bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effectiveness of Prenatal Care Programs on Reducing Preterm Birth in Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Women
Authors: Mohammadi Solmaz , Shojaei Kobra , Maraghi Elham , Motaghi Zahra
Published: January 2023

Background:

Preterm Birth (PTB) is one of the leading causes of infant morbidity and mortality. Prenatal care is an effective way to improve pregnancy outcomes but there is limited evidence of effective interventions to improve perinatal outcomes in disadvantaged pregnant women. This review was conducted with the aim to assess the effectiveness of prenatal care programs in reducing PTB in socioeconomically disadvantaged women.

Materials and Methods:

We searched the Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases from January 1, 1990 to August 31, 2021. The inclusion criteria included clinical trials and cohort studies focusing on prenatal care in deprived women with the primary outcome of PTB (< 37 weeks). Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the Q test and I2 statistics. The pooled odds ratio was calculated using random-effects models.

Results:

In total, 14 articles covering 22,526 women were included in the meta-analysis. Interventions/exposures included group prenatal care, home visits, psychosomatic programs, integrated intervention on socio-behavioral risk factors, and behavioral intervention through education, social support, joint management, and multidisciplinary care. The pooled results showed that all types of interventions/exposure were associated with a reduction in the risk of PTB [OR = 0.86; 95% confidence interval: (0.64, 1.16); I
2 = 79.42%].

Conclusions:

Alternative models of prenatal care reduce PTB in socioeconomically disadvantaged women compared with standard care. The limited number of studies may affect the power of this study.
Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Results in Northeastern of Iran from 2005 to 2019: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Jafarzadeh Sadegh , Khajedaluee Mohammad , Khajedaluee Amir Reza , Khakzadi Masoomeh , Esmailzadeh Mansoor , Firozbakht Mohsen
Published: January 2023

Background:

Hearing loss is one of the most common congenital disorders. The Early Diagnosis and Intervention Process is designed for the early diagnosis and intervention of hearing loss in infants. The present study aimed to examine the results of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) in northeastern Iran from 2005 to 2019.

Setting:

Northeastern Iran.

Methods:

In most cases, the two-stage protocol (otoacoustic emissions [OAE] and automated auditory brainstem response [AABR]) has been used. Infant assessment methods included the use of OAE, ABR, auditory steady-state response, high-frequency tympanometry, and behavioral audiometry. Interventions included medical interventions, hearing rehabilitation, hearing aids, and cochlear implants.

Results:

1,162,821 infants were screened. The screening coverage increased from less than 1% in 2005 to about 99% in 2018. The referral rate has been about 1%. 2.17 out of every 1000 infants are hearing impaired, and the most common cases are bilateral hearing loss and mild to moderate hearing loss.

Conclusions:

During 2005 to 2019 the coverage rate reached to more than 95% of live births. To improve the EHDI process in this population, better follow-up of diagnosed neonates and expansion of diagnostic and intervention services are needed.
Comparison of the Effect of the Person-Centered and Family-Centered Training via Telenursing on the Quality of Life in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Heidari Mehrbanoo , Hosseini Meimanat , Vasli Parvaneh , Nasiri Malihe , Hejazi Sima , Fasihi Mohammad
Published: January 2023

Background:

Education of the patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and their families is necessary to improve the quality of life. This study investigated the effect of person and family-centered training via telenursing on the quality of life in patients with COVID-19.

Methods:

This interventional study was performed on 88 patients with COVID-19 18--65 years and 44 family members referred to the Bank Melli Hospital, Tehran, Iran. The samples were randomly assigned into two groups person-centered and family centered. A cyberspace group including patients and their families was created. Four educational sessions planned (15--30-min-every day) and three sessions planned for completing the questionnaires via phone. The data were collected using demographic characteristics form and the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey version 2 before and 6 weeks after the intervention and were analyzed in SPSS 22 using Chi-square test, paired t-test, and independent t-test.

Results:

The mean scores of quality-of-life increased significantly in the person-centered group from 26.81 ± 5.15 to 34.4 ± 4.39 before and six weeks after intervention, respectively (p < 0.001). The means scores of quality-of-life increased significantly in the family-centered group from 28.11 ± 4.79 to 35.86 ± 3.85 before and 6 weeks after the intervention, respectively. (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

The person and family centered methods increase the mean scores of quality-of-life of patients with COVID-19. The family centered method can be more effective to improve the quality of life of these patients.
The Consensus on the Diagnosis and Management of Congenital Hypothyroidism in Term Neonates
Authors: Hashemipour Mahin , Rabbani Ali , Rad Afagh Hassanzadeh , Dalili Setila
Published: January 2023

Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is one of the most treatable endocrine disorders in infants and children that can influence the function of many organs in the body. On-time diagnosis and treatment can prevent the adverse effects of thyroid hormone deficiency on the child's neurodevelopment. There are many challenges in screening, post-screening, diagnosis, and managing this disorder. Therefore, this article aimed to mention updated information on this issue. Although there are different approaches for the treatment of hypothyroidism, the authors decided to create a national approach based on the conditions of our country.
Early Weight Loss Trajectory Predicts Outcome Following Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Walmsley Rosalind , Chong Lynn , Sumithran Priya , Hii Michael
Published: January 2023

Background:

Early identification of patients at risk of poor weight loss following bariatric surgery may provide an opportunity for timely addition of intervention to optimize weight loss. This study investigates the relationship between early postsurgery weight loss trajectory and final weight loss outcomes.

