bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Second-generation Lithuanian Immigrants in Norway: Between Lithuania and Norway?
Authors: Daukšas Darius
Published: November 2019

The article is based on the findings of a field study conducted in Norway from 2008 to 2017. The focus group consisted of second-generation Lithuania migrants living in Norway. Transnationalism is one of the most promising concepts in anthropology in addressing contemporary migration. Transnationalism argues the changing nature of contemporary migration (when compared with the previous waves of migration in history). Contemporary migration is seen as intensive and simultaneous being “here” and “there” (in the country of origin and the host country). However, the identity construction in the second-generation migrants is seen as different if compared with the first generation. Critics of transnationalism see the second generation of migrants as a weak chain theoretically. According to them, previous concepts of assimilation and integration could be employed again in understanding identity construction of the second generation. A short analysis of the data from the field study of the second generation of migrants from Lithuania in Norway raises the question of whether transnationalism is inappropriate to explain the processes in the second generation of migrants. Surprisingly, it is evident that contrary to the claims of the critics of transnationalism, the second generation of migrants does not directly assimilate into the host society (Norway), and Lithuania remains a significant resource of identity. Even if second-generation migrants see themselves strongly connected with Norway both practically and emotionally (active participation in Norwegian society), at the same time Lithuania is considered more as a domain of emotions. In most cases, second-generation migrants seem to be active participants in Norwegian society. They understand Norwegian society better (if compared to the first generation), so it is natural that they want to be formally recognised as Norwegian citizens. To them, Lithuania is a country of holidays, grandparents, and entertainment. However, even in this case, we encounter a certain tension between being a Norwegian and a Lithuanian. The respondents speak of a certain duality or hybridity of identities when one does not want to be entirely Norwegian or entirely Lithuanian. However, although people note that both identities are equally important, they choose to become Norwegian citizens, because Norway is the country where they live and they feel better informed about its current affairs.
Health Hazards
Authors: Currie Elizabeth
Published: November 2019

Studies of early modern dress frequently focus on its connection with status and identity, overlooking clothing’s primary function, namely to protect the body and promote good health. The daily processes of dressing and undressing carried numerous considerations: for example, were vital areas of the body sufficiently covered, in the correct fabrics and colours, in order to maintain an ideal body temperature? The health benefits of clothing were countered by the many dangers it carried, such as toxic dyes, garments that were either too tight or voluminous, or harboured dirt and diseases that could infect the body. This article draws on medical treatises and health manuals printed and read in Italy and England, as well as personal correspondence and diaries, contextualised with visual evidence of the styles described. It builds on the current, wider interest in preventative medicine, humoral theory, health and the body in the early modern period by focusing in depth on the role of clothing within these debates.
Externalidades y patrones: ¿para qué un análisis de las redes sociales?
Authors: Peña Ismael
Published: November 2019

Las TIC han facilitado, como jamás antes en la historia, que las personas se comuniquen unas con otras y que compartan información de todo tipo. Además de facilitar esas relaciones, las redes sociales trazan prácticamente todos y cada uno de los movimientos que hace un individuo en dichas herramientas.
El eBook en España
Authors: Pemán David
Published: November 2019

El eBook prometía hace años una revolución después de la cual nada volvería a ser como antes. Pero a día de hoy el mercado del eBook en España es prácticamente inexistente, con apenas un peso del 0,2% sobre el total del mercado editorial. Sin embargo, David Pemán predice que esta revolución llegará en breve.
Ángel María Herrera
Authors: Pérez Beatriz
Published: November 2019

Ángel María Herrera es ingeniero informático y máximo responsable Bubok, una plataforma que, nacida en 2008, publica libros bajo demanda gratuitamente. Para él, Bubok es no sólo la culminación de proyectos anteriores, sino también una manera de conjugar su formación informática con su vocación literaria.
Does bone preparation impact its shape: consequences for comparative analyses of bone shape
Authors: Pagès Fanny , Fabre Anne-Claire , Abourachid Anick
Published: November 2019

