bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
C- reactive protein in autologous stem cell transplantation: prediction of clinical complication
Authors: Sabioni Bruna , Saul Eduardo Edelman , Portugal Rodrigo , Valentim Marcia Rejane , Maiolino Angelo , Garnica Marcia
Published: July 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate C-reactive protein (CRP) as a predictor of complications during autologous stem cell transplant (HSCT). Methods: We analyzed a cohort of 340 transplants. Correlation analyses were performed, including CRP obtained before HSCT, on Day+3, Day+6, Day+9, after Day+11, and at the onset of febrile neutropenia, and the following outcomes: bacteremia, severity of mucositis, length of neutropenia and hospitalization, and death. Results: the median age was 54 years old (ranging from 20 to 75), and 62% and 20% were multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases, respectively.  The median CRP levels increased from D+3 to D+9 and after that decreased progressively until discharge. CRP levels were associated with bacteremia, mucositis grade, length of neutropenia and hospitalization, and death. Variation in CRP values from D+3 to D+6 predicted complications. Mortality was associated with D+9 CRP levels (19 vs. 7.9 mg/dL; p<0.01), and a ROC curve area of 0.83 (95% CI 0.7 – 0.95) to predict mortality. At a cut-off of 8.5mg/dL, D+9 CRP had 83% and 79% sensitivity and specificity, respectively.

Conclusions: In this study, CRP dynamics were associated with several HSCT complications. CRP levels curve could be applied to indicate poor outcomes during HSCT.
Unexpected magnetic attraction: Evidence for an organized energy field in the human body
Authors:   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Sisters of St. Mary’s Health System, St. Louis, MO, Thorp James A. , Thorp K. E. ,   Department of Radiology, Sparrow Health System, Lansing, MI, Lile Emily K. ,   Department of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, Viglione John ,   Consultant, Gulf Breeze, FL
Published: July 2021

Introduction & Background: In recent months unexpected reports have surfaced claiming the presence of magnetic attraction in the shoulder regions of subjects who had recently received the COVID-19 vaccination. Purpose: To determine if such claims are legitimate or spurious. Methods: A prospective observational study was performed utilizing standard neodymium magnets and non-magnetized paper clips in a rigorously standardized application protocol. Magnets and paper clips were applied over various regions of both deltoid muscles. The attraction score was calculated by adding one point for each pole of the magnet that attached to each arm over the deltoid muscle for a maximum score of 4. Likewise, three sizes of paper clips were tested with a maximum score of 6. The field score was calculated by adding the magnet score to the paper clip score for a maximum score of 10 points
Constructivismo y prácticas educativas: coherencia conceptual y de aplicación
Authors: Rocael Recinos Aquilino
Published: July 2021

El objetivo de esta investigación es establecer la coherencia conceptual y de aplicación entre el constructivismo y las prácticas educativas. En el estudio participaron ocho profesores y doce estudiantes de posgrado en educación universitaria: los profesores son expertos en educación; los estudiantes cursaban el cuarto ciclo de la maestría y han egresado de diversidad de carreras. Se utilizó el enfoque mixto de tipo fenomenológico, con alcance descriptivo y diseño recurrente. Se aplicó dos instrumentos: a) cuestionario de preguntas abiertas: a los profesores, b) cuestionario de tipo escala de Likert: a los estudiantes. La información obtenida con el instrumento aplicado a los profesores se categorizó, en tanto que, los datos recolectados con el instrumento aplicado a los estudiantes se analizaron estadísticamente. Con base en los resultados, se evidenció que los profesores poseen una base conceptual clara acerca de los principales postulados del constructivismo y de cómo debe aplicarse en las prácticas educativas. No obstante, se estableció que hay divergencia de percepción, pues los estudiantes notan que el constructivismo no es aplicado de acuerdo con la teoría. Los estudiantes manifestaron que en la mayoría de las prácticas educativas de los docentes se evade la activación de los conocimientos previos, lo cual incide en el proceso de aprendizaje, pues no se establece la conexión del conocimiento nuevo con el previo. La diferencia de parecer de profesores y estudiantes acerca de la activación de los conocimientos previos puede deberse a que las actividades propuestas tienen poca incidencia en el proceso de construcción de conocimientos.
Necesidades identificadas por egresados de medicina durante su transición preclínica-clínica
Authors: Castro-de-Reyes Amy Lucila , Valenzuela Maribel
Published: July 2021

El paso de la vida académica intra-aula a la práctica hospitalaria es conocido como transición preclínica-clínica (TPC), es reconocido como traumático y potencialmente lesivo a la salud mental de los estudiantes de medicina, es parte de la formación de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la USAC de Guatemala (FacMed). Exponer las necesidades identificadas por los egresados en 2020, cuando pasaron por la TPC sirve como marco de referencia para la mejora continua de los procesos educativos, estableciendo las necesidades psicofisiológicas y educativas que identificaron. La investigación fue cuantitativa, descriptiva, transversal, muestreo no probabilístico por bola de nieve. 54 egresados brindaron su consentimiento informado para participar en el estudio, se utilizó el cuestionario electrónico NIEM-TPC2020. 55% de las respuestas fueron de mujeres, 75% vivió la primera rotación en 2017, el 27.78% lo realizó en el Hospital General San Juan de Dios, la primera rotación fue Medicina Interna (59.26%). Necesidades psicofisiológicas más identificadas: proteger su salud mental, sus objetos personales, el reconocimiento y valoración a su dignidad, satisfacer necesidades básicas.  Necesidades educativas identificadas: inducción al hospital, acompañamiento del docente, preparación administrativa, afrontamiento de la muerte de sus pacientes, estrategias motivadoras del aprendizaje.
Essential Soft Skills for Workplace Success
Authors: Sreehari Dr. Pusuluri
Published: July 2021

