bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between HIV/AIDS Knowledge and Risk Behaviors among African American Undergraduate Students at a Historically Black University
Authors: Andrew Prince Onyekachi , Andrew Rita Nneka
Published: May 2020

Objective: This study aimed to assess the association between HIV/AIDS knowledge and risk behaviors relating to HIV infection among African American undergraduate students at a Historically Black University.

Methods:  A cross-sectional study method was used. A total of 400 participants were randomly selected from Jackson State University undergraduate students. This study utilized a self-administered questionnaire on HIV/AIDS knowledge and their risk behaviors.

Results: Majority of the students (96.5%) had good knowledge about the disease, some respondents had some misconceptions about HIV infection. This study found no significant difference between male and female participants of this study on HIV/AIDS knowledge (χ2 = 3.05; P = 0.08). About 75.8% of respondents in this study have had at least one HIV risk behavior. HIV risk behaviors of these students were not varied by gender (χ2 = 2.76; P = 0.1). However, some students engaged in various HIV risk behaviors such as having unprotected sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partners, low and inconsistent condom use. There was an association between HIV/AIDS knowledge and risk behaviors relating to the disease (p= 0.03, Pearson’s χ2 = 5.237).

Conclusions:  Majority of the students demonstrated good knowledge of the disease and practiced at least one risk behavior predisposing them to HIV infection. There was an association between HIV/AIDS knowledge and risk behaviors relating to the disease infection. This study finding has shown that good knowledge about HIV/AIDS may not translate into positive behavior change. Hence, this study calls for sustained effective youth friendly programs geared toward addressing gaps in HIV/AIDS knowledge, misconceptions of the disease and eliminating various risk behaviors identified in this study.
Performance of Maize as Influenced by Tillage and Fertilizer Treatments in Makurdi, Southern Guinea Savanna, Nigeria
Authors: Ali A. , Usman M. , Ojeniyi S. O.
Published: May 2020

The experiment was conducted during 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Southern Guinea Savanna, Nigeria to determine the performance of maize as influenced by tillage and fertilizer treatments. The experimental design consisted of two factors. Tillage (flat, ridges, zero and heap tillage) and fertilizer (0, 75, 150 and 300 kgha-1 of NPK 15:15:15). Treatments were laid out in a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. A composite soil sample was obtained from a plough layer (0-15 cm) at the beginning and at the end of each experiment according to the treatments and analyzed for particle size distribution, pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and exchangeable cations as well as cation exchange capacity (CEC). Data collected for the growth and grain yield of maize were subjected to analysis of variance after which significant means were separated using least significant difference (LSD) at P<0.05. Results indicated that there were significant effects of tillage and fertilizer treatments with respect to all parameters studied. However, ridges and heap at 300 kgha-1 NPK fertilizer applications gave the best results and produced higher growth and grain yield of maize as a result of improved access to soil nutrients when compared with flat or zero tillage. Similarly, increasing the quantity of NPK fertilizer resulted in increase in the growth and yield of maize crops. This implies that growth and yields of maize crops could still response to higher fertilizer rates which needs further investigation.
Effects of Sodium Carbonate on Striga hermonthica Del. Infestation and Agro-morphological Parameters of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Cameroun
Authors: Ndouyang C. , Braogue D. R. , Noubissié T. J. B.
Published: May 2020

Sorghum bicolor is the main food widely used to feed millions of people in Central and West Africa. Sorghum production in Sub-Saharan Africa is limited by biotic factors including the parasitic witchweed Striga hermonthica. In Northern Cameroon chemical and organic fertilizers, biological methods and cultivation practices were used by farmers to control Striga hermonthica in field. Some farmers spread sodium carbonate salt (locally named natron or kilbou) in high rates in fields to reduce parasite infestation but in high rate. This salt plays an important role in soil pH buffering. This study was conducted to evaluate effects of different rates of natron on striga emergence and on agro-morphological parameters of sorghum using a susceptible genotype GD-MP04. Field experiments have been conducted from 2017 to 2018 at Touboro, Mayo-Rey Division in the North Region located between longitude 13°34’; 12°07’ East and latitude 7°21’; 15°01’North. The experimental design was a complete randomized bloc with pots (11 m × 11 m) filled with soil naturally infected by striga seeds and different rates of sodium carbonate (0 g, 2 g, 4 g, 6 g, 8 g, 10 g and 12 g per 5 dm3 of soil) were employed. The numbers of emerged striga and sorghum parameters were evaluated. Results showed that striga-infestation and agro-morphological parameters of sorghum varied significantly (p <0.05) with rates of sodium carbonate. The mean number of emerged striga plants per pot varied from 0.08 in pot of 2 g of salt to 5.4 in the control. The number of sorghum leaves per plant, stem diameter, sorghum height, panicle weight and sorghum kernel yield varied significantly (p <0.05) with natron application rate. The application of 2 g of sodium carbonate per pot was the optimal rate to control Striga hermonthica and improve the main agro-morphological parameters of sorghum with 78.27% increase in g of kernel yield and simultaneously inhibited striga infestation by 98.62%. Application of 2 g of sodium carbonate in area naturally infested by striga for improving sorghum yield is required.
Education and the Challenge of Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria
Authors: Oke R. , Oladeji S. I. , Olofin O. P.
Published: May 2020