Methods:

Data from patients who underwent primary sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), or one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) between October 2014 and March 2020 at a single institution were analyzed retrospectively. Total weight loss percentage (%TWL) was calculated at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months postsurgery. Regression analysis demonstrated associations between early weight loss and %TWL between 12 and 36 months. Multivariate analysis identified predictors of maximal weight loss (MWL) and insufficient weight loss (IWL).

Results:

Six hundred and sixteen patients met the inclusion criteria. Follow-up weights were available at 12 months for n = 571, 18 months for n = 382, 24 months for n = 344, 30 months for n = 198, and 36 months for n = 187. The median (interquartile range) MWL for SG, RYGB, and OAGB was 29.9% (24.3–35.7), 32.5% (27.5–38.2), and 38.0% (32.6–42.4), respectively. On multivariate linear regression, MWL was best predicted by 3–6-month %TWL after both SG (P < 0.001) and OAGB (P < 0.001) and by 6–9-month %TWL following RYGB (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Early weight loss predicts MWL and %TWL up to 36 months following laparoscopic SG, RYGB, and OAGB. Identification of poor weight loss responders early may represent an opportunity to intervene to optimize postsurgical outcomes.
Synchronous pancreatic and scrotal tuberculosis
Authors: Patel ST , Contractor QQ , Nayak CS , Rathi PM
Published: January 2023

We describe a patient who presented with scrotal swelling followed by non-healing and discharging scrotal sinuses, following local trauma and was initially suspected to have an infected scrotal hematoma. An evaluation revealed it to be scrotal tuberculosis. He also complained of upper abdominal pain and on transabdominal ultrasonography was detected to have a mass in the head of the pancreas. Evaluation of the pancreatic mass revealed it to be pancreatic tuberculosis. Both lesions responded well to anti-tubercular therapy. This is an unusual case of two rare sites of extrapulmonary tuberculosis presenting simultaneously in the same individual. Care needs to be exercised while evaluating any non-healing ulcers or sinuses and mass lesions in countries endemic for tuberculosis as this disease can be a great masquerader.
Smart Cane: A Low Cost Assistive Device for the Visually Impaired
Authors: Kazi Wohiduzzaman , Limu Taslima Jannat , Md. Rakibuzzaman
Published: January 2023

Vision impairment or low vision is the disability to see any objects clearly. It might be caused by old age, an accident, or any other neurological condition. People find it difficult to carry out their regular activities, regardless of the cause of their vision impairment or blindness. As medical researchers are working to find a cure for blindness, contrariwise researchers are using technology to make a vision impairment person’s life easier in an affordable way. As a result, a smart cane was developed, although it is expensive for most of blind people. The main objective of this paper is to introduce an affordable smart cane for every visually impaired person. The ultrasonic sensors in this walking stick are used to identify impediments. This system is using an arduino to reduce the processing time between receiving and delivering signals created by ultrasonic sensors. The speech output will guide a blind person to take a safe path making the stroll more comfortable and secure.
Archiving the voices of the once voiceless: strategies for digital preservation of oral history at the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Archives
Authors: (Malokotha) Mbongeni Tembe , Nsibirwa Zawedde
Published: January 2023

With the urge for instant access to records resulting from the rapid development of technology, there is a need for the digital preservation of vulnerable oral history records. Oral history records are primary sources that confirm certain aspects of historical events and preserving oral history records is crucial to ensure societal memory. In the South African context, oral history has given a voice to the people who were voiceless in the past due to colonialism and the apartheid system. This study investigated possible digital strategies and techniques for preserving oral history records at the KwaZulu-Natal Archives and Records Service (KZNARS) Oral History Unit (OHU). A qualitative approach was used, and data were collected using semi-structured interviews from purposely selected members of the OHU staff. In addition, an observation guide was used to collect data regarding the current playback equipment, storage conditions and the state of the oral history records. Content and thematic analysis was used to analyse data. The findings revealed that the strategies and techniques used for the preservation and access to oral history records have been ineffective. Issues identified included legislation that does not provide for the preservation of oral history records in the contemporary digital era, the lack of policy, deficient strategies for preservation and access, and a shortage of resources, funding, and qualified staff. Various recommendations, stemming from the issues identified, are made.
Digital records management practices in the public sector in Manicaland Province of Zimbabwe
Authors: Sigauke Oscar
Published: January 2023

The paper assesses the digital records management practices in government ministries in Manicaland province. The study employed a qualitative and interpretive multiple case study research design in the assessment of digital records management practices in the ministries. The study established that most of the digital records management practices in government ministries in Manicaland province do not meet the measure of best practice as envisaged by several international records management standards, particularly the generic standard ISO 15489-1 2016. The lack of clear provisions for digital records in the NAZ Act, absence of policies for digital records and failure to implement international records management standards for digital records, as recommended by NAZ, is having a negative influence on the management of digital records in government ministries in Manicaland province. The performance of digital records management processes such as records creation and capture, classification, access and security control, storage, preservation, and digital records disposal is not adhering to international standards for digital records management. It was further revealed that personnel managing digital records lack the critical competencies required for digital records management work. The study recommended the review of the NAZ Act to include specific provisions for digital records, formulation of digital records management policies and the implementation of standards recommended by NAZ, improvement of records officers’ competences through short courses on digital records management and adherence to international standards for records management in the performance of digital records management processes.
Digitisation of audio-visual archives at the National Archives of Zimbabwe
Authors: Bishi Amos
Published: January 2023

This research pursues bringing to light the modern landscape of administering audio-visual archives at the National Archives of Zimbabwe (NAZ) and getting it on the journey towards digital preservation. The Victorian era paved the way to analogue technological evolution in the audio-visual archiving fraternity. A technological breakthrough initiated by a Frenchman, Louis Daguerre, led to the invention of a photographic image on a silver-coated copper plate medium in 1839. Again, in 1927, the outstanding Thomas Alva Edison positively documented audio on a rotating tin foil cylinder carrier. The form of documented memories in many African archives is mostly in conventional formats. Nonetheless, in the contemporary past, NAZ combined audio-visual archives and television archives that were raised up by the United Kingdom, which was the colonial supremacy during the period of 1890 to 1979. The British administration established the Colonial Film Unit at the commencement of the Second World War, in 1939, as part of political creativity focused on colonies. The NAZ audio-visual unit was born in 1988 under the library section to assist the information desires of the establishment, through the creation, purchase, organisation, preservation, and dissemination of audio-visual archives. The researcher used a qualitative case study methodology with an interpretivist perspective where the main focus of the research was on the NAZ’s Harare head office. Interviews, document analysis and observations were used as the major data collecting tools. The results showed that the institution houses audio-visual materials and is still struggling to preserve all the formats digitally. Lastly, the study recommends the adoption of digital preservation mechanisms to facilitate the proper care and access of these precious non-conventional records as declared by UNESCO.
E-records guidance tools in records sharing at Tanzania Public Service College
Authors: Chang’a Chiku M , Mwilongo Kardo J
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to assess the e-records guidance tools for record sharing at the Tanzania Public Service College in Tanzania. A credible methodology is presented, followed by a discussion about the phenomena underpinning the study. The study engaged a quantitative research design to collect, process and analyse data. The quantitative research design was used to collect basic descriptive statistical data on demographic characteristics, awareness of e-records guidance tools, usefulness of e-records guidance tools in sharing records and the factors affecting the application of e-records guidance tools in sharing e-records. The findings established that the majority (>50%) of the respondents were well informed of e-records guidance tools and agreed on the fact that guidance tools’ user-friendliness, trace procedures and user awareness positively affected access to and use of e-records guidance tools. However, the institutional developed procedures and regulations were applied to a high degree in the handling and sharing of e-records; although attention has to be critically recommended to the Tanzania National Archives on developing comprehensive e-records guidance tools to ensure effective e-records sharing practices.
Factors influencing access to archives at Botswana National Archives and Records Services
Authors: Manek Manyeke , Mosweu Tshepho
Published: January 2023

As the responsibility for governments to account and be transparent evolves, access to information is becoming a significant tool in that regard. As such, most countries prioritised access to archives to uphold accountability and transparency, particularly in democratic states. However, for some institutions, access to archives is still a challenge. In this regard, this paper sought to assess the factors that affect access to archives at the Botswana National Archives and Records services (BNARS) with the aim of finding solutions to improve access to archives in Botswana. The study adopted a qualitative approach to review literature on the factors that affect access to archives. The study found that access to archives at BNARS is impacted by copyright issues; weak and lacking appropriate legislative framework; distance barriers; as well as logistical barriers. Ultimately, the paper reflects that several solutions such as the development and review of the legislative framework regarding access to archives, improvement of logistical and operational standards, and implementation of policies are recommended. These interventions should be implemented in line with the International Council on Archives (ICA) principles of access to archives. This would pave way for improved access to archives and archival repositories in Botswana and the ESARBICA region at large.
Customer satisfaction in records management at Botswana Examinations Council
Authors: Richard Gladness , Jain Priti
Published: January 2023

This paper is extracted from a master’s dissertation titled, “An evaluation of customer satisfaction at Botswana Examinations Council Records Management Unit.” The purpose of this study was to investigate customer satisfaction at Botswana Examinations Council Records Management Unit (BEC RMU) using the SERVQUAL conceptual model. The study convergent mixed methods research approach with survey, interview, participant observation and document review as data collection tools. The findings of this study revealed that: the BEC RMU has adequate facilities, equipment and human resources that enable it to serve customers; there is no disaster management plan in the RMU; the RMU rarely conducts user needs assessment surveys and its officers use face-to-face communication, telephone, and emails to communicate with customers. The study recommends training for RMU officers in good customer service, management support, introduction of ERMS, workshops to sensitise RMU officers on customer service standards or any other related document, development of a disaster management plan, customer service programme and user needs assessment. The study further recommends orientation and induction of action officers.
Heavy Metals Accumulation and Phytoremediation Ability of Onion (Allium cepa) and Garlic (Allium sativum) Grown on Contaminated Soils from Challawa Industrial Estate, Kano, Nigeria
Authors: Alkali I. , Audu A. A. , Bello U. , Darma S. M. , Ahmad A. T.
Published: January 2023

This work was designed to assess and compare the heavy metals accumulation and phytoremediation ability of some allium species (Garlic; Allium sativum and Onion; Allium cepa) grown on two different soils (contaminated and Control soils) using standard methods. Heavy metals (of Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) Concentrations (mg/Kg) were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS Model: 210VGP). Plants growth and biomass production were assessed. Biological concentration factors (BCF) and translocation factors (TF) were calculated. The mean levels of elements obtained ranged widely from 0.55 mg/Kg Ni to 1830.64 mg/Kg Fe. The results showed that onion accumulated higher concentrations of all the heavy metals compared to garlic with exception of Zn. However, the differences in heavy metal concentrations where significant only in Cr and Mn. Phytoremediation efficiency indices (BCF and TF) showed a similar trend for both onion and garlic. The mean BCF values of Pb, Cr, Zn, Mn and Fe in onion were generally high > 1. Ni and Pb had their mean TF values greater than 1. Thus, onion can be used as potential phytoextraction plant. The similarities in most of these metal accumulation trends, BCF and TF between onion and garlic might be due to their being similar species with similar physiological features and from the same family.
Mineralogical and Geotechnical Properties of Subgrade Soils Along Failed Portions of Abavo-Urhonigbe Road, Western Niger Delta, Nigeria
Authors: Ugbe F. C. , Odibo O. F. , Emioge E. A. , Etobro A. A. I. , Nwakaji K. N.
Published: January 2023

This paper present the investigation of the possible causes of the incessant road failure associated with subgrade soils of the Niger delta using mineralogical and geotechnical properties assessment. Geotechnical investigation revealed clayey sand form the bulk of the subgrade soils composed generally of fine to medium grains with low to intermediate plasticity. Based on AASHTO the soil classifies as A-2 and A-6 with the granular soils being dominant. The average values obtained for California Bearing Ratio (CBR), maximum dry density (MDD), optimum-moisture-content (OMC) and shear strength are 19%, 1726 kg/m3, 15.70% and 286 KPA respectively. The angle of friction ranged from 180 to 250 indicates high presence of sand. X-ray diffraction analyses reveal the absence of expandable clay mineral. Collapse potential ranged from 1.3 to 10.8% indicating slight to severe collapse. High amount of settlement and field observation of intense failure revealed the soils as collapsible, particularly when inundated under poor drainage conditions. Thus, the road failures observed in the study are as a result of the soil inherent properties and the failure of design relative to the Region peculiar geomorphological and climatic conditions.
Production of Biodiesel from the Transesterification of Waste Cooking Oil using Biobased Sulphonated Catalyst prepared from Coconut Shells
Authors: Oyedoh E. A. , Okoduwa G. U. , Madojemu G. O. , Akhabue C. E.
Published: January 2023

This study investigated the effects of transesterification process factors on biodiesel yield from waste cooking oil using a biobased sulphonated catalyst made from waste coconut shells. The catalyst was characterized in terms of surface structure, elemental compositions, surface area, pore volume and pore size. Reaction duration was varied from 30 to 180 minutes, catalyst loading varied from 1 to 6 wt%, and reaction temperature varied from 45 to 65°C are among the transesterification process variables studied. The Box Behnken design (BBD) of response surface methods was used to design the transesterification reaction. The catalyst surface morphology revealed that it has an uneven pore structure while elemental composition revealed that it is mainly composed of CaO (17.32%), SiO2 (21.40%), SO3 (21.04%), and Al2O3 (13.68%). The catalyst surface area, pore volume, and pore size were determined to be 474.4 m2.g-1, 0.295 cm3.g-1, and 2.144 nm, respectively. Reaction time and temperature had significant effect on the biodiesel yield while the influence of catalyst dosage was minimal. After a reaction time of 147.73 minutes and a catalyst dosage of 2.18 wt % at a reaction temperature of 65°C, a maximum yield of 96.22 percent of biodiesel was produced. The predicted R2 (0.9541) and actual R2 (0.7705) values were found to be in good agreement. Due to the high output of biodiesel, waste cooking oil could be a low-cost biobased feedstock for biodiesel formulations. The characteristics of biodiesel made from waste cooking oil were comparable to those of conventional biodiesel.
Phytochemical Screening and Comparative Larvicidal Activity of Albizia lebbeck and Tamarindus indica Leaf Extracts against Culexquinquefasciatus and Aedesaegypti
Authors: Osawota V. E. , Imieje V. O. , Iloba B. N.
Published: January 2023

Different species of mosquitoes have been implicated in the transmission of various diseases to humans and livestock, including malaria, filariasis, dengue fever, encephalitis, etc. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro larvicidal potentials of Albizia lebbeck and Tamarindus indica against the third instar larvae of two mosquito species, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. Fresh leaves of the plants were collected, dried, grounded, and extracted separately with petroleum ether in a soxhlet apparatus. The powdered samples were screened for phytochemical constituents using standard methods. The larvicidal potential of both extracts was evaluated using the WHO protocols. Results of the phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and triterpenoids. The extracts of both plants exhibited significant and dose-dependent mortality of C. quinquefasciatus larvae at 97.33% with LC50 of 0.3092 for A. lebbeck and 98.67%, with LC50 of 0.1729 mL/L for T. indica at extracts concentration of 1.6 mL/L. Also, the extracts showed significant and dose-dependent mortality of A. aegypti larvae with 25-92% mortality and LC50 = 0.2735 mL/L for A. lebbeck and 32-92% for T. indica leaf extracts with LC50  = 0.2889 µg/mL (p≤ 0.006621). We conclude that the extracts of these plants possess larvicidal potentials and could be developed into natural larvicides for mosquito control programs.
Green Synthetic Methods for a Schiff Base from 2-Aminopyridine and 4-Ethoxybenzaldehyde
Authors: Ogbonda-Chukwu E. , Abayeh O. J. , Achugasim O.
Published: January 2023

