bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of extension services delivery on farmers’ socio-economic characteristics in Esan Southeast and Esan Central Local Government Areas of Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: S.O. Alakpa  , A.O. Ehigie
Published: September 2024

The position of extension service(s) delivery in enhancing farmer's knowledge, skills, as well as technology dissemination cannot be overemphasized. This study was carried out in Edo state, Nigeria, with the aim of assessing the effectiveness of extension service(s) delivery on farmers’ socio-economic characteristics. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to arrive at the sample size of 300 farmers for the study. Structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from the respondents. The data gathered were analyzed using descriptive (frequency counts, mean, percentages) and inferential (Logit regression analysis) statistics. The descriptive statistics result reveals a sex distribution of 55% males and 45% females.  More than half (53.3%) of the respondents fall within the 41–50 years age group, with a mean age of 43 years. Majority (72.7%) of the respondents were married, with an average farm size of 3 hectares. Additionally, the findings show that more than half of the respondents were indifferent about extension workers discharging their duties with high level of professionalism (59.7%) and the credibility of their information source (62.0%). Based on the regression analysis, age, educational attainment and household size had a significant relationship with effectiveness of extension service delivery (P< 05). This study concludes that age, educational attainment, household size influences the effectiveness of extension service delivery. It is therefore, recommended that extension agents should be trained occasionally in order to stay current with the most recent techniques and approaches for service delivery.
Effects of poultry manure rates on growth components and forage quality of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) in semi-arid region of Maiduguri, Nigeria
Authors: A.Y. Girgiri  , Z.M. Chana  , U.M. Kolo  , A.I. Babale  , M.B. Bislava  , T.A. Jibrin
Published: September 2024

The study evaluated the effects of poultry manure rates on forage quality of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) at the Pasture Field Teaching and Research Farm, Department of Animal Science, University of Maiduguri. Poultry manure was composted and applied at the rates of 0, 6 and 8 t/ha designated as treatments 1, 2 and 3, respectively in a Randomized Complete Block Design. Forage was harvested at 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks after sowing (WAS) and the forage dry matter yields were determined. Thereafter, growth components of plant regrowth were measured at 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks.  The data obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The chemical compositions of Napier grass were not significantly (P>0.05) different among the treatments except for ash content in T1 (0t/ha) which had a higher value (6.25%). There were significant (P<0.05) differences in some growth components of the Napier grass, with T3 (8t/ha) having a higher regrowth height in all the weeks. However, T1 was significantly (P<0.05) different in leaf length among the treatments in all the weeks. Number of leaves and leaf width varied only in 6th week while the remaining weeks were not statistically (P>0.05) different. There was no significant (P>0.05) variation in fresh and dry herbage yield of Napier grass. The response of Napier grass to poultry manure on regrowth height was significantly (P<0.05) different at 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th weeks and between the treatments. The results of this study showed that plant regrowth increases with increase in age. It was concluded that application of poultry manure up to 8t/ha had no effect on forage fresh and dry herbage yield and all chemical composition except ash content of Napier grass and its regrowth height.
Abattoir survey for genital abnormalities of female camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Sokoto, Nigeria
Authors: A. A. Adeyeye  , B. Sani
Published: September 2024

Camels are pseudo ruminants that have low reproductive efficiency which is a constraint to their productivity. This study was designed to survey the genital abnormalities encountered in female camels slaughtered at the Sokoto modern abattoir, Nigeria. The genitalia of 242 female camels were examined from the ovaries to the vulva for abnormalities. A detection rate of 4 (1.65 %) genital abnormalities in female camels was observed in this study. The abnormalities were follicular cyst 2 (0.83 %), uterine nodule 1 (0.41 %) and cervical agenesis 1 (0.41 %). Histologically, the uterine nodule was diagnosed as fibrosarcoma, while in the camel with cervical agenesis, an opening on the uterus suggests a failure of the paramesonephric ducts to fully form the cervix. The study revealed a low occurrence rate of genital abnormalities in female camels slaughtered at the Sokoto modern abattoir. However, the abnormalities seen are capable of causing infertility that will reduce overall camel productivity.
Effect of graded levels of oregano powder (Origanum vulgare) on carcass characteristics of broiler chicken meat
Authors: M.I. Haliru  , S. Garba  , A.A. Umar  , G. Sirajo  , A.B. Omojola
Published: September 2024

This research evaluated the effect of feeding varying levels of Oregano powder (OP) (Origanum vulgare) on carcass characteristics of broiler chicken meat. Two hundred broiler chicks were randomly allotted to four (4) dietary treatment groups in a completely randomized design (CRD). The dried oregano leaves were ground into a fine form, milled and incorporated into the ration over the top (above 100%). Each treatment consisted of varying levels of OP as 0, 15, 20 and 25g/100kg representing treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. The birds were fed the experimental feed for 49 days, at the end of which 5 birds per replicate were sacrificed and their carcasses were evaluated for carcass characteristics. From the results obtained, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the mean values obtained for all the carcass characteristics and primal cuts examined. The mean weight values of the external and internal offal examined showed no significant difference (P>0.05) in their means except for the head which differed significantly (P<0.05). It was concluded that Oregano powder inclusion at 0, 15, 20 and 25g/100kg in the diets of broiler chicken did not have any effects on carcass characteristics of broiler chicken meat.
Heavy metals seasonal variation and uptake pattern in rice grown in Kano State, Nigeria
Authors: N. Abdullahi  , M.A. Dandago  , M.S. Gambo  , S.S. Abubakar  , A.U. Tsoho  , P.G. Idah
Published: September 2024

The contamination of rice by heavy metals (HMs) has been assessed and investigations have uncovered that the concentrations of heavy metals such as lead, chromium, manganese, and cadmium in rice samples have exceeded the permissible thresholds in many locations across the world including Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the pattern of Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, Co, Cu, Cr and Hg accumulation in the roots and grains of rice samples collected from 10 different locations across the Kano River Irrigation Project during wet and dry season production and compare the metal concentrations with the permissible limits recommended by FAO/WHO. Also, to use Translocation Factors and study Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, Co, Cu, Cr and Hg uptake patterns in rice during wet and dry growing seasons. Rice grain and root samples were collected from 10 different locations across the irrigation scheme during the 2022 wet season and 2023 dry season. Samples were prepared using standard laboratory methods and subjected to metal analysis using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results show that the accumulation of HMs in rice grain samples follows this order Zn>Cu>Pb>Ni>Cr>Co>Cd for both wet and dry seasons with higher accumulation reported in dry season production. It was only the mean concentration of Zn that exceeded the permissible limit during the wet season. The concentrations of Pb and Cd were also observed to exceed permissible limits in addition to Zn during dry season production. Hg was not detected in all the samples. Wet season production provides a safer rice grains with lesser heavy metals contamination.
DNA fingerprinting of Date palm (Phoenix dactilifera L.) gender using random amplified polymorphic DNA – PCR technique
Authors: J.N. Ja’afar  , A. Suleiman  , T.B. Abdullahi
Published: September 2024

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is a flowering plant that is cultivated for its edible sweet fruit called dates. It is a dioecious plant species with unisexual flowers. In date farming, there is the need of a sufficiently large number of productive female trees with only a minimal number of male trees. However, due to phenotypic difficulties in sex determination before flowering, which takes 4 to 5 years, there is the need for an alternative genetic approach to curtail this problem. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the potential of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique as a genetic tool in sex determination of this plant at an early stage. Date palm seeds were planted until the young and tender leaves were grown. DNA was extracted from the leaves using Zymo DNA Mini Kit. Six different RAPD primers were used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and the resulting PCR products were resolved on 2% agarose gel for 2 hours. The banding pattern on the gel was used to compare the results of the samples against a male positive control. The findings of this study showed clearly the differences in banding patterns between male and female seedlings. Hence, the use of RAPD as a routine genetic tool in fingerprinting date palm would aid in planting appropriate female date palm plants thereby reducing time wastage and increase in the return on investment.
Assessment of land surface temperature and factors influencing urban green space dynamics in Sapele, Delta State of Nigeria
Authors: D.A. Akintunde-Alo  , A. Joy  , O.O. Komolafe
Published: September 2024

Forest is a carbon sink contributing to the tropical Land Surface Temperature (LST) changes. However, information on the nexus between Urban Green Space (UGS) and LST of most cities is limited. Therefore, spatiotemporal variability in UGS and LST, and factors affecting UGS dynamics were examined in Sapele, Delta State, Nigeria. Landsat imageries of 2002, 2012, and 2022 were obtained and classified using Iso Cluster Classification with point pixel-based correction for accuracy improvement. The LST was extracted from the imageries. Relationship between NDVI and LST was established using R. Structured questionnaire was used to elucidate information on factors affecting UGS (FAUGS); population growth (PG), lack of law enforcement (LLE), demand for timber (DT), agricultural expansion (AE), overgrazing (O), soil characteristics (SC), urban sprawl (US) and lack of land tenure system (LLTS), using logit regression at α=0.05. Four LULC were identified; UGS, water bodies, bare land, and built-up areas. The UGS decreased from 88.55% in 2002 to 81.83% in 2022, built-up area expanded from 4.64% to 12.55%. Highest mean LST (27.46°C) and lowest NDVI (0.54) were recorded in 2012, least LST (26.46°C) and highest NDVI (0.69) were recorded in 2002. Negative nexus was observed between NDVI and LST for 2002 (-0.453), to 2022 (-0.393). The odd ratio showed that PG (1.2x108), US (13.8), and LLTS (3.0) significantly affected UGS dynamics with the regression model (FAUGS) = -9.7 + 18.6(PG) – 8.0(LLE) - 23.61(DT) - 18.5(AE) -10.8(O) - 25.7(SC) + 2.6(US) + 1.1(LLTS). This study affirmed that urban green space was affected by urbanization.
Phylogenetic analysis and abundance of culturable Fungi from Tropical glaciers; Lewis Glacier, Mt. Kenya
Authors: Okello Isaac , Mbogo Kevin , Kuja Josiah
Published: September 2024

Equatorial and tropical glaciers of Africa are mainly found on mountains summit. Due to climatic change, the receding glaciers exposes  cryoconites which are ideal spots for microbial growth. Industrially important fungi are among the psychrophilic microorganism  inhabiting cryoconites. In this study, the characterization and determination of the abundant fungal taxa in the tropical glaciers; Lewis  glaciers Mount Kenya was done. Randomly selected cryoconite holes were mapped out across the study area by grid method, fifty  samples were collected in different reagent bottles. Each sample was then serially diluted and cultured in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA)  mixed with a broad-spectrum antibiotic to inhibit bacterial growth. The culturable pure strains that successfully grew were twenty- three. The pure isolates were first morphologically characterized Genomic DNA was extracted using CTAB method followed by DNA  quality and yield assessments using agarose gel electrophoresis and nanodrop. For the molecular identification of the isolated fungi at  the species level, the extracted fungal DNA was amplified by PCR using specific internal transcribed spacer primer (ITS1/ITS4). The  amplified products were sequenced, and the sequence data were trimmed using BioEdit. The trimmed sequences were then  characterized and there was a total of hundred fungi species; most of which had a range of 80-100% similarity with other fungi when  subjected to BLASTn. For evolutionary relationship studies, fungi species that had a percentage similarity ranging between 95-100% were  downloaded from NCBI and saved in MEGA X for further diversity analysis. Nine filamentous fungal species were identified as  Bjerkandera adusta, Coprinellus micaceus, Penicillium chrysogenum, Polyporales sp., Schizophyllum commune, Trametes hirsuta,  Trametes polyzona, Trametes versicolor and uncultured fungi clone. The results showed that T. polyzona was the most abundant fungus  revealed from all the locations. It was also noticed that our isolates were of two phyla identified as: Basidiomycota and Ascomycota. Most  of the fungi belonged to Basidiomycota.
The role of social support and socio‑demographic factors in predicting intercultural adjustment among Malawian international graduates in China
Authors: Ngwira Flemmings Fishani , Kondowe Wellman
Published: September 2024

International students face challenges as they adjust to their living and learning ways in their new environment. The study aimed to examine the level of acculturative stress and social support Malawian international students in China experienced. The study further wanted to determine the role of social support on students’ acculturation. A sample of 163 Malawian international graduates were recruited to participate in the study. The Acculturative Stress Scale for International Students (ASSIS) was employed to assess graduates’ perceived discrimination, homesickness, perceived hate, fear, cultural shock, guilt, and miscellaneous stressors. Further,the Multidimensional Scale for Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) was used to measure graduates’ level of social support from friends and family members. Data collected from this study was analysed using IBM® SPSS® statistics version 22. Findings indicated that Malawian graduates did not experience high acculturative stress. Nonetheless, homesickness, perceived discrimination, and cultural shock were their topmost reported sources of acculturative stress. Demographic characteristics such as length of stay, age, education, and marital status were also found to influence stress. Social support was also found to be associated with lower levels of acculturativestress. These findings have critical implications for educators and administrators of international students, and Malawian students in China.
Decoloniality and cultural promotion in selected Malawian plays
Authors: Likongwe Smith
Published: September 2024

Various cultural as well as religious beliefs and indigenous performance traditions were condemned as pagan rites and almost forced into extinction through the coming in of Christianity and colonialism in Malawi (Nyasaland). These included spirit mediums that would be invoked upon to intervene in the bringing of rains through performances by designated rainmakers, in addition to transmitting messages received in a state of ecstasis. There was also the invocation of beliefs in other gods and the promotion of the existence of only one God and one medium in the name of Jesus Christ. The condemnation of indigenous cultural and religious beliefs in mainstream dramatic literature has promoted epistemological coloniality in various aspects. The resultant praxis has been the eradication of knowledge systems (epistemicide), as well as the suffocation of indigenous culture (culturecide). The challenge is that generations born after colonialism and Christianity eschew their own cultural beliefs under the guise of modernity. Through critical discourse analysis, this article analyses the attempts of two selected playwrights in decoloniality of knowledge and speaking back for indigenous Malawian cultural and religious beliefs. The critical discourse analysis is done through script analysis of Steve Chimombo’s The Rainmaker and Du Chisiza Jr’s Nyamirandu. A reading of the two scripts surfaces decoloniality and cultural promotion. Through the results of this research, it shall be seen how some plays have engaged with coloniality and fronted indigenous cultural beliefs.
Molecular identification and antifungal potentials of lactic acid bacteria isolated from soil
Authors: Obidah J. S. , Whong C. M. Z , Abdullahi I. O. , Kabir J. , Fathuddin M. M.
Published: September 2024

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are a large group of bacteria that produce lactic acid as a major end product of fermentation and are found in various environments, including plant materials, gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. The increasing prevalence of fungal infections and growing resistance of fungi to conventional antifungal therapies necessitate the urgent exploration of new and effective antifungal agents. In this study, LAB were isolated from soil samples from the Botanical Garden of Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Nigeria. The fungicidal potency of isolates were tested against some fungi, namely Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus A. Brasiliensis, Talaromyces purpureogenus, Penicillium notatum, and Fusarium oxysporum employing the overlay technique. All isolates exhibited potent antifungal activity, with inhibition diameters of 30.2±0.1 to 45.3±0.3 mm. The identity of isolates was confirmed by 16S rRNA sequencing and comparing the sequences with the biological sequences in the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. The similarity of isolates obtained were 99.74% for Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (KR816154.1), 99.80% for Lactobacillus pentosus (AB362757.1), 99.10% Levilactobacillus brevis (CP031208.1), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (OQ224994.1) 99.26%, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (KY203913.1) 99.26% and Lantiplantibacillus plantarum OQ224994.1 99.85%. The phylogenetic relationship established close similarities between Lactobacillus species isolated and other species from NCIB GenBank.
Analysis of Salivary Amylase Level in Patients with Pain of Endodontic Origin: A Case-Control Study.
Authors: GBADEBO Shakeerah Olaide , LASISI Taye Jemilat
Published: September 2024

Background: Adequate management of pain of endodontic originrequires an understanding of the severity and the need foremergency treatment. Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) is amajor saliva biomarker linked to pain from oral diseases butnot established with pain from endodontic/pulpal diseaseswhich form a major proportion of oral pathologies.Objective: To assess the relationship between salivaryalpha-amylase level and pain of endodontic origin.Methods: A case-control study on patients attending theDental Centre of the University College Hospital, Ibadan,diagnosed with pain of Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis(SIP) and Symptomatic apical periodontitis (SAP). The painwas assessed with a visual analogue scale (VAS)subjectively. Saliva (stimulated and unstimulated) wascollected and the sAA level was analysed using Elisa Kit.IBM SPSS version 25.0 was used for data analysis. Pearson’scorrelation was used to test the relationship between painand sAA level with a P-value set at ≤ 0.05.Results: Participants (43, 30) were included as test andcontrol respectively. The mean unstimulated andstimulated saliva sAA was 123.1 ng/ml ±22.59 and119.6ng/ml ±27.98 respectively, for the test group and47.55± 9.54 ng/ml and 48.24± 10.85 ng/m for the control.The sAA level in both saliva samples was significantly higherin the test group compared to the control group. However,no significant correlation was observed between pain andsAA in unstimulated (r = 0.04, p = 0.82) and stimulated (r =0.01, p = 0.96) saliva.Conclusion: sAA showed a significantly elevated level inpatients with pain of SIP and SAP but did not show acorrelation with pain perception.
Enhanced Magnification in Restorative Dentistry: Opinions of a Population of Nigerian Restorative Dentists
Authors: ENABULELE Joan Emien , UMANAH Ayamma Udo
Published: September 2024

Background: The practice of restorative dentistry requiresgood perceptual and visual skills. Magnification aids excellentvisualisation that the naked eye cannot provide. Variousmagnification devices abound and proper utilization will onlyoccur based on adequate knowledge of available devices, theiruses, and availability. The restorative dentists would have theirpractice elevated by using various magnification devices.Objective: To assess the awareness and attitudes of membersof the Nigerian Society of Restorative Dentistry (NISORD)regarding dental magnification.Methods: An e-questionnaire was developed and distributedto 118 NISORD members. The questionnaire consisted of, fivesections that covered awareness, attitudes, and barriers tousing dental magnification. Data were analyzed using IBMSPSS version 26, with descriptive statistics, counts,frequencies, and cross-tabulations.Results: The response rate was 69.5% (n=82) and among therespondents, 42.7% were consultants, 28.0% were seniorresidents, and 61% specialized in conservative dentistry.Nearly all respondents (98.8%) were aware of magnification inrestorative dentistry. The majority (75%) knew about variousmagnification devices, with dental loupes being the mostrecognized (96.3%). Uses of magnification for dentinal crackdetection and endodontic surgery were equally acknowledged(95.1%). Of the 59.4% who used magnification, dental loupeswere the most commonly used device (95.5%). Mostrespondents (65.5%) supported making magnification use astandard practice while 34.5% opposed mandatoryenforcement. The primary barrier to routine use was the highcost of magnification devices (75.6%).Conclusion: The study revealed high awareness and positiveattitudes toward dental magnification among NISORDmembers and this is largely attributed to their postgraduatetraining. Most respondents agreed that magnification shouldbe a standard in restorative dentistry but not mandatory.Dental loupes were the most recognized and utilized amongthe types of dental magnification while the high cost remains aa significant barrier to the routine use of dental magnification
Barriers to Community Pharmacists’ Prescribing Role in Limpopo Province, South Africa: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Moloto Noko Brilliant , Chuene Tiisetso Aubrey , Makgopa Kgaugelo Daphney , Mogano Koketso Malekhwekhwe , Rakgoale Mmakgwedi Unika , Rekhotho Manase Sarender
Published: September 2024

Background The healthcare system had rapidly advanced with greater focus on improving the quality of healthcare and safety of patients. Parallel with the transforming healthcare systems, new policies have emerged to allow pharmacists to prescribe. Little is known about the barriers to community pharmacists’ prescribing role in Limpopo province. Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore the barriers to community pharmacists’ prescribing role in Limpopo province and give recommendations to enhance pharmacists’ prescribing role at community pharmacies. Methodology This was a qualitative study in which community pharmacists in Polokwane were interviewed. Due to data saturation, 14 pharmacists participated. Data collection was through semi-structured face-to-face interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using Tesch’s open coding method. Results Most participants reported their readiness to prescribe and viewed it as a positive initiative. Results revealed barriers associated with the prescribing role such as lack of knowledge and awareness of the supplementary program, lack of dedicated time for prescribing, lack of recognition from employer, lack of support from medical doctors, and limited scope of practice. Conclusion Pharmacists’ prescribing role is a great initiative that will strengthen the healthcare system however the identified barriers need to be addressed to ensure that pharmacists offer safe and effective patient-centred healthcare. A coordinated effort is therefore necessary for the formulation of clear policy frameworks, including more training facilities, increasing stakeholder awareness to support pharmacist prescribing role, and identifying financial, infrastructure, and other resource demands to support the smooth integration of pharmacist prescribing.Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2024;7(2):106-119
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Postpartum Hemorrhage among Women who Delivered at Rwinkwavu District Hospital in the Eastern Province of Rwanda
Authors: Aphrodis Nyirijuru  , Jean Nepomuscene Renzaho  , Andegiorgish Ammanuel Kidane  , Japheths Ogendi
Published: September 2024

Background More than 25% of maternal deaths in low and middle-income countries were due to post-partum hemorrhage (PPH). The PPH is considered as the maternal mortality leading cause worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of postpartum hemorrhage and to identify its associated factors among women who delivered at Rwinkwavu District Hospital in the Eastern Province of Rwanda. Methods A facility based cross-sectional study design, was used. Four hundred ten (410) participants were selected systematically. The SPSS version 21 was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the prevalence of PPH at Rwinkwavu District Hospital. Chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression were used to generate adjusted odds ratios with 95%CI to identify the PPH associated factors. The findings were considered significant for p-value <0.05.Results The PPH prevalence was 15.1%. The odds of bleeding in postpartum were 2.411 times [AOR=2.411, 95%CI: 1.027-5.661, p-value=0.043] higher among married women than single ones. Women who delivered by Cesarean section were 3.092 times more likely to bleed in postpartum [AOR=3.092, 95%CI: 1.176-8.128, p<0.001] compared to those who delivered normally. Women whose delivery labors were induced were 25.689 times more likely to suffer from PPH [AOR=25.689, 95%CI: 3.864-45.759, p<0.001] compared to those whose labor was not induced. Women with prolonged labor were 11.391 times more likely to bleed in postpartum [AOR=11.391, 95%CI: 5.011-25.893, p<0.001] compared to those with normal length of delivery labor.Conclusion The prevalence of PPH was high, and this is a great public health concern; therefore, the Ministry of Health and health facilities need to strengthen strategies to prevent PPH. Marital status, mode of delivery, labor induction and prolonged labor were significantly associated with PPH. Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2024;7(2): 350-358
Effects of varying concentrations of ropivacaine on pain relief in ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block surgery in the intercostal space
Authors: Shen Lin , Lu Jiayu , He Wei
Published: September 2024

Purpose: To investigate the anesthetic efficacy of various concentrations of ropivacaine in ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block surgery in the inter-costoclavicular space.
Methods: 94 patients for brachial plexus block surgery identified from March 2021 to March 2023 in Jilin Province, China were selected as the study subjects; they were divided into control group and study group, and the control group received 0.3% ropivacaine 20 ml while the study group received 20 ml of 0.4% ropivacaine. The nerve block efficiency, secondary evaluation index, VAS scores at 12 h, 24 h and 48 h after surgery and the occurrence of adverse reactions were determined.
Results: There was no notable difference in the success rate of nerve block between the control and study group (91.49 % vs 95.74 %, χ2 = 0.712, p = 0.399). In comparison to control, the study group exhibited no noteworthy variance in the commencement time of the sensory block, whereas the remaining three indicators were significantly shortened (p < 0.05). The VAS scores at 12 and 24 h after surgery were markedly lower compared to the control (p < 0.05), while at 48 h, VAS scores were slightly lower (p > 0.05). There was no significant disparity in the overall incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (4.26 vs. 6.38 %), neither were there serious complications such as tube nerve injury, local anesthetic poisoning, Horner's syndrome, pneumothorax, and postoperative sensory-motor abnormalities (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Using 0.4 % ropivacaine in ultrasound-guided intercostal brachial plexus block surgery achieves a higher success rate, enhances nerve block onset and duration, and improves postoperative pain relief, all without raising the incidence of adverse reactions, when compared to the use of 0.3 % ropivacaine concentration. However, larger clinical trials are required before the application of this strategy in clinical practice.
A meta-analysis of the efficacy of Buyang Huanwu decoction in the treatment of ischemic stroke
Authors: Zhang Rao , Wang Jiannan , Zhou Dongrui
Published: September 2024

Purpose: This meta-analysis was aimed at investigating the efficacy and safety of Buyang Huanwu decoction in the management of  ischaemic stroke.
Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the clinical efficacy of Buyang Huanwu decoction for ischemic stroke patients were  searched in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, China Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Science and Technology Journal Database  and Wanfang Database. The search period was from 1 January 2010 to 31 July 2023, and the parameters evaluated included efficacy, limb  motor function score, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and adverse drug reactions. Relevant data were extracted,  assessed for quality, and analyzed using RevMan 5.2.
Results: The inclusion criteria were met by nine RCTs, encompassing a total of 883  participants. The meta-analysis revealed that Buyang Huanwu decoction significantly enhanced motor function recovery, reduced  neurological impairment, decreased the incidence of adverse reactions, elevated ADL scores, and an overall increase in clinical  effectiveness (p < 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant decrease and increase in TCM symptom scores and FMA scores respectively  (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Buyang Huanwu decoction improves clinical outcomes and motor functions in patients with ischaemic stroke. It is  important to expand this study to include larger sample sizes, longer followup periods, and a broader scope of literature to validate its  findings.
Effect of the combination of dexmedetomidine and sufentanil after laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with gallbladder diseases
Authors: Chen Yan , Liu Xiangliu , Wang Gaohua , Guo Haifeng
Published: September 2024

Purpose: To investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine plus sufentanil on in-patients after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).
Methods: A  total of 120 patients with gallbladder disease in Jingxian Hospital, China who were treated with LC were assigned equally to control and  study cohorts. Control group received sufentanil, while study group received dexmedetomidine and sufentanil after surgery. The  extent of sedation, degree of pain, and dosage of self-controlled analgesia pump drug, were evaluated within 48 h. Serum levels of stress  indicators such as cortisol (Cor), norepinephrine (NE), angiotensin II (AngII), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and inflammatory factors:  interleukin-17 (IL-17), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were determined.
Results:  Values of Ramsay sedation scores after surgery in study group were significantly higher than those in control group (p < 0.05). The visual  analogue scale (VAS) scores were significantly lower in study group than in control group. The self-controlled analgesia pump drug  dosages were significantly lower in study cohort (p < 0.05). Study cohort had lower levels of Cor, NE, AngII, TNF-α, and hs-CRP after  surgery than control cohort, while SOD level was higher in study cohort than in control cohort (p < 0.05). There was a significantly lower  incidence of adverse reactions in study cohort.
Conclusion: The combination of dexmedetomidine and sufentanil as postoperative  analgesia in LC significantly improves sedation and analgesia, reduces sufentanil use, alleviates stress response and inflammation, and  reduces adverse reactions. Future long-term and large-scale monitoring is required to further validate these findings.
Effect of dexmedetomidine on postoperative arrhythmias in children undergoing direct cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation (cardiopulmonary bypass)
Authors: Zhou Dandan , Ma Chen , Dong Shi , Wang Xiaofei , Han Xiaodong
Published: September 2024

Purpose: To investigate the potential of dexmedetomidine in preventing or reducing postoperative arrhythmias in pediatric patients  undergoing direct vision cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation (cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB)).
Methods: 62 children undergoing elective CPB cardiac surgery in Northwest Women and Children’s Hospital, Xian, China between May  2020 and June 2023 were randomly and equally divided into study and control groups. The study group received a loading dose of 1 μg/ kg dexmedetomidine followed by continuous intravenous infusion during surgery, while control group received an equivalent volume of saline infusion during surgery. Clinical data, perioperative indices (adverse reactions and intraoperative use of vasoactive drugs), levels of  lactic acid, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and postoperative arrhythmias were compared between the  two groups at the end of the surgery.
Results: The study group showed significantly lower postoperative lactate and BUN levels  compared to the control group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in incidence of intraoperative hypotension, bradycardia,  tachycardia, and vasoactive drug use between the two groups (p > 0.05). The study group showed significantly lower incidences of  postoperative nausea and vomiting as well as supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias compared to control group (p < 0.05).  Furthermore, mean arterial pressure (MAP) at T2 and T3 was significantly lower in study group compared to control group (p < 0.05). 
Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine reduces postoperative lactate, BUN levels, incidence of postoperative supraventricular and ventricular  arrhythmias, maintains hemodynamic stability, attenuates stress responses, preserves renal function, and decreases postoperative  nausea and vomiting in pediatric CPB cardiac surgery. Large-sample multicenter clinical trials are needed for validation in further studies.
Efficacy of acupuncture combined with medication in the treatment of sciatica: A systematic review and metaanalysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Cui Fanghan
Published: September 2024

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of acupuncture combined with medication in the treatment ofsciatica using a systematic review approach.Methods: Databases such as CNKI, Wanfang database, VIP, and PubMed were searched usingkeywords which include "acupuncture", "electro-acupuncture”, "millimeters", "non-steroidal antiinflammatory analgesic drugs", "corticosteroids", “sciatica”, and "vitamins", to identify relevant literatureon the treatment of sciatica using acupuncture and moxibustion combined with drugs. The reviewadopted the Review Manager 5.3 software for meta-analysis of all data.Results: The combined effect size RR = 1.12, Z = 3.5 (p < 0.05), 95 % CI (1.05, 1.20) in the forest plotof overall effectiveness rate. Also, combined diamond of the effective outcome in the forest plot waslocated on the right side of the midline, the combined effect size STD = -1.25, Z = 7.1 (p < 0.00001), 95% CI (-1.59, -0.90) in the forest plot of VAS scores.Conclusion: Acupuncture combined with medication treatment reduces pain, and improves totaleffectiveness and cure rate of sciatica treatment. The exact efficacy still needs to be confirmed by largescale and multi-center randomized controlled trials (RCT).
Ginsenoside R3 alleviates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating the PPARγ/miR-103-3p pathway
Authors: Li Chenyi , Fan Danjun
Published: September 2024

Purpose: To determine the effect of ginsenoside R3 (Rg3) on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and the mechanism involved.
Methods: High-fat diet (HFD) was used to establish an NAFLD mouse model. The mice were daily and intraperitoneally injected with Rg3  at a dose of 1 mg/kg. Blood lipid levels and levels of liver inflammatory markers were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay  (ELISA) while liver pathological changes and lipid accumulation were assessed with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and oil red O  staining, respectively. The mRNA and protein expressions of miR-103-3p and PPARγ were determined with quantitative real-time  polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot assay, respectively. Furthermore, an in vitro hepatocyte NAFLD model was  established, and Rg3 was used to treat the cells; PPARγ was overexpressed in the cells. Lipid accumulation, inflammatory factors, as well as PPARγ and miR-103-3p expressions were assessed as indicated for the in vivo studies above. Apoptosis was determined by flow  cytometry.
Results: Rg3 alleviated the NAFLD-induced decreases in liver function, reversed NAFLD-mediated pathological injury in liver  tissue injury, and decreased hepatic lipid build-up and inflammatory lesions (p < 0.05). It also significantly reversed the upregulation of  PPARγ and miR-103-3p in the liver tissue of NAFLD mice. At the cellular level, Rg3 significantly inhibited free fatty acid (FFA)-induced lipid accumulation, apoptosis and inflammatory factors in primary mouse hepatocytes. The PPARγ overexpression counteracted the inhibitory  effect of Rg3 on hepatocyte apoptosis, and increased miR103-3p expression (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: These data suggest that Rg3 mitigates  NAFLD through regulation of the PPARγ/miR-103- 3p pathway. Therefore, Rg3 may be suitable for the treatment of NAFLD.  However, clinical trials are required to ascertain the validity of this therapeutic strategy in clinical practice.
Assessment of organ weight changes in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats treated with Olea europaea L. leaf extract
Authors: Bencheikh Dalila , Khennouf Seddik , Dahamna Saliha
Published: September 2024

Purpose: To evaluate the antidiabetic activity of crude extract of Olea europaea L. (CEOE) leaves in streptozotocin induced-diabetic rats  and also to determine its tannin content.
Methods: Thirty (30) male, normoglycemic Wistar rats (170 - 250 g) were randomly divided into five groups of six rats each. Group 1,  which served as the normal control group, received distilled water while groups 2 and 3, were administered 200 and 600 mg/kg of CEOE  extract daily for 18 days, respectively. Group 4 was given glibenclamide (Glibil; 3 mg/kg) while group 5 served as the untreated diabetic  control group. Diabetes was induced with a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg) and rats with blood glucose  levels ≥ 250 mg/dL were confirmed to be diabetic. The blood glucose concentration, water and feed intake, tannin content of CEOE as well  as the weight of organs were determined.
Results: The results showed that O. europea contained a large amount of tannins (806.22  ± 0.036 μg Tannic Acid Equivalent/g Extract). Administration of the extract (200 and 600 mg/kg) significantly decreased polydipsia and  polyphagia, and reversed weight loss in rats with diabetes (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) in comparison with glibenclamide.  
Conclusion: The antidiabetic activity of the crude extract of O. europea was higher than that observed with glibenclamide, thus validating  the folkloric use of this plant in diabetes care. Further investigation of Olea europea, including thorough chemical and  pharmacological studies, are required.
Thermodynamic properties of yttrium barium copper oxide (YBa2Cu307-x) superconducting quantum well
Authors: Gian O. J. , Antia A. D. , Okon I. B. , Isonguyo C. N.
Published: September 2024

In this work, we obtained analytical bound state solution of Schrodinger wave equation and thermodynamic properties with modified Hulthen plus generalized Coulomb Potential as applied to Yttrium Barium copper oxide (YBa2Cu307-x)  superconductor using parametric Nikiforov-Uvarov method (NU). We obtained the energy eigenvalues for various screening parameter (α = 0.2 , 0.4 , 0.6 , 0.8 , 1.0) and the total normalized wave function expressed in terms of Jacobi polynomial. Thermodynamic properties of YBa2Cu207-x such as the vibrational mean energy U(β),  vibrational heat capacity C (β), vibrational entropy S(β) and vibrational free energy F(β), were obtained using partition function. The thermodynamic wave functions and probability density plots were also obtained. Yttrium Barium copper oxide can be used on an adjustment measure to obtain necessary inherent and band gap energies for the production and manufacturing ofYBa2Cu207-x technological devices.
Application of multilayer feed-forward neural network to predict porosity and water saturation volumes in parts of onshore Niger Delta
Authors: Edet O. E. , Tamunobereton- Ari I. , Amakiri A. R. C. , Amonieah J.
Published: September 2024

This study presents the successful implementation of a Multilayer Feed-Forward Neural Network to predict porosity and fluid saturation in two reservoirs using well log and 3D seismic data. By leveraging unknown nonlinear relationships in data between well logs and reservoir parameters, the technique accurately determines specific petrophysical features of reservoir rocks under various compaction conditions. Addressing the challenge of predicting petrophysical parameters, especially saturation, due to unclear correlations with seismic elastic characteristics, the research employed machine learning methods for seismic reservoir characterization. Prior to applying the neural network, seismic inversion was used to link geology, seismology, well-logs, and rock physics. The results identified hydrocarbon-bearing zones based on low acoustic impedance values. Training the neural network with six attributes for water saturation prediction and five for porosity prediction showed significant correlations, with actual and predicted water saturations and porosities having correlation coefficients of 72.6% and 80.6%, respectively. These parameters were then extended over reservoirs A and B to map their distribution in the field, proving the workflow's validity in accurately predicting water saturation and porosity.
Variational stability results of dynamic equations on time-scales using generalized ordinary differential equations
Authors: Igobi D. K. , Ndiyo E. , Ineh M.P.
Published: September 2024

Generalized ordinary differential equations can be used to tackle the setback of the everywhere requirement of the existence of the integral of some functions of the dynamic equations on a time-scale. In this study, we investigated the variational stability and variational asymptotic stability of the zero solution of the dynamic equation on time-scale using the established results of the variational stability and variational asymptotic stability of the zero solution of the generalized ordinary differential equations as presented in this work. The regulated and rd-continuous assumptions on the integral function of the ∆ -integral of the dynamic equation on the time-scale equation enhanced the compatibility of the results. An example is used to illustrate the suitability of the results.
Equilibrium solution of two – dimensional non-homogeneous equations in the theory of elastic mixtures
Authors: Udoh P.J. , Udoh I.J. , Abasiekwere U. A.
Published: September 2024

The problem of plane elasticity for a doubly connected body with inner and outer boundaries in a regular polygonal form with a common centre and parallel sides has been studied. The sides of the polygon were exposed to external forces. The nature of the force term was determined by application of complex variable theory. Kolosov’s method of solution was applied to obtain the biharmonic equation of the forcing term. The forces on the particle were studied under 2-dimensions from which the compatibility and equilibrium equations were derived. The compatibility and equilibrium equations were used to derive the force–stress relations. The results shows that there is a significant relationship between the angle of the force term on the plane of the particle and the stress state of the particle, which conforms with existing experimental results.
A time series modelling and forecasting of under-5 mortality rate in Nigeria
Authors: David A. E. , Raheem M.A.
Published: September 2024

This paper applies an appropriate univariate time series model to examine the trend in the Under-5 Mortality Rate in Nigeria. Fifty-seven years data, ranging from 1964-2020, were obtained from the United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation website for this study. The empirical study revealed that the most adequate model for the under-5 mortality rates is ARIMA(1,1,0). The adequacy of the fitted model was determined and 10 years forecast of Under-5 mortality rates in Nigeria was made. With the forecast series, we found a steady decrease in the rate, which was consistent with the trends in the original series; indicating that the government and stakeholders’ efforts over the years in Nigeria are yielding encouraging results that would in the long run, lead to a significant drop in the under-5 mortality rate in the country. However, given the forecast results of this research (of approximately 56 deaths per 1000 live births  in 2030), the dreams of achieving SDG goals of 25 per 1000 live births by 2030 in Nigeria may not be realistic unless drastic measures are taken.
Drzewo kary Judasza
Authors: Frey Ludwik
Published: September 2024

Mentions about the death of Judas Iscariot, presented as a negative figure because of handing Jesus over to death, can be found in the Holy Scriptures, in the Gospel of St. Matthew and in the Acts of the Apostles, as well as in biblical literature. According to the most widespread opinion, the apostle committed suicide by hanging himself on a tree whose name was not specified. Apocrypha, various legends and tradition mention representatives of at least seven genera of trees, which, incidentally, have medicinal properties, although it is difficult to pinpoint the species. In an attempt to determine it, selected trees were presented and the possibilities of using them as a tool for the execution of Judas were discussed, discussing in turn: the size and shape of the tree, its area of occurrence and symbolism.