bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motives for undertaking studies by future social workers in the context of their sense of co-herence
Authors: Sarzyńska-Mazurek Ewa
Published: August 2021

Contemporary times, marked by instability, unpredictability and uncertainty, make it very dif-ficult for young people to make decisions related to their future professional career. Choices regarding undertaking studies in a specific field are not always made on the basis of self-reflection on one's own potentials, needs or the situation on the labour market. The aim of the research was to characterise the motives which led young adults to study social work and to determine differences between individual types of educational motivation and the sense of coherence of the students surveyed. The research was conducted in 2019–2020 and involved 190 students of social work. The method of the study was a diagnostic survey, and the tool was a self-constructed questionnaire and the Life Orientation Questionnaire (SOC-29) by A. Antonovsky. Diagnosis of the motives for undertaking studies in the field of social work al-lowed us to state that the most numerous group of the surveyed students, while choosing their field of studies, was guided by motives having their source in external factors. Coincidence was also quite often mentioned as the motive for the choice. The conducted research shows that the surveyed students have a relatively low sense of coherence. Moreover, it was found that one of the components of the sense of coherence, i.e. the sense of meaningfulness, signif-icantly differentiated the respondents who were guided by internal motives when choosing their field of studies and those who seemed to rely on chance in this matter. The conducted analyses allowed for the formulation of recommendations for people organising the educa-tional process, thanks to which it would be possible to strengthen the resources of students in the field of social work, so that in the future they could better cope with the burdens resulting from their professional work.
You are never too old to be happy. What has life taught the elderly?
Authors: Sygulska Katarzyna
Published: August 2021

Elder people have knowledge and experience – they can share them with other people. Seniors can teach young people different things. Their stories can indicate what is important in life and what should be avoided. The article presents the results of qualitative research (interview) on the lessons learned from the life experiences of the older people. The analysis of own research is preceded by the theoretical introduction about wisdom of life.
Respondents highlighted mostly the importance of family, health, self-care and relationships with other people (friendship, honesty and respect towards others). Life showed them how important are: faith in God, enjoying every moment, patience in pursuing a goal, independently deciding about own life, realising your dreams, and work. Life experiences showed them how to deal with problems and that a person learns all life. They learned rules such as: money does not bring happiness, you cannot trust everyone, live the present and the good comes back. The elderly said that a person should make efforts to be happy.
In Silico Designing of a Novel Antibody Conjugate as a Potential Immunotherapeutic for the Treatment of CD19-Positive Hematologic Malignancies
Authors: Safarzadeh Kozani Pooria
Published: August 2021

Background: Immunotherapy can now be considered as game changer of cancer treatment. So far, numerous monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and their derivatives, such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), have been approved by regulatory agencies for medical use. This implies that the recombinant or chemical conjugation of mAbs to cytotoxic agents can be regarded as a potential cancer treatment modality. Objectives: This study aimed to design an antibody conjugate through the recombinant conjugation of a humanized CD19-specific single-chain variable fragment (scFv), named HuFMC63, to granzyme B (GrB) using precise in silico approaches. Methods: Four different linker peptides were used for the conjugation of HuFMC63 to GrB, and the 3D structure of these antibody conjugates were predicted using GalaxyWEB. The antibody conjugate whose linker peptide had the least impact on the structural conformation of HuFMC63 and GrB was subsequently selected. Additionally, the solubility and melting temperature of the selected conjugate was compared with those of HuFMC6 and GrB, and its physicochemical properties and flexibility were also assessed. Ultimately, the binding capacity and the dissociation constant (Kd) of the selected conjugate to CD19 were compared with those of HuFMC63 (concisely referred to as Hu63), and then the residues that contributed to antigen binding were identified using LigPlot+ software. Results: The Hu63-(G4S)3-GrB conjugate, which is constructed using the (G4S)3 linker, was selected as the best conjugate. The solubility of Hu63-(G4S)3-GrB was predicted to be higher than HuFMC63 and GrB (from 60% in the unconjugated to 98% in the conjugated format). Moreover, it was elucidated that Hu63-(G4S)3-GrB binds CD19 in the same orientation as that of HuFMC63 and with the same Kd of 17 and 33 nM at 25.0°C and 37.0°C, respectively. Conclusions: In silico techniques, such as those employed in this study, could be utilized for the early development of immune-based therapeutics. Moreover, Hu63-(G4S)3-GrB could be introduced as a potent therapeutic for the elimination of CD19-positive malignant cells after careful preclinical and clinical evaluations.
Biplot Simulation of Length and Circumference of Different Body Regions of Swamp Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Sampurna I Putu , Nindhia Tjokorda Sari , Werdi Susari Ni Nyoman , Suatha I Ketut
Published: August 2021

Background: Biplot simulation using factor analysis with Promax kappa rotation of 90 is used to determine the coordinates of the length and body circumference dimensions of male and female mud buffalo in two-dimensional space. So that it can be known which body dimensions have fast, medium, and slow growth rates, and also to find out at what age male and female buffalo the growth rate is fast or slow.