Employers assess and judge their employees on their knowledge of both technical skills and soft skills. Until the recent past, technical skills were given top priority. However, that perception has changed over time. The knowledge of soft skills is now being considered as important as or more important than technical knowledge. Professional success depends upon a host of parameters such as experience, expertise, skill level, personality traits, work style, communication style, and work-life balance. Soft skills have also become a key parameter of professional success. This paper looks at the factors that have contributed to the acknowledgment of the significance of the soft skills at workplace and also presents the ways in which the knowledge of the soft skills could be enriched to go up the career ladder. It proposes a list of key soft skills such as self-awareness, emotional intelligence, team work, cross-cultural communication and personal accountability, which are expected to be the game changers. It is hoped that the employees’ knowledge about essential soft skills would enable them to become productive and mindful professionals at their workplaces. It is also implied that employees view soft skills as valuable assets rather than extraneous matters in their professional success. The insights presented in the paper, if deployed diligently, could augur well for career growth and enable the employees to remain relevant even if the job and technology scenario keep changing.
Impact of Social Media Satisfaction on Brand Experience
Authors: Bakhare Dr. Ruhi , Shende Avinash
Published: July 2021

This study is significant in in the area of identifying the specific way discussion or chats happen between consumers and companies which is a very vital element of advertising. Nowadays, with the increase in the use of social media, these communications may have more members, who may join the conversation across any network from anywhere, and that too instantaneously. The various social media platforms like Facebook, twitter, YouTube etc. offer an opportunity for many companies to get involved with consumers. These company may use multiple mediums of communication on social media platforms and permit consumers to get connected with each other as well as brand representative. Thus, it becomes vital for the companies to know the effectivity of these social media platform as a communication tool and to what extent it affects the consumer’s brand experience. Indeed, it is a common practice adopted by all the consumers to browse about the product or service which they intend to buy on various social media and check the reviews or comments made about them before buying. This study tries to identify whether there is any positive impact of Brand Experience has on Social Media Satisfaction.
Energy Efficiency Analysis of LoRa and ZigBee Protocols in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Rao K. Raghava , Kumar D. Sateesh , Shaw Mohiddin , Sitamahalakshmi V.
Published: July 2021

Now a days IoT technologies are emerging technology with wide range of applications. Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are plays vital role in IoT technologies. Construction of wireless sensor node with low-power radio link and high-speed processors is an interesting contribution for wireless sensor networks and IoT applications. Most of WSNs are furnished with battery source that has limited lifetime. The maximum operations of these networks require more power utility. Nevertheless, improving network efficiency and lifetime is a curtail issue in WSNs. Designing a low powered wireless sensor networks is a major challenges in recent years, it is essential to model its efficiency and power consumption for different applications. This paper describes power consumption model based on LoRa and Zigbee protocols, allows wireless sensor nodes to monitor and measure power consumption in a cyclic sleeping scenario. Experiential results reveals that the designed LoRa wireless sensor nodes have the potential for real-world IoT application with due consideration of communicating distance, data packets, transmitting speed, and consumes low power as compared with Zigbee sensor nodes. The measured sleep intervals achieved lower power consumption in LoRa as compared with Zigbee. The uniqueness of this research work lies in the review of wireless sensor node optimization and power consumption of these two wireless sensor networks for IoT applications.
A Comparative Study of Carbon Stock Changes from Different Logging Techniques in Ulu Jelai Forest Reserve, Kuala Lipis, Pahang
Authors: Noraishah S. , Azian M. , Samsudin M. , Ismail P. , Abd Rahman K. , Nur Hajar Z.S. , A. Rahim O.
Published: July 2021

Conventional logging practices are often highly destructive to forest ecosystems. Heavy machinery can compact the soil and destroy vegetation. Previous research by others have demonstrated that environmental damage can be minimized through the use of site- sensitive harvesting techniques. Forest harvesting in the inland forest in Malaysia is generally carried out by a combination of crawler tractor and winch lorry, which we defined as the current logging technique. Under the current logging technique, crawler tractors are used to skid logs from felling sites to skid trails and winch lorries continue the transportation to the roadside landings. In the early nineties, a Low Impact Logging (LIL) practice using an improved logging system was carried out in some forest areas in Peninsular Malaysia. The technology, called logfisher was mainly deployed to retrieve logs from rocky and deep, narrow ravine which was deemed uneconomical, difficult and dangerous for the crawler tractor to operate. In certain logging areas in Pahang, a combination of crawler tractor and logfisher is being used which we defined in this study as LIL. The study focuses on quantifying the carbon stock changes from the different logging techniques in Lipis, Pahang. Based on preliminary results, the LIL technique showed less carbon loss if the carbon stocks before and after logging were compared. This study indicates that different logging techniques results in different impact on the total residual forest carbon stocks. The introduction of LIL systems and practices have indeed reduced the logging damage and improved stand conditions. Improvement to the current practice, enhance the productivity of the residual stand and reduce forest degradation in terms of carbon stocks as well as other ecological co-benefits.
Concept of Environmental Sustainability Awareness Strategies in Pre-Construction Stage
Authors: Omardin Mohammad Affendy , Zainul Abidin Nazirah , Wan Ali Wan Dagang
Published: July 2021

