bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Levodopa in the Unani Drug Mucuna pruriens Bak. and Its Marketed Formulation by High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatographic Technique
Authors: Mohapatra Satyabrata , Ganguly Partha , Singh Rahul , Katiyar Chandra Kant
Published: September 2019

Background: Mucuna pruriens Bak. Syn. Mucuna prurita Hook. seed is the rich source of levodopa (L-dopa) and has been used in traditional medicines to treat diseases resembling Parkinson’s disease. Objective: In the present study, a new HPTLC method was developed and validated for estimation of L-dopa from M. pruriens (black- and white-colored seeds) collected from two different locations in India. Method: TLC aluminum plates precoated with silica gel were used as the stationary phase. The plates were developed to a distance of 60 mm at a temperature of 22 ± 4°C in a twin glass chamber saturated with ethyl acetate–methanol–formic acid–water (15+3+3+4.5, v/v/v/v), as the mobile phase. Results: The Rf value of L-dopa was found to be 0.45. L-dopa was quantified at 282 nm, the wavelength of maximum absorbance by a densitometric scanner. The TLC plate was derivatized by ninhydrin reagent and photodocumented. L-dopa showed a good linearity in the concentration range 400–1000 ng/spot. The linear regression analysis of calibration plot showed good linear relationship between peak area and peak height (r2 = 0.997). Conclusions: The method was validated for precision, repeatability, and accuracy. Recovery was determined by spiking L-dopa with samples and was found to be 96.10%. Highlights: L-dopa was found to be present at concentration 3.02–4.72% in samples and its formulation.
The Effect of Roy Adaptation Model-Based Intervention on Self Concept of Teenage Girls
Authors: Basiri Moghadam Mahdi , Khosravan Shahla , Sadeghmoghadam Leila , Nasirzadeh Amirreza , Ebrahimi Najmeh
Published: September 2019

Background: Self-concept is among the most important factors influencing health, particularly during adolescent years. Mental health in adolescents, social adaptation, and healthy behaviors require coordination and adaptation with physical and mental changes resulting from this period. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of the Roy adaptation model-based intervention on the self-concept of teenage girls. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2016 on 64 teenage girls with the available random sampling method; subjects were randomly assigned into control and intervention groups. For the intervention group, 12 weeks of intervention were performed as instruction and follow-up. Data were collected before and after intervention using personal information form and a researcher-made questionnaire, including 50 questions of self-concept in teenage girls based on the Roy adaptation model. The validity was examined by content validity, and the reliability was examined by internal consistency with the Cronbach’s alpha of 0.74. Finally, data were analyzed using SPSS 16, descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequency), and analytical tests (independent t-test, chi-square). The significance level was below 0.05. Results: The average age of participants was 14.2 ± 1.21. Average self-concept before intervention in the control group was 171.31 ± 11.95 and in the intervention group was 165.03 ± 17.82 where no significant difference existed (P = 0.10). Average self-concept after intervention on control group was 176.62 ± 12.18 and in the intervention group was 197.06 ± 10.09, where a significant difference existed (P < 0.001). The results of the independent t-test in research groups after intervention showed that the employment of the Roy adaptation model promoted the average self-concept in teenage girls (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Employment of the designed program, based on the Roy adaptation model, can promote the self-concept of girls regarding transformations during their adolescent years.
Complexity without Composition
Authors: Steele Jeff , Williams Thomas ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: September 2019

John Duns Scotus recognizes complexity in God both at the level of God’s being and at the level of God’s attributes. Using the formal distinction and the notion of “unitive containment,” he argues for real plurality in God, but in a way that permits him to affirm the doctrine of divine simplicity. We argue that his allegiance to the doctrine of divine simplicity is purely verbal, that he flatly denies traditional aspects of the doctrine as he had received it from Augustine, Anselm, and Aquinas, and that his denial of the doctrine allows him to escape certain counterintuitive consequences of the doctrine without falling afoul of the worries that motivated the doctrine in the first place. We note also an important consequence of Scotus’s approach to simplicity for the correct interpretation of his view of the foundation of morality.
Estudo da utilização de resíduos de construção e demolição em concreto para fins rodoviários
Authors: Prazer Isabela Gomes Teixeira , Silva Júnior Flávio Vieira da , Gomes Taís
Published: September 2019

A construção civil é uma grande geradora de resíduos que, em sua maioria, são descartados em aterros ou em lugares irregulares, gerando impactos ambientais. A construção sustentável é uma alternativa que busca a prevenção e a diminuição da geração de resíduos reduzindo, reutilizando e reciclando. A reciclagem de Resíduos de Construção e Demolição (RCD) como agregados do concreto para pavimentos pode trazer vantagens econômicas, técnicas e ambientais. O pavimento de concreto tem como vantagem uma durabilidade maior que os demais. Este trabalho buscou investigar os resíduos gerados em obras de construção e demolição na cidade de Porto Nacional (TO) e sua aplicação como agregados miúdos do concreto. A pesquisa objetivou resultados que permitissem a verificação do comportamento do concreto em relação a sua resistência a tração e a compressão quando submetido ao que foi proposto para que assim, se pudesse analisar sua aptidão de utilização para fins rodoviários. Os resíduos de cerâmica foram caracterizados e avaliados quanto ao tipo de material, e os agregados miúdos utilizados, definidos no traço, tiveram como percentuais de substituição fixados em 0%, 3%, 4,5% e 6%. Destarte, por meio dos ensaios que foram executados, realizou-se a verificação da possibilidade de substituições de agregados miúdos naturais por agregados miúdos reciclados cerâmicos nos quais alguns se mostraram viáveis e bastante vantajosos não só pela questão ambiental, mas também no ganho de resistência do material.
Análise de viabilidade técnico-financeira da aplicação do asfalto borracha em rodovias do Tocantins
Authors: Silva Gustavo Carvalho da , Silva Júnior Flávio Vieira da
Published: September 2019

