2022

Following the authors’ previously published research on Cape Verde butterflies based on fieldwork conducted in 2013, this paper presents additional data on Cape Verde butterflies as a result of further visits to the islands between 16th June and 17th July 2017, and again from 10th November to 14th December 2017. It reports three new island records (São Nicolau, Santiago and Maio) for Euchrysops osiris (Höpffer, 1855), and one new record (São Nicolau) for Junonia oenone (Linnaeus, 1758), discovered for the first time on the Cape Verde Islands (Santiago) by the authors in 2013. Occurrence of Colias croceus (Geoffroy, 1785) on Sal is discussed and a number of records for the island of Raso in the years 2015-2017 made by the Cambridge University Raso Lark survey team are presented. An updated table of Cape Verde butterflies is also presented, together with an outline map of the islands.
First report of Eriocottidae from Madagascar (Lepidoptera: Tineoidea)
Authors: Mey Wolfram
Published: March 2022

The genus Filiramifera gen.nov. is established to accommodate the first examined species of Eriocottidae from Madagascar, named as F. naumanni spec. nov. The new species differs from the remaining taxa of the family by the presence of unipectinate antennae and strongly spined abdominal terga of the male. The male genitalia, wing venation and the adult moth are illustrated.
Some phenotypic variation in Leptotes pirithous on the Cape Verde Islands, in a wider geographical context (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)
Authors: Tennent W. John , Russell Peter J.C.
Published: March 2022

Unusual phenotypes of Leptotes pirithous (Linnaeus, 1767) were encountered on islands of the Cape Verde Archipelago in 2013 and 2017. Dark/pale and tailed/tailless forms of this polyommatine lycaenid species are illustrated and discussed. The name capverti Libert, Baliteau & Baliteau, 2011, is considered and the phenotype compared with dark forms elsewhere. It is concluded that many individuals are indistinguishable from the Indian Ocean f. insulana Aurivillius, 1909, and from other dark forms that occur in many localities. L. pirithous host-plants on eight different islands, and observations regarding phenotypes, are tabulated. The three specimens of Aurivillius’ insulana and the holotype and both paratypes of capverti are illustrated for the first time, together with a sample of specimens of L. pirithous from the African mainland, the Cape Verde Islands and other islands in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
Taxonomic note on three species in the tribe Acraeini Boisduval, 1833 (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Heliconiinae)
Authors: Williams Mark C. , Henning Graham A.
Published: March 2022

No Abstract
Butterfly diversity (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea) in the Ziama Massif in Guinea and the adjacent Wonegizi and Wologizi Mountains in Liberia (West Africa): A transboundary conservation approach
Authors: Sáfián Szabolcs , Koїvogui Séma , Simonics Gábor , Florczyk Klaudia J.
Published: March 2022

Five field surveys targeting the butterfly fauna across the transboundary landscape that encompasses the Ziama Massif in Guinea and the Wologizi and Wonegizi Mountains in Liberia (collectively called as the Ziama-Wonegizi-Wologizi Transboundary Forest Landscape) were conducted between November 2017 and April 2019. Altogether 564 species of butterfly were recorded from the research area, with 450 species from the Wologizi Mountains, 254 from the Wonegizi Mountains and 429 from the Ziama Massif. An additional five species recorded in Ziama were added to the list as literature data. The surveys revealed several taxa new to science as well as a high number of restricted-range species, endemic either to the Guinea Highlands or to the broader forest area of the Liberian subregion. The results of the ecological classification of the butterfly fauna in Ziama and Wologizi show intact forest fauna with 90% and 92% of the recorded species associated with forest habitats, respectively. These results, along with the high species richness and the outstanding number of restricted-range species, make this landscape one of the most important conservation areas for butterflies in the Liberian biogeographical subregion including the Nimba Mountains and the Greater Gola Landscape on the Liberia-Sierra Leone border.
Three new Opogona species with wing reduction from St Helena Island, South Atlantic Ocean (Lepidoptera: Tineidae: Hieroxestinae)
Authors: Karisch Timm , Fowler Liza , Stevens Natasha , Dutton Amy-Jayne
Published: March 2022