This paper presents an overview of the environmental sustainability concept through construction industry. The aim is to create a environmental sustainability through pre-construction stage. This could be achieved where as it is important to look into minimizing the impact on the environment. However, the enthusiasm in pursuing rapid development often causes environmental sustainability aspect being ignored. This research was conducted to study the level of environmental sustainability concern and practices in through pre- construction stage in construction industry. A selected of construction working managerial level were selected as respondents. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. More than 70% respondents being interview and have high level of environmental concern but moderate level of environmental sustainability practices. Most of the respondents concern about environmental issues. The study also have positive perceptions on environmental sustainability. The findings showed that there is a positive and pro-active between the level of environmental sustainability concern and practices in construction management. This indicates that the higher the level of environmental concern, the higher the level of practices in environmental sustainability among project practitioners. The implication of the study showed that coordinate effort should be taken by construction practices during pre- construction stage to enhance environmental sustainability practices more effective through construction project.
Indigenous People and Their Traditional Knowledge on Tropical Plant Cultivation and Utilization: A Case Study of Murut Communities of Sabah, Borneo
Authors: Muhammed Nur , Muthu Theresa Antonia
Published: July 2021

This study was conducted in Murut indigenous people inhibited two villages of Keningau district of Sabah Borneo which is blessed with vast cultural diversities. In this regard, 120 randomly selected households from the Nabaai and Gana tribes of Murut community were investigated with a view to identify their homestead plants, use pattern and also their Traditional Knowledge on plant utilization. Five major research tools (e.g., review of secondary information, key Informant interview, household survey with semi-structured questionnaire and focus group discussion) was employed in this study. It is found that the plant species found in the homestead of the Nabaai and Gana tribes are utilized for three main reasons i.e., i) food production, ii) medicine, and iii) fuel wood. There are 23 utilization pattern has been identified in this study which is much lesser than what was found a decade ago (68 utilization). The Nabaai and Gana tribes practice Traditional Knowledge in their daily life especially, in medicinal plant utilization. The findings also show that most of the Traditional Knowledge on plant utilization is lying with the respondents with low income group (59%) because of their high dependency on utilization of the surrounding resources in their daily life. Appropriate steps to preserve and conserve the Traditional Knowledge on plant utilization possessed and practiced by the Murut indigenous communities are deemed necessary before this huge nature treasure is forgotten.
Acclimatization of Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali) Plantlets to Ex Vitro Conditions
Authors: Yahya Muhammad Fuad , Hassan Nor Hasnida , Abdullah Nazirah , Abd. Rahman Siti Suhaila , Ismail Haliza , Abdullah Mohd Zaki , Mohd Ariff Farah Fazwa , Ngah Mohamad Lokmal , Koter Rosdi , Khalid Rozidah , Abdullah Rohani , Zakaria Norfarhana , Zakaria Norhidayah
Published: July 2021

Eurycoma longifolia is one of the famous herbal plants with great medicinal benefits. The plant which also known as Tongkat Ali is well-known for treating erectile dysfunction and as energy booster. Tongkat Ali plantlets were produced using in vitro propagation technique to cater the demand for planting material. The development of successful acclimatization technique is prerequisite for in vitro propagation method. Acclimatization is a step to prepare the plantlets to survive and grow in different environment compare to laboratory. In this study, an attempt was made to identify the best potting media to acclimatize Tongkat Ali using glass chamber. Rooted plantlets about 2-4 cm height were used and subsequently transferred to different potting media for acclimatization i.e jiffy 7, sand, baked soil, mixture of cocoa peat and sand, sand and top soil and lastly cocoa peat and baked soil. Plantlets grown in jiffy 7 showed 100% survival followed by the mixture of cocoa peat and baked soil with 94.45% of survival. The acclimatized plantlets were transplanted into polybag and maintained in the shadehouse condition.
Calorific Value of Leaves of Selected Dipterocarp Trees Species in Piah Forest Reserve, Perak
Authors: Musa Dayang Nur Sakinah , Nuruddin Ahmad Ainuddin
Published: July 2021