Vertebrate osteological collections provide comparative material for morphological analysis. Before being stored in the collection and studied by researchers, specimens are treated by preparators or curators and are cleaned. The preparation protocol employed ideally should not damage the material. Here, we explore the potential deformation of bones due to preparation using geometric morphometric methods. We focus both on intraspecific and interspecific variability. Our data on the scapular girdle of birds show that, at an intraspecific level, the effect of preparation on bone shape cannot be neglected. Paired and unpaired bones did not respond to the preparation process in the same way, possibly due to differences in function and their anatomical characteristics. Moreover, deformations due to preparation can be estimated by looking at the texture of the bone. At the interspecific level, we found no significant differences as the deformations induced by preparation are relatively small compared to differences among species. This study highlights the importance of carefully selecting preparation methods in order to avoid physical damage that could impact the shape of bones, especially for studies at the intraspecific level.
Adoption of Recommended Bio-fertilizer Technologies among Soybean Growers in Ujjain Distrsict of Madhya Pradesh
Authors: Patidar Vaijanti , Choudhary Sandhya , Wankhede Abhay , Choudhary S. K.
Published: November 2019

Bio-fertilizers are living organisms that enrich the nutrient quality of the soil. It refers to the use of microbes instead of chemicals to enhance the nutrition of the soil. Conventional fertilizers are those formed through decomposition including compost; household wastes and green manure while chemical fertilizers are manmade or mined. Convention fertilizers are nature friendly but not effective as chemical fertilizers. Conventional or natural fertilizers provide nutrient to plant at slow rate and lower concentration but chemical fertilizers provide nutrient at fast rate and higher concentraion so, farmers frequently try to use chemical fertilizers in the field for crop development. Ujjain district has a high potential for soybean production. The crop is processed for oil, protein and animal feed. A smaller percentage is processed   into soy milk, soy flour, soy protein, tofu for human consumption. The higher use of chemical fertilizers in soybean crop for higher yield creates negative effect on human, animal and environment health. Hence, research in the use of bio-fertilizer in soybean crop in Ujjain district was conducted with 120 respondents. The major finding (e.g. quantity or bifertilizer used as seed trement) was obtained as Adoption of recommended bio-fertilizer technologies by beneficiary farmers was higher than non beneficiary farmers.
Production and Application of No-purified Rhamnolipids in the Soil-washing of TPHs Contaminated Soils
Authors: G. Torres Luis , González Roberto , Gracida Jorge
Published: November 2019

Aims: This work aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of producing (mono- and di-) rhamnolipids employing a strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain ATCC 9027 employing olive oil as a substrate and some mineral salts. This rhamnolipid is a biosurfactants with multiple applications The CMC of this product under different conditions (filtered, unfiltered, in the presence and absence of Fe and Mg, at different pH values) was assessed. At the end, the UP was assessed in the washing of a TPH contaminated soil.

Place and Duration of Study: Bioprocess department. Unidad Profesional Interdisciplinaria de Biotecnologia-IPN facilities, during 2016.

Methodology: Rhamnolipids were produced with P. aeruginosa in olive oil, then by drying the culture broth was generated an unpurified product (UP) that contained 0.19% rhamnolipids. Critical micelle concentration CMC of UP products were evaluated in the presence of Ca2+ or Fe3+ from 0.5 to 2 mM, and pH values from 4 to 10. Finally, this surfactant was assessed in the washing of hydrocarbon-contaminated soils, and compared with other synthetic surfactants.

Results: It was found that CMCs were similar to those reported in the literature for pure rhamnolipids. The UP products have shown dynamic behavior in the soil washing at concentrations below 176 mg/L because removed 80% of 6,500 mg TPH/Kg from a gravel-sandy soil; the rhamnolipids could be removed TPH through mobilization mechanism.