Methods: This study used 3 male and female buffaloes aged 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 months, so that the number of buffalo used was 36. The data obtained were analyzed using Factor Analysis with Promax Kappa 90 rotation. The object coordinates were the coordinates of male and female swamp buffalo aged 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 months, determined based on the Analysis Factor Scores Regression. The location of the coordinates of the length and circumference dimensions and the location of the object coordinates of male and female buffaloes aged 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 months are drawn using a biplot graph.

Conclusion: The biplot simulation results show that the body dimensions in quadrant II have the fastest growth rate, namely the length of the horns and the length of the neck, which are body dimensions that are slow to reach adult size. The dimensions of the body in quadrant I are body length, head length, upper and lower neck circumference. While the slow growth rate in quadrant IV indicates that the dimensions of the body are already growing or the growth is not optimal; namely, the length of the ears and the length of the tail have reached adult size. At the same time, the abdominal circumference and chest circumference are due to their growth not being optimal. Based on age and sex, the dimensions of male buffalo's length and body circumference are always greater than that of female buffalo from the age of 10-20 months. The positional distance between male and female buffalo age shows that the older the age, the shorter the distance; this result indicates that the growth rate slows down with increasing age.
The Narrative of Criminal Behaviour in Indonesian Literature by Female Author: Psychosocial Criminology Perspective
Authors: Ahmadi Anas
Published: August 2021

Criminology studies, currently, are the most discussed subject from interdisciplinary perspectives. Hence, in this research, Indonesian literature written by the female author is studied using a psychosocial criminology perspective. One of the female authors in Indonesia who brings up criminology in her literary work is Dewi Lestari. She is an Indonesian novelist. The research problems are 1) How criminology depicted in Indonesian literature written by the female author is, and 2) Types of criminology depicted in Indonesian literature written by a female author. The method used in this research is qualitative interpretative. The collecting data technique in the literature study. The result shows that criminology in Indonesian literature is depicted explicitly. Whereas, types of criminology in Indonesian literature written by the female author are corruption, sex crimes, and transnational crimes related to endangered animal trade.
Liens direct et indirect entre les souvenirs d’échecs et le développement de symptÔmes dépressifs chez les adolescents
Authors: Parent-Taillon1 Élizabeth , Bouffard Thérèse , Maltais Christine
Published: August 2021

Cette étude propose que le biais de mémoire vers les souvenirs d’échecs chez des préadolescents contribue au développement d’un biais négatif d’auto-évaluation et à l’anxiété d’évaluation, qui médiatisent la relation entre le biais de mémoire et les symptômes dépressifs chez des adolescents. 826 élèves (423 filles) entre 10 et 15 ans, ont répondu à des questionnaires autorapportés en trois temps de mesure sur quatre ans. Testés avec l’analyse de médiation (Mplus), les résultats du modèle testé suggèrent que l’effet du biais de mémoire vers les souvenirs d’échecs sur le développement des symptômes dépressifs, est partiellement indirect et médiatisé par le biais d’auto-évaluation négatif et l’anxiété d’évaluation. Sachant le rôle des biais vers des souvenirs d’échecs, de l’anxiété d’évaluation et du biais négatif d’auto-évaluation dans la présence de symptômes dépressifs, ces aspects pourraient être pris considération dans les interventions faites avec des jeunes présentant de tels symptômes.
TRACES DU TRAVAIL DE SYMBOLISATION DANS LES PROTOCOLES DE RORSCHACH D’ADOLESCENTS AUTEURS DE VIOLENCES SEXUELLES AU BRÉSIL ET EN SUISSE
Authors: Roman1 Pascal , Amparo Deise Matos Do
Published: August 2021

Cet article vise à mettre en évidence les troubles de la symbolisation chez des adolescents auteurs de violences sexuelles. L’analyse qualitative et comparative de l’épreuve projective de Rorschach de deux adolescents (respectivement au Brésil et en Suisse) engagés dans un traitement psychothérapeutique permet de relever un certain nombre de « catastrophes de symbolisation » (Roman, 2017), qui témoignent des aléas du travail de symbolisation. La mise en perspective des protocoles des deux adolescents, dans des contextes culturels différents, permet de mettre en évidence la proximité des processus psychiques ainsi que leurs variations.
AMÉLIORER LES SERVICES D’ÉVALUATION PSYCHOSOCIALE OFFERTS AUX PERSONNES RÉFUGIÉES À LEUR ARRIVÉE AU QUÉBEC
Authors: Laliberté1 Geneviève , Benoit Maryse , Desjardins France , Maillet Lara
Published: August 2021

Cet article porte sur la pertinence des services d’évaluation psychosociale offerts dans le cadre du programme Passerelle aux personnes réfugiées, dès leur arrivée au Québec. Selon un devis de recherche qualitatif, 28 participants originaires d’Afghanistan et d’Afrique subsaharienne, et deux travailleuses sociales, ont été rencontrés lors d’entretiens en groupe ou en individuel. Des recommandations proposées par les participants pour améliorer l’évaluation psychosociale sont présentées et discutées à la lumière de celles faites par des chercheurs. L’exhaustivité de l’évaluation et les courts délais de temps prévus pour l’effectuer sont notamment questionnés, ainsi que l’efficacité de cette mesure pour pallier les iniquités d’accès aux services de santé et psychosociaux.
IDENTIFICATION, CLASSIFICATION ET MESURE DES INTERVENTIONS DE RÉTROACTION APRÈS UNE ÉVALUATION DE POTENTIEL
Authors: Lessard1 Frédérique-Emmanuelle , Boudrias Jean-Sébastien
Published: August 2021