Information on calorific value is very important factor in fuel evaluation. The objective of the study was to investigate the calorific values of the leaves of five (5) selected trees species of dipterocarp in Piah Forest Reserve, Perak, Malaysia. The species are Hopea sp., Shorea parvifolia, Shorea leprosula, Shorea macroptera and Dipterocarpus sp. The calorific values were determined using the Adiabatic Bomb Calorimeter. The difference of calorific value between the five species were also examined. It was found that, the mean calorific value for the dipterocarp species were within the range of 4041.28 Cal g-1 to 4820.78 Cal g-1. The leaves of the Shorea macroptera contain higher calorific value compared to other four species. The findings will be useful in the preparation of forest fire management plan, and also in the development of bioenergy project of wood-based biomass from forest species.
Chemical Composition of Clays for Pottery in Malaysia: A Review
Authors: Gani N.A. , Shamsuddin M.S. , Koo W.K. , Masri M.N. , Sulaiman M.A.
Published: July 2021

Pottery in Malaysia is been known for its utilized functions and unique properties. Clays as the pottery’s raw materials are a major factor that affecting the quality and reliability of some pottery products. Observations on clays’ elements and phases are very helpful for productions of the good pottery. Hence, in this review, chemical compositions of clays in terms of elements and phases structures are discussed. Basically, the most elements found in clays are Si, Al, Fe, Ti, K and Ca. Depends on location, the concentrations for those clays elements in Malaysia are at range of 24.8 – 32.4 for Si, 10.8 – 19.0 for Al, 0.09 – 2.12 for Fe, 0.08 – 1.13 for Ti and 0.45 – 3.39 for K. Several studies reported, they exist in form of oxide compound which are SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, TiO2, MgO, CaO, Na2O, K2O and P2O5. The percentages of elements in clays do not only determine the clays characteristics, but also influence the physical, mechanical and chemical properties of the end product. Increase of major element like silica arises the melting point, lowers the fluidity, and enhances the hardness and tensile strength. Meanwhile, increase alumina content enables the green body to withstand the sintering temperature and also increase the hardness of the pottery.
Association between Landscape Heritage Elements and Place Attachment among Visitors in Taiping Lake Garden
Authors: Abd Gani Nurul Hijrah , Mohamed Noorizan , Ujang Norsidah
Published: July 2021

Various researches have been conducted by researchers on landscape heritage and place attachment. The researches were done in isolation according to the differing field of study. It is noticed that there still a gap of knowledge on the association between landscape heritage elements and place attachment. As commonly realized by most of people, the priceless heritage is susceptible to deteriorate or destroyed by either natural phenomenon or human negligence. Henceforth, creating public awareness on this irreplaceable heritage is a necessity to ensure its continuous existence in the future. This paper aims to document the landscape heritage elements and examine their influence on visitors’ attachment to Taiping Lake Garden. Taiping Lake Garden was selected as the study site as it is one of the oldest gardens in Malaysia. The method employed in the study is managed through archival study and observation for documenting the heritage elements found in Taiping Lake Garden. Meanwhile, survey method is used to explore the influence of heritage elements on visitors’ attachment to Taiping Lake Garden. The results indicate that physical, non-physical and natural landscape as the landscape heritage elements of Taiping Lake Garden. While, the result of the surveys demonstrated that these heritage elements influence the visitors’ attachment to the place. From the study, indicates that more effort needs to be done in promoting the landscape heritage of Taiping Lake Garden to sustain its existence in the future.
The Creation of Protected Ecosystems as the Conservation-Friendly Way to Save Genus Begonia from Extinction
Authors: A.Yu. Nabieva , T.D. Fershalova
Published: July 2021

The unique protected ecosystems created by the Central Siberian Botanical Garden (CSBG) researchers on the basis of ecological – geographical principle allowed the establishment of exact soil and microclimate conditions, favorable to the vigorous growth of many terrestrial Begonias. Begonias are successfully introduced in the CSBG as an understorey component of the pluristratal tropical forest and well adapted to the shady, humid conditions. Maintenance of rich Begoniaceae collection was based on the concept of imaging the natural habitat of the Begonias to determine environmental factors such as illuminance, temperature, humidity and substrate preference. In vitro regeneration of 4 Begonia genotypes was carried out starting from female flower segments and peduncles as explants. These regenerants have a better capability to grow than traditionally obtained ones and their flowers developed to anthesis in vitro. The techniques open a new way for an efficient micropropagation protocol for Begonia species conservation in vitro.
Dye Adsorbent by Activated Carbon
Authors: Selvanathan N. , Subki N.S. , Sulaiman M.A.
Published: July 2021

Dyes are used extensively in many industries making the research on color production more important. Despite that, dyes are important class of pollutant in which it is disposed in water resources and causes major environmental problems due to toxicity and carcinogenic property of dye. However, the disposed dye into the environment can be treated by several alternatives. In this study, activated carbon derived from pineapple crown, core and peel were prepared by chemical activation using phosphoric acid (H3PO4). Laboratory prepared activated carbons were used to identify the suitability of its application to adsord methylene blue and malachite green. The results indicated that the activated carbon derived from pineapple crown shows maximum adsorption of methylene blue (38.6%) and malachite green. This study shows a benefit of transforming agriculture waste to value added product and also helps to solve over abundance pineapple waste problem.
Factor Determinants on Availability and Consumption of Rubberwood in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Merous Noor Hazmira , Rahman Rohana Abd. , Mohamed Nor Azila , Ahmad Ismariah , Hin Hui Lim , Shahwahid Othman Mohd.
Published: July 2021