O descarte de pneus nos últimos anos tem aumentado drasticamente. A reutilização de pneus inservíveis nas misturas asfálticas torna-se bastante vantajoso para o setor da pavimentação. A borracha de pneu incorporada à mistura produz um material durável, resistente e sustentável. Este trabalho visa analisar a caracterização mecânica e de viabilidade técnico-financeira a aplicação do asfalto borracha. A pesquisa tem como objetivo avaliar o desempenho mecânico de misturas asfálticas do tipo concreto asfáltico pré-misturado a quente, produzidas com asfalto convencional e modificado com borracha de pneu moído. A incorporação da borracha à mistura foi realizada através do processo seco. Para a avaliação das propriedades mecânicas, as misturas foram submetidas a ensaio de estabilidade e fluência Marshall. O estudo de viabilidade técnico financeiro foi realizado através do orçamento dos processos construtivos utilizando a tabela SICRO de custos rodoviários.
Pavimentação rodoviária: a recuperação em discussão
Authors: Santos Douglas Freitas Augusto dos
Published: September 2019

No Brasil, em geral a pavimentação das vias urbanas e rodoviárias é realizada com mistura asfáltica. Para a pavimentação ser considerada sustentável, deve ter elevada durabilidade, projeto adequado e com execução que siga rigorosamente o que foi planejado. Assim, é possível evitar que as vias exijam recapeamento a cada três ou quatro anos. O presente trabalho traz a discussão sobre a pavimentação rodoviária, dentro da delimitação da recuperação, tendo como objetivo analisar o processo construtivo de recuperação da pavimentação asfáltica rodoviária, denotando sua conceitualização, desenvolvimento e aplicabilidade. O trabalho foi desenvolvido seguindo as diretrizes normativas da NORMA DNIT 154/2010 e NBR5847/2015, dentre outras normas específicas inerentes à pavimentação asfáltica. Assim, concluiu-se que o processo construtivo de recuperação da pavimentação asfáltica é uma ação contínua de manutenção da capacidade rodoviária em nível federal, sendo de suma importância para o trânsito de pessoas e da produção do país, cabendo consecutivas pesquisas para sua qualificação e efetivação.No Brasil, em geral, a pavimentação das vias urbanas e rodoviárias é realizada com mistura asfáltica. Para a pavimentação ser considerada sustentável, deve ter elevada durabilidade, projeto adequado, e com execução que siga rigorosamente o que foi planejado. Assim, é possível evitar que as vias exijam recapeamento a cada três ou quatro anos. O presente trabalho traz a discussão sobre a pavimentação rodoviária, dentro da delimitação da recuperação, tendo como objetivo analisar o processo construtivo de recuperação da pavimentação asfáltica rodoviária, denotando sua conceitualização, desenvolvimento e aplicabilidade. O trabalho foi desenvolvido seguindo as diretrizes normativas da NORMA DNIT 154/2010 e NBR 5847/2015, dentre outras normas específicas inerentes à pavimentação asfáltica. Assim, concluiu-se que o processo construtivo de recuperação da pavimentação asfáltica é uma ação contínua de manutenção da capacidade rodoviária em nível federal, sendo de suma importância para o trânsito de pessoas e da produção do país, cabendo consecutivas pesquisas para sua qualificação e efetivação.
Mobilidade versus ciclismo: análise da viabilidade do modal cicloviário no contexto urbano da cidade de Porto Nacional
Authors: Oliveira Angella Augusta Alves de , Assis Junior José Djair Casado de
Published: September 2019

Discorrer sobre a mobilidade urbana certamente contribuirá para melhoria de locomoção nas cidades, com ou acima de vinte mil habitantes, com o intuito de estimular e possibilitar uma maior locomoção através de veículos não motorizados. Desta maneira, este estudo teve como objetivo geral mapear a área escolhida para a implantação da ciclovia em Porto Nacional, visando à mobilidade urbana. Os objetivos específicos foram: levantar a opinião da população no que diz respeito à importância do Plano de Mobilidade Urbana, bem como a satisfação dos mesmos quanto os itens de acessibilidade, segurança e sinalização viária de Porto Nacional. A metodologia utilizada foi pesquisa de campo descritiva, sendo que a amostra foi composta por 400 pessoas residentes na cidade de Porto Nacional. Os resultados da pesquisa demonstraram que a população se encontra insatisfeita com a acessibilidade, conservação das ruas, sinalização viária e segurança viária, porém, demonstraram satisfação com a implantação de uma malha cicloviária no município. Ao final, concluiu-se que a população de Porto Nacional considera importante um bom plano de mobilidade urbana uma vez que induz a uma maior qualidade nos deslocamentos entre bairros e centralidades.
Physicochemical Characteristics and Oil Keeping Quality of Two Cultivars of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) Seeds
Authors: Kafi A. , Gheyasuddin S. , Rashid M. H.
Published: September 2019

The work was conducted on sunflower seeds of two cultivars namely ‘Kironi’ and ‘Hysun-46’. Proximate composition of the seeds, chemical characteristics and fatty acid composition of the oils, and its keeping quality at different storage conditions were studied. Moisture content of Kironi seeds was nearly twice than Hysun-46 (8.03 vs 4.46%). Crude fat in Hysun-46 seeds was somewhat higher than Kironi. Kironi had significantly higher crude protein whereas Hysun-46 contained significantly higher percent of starch than Kironi (7.05 vs 3.90%). Physical characteristics of oil such as viscosity, colour and transparency changed with time during storage; specific gravity and smoking temperature, however, remained unchanged. Acid values of the freshly extracted oil from Hysun-46 were unexpectedly high (98.75). Iodine values were found to be higher in Kironi than Hysun-46, so the former had greater proportion of unsaturation. Saponification values of the oils decreased with the time in open vessel, in amber coloured bottle at 4°C and also in boiled oil kept at room temperature. However, these values registered an increase in oils stored in closed vessel and amber coloured bottle at room temperature. Peroxide values increased in oils under all conditions except in amber bottle at 4°C. The ratio of linoleic acid to oleic acid in Kironi (2.3:1) was higher than that in Hysun-46 (1.9:1), indicating that Kironi had more semidrying capacity and suitable for edible purpose. The freshly extracted oil had attractive appearance. Between the two oil samples, Kironi seems somewhat superior to Hysun-46.
Influence of Fermented Maize-meal Infusion on Feed Efficiency, Growth Performance and Antioxidants Status of African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus Fingerlings
Authors: Aliyu-A A. , Aliyu-Paiko M. , Abafi J. , Abdul-Malik A. , Adamu K. M. , King M. A.
Published: September 2019

Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of fermented maize-meal infusion on feed quality, growth performance and immune status of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus fingerlings.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Nigeria, between March 2017 and July 2017.

Methodology: A total of 120 African catfish, Clarias gariepinus fingerlings (mean initial weight 7.43±0.24 grams) were randomly distributed into 2 groups of 3 replicates each. Each replicate contained 20 fish. Fermented feed (FF) produced using fermented maize-meal (ogi) infusion for 72 h was fed 5% body weight to a group of 60 fish (in 3 replicates) for 10 weeks, compared to fish fed control pellet containing similar ingredients but was non-fermented (NF). Proximate composition of feeds and whole fish, feed efficiency and growth performance, biochemical and antioxidant parameters in African catfish, Clarias gariepinus were evaluated.

Results: The results of proximate composition of FF and NF diets were not significantly (P>0.05) different in crude protein, crude fibre, carbohydrate and moisture contents. However, fat (lipid) was significantly lower in FF diet, while the level of ash was significantly (P<0.05) higher in FF than in the NF control. Proximate composition of whole fish fed NF and FF diets are significantly similar for crude protein, crude fibre, fat and carbohydrate contents. However, ash and moisture contents were significantly higher in fish fed NF than FF. The results for feed efficiency and growth performance of African catfish fed experimental diets indicated similar feed acceptance and intake and consequently similar growth performance. The hematological indices; packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC) and haemoglobin (Hb) were observed to be significantly higher in fish fed the FF diet. The activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was significantly elevated in serum of fish administered the non-fermented diet while alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) indicated elevated activities in fish fed fermented diet. The chloride and potassium ions and cholesterol indicated significantly higher concentration in the serum of fish fed fermented diet. Conversely, the inorganic phosphate, calcium, total protein and triglycerides were significantly higher in the serum of fish fed the non-fermented diet. Contrastingly, the concentration of sodium ion and creatinine did not differ significantly between the fish fed the experimental diets. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were significantly elevated in the serum of fish fed FF diet.

Conclusion: Fermented diet with probiotics from maize-meal infusion improved biochemical and antioxidant parameters of Clarias gariepinus without impairing fish performance.
Reforestation is Not a Mitigation of Climate Change in All Situations – A Literature Review
Authors: Jing Shen Jia
Published: September 2019

Background: Environmental issues have gained widespread attention from all around the world and most of them originate from the root cause of climate change. Climate change occurs when there is increased concentrations of greenhouse gases in the environment, reflecting less heat back to space. In view of extreme weather and consequences, afforestation is now seen as one of the most effective methods in mitigating the effects of climate change. Increasing popularity of using forests as mitigation methods, however, does not translate to forests being effective solutions in all situations. Being part of our ecosystem, processes of forests are easily altered by climate change itself.

Aims: To ascertain if afforestation can effectively mitigate the effects of climate change in consideration that the processes of trees are affected by climate change itself.

Study Design:  Literature review.

Methods: Data sources include Nature, Science Direct and environmental journals.

Results: Climate change currently increases the ability of forests to mitigate climate change but long-term exposure to increased temperatures and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels reduce their abilities to do so. Location of where afforestation is carried out also affects the extent of effectiveness in reducing CO2 levels and climate change.

Conclusion: Afforestation can mitigate climate change if implemented appropriately, especially where it is effective. However, the primary solution will still be cutting carbon emissions since trees have a biological limit in response to climate change.
Bloodless Medicine and Surgery: A Review of Practice and Consideration of Jehova Witnesses
Authors: Ernest Naomi Amadiuwa , Okpokam Dorathy Chioma
Published: September 2019

Blood transfusion plays important role in medical and surgical practice and has been employed in varying medical and surgical procedures. An increasing amount of literature concerning blood conservation, restrictive transfusion strategies, pharmacological manipulation of the haemostatic and fibrinolytic systems, minimal invasive surgery, local haemostatic agents and guidelines for blood transfusion, is being published each year. This review aims to summaries the key concepts of bloodless medicine and surgery, offer a practical guide on how to approach such cases and outline currently available approaches to manage anemia or bleeding in patients. The standard practice is to keep vigilance to the possibility of reactionary or secondary haemorrhage. Continued bleeding is aggressively managed by postoperative blood salvage, or surgical intervention to stop haemorrhage. A multidisciplinary effort therefore has to be made through the entire chain, from the outpatient clinic through discharge from the hospital, with the utmost exertion of all team members in which surgeons play a key role and the medical laboratory scientist in the adaptation of bloodless surgery program.
Evaluation of Trauma Scores, Clinical Outcomes and Hospital Costs of Patients Presenting with Traffic Accidents
Authors: Atik Dilek , Unal Ramazan , Kockan Burce Serra , Bulut Bensu , Kaya Hilmi , Guven Ramazan , Cander Basar
Published: September 2019

Background: Traffic accidents have been a bleeding wound due to developing technology and increasing number of vehicles. Improvement in socio-economic level has led to an increase in number of vehicles and traffic accidents with injury and death increase accordingly. High costs appear by tests and treatments as well as further health problems and loss of labour power in traffic accidents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the trauma scores, clinical outcomes and hospital cost of patients presenting to the emergency department with road traffic accidents.

Methods: Patients information; hospital automation system, forensic records and patient files were recorded. Cost information was received in hospital automation system. Hospital costs include examinations and treatments that have been performed since the first visit of the patients. According to the data obtained from the patients files, GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale), AIS(Abbreviated Injury Scale) and ISS(Injury Severity Score) scores of each patient were calculated separately. All variables were tested for conformity to normal distribution, Kolmogorov Smirnov test and compliance with parametric test criteria. The data obtained by the study carried out within the scope of clinical research are statistically nonparametric. For this reason, Kruskal-Wallis H tests were used for statistical evaluation of associated variables according to dependency status. Spearman rank correlation in non-parametric data and Pearson correlation in parametric data were used as correlation methods. The results were evaluated for a significance level of         P < .05.

Results: The average cost of traffic accidents was found to be 247.38 Turkish Lira.The average cost of motor vehicle accidents was 246.53 Turkish Lira.The average cost of extra vehicular traffic accident was 235.3 Turkish Lira. Cost average was 265.9 Turkish Lira.The effect of clinical outcomes on the cost was found statistically significant. There was a statistically significant effect of GCS, AIS, ISS trauma scores on the cost. AIS and ISS and the cost was moderately significant and a positive correlation was found.

Conclusion: Frequency of the traffic accidents, higher hospitalization rates and higher medical expenses have made the traffic accidents a significant public health problem economically We believe that community education should be increased in order to reduce traffic accidents in terms of health as well as the national economy.
The Influence of Blood Groups on Diseases Pattern Globally: A Review of Literature
Authors: Asuquo James Inyang , Okpokam Dorathy Chioma , Isong Idongesit K.
Published: September 2019

The present survey reports the influence of blood groups on disease pattern in worldwide basis. Genetic factors have been associated with vulnerability or resistance to certain disease. For example, individuals who are heterozygous to haemoglobin S and haemoglobin E are resistant to infection with Plasmodium falciparum. The manifestation of metabolic syndrome, a sickness characterized by multiple risk factors like obesity, hypertension and glucose intolerance is also influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Several studies have established a relationship between ABO blood type and incidences of Plasmodium falciparum infection. This review brought to the fore the relationship between blood groups and susceptibility or resistance to disease. There is need for more studies to be carried out to unravel the exact mechanism how blood groups affect disease. It is recommended that individuals of various blood groups should know the different disease that they are prone to and avoid the predisposing factors to such diseases.
Recent Advances in Chalcones: Synthesis, Transformation and Pharmacological Activities
Authors: Ovonramwen Oluwaseyi Bukky , Owolabi Bodunde Joseph , Oviawe Amowie Philip
Published: September 2019

Chalcones are useful intermediates in the synthesis of heterocyclic compound and the unique reagents in organic synthesis. The usual approach to obtain chalcones is through Claisen-Schmidt condensation. Several novel heterocyclic chalcone analogs have emerged. Chalcones are multifunctional molecules that possess promising pharmacological activities. Chalcones are known for anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-tubercular, antileishmanial, antimalarial, anthelmintic, osteogenic activities. This review article focuses on recent applications of Claisen-Schmidt condensation reaction employed in the synthesis of chalcone, its transformation to heterocyclic compounds and pharmacological activities.
Radiological Risk Assessment of Drinking Water from Ignatius University Quarters, Rumuolumeni, Nigeria
Authors: Ononugbo C. P. , Amadi T. I.
Published: September 2019

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the level of natural radioactivity in drinking water (tap water) from Ignatius university staff quarters in order to determine the radiological health risks associated with consumption of such water.

Study Design:  This study was purely an experimental work which involves collection of samples and laboratory analysis.

Place and Duration of the Study: the study was carried out at Ignatius university staff quarters and some lecture halls within the institution between May 2018 and March 2019.

Methodology: Twenty three (23) samples of drinkable water was collected from staff quarters and some lecture halls with 1.5 liters plastic containers which was rinsed thrice before collection. The samples were chemically treated by adding nitric acid and then pre-concentrated further by evaporating to certain levels. The residue were transferred to small cylindrical containers which were sealed and kept for 28 days in order to ensure secular equilibrium between 238u, 232th and their progenies and counted with sodium iodide activated with thallium detector. The results obtained were analyzed using some radiation models for radiological health risks. 

Results: The measured activity concentration of natural radionuclides such as 40K, 226Ra and 232Th in drinking water were in the range of 4.14±3.61 to 48.30±3.88 Bql-1, bdl to 188.51±2.69 Bql-1 and bdl to 29.17±3.42 Bql-1 respectively. The mean values of 40K, 226Ra and 232Th are 18.79±4.24, 27.55±5.99 and 17.79 ±2.89 Bql-1 respectively which is higher than their respective recommended safe value. The estimated effective dose for different age groups  ranged from 0.073 to 317.58 mSvy-1 for infants, 0.050 to 78.05 mSvy-1 for children, 0.027 to 237.41 mSvy-1 for teenagers and 0.029 to 51.46 mSvy-1 for adults with mean values of  110.07, 25.92, 68.44 and 12.85 mSvy-1 respectively. The lifetime fatality cancer risk to adult estimated show that, approximately 19 out of 100 may suffer from some form of cancer fatality and 18 out of 1000 may suffer some hereditary effect.

Conclusion: The result showed an elevated radioactivity level with its associated health risk. The populace might be at long term health risk if continuous exposure is maintained.
Synthesis of (2Z)-4,6-Diphenyl-N-((2-(Piperidin-1-yl)Ethyl]-2H-1,3-Thiazin-2-Imino Hydrochloride and its Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Ovonramwen Oluwaseyi Bukky , Owolabi Bodunde Joseph , Oviawe Amowie Philip
Published: September 2019

Aim: The study aims to synthesize, characterize, and screen (2Z)-4,6-diphenyl-N-((2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethyl]-2H-1,3-thiazin-2-imino hydrochloride for microbial activities.

Methodology: A (2Z)-4,6-diphenyl-N-((2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethyl]-2H-1,3-thiazin-2-imino hydrochloride was synthesized via two-steps reaction from chalcone using acetophenone and benzaldehyde, further cyclized with thiourea and later N-alkylated with 1-(2-chloroethyl)piperidine hydrochloride, its purity was tested by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (13C-NMR) and screened against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans using the standard microbiological method.

Results: A golden yellow needle-like crystals (2Z)-4,6-diphenyl-N-((2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethyl]-2H-1,3-thiazin-2-imininium hydrochloride with Rf, 7 EtOAc: 3 Pet (0.75) and MP, 285-287oC was synthesized and the in vitro antimicrobial study of the compound exhibited moderate activities in comparison with standard ciprofloxacin and itraconazole.

Conclusion: A new (2Z)-4,6-Diphenyl-N-((2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethyl]-2H-1,3-thiazin-2-imininium hydrochloride was synthesized using Claisen-Schmidt condensation, Michael addition and N-alkylation shows moderate antimicrobial activities against E. coli, B. subtilis, methicillin-susceptible S. aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus and C. albicans.
Cell Membrane Stability and Relative Water Content of Cymbopogon citratus (Lemon Grass)
Authors: Maishanu H. M. , Rabe A. M.
Published: September 2019

In this research the cell membrane stability (CMS), relative water content (RWC) and effect of different water interval on Cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass) was assessed. The cell membrane stability and relative water content of the plant shows the physiological activity of the plant. The plant sample was subjected to three different watering regimes viz: one, two- and three-days intervals with a control sample irrigated daily for a period of twelve months. Uniform stalk of lemon grass plants were planted into a depth of 7.5 cm composted soil, each treatment was made in triplicate. The evaluated growth parameters where height of the plant, number of leaves and tillers, which were taken weekly for period of twelve months (year). The height shows a significant difference from first to twelfth month after planting. The height of the plant increases simultaneous with the age of the plant. First month after planting show significant difference in height of sample watered daily and treated samples.  The results shows that the RWC (07.14%) and CMS (52.58%) was low in samples under water stress respectively when compared to well-watered samples (55.41%). No significant difference was observed between samples under one, two and three days interval. The number of leaves differs significantly in the first MAP except in the samples watered daily and three days interval. Maximum number of leaves was achieved at twelfth MAP under one day interval (137.33) followed by samples watered daily (126) and two days interval, while three days interval has the least number of leaves (leaf number). The number of tillers shows significant differences between the means at fifth and sixth MAP, (fifth MAP = 73.33 and sixth MAP = 126) and the treatments under one day intervals (fifth MAP = 18.33 and sixth MAP = 35.67). In the research, samples watered daily and under one day intervals shows high productivity when compared to the remaining treatment.
Impact of Moisture Content and Weed Management on Direct Seeded Rice Quality
Authors: Kumari Alisha , Kumar Rajan , Kumari Sweeti , Kumari Rinki Kumari
Published: September 2019