Conclusion: It was possible to produce rhamnolipid using olive oil as carbon source and strain of P. aeruginosa ATCC 9027 to levels of 100 mg/L. It was feasible to produce a powder containing 1.19% of rhamnolipids. The UP had better properties as a surfactant than the purified product. The pH affects the CMC of the rhamnolipids in a way that promotes their behavior as ionic surfactant or nonionic surfactant. The ionic strength with Ca 2+ and Fe3+ has an effect on the CMC of rhamnolipids so that the decreases in the range of 35 to 41 mg/L in the presence of 0.5 to 2 mM of metals. The UP rhamnolipids were employed for washing soil contaminated with 6,500 mg/kg increased TPH removal at low concentrations and to be as effective as chemical surfactants.  TPH removal observed was about 80% for rhamnolipid with a CMC x 0.074 concentration.
Critical Moisture Content, Bulk Density Relationships and Compaction of Cultivated and Uncultivated Soils in the Humid Tropics
Authors: Etim Udom Bassey , Ehilegbu Joy
Published: November 2019

Soil compaction affects soil fertility through increasing bulk density and soil strength. It also decreases infiltration rate, total porosity and amount of water stored in the root zone for crop use. In this study, we evaluated the optimum moisture contents (OMC) in relation to maximum dry density (MDD) and compaction of cultivated and uncultivated soils. The study was carried out on four land use types viz: uncultivated: Velvet tamarind (Dialium quineese), rubber plantation (Hevea brasiliensis) and cultivated: 5-year fallow and 10-year continuous cultivated soil to maize crop. Proctor test for the maximum dry density-moisture content relationship was carried out, including some hydraulic and structural properties of the soil, and their effect soil compaction. Results showed that optimum moisture content (OMC) for compaction relate to the maximum dry density (MDD).  In which case, dry density increased with water content to a maximum and decrease as moisture content increased above the optimum. Soil organic matter (SOM) content and particle size distribution highly affected the MDD and OMC. The MDD and OMC were: 1.92 g cm-3 and 10.4%, 1.95 g cm-3 and 11.2%, 1.91 g cm-3 and 12.3%, and 1.87 g cm-3 and 12.8% for velvet tamarind, 5-year fallow, CC and rubber plantation soils respectively, at 0-15 cm depth. Changes in field bulk densities at similar depths were in the order of velvet tamarind < rubber < 5-year fallow < CC. There were highly significant (p < 0.01) relationships between MDD, total porosity, Ksat and SOM and negative relationships between these parameters and OMC. Thus, continuous cultivation increased MDD and reduced OMC for compaction. Two- season fallow periods with legume could improve soil hydraulic properties and maintain the MDD of sandy soils at minimum.
Remediation Technology for Copper Contaminated Soil: A Review
Authors: Apori O. S. , Hanyabui E. , Asiamah Y. J.
Published: November 2019

Copper is a naturally occurring trace element present in all environmental media, including soil, sediment, air and water. It is an essential micronutrient critical for cell function, playing a vital role in processes. Copper contamination to agricultural soils is of great concern due to its wide and continuous use in agriculture and horticulture as fertilizers and fungicide. Copper contaminated soil is mainly attributed to agriculture activities such as continuous application of copper-based fungicides and pesticides application. A minireview was carried out using peer-reviewed articles published from 2000 to 2017, which methods of remediating copper soil. The AGORA and Google Scholar databases were used to conduct the search for articles using the terms copper and phytoremediation, Copper and Biological remediation, Copper and soil washing OR physical methods. Following these searches, 19 journal articles out of a total of 191 articles satisfied criteria for inclusion and were used in the final systematic review. The study showed that remediation technology for copper contaminated soil is divided into physical, chemical and biological categories. Physical methods are laborious and costly but can be applied to highly contaminated site; chemical methods have high efficiency and effective to remove the copper, but mostly popularized in a large scale; bioremediation methods including phytoremediation and microbial remediation are appropriate for large areas of soil contaminated by low concentrations of copper. The bioremediation methods are economical, eco-friendly but time consuming.
Impact of Irrigation Intervals on the Yield and Quality of Lupine (Lupinus termis L.) Grown in Sandy Soil Amended by an Organic Amendment
Authors: T. Rashad Rama , H. A. El-Agyzy Fatma , M. Abdel-Azeem Seham
Published: November 2019

Aims: Two field experiments have been carried out to study the effect of different irrigation periods in the presence of compost as an organic amendment on the yield and quality of lupine (Lupinus termis L.) under the sandy soil conditions.

Study Design: Split-plot design. 

Place and Duration of Study: The successive winter seasons of 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 at the Ismailia Agricultural Research Station, (30°35'30" N 32°14'50" E elevation 3 m), Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Egypt.