Three new species of Opogona Zeller, 1853 from St Helena Island with wing reduction are described; Opogona ashmolei Karisch & Fowler, sp. nov., Opogona squamata Karisch & Stevens, sp. nov. and Opogona exiguata Karisch & Dutton, sp. nov. All these species were found in the semi-desert areas in the Eastern Part of the island, where the larva of O. ashmolei Karisch & Fowler, sp. nov. feeds on Suaeda fruticosa.
Obituary - Dr Martin Krüger
Authors: Staude Hermann , Mey Wolfram
Published: March 2022

No Abstract.
Signal processing techniques for the spectrophotometric quantitation of binary mixture of dapagliflozin and saxagliptin: A comparative study
Authors: Abdel-Gawad Sherif A. , Arab Hany H. , Hassan Said A.
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To investigate the advantages and drawbacks of four signal processing methods for spectrophotometric quantitation of mixtures of dapagliflozin and saxagliptin.

Methods: The methods studied were numerical differentiation (ND), Savitzky-Golay filter (SG), discrete Fourier transform (DFT) and continuous wavelet transform (CWT). The resolution powers of the methods were compared via quantitative determination of dapagliflozin (DAP) and saxagliptin (SAX) in laboratory prepared mixtures. Furthermore, a new approach for validating robustness in spectrophotometric methods was developed, and the methods were compared using their robustness.

Results: Continuous wavelet transform (CWT) produced the best results regarding the analysis of the two drugs in different ratios. It also showed a lower limit of quantification (LOQ), when compared to each of the other methods. When the four methods were used for quantitation of pharmaceutical drug formulations, and subjected to validation in line with ICH regulations, they were found to be satisfactorily specific, accurate, precise and robust.

Conclusion: These results show that CWT technique is superior to the other three methods for analysis of drug mixtures with regard to sensitivity and resolving power. Thus, CWT can be used in the routine spectrophotometric analysis of pharmaceuticals in quality control laboratories.
Vitamin D associated inflammation and atherosclerosis
Authors: Munisamy Seetha , Mokhtar Sitisafiah , Hou Low Jen , Lee Wee Chee , Rasool Aida Hanum Ghulam
Published: March 2022

Vitamin D is known to play a crucial role in mineral homeostasis and bone metabolism. Recent discoveries showed that the vitamin also regulate the inflammatory mediators. A number of studies have reported on the association of low vitamin D levels with increased level of inflammatory parameters; which predisposes to atherosclerosis and development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Since inflammation is implicated in the pathogenesis of CVD, measurement of inflammatory marker levels has been proposed as a method to improve the prediction of these events. In this review, the mechanism of inflammation and role of vitamin D in combating inflammation are discussed
Assessment of wound contraction, re-epithelialization and histological changes in full thickness excision wounds of rats treated with different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Udegbunam Sunday O. , Ogbobe Sunday , Okereke Nnamdi H. , Enejere Adaobi S. , Udegbunam Ijeoma R. , Ezeobialu Toochukwu H.
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To investigate the impact of treatment with different strengths of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on healing of excision-type wounds in rats.

Methods: Thirty-two (n = 8) adult wistar rats randomly assigned to four groups A - D were used for the study. Full-thickness excision-type wound was surgically made on each rat on day 0. While wounds in group A, the control, were treated with 0.9 % normal saline, wounds in groups B - D received 1, 3, and 5 % H2O2, respectively. Following the surgical wounding and treatment, the epithelialization time, wound contraction, and histological changes of the wounds were assessed.

Results: On day 21, animals in group C recorded 100% wound contraction, whereas in groups A, B and D the contraction degrees of 68.75, 79.33 and 79.00 %, respectively, were reported on the same day. Group C animals treated with 3 % of H2O2 had significantly (p < 0.05) higher degree of wound contraction and epithelialization. Histologically, by day 14, wounds of animals in group C presented with a preponderance of fibrocytes over fibroblasts spread across organized connective tissue fibres. Group C treated animals also had significantly (p<0.05) faster epithelialization. No visible side effects were observed in this group following the treatments. However, the wounds of animals in groups A, B and D showed fibroblasts embedded in loose irregular connective tissue fibres with haemorrhagic lesions, alongside pronounced polymorphonuclear cell infiltration.

Conclusion: When compared to other concentrations used in the study, the optimum strength of H2O2 for wound dressing is 3 % in terms of rate of wound contraction, epithelialization time, histological changes and physical tissue damage.