Cet article présente une identification, une classification et l’élaboration d’un questionnaire mesurant les interventions de rétroaction utilisées après l’évaluation de potentiel. Étant donné le manque d’études sur les interventions de rétroaction dans ce contexte, la recherche s’appuie sur la littérature en rétroaction dans des domaines connexes et sur l’expertise de praticiens en évaluation de potentiel. L’utilisation du questionnaire, à la suite de 254 rétroactions, a permis de vérifier un modèle issu de la classification réalisée. Les résultats permettent d’identifier six interventions de rétroaction et offrent une confirmation partielle du modèle théorique anticipé.
#exploreART: il labirinto di A. Pomodoro e i bambini. Un progetto di fruizione condivisa con percorsi sensoriali partecipati
Authors: Zuccoli Franca , De Nicola Alessandra , Bacigalupo Anita , Boccaletti Paola , Carolì Giulia , Sato Gak , Monetti Chiara , Montebello Carlotta , Piccolo Steve , Silvestri Amelia
Published: August 2021

The contribution presents a research project conducted by Fondazione Arnaldo Pomodoro to formulate, design and create, together with children and teachers, and to evaluate – with the help of the University – a different approach to the experience of contemporary art. This project has been implemented thanks to co-funding provided by Fondazione Cariplo. The initial hypothesis, after many years of experimentation on the part of Fondazione Arnaldo Pomodoro in the field of art education, and in the various temporary and permanent exhibitions organized by the foundation, was to explore a series of new possibilities that underline the value of participation, in which the soundscape can also become part of a meaningful experience.
Teatro di suoni per l’attaccamento ai luoghi. Uno sguardo geografico
Authors: Rocca Lorena
Published: August 2021

Body is our access key to places: the medium that allow us to possess, belong, and identify ourselves in places. Body remembers places, mediating the twoway relationship between abstract and physical, social and mental, individual and collective perspectives. Body expresses different cultural images of societies: going through social space and making the collective experience possible. Each body is indeed a “place” in which social and political constructions take shape. The paper considers body as the starting and the ending point of the reflection, presenting a circular path for reconstructing the relationship with places through sounds. The research questions shall be as follows: when body experiences the space of theater, which geographies come to life? how does sound affect this process, developing the sense of attachment to places? why is this important – for both individuals and places?
Galectin-9 regulates the threshold of B cell activation and autoimmunity
Authors: Smith Logan K , Fawaz Kareem , Treanor Bebhinn
Published: August 2021

Despite the mechanisms of central and peripheral tolerance, the mature B cell compartment contains cells reactive for self-antigen. How these cells are poised not to respond and the mechanisms that restrain B cell responses to low-affinity endogenous antigens are not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate a critical role for the glycan-binding protein galectin-9 in setting the threshold of B cell activation and that loss of this regulatory network is sufficient to drive spontaneous autoimmunity. We further demonstrate a critical role for galectin-9 in restraining not only conventional B-2 B cells, but also innate-like B-1a cells. We show that galectin-9-deficient mice have an expanded population of B-1a cells and increased titers of B-1a-derived autoantibodies. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that galectin-9 regulates BCR and distinct TLR responses in B-1a cells, but not B-1b cells, by regulating the interaction between BCR and TLRs with the regulatory molecules CD5 and CD180, respectively. In the absence of galectin-9, B-1a cells are more readily activated and secrete increased titers of autoantibodies that facilitate autoantigen delivery to the spleen, driving autoimmune responses.
Cis-regulatory variants affect gene expression dynamics in yeast
Authors: Shih Ching-Hua , Fay Justin
Published: August 2021

Evolution of cis-regulatory sequences depends on how they affect gene expression and motivates both the identification and prediction of cis-regulatory variants responsible for expression differences within and between species. While much progress has been made in relating cis-regulatory variants to expression levels, the timing of gene activation and repression may also be important to the evolution of cis-regulatory sequences. We investigated allele-specific expression (ASE) dynamics within and between Saccharomyces species during the diauxic shift and found appreciable cis-acting variation in gene expression dynamics. Within-species ASE is associated with intergenic variants, and ASE dynamics are more strongly associated with insertions and deletions than ASE levels. To refine these associations, we used a high-throughput reporter assay to test promoter regions and individual variants. Within the subset of regions that recapitulated endogenous expression, we identified and characterized cis-regulatory variants that affect expression dynamics. Between species, chimeric promoter regions generate novel patterns and indicate constraints on the evolution of gene expression dynamics. We conclude that changes in cis-regulatory sequences can tune gene expression dynamics and that the interplay between expression dynamics and other aspects of expression is relevant to the evolution of cis-regulatory sequences.
Applying MDE to ROS Systems: A Comparative Analysis
Authors:   IRIT, Universite de Toulouse, 31062 Toulouse, France, Trezzy Mickael , Ober Ileana ,   IRIT, Universite de Toulouse, 31062 Toulouse, France, Ober Iulian ,   IRIT, Universite de Toulouse, 31062 Toulouse, France, Oliveira Raquel
Published: August 2021

The Robot Operating System (ROS) is one of the most used software framework to develop robot applications. Although it is possible to reuse packages and code from other ROS projects, ROS applications remain low level and reasoning at a higher level of abstraction is not possible. Using Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) in the context of ROS applications would allow to increase the accessibility of ROS, leverage the reusability of packages and supply validation of the software earlier in the design, using formal methods. For instance, formal verification methods would improve the overall dependability of robotic systems. Our view is that we should increase the abstraction of the systems through models using MDE methodology in order to enable the use of formal methods on ROS applications. In this paper we do a first step toward this and propose a comparative study of existing modeling alternatives aiming to help roboticists to smoothly adopt MDE. This study compares the use of modeling in ROS systems in three different ways: by means of direct UML modeling, a ROS UML profile and a ROS Domain-Specific Language. That allows us to pick the solution that better fits our needs.
Klebsiella variicola improves the antioxidant ability of maize seedlings under saline-alkali stress
Authors: Yang Lijuan , Wang Yufeng , Yang Kejun
Published: August 2021

Background

Saline-alkali soil is mainly distributed in the northern and coastal areas of China. The Songnen Plain, located in the northeast of China, is a region with a relatively high concentration of saline-alkali soil and is also one of the more at-risk areas in the country. Every year, the increasing spread of saline-alkali soil areas has a serious impact on the growth of agricultural crops. The maize crop is sensitive to saline-alkali stress, which seriously affects its growth and development. Our previous study determined that Klebsiella variicola performs a variety of biological functions, as well as improves the rhizosphere microenvironment and promotes the growth and development of maize seedlings in saline-alkali soil environments. The present study further analyzed the mechanism that enables K. variicola to alleviate saline-alkali stress at the level of the antioxidant system.

Methods

The accumulation of O2− was observed directly via histochemical staining. The activities of several antioxidant enzymes were determined using the nitro blue tetrazolium and the guaiacol methods. The contents of non-enzymatic antioxidants were determined using the dithionitrobenzoic acid method.

Results

The contents of the superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide in leaves and roots of maize seedlings increased under saline-alkali stress conditions. The higher level of reactive oxygen species increased the degree of membrane lipid peroxidation. There were differences in the degree of oxidative damage and performance of the antioxidant defence system in maize seedlings under saline-alkali stress. Following the application of increasing concentrations of K. variicola, the activity of antioxidant enzymes increased by 21.22%–215.46%, and the content of non-enzymatic antioxidants increased as well, the ratios of ASA/DHA and GSH/GSSG in leaves increased by 4.97% and 1.87 times, respectively, and those in roots increased by 3.24% and 1.60 times, respectively. The accumulation of reactive oxygen species was reduced, and the content of H2O2 decreased by 26.07%–46.97%. The content of O2− decreased by 20.18%–37.01%, which alleviated the oxidative damage to maize seedlings caused by saline-alkali stress.

Conclusion

K. variicola reduced ROS-induced peroxidation to membrane lipids and effectively alleviated the damage caused by saline-alkali stress by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes in maize seedlings, thus enhancing their saline-alkali tolerance. A bacterial concentration of 1×108 cfu/mL was optimal in each set of experiments.
Toxicological Impact of Leachates from Lemna Refuse Dump Site on African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell 1882) Fingerlings Under Laboratory Condition
Authors: Udofia Udeme Uyom , Okoro Finian Tobias , Joseph Akaninyene Paul
Published: August 2021

Aim: The study investigated the toxicological effects of Calabar municipal dumpsite leachate on the fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus.

Experimental Design: The study was set-up in a 6 × 2 Complete Randomized Block Design.

Methodology: During the studt 120 C. gariepinus fingerlings were used. Each group was made up of 10 fingerlings. The fingerlings were exposed to 0% (control group), 15%, 20%, 25%, 30% and 35% of leachate in duplicate. Histopathology was also carried-out on the gills and liver of the fingerlings of each exposure group.

Results: The temperature, pH, conductivity, and BOD increased with increasing leachate concentration, while the DO decreased with concentration. 5.17 ± 0.66 cm and 1.09 ± 0.40 g mean length and weight respectively of fingerlings were determined. Mortality depended on concentration. The 96 hours LC50 value with 95% confidence limit of C. gariepinus fingerlings exposed to leachate was 22.5% ± 0.89, and was significant with a determination coefficient (r2) of 0.93 at P<0.05. Leachates altered the orientation of gills and liver of the fingerlings.

Conclusion and Recommendations: The low LC50 value of fingerlings exposed to different concentrations of leachate indicates a high toxicity of the leachate and altered the gills and liver of fingerlings. To this end, we recommended dumpsites are sited at a distance far from water bodies and areas inhabited by human, to mitigate the leeching of leachate into nearby aquatic systems. Law against indiscriminate discharge of waste into drainage channels and any aquatic system should be enforced by Government, to prevent mortality of biological organisms, extinction of species, contamination of organisms in nearby aquatic systems, changes in the physical properties, and health risk to humans that depends on resources from these aquatic systems for food.
Correlation and Regression Analysis of Age and Body Mass Index (BMI) Among Nsidung Fisher Folks, Calabar South, Cross River State, Nigeria: The Counselor Sensitization Strategy
Authors: Undiyaundeye Florence A. , Ekeng Effiom B. , Ubi Godwin M.
Published: August 2021

The research focuses on the relationship between age, blood pressure and body mass index among fisher folks at Nsidung, Calabar south, cross River state Nigeria. The study evaluated one hundred and twenty fisher folks separated into six groups based on age. Appropriate equipment and tools were used to measure the systolic and diastolic blood pressures and pulse rates. The body mass index was determined using weight over square of height (kg/m2). The data generated was analyzed using Pearson’s’ correlation coefficient and linear regreesion analysis. The results showed that the age of the Nsidung fisher folks correlates strongly, positively and significantly with their body mass index and systolic blood pressure and correlated negatively, weakly and non-significantly with diastolic blood pressure, mean body weights, height and pulse rate. The results also revealed that a body mass index is linearly dependent on the age of the fisher folks. The results of correlation analysis reveals that age correlated (r=0.719; p<0.001) and (r=0.883; p<0.001) significantly, positively and strongly with Body mass index (BMI) and systolic blood pressure respectively. The study revealed the line of best fit equation Y = 1.2329X + 23.937 with a significant regression coefficient R2 of 0.5182. The counselor’s intervention strategy will focus on the creation of awareness on the need for a regular and routine blood pressure check - up by all fisher folks at Nsidung. There is need to create awareness on the potential risk factors that predisposes the Nsidung fisher folks to increased blood pressure and pulse rates. The need for urgent guidance and counseling program for the Nsidung fisher folks on the dangers of drug abuse, smoking and poor dieting which is highly prevalent among them. The need for government safety nets intervention program for the aged among the Nsidung fisher folks to forestall increasing cardiac associated problem which is highly prevalence among the aged.
Impact of Invasive Alien Species- Acacia nilotica on the Remnant Dry Deciduous Forest of Palu Valley, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Siregar Mustaid , Sutomo . , Purnomo Danang Wahyu , Iryadi Rajif
Published: August 2021

Aims: The study was carried out to assess the species composition, vegetation structure, regeneration and possible direction of vegetation development due to Acacia nilotica invasion.

Study Design: The study applied the vegetation analysis and remote sensing technique in the deciduous forest of the Palu Valley in Central Sulawesi.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Biromuli District, Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi Province of Indonesia in February 2019.

Methodology: Species composition, vegetation structure and regeneration were studied using the split plot method, while the specific population and distribution of A. nilotica were studied using drone photos in an area of 10.24 ha.

Results: Individuals >2cm in diameter are 24 species, 22 genera and 14 families. The main species are Tabernaemontana pandacaqui, A. nilotica and Jatropha gossypiifolia. The ground vegetation (diameter<2cm) contained 21 species, 21 genera and 17 families, dominated by Digitaria ciliaris and A. nilotica. The species diversity index is 2.3880 (moderate), while the species evenness index is 0.75 (unstable). Density of 1.069 individual’s per ha and total basal area 2.48 m2 per ha. The dominance of individuals with a diameter of 2.0-4.9 cm (62.9%), followed by diameter of 5.0-9.9 cm (32.4%),  and diameter of 10 cm up (4.67%). The canopy layer consists of only one main layer at a height of 4-7m. Canopy analysis using drone photos showed that 27% of the total forest canopy area and 32.9% of the total individuals were controlled by A. nilotica.

Conclusion: The dry forest in Sigi is the remnant deciduous forest located specifically in the Palu Valley which is still in the process of development. The invasion of A. nilotica needs to be controlled in a sustainable way so that the rest of the forest does not turn into a stretch of A. nilotica.
Short-term Storage of Seeds and Cryopreservation of Embryonic Axes of Lepisanthes fruticosa
Authors: Suryanti B. , Shukri M. A. Mohd , Sinniah U. R. , Atisha S. Nur , Muhaimin A. K. Abdul
Published: August 2021

Aims: This work highlights short-term storage of recalcitrant Lepisanthes fruticosa seeds and long-term conservation attempts of its embryonic axes (EAs) through cryopreservation.

Study design: This study adopted the Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Ten samples were used for each experiment and replicated for 3 – 5 times.

Place and Duration of Study: Cryopreservation Laboratory, Agrobiodiversity and Environment Research Centre, MARDI Headquarters, Malaysia, in 2017 and 2018.

Methodology: Short-term storage was carried out using fresh seeds at 54% moisture content and stored at 8±1 °C and 25±2 °C for 7 weeks. Three variations to sterilization were attempted to optimize survival while keeping contamination low. Cryopreservation using two different methods were tested, namely vitrification and the encapsulation vitrification method. Vitrification technique involved the pre-culturing of EAs overnight in different sucrose pre-culture concentrations (0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 M) prior to, loading, dehydration with vitrification solution (PVS2), rapid immersion into liquid nitrogen (-196°C), rapid warming, unloading and recovery. While, encapsulation vitrification involved encapsulation of the EAs using 3% sodium alginate followed by exposure to different duration (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 minutes) of vitrification solution (PVS2) prior to cryopreservation.