Methodology: Compost has been applied at the rates of 11.90, 23.81 and 35.71 ton/ha before planting. Three irrigation intervals were assigned after planting by 3, 6, and 9 days; the applied water volume for each was 4761.91 m3/ha.

Results: After harvesting, some parameters were estimated. As the compost rates increased, the soil EC significantly decreased while the available N, P, K, and Fe were significantly increased by 9.51, 12.79, 5.17, and 5.8%, respectively. For same compost rate, the irrigation intervals (3, 6, and 9 days) significantly decreased the available N relatively by 2.88, 5.16, and 6.96%, respectively and the available K by 3.45, 5.06, and 4.37%, respectively. The 6 days interval showed that most significant increase in the seeds' content of nutrients at different compost rates and the seed yield has increased by 19.59, 22.31, and 21.88% for the compost rates of 11.90, 23.81, and 35.71 ton/ha, respectively. The relative increase was by 20.48, 7.63, 4.49, 10.89, and 14.92% for the crude protein, crude lipids, total ash, TSS and the amino acids, respectively. The effect of treatments on the relative shoot moisture (%) and the field water use efficiency (F.W.U.E.) (kg/m3) was discussed.

Conclusion: The 6 days irrigation interval along with a compost application rate of 23.81 ton/ha can be recommended for lupine grown in sandy soil as they showed the most significant increase in the nutrients content of seeds by 22.31%.
Assessment of Soil Quality Irrigated with Tube Well Water at University Fadama Farm Jega, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero
Authors: Augie M. A. , Adegbite M. A. , Sanda A. R. , Ahmed I. , Ibrahim M. , Zakari S. I.
Published: November 2019

A research was conducted on the soils of teaching and research fadama farm of Kebbi State University of Science and Technology Aliero located at Jega, with the aim of assessing the soil quality irrigated with tube well water of the study area. The entire University Fadama land was divided into three sections namely T1, T2 and T3 and from each section, three (3) composite soil samples were collected. Each soil sample was collected 2meters away from a tubewell where water sample was also collected. Three (3) samples of the tube well water were collected from the three demarcated areas T1, T2 and T3, making a total of nine (9) samples. These samples were collected in a clean 75cl water bottle provided with a cap. Each water sample was analysed for pH, total dissolved solid (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), magnesium (Mg) and potassium (K). Soil sample was analyzed for pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus. Result obtained showed that pH was 7.2, TDS 2.55 mg/l, EC 0.25 µs/cm, SAR 1.35, Mg 90.25, K 1.43 and RSC -3.8. Soil analysis showed that organic carbon content was 0.75 g/kg, total nitrogen 0.06 g/kg, Phosphorus 0.65 g/kg and CEC ranged 6.96-7.32 cmol(+)/kg. The study showed that soil in the area were low in fertility, therefore fertilizer of both organic and inorganic should be supplemented to make the soils more fertile. The soils were found to be free from salinity/sodicity problems at least for now.
Rural Communities’ Perceptions of Climate Change and Its Impacts on Their Livelihood in Southeastern Niger
Authors: Issaharou-Matchi I. , Rabiou H. , Mahamane M. , Idrissa B. , Mahamane A. , Saadou M.
Published: November 2019

Climate change exacerbates ecosystem degradation in Sahel where rural communities are highly dependent on natural resources and ecosystem services for their livelihoods. In order cope with the adverse effects of climate change by developing climate adaptation strategies, there has been a need to understand how communities perceive the change or variability in their local climate and how this change could affect their livelihood. This paper aims to examined rural communities’ perceptions about climate change in the commune of Chetimari located in the region of Diffa, southeastern Niger. It investigated particularly: 1) how communities’ perceptions of climate change? 2) What are the impacts of climate change on the livelihood of communities? And 3) What do elements and options to detect abrupt change points in annual precipitations and both annual maximum and minimum temperature? Survey data were collected from October to November 2018 from 101 households (15% of the total households in the study area) in three villages. Multiple correspondence Analysis (MCA) and Factorial Correspondence Analysis (FCA) were performed with XLSTAT to analyzed data from survey. Meteorological data including Monthly precipitation from 1981 to 2017, and Monthly temperatures (maximum, minimum) from 1986 to 2017 of the Diffa meteorological station were analyzed using R to perform the Man Kendal trend test and the Pettit test for detection of abrupt changes in the series. Results showed that community perceptions on temperature increase (not for precipitation) trends as indicators of climate change are in agreement with meteorologically observed trends. The findings showed that people in this zone are aware of climate change that they see as increase in maximum and minimum temperature, decrease in rainfall, frequency of extreme events (drought and flood), dry spells, decrease in number of rainy days, strong winds etc…Results revealed the most significant impacts of climate change affecting the livelihood of rural communities in this area. These are higher risk of crop damage from drought, farmer and herder conflict frequency, drying up of wells, food shortage/insecurity, silting pools, decline in soil fertility and livestock production, silting pasture areas, frequency of livestock diseases, increased weed and invasive species, livestock mortality. The perception of the climate change and its impacts on the main socioeconomic activities vary from a village to another, according the sexes and age ranges.