Using Vector Autoregressive and Autoregressive Distributed Lag methods to examine the impact of education on poverty level and the interactive effect of education and economic growth on poverty level in Nigeria between 1985 and 2016, our results show that education promotes poverty level, instead of reducing it. We found significant cointegrating relationship among poverty, economic growth, education, employment rate, population growth rate, real physical capital formation, education level and real GDP. In the short-run, employment rate reduces poverty level, population growth rate increases poverty level both in the short and long-run. The results of interactive effect of economic growth and education on poverty growth show that jointly economic growth and education reduce poverty, although the results are not statistically significant. This shows that they have minimal impact on poverty level in Nigeria. Our findings may not be surprising, given the current slow-down in Nigeria educational system and the wide gap between the few rich and the larger poor. The study suggests improvement in Nigeria educational system so as promote employment and curb rising poverty level.
LHAM Approach to Fractional Order Rosenau-Hyman and Burgers' Equations
Authors: Ajibola S. O. , Oke A. S. , Mutuku W. N.
Published: May 2020

Fractional calculus has been found to be a great asset in finding fractional dimension in chaos theory, in viscoelasticity diffusion, in random optimal search etc. Various techniques have been proposed to solve differential equations of fractional order. In this paper, the Laplace-Homotopy Analysis Method (LHAM) is applied to obtain approximate analytic solutions of the nonlinear Rosenau-Hyman Korteweg-de Vries (KdV), K(2, 2), and Burgers' equations of fractional order with initial conditions. The solutions of these equations are calculated in the form of convergent series. The solutions obtained converge to the exact solution when α = 1, showing the reliability of LHAM.
Influence of Algal Bio-fertilizers on Fruit Lignification Time Interval, DNA Concentration and Agro-Morphological Characters in Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus Moench)
Authors: Akpan Joyce F. , Ubi Godwin M. , Njoku R. N.
Published: May 2020

Experiment was set up in May to September, 2019 to evaluate the impact of algal bio-fertilizers on fruit lignification time interval, total genomic DNA contents, growth attributes as well as the yield components of three okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) (NHAE-47-4, NHAe-54-4 and Agwu early) genotypes sourced from NIHORT, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. The bio-fertilizers used for the study were a combination of cow dung + algae, poultry droppings + algae, Green Compost + algae and only soil as control. The test crops were sown into 50 x 30 x 25 cm3 perforated plastic buckets containing 5 kg of sterilized sandy loam soil and applied with the bio-fertilizers at 500 g each. The bio-fertilizers were prepared by using a combination of algae and organic manures. The experiment was a 3 x 4 experiment set up in completely randomized design (CRD) with 3 replications. Factor one was the Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) genotypes with three levels (NHAe-47-4; NHAe-54-4 and Agwu early) while factor two was the different bio-fertilizers used with four levels (Cow dung + Algae; Polutry droopings + Algae; Green compost manure + Algae and soil as control). This gave a total treatment combination of 12 which was replicated thrice to give a total of 36 experimental units. Data for yield components were collected at maturity for days to flower initiation, number of seeds per pod, number of pods per plants and fresh fruit weight. Data generated from the study were collated and subjected to statistical analysis using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) procedures and significant treatment means were further separated using the Fishers’ least significance difference test at 5 percent probability level. The results shows that genomic DNA contents varies from 134.100 ng/µl in Agwu early in control plot to 175.600 ng/µl in NHAe -54-4 treated with Poultry droppings +Algae. Fruit lignification time interval  was significantly (p <0.05) influenced by the bio-fertilizers and varied between 3 days 6 minutes in Agwu early in the control plots to 8 days and 23 hours in NHAe 47-4 treated with Poultry dropping + Alage. Plant height varied (p <0.05) significantly and ranged from 14.13 cm in Agwu early in control plot to 44.34 cm in NHAe-47-4 treated with Poultry droppings + Algae while number of fruits per plant also varied        (p <0.05) significantly and ranged between 12.57 fruits per plant in Agwu early in control plots to 24.30 fruits per plant in NHAe-47-4 treated with Poultry droppings + Algae. Hence, the study advocated for the use of poultry droppings + Algal bio-fertilizer in prolonging the fruit lignification time in okra for planned harvesting, increased income and mechanization of okra harvesting.
Effect of Different Levels of Potassium Fertilizer on the Yield Components of BARI Bush Bean-2
Authors: Roy Basudeb , Paul Alok Kumar , Shamsuddoha A. T. M.
Published: May 2020

A field experiment was carried out at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Farm during the Rabi season of November 2008 to March 2009 to investigate effect of different levels of potassium fertilizer on the yield components of BARI Bush Bean-2. The red brown terrace soil of Tejgaon was silty clay loam having pH 5.6. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The experiment comprises 4 levels of potassium in the form of MoP (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg potassium/ha). The results revealed that different levels of potassium showed significant variations on the yield and yield components of BARI Bush Bean-2. The treatment K40 (40 kg potassium) gave the maximum pod length (10.90 cm), pod diameter (2.95 cm), average single pod weight (5.49 g), total pod weight per plant (25.37 g), pod yield per plot (1795.83 g) and pod yield per hectare (4.38 ton). Thus the results of the experiment suggested that the use of 40 kg potassium produced highest yield of BARI Bush Bean-2 in red brown terrace soil of the Tejgaon series.
Response of Biofertilizers and Primary Nutrients on Growth and Yield of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) in New Alluvial Soil of West Bengal
Authors: Das S. , Rahman F. H. , Mukherjee S. , Nag K.
Published: May 2020