A field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) season of 2016 at Crop Research centre Pusa, Bihar to investigate the “Effect of Moisture Regimes and Weed Management on quality of Direct Seeded Rice”. The treatments consisted of three moisture regimes in main plots and five weed management practices in sub plots. The results showed that grain (3.62 t/ha) and straw yields (52.44 q/ha), harvest index (40.83%), P uptake (10.97 kg/ha) by rice grain were maximum with 3 days Disappearance of Ponded Water(DPW) which were significantly superior to 5 and 7 DPW but N (42.19 kg/ha) and P uptake (10.97 kg/ha) by rice grain, N (30.53 kg/ha), P (8.41 kg/ha) and K (74.47 kg/ha) uptake by straw were statistically at par with 5 DPW. With regard to weed management grain yield(35.62 q/ha) was maximum with W4 treatment of weed management which was significantly superior to W2, W1 and W5 but was statistically at par with W3 treatment while, straw yield (45.12 q/ha), N(41.37 and 29.75 kg/ha), P(10.72 and 8.18 kg/ha) and K(8.80 and 7.58 kg/ha) uptake by rice grain and straw were significantly superior to W1 and W5 and were comparable to W3 and W2 treatments.  In harvest index (40.97%), W4 treatment was significantly superior to all the treatments. N, P and K content in grain and straw did not vary significantly with varying moisture regimes weed management treatments.
Use of the Moringa oleifera Seeds Fixed-bed Model and Pernambuco Semi-arid Desalinator Reject
Authors: Filho A. J. Gomes , Filho H. J. B. Lima , Paiva S. C. De , Messias A. S.
Published: September 2019

The objective of this research was to use a prototype of fixed-bed columns packed with crushed seeds of Moringa oleifera to detect the best adsorption of chemical elements present in the desalinator reject. The column was adapted to the prototype container containing 200 liters of reject.The extract was collected every five minutes until 60 minutes, resulting in 12 samples where pH, EC, Na, K, Ca, Mg and Cl were determined. Statistical analysis was performed by analysis of variance (ANOVA), using the F test, with a 95% confidence interval. It was found through laboratory tests that Moringa seeds were effective in the adsorption of sodium, calcium, magnesium and chloride with five minutes of contact of desalination reject with Moringa oleifera crushed seeds with husks.
Anti-Acetylcholinesterase Compounds Isolated from the Leaves of Kigelia africana (LAM) Benth (Bignoniaceae)
Authors: Falode John A. , Crown Olamide O. , Famuyiwa Samson O. , Elusiyan Christianah A. , Ogungbe Ifedayo V. , Akinmoladun Afolabi C. , Olaleye Mary T. , Akindahunsi Afolabi A.
Published: September 2019

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is an enzyme that is involved in the breakdown of some neurotransmitters. Its inhibition is one of the treatment strategies employed in the management Alzheimer diseases. Flavonoids isolated from the leaves of Kigelia africana were investigated for their comparative AChE inhibition.

The extract of the leaves was subjected to vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) to obtain four fractions using n-hexane (n-hex, 100%), n-hexane/dichloromethane (hex/DCM, 1:1), dichloromethane/ethyl acetate (DCM/EtOAc, 1:1) and ethyl acetate/methanol (EtOAc/MeOH, 1:1). The four fractions were subjected to AChE inhibitory study with DCM/EtOAc (1:1) fraction showing the highest inhibitory activity. Three flavonoids were isolated from this fraction and their structures were elucidated and characterised using 1D- and 2D-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (MS) techniques. Their spectroscopic data compared well with literature.

The compounds demonstrated considerable inhibition of AChE activity with luteolin (1), rutin (2) and quercetin (3) that showed IC50 of 945.0, 282.1, 254.8 μg/ml respectively as against the IC50 of 38.93 μg/ml for rivastigmine, a well-known cholinesterase agent. Compound 3 showed 17.89 ± 0.57 and 7.70 ± 0.64 μ/l/mg protein at 200 and 400 μg/ml respectively, for AChE activity as against 10.37 ± 0.99 and 6.24 ± 1.24 μ/l/mg protein showed by rivastigmine at 200 and 400 μg/ml respectively.

This study showed that the phytochemical responsible for the AChE inhibition in the crude extract as reported by Falode et al., 2017 resided in the DCM/EtOAc (1:1) fraction. The structural-activity relationship of the flavonoids revolves around substitution in position 3 of the compounds.
Breastfeeding Practices and Associated Factors among Mothers of Children Aged 6-23 Months in Konduga Local Government Area, North East Nigeria
Authors: Adejugbagbe Adewale M. , Ajayi Ikeoluwapo O. , Oki Olubunmi P.
Published: September 2019

Aims: To assess knowledge and practices of breastfeeding as well as identify associated factors among mothers of children aged 6-23 months in Konduga Local Government Area (LGA) in Borno State, Nigeria.

Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers of children aged 6 to 23 months.

Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted in Konduga LGA of Borno State, Nigeria in August, 2018.

Methodology: The study focused on 224 mothers of children aged 6-23 months that have ever assessed the health facility for Micronutrient Powder (MNP) supplementation for their index child. A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to assess socio-demographic characteristics of respondents, knowledge of breastfeeding and their practices of breastfeeding. A point was assigned to correct response to each of the two questions used to assess breastfeeding practices, and respondents with two points were categorized as those with effective breastfeeding practice. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and logistics regression, with the level of significance set at 0.05.

Results: A total of 224 respondents were approached for interview and 218 responded, giving a response rate of 97%. Forty-six (21%) of the respondents knew that it is not appropriate to give semi-solid food or water to child that is 4 months old, and 98 (45%) knew that breastfeeding should not be discontinued for a child that is one year of age. Sixty-one (28%) of the respondents practice effective breastfeeding, which was significantly predicted by having formal education (AOR=14.0, 95% CI= 4.0 – 48.6), having a spouse that is educated (AOR=6.0, 95% CI= 2.1- 17.6) and having a male child (AOR=3.2, 95% CI= 1.3 – 8.0).

Conclusions: The study findings suggest that effective breastfeeding practice is low among the study participants particularly among the less educated and those having a female child. Interventions targeted at strengthening Infant and Young Child Feeding counseling in the health facility and community are recommended.
Nutrient Composition of Brillantaisia guianensis P. Beuv Leaves
Authors: Chinedu Kalu E. , Onyeike Eugene N. , Ikewuchi Catherine C.
Published: September 2019

Aim: The quantitative nutrient composition of leaves of Brillantaisia guianensis P. beuv was investigated.

Source and Identification of Sample: The leaves of B. guianensis used in this study were harvested fresh from Ude plantation in Okon Aku, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. They were identified by a Taxonomist (Dr Edwin Wosu) in the Herbarium Unit of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Port Harcourt. 

Study Design: The study was designed, using standard methods, to determine the proximate, amino acids, minerals and vitamins composition of the leaves. 

Results: The wet leaves were high in moisture (88.4%) while the dried sample had practically no moisture, indicating that the wet leaves could easily be prone to microbial spoilage due to high water activity. Drying increased protein level from 3.50 to 28.0% and ash from 2.36 to 27.7% among other parameters. The low calorific values for wet sample (16.1 kcal/100 g) and dry sample (152.3 kcal/100 g sample) showed that the leaves are poor energy-giving foods. However, the leaves contain good amino acid profile especially the essential amino acids (valine, threonine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine and tryptophan). The nutrient mineral (Na, Ca, Mg, K, Se, P, Fe) levels were high to supply the World Health Organization recommended daily allowance for adults and children. The sample contains appreciable amount of fats and water -soluble vitamins required for growth.  

Conclusion: The results show that the leaves are good sources of essential and non-essential amino acids, minerals and vitamins adequate to meet the required daily allowance for nourishment of the body.
Influence of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.) Varieties on Growth and Yield Attributes in Dry Ecological Zones of Kenya
Authors: Mulika Stellamaris N. , Chemining’wa George N. , Kinama Josiah M.
Published: September 2019

Production and productivity of green gram is governed by environmental, genotypic trait of the crop and crop management. The more specific reason for low production and productivity of pulses is the cultivation of local old varieties under marginally fertile lands and low input management conditions. Recently, high yielding varieties of green gram have been developed and evaluation of these varieties under various management conditions will be of great importance. In this view the study was conducted to investigate the growth and yield response of different green gram varieties in Kitui and Makueni counties in Kenya. Three green gram varieties (KS20, KAT 00308 and KAT 00309) were laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The varieties differed significantly (P≤0.05) in plant height, number of effective nodules, 100-grain mass and grain yield in both sites. Variety KS20 was the tallest in both sites in all the stages while KAT00309 was the shortest. Variety (KS20) had the highest number of effective nodules in Ithookwe (11) and Kiboko (39) with the lowest were recorded for variety KAT00308. Days to 50% flowering and maturity were different between the varieties, and KS20 had the shortest where it was recorded that the periods were shorter in Kiboko by >15 days compared to Ithookwe. In both sites, the highest grain yield was recorded for KAT00309 with 2898 kg/ha and 1568 kg/ha in Kiboko and Ithookwe, respectively. There were no signficant differences on the biological yield between the varieties but the 100-grain mass differed signficantly in both sites where variety KAT00309 was the heaviest with 7.8 g and 6.9 g in Kiboko and Ithookwe, respectively. It was concluded that variety KAT00309 could lead to the highest grain yield in both Kitui and Makueni counties under water stress conditions of the two counties.
Uterine Carcinosarcomas versus Leiomyosarcomas: DuaL Institutional Experience from Mansoura and Zagazig Universities
Authors: Halim Amal , Abo-Touk Niveen , Mokhtar Nahla , Elghamery Hadeel , Ismail Eman , Hassan Amany , Halim Hosam
Published: September 2019

Objective: Carcinosarcomas (CSs) and leiomyosarcomas (LMSs) are rare uterine cancers with high mortality. This study presents a dual institutional experience from two different university teaching hospitals (Mansoura and Zagazig Universities situated in the Delta of the Nile River in Egypt) with regard to the treatment modalities of those two types of uterine cancers aimed at establishing demographics and treatment outcomes.

Patients & Methods: The data from 12 uterine CS and 17 LMS patients treated at the Clinical Oncology Departments of Mansoura and Zagazig Universities from January 2012 to June 2018 were reviewed to evaluate demographics and treatment outcomes.

Results: The mean age of the patients was greater than 50 years. Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) was the most common presenting symptom.

Six CS (50%) patients underwent comprehensive surgical staging, while 4 patients underwent total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (TAH&BSO). Conversely, TAH&BSO was performed in 15 patients with LMS (88%).

Adjuvant radiotherapy was given to 6 CS (50%) and 4 LMS (24%) patients. Meanwhile, adjuvant chemotherapy was received by 5 CS (42%) and 8 LMS (47%) patients. Pelvic failure occurred in only the LMS group. Visceral metastasis occurred in both groups, while bone metastasis was encountered in only the CS group. The overall survival at 5 years was 53% and 32% in patients with CS and LMS, respectively.

Conclusion: AUB should be seriously investigated. Both diseases are aggressive despite early presentation and radical multimodality treatment. Local recurrence was reported in only the LMS group. Visceral metastasis occurred in both groups, unlike bone metastasis. New targeted therapies are urgently needed.
Conductions Diagnosis of Seed Storage by Family Farmers in the Municipality of Lagoa de Itaenga-PE
Authors: Almeida Abraão Rodrigues de , Silva Denise de Santana , Santos Jane Clésia Silva dos , Leite Alciele da Silva , Moura Elielma Josefa de , Silva Madson Rafael Barbalho da , França Pablo Radamés Cabral de , Costa José Carlos da
Published: September 2019

In family agriculture it is common for farmers to store seeds in their own homes, preserving the genetic material of their crops and ensuring their food security, but what has been observed are reductions of this practice in small farms. Thus, the objective of this work was to diagnose how the seeds are being stored by farmers to family farmers in the Municipality of Lagoa de Itaenga, as well as to evaluate the germination potentials of the seeds stored. The work was carried out in the community of Marrecos, in the rural area of Lagoa de Itaenga using a semi-structured questionnaire to collect the data, as well as the collection of accesses for the evaluation of germination potential. The study found that the conservation practices of seeds in the community are being reduced, where most farmers store corn seeds, but also renew their seeds every twelve months, conserving them in a natural environment, in which the Bottle and chilli pepper are the most used for the conservation of the genetic material. Most of the analyzed accesses had good germination percentages.
Effect of Thermodynamic Parameters on the Concentration of Pollutants in Produced Water from Crude Oil Production
Authors: Ngene Stanley , Tota-Maharaj Kiran
Published: September 2019

Thermodynamic parameters such as temperature and pressure of petroleum reservoirs are among the most important physical characteristics which are required to effectively produce crude oil from the reservoirs. Oil and gas reservoir pressures determines if external energy is required to force well fluids out of the reservoir; the temperature of the reservoir determines the flow characteristics of the produced fluid through the tubing and along the flowline by its influence on the viscosity of the fluid. The produced fluid is made up of produced water, crude oil and natural gas. Produced water contains several substances which at certain concentrations could pose health threats to living organism in the environment. Local regulatory authorities do not allow discharge of produced water to the environment except the prescribed limits for selected pollutants contained in the produced water are not exceeded. This has led to post-production treatment of produced water in most crude oil production facility in order to meet these limits. This treatment increases the cost of production of crude oil thereby reducing the profitability of crude oil production process. It is believed that thermodynamic parameters such as temperature and pressure are capable of either decomposing or altering the structure of some pollutants thereby reducing their concentration in the produced water at the end of the production process. This research has employed an environmental process engineering simulator (Aspen HYSYS) to determine which thermodynamic variables of temperature and pressure could be altered in combination to reduce the concentration of pollutants in produced water to meet the regulatory limits prior to discharge.
A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Energy Use in Major Agro-processing Industries in Nigeria
Authors: Salami Hammed Adeniyi
Published: September 2019

A comparative assessment of environmental impacts associated with the energy use in palm kernel oil production and cashew nut processing industries was carried out using life cycle assessment. One Kg of products from both industries was chosen as the functional unit. The gate – to – gate life cycle assessment results indicated that the total contribution per functional unit to global warming potential (GWP), abiotic depletion potential (ADP) and acidification potential (AP) were 50.2809 g of CO2 equivalents, 0.1524 g antimony equivalents and 0.1280 g of SO2 equivalents respectively for palm kernel oil production and 39.8350 g of CO2 equivalents, 0.1209 g antimony equivalents and 0.0957 g of SO2 equivalents respectively for cashew nut processing. The scenario-based results indicated substantial reductions for all the considered impact  categories; approximately 18, 28 and 94% reductions were achieved for ADP, GWP and AP respectively for both industries when public power supply from the natural grid was the main energy source for agricultural production. Increasing the thermal efficiency of the    nation’s existing power architecture resulted into 62 and 56% reductions for GWP and ADP respectively for the two industries, while additional 6 and 7% reductions were achieved for both impact categories when the transmission and distribution loss was maintained at 5%. The widespread adoption of clean and renewable energy sources, instead of over-reliance on electricity supply from the diesel-powered generator, has been identified as a feasible alternative towards achieving sustainability in the agro-processing industry.