We conclude that communities are relatively aware about the climate change issue. For a better management of climate-induced risks in the study area we stress the need to improve the awareness of climate change within the rural community by improving the availability and the quality of relevant climate information.
Prevalence of Intestinal Helminthic Infections in Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Abeokuta, Nigeria
Authors: A. Adedotun A. , A. Awoyemi O. , A. Osiyemi J. , Popoola I. , A. Daramola A. , O. Osiyemi E.
Published: November 2019

Intestinal infections during pregnancies are recorded with common factors which include prenatal mortality, poor nutritional status, impaired growth, low birth weight, anaemia and disease burden. It is one of the major public health problems in developing nations.

This survey was carried out with 100 pregnant women attending Oba Ademola II Maternity Hospital, Ijemo, Abeokuta, within six months to determine the infection prevalence, intensity, risk factors and packed cell volume (PCV) correlation. Determination of helminth was done by formo-ether sedimentation technique. Structured questionnaire was applied and analyzed using Analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results revealed the prevalence of Hookworm to be 18%, while that of Ascaris was 50%. Comparison of age between 18-45 years old and level of education was also taken into consideration.

Personal hygiene was significantly associated with reduced likelihood of infection. From this study, it is evident that helminthic infections were prevalent among pregnant women. It is therefore recommended that antenatal clinics should incorporate routine stool examination for pregnant women to detect parasitic worms and refer positive cases for medical treatment and routine deworming of all pregnant women after the first trimester should also be encouraged.
Antimicrobial Efficacy of Chromolaena odorata Extract against Bacteria Isolated from Patients with Urinary Tract Infection in Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Okhonlaye Ojokoh Anthony , Mogaji Olumide , Saanu Adeleke Bartholomew
Published: November 2019

Aim: This study is designed to isolate and identify the microorganisms associated with urinary tract infection in infected patients, determine the antimicrobial resistance pattern on the microbial isolates and the antimicrobial efficacy of solvents leaf extract of Chromolaena odorata on the resistant isolates.

Methodology: Six hundred (600) mid-stream urine samples were collected from infected patients in some selected hospitals in Ondo State. The phytochemical screening of the plant was determined. The antibiotics sensitivity and antimicrobial activity of the plant extract was determined using plate assay and agar well diffusion methods.

Results: Out of 600 urine samples analyzed, 472 (78.68%) showed significant growth of uropathogens comprising 197 (32.80%) male and 275 (45.83%) female. The isolated microorganisms comprise 5 Gram-positive bacteria (GPB), 9 Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) and 4 Candida sp. GNB account for 284(58.79%), GPB 158(32.71%) and Candida sp 41(8.48%). Escherichia coli showed high prevalence 90(18.63%) while Klebsiella ozaenae showed the least 11(2.27%). The phytochemical constituents of C. odorata extracts contained tannins, flavonoids, saponins, steroids and terpernoids and bacterial isolates showed resistant to all the antibiotics. Pseudomonas mendocina and P. putida showed the least resistant to C. odorata extracts. The MIC of the leaf extracts ranged from 5.0 mg/ml to 50.0 mg/ml.  The methanol extract had the highest antimicrobial activity than n-hexane and chloroform extracts on the uropathogens.