Results: L. fruticosa seeds can be safely stored for short-term up to 7 weeks of storage either at 8±1 °C or 25±2 °C with no loss in germination. This study also showed that EA was amenable to cryopreservation and 13.33 – 66.67% of viability was obtained when the EAs were cryopreserved using the vitrification technique. The best result was obtained with 66.67% viability, when the EAs were pre-cultured with 0.4M sucrose prior to exposure to PVS2 and liquid nitrogen. Cryopreservation of EAs using the encapsulation-vitrification method was unsuccessful.

Conclusion: Seeds of L. fruticosa can be stored for short-term (up to 7 weeks) using hydrated/non-dried seeds where they can be successfully stored at 8±1 °C and 25±2 °C for up to 7 weeks. For long-term (cryopreservation), EAs can be cryopreserved upon pre-culture with 0.4M sucrose prior to exposure to PVS2 and liquid nitrogen through vitrification technique.
Physiological Variations in Cucurbita moschata Duch. Ex. Poir Due to a Nigerian Strain of Moroccan Watermelon Virus: Lagenaria breviflora Isolate
Authors: Mofunanya A. A. J. , Effa E. A. , Etim D. O. , Akomaye F. A. , Damian A. O.
Published: August 2021

Aim: Physiological variations in Cucurbita moschata due to infection with a Nigerian strain of Moroccan watermelon virus (MWMV): Lagenaria breviflora isolate was studied.

Study Design: Randomized block design was used.

Place and Duration of Study: Botany Department, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria between March and May, 2015.

Methodology: Seeds of C. moschata were sown, on germination inoculated with the virus and analyzed for possible variations between healthy and inoculated plants.

Results: Results analysis revealed increase in all amino acids investigated. Highest significant (P=0.05) percentage variation in amino acids of inoculated and healthy were -40.0% for aspartic acid, -36.1% (histidine), -29.7% (proline), -28.8% (lysine), -23.3% (glysine), -16.6% (phenylalanine) and -12.6% (glutamic acid). Infection of C. moschata with a Nigerian Strain of MWMV: Lagenaria breviflora isolate caused significant decrease in leaf nitrogen and relative water content of inoculated plants compared to the healthy. Highest percentage decrease in leaf nitrogen was 40.7% at 2 weeks after inoculation (WAI) and lowest of 25.0% at 10 WAI. The virus caused decrease in relative water content of 29.6% at 6 WAI. Activity of oxidative stress enzymes: peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and enzymes of the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway: glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (6PGdH) and 6-phosphogluconic acid dehydrogenase (G6PdH) were significantly (P=0.05) increased in infected C. moschata- MWMV plant. Enzymes activity was significantly higher in inoculated than in healthy plants at all stages of growth with decrease at later periods for both inoculated and healthy plants. Percentage increase in POD, PPO, G6PdH and 6PGdH activity due to infection at 8 WAI had values of -40.5%, -46.7%, -98.9% and -89.1% respectively.

Conclusion: The Nigerian strain of MWMV: Lagenaria breviflora isolate caused significant variations with increase and decrease in biochemical and physiological components of C. moschata affecting its growth and yield.
Preliminary Study on Human Host Factors Perpetuating the Transmission of Schistosomiasis in Endemic Community of Wudil, Kano State, Nigeria
Authors: Umar Mahmud Ali , Umar Umar Aliyu , Lawal Mujitapha , Yahaya Sani Muhammad , Inuwa Muhammad Salisu
Published: August 2021

Objective: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the human host factors that contribute to the perpetuation of schistosomiasis transmission in endemic communities of Wudil, Kano State, Nigeria.
Methods: Information was derived from structured questionnaires supplemented with oral interviews, on perception of the community on the cause of urogenital schistosomiasis, using self-reported macrohaematuria, as the disease proxy, water-use practices, riverside urination and defaecation, and the choice for treatment of schistosome infection.
Results: Out of 139 study participants, the perceived causes of gross haematuria by the respondents were Excessive Salt Intake (41.73%); Scorching Sun (20.86%); Unknown (17.27%); Infection (10.07%); Supernatural Force (5.86%) and Water Contact (4.32%). The respondents with self-reported terminal haematuria were 49.64%; riverine water contact 75.54% and riverside contamination 65.41%. Of the 72.46% of the respondents with gross haematuria who attempted for medication only 8.0% visited health facilities, while majority relied on traditional herbalists (39.13%) and roadside medicine stores (20.29%) for treatment. There was a strong association between riverine water contact and terminal haematuria (Odds Ratio: 6.09, 95% CI, 2.825-13.131, P<0.0001; Relative Risk: 2.737, 95% CI, 1.664-4.502, P<0.0001).
Conclusion: Exposure to contaminated water as a result of socioeconomic activities, riverside, poor perception on the cause of the disease and lack of adherence to orthodox treatment of positive cases are the key promoters of schistosomiasis transmission in the study area. Excessive salt intake and scorching sun are the major perceived causes of haematuria among the study participants. This underpins the need for health education and other efficacious interventions for community awareness on the disease etiology which is central to effective elimination campaign.
Haemoglobin Type, Haematology and Morphometric Characteristics of Muscovy Ducks Reared in Calabar, Nigeria
Authors: N. Ebegbulem, Victoria , N. Ekwere, Ofonime
Published: August 2021

This study determined the haemoglobin polymorphism, haematology and morphometric characteristics of Muscovy ducks. A total of 80 adult Muscovy ducks (40 per sex) respectively were used for the study which lasted 60 days. Blood samples of the ducks were collected and analysed for haemoglobin type and haematological traits while body weight (BWT) and body parts such as body girth (BG), wing length (WL), keel length (KL), shank length (SL), body length (BL), thigh length (TL) and Body circumference (BC) were taken and subjected to one –way ANOVA.  Drakes exhibited significantly (P<0.05) higher values in body girth, body length and thigh length than the ducks. Average values recorded were BWT (2040 g), BC (30.43cm), KL (25.75cm), BL (25.78cm) and TL (4.85cm).  Haemoglobin types found among the ducks were Hb AA, AB and BB, males being predominantly of Hb BB and females of Hb AA.  Gene frequencies of 0.5435 and 0.4565 were recorded for alleles A and B respectively among the ducks. Genotype frequencies were AA (39.14%), AB (30.43%) and BB (30.43%). Some average haematological values recorded were Packed Cell Volume (PCV) (29.86%), Erythrocytes Sedimentation Rate (ESR) (7.34mm/hr), Haemoglobin Concentration (HBC) (11.93g/dl), Red Blood Cell Counts (RBC) (2.4 × 106/L) and White Blood Cell (WBC) (1.98 × 103/L). Results of body morphometry from this research could serve as an important basis for characterization, conservation and improvement of this duck breed in the study location. The establishment of the haemoglobin types of ducks in Calabar is a precursor to the determination of its relationship(s) with economic traits in the birds. Haematological values recorded in this study showed that the ducks were in normal condition of health and growth.
Effect of Tamarindus indica L. Leaf Extract and Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck Peel Extract on Meloidogyne spp (Root Knot Nematodes) in Jos, Plateau State
Authors: Jacob Mekidani, Salu , Okoye Clifford, Tochukwu , Okwoli Agaba Abuche,
Published: August 2021

Aim: The Aim of this study is to determine the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Tamarindus indica  and peel extract Citrus sinensis on Root Knot Nematodes, in vitro.

Study Design: The experiment was carried out using a completely randomized design.

Place of Study: This study was carried out in the biology laboratory of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Jos, Nigeria.

Methods: Extraction of phytochemicals from Tamarindus indica leaf and Citrus sinensis peels was carried out using an aqueous solvent. Tamarindus indica leaves and Citrus sinensis peels were collected within the province of Jos, and were dried at constant room temperature to a constant weight after which pulverized, sieved and soaked in water for 24 hours. The extraction was done using the cold maceration method. Eighty (80) second-stage juveniles of Meloidogyne spp. were exposed to the extracts at different concentrations (100, 80, 60, 40, and 20mg/ml) for 6, 12, 18, 24. 30, 32 and 48 hours and, each treatment was replicated 5 times. The average number of dead nematodes per concentration were determined and recorded as mean ± SEM with statistical value at P < 0.05 considered significant.

Results: Results of phytochemical analysis showed that Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Tannins, Steroids, Phenols, and Cardioglycosides were present in T. indica leaf extracts while C. sinensis peels contains Flavonoids, Alkaloids, Saponins, Tannins, Phenols, and Resins. These phytochemicals present are suspected to be responsible for the nematicidal activities of the plants. Nematode mortality in the two treatment groups (T. indica and C. sinensis extracts) was highest at 100mg/ml concentration (48 hours of exposure); It was followed by 80mg/ml in decreasing order while the least mortality rate was recorded at 20mg/ml. Hence, as the concentration of the extracts were increased with increase in time, high nematode mortality was observed. Percentage mortality of treated nematodes was statistically significant (P < 0.05) for all concentrations of the extracts at the different time intervals when compared to the control. Statistical analysis showed that T. indica had significantly higher effect on Root-Knot nematodes mortality than C. sinensis at varying concentrations and time of exposure.

Benefits of Results: Synthetic pesticides are the principal means used to control nematodes, but the natural products may provide a safe alternative. Hence, the active compounds (phytochemicals) in T. indica L. and C. sinensis L. can be harnessed to be used as biopesticides.

Conclusion: The study suggests that extracts of T. indica and C. sinensis can be utilized in the control of root knot nematodes and may have the potential for the production of biopesticides that can be used for the control of nematodes as it displayed nematicidal activities.
Computational Screening of FDA Approved Drugs from ZINC Database for Potential Inhibitors of Zika Virus NS2B/NS3 Protease: A Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulation Study
Authors: Odhar Hasanain Abdulhameed , Ahjel Salam Waheed , Odhar Zanan Abdulhameed
Published: August 2021

Zika virus is a mosquito borne pathogen with a single strand RNA genome. Human infection with this virus is usually asymptomatic, however outbreaks reported in both Pacific region and Latin America have been associated with increase in frequency of microcephaly in newborns and fetuses of infected mothers. Also, the incidence of Guillain-Barré syndrome had also increased among adults with Zika virus infection. Currently, neither vaccine nor antiviral drug has been developed against Zika virus. Structure based virtual screening can be employed, through drug repurposing strategy, to accelerate the identification of potential anti-Zika virus candidates. As such, virtual screening of approved drugs against Zika virus NS2B/NS3 protease can help to recognize new hits capable of hindering viral ability to replicate and evade immune system of the host. In this computational study, we have screened 1615 FDA approved drugs against NS2B/NS3 protease enzyme of Zika virus by using both molecular docking and dynamics simulation. Our virtual screening results indicate that the anti-muscarinic agent Darifenacin and the anti-diarrheal agent Loperamide may have a promising capacity to inhibit Zika virus NS2B/NS3 protease. According to molecular docking and dynamics simulation, these two approved drugs have good binding capacity to NS2B/NS3 as reported by docking energy of binding and MM-PBSA binding energy. In addition, both Darifenacin and Loperamide were able to maintain close proximity to protease crystal throughout simulation period. However, invitro evaluation of these two drugs against Zika virus NS2B/NS3 protease is required to confirm these computational results.
Ayurvedic Management of Shwitra: A Case Study
Authors: Rajpoot Suneel Kumar , Toshikhane Hemant , Daga Harish
Published: August 2021

Shwitra is a chronic illness. The lesions of shwitra being dry and also noninfectious thus differs from the kushtha in general. It is whitish discoloration of skin starting from child to old, rich to poor, irrespective of sex, religion, status, age. vitiligo can be co-related with Shwitra disease in Ayurveda due to the alike signs and symptoms which are; non exudative white, red or coppery-red colored patches, roughness, dryness, itching, burning sensation of the patches, loss and discoloration of the hair.  Shwitra  is  caused  by  vitiation  all  the  three  doshas.  Pracchanna karma is one of among the shastrakrita raktamokshana in which multiple small incisions are made to irrigate the impure blood.  It  is usually adopted as a sthanika chikitsa. In this study, Balyadi lepa is used externally for the management of shwitra, the result of which has been found encouraging.
Assessment of Some Heavy Metal Levels and its Related Health Hazards in Two Staple Foods Grown in Mining Communities of Ebonyi State
Authors: Joseph Uraku, Anayo , Ikechukwu Chukwu, , Helen Uraku, Oluchi , Nzubechukwu Edwin, , Chukwu Ezeali , Virginia Ogoh, Nneka , Emmanuel Ozioma, Prince , Joseph Okoye, Chinedu
Published: August 2021

Background: This study assessed the levels of some heavy metals in two staple foods grown within mining sites at Ishiagu and Enyigba communities of Ebonyi State. The control site was Umuezeokoha community. The present study is significantly important in respect to hazardous effect of heavy metal accumulation in staple food as there was no or scarcity of data available in Nigeria on this aspect.

Materials and Methods: The two commonly cultivated food crops namely Manihot esculentus (cassava) and Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin) were grown within <20m, 100m before mining sites. The crops were collected from the three farms at the peak of the harvesting period, processed and were analyzed for heavy metals using AAS technique.

Results: The results revealed that heavy metals; Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn and Mn in Manihot esculentus tubers in all the farms within Ishiagu and Enyigba mining sites were comparable to each other and control site but Cr levels in control site was higher than others and that of WHO/FAO maximum permissible limit. Only As from A2 in Ishiagu had the highest value and exceeded WHO/FAO maximum permissible limit. Fe from B1, B2 in Enyigba and that of control had the highest values when compared to others but Fe in all samples investigated exceeded WHO/FAO maximum. Also, Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn, and Mn in Telfairia occidentalis leaves in all the farms within mining sites were comparable to control site except  As levels from  A2 in Ishiagu and from control site which was higher compare to others including WHO/FAO maximum permissible limit. Cr only from A2 in Ishiagu, B2 and B3 in Enyigba was highest even with WHO/FAO maximum permissible limit. Fe too from all the farms in Enyigba and control had highest values even with WHO/FAO maximum permissible limit.

Conclusion: The results showed that the investigated food crops from two mining communities and the control site were not safe for consumption.
Quality of Patient Care in Hospital Administration: A Review
Authors: Albalwei Hamed Salem S. , Ahmed Nazim Faisal Hamed
Published: August 2021

Patients in need of healthcare expect high quality personalized care, which is also the primary goal of service providers. The main objective of our study was to synthesize the current evidence on the quality of patient care in hospital management. Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and ASSIA were searched from 2000 to April 2021, and reference lists of included studies were searched. The included studies describe the current evidence for the quality of patient care in hospital management. No software was used to analyze the data. The data are extracted on the basis of a specific form containing (Name of the author, year of publication, country, method and results). Results and Conclusions: Communicating a better understanding of health care quality is an important preliminary step towards health care quality research and initiatives. Without clear meaning, quality improvement can be sporadic or ineffective. Competent authorities should consider shaping the curriculum to provide training for future professionals to increase patient satisfaction. Improving the quality of health services requires strong leadership from national governments, targeted local support and action at the health facility level. At all levels, there is a need to engage and empower the communities served by the health system. Improving the quality of health services requires special attention to the creation and learning of knowledge. Lessons on the delivery of quality care should be systematically documented, documented and shared within and across countries.