Rubberwood sawntimber has become one of the major contributors to the Malaysian furniture export and economic growth in the past two decades as its demand from wooden furniture manufacturing has increased tremendously. Factors affecting availability and consumption of rubberwood sawntimber are identified through the multiple regression models. The results of the regression analyses have been statistically diagnosed and modified to generate the best models. Availability of rubberwood sawntimber is influenced by replanted area, price of rubberwood log, latex price and previous production of rubberwood sawntimber. Consumption of rubberwood sawntimber is influenced by national income and prices of other light hardwood species that are mainly consumed by sawmills, i.e. Dark Red Meranti and Red Meranti. The findings could be used as a guideline for the policy maker to develop strategies for further strengthens the wood based industry as a whole.
Phylogenetic Analysis of Mitochondrial Genes of Malaysian Tupaia Reveals Composite Species in Tupaia Glis
Authors: Kumaran Jayaraj Vijaya , Othman Ahmad Sofiman , Mohd Sah Shahrul-Anuar , Mokhtar Seri Intan
Published: July 2021

Recent morphometric analysis on T. glis in Peninsular Malaysia indicates that there were more than one morphotypes in this species. Thus this study attempts to examine this phenomenon using mitochondrial DNA sequences of Cyt b and CO1 genes. A total of 74 DNA sequences for both genes were generated using available universal primers. Samples from Southern Thailand were found to be misidentified as T. glis when in fact these samples clustered with T. belangeri while one T. tana from Borneo was miss-identified as T. minor. The phylogenetic trees showed that there are at least one confirmed morphotype of Tupaia (new Tupaia sp.) that have yet to be described. The results also showed that the separation of T. glis morphotype 1 and 11 were visible in the combined genes tree, congruent with the morphometric phylogeny but had poor phylogenetic support.
Water Quality and Phytoplankton Distribution of the Lower Kinabatangan River Catchment, Sabah
Authors: Harun Sahana , Uja Norfarahin , Fikri Arman Hadi
Published: July 2021

A study on water quality and phytoplankton distribution was carried out at the Lower Kinabatangan River Catchment, Sabah in November 2013, January 2014 and March 2014. The objectives were to study the surface water quality of the Lower Kinabatangan River Catchment; to identify the composition of phytoplankton in three different types of land use in Sukau, Kinabatangan; and to determine spatial and temporal variations of water quality in Sukau, Kinabatangan. Three sampling stations were selected to represent different types of land use, consisting of oil palm plantation (OP), secondary forests (SF) and oxbow lake (OB). Based on Interim National Water Quality Standards (INWQS) for Malaysia, the parameters were categorized within Class I to Class IV. Statistical analyses ANOVA one-way, paired sample t-test and discriminant analysis have been carried out to both water quality and total monthly precipitation data sets. The distribution of phytoplankton in Kinabatangan River consisted of 5 divisions: the Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta, Cyanophyta, Cryptophyta and Euglenophyta. Chlorophyta recorded the highest diversity, with 10 species recorded out of 17 species found of the Lower Kinabatangan River Catchment. Discriminant analysis suggested that UV-visible absorption coefficients at 254 and 340 nm were dominant in samples from OP and SF. Temporal variations showed that parameters suspended sediment, UV-visible absorption coefficients at 254 and 340 nm were dominant in samples from collected in January 2014.
Chronologically Defined Features of Walt Whitman’s Poetic Technique in the Light of Translation Problems
Authors:   N.А. Dobrolyubov Linguistics University of Nizhny Novgorod, Piven Irina
Published: July 2021

The paper provides an overview of inevitable problems facing the translator of the first version of Walt Whitman’s “Song of Myself,” which has neither been translated into Russian nor become part of the Russian culture yet. A comparative analysis of the 1855 original version characterized by a rich intonation structure with the 1881 authorized text of “The Song of Myself” allows for some remarkable conclusions and prompts promising translation solutions. In the original version Whitman achieves a dramatic effect with expressive punctuation. Interestingly, in the authorized text the poet is seeking to streamline the rhythm and diversify sound patterns, sacrificing the spontaneity and ingenuousness of the first version.
A Comparative-Contrastive Analysis of Corpus Tools (Case Study: Working with Corpora of Cinematic Discourse)
Authors:   Ivanovo State University, Shamova Nadezhda
Published: July 2021

A broad scope of application of corpus technologies indicates their importance in applied linguistics. Employing the comparative-contrastive method and the method of computer analysis, the author seeks to compare and contrast the main corpus tools of the programs Sketch Engine, AntConc, and WordSmith Tools, focusing on texts from specialized periodicals about cinematography ‘Total Film’ and ‘American Cinematographer’ for 2019–2020. The primary goal of this comparison is to provide recommendations for optimal choice of tools and programs for obtaining certain types of information. The author processed the total volume of texts that contained over 900,000 words, using the functions “concordance”, “word list”, “collocations” + “word s etch”, “N-grams”, “keywords” in Sketch Engine and AntConc (Word-Smith Tools has only “concordance”, “wordlist,” and “keywords”). Information about specific tools available in various corpora is collected and presented in a specially developed table. Different software programs described in the article have functions that perform the same tasks, but there are some differences in how data is presented. Among the software programs featured in this case study, the Sketch Engine platform gives the most options for choosing personal settings. The “concordance” function shows the word in context, “Wordlist” shows all the words on a given list with a record of their frequency in the corpus. The “collocation” function (or “word s etch”) recognizes fixed expressions, “N-grams” finds phrases that comprise a certain number of elements, while the “ eywords” function allows users to identify words that are specific to a particular subject area. Information thus obtained from the corpora may be helpful in updating English LSP dictionaries and glossaries of cinematography. The theoretical significance of the present study lies in systematizing the material about existing corpus tools, while its practical value is in using the tools of three corpus programs for the study of cinematic discourse, understood here as language used by the community of movie goers and filmmakers in their discussions of cinematography in specialized periodicals ‘Total Film’ and ‘American Cinematographer’.
Production of Bio-Fertilizer through Composting of Tannery Wastes with Cow- Dung and Rice Bran
Authors: Lambu, Z.N.,  , Shamsuddeen, U.  , Yahaya, S.  , Aliyu, A.S.  , Karfi, A.I.  , Isyaku, J.,  , Mahmud, T.  , Y. S. Mohammed
Published: July 2021

Tannery waste is made from nutrients and organic compounds that enhance soil fertility thereby improving plants and microbial growths. This study was designed to investigate the application of tannery wastes to form compost material in a mixture with cow-dung and rice brand. The treatments were prepared and tested for a period of sixty (60) days. The compost was characterized by electric conductivity (EC) of 10.11µs/cm, pH of 7.62 and Carbon-Nitrogen (C:N) ratio of 28.8. Total concentrations of Chromium, Lead, Cadmium, Copper, Zinc and Iron in mg/kg were 57.2, 0.92, 12.50, 60.50, 13.60 and 1101.00 respectively. However, total bacterial counts decreased from 8.2 x108cfu/g to 1.8 x106cfu/g after the 60days. The compost characteristics indicate about 80% germination index which may suggest the removal of most of the phototoxic compounds.
Prevalence of Vaginitis among Women Attending Antenatal Care Centre of Wudil General Hospital, Kano State Nigeria
Authors: Aliyu, A. S.  , Abdulmalik, I.  , Shamsiyya, M. S.  , Lambu, Z. N.  , Sabo, A.  , Haruna H. B.
Published: July 2021

Vaginitis is usually caused by a change in the normal balance of vaginal microbes, an infection or reduced oestrogen levels after menopause leading to variety of infections by bacteria, fungi and viruses. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of vaginitis and its associated risk factors among women attending antenatal care center of Wudil general hospital, Kano Nigeria. A total of 352 High Vaginal Swab and serum samples were collected from women attending antenatal care centre of Wudil general hospital. The samples were processed and screened for the presence of Candida albicans, Trichomonas vaginalis and Treponema pallidum through culture and microscopy and serum venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test. The risk factors were assessed using a designed questionnaire and analysed using Multivariate logistic modelling. The prevalence of C. albicans, T. vaginalis and Treponema pallidum were found to be 32.38%, 18.46 %, and 4.83%, respectively(p≤0.05). The result showed that the risk factors that are significantly associated with the prevalence of vaginitis were active sex age (26 – 30) years, educational status and number of participants husband’s wives. The study identifies that C. albicans is the major cause of vaginitis, and is insignificantly associated with active sex age educational status and number of participants husband’s wives.
Plasmid Carriage and ESBL Production among Salmonella Enterica Serovar Typhi from Some Parts of Adamawa State, Nigeria
Authors:   Department of Microbiology Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Sale M. , Ja'afaru M. I. , Pukuma S. M.
Published: July 2021

Effective treatment of typhoid fever caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi has been hampered by the emergence of multidrug resistant and extended spectrum beta lactamase producing strains thus making the organism an important public health pathogen especially in developing countries. This study was aimed at screening Salmonella ser. Typhi isolates from suspected enteric fever patients for the presence of plasmids as well as ESBL production. Eightyfour (84) Salmonella ser. Typhi isolates were obtained from blood and stool culture giving a prevalence of 17.5%. Results of susceptibility screening revealed that 37.5% of the isolates demonstrated ability to produce extended spectrum beta lactamase in vitro out which 37.5% were isolates from Yola while 40% were isolates recovered from Gombi. Furthermore, 41(48.8 %) of the isolates from this study bore plasmids out of which 25(47.1 %) were from Yola metropolis while 13 (41.9 %) were from Gombi Local Government Area. The most common antibiotic resistant marker borne on the plasmids carried by S. ser. Typhi in the study area was resistance to AmpC Co (20) followed by resistance gene for ceftriaxone 10. Screening of the isolates for extended spectrum beta lactamase activity using the double disk synergy test revealed that 9 isolates namely; Salmonella ser. Typhi isolates GMB1, 6, 13, 26 and Salmonella ser. Typhi YLA 4, 11, 22, 31 and 42 showed positive ESBL activity. The PCR analysis revealed the presence of Blactx gene cluster in 4/25 (16%) of S. Typhi isolates. The detection of some strains with resistance to ceftriaxone as well as ability to produce the ESBL is an early warning sign indicating the need for more controlled use of this drug in the country especially in the study area. Keywords: Plasmid, Resistance, ESBL
Potentials of Three Plants Leave oils mixture in Protecting Maize Grains against Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Abdulmalik B. S.  , Abdullahi, N.  , Muhammad, I.  , Abba E.  , Abdullahi,A. M.
Published: July 2021

Over the last decade, Sitophilus zeamais are being control using synthetic insecticides. The over- use of these chemicals has lead to the development of insecticides resistance, environmental pollution, and killing of non-target organisms. The efficacy of Hyptis suaveolens, Ocimum gratissimum, and Psidium guajava leaf oils combination against adult S. zeamais was investigated on maize grain during the study. The leaves of the plants were grounded into powders and oils were extracted using Soxhlet apparatus separately. Maize variety 99% EDVT used was obtained from the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Kano. The insects were cultured in a containers and identified using a standard taxonomic key for Sitophilus spp. Different oils combination of two plants leaves oils were made in the ratio of 50%:50% of the test dose 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4ml/20g.Ten newly emerged S. zeamais were introduced separately for examination of adult mortality test and lethal concentration determination. Results showed that mortality increases with exposure period. The leaves oils combination show a significant difference in adult mortality of S. zeamais (P<0.05). Isobutylcyclohexane, Oleic Acid and 11-octadecenoic acid were the most occurring compound present in the individual plant extract. H. suaveolens and O. gratissimum combination protecting maize grains against S. zeamais infestation and therefore, the active ingredient of these plant combinations should be evaluated.
Evaluation of Heavy metals pollution around Kano municipal solid waste Dumpsites, Kano state, Nigeria
Authors: MZ Karkarna  , Mujahid Ajah Matazu
Published: July 2021

The research was conducted to assess the level of heavy metals contamination using single and integrated pollution indices in soils around municipal solid waste dumpsites of Kano Metropolis, Kano State, Nigeria. Forty two soil samples were collected from seven municipal solid waste dumpsites of Kano metropolis using circular plot method. A stainless hand auger at a depth of (0 to 15) top soils and sub-surface soils (15-30cm) depth were collected and analyzed with Flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer to determine the heavy metal concentration. The mean concentration (mg/kg) of heavy metals from the depth of (15-30 cm) were observed to follow a decreasing order Pb (7.71)>Zn (0.50) > Ni (0.45) > Cr (0.31) > Cd (0.025) while for surface soils (0- 15cm) the mean concentration were in the following order: Pb (1.77) > Ni (0.49) > Zn (0.30) > Cr (0.27) > Cd (0.012).The results showed that calculated CF and Er recorded that investigated soil samples are uncontaminated with Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr and Pb and Ni. The pollution load index (PLI) was less than unity showing that there was minimum pollution in the studied dumpsite. The potential ecological risk showed that soil samples were in the class of low contaminated with the studied heavy metals. The results showed that concentrations of heavy metals of soil samples from dumpsites location at waste dumpsites of Kano Metropolis were within limits of European Union (2002) standards.
Evaluation of the Antibacterial Effectiveness of Some Antiseptics and Disinfectants
Authors: Aminu, A.I.  , Abdullahi, M.S.
Published: July 2021

Application of disinfectants and antiseptics continue to be an essential part of infection control practices; as such there is the need for constant evaluation of their effectiveness. The study aimed at evaluating the antibacterial effectiveness of some brands of disinfectants and antiseptics against some bacterial isolates. Two disinfectants-D1 (Sodium hypochlorite 3.85%) and D2 (7% Tar acid, phenol, 2% cresylic creosote) and two antiseptics-A1 (Chloroxyenol B.Pc 48%nw/v, oleumpiniaromgticum 8.3%w/w) and A2 (Dichlorometaxylenol, IPA, terpinol) were selected and their efficacies against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella spp and Escherichia coli were determined using agar disk diffusion methods. The potency of the disinfectants was further evaluated against phenol to establish the phenol coefficient (Pc). The result revealed that both the disinfectants and the antiseptics inhibited the different test organisms at various concentrations producing higher inhibition zones at higher concentrations (P=0.001) that differ significantly with the type of agent used (P=0.007).Both agents produces higher inhibitions zones against S. aureus, Klebsiella spp, E. coli and the least inhibition zones against P. aeruginosa. At 100% concentration, D1 produces the highest inhibition zone of 21mm against E. coli, while A1produces the highest inhibition zones of 17mm against E. coli, S. aureus and Klebsiella spp. The result indicated that both disinfectants (D1 and D2) are more effective than phenol and that D1 is more effective than D2 with Pc coefficient of 3.0 and 2.0 against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa respectively compared to D2 with a Pc of 2.0 and 1.05 against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. The study identifies that both disinfectants and antiseptics especially D1 and A1 were effective against the test isolates except P. aeruginosa which was less susceptible.
Assessment of Faecal Sludge Management in Nguru Town, Yobe State, Northeastern Nigeria
Authors: M.Z.Karkarna  , Muktar Adamu
Published: July 2021