The novel Schiff base was acquired from the reaction between 2-aminopyridine and 4-ethoxybenzaldehyde using three (3) techniques; refluxing in ethanol for 2 hours, stirring in ethanol and an ethanol-water (1:1) mixture at room temperature for an hour. The synthesis of the 2-aminopyridine-4-ethoxybenzaldehyde Schiff base produced dark yellow crystals with melting point range of 95-97oC. The reaction in ethanol under reflux produced the highest yield of 88.2% while the reaction in ethanol and ethanol-water (1:1 v/v) mixture at room temperature gave 69.2% and 43.5% yield of the compound respectively. The IR spectrum showed the following bands; 1681cm-1 (C=N), 1595cm-1 (aromatic C=C stretch), 2981cm-1 (aromatic C-H stretch), 1509cm-1 (aromatic C=N stretch), 1155cm-1 (aliphatic C-C stretch), 1036 (aromatic C-O stretch), 2825 (aliphatic C-H stretch). The 13C NMR spectrum showed the following chemical shifts (δppm); 158.48 (C=N, imino), 154.98 and 150.18 (C-N of aromatic pyridine moiety), 121.44 – 137.53 (aromatic carbons), 158.68 (aromatic C-O), 63.88 (aliphatic C-O), 15.22 (aliphatic C). The 1H NMR spectral data (δppm) for the compound gave the following results; 7.06-7.91, m (8H) (Ar-H), 9.71, s (1H) (HC=N-), 4.10, q (2H) and 1.32, t (3H) (OCH2CH3). The spectral data was in agreement to the predicted structure of the Schiff base.
Extraction, Characterization and Determination of Physicochemical Properties of Biodiesel obtained from Desert Date (Balanites aegyptiaca) Seed Oil
Authors: Usman M. , Ibrahim H. , Agbaji E. B.
Published: January 2023

Biodiesel is a domestically produced, clean-burning, renewable substitute for petroleum diesel. Using biodiesel as a vehicle fuel increases energy security, improves air quality and the environment, and provides safety benefits. . This study extracted, characterized and determined the physicochemical properties of biodiesel produced from Desert date (B. aegyptiaca) seed oil using Soxhlet extraction method with n-hexane as the extraction solvent. The oil obtained was characterized using FTIR and GC-MS analyses and its physicochemical properties determined. The oil obtained was subsequently transesterified using methanol and KOH catalyst. The obtained biodiesel was characterized and its physicochemical properties determined. The result showed that B. aegyptiaca seed oil had density of 0.9 g/cm3, viscosity of 6 cSt at 40 0C and viscosity of 2.5 cSt at 100 0C. The cloud and pour points of the oil was 21 and 9 0C respectively. The oil comprised of eleven fatty acids; predominantly linoleic acid (21.88 %), vaccenic acid (13.90 %) and palmitic acid (10.96 %). The biodiesel had density of 0.88 g/cm3, kinematic viscosity of 4.2 cSt, cloud and pour points of 16 0C and 7 0C respectively. The biodiesel also had free fatty acid (FFA) of 0.79 %, iodine value of 42 mgI2/100g and saponification value of 176. The biodiesel primarily consisted of 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid methyl ester (45.46 %), Hexadecanoic acid methyl ester (20.12 %), Butyl-9,12-Octadecadienoate (12.43 %) and Heptadecanoic acid-16-methyl ester (10.43 %). The properties obtained for the biodiesel were comparable to those of biodiesels reported in literature and thus, shows remarkable potentials to be used as substitute to fossil-based diesel fuel.
Assessment of Infiltration Rates and Index Properties of Soil in a Flood Prone Community, Kogi State, North Central Nigeria
Authors: Alfa M. I. , Owamah H. I. , Ishaq A. , Adie D. B.
Published: January 2023

The characteristics of Soil is one of the major factors that affect flooding. This study therefore was carried out to assess the infiltration rates and index properties of soil within a flood-prone community of Oforachi in Kogi State, Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. Data obtained showed that the average soil infiltration rate ranges from 1.89 – 3.24 cm/hr and the maximum infiltration rate range between 6.00 – 9.00 cm/hr, while the soil antecedent moisture content was between 15.00 – 42.48 %. Soil infiltration properties classification based on hydraulic conductivity and sieve analysis show that soils within the study area combine silt and clay characteristics which has strong relationship with the persistent flood experienced in the area.
Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity Screening of Chloroform Leaves Extract of Man-To-Man (Peperomia pellucida) Harvested from Umunomo Ihitteafoukwu in Imo State, South Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Ibe-diala J. C. , Igwe O. U.
Published: January 2023

Peperomia pellucida commonly called man-to-man or pepper elder is a plant of immense medicinal value and used in the treatment of different ailments such as abdominal pain, abscess, acne, boils colic rhematic joint pain and also consumed as vegetable. This study was conducted to investigate the preliminary and quantitative phytochemical properties of Peperomia pellucida. The results obtained revealed the presence of alkaloids (2.49±0.02), phenols (0.05±0.01), flavonoids (0.59±0.01), saponins (0.64 ± 0.02), tannins (0.08± 0.01) with alkaloid registering the highest presence. Peperomia pellucida leaves extract exhibited significant antioxidant activity at minimum and maximum concentrations of 2.0 and 12.0mg/ml respectively (compared to the ascorbic acid used as the free scavenger). The antibacterial result also showed that P. pellucida extract inhibited the growth of the test organisms, with the highest growth inhibition against Escherichia Coli and the lowest growth inhibition against Bacillus Cereus. The antimicrobial properties indicate the potential usefulness of this plant in the treatment of various pathogenic diseases which in future can be developed as a potential antimicrobial agent used in the treatment of infectious diseases.
Role of Electrochemically Active Bacteria in the Treatment of Piggery and Poultry Wastewaters from Umuagwo in Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Nwigwe V. N. , Uba B. O.
Published: January 2023

In this study, piggery and poultry wastewaters were used as agro-based industrial wastewaters to evaluate the role of electrochemically active bacteria in an anodic chamber of microbial fuel cell (MFC) with 0.1M potassium permanganate cathodic cell using salt bridge preparation. The BOD5, COD, TDS, TSS, nitrogen, phosphates, pH and conductivity served as indicative parameters for determining the wastewater treatment efficiencies (WWTE) of the MFCs. Results obtained from the WWTE reveal that the MFCs were able to reduce the piggery wastewater parameters, BOD, COD, TDS, TSS, nitrogen, phosphate, pH, conductivity by 89.66, 69.57, 52.20, 69.04, 70.27, 59.57, - 4.41 and 0.99 %, respectively while the same parameters for the poultry wastewater were reduced by 82.61, 78.59, 58.03, 67.13, 70.49, 64.52, 2.70 and 28.04 %, respectively. Statistically, there were significant differences before and after treatments and between wastewater samples revealing that that the effect of treatment before and after on physicochemical parameters were different for piggery wastewater than they were for poultry wastewater. Microbes in the biofilms on the electrodes (potential exoelectrogens) include Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Micrococcus luteus, Corynebacterium sp., Enterococcus sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp., Salmonella sp. and Shigella sp. while the fungal isolates include Mucor sp., Saccharomyces sp. and Aspergillus sp. in both piggery and poultry wastewaters. Thus, microbial fuel cell bacteria oxidize the organic matter leading to decontamination of the wastewater – a significant approach in addressing the public health threats of these wastes in our country.
Assessment of Tree Species Diversity, Family Composition and Diameter Size Class of Tree Species in Igbo-Olua Sacred Groove, Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Aina-Oduntan O. A. , Onilude Q. A. , Osundun S. O. , Onadeji O. M. , Afolabi O. S. , Adedoyin O. D.
Published: January 2023

This study was carried out to assess the tree species diversity, family composition and diameter size distribution of the tree species in Igbo-Olua sacred groove, Ondo state, Nigeria using appropriate standard techniques. A total of 34 tree species distributed in 23 families were recorded.  Sterculiaceae family (66) had the highest number of individual stem per ha while Moraceae family had the highest number in terms of tree species per hectare (7). The distribution of the diameter structure is typical of the natural forest type with high number of tree species in the smaller size classes or interval (12.5) and the number of tree species decreases with increasing size class or interval. Diversity measures obtained included Shannon-Weiner index (3.09), Evenness (0.64) and Margalef index (6.36). Awakening the consciousness of people towards the protection of sacred groves has practical implications on their survival. Hence government and other allied institutions should gear efforts towards grove conservation.
Mycoremediation Potential of Edible Mushroom (Lentinus squarrosulus Mont) for Reduction of Physicochemical Properties and Microbial Load of Landfill Leachate obtained from Choba Dumpsite, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Ikechi-Nwogu G. C. , Akpan D.
Published: January 2023

Dumpsite leachate samples are characterized by high concentration of pollutants that pose several environmental health risks in both short and long term. This study was therefore undertaken to investigate the efficacy of mycoremediation capacity of edible mushroom (Lentinus squarrosulus Mont.) for reduction of physicochemical properties and microbial load of landfill leachate obtained from Choba dumpsite, Rivers State, Nigeria using mycofiltration technique and standard methods. Data obtained after a 24-48 hours mycofiltration treatment, revealed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in the concentration of pH from 7.4 to 7.7, Colour 227 to 108, Turbidity 152 to 50 (NTU), Electrical conductivity 415 to 201(µS/cm), Total Dissolved Solid 560 to 218 (mg L-1), Total Suspended Solid 22 to 20 (mg L-1), Nitrite 0.124 to 0.120, Nitrate 0.130 to 0.125, Phosphate 1.4 to 1.1, Dissolved Oxygen 8.64to 1.52 (mg/L-1), Biological Oxygen Demand 7.2 to 1.52 (mg/L-1), Chemical Oxygen Demand 4.96 to 1.32 (mg/L-1) and microbes at the end of the filtration process.  The findings from this study showed that mycofiltration technique could be a useful, efficient and affordable technology for toxicity reduction in dumpsite leachate.
Physicochemical Characteristics and Heavy Metals Level in Groundwater and Leachate around Solid Waste Dumpsite at Mbodo, Rivers State Nigeria
Authors: Onwualu-John J. N. , Uzoegbu M. U.
Published: January 2023

The dump site at Mbodo study area is characterized by diverse kinds of waste, from municipal waste to industrial waste, agricultural waste, and solid waste. Hence, this study evaluated the physicochemical characteristics and heavy metals level in groundwater and leachate around solid waste dumpsite at Mbodo, Rivers State, Nigeria using standard methods after sample treatment. The physiochemical results of the underground waters were studied and the results range are pH (4.50-4.77); Total dissolved solid (7.0-8.0); Total hardness (2.40-4.04); Turbidity (0.4); Conductivity (14-17); chloride (4.6- 6.0), Nitrate (0.9). The physiochemical parameters are within the world health organization standard except for pH of the waters which indicates low pH (4.48-4.477). The low pH of the underground water could be due to surrounding factors like elemental compositions of the aquifer, the nature of the underground water, reactions of the elemental components in the water, reactions of metals at the subsurface, dissolution of confined CO2 in the underground water. The leachates have average composition of (Cu= 0.015; Mn=5.565; Fe=15.01). The heavy metals in the underground water are within the permissible limit which can be tolerated by human beings as compared with the world health organization standard. The heavy metals concentrations range from (Ca =0.06-0.11; Mg= 0.05-0.2; Mn=0.02-0.03; Fe= 0.033; Ni=0.047) while Cd, Cr and Pb are not significant. The waste dump at Mbodo study area did not have any significant effect on the proxy underground water.
Investigation and Scaling of Hydrogen Production by Klebsiella sp. ABZ11 for Optimal Yield and the Kinetics of Batch Fermentation Process
Authors: Mohammed A. , Mohd Firdaus A. , Zaharah I. , Mohammed I. L. , Mohammed J. N. , Balogun T. V.
Published: January 2023

The slow metabolism of bacteria at low temperatures affects the catalytic efficiency of enzymes and productivity. This article investigates the use of a psychrotolerant bacteria (Klebsiella sp. ABZ11) for biohydrogen production, yield and scaling at optimal temperature, pH and glucose in a batch fermentation process within a 2-liter bioreactor using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to report the process performance. The results show 33.5°C, pH 6.75 and 9.15 g glucose as the optimal conditions. Scale-up yielded 137.56 mol/L biohydrogen, 22.13% more than production under optimized conditions. Biomass grew at 0.081/h and doubled in 17 h with 0.71 g cells to reach maximum production. Compared to 0.062/h, 22 h with 0.87 g cells in optimal condition to achieve maximum biohydrogen production. This result shows the potential of biohydrogen production using Antarctic psychrotolerant bacteria at mesophilic temperature.
Ethno-botanical and Pharmaceutical Properties of Mollucan Spinach (Gynura procumbens Lour. Merr)
Authors: Ahmed H. , Shehu S.
Published: January 2023

Recently there has been increase in patronage of herbal medicine due to economic constrain particularly among low income earners in the developing countries such as Nigeria. Gynura procumbens, (Molucan spinach) is widely used in traditional medicine for treatment of wide ailments such as fever, malaria, anti-glycaemic, rheumatism, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cancer, kidney diseases, anti-inflammatory, constipation, male sterility and body pain among others. This study reviews the ethnobotanical and pharmaceutical properties of G. procumbens (Lour.) Merr hence provided some data and information on the biological activity of G. procumbens which evaluated and validated its efficacy and safety in the treatment of different ailments. Based on the traditional uses of G. procumbens, the specie appears to possess high therapeutic potential for treatment of various diseases hence making it a target for pharmacological studies. Despite the knowledge and use of ethnomedicine the current scientific evidence on biological activities of G. procumbens remain scanty.
Human Body Burden of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Antibiotics Susceptibility Pattern and Presence of Extended Spectrum β-lactamase and Carbapenemase encoding Genes in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Egwuatu T. O. G. , Osuagwu C. S. , Olorunnimbe O. R. , Ogunrinde O. G. , Osibeluwo B. B.
Published: January 2023

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, frequently associated with a wide range of community and nosocomial infections, is notorious for being resistant to several classes of antibiotics with only a handful of antibiotics still effective. This study determined the human body burden of P. aeruginosa as well as antibiotics susceptibility pattern and presence of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase encoding genes in Lagos state, Nigeria using standard methods. Out of 103 bacterial cultures collected, 31 P. aeruginosa isolates were obtained, mostly originating from wound and urine samples. High rates of antibiotics resistance were observed to fluoroquinolone and cephalosporins with 24 (77.4%) resistant to ciprofloxacin, 19 (61.3) to cefotaxime, and 18 (58.1%) to ceftriaxone as well as amoxicillin clavulanic acid. However, resistance to ceftazidime and meropenem were low with only 6 (19.4%) and 5 (16.1%) resistant isolates respectively. ESBL production was detected in 10 (32.3%) of the isolates with ESBL genes detected in 6 (60%) of the 10 isolates. Ceftazidime and meropenem are viable therapeutic options for P. aeruginosa infections. Selection and dissemination of ESBL producing P. aeruginosa must be curtailed to prevent the loss of efficacy in currently available viable therapeutic options.
Adam Kamiński o brachygrafii najstarszej księgi ziemskiej krakowskiej (1374–1385)
Authors: Filipczyk Wiesław
Published: January 2023

Publikowany artykuł Adama Kamińskiego, znakomitego paleografa i edytora staropolskich źródeł historycznych (1905–1981), omawia system skrótów paleograficznych stosowanych przez pisarzy sądu ziemskiego krakowskiego w najstarszej zachowanej księdze tego sądu w Polsce z lat 1374–1385, przechowywanej w Archiwum Narodowym w Krakowie pod sygn. 29/1/1. Autor porównuje go ze skrótami stosowanymi na Zachodzie Europy na podstawie podręczników paleografii i słowników skrótów. Wydawany obecnie tekst jest świadectwem wczesnych zainteresowań i studiów paleograficznych A. Kamińskiego, których wyniki nie mogły być wtedy opublikowane, głównie ze względu na ograniczone możliwości finansowe i techniczne ówczesnych archiwów państwowych. Stanowi jednak cenny i ciekawy, a przy tym nieznany przyczynek do badań nad kancelarią sądów ziemskich w Polsce.

Adam Kamiński on the shorthand of the oldest Krakow land register (1374–1385)

The article by Adam Kamiński, an outstanding palaeographer and editor of old-Polish historical sources (1905–1981), discusses the system of palaeographic shorthand used by scribes of the Krakow land court in the oldest preserved register of the court in Poland from the years 1374–1385, stored in the National Archives in Krakow with the reference number 29/1/1. The author compares it with the shorthand used in western Europe based on handbooks of palaeography and shorthand dictionaries. The current text is testimony to Kamiński’s early palaeographic interests and studies, whose results were not published at the time, mainly due to the limited financial and technical resources of the state archives. This represents a valuable and interesting, as well as an unknown, contribution to research into land court offices in Poland.
Актуальные вопросы применения индексации в арбитражных судах
Authors: Алексеева А.А. , Ковалева И.Ю.
Published: January 2023

В СТАТЬЕ АНАЛИЗИРУЮТСЯ ВОПРОСЫ, ВОЗНИКАЮЩИЕ В НАСТОЯЩЕЕ ВРЕМЯ В СВЯЗИ С ПРИНЯТИЕМ ФЕДЕРАЛЬНОГО ЗАКОНА ОТ 11.06.2022 № 177-ФЗ «О ВНЕСЕНИИ ИЗМЕНЕНИЯ В СТАТЬЮ 183 АРБИТРАЖНОГО ПРОЦЕССУАЛЬНОГО КОДЕКСА РОССИЙСКОЙ ФЕДЕРАЦИИ». ЗАТРАГИВАЕТСЯ ПРОБЛЕМА СООТНОШЕНИЯ ИНДЕКСАЦИИ И ГРАЖДАНСКО-ПРАВОВЫХ МЕХАНИЗМОВ ВОЗМЕЩЕНИЯ ПОТЕРЬ. РАСКРЫВАЕТСЯ ПОНЯТИЕ ИНДЕКСАЦИИ КАК ПРОЦЕССУАЛЬНОГО МЕХАНИЗМА ВОЗМЕЩЕНИЯ ИНФЛЯЦИОННЫХ ПОТЕРЬ. В СТАТЬЕ ИССЛЕДОВАНЫ ВОПРОСЫ О ПРИМЕНЕНИИ СРОКА ДАВНОСТИ К ТРЕБОВАНИЮ ОБ ИНДЕКСАЦИИ, А ТАКЖЕ ПРАКТИЧЕСКИЕ ВОПРОСЫ, ВОЗНИКАЮЩИЕ В СУДЕБНОЙ ПРАКТИКЕ ПРИ ПРИМЕНЕНИИ СТАТЬИ 183 АРБИТРАЖНОГО ПРОЦЕССУАЛЬНОГО КОДЕКСА РОССИЙСКОЙ ФЕДЕРАЦИИ.
Invariant bilinear differential operators
Authors: Grozman Pavel
Published: January 2023

I classified bilinear differential operators acting in the spaces of tensor
fields on any real or complex manifold and invariant with respect to the
diffeomorphisms in 1980. Here I give the details of the proof.
Conditional Dichotomy of Boolean Ordered Promise CSPs
Authors: Brakensiek Joshua , Guruswami Venkatesan , Sandeep Sai
Published: January 2023

Promise Constraint Satisfaction Problems (PCSPs) are a generalization of
Constraint Satisfaction Problems (CSPs) where each predicate has a strong and a
weak form and given a CSP instance, the objective is to distinguish if the
strong form can be satisfied vs. even the weak form cannot be satisfied. Since
their formal introduction by Austrin, Guruswami, and H\aa stad, there has been
a flurry of works on PCSPs [BBKO19,KO19,WZ20]. The key tool in studying PCSPs
is the algebraic framework developed in the context of CSPs where the closure
properties of the satisfying solutions known as the polymorphisms are analyzed.
The polymorphisms of PCSPs are much richer than CSPs. In the Boolean case, we
still do not know if dichotomy for PCSPs exists analogous to Schaefer's
dichotomy result for CSPs. In this paper, we study a special case of Boolean
PCSPs, namely Boolean Ordered PCSPs where the Boolean PCSPs have the predicate
$x \leq y$. In the algebraic framework, this is the special case of Boolean
PCSPs when the polymorphisms are monotone functions. We prove that Boolean
Ordered PCSPs exhibit a computational dichotomy assuming the Rich 2-to-1
Conjecture [BKM21] which is a perfect completeness surrogate of the Unique
Games Conjecture.
Assuming the Rich 2-to-1 Conjecture, we prove that a Boolean Ordered PCSP can
be solved in polynomial time if for every $\epsilon>0$, it has polymorphisms
where each coordinate has Shapley value at most $\epsilon$, else it is NP-hard.
The algorithmic part of our dichotomy is based on a structural lemma that
Boolean monotone functions with each coordinate having low Shapley value have
arbitrarily large threshold functions as minors. The hardness part proceeds by
showing that the Shapley value is consistent under a uniformly random 2-to-1
minor. Of independent interest, we show that the Shapley value can be
inconsistent under an adversarial 2-to-1 minor.