The experiment was carried out at Horticulture Research Station, Mondouri, BCKV, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal during the years 2014-15 and 2015-16. The cloves were planted during middle of the October in 2.0 x1.5 m plot at 20 x15 cm spacing in with three replications. Two nitrogen fixing biofertilizers (Azospirillum lipoferum and Azotobacter chrococcum), two phosphatic biofertilizers (Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza - Glomus fasciculatum) and phosphate solubilising bacteria (Bacillus polymixa) and one potassic solubilizer (Fraturia aurantea) were included. Biofertilizers were applied @ 6 g per plot with 250 g well rotten Farm yard manure. Three levels of recommended dose of NPK i.e., 100%, 75% and 50% were included. Two way combinations of both nitrogenous and phosphatic biofertilizers were followed in Total 12 treatments along with control. Quantitative attributes like plot yield (2.85 kg/3 m2) and projected yield (7.12 t/ha) were noticed in NPK (100%) + Azospirillium + PSB +K solubilizer. Looking to economics of various treatments, maximum net return (Rs 165,043) and B:C ratio (1.55) was obtained from NPK (100%) + Azospirillium + PSB + K solubilizer. Whereas, minimum B:C ratio (0.60) was recorded under NPK (50%) +Azotobacter + VAM + K solubilizer. These results suggested that the optimum production of garlic can be obtained with combined application of 100% NPK and biofertilizers (Azotobacter @ 5 kg/ha +PSB @ 5 kg/ha). The results also indicate the scope of reduction of 25% of inorganic fertilizer through inoculations of biofertilizers.
A Case Study on CETP Processing in Leather Units of Kanpur
Authors: Dubey Iti , Srivastava Meenu
Published: May 2020

In Kanpur, CETP units have been installed to treat the enormous effluents discharge from various leather processing units. Researcher collects the data in terms of its location area, year of establishment and number of units attached for treatment effluents and their effluent treatment capacity per day. Result of the study indicate that Majority of leather units were connected to CETP of Bajidpurin Jajmau area of Kanpur. Some remaining large scale leather units were and involved in combined units have their own Chromium effluent treatment plant (CETP).
Dynamic Analysis of Folded Low Shells by Using Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Olodo Emmanuel E. T. , Ale Georges Adjibola A. , Adjovi Edmond Codjo , Vianou Antoine
Published: May 2020

Aims: This work is devoted to the development of a finite element algorithm for solving problem in forced vibrations of folded low shells.

Methodology: The differential equations for harmonic analysis are obtained from the Lagrange variational principle. Description of the dynamic behavior is made by the structure discretization into a system of curvilinear iso-parametric finite elements used in modal analysis. The method is implemented by a calculation code on a square-plane folded shell model withnumber of crease edges in both directions k=l=3.

Results: Displacement amplitudesare obtained by decomposition into vibration eigenforms. The maximum values of dynamic stresses are determined taking into account the shell's support conditions.The results of the harmonic analysis show thatimprovement in frequency characteristics and reduction of stresses in the folded shell depend on the constructive and internal damping of the structureand the increase in the number of fold edges k and l in both directions for examplebecause this contributes to decrease in the forced vibration amplitudes.
Effect of Weed Management Practices on Weed Control, Yield and Economics of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]
Authors: Raj R. K. , Sinha K. K. , Kumari Shalu , Choubey Anup Kumar , Pandit Ashok , Yadav Dinesh Kumar
Published: May 2020

The experiment was laid out Tirhut College of Agriculture, farm Dholi, Muzaffarpur, Bihar during kharif season 2016, to study the effect of weed management practices on weed control, yield and economics of soybean [Glycine max (L.)]. Hand weeding twice at 25 and 45 DAS was found most effective to control weeds in soybean and recorded lowest weed count, weed dry matter and highest weed control efficiency. Among herbicide, application of Pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha as PE (Pre-emergance) and Imazethapyr 55 g/ha as PoE (Post-emergance) at 25 DAS was found to be more efficient and cost effective to reduce weed population/m2 (53.94 & 67.22), dry weight of weeds/m2 (21.16 & 45.86 g) an increased weed control efficiency (53.86 & 68.83%) significantly in both the stages 30 and 60 DAS. Beside it, Pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha + Imazethapyr 55 g/ha at 25 DAS, Pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha + one hand weeding at 40 DAS and hand weeding twice at 25 and 45 DAS were equally efficient in increasing the grain yield, straw yield, weed index and gross returns than control but net returns (39870/ha) and benefit-cost ratio (1.70) was obtained maximum only with Pendmethalin 1.0 kg/ha and Imazethapyr 55 g/ha at 25 DAS.
Influence of Zinc and Chromium Supplementation on Blood Biochemical Constituents and Hematological Profiles in Goats
Authors: Kumar Hemant , Tiwari S. P. , Kumar Basant , Kumari Shikha
Published: May 2020

Aims: An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of supplementing zinc-methionine and chromium-picolinate on blood biochemical constituents and hematological profiles of goats.

Place and Duration of Study: The present studies were carried out at Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora, Durg during February 2007 to August 2007. 

Methods: Twenty-four indigenous non-descript goat kids (3-5 months old, average body weight of 5.1±0.25 Kg) were allocated to four groups Group-I (control) was fed ad libitum basal complete feed which constituted sola (Aeschynomene indica) - hay (60 parts) and concentrate mixture (40 parts). The kids of Group-II, III and IV were fed as in control with a combined supplement of Zn-methionine and Cr-picolinate at the rates of 20 and 0.5 parts per million (ppm), 35 and 1 ppm and 50 and 1.5 ppm, respectively. The experiment lasted for 90 days. Hemoglobin, packed cell volume (PCV) and total erythrocyte count (TEC) were performed as per the method described by Jain [4]. Blood biochemical study was performed by using Spectrophotometer.

Results: There was progressive increase in total protein, albumin, globulin levels and alkaline phosphatase activity in serum in mineral supplemented group as compare to control. In most of the cases erythrocyte count, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and packed cell volume (PCV) were significantly (P<0.05) higher with the increase of Cr-picolinate and Zn-methionine concentration in basal diet than control. However, blood glucose and total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in serum were significantly reduced due to mineral supplementation.

Conclusion: On the basis of the present experiment, it may be concluded that dietary supplementation of Zn-methionine and Cr-picolinate at the rates of 50 and 1.5 ppm, respectively had significantly improved their blood biochemical and hematological profile of desi goats.
A Review on Electrohomeopathic Medicinal Practice: Origin, Principles, Medicinal Plants Used and Its Current Status in India
Authors: Sureshbabu P. , Siddalingamurthy E. , Shashidhara N. L. , Sooryanarayanarao B. , Bhavya D. C.
Published: May 2020

Natural plant medicines have been used as remedies for various diseases since ages. Various medical systems have been established and practiced across the world, of which some are gained popularity and constitutional recognition while some are yet to find recognition in certain geographical areas. Electrohomeopathy is one such medical practice which is picking up on acceptance by the Indian population. The Electrohomeopathy or Electropathic system of medicine has a history of nearly 150 years of existence. In India, the system has been in practice for more than a century. This is a purely plant-based medical system, first started by C.C. Mattei of Italy during the 1850s. Extraction of electrals or phytoconstituents from different plants and recombining in appropriate proportions as per the requirement of the patient’s disease condition forms the core principle of the system. In this review article, we briefly touch upon the origin, historical evolution, and basic principle, list of plants used, types of remedies used and current status in India and also throws light on what the future holds for the Electrohomeopathy medicine and treatment.
In vitro Antioxidant Activities of Hydroethanolic Extract of Defatted Wonderful Kola (Buchholzia coriacea) Seeds and Its Safety Evaluation in Murine Models
Authors: Ore Ayokanmi , Ugbaja Regina Ngozi , Adeogun Abideen Idowu , Akinloye Oluseyi Adeboye
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Buccholzia coriaceaseed possesses a vast number of therapeutic applications in African traditional medicine. However, there are still limited information on its bioactive constituents, pharmacological actions and safety profile. This study was designed to prepare hydroethanolic extract of (defatted) Buccholzia coriacea seeds (HEBCS), evaluate its total phenols and flavonoids, in vitro antioxidant activity and its safety in rats and mice.

Methods: Seeds were defatted with hexane and the residue extracted with 80% ethanol (EtOH). The total phenols and flavonoid content of the lyophilised HEBCS was determined followed by in vitro antioxidant activity against stable free radicals (DPPH, ABTS+) and reactive oxygen species (OH, NO and H2O2). Limit test (at 5000 mg/ kg body weight (bw) and acute toxicity test (at doses of 62.5, 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg bw) was carried out in rats followed by sub chronic toxicity study (at doses of 125 and 250 mg/ kg bw) in mice. Biomarkers of hepatic function (ALT, AST, ALP and total bilirubin) and renal function (urea and creatinine) were assessed.

Results: The total phenols and flavonoids content of HEBCS was found to be 31.76 μg GAE/ mg and 22.82 μg QE/ mg respectively. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value for HEBCS when tested against DPPH, ABTS+, OH, H2O2 and NO were found to be 257.85, 496.73, 883.68, 475.68 and 1786.42 μg/mL respectively. The Median Lethality Dose (LD50) for HEBCS in rat was greater than 5000 mg/ kg body weight. HEBCS did not show any significant (P = .05) hepatic or renal toxicity.

Conclusion: Data obtained from the present study highlight the safety of HEBCS and its potential role as a source of natural antioxidants.
Production and Quality Evaluation of Short Bread Biscuit Using Wheat and Fermented Unripe Plantain Flour
Authors: Adejuyitan Johnson Akinwumi , Otunola Ezekiel Tejumola , Adesola Mary Oluwatosin , Onaolapo Olawumi Esther
Published: May 2020

The utilization of plantain flour has increased in recent years as a result of its industrial potential and health benefits; hence the more quests for its application in food product development. In this study, short bread biscuit was formulated from wheat and plantain flours mixed in the ratios 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50 and 100% wheat flour was indicated as control. The flours and the short bread biscuits were analyzed for their proximate, physico-chemical properties of the mixes and physical attributes and consumer acceptability of the short bread biscuit by sensory evaluation using standard methods. The result showed that the proximate composition values ranged from 12.41 to 14.54, 9.06 to 11.38, 1.11 to 1.51% for moisture, protein, fat, crude fibre, ash contents and carbohydrate respectively. The mineral ranged from 2.28 to 2.67 mg/100 g, 8.38 to 9.44 mg and 276 to 296.50 mg/100 g for iron, calcium and phosphorus respectively. The physiochemical properties ranged from 0.609 to 0.615 g/ml and 0.63 to 0.64 g/ml, 119.50 to 134.00 g/g, 15.25 to 17.40 g/g for loose and packed bulk densities, water absorption capacity, swelling capacity respectively. The amylose and amylopectin value ranged from 24.05 to 31.55 and 68.45 to 75.95% respectively. The value for vitamin C and B1 ranged 3.04 to 3.58 and 0.22 to 0.24 μg/100 g respectively. The proximate content of the short bread biscuit ranged from 8.65 to 9.94, 6.93 to 7.73, 65.96 to 66.74, 1.02 to 1.75, 2.25 to 2.63 for moisture, protein, carbohydrate, crude fibre, ash and carbohydrate respectively. The sensory attribute shows that short bread biscuit produced from 90:10% was well accepted.
Effect of Lactic Acid on Inactivation of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia Coli (ETEC) Isolated from Tuna Loins Produced in Côte D’Ivoire
Authors: Sika Andree Emmanuelle , Ake-Assi Yolande , Anoman Therese , Kambire Ollo , Koffi-Nevry Rose , Dje Koffi Marcellin
Published: May 2020

Aims: The aim of this work was to study the effect of lactic acid on the growth of pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli (ETEC) isolated from tuna loins.

Study Design: Bacteriological study.

Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of Microbiology of the Central Laboratory of Food hygiene and Agrobusiness (LCHAI), Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire between September 2014 and December 2014.

Methodology: Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strains were isolated from tuna loins. Lactic acid (LA) 1%, 2% and 3% were tested in pathogenic strains in liquid medium (brain heart infusion broth, BHI) and in tuna loins.

Results: At lactic acid 1%, the bacterial loads decreased during the first two days and then stabilized. E. coli strains in tuna loins were higher (1.25 to 0.9 log CFU/g) than E. coli in liquid medium (0.69 to 0.3 log CFU/g). No bacterial growth was observed in the tuna loins and in BHI for concentrations of 2% and 3% of lactic acid.

Conclusion: Lactic acid has an inhibitory effect at 1% and bactericidal effect at 2% and 3% on the growth of E. coli. The use of lactic acid as a preservative could be a solution for the preservation of these products.
Spectrum of Disease Conditions Seen at the Gastroenterology Clinic of a Tertiary Health Facility in South-Western Nigeria
Authors: Oluwagbenga Oguntoye Oluwatosin , Musah Yusuf , Paul Olowoyo , Osisiogu Soje Michael , Adenike Oguntoye Oluwafunmilayo , Banjo Oguntade Hameed , Elijah Ariyo Olumuyiwa , Alex Atolani Segun , Abiola Talabi Olukayode , Osiron Ogunmola Toba
Published: May 2020

Background: Globally, gastrointestinal medical conditions are common and a considerable number of patients will require specialist consultation for the diagnosis, management and follow-up care.

Aim: To determine the spectrum of disease conditions seen at the Gastroenterology clinic of Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti in south-western Nigeria.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of all patients who attended the Gastroenterology clinic between January 2015 and December 2019 (a period of 5 years). The Age, Gender and Diagnosis were obtained from the Clinic Register. A total of 679 patients attended the clinic over the period and they were all recruited into the study. The data obtained was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Descriptive statistics used included frequency tables, means and standard deviations.

Results: A total number of 679 patients attended the Gastroenterology clinic during the period under review out of which 353 (52.0%) were males and 326 (48.0%) were females with a male to female ratio of 1.08 to 1. The age range of the patients was 10 to 93 years with a mean (±SD) of 43.8 (±16.32) and median of 40.0 years.

The commonest medical condition seen at our clinic was Chronic Hepatitis B viral infection (38.1%), followed by Acid Peptic Disorders (27.0%), Liver cirrhosis (5.2%), Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (5.0%) and Hepatocellular carcinoma (4.1%). Hepatocellular carcinoma was the commonest malignancy seen at our clinic followed by Gastric cancer (2.5%), Colorectal cancer (1.9%) and Cholangiocarcinoma (0.7%). Pancreatic cancer and Oesophageal cancer were seen at our clinic at the same frequency (0.6% each). Primary Biliary Cirrhosis, Achalasia and Irritable Bowel Syndrome were the least frequently seen (0.1% each) medical conditions at our clinic. Acute Hepatitis B viral infection constituted 2.9% while Chronic Hepatitis C viral infection constituted 2.4% of the cases seen. The other medical conditions seen at our clinic include Alcoholic Liver Disease (2.4%), Abdominal Tuberculosis (0.7%), Toxin-induced Hepatitis (0.6%), Haemorrhoids (0.6%), Ulcerative Colitis (0.4%) and Diverticular Disease (0.3%).

Conclusion: The commonest medical condition seen at our Gastroenterology clinic was Chronic Hepatitis B virus infection followed by Acid Peptic Disorders both of which are largely preventable and the commonest malignancy seen at our clinic was Hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis B virus infection is highly prevalent in our environment and it is a risk factor for chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Efforts must be enhanced by all stakeholders to curb the spread of this virus and thereby limit its sequelae.
Biological and Comorbidity as Risk Factors for COVID 19 High Morbidity and Mortality among the Aged Population and Its Implications for Public Health Education and Research in Ghana
Authors: Opoku Albert , Antwi Joseph Sarfo , Yiadom Abdul Karim Boakye , Danso Joana Owusu , Twene Prince
Published: May 2020

Introduction: The severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been found to be the cause of this current pandemic of corona virus infection (COVID 19), (World Health Organization (WHO) 2020). It is of interest to note that Wuhan, which is located in the Hubei province of China, was the first community within which this outbreak was first identified in December 2019. There is high morbidity and mortality among the elderly patients with COVID-19 than the young and middle-aged patients. Again, most of the morbidity and mortality have comorbid conditions (presence of more than one disease in one person) from 1 to 3 in addition to COVID 19 and most of these conditions are age related.

Objective: The aim of this work is to describe changes in biological processes in aged population in relation to the presence of a possible comorbidity vis-à-vis COVID 19. To review publications and other studies associated with biological changes in the ageing process as well as identifying some specific comorbidity among the aged. To develop an appropriate health educational programs to protect the aged population on COVID 19. To develop an educational strategy on COVID 19 for the aged and the general public.

Methodology: The LILACS-BIREME, SCIELO, PUBMED, ACADEMIA, SCIENCE DOMAIN databases and some textbooks were consulted for the study. Scientific papers published English between January and March, 2020 on the subject of COVID 19 among the aged were selected for inclusion. A total 65 of studies published between January 1st, 2020 to March 30th, 2020 and some textbooks on Anatomy and Physiology were identified and evaluated. Twenty-seven (27) articles meeting the inclusion criterion (COVID 19 among the aged) were selected for this review. Finally, an analysis was conducted and the papers were assessed in agreement with the study objectives.

Results and Discussion: The studies reviewed discovered a high prevalence and mortality of COVID 19 among the aged with comorbidity due to deterioration in ageing process in Respiratory and the Immune systems.

Conclusion: It is recommended that some further research be done locally on COVID 19 to increase the knowledge on this subject in Ghana. It is also recommended that an appropriate health educational strategy be developed to create awareness among the aged.
Ultrasonogram in Acute Appendicitis, A Surgeon’s Perspective: Original Article
Authors: Verma Amar , Chaudhary Rajesh , Bharti Ramesh , Sharma Kulbhushan , Sharma Rajesh , Sharma Vikrant
Published: May 2020

Introduction: The diagnosis of acute appendicitis has essentially been clinical, but USG abdomen has been said to be highly accurate in diagnosing AA. The surgeon’s perspective may not always be the same.

Materials and methods: Appendectomy data of 106 patients from two hospitals of Kangra region was retrospectively analysed. The data was collected for age, sex, initial pre-operative diagnosis, USG findings, intra-operative findings, Histo-pathological examination (HPE) report, post operative hospital stay.

Observations: It revealed a sensitivity of about 54% and specificity of 100% for diagnosing AA with the help of USG abdomen. AA was seen most commonly in males as compared to females. Mean age of presentation was 29.34 +/- 14.4 years. Mean hospital stay was 3.68 +/- 2.25 days. Most common initial preoperative diagnosis was AA (84%). Most common position of the appendix during surgery was retrocecal (53.7%). HPE report revealed AA in 105 patients.

Conclusion: USG abdomen is often falsely assuring, leading to unnecessary delay in effectively managing a patient of AA further leading to increased complications. Only the clinically equivocal cases require further radiological investigations where CECT abdomen is the preferred investigation, but it should be used judiciously.
Short Term Toxicological Evaluation of the Pentaclethra macrophylla (Benth) Essential Oil (Oil Bean Seed) on Organs of Normal Male Albino Rats
Authors: Yusuf-Babatunde A. M. , Kasim L. S. , Osuntokun O. T.
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the short term toxicological assessment of the Pentaclethra macrophylla (Benth) oil (oil bean seed) on organs of normal male albino rats. Fresh pods of Pentaclethra macrophylla (Benth) were collected directly from the plant tree in July 2009 at the site opposite the Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State. Twenty four (24) healthy male albino rats purchased from Animal house of Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Ibadan, and weighing between 92.0 – 105.4 g were used for the experiment. The effect of the oil extract was investigated by oral administration of the oil into different groups of rats using oral cannular (Group A-D). All the administration was carried out as single dose continually for 8 weeks. The toxicity effects of the extracted oil from Pentaclethra macrophylla (Benth) was investigated on five organs of rats (liver, brains, kidney, heart and testis). The animals were divided into four groups (A, B, C, and D) fed with a normal diet and three different levels of concentrations of the oil. With the oral cannular techniques, the first group (A) rats were fed with 0.2 ml/day of oil with a normal diet, second group (B) with 0.4 ml/day with a normal diet, the third group (C) fed with 0.6 ml/day oil with normal diet while fourth group D were treated with normal diet only, serving as the control group for the study. The results of the histological examination indicated that as the concentrations of the oil ingested increases, some of the tissues of the organs were affected. Therefore, the study suggested that Pentaclethra macrophylla (Benth) oil was toxic to the organs of the rats. Therefore, the consumption of the seeds by the human can constitute health hazards and risks.
Direct Solvent Liquefaction of Tropical Hardwood Bark and Characterization of the Resulting Bio-Oil
Authors: Olayiwola Yetunde B. , Oluyege Olajide A. , Labunmi Lajide
Published: May 2020

Ethanol, water and ethanol/water mix were used to directly liquefy Detarium senegalense bark at 500°C for 15 min. Ethanol/water mix at 50/50% weight by weight showed synergistic effect on biomass direct liquefaction, and was found to be the most effective solvent for the liquefaction of Detarium senegalense bark. Water was more active than Ethanol when both mono-solvents were evaluated. Liquefaction with 100% water yielded 46% by weight of the bio-oil, compared with 30% by weight of bio-oil yield when 100% ethanol was used. The result however, show that 50% ethanol/water showed a synergistic effect and work best to obtain 52% bio-oil on the liquefaction whereas water was found hence more active than ethanol as a single solvent with 46% and 30% bio-oil respectively.

The GC-MS analysis of the obtained bio-oils from the three matrices confirmed the presence of phenolic compounds and aromatics such as benzenes, followed by aldehydes, long chain ketones and cyclic ketones and alcohol, esters, organic acids and ether compounds. The detected phenolic compounds were 4-ethyl-guaiacol, 2-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)-phenol, 2-methoxy-phenol, and 2-methoxy-4-vinyl-phenol., formed from the cleavage of guaiacyl and hydroxyphenyl-type lignin with varying degrees of alcohol substitution. Understanding and evaluating the liquefied products obtained from hardwood barks, could offer valuable information on the utilization of the biomass-liquefaction products for chemical or energy production.
Wafer Saw Process Optimization for Die Chipping Mitigation on Extremely Small Leadframe Package
Authors: Sumagpang Jr. A. , Gomez F. R. , Bacquian B. C.
Published: May 2020

The paper focused in addressing the silicon die chippings defect at the wafer sawing process of an extremely small semiconductor package. In-depth potential risk analysis and Pareto diagram were done to identify the top reject contributors and eventually resolve the issue. A comprehensive design of experiment (DOE) was done and validation of the solution was employed to formulate the effective corrective actions. Results revealed that die chippings were addressed by optimizing the wafer sawing process through enabling the dressing, pre-cut and step-cutting modes. Ultimately, an improvement of 95% for die chippings reduction was achieved.
Predicting Soccer Ball Target through Dynamic Simulation
Authors: Li Ying , Meng Junxian , Li Qi
Published: May 2020

The intelligent sports analysis of a soccer ball requires accurately simulating its motion and finding the best design parameters (position and orientation) to kick the ball.  An optimization method is proposed to plan, evaluate, and optimize the traveling trajectory of a soccer ball. The theoretical studies go through the multi-body dynamics modeling, dynamic simulation, and optimal objective modeling Based on Newton second law and Hooke’s law, the motion of a soccer ball is established as the time-dependent ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The expected target is expressed as a function of all design parameters. An example is used to simulate a soccer ball shooting a goal. The result of optimization design has given the most optimal combination of the design parameters, which involve theinitial velocity,initial projectile angle, andinitial orientation angle. This research provides a useful method in predicting the trajectory and adjusting the design parameters for the optimization design of a soccer ball motion.
Psychological Stress and Health Hazards of Farm Women: The Social Ecology and Inflicting Functions
Authors: Chatterjee Riti , Acharya Sankar Kumar
Published: May 2020

Farm women are suffering from a lot of health related problems along with some socio-economic constraints where farming has been listed as one of the ten most stressful occupations in the world. In turn, they are at risk for the development of stress and other mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression or even suicide. This is an important co-morbidity of physical problems and if left untreated they may invite other health issues. This will affect the financial aspect also. And as the farm women are home maker along with their farm work, they have to face the challenge both in home and workplace. The problem is mainly due to different issues in the working place like long working hours, financial uncertainty and family disturbances. A study on this topic, was carried out at Boinchigram village under Pandua Block in Hooghly district as they are also suffering the same, with objectives to generate classified information on occupational hazards of farm women, to estimate the level of psychological stress in terms of a score of socio-economic and ecological factors, to estimate the level of interactive relation between level of psychological stress and score of socio-economic and ecological factors and to generate micro level policy implication based on the empirical study In order to collect the reliable experimental data, the selected parameters were taken, like: Age, number of children, B.M.I., Main health problems, Psycho-social hazards, family income per annum, family expenditure per annum, working hours per day, daily calorie consumption etc. Majority of the population under study are poor, undernourished farm women. It has seen that, when the number of children in a family increased, it is difficult to their mother to attain the farm work and caring of their children at the same time because they spent maximum hour in the field. So, both the children and mother suffer from psycho-social hazards. And the calorie consumption level per day has some indirect effect because calorie is the last word to speak out. But income plays the most important role in stabilizing their mental condition. So, a better understanding of potential women-work environment interactions related to psycho-social hazards and mental health of the farm women is seriously needed to save the future workforce of agriculture.
Hydrometeorological Study of Saturated Vapour Pressure (SVP) of Warri, Nigeria
Authors: Onifade Y. S. , Olaseni V. B.
Published: May 2020

The amount of water vapour present in the air is indirectly expressed through vapour pressure and for any given temperature there is a limit for water vapour that can be held by air. If the air is holding water vapour which is equal to the maximum that it can hold at a given temperature, then the air is said to be saturated. Hydrometeorological study was carried out using vapour pressure (VP) and maximum temperature data for Warri through 2009 – 2018 (10 years) Saturation Vapour Pressure (SVP) were estimated. A graph is established showing the relationship between the Saturation Vapour Pressure (SVP) and the temperature also the graphical representation showing variational trend of SVP and VP were plotted. The study shows the dew point (Td) ranging from 29.9°C to 31.5°C which explained the likely rainfall at any temperature below Td. The study also confirmed increase in SVP bringing increase in Temperature and the variational trend shows the same pattern all through.
Prediction of the output factor using machine and deep learning approach in uniform scanning proton therapy
Authors: Grewal Hardev S. , Chacko Michael S. , Ahmad Salahuddin , Jin Hosang
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to develop machine and deep learning‐based models to predict output and MU based on measured patient quality assurance (QA) data in uniform scanning proton therapy (USPT).

Methods

This study involves 4,231 patient QA measurements conducted over the last 6 years. In the current approach, output and MU are predicted by an empirical model (EM) based on patient treatment plan parameters. In this study, two MATLAB‐based machine and deep learning algorithms — Gaussian process regression (GPR) and shallow neural network (SNN) — were developed. The four parameters from patient QA (range, modulation, field size, and measured output factor) were used to train these algorithms. The data were randomized with a training set containing 90% and a testing set containing remaining 10% of the data. The model performance during training was accessed using root mean square error (RMSE) and R‐squared values. The trained model was used to predict output based on the three input parameters: range, modulation, and field size. The percent difference was calculated between the predicted and measured output factors. The number of data sets required to make prediction accuracy of GPR and SNN models' invariable was also evaluated.

Results

The prediction accuracy of machine and deep learning algorithms is higher than the EM. The output predictions with [GPR, SNN, and EM] within ± 2% and ± 3% difference were [97.16%, 97.64%, and 92.95%] and [99.76%, 99.29%, and 97.18%], respectively. The GPR model outperformed the SNN with a smaller number of training data sets.

Conclusion

The GPR and SNN models outperformed the EM in terms of prediction accuracy. Machine and deep learning algorithms predicted the output factor and MU for USPT with higher predictive accuracy than EM. In our clinic, these models have been adopted as a secondary check of MU or output factors.
Creep Characteristics and Fracture Mechanisms of a Ni‐Based Superalloy with δ Phases at Intermediate Temperatures
Authors: He Dao-Guang , Lin Y. C. , Yin Liang-Xing
Published: May 2020

The creep and fracture characteristics of a Ni‐based superalloy with preprecipitated δ phases are researched at the intermediate temperatures (630–670 °C). The influences of external stress and temperature on the creep properties and rupture mechanisms are analyzed. It is observed that the creep rupture time decreases, whereas the minimum creep rate increases, as the creep temperature or external stress is raised. With raising the external stress, the failure pattern changes from the mixed intergranular/transgranular mode to the intergranular fracture. A Monkman–Grant (MG) model is established to characterize the relationship between the residual creep life and experimental parameters (external stress and temperature). The small error between the forecasted and measured residual creep life verifies that the established MG model can be applied to evaluate the creep life of the studied superalloy.
Superhydrophobic Coatings from Ecofriendly Materials and Processes: A Review
Authors: Bayer Ilker S.
Published: May 2020

So far, scientists have successfully mimicked superhydrophobicity based on careful observation and study of such surfaces found in nature. The key outcome is the fact that water‐repellent plant or insect surfaces have unique hierarchical scale texture. Embedded in such textures, existence of unique waxy protrusions or structures is also found which can easily trap air underneath water droplets. Today, researchers can duplicate such surface textures and render them more sophisticated with advanced nanofabrication, lithographic, and wet chemistry techniques. In doing so, synthetic materials having very low affinity to water are extensively utilized. Among them, perfluorinated compounds pose some environmental concerns. Moreover, most of the superhydrophobic coating formulations and processing are deemed not ecofriendly enough to sustain large‐scale fabrication or prohibitively expensive to transform into a standard industrial practice. Recently, however, significant efforts are made to fabricate superhydrophobic coatings by using natural materials and sustainable processes with lower potential environmental footprint. This review introduces, reviews, and discusses such advances, their performance compared to conventional ones while acknowledging the challenges and stressing the need to dedicate more resources to develop robust and long‐lasting superhydrophobic coatings originating from intelligent processing of natural materials or synthetic biodegradables with ecofriendly technologies.