The aim of the study is to assess faecal sludge management (FSM) in Nguru town, Nguru Local Government area of Yobe State. Random sampling method was used in the selection of respondents in six political wards of the study area. A total of 399 questionnaires were administered to respondents in the study area with the view to identify the types and current practices of faecal sludge management in the study area. The result of the study indicates that majority of the respondents 68% used pit latrine, 24% used water closet while 8% used other type of toilet facilities. However, on the excreta defecation, the finding indicated that 84% had access to household toilets, 8.0% used public toilets, and 6.0% practiced open defecation with the remaining 2% practicing defecation in polythene bags after which they discard it into the bush or on a refuse dump. The study further revealed that majority (54%) of the respondents disposed their toilet sludge by land fill, 31% participants were using any available land for faecal sludge final disposal while 10 % and 5% disposed their toilet by nearby river and composting respectively. The finding indicated that, the faecal sludge management of the study area is unsatisfactory and may pose a risk of environmental and adverse human health. The current practices of faecal sludge management were found below international standard requirement set by WHO. It is therefore recommend that Government should come up with proper orientation and environmental laws should be put in place for the general public and also to provide necessary facilities and arrange for better methods of faecal sludge management.
Nasopharyngeal Carriage of Staphylococcus aureus among Horses and Horse Handlers in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Sanda, M. I  , Idris, A. M
Published: July 2021

Staphylococcal species are important opportunistic bacterial pathogens that can asymptomatically colonize both human and animals bodies. The presence of nasopharyngeal carriage Staphylococci has been an increased risk factor of acquiring an infection with this pathogen. The present study aimed at determining the nasopharyngeal carriage of Staphylococcal aureus in horses and horse handlers in Kano metropolis, Nigeria. One hundred and sixty (160) non-duplicated nasopharyngeal samples were collected using sterile swab stick from each horse and 100 from consented horse handlers. All the samples were analyzed using a standard bacteriological procedure. Antibiotics susceptibility testing to eight (8) most commonly used antibiotics was carried out using a modified Kirby Bauer method. One hundred and forty-two (88.8%) staphylococcal isolates were recovered from horses and 84 (84.0%) from horse handlers. Among all the isolated staphylococci high sensitivity was observed in response to Gentamycin and Ciprofloxacin antibiotics, while Tetracycline was found to have the least activity. The report of this study showed a high prevalence of Staphylococci among horses and horse handlers. Moreover, it confirmed the tendency of Staphylococcal isolates cross-transmission between horses and handlers in the study site. This study indicated the importance of increase in handler's awareness of possible risk factors of staphylococcal colonization that can lead to invasive infection.
Potentials of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Y10 as a Starter Culture for Wine Production from Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) Fruits
Authors: Adeleke A.J.  , Ewansiha J.U.  , Thomas B.T.  , Shitu A.S.
Published: July 2021

A considerable quantity of agricultural produce in Nigeria gets spoilt due to lack of storage facilities and poor storage conditions. An example of such agricultural produce is date palm which is readily available in the northern parts of Nigeria. This study aimed at evaluating the potential of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Y10 isolated from decomposed sugarcane bagasse to produce wine using date palm fruits. The yeast was isolated using yeast extract peptone dextrose agar and was identified by molecular methods. Fermentation of date palm fruit juice was carried out anaerobically for 20 days during which physicochemical parameters and proximate composition were determined using standard methods. The yeast was identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae Y10 with accession number MG321589. Analysis of physicochemical properties showed that pH dropped from 5.4 to 3.6, titratable acidity increased from 0.25 to 0.71% and specific gravity decreased from 1.1 to 1.01. Proximate composition of produced wine gave low total reducing sugar and low protein of 0.11 and 0.44% respectively and the final alcohol content was 10.4% at the 20th day of fermentation. This study has shown that Saccharomyces cerevisiae Y10 which was isolated from decaying sugarcane bagasse sample has the potential to be used as starter culture for fermentation of date palm for wine production.
Vitalismo e o pensamento geográfico moderno
Authors: Scarim Paulo Cesar
Published: July 2021

O pensamento geográfico esteve no centro das formulações filosóficas e científicas entre meados do século XVIII e início do século XX. Este período também representou de grande influência do pensamento vitalista. Neste trabalho apresentamos elementos para compreender a relação e mútua influência entre o vitalismo e o pensamento geográfico neste período do pensamento moderno.
Células: do mundo invisível ao mundo real
Authors: Pinheiro Gomes Bruno , Belink Hell Iara , Carvalho Mancini Karina , Fernando Duboc da Silva Luiz
Published: July 2021

O trabalho trata-se de uma proposta de atividade investigativa sobre o tema Citologia para as aulas de Biologia do ensino médio, tendo como objetivo investigar a célula animal e suas organelas, correlacionando suas funções, além de construir modelos didáticos de células animais utilizando materiais como parafina e biscuit. Apresenta metodologia detalhada e informações sobre como explorar a atividade numa abordagem investigativa. A atividade foi desenvolvida em uma turma da EJA e os resultados foram muito relevantes, haja vista a interação entre os alunos e seu envolvimento durante os momentos das atividades. A atividade descrita se torna possível mesmo diante de sérias limitações, pois necessita de materiais de fácil aquisição e baixo custo, produção rápida e pode ser realizada em locais da própria escola. Os resultados quanto à aprendizagem são extremamente satisfatórios, compensando qualquer esforço.