Conclusion: The high therapeutic potentials of C. odorata extract against the uropathogens could be used as alternative phytotherapy in herbal medicine to the commercial antibiotics in the treatment of urinary tract infections.
Plasmid Profile Analysis of Multi-drug Resistant Proteus spp isolated from Patients with Wound Infection in Northeastern Nigeria
Authors: M. Tom Isyaka , B. Agbo E. , A. Faruk Umar , M. Ibrahim Muhammad , M. Umoru Askira , B. Umar Jidda , Aliyu Abdullahi , B. Haruna Ali
Published: November 2019

Aims: We analysed the prevalence of plasmid mediated multidrug resistance among Proteus spp isolated from wound infection patients attending healthcare centers in Maiduguri.

Methodology: 320 wound swab samples were collected from August 2016 to June 2017, and investigated via microscopy, cultured on Blood agar and MacConkey agar. Suspected Proteus spp isolates were further confirmed using biochemical tests. Kirby bauer disc diffusion test was used to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. Isolates confirmed to be multidrug resistant (MDR) were subjected to gel electrophoresis for the determination of plasmid profile.

Results: Twenty eight (28) samples yielded Proteus spp, giving a prevalence rate of 8.75%. Proteus mirabilis was the most significant specie isolated (32.14%). Isolates were most sensitive/least resistant to Ciprofloxacin (85.71%/14.29%) and most resistant/least sensitive to Augmentin (10.71%/89.29%). 64.28% of isolates observed were MDR strains and were quite significant among patients between the ages of 21-30years (21.43%). MDR Proteus mirabilis was most the significant and highly prevalent among patients suffering from wound sepsis and burns (10.71% respectively). The association between MDR Proteus spp and wound types was statistically not significant (X2 =7.342, p>0.01). Plasmid profile analysis revealed that 72.22% of the MDR isolates harbour plasmids with a DNA fragment size of 100 bp and a molecular weight of 31ng/10µl. An average of 7.22% of MDR isolates were cured of their plasmids while an average of 56.67% of MDR isolates resisted curing.

Conclusion: Here, we report a high prevalence of multidrug resistance and a high rate of plasmid carrying strains of Proteus spp in wounds of hospitalised patients. We suggest that there is a role played by plasmid in the mediation of multidrug resistance among the MDR Proteus spp isolated, where the majority of the MDR isolates observed carry plasmids.
Priming F1-resistant Tomato Hybrid (Lindo-F1) Seedlings with Copper-I-Oxide Metalaxyl Composite Fungicide before Infection Enhanced Resistance to Fusarium Wilt
Authors: Borisade O. A. , Uwaidem Y. I.
Published: November 2019

Vascular wilt disease caused by soilborne Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici is a serious constraint to production of tomato in Southwestern Nigeria. F1-resistant tomato hybrid, Lindo-F1 seedlings were primed with Copper-I-Oxide Metalaxyl (CM) fungicide containing 65% Copper-1-Oxide in 12% Metalaxyl as a wettable powder (WP). The CM was suspended in Reverse Osmosis (RO) water and applied at four different concentrations (25, 42.5, 62.5, 87.5 mg Kg-1) to the soil in the nursery, and the seedlings were assigned names (B-, C, D- and E-tomato plant) respectively, according to the concentration of CM treatment. The control (A-tomato plant) was primed with RO water. The aim was to elicit the plant's innate defences before pathogen challenge, in addition to the direct fungitoxicity of CM. Conidia suspension of three virulent, indigenous isolates of F. oxysporum f.sp lycopersici (Sensu lato) AWO-1, ERIO-1 and IGEDE-1 were tested against the water-primed- and CM-primed Lindo-F1 seedlings. Moreover, effects of the CM on crop performance indices, disease incidence and severity were evaluated for the genetically resistant tomato alone (water-primed) and the tomato seedlings primed with CM. The CM concentrations significantly affected the performance of the seedlings in the nursery, F (8, 75) =9.358, P=0.001, with a critical concentration (42.5 mg Kg-1 soil), that adversely affected plants’ vigour. The rates of growth and development of the plants in the field in relation to the carry-over effects of CM-priming in the nursery was significant, F (6,432) =7.302, P=0.001. The rates of flowering and fruiting in relation to the concentrations of CM treatments and the infecting strain of F. oxysporum also varied significantly, F(12,972) =5.796, P=0.001. The severity of disease was significantly different among the treated and the control plants, F (18,576) =2.143, P=0.004. The C-Tomato plants produced the highest number of healthy and matured fruits.
Plasmid Profile and Antibiotic Resistance Pattern of Bacteria from Abattoirs in Port Harcourt City, Nigeria
Authors: Ogbonna David N. , Azuonwu Testimonies C.
Published: November 2019

Several activities occur in abattoirs including receiving, slaughtering and sale of cattle for meat protein. In rearing of these animals, antibiotics and vaccines are incorporated as part of their meals as well as in the treatment of their infections. The regular use of antibiotics leading to the increased occurrence of antibiotic resistant organisms worldwide and also from abattoir samples, has prompted the determination of plasmid profile in these microorganisms as the plasmids act as a faster means of transmission of resistance genes. This study was thus aimed at determining the plasmid profile of multi-resistant microorganisms isolated from abattoirs. Several samples including swabs from the tables, cow blood, faecal matter and service water were collected from the Iwofe, Rumuodumaya and Trans-Amadi abattoirs located within Port Harcourt City. Antibiotics including Gentamicin (10 µg), Ofloxacin (5 µg), Augmentin (30 µg), Ceftazidime (30 µg), Cefuroxime (30 µg), Nitrofurantoin (300 µg), Cefixime (5 µg) and Ciprofloxacin (5 µg) were used to determine the sensitivity pattern of the isolated microorganims.The plasmid profile of the multiple antibiotic resistant microorganisms was determined using standard microbiological procedures. From the results, gram-positive isolates of the genera Bacillus and Staphylococcus exhibited 100% resistance to Cefuroxime, Ceftazidime and Augmentin while they exhibited 100% susceptibility to Ofloxacin. The gram negative isolates including those of the genus Escherichia, Pseudomonas and Proteus exhibited 100% resistance to Cefuroxime as well as 100% susceptibility to Ofloxacin. Strains of Escherichia coli, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus flexus and Klebsiella pneumoniae lacked plasmids while strains of Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Escherichia, Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis had at least one plasmid each. The absence of plasmids in some of these isolates, indicate that their resistance may be chromosome-mediated and not plasmid-mediated. The occurrence of plasmids in multi-resistant microorganisms, poses a serious public health threat as other susceptible organisms may become resistant to the regularly used antibiotics over time.
Gram Negative Bacteria Associated with Spoilage of Tomatoes Sold at Mararaba and Masaka Market, New Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State
Authors: Olokun A. L. , Ajide A. B. , Ihuma J. O.
Published: November 2019

Aims: The study is aimed at isolating and identifying the gram negative bacteria associated with spoilage of tomatoes at Mararaba and Masaka markets, New Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.

Study Design: A cross-sectional study to isolate gram negative bacteria associated with spoilage of tomatoes at Mararaba and Masaka markets, New Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.

Place and Duration of Study: The isolation of gram negative bacteria was carried out at the Department of Biological Sciences, Bingham University New Karu, Nasarawa State, Nigeria, between January, 2018 and September, 2018.

Methodology: The samples collected were crushed with a sterile mortar and pestle after which tenfold serial dilution was carried out using sterile distilled water before inoculating on MaCconkey and Blood agar using the pour plate technique. Colonies were then subjected to gram staining and biochemical test.

Results: From the result of the biochemical test, Salmonella spp, Esherichia coli spp, Klebsiella spp and vibrio spp. were the gram-negative bacteria isolated from the tomato samples collected at both markets.

Conclusion: Tomatoes sold in an unclean environment that is contamination with food- borne pathogenic bacteria poses a risk to the consumers.
Antifungal Effects of Combined Extracts of Euphorbia abyssinica and Coleus Species
Authors: Ebob Tarh, Jacqueline , Okon Ekong, Mercy , Ukwuoma Iroegbu, Christian
Published: November 2019

Although, different plant extracts have frequently been used singly and in combinations in folklore treatment of different ailments, the hidden truth behind their activity and efficacy is still to be fully scientifically established. