bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-accidental structural chromosome aberrations in established monkey B-lymphocyte cell lines
Authors: Araviashvili Daredzhan , Chzhu Olga , Marinich Igor , Danilova Irina
Published: January 2020

Established primate lymphocyte cell lines obtained from tumour samples and from EBV-positive monkeys served us as the model system for studying the role of genetic factors and chromosomal abnormalities in malignization. The investigation of chromosome regions and genes involved in chromosomal aberrations leading to malignization in these lines was the aim of our work. Cytogenetic analysis was performed at different stages of cultivation in vitro. To determine the oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes located on aberrant chromosomes, data on mapping rhesus macaque genes, and high similarity of human and monkey karyotypes were used. We found that, in the line obtained from lymphomatous baboon tissue, the inactivation of tumour suppressor gene RB1 on chromosome 17 after chromosomal rearrangement is one of the most probable causes of in vivo malignization. Chromosomal aberrations at the region of oncogene c-Ki-ras and tumour suppressor gene TP53 change the proliferative status and differentiation in established cell lines obtained from healthy but EBV-seropositive primates. The other cause of malignization in these lines is an increase in expression of the oncogene c-myc caused by trisomy of chromosome 8 where c-myc is located. Structural aberrations in established primate cell lines affecting several chromosomal loci were identified as: (1) causing the proto-oncogene activation – the central event in the tumour clone occurrence, and (2) deactivating tumour suppressor genes. The change in the chromosome number leads to increase in oncogenic products and to damage of regulatory functions associated with cell proliferation.
Diseases of different aetiologies in salmonids in Ukraine
Authors: Matvienko Nаtalia , Maistrenko Maria , Buchatsky Leonid , Didenko Alexander
Published: January 2020

The paper contains the results of the studies into the ichthyopathological situation of the invasion and infectious diseases of salmonids carried out by the Ichthyopathology Laboratory of the Institute of Fisheries of Ukraine from 2013 to 2016. The investigated salmonid species included: the rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, the brown trout Salmo trutta morpha fario, the brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis, and the European grayling Thymallus thymallus. The fish were sampled from aquatculture farms as well as natural water bodies and their diseases included invasive (parasitic) and infectious (viral and bacterial). The most frequently encountered invasions in the brown and brook trout were ciliates: Chilodonella pisci­cola and Apiosoma conicum, Trichodina (in particular T. truttae and T. nigra), Ichtyophthirius multifiliis; monogenea Gy­rodactylus birmani, and diplostoma Diplostomum spathaceum. Aeromonas and Flavobacterium bacteria were isolated from fry and young-of-the-year rainbow trout and brook trout. Y. ruckeri positive samples were isolated from the fish with the signs of yersiniosis. As for viral diseases, IPNV isolates (the first time in Ukraine) of the rainbow trout were first isolated in fish farms in the western regions of Ukraine. A phylogenetic analysis of these IPNV isolates was performed, which showed that they belonged to Sp strain and the European genotype.
Pathogen screening in the red fox (Vulpes Vulpes) from Lithuania
Authors: Sakalauskas Povilas , Lipatova Indrė , Radzijevskaja Jana , Paulauskas Algimantas
Published: January 2020

The aim of this study was to screen free-ranging red foxes from Lithuania for the presence of different vector-borne pathogens. A total of 31 red foxes from three districts of Lithuania were molecularly tested for the presence of pathogens. Five different pathogens were detected in 83.9% of red foxes: Anaplasma spp., Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp., Borrellia spp. and Babesia spp. The presence of Mycoplasma spp. and Dirofilaria spp. was not detected in our study.
Valstybinių parkų kraštovaizdžio morfostruktūros analizė: 2. Teritorijos išskirtinumas
Authors: Kavaliauskas Paulius , Kavaliauskas Nedmantas
Published: January 2020

Straipsnis prezentuoja 2018–2019 m. atliktos visų Lietuvos na­cio­nalinių ir regioninių parkų kraštovaizdžio struktūros analizės antrosios dalies, skirtos teritorijų santykiniam išskirtinumui aptarti, rezultatus. Jame pateikiami kraštovaizdžio išskirtinumo sampratos ypatumai, bandymai jį nustatyti ir užsienio bei Lietuvos patirtis šioje srityje. Pristatoma naujausia originali kraštovaizdžio išskirtinumo analizės metodika, kuri buvo adaptuota Lietuvos nacionalinių ir regioninių parkų teritorijoms. Teikiamas gautas šių 35 parkų kraštovaizdžio morfostruktūros įvairovės ir kompleksinės vertės palyginamojo vertinimo rezultatų apibendrinimas. Specialus dėmesys skirtas palyginamajai išskirtinei kraštovaizdžio struktūros įvairovei nustatyti, naudojant suminį išskirtinės įvairovės koeficientą. Antra vertus, kraštovaizdžio struktūros palyginamoji išskirtinė vertė gali būti skaičiuojama kitais dviem alternatyviais būdais: (a) pagal kraštovaizdžio apylinkių kompleksinio vertinimo metu surinktą bendrą išskirtinumo balų sumą ir (b) pagal išskirtinius balus gavusių kraštovaizdžio apylinkių plotų suminį procentą. Atsižvelgiant į vertinimo rezultatus visi nacionaliniai ir regionai pirkai skirstomi į aukščiausio, didelio bei standartinio teritorijos išskirtinumo (santykinio vertingumo) grupes.
Asmenybinio ir partinio balsavimo santykio teritorinė diferenciacija 2012 ir 2016 metais. Seimo rinkimų duomenys
Authors: Vikšraitienė Akvilė , Tučas Rolandas
Published: January 2020

Straipsnyje analizuojama padalinto balsavimo teritorinė raiška Lietuvoje. Tyrime naudoti Lietuvos Respublikos Seimo 2012 ir 2016 m. rinkimų duomenys. Tyrimas atliktas vienmandačių rinkimų apygardų ir apylinkių teritorini lygmeniu. Straipsnyje aptariami du klausimai: 1) atlikta 2012 ir 2016 m. Seimo rinkimų palyginamoji geografinė analizė, kurioje vienmandačių apygardų teritoriniu lygmeniu analizuoti partijų ir kandidatų populiarumo kaitos regioniniai aspektai; 2) 2016 m. Seimo rinkimų rezultatų pagrindu apylinkių lygmeniu analizuota padalyto balsavimo raiška centro-periferijos atžvilgiu. Vertinant padalyto balsavimo teritorinę raišką daroma išvada, kad Lietuvoje gana ryškus miestoperiferijos pjūvis. Lietuvos didžiųjų miestų (Vilniaus, Kauno ir Šiaulių) vienmandatėse rinkimų apygardose I ture nugalėjęs kandidatas ir tose pat apygardose pirmavęs jam atstovaujančios partijos sąrašas sutapo santykinai dažniau nei kaimiškose apygardose (išskyrus kai kuriuos Lietuvos regionus). Be to, kai kuriuose mažesnėse Lietuvos savivaldybėse didelę įtaką turi žinomos asmenybės, kurių aktyvus dalyvavimas politikoje lemia juos delegavusių partijų santykinai didesnį populiarumą tose pačiose savivaldybėse.
Zonation of Lithuanian Silurian graptolites and other faunal groups
Authors: Paškevičius Juozas
Published: January 2020

The Baltic Silurian Basin, Lithuanian Depression and other structures are shown in the map, with marked by isopachs (contour lines of equal thickness) of the Silurian beds with graptolites and fauna of other groups. The Silurian facies vary greatly in the Depression – from clayey open-sea deep shelf to carbonaceous ones of shallow shelf, and low-energy lagoon facies. The history of investigations on East Baltic area graptolites begins from 1953–1958, when 15 graptolite zones were singled out, and proceeds to 35 zones defined now. Peculiarities in the graptolite scale from C. cyphus to N. lochkovensis inclusive are discussed. Transgressions and regressions of the Silurian marine basin, as well as shorter transgressions with wedges and graptolites of clayey facies shifted towards basin shores and regressions with partial extinction of graptolites are elucidated. During these investigations the graptolite scale has been detailed and added with new zones. Graptolite evolution in the zones has been analysed. Stages of graptolite evolution are analysed in relation to the following bioevents: Stačiūnai, Likėnai, Valgu, Ireviken, Mulde, Linde, Lau, Klev and Šilalė. Finally, two tables present graptolite zone correlation with conodont, vertebrate and ostracod zones revealing a highly detailed stratigraphy of the Lithuanian Silurian.
From Agrippa to Pliny: The Vistula in Roman Geographical Writings from the First Century AD
Authors: Alekna Darius
Published: January 2020

The article deals with all known early testimonies about the Vistula River up to the end of the first century AD, together with some linguistic and archaeological data. The conducted research leads to several conclusions. First references to the Vistula were connected to the fact that it was mentioned as the eastern boundary of Germania. It is known that the idea to delimit Germania geographically belonged to Caesar who thought that the Rhine was its western boundary. Such delimitation raised a question about its eastern boundary. Reading the fragments of Agrippa’s geographical Commentaries we can conclude that he was the first to designate the Vistula as the eastern boundary of Germania. All subsequent geographical tradition followed him, although Tacitus, who had known the region better, was sceptical on this matter. Looking at the chronology of the increasing amount of data on the Vistula, we can observe that the upper reaches of the Vistula (Agrippa mentions an expedition looking for the eastern boundary of Dacia) and its middle reaches (Mela mentions a crook of the Vistula) were known to Romans first, and only later we find data on its lower reaches. Pliny mentions the River Guttalus falling into the Ocean to the north of the Vistula. Also, he is the first to mention the inhabitants of the lower reaches: Veneti, Sciri, and Giri. His sources had linguistic contacts with the Balts living in that region. Such a chronology might be explained by the Romans’ military actions in the middle reaches of the Danube and the establishment of the winter military base in Carnuntum. The known sources show that Roman geographers disagreed on the name for the region situated to the east of the Vistula. Agrippa named it Dacia, Mela described it as Sarmatia, and Pliny preferred the name of Scythia. In all cases, the logic for choosing the name is clear. The names of the southern regions, which were well known to the Romans, had been moved to the north. Summarizing the major part of different knowledge, Pliny presents some elements from the history of discovery of the lower reaches of the Vistula. He knows about Pytheas’ expedition and gives an account on the opinions of the Greeks. Furthermore, his accounts allow reconstructing at least two marine journeys to the lower reaches of the Vistula.
Application of Cause-and-Effect-Analysis for Evaluating Causes of Fire Disasters in Public and Private Secondary Schools in Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: E. Ilori Alade , A. Sawa Bulus , A. Gobir Abdullahi
Published: January 2020

The contributions of fire disaster to the varying degrees of students’, staff and schools’ property and/or lives lost in secondary schools in Nigeria is recently alarming. The study assessed causes of fire disaster in public and private secondary schools in Ilorin metropolis, Nigeria. The objectives were to identify latent causes of fire disaster, use the fishbone diagram to illustrate and analyze the root-causes of fire disaster in secondary schools. The exploratory research strategy was used. The target population was 18 senior public and private secondary schools, Ilorin having 18 principals, 965 teachers and 3765 senior secondary 2 students. From the target population, simple random sampling technique through a pick and not-return balloting was employed to sample 72.22% of the principals, 14.8% each of the teachers and students. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, questionnaire, participatory observation, and were analyzed using cause-and-effects-analysis. The findings reveal fire disasters in public and private secondary schools in Ilorin metropolis are primarily caused by bush/waste burning, electrical fault/wiring, arson,  carelessness, and alcohol, smoking. Results also showed that the root-causes of fire phenomenon from the classic categories were setting undergrowth on fire, non-insulated wiring system and sparks from wrong connections, emotional induced from cultism rivalry among male teachers and students over a girl and superiority within and outside the school, mishandling of chemicals in various laboratories during experimentation, and lack of proper fencing of school compound. The study recommends that schools in the metropolis should prepare and anticipate future fire tragedy. Consequently, since there are several factors responsible for fire incidents, further studies could be conducted to clarify the sequence or magnitude of each cause of the fire outbreak.
The Effects of Organic Fertilizers on the Growth and Yield of Amaranthus (Amaranthus hybridus L.) Grown in a Lath House
Authors: Dlamini Samkeliso N. , Masarirambi Michael T. , Wahome Paul K. , Oseni Tajudeen O.
Published: January 2020

Amaranthus is also known as African spinach is a good source of carotene, folic acid, vitamin C, calcium, iron and micronutrients. It is believed to have been used widely among hunter-gatherers. The objective of the experiment was to find the effects of organic fertilizers on amaranthus growth, development and yield. The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments and each replicated five times. Plant growth and yield increased (P<0.05) on amaranths fertilized with stillage. Kraal manure followed the stillage in terms of performance with the control (no fertilizer) recording the least significant effect on growth and yield of amaranthus. Because of stillage's impact on the growth and yield of amaranthus, it is recommended for a grower aiming for high yields of amaranthus using organic fertilizer.
Adoption of Improved Sweet Potato Production Technologies among Small-scale Farmers in South East, Nigeria
Authors: N. Okeke M. , N. Mbah E. , C. Madukwe M. , U. Nwalieji H.
Published: January 2020

The study was carried out to determine adoption of improved sweet potato production technologies among small-scale farmers in South East, Nigeria. Data were collected from a sample of 100 respondents using questionnaire. Percentage, mean score and multiple linear regression were used for data analysis. Results showed that majority (64.0%) of the respondents were male, married (85.0%) with a mean age of 55 years, having 81.0% of the respondents with a farming experience of 10-19 years. A greater percentage of the sweet potato producers sourced information on time of planting (55.0%), planting spacing (46.0%) and weeding (37.0%) from research institute while 36.0% sourced information on fertilizer application from fellow farmers. Adoption of improved sweet potato production technologies by producers in the study area included use of improved varieties (79%), planting spacing/distance used (81%), vine cutting (81%), fertilizer application (400 kg/ha, NPK 15:15:15) (91%), pest control (66%), harvesting (77%) and storage method (51%). The study recommended the need for awareness campaign by extension agents, public health agencies, nutritionists and non-governmental organizations on the availability of these sweet potato varieties that produce high yields for better returns. Efforts of government and non-governmental organizations are needed in encouraging sweet potato producers to adopt improved technologies through conduct of practical oriented training programmes, provision of suitable and necessary incentives and technologies in order to increase production and income.
Profitability Analysis of Rice Production, Constraints and Consumption Shares by Small-scale Producers in Tanzania
Authors: D. Kulyakwave Peter, , Xu Shiwei , Yu Wen , Sary Sar , Muyobozi S.
Published: January 2020

Aims: The study examines the profitability of rice production, its key factors, and the consumption shares at household level.

Study Design: A cross-section study design was used in this research.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the two Districts of Mbarali and Kyela in the Mbeya Region of Tanzania from January to March 2018.

Methodology: Structured questionnaires were used to collect primary data from 240 small scale rice producers. Data analysis was performed by descriptive statistics and Farm Budgetary Techniques was used to calculate farm economic viability variables including profitability index, return on investment, capital turn over and benefit cost ratio. The Kendall’s coefficient of concordance was used to pinpoint and examine the key factors affecting rice profitability by farmers in the study area.

Results: Descriptive statistics revealed that majority farmers have 45 years and below, 95.8% of the farmers are married. Majority (83.3%) households have family size of 2-4 individuals indicating shortage of family labor. About 80.8% of the respondents allocated farm size of 1-3 hectares. The budgetary farm technique revealed that average total cost, gross margin, and net farm income was 846450 (~ US $ 368.08), 1484175 (~US $ 645.41) and 1357975 (~US $ 590.73) Tanzania Shillings respectively. The profitability index, return on investment, capital turn over and benefit cost ratio for producers were 9.5%, 160, 2.6 and 3.1 respectively. According to Kendall’s coefficient of accordance, the identified main constraints for economic viability of rice production were weather variability, lack of access to irrigation services, rice price instability, lack of access to agricultural information and technology, and poor access to the key production inputs.

Conclusion: It indicates that rice production is a profitable business in the study area and still there is potential for improving from the current yield. It was demonstrated that most of rice outputs are for commercial purposes with regards to consumption shares. This shows that rice is highly growing as commercial food crop in the Tanzania.
Root-shoot Growth and Water Status of Garden Egg in Moisture Stressed Conditions in Ghana
Authors: Laary Joseph Kinansua
Published: January 2020

Garden egg (Solanum spp) growth and development is affected in varying drought and poor soil conditions in Ghana. A study was conducted to identify the response patterns of garden egg genotypes root growth and plants water status under varying moisture stressed conditions of the Coastal and Sudan Savannahs of Ghana. A two year experiment was conducted on sixteen genotypes of the crop in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications at Manga Agricultural Research Station in the Upper East Region, and University of Ghana, Legon experimental farm in the Greater Accra Region. At the first fruit maturity stages of around 80-90 days after transplanting, genotypes roots and shoots dry matter and leaf relative water contents (LRWC) data were collected and analyzed using GenStat Statistical Software. The genotype x location interaction significantly affected the genotypes LRWC and root growth in the dry season and moisture-stressed conditions. The moisture stressed tolerant genotypes maintained relatively high LRWC and root-shoot dry matter across locations of Manga and Legon. There were varied and location specific genotypes in root growth and LRWC, with the conditions of Manga favouring higher root growth than Legon; and that of Legon favouring higher retention of LRWC than Manga. The genotypes under the moisture stressed conditions had their LRWC varying from 50.6% to 65% at Legon and from 47.4% to 56% at Manga. Their root-shoot ratios varying from 0.24-0.35 at Legon and from 0.39-0.52 at Manga. The contributions of roots to total plant dry matter also varied from 15.6% to 20.5% at Legon and 22.5% to 30.1% at Manga. The genotypes that sustained higher root growth and retained LRWC of 57% and above under the moisture stressed conditions across locations were A3, A6B, A7, A8, A9A, and A11. These are attractive genotypes for garden egg improvement under moisture stressed conditions of the Coastal and Sudan Savannah agro-ecologies of Ghana.
Spatial Distribution of Plankton in Cikeruh River, Jatinangor District, West Java Province, Indonesia
Authors: Utami Fillia , Hasan Zahidah , Rizal Achmad , Herawati Heti
Published: January 2020

Cikeruh River is a Citarum tributary that has received a lot of waste inputs, so that will affect the quality of river water and cause differences in aquatic fertility. Aquatic fertility can be determined by calculating plankton abundance and distribution. The purpose of this study was to map the spatial distribution of plankton along the Cikeruh River. The study was conducted in June 2019 to August 2019  at five stations with the purposive sampling method. The parameters observed were physical and chemical parameters of waters, plankton abundance, diversity index, dominance index, species deficit, and Morisita index. The results showed that plankton was identified as many as 33 phytoplankton genera and six zooplankton genera, the spatial distribution of plankton in the Cikeruh River was different at each station, at station 1 consisted of 14 phytoplankton genera, station 2 27 phytoplankton genera, station 3  24 phytoplankton genera, station 4 25 phytoplankton genera, and at station 5 was  found 22 phytoplankton  genera. The abundance of plankton obtained ranges from 1823-5972 ind/L. Phytoplankton diversity index obtained from ranges 0.71-0.84, while the zooplankton ranges 0.17-0.32 with  phytoplankton dominance index 0.16-0.35 and zooplankton 0.68-0.83. Phytoplankton morisita index obtained from ranges 1.37-2.17, while the zooplankton ranges 1.03-2.31. Physical-chemical parameters observed as follows: Temperature 18.58ºC – 27.77ºC, light transparency 16,68 cm -31.92 cm, current 0.17 m/s -0.35 m/s, DO 3.35-8.05 mg/L, CO2 8.36 -37.05 mg/L, pH 7.53 – 8.66, BOD5 10.83 - 25.42 mg/L, Nitrate 0.18-0.26 mg/L,  phosphate 0.18-0.26. The physical and chemical parameters qualify for Indonesian  Government  Regulation  No. 82  of  2001  class II and III.
Sociodemographic Factors Contributing to Marital Stability
Authors: Priyadharshini S. , Thudalikunnil Gopalan Rejani
Published: January 2020

Marital Stability is interpreted as whether a couple in a marriage remains together, instead of separating or getting divorced. It is also called as marital longevity or duration of marriage. The objective of the study was to find the relationship between marriage duration and socio demographic variables of married couples in India. Thirty married couples were randomly selected using stratified random sampling. Three groups were formed based on the duration of the marriage such as married for 10 to 20 years, 21 to 30 years and 31 to 40 years. The respondents were asked about their demographic information like age, education, occupation, income and age at marriage. Data analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. The result indicated a negative correlation between length of marriage and education which means higher the education lesser the length of marriage. The role of education, income and age at marriage on marital stability was discussed and it was concluded that not only socio-demograhic factors, but also social and psychological factors to be considered to interpret the marital stability.
Detection of Non-Normality in Data Sets and Comparison between Different Normality Tests
Authors: O. Emmanuel Biu , T. Maureen Nwakuya , Wonu Nduka
Published: January 2020

The paper provides five tests of data normality at different sample sizes. The tests are the Shapiro-Wilk (SW) test, Anderson-Darling (AD) test, Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) test, Ryan-Joiner (RJ) test, and Jarque-Bera (JB) test. These tests were used to test for normality for two secondary data sets with sample size (155) for large and (40) for small; and then test the simulated scenario with standard normal “N(0,1)” data sets; where the large samples of sizes (150, 140, 130, 130, 110 and 100) and small samples of sizes (40. 35, 30, 25, 20, 15 and 10) are considered at two levels of significance (5% and 10%). However, the aim of this paper is to detect and compare the performance of the different normality tests considered. The normality test results shows Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) test is a most powerful test than other tests since it detect the simulated large sample data sets do not follow a normal distribution at 5%, while for small sample sizes at 5% level of significance; the results showed the Jarque-Bera (JB) test is a most powerful test than other tests since it detects that the simulated small sample data do not follow a normal distribution at 5%. This paper recommended JB test for normality test when the sample size is small and KS test when the sample size is large at 5% level of significance.
Symptomatic Hypernatraemia Secondary to Ingestion of Poorly Constituted Oral Rehydration Solution – A Case Report
Authors: Chioma Okechukwu , Christopher Briggs Datonye
Published: January 2020

Aim: Hypernatremia is a recognized complication of poorly constituted Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) use that can cause neurological manifestations which require careful but often challenging management to prevent morbidity and mortality. Herein we report a case of symptomatic hypernatremia in a 2-year-old boy following ingestion of poorly constituted Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and highlight challenges in management. 

Presentation of Case: This is a case report of a 2-year-old male who presented with a four-day history of vomiting and fever. He received four litres of hyper-concentrated ORS (1 packet of ORS to 0.7 l of water) prior to presentation. At presentation, he was lethargic and subsequently lapsed into unconsciousness. He also developed focal and generalized seizures. Serial serum electrolytes testing showed hypernatremia which ranged from 157-161 mmol/L in the first 48 hours of admission for which appropriate intravenous fluids were given. Serum sodium levels gradually returned to normal (140-142 mmol/L) with treatment. He subsequently regained full consciousness after four days in a coma and was discharged home in satisfactory clinical condition.

Conclusion: This case is being reported to highlight the important role of proper history taking, careful fluid and electrolyte monitoring in the diagnosis and care of this condition and emphasise on adequate education of caregivers by clinicians and the mass media on appropriate preparation of ORS.
Keystroke Dynamics Algorithm for Securing Web-based Password Driven Systems
Authors: Boakye Osei Michael , Opanin Gyamfi Enoch , Okoe Alhassan Mohammed
Published: January 2020

Web security is a critical aspect for many web-based applications, along its research track, keystroke dynamics techniques have attracted broad interests due to their high efficiency in security. In this paper, the aim was to come out with a keystroke login system that overcomes the typical challenges associated with keystroke dynamics and improves on password security but with focus on irritability nature of keystroke dynamics based systems. Specifically, we proposed two stages user matching method, training/enrolment phase of users and authenticating registered users with previously stored data. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm added dwell, flight times and multiplied by the locate time to get the upper and lower bounds. Moreover, the uniform differences between the bound timings were calculated to further enhance security. Experimental results show that the proposed keystroke dynamics approach used in augmenting password security emerged to be superior as compared to existing customary distance metrics.
Herbominerals and Antibacterial Activities of Allium sativum L Extracts on Pathogenic Bacteria Causing Meningitis in Sub-Saharan Africa, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Bajeh Tijani Kokori , Muhammed Danjuma Nuhu , Ejiofor Janet I. , Olayinka Busayo , Attah Alfa Abdullahi
Published: January 2020

Bacterial Meningitis (BM) is the most common serious infection of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). This research aims to determine the mineral composition and to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity of the Juice Extract of Allium Sativum, Ethanolic Extract of Allium Sativum and Aqueous Extract of Allium sativum (JEAS, EEAS and AEAS). The collected bulbs of A. sativum (600 g) were washed and air dried under shade for 2 hours and the dry scaly outer covering was peeled-off to obtain the fresh garlic cloves which were then divided into three parts of 200 g each. These three portions were crushed separately for cold extraction. The first portion was homogenized and poured into a muslin cloth to squeeze out the juice, while second and third portions were homogenized and submerged into 500 ml of 96% ethanol and 500 ml of distilled water respectively for 24 hours and both filtered after thorough shaking. The antibacterial activity of bulbs of A. sativum juice, ethanolic and aqueous (JEAS, EEAS and AEAS) extracts as folkloric medicine against clinical isolates were determined using Agar well diffusion and broth dilution method. Distilled water, concentrated nitric acid (HNO3) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) were used to digest the extract, which was then heated in water bath at 90ºC and filtered to obtain the filtrate for the analytical studies for A. sativum nutritional composition and zeolite herbominerals. The micro-herbominerals with their proximate values observed pharmacologic of Silver, Manganese, Zinc, Iron and Selenium; which has biocidal properties as well as immune system to cushioning the challenges of the BM pathogens. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and phytochemical screening of the extracts were evaluated. The results obtained showed that the juice and ethanolic extracts were potent, inhibiting the growth of clinical isolates with zone of inhibition ranging from 14-36 mm. The extracts inhibited bacterial isolates in concentration dependant manner with MICs ranging 0.02-15 mg/ml and MBCs 0.04-5 mg/ml. Phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, anthraquinone, carbohydrates, fats and oils, steroidal ring, saponins and terpenoids. This experimental investigation has provided the scientific validation basis for the ethnomedical use of A. sativum as a remedy to treat bacterial meningitis locally as anti-infectious agent.
Protective Role of Rockect Seed (Eruca sativa) Extract against Monosodium Glutamate-induced Hepato-renal Toxicity in Male Rats
Authors: Tousson Ehab , El-Atrash Afaf , Karson Yosra
Published: January 2020

Background and Objective: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is identified as an Accent that is used in the food industry as a flavour enhancer with an umami taste that intensifies the meaty, savoury flavour of food. The present study aimed at evaluating the protective and ameliorative role of rocket seeds extract against monosodium glutamate-induced hepatic renal toxicity and oxidative stress in the male rat.

Materials and Methods: A total of 60 male adult albino rats were equally divided into six groups (G1, Control; G2, rocket seeds (RS); G3, ACCENT or MSG; G4, Co- treated (RS+MSG); G5, Post- treated (MSG+RS); G6, Self-treated MSG). 

Results: Current results revealed that; a significant increase in serum ALT, AST, ALP, AFP, Urea, Creatinine, potassium ions, chloride ions, cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, and LDL levels in MSG as compared to control and RS groups. In contrast; a significant decrease in serum albumin, total proteins, catalase, GSH and SOD in liver and kidney homogenates in MSG as compared to control and RS groups. Co- or post-treatment of MSG with rocket seeds improved this change in liver and kidney functions, with best results for co-treatment than post and self-treatment.

Conclusion: These findings suggested that the misuse of monosodium glutamate may contribute to continuous hepatic and renal damage. This shows that the desired dose of monosodium glutamate can safely be used with grapes seed in improving hepatic and renal damage in monosodium glutamate in young rats.
Assessing the Knowledge Gap of Women Vegetable Growers in Bihar
Authors: Roy Sonam , Sohane R. K. , Kumar Subodh , Paswan Anil
Published: January 2020

Women take part in almost all the activities related to vegetable production as well as marketing such as purchasing of seeds, sowing of seeds, transplanting, weeding, harvesting and post-harvest operations but due to lack of knowledge, they are straggling behind than the existing international standards of vegetable production. Therefore, the present study was undertaken in Bhagalpur district of Bihar (India) to assess the knowledge gap of 120 women vegetable growers through structured schedule. Findings of the study revealed that knowledge gap was very low in case of recommended practices such as land preparation (58.67%), disease management (58.34%), sowing time of the crops (60.00%), harvesting of vegetable crops (60.00%), weed management (61.67%), seed rate (68.34%) and very high in case of agronomical practices (83.33%), irrigation management (75.00%), fertilizer management (71.67%) and insect pest management (71.66%). It was also noted that seven variables were found statistically correlated with the knowledge gap of vegetable production technology. out of seven correlated variables, four variables such as farming experience, contact with extension personnel in public and private sector and social participation were found to be highly significant at 0.001 level of probability and three variables such as education, overall annual income and annual income from vegetable farming were found to be highly significant at 0.005 level of probability. The variables age and land holding had positive but both variables were found to be non-significant. Therefore, it was concluded that there is a high need of increasing their knowledge level as well as skills about the production of vegetables.
Histochemical and Phytochemical Analysis of Medicinally Important Plants
Authors: K. Sushma B. , S. Ashalatha K. , Ray Preetam , R. Raveesha H.
Published: January 2020

The present study was aimed to investigate the histochemical and phytochemical studies of four important medicinal plants. Leaf, stem and root sections were examined for alkaloid, protein and phenolic tests. Methanolic extracts of leaf, stem and root were analysed for the phytochemical screening of major bioactive constituents. Histochemical analysis reveals the presence of alkaloids, phenols and proteins in epidermis, cortex and vascular bundles of root, stem and leaf. Preliminary phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, phenols, flavonoids, steroids, saponins, terpenoids, coumarins, quinone and proteins. The root extract of Catharanthus roseus recorded maximum content of phenols compared to other extracts. Costus pictus root and leaf extracts exhibited a significant amount of flavonoids and tannins respectively. Further studies were focused on isolation and characterization of each plant compounds.
Assessment of Growth Characteristics of Medicinal Plants Ocimum tenuiflorum L. and Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng. Under Shade Net and Open Conditions
Authors: Ambujavalli J. , Santhiya K. , Rohini K. , Kumaresan V.
Published: January 2020

Aim: To study the effect of shade net on the growth characteristics of two medicinal plants viz., Tulsi and Indian Borage in terms of plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and flowering in relation to open condition.

Place and Duration of Study: Lawspet, Puducherry, India between June 2018 and October 2018.

Methodology: Tulsi and Indian Borage plants were grown in similar type of soil. The potted plants were kept in open, 35% and 75% shade net conditions and studied for 3 months. The plant height, number of leaves, and leaf area were measured including number of inflorescence branches for Tulsi.

Results: The average air temperature was lower under shade net. Relative humidity was more in shade net conditions with maximum in 75% shade and least in open conditions. The number of leaves of Tulsi and Indian Borage recorded was maximum when grown under 35% shade and least in open conditions. Plant height was maximum in 75% shade for Tulsi and 35% shade in Indian Borage and least in open conditions on both the cases. Leaf area was maximum for both Tulsi and Indian Borage in 75% shade.

Conclusion: Growth of the two medicinal plants was influenced by the microclimate conditions. The present study shows that the medicinal plants can be grown in shade net conditions to increase the yield of medicinally useful parts.
Influence of Fractional Composition of Dietary Supplements "Majmui Rahmoniy" on Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Mamatova Irodakhon , Mamarakhmonov Mukhamatdin , Askarov Ibragim
Published: January 2020

Despite the availability of anti-TB drugs, the proportion of cases of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR) is increasing. One of the important tasks to identify effective drugs in nature is the study of numerous experiments of traditional medicine.  This work is devoted to the study of chemical, biochemical, medical evaluation of the new therapeutic food additive "Majmui Rahmoniy", and its effective effect on Mycobacterium smegmatis and  MS Rv2349c gene which responsible for the phospholipase activity.
Mineralization and Decomposition of Four Types of Compost Based on Biomass of Sida cordifolia L. in a Sandy Soil in the Semi-arid Zone of Niger
Authors: Maman Sadi Souley , Kiari Saidou Addam , Boubé Morou , Aune Jens B.
Published: January 2020

The low nutrient availability rainfall patterns regimes are the main constraints to agricultural production in Niger. This was a study of the decomposition and mineralization of nutrients of four types of composts (M1P, M2P, M1H and M2H) in a sandy soil. It was carried out at the experimental N'Dounga station (CERRA Kollo) located about 15 km from Niamey. A randomized blocks design with five repetitions was used. For the evaluation of yield, two doses (1 t ha-1 and 1.5 t ha-1) were applied per millet. Decomposition and mineralization were assessed after burial at 10 cm depth between of a small bag containing 100 g (five small bags / compost). The characterization of the physico-chemical elements of composts samples after incubation has shown that composts are rich in nutrients. Nitrogen ranged from 0.8% to 1.1%, phosphorus from  9.99 mg.kg-1 to 12.76 mg.kg-1 and potassium from 19.94 cmolc dm-3 to 26.26 cmolc dm-3. All four composts are basic (pH> 7). Compost M2H lost more than 80% of its weight during the 10 weeks of the experiment compared to 48% for the M1P. the mineralization of N, P and K is greater at compost M1P (83.6% N, 72.72% P and 89.5% K). This compost also gave the highest yield (1272.5 kg ha-1). The decomposition and mineralization of the main elements (N, P and K) allow the synchronization between the release of nutrients from these composts and the nutrient requirements of millet in a sandy soil.
Creative Arts Therapy in Patient Care: The Perspectives of Clinicians in a Nigerian Tertiary Institution
Authors: Olonite O. O. , Oyetola E. O. , Oginni F. O. , Adewale A. A. , Oluwadaisi A. M.
Published: January 2020

Aim: To assess the level of awareness and perceptions of Creative Arts Therapy (CAT) among practicing Nigerian clinicians in Obafemi Awolowo University, Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC) Ile-Ife with a view to determining their willingness to incorporate CAT as an adjunctive tool in their routine patient care.

Methodology: A Cross-sectional study carried out at the general outpatient department, medical outpatient department, Surgical outpatient department and Dental Hospital units of OAUTHC between April 2018 and September 2019. One hundred participants were selected using simple random method from the pool of clinicians. Data were collected from the participants using self-administered structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using STATA 14 statistical software.

Results: A total of 100 clinicians participated, 46% male 54% female. Their average age was 23.9 2.1years. Seventy-one (71%) were medical practitioner while 29(29%) were dentist. Resident doctors made up 70% of respondents while 30% were consultants. As a necessary adjunctive tool, about one-third 31(31%) strongly agreed, 42(42%) agreed while only 1(1%) participant disagreed. Dance was chosen as the most relevant art to clinical practice by 36(36%) of respondents. Significant improvements by CAT on patients’ prognosis was strongly agreed with by 36(36%), 50(50%) agreed, 18(18%) were indifferent. The majority of respondents attributed lack of available institutions offering Creative Art Therapy courses a major hindrance to its clinical application. The majority 90(90%) of clinicians agreed to the possible incorporation of Creative Art Therapy into the Nigerian healthcare system. Nine participants (9%) strongly agree to prescribe art therapy if such services are readily available in Nigerian healthcare system, 62(62%) agree, 25(25%) were indifferent while 4(4%) disagreed.

Conclusion: This study showed that a larger percentage of clinicians, claimed awareness of Art therapy being used as an adjunctive tool in patient care, and believes in its therapeutic benefits. Lack of facilities was identified as an obstacle to the use of art therapy in patient care.
Associations between the Wellbeing Process and Academic Outcomes
Authors: P. Smith Andrew , L. Firman Kirsty
Published: January 2020

Background: The Student Wellbeing Process Questionnaire (Student WPQ) has been used to identify predictors of both positive and negative wellbeing. These variables can now be used to investigate whether different aspects of the wellbeing process are associated with academic outcomes.

Aims: The wellbeing process involves established predictors such as exposure to stressors, negative coping, social support, positive personality, and conscientiousness. The wellbeing outcomes are positive (e.g. happiness, positive affect, and life satisfaction), and negative (e.g. stress, anxiety and depression). The aim was to examine associations between these variables and academic outcomes (Grade Point Average [GPA]; perceived efficiency; perceived course stress, and perceived workload).

Methodology:  The research described in this paper was carried out with the approval of the ethics committee, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, and the informed consent of the participants (1296 psychology undergraduates; 89.4% female; 49.7% year 1; mean age 19.5 years). An online survey was carried out and this included the Student WPQ and academic outcomes. A MANOVA was conducted to examine associations between the wellbeing process variables and the academic outcomes.

Results: The main factor associated with the academic outcomes was conscientiousness. Those in the high conscientiousness category had higher GPA sores, reported greater efficiency and higher course stress and workload. GPA scores were also associated with student stressors, with those in the high stress category having lower GPA scores. Greater efficiency was associated with higher scores for positive wellbeing and social support, and lower negative coping. Higher course stress was associated with higher scores for exposure to stressors, negative coping and negative wellbeing. Higher negative wellbeing was also associated with higher perceived workload.

Conclusion: Conscientiousness is the best predictor of academic outcomes. Other components of the wellbeing process have selective effects on academic outcomes.
Does Aspirin Like Enoxaparin Effective to Reduce Thromboembolic Disease in Patients with Total Knee Arthroplasty Surgery?
Authors: Kazemian Gholamhossein , Manafi Rasi Alireza , Baroutkoub Mojtaba , Mahdi Sarzaeem Mohammad
Published: January 2020

Background: Thromboembolic disease is a common complication among patients undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasty. There are a large number of clinical trials demonstrating the efficacy of aspirin and enoxaparin in preventing pulmonary emboli and deep venous thrombosis. This                study aimed to investigate the preventive role of aspirin and enoxaparin after knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods: In this retrospective study, 160 patients undergoing knee arthroplasty at Imam Hossein Hospital, Tehran, Iran between January 2010 and February 2012 were studied. Patients were divided into treatment groups receiving enoxaparin and aspirin and were evaluated within 28 days after surgery. After examining demographic factors including age and sex, variables such as DVT, pulmonary embolus, infection, transfusion RBCs and mortality were evaluated.

Results: A total thrombosis rate of 0.0125% (one deep venous thrombosis) was observed. The two groups were not significantly different in the number of patients with complications such as DVT, pulmonary embolism, infection, average number of packed RBCs, and mortality.

Conclusion: We believe that course aspirin is as effective and safe as enoxaparin for thromboprophylaxis.
Motives of Willingness to Buy Organic Food under the Moderating Role of Consumer Awareness
Authors: Ghali Zohra
Published: January 2020

Aims: The present paper aims to study a set of motives favoring the consumer willingness to               buy organic food in the context of developing market (Tunisia). This study also endeavors to examine the moderating role of awareness in the relationships between willingness to buy and its motives.

Place and Duration of Study: This research work was developed from May to December 2019. The hypotheses were tested in a developing country (Tunisia).

Methodology: To test the research hypotheses as well as the overall model fit, the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) method has been used. A survey was conducted from 16 June to 31 August of 2019 in several supermarkets and organic grocery shops in Tunisia.

Results: The findings of a quantitative study involving 480 Tunisian consumers of organic food products indicate that health consciousness and knowledge of organic food are significant drivers of willingness to buy. The intensity of these relationships is positively moderated by awareness. However, concern for the environment did not prove to exert any significant influence on willingness to buy.

Conclusion: This study provides interesting managerial guidelines for policymakers to switch to organic farming that is beneficial for health and environment. It also allows significant insights for marketers to formulate an effective marketing strategy through exploring some crucial drivers of willingness to buy organic food while enhancing the consumers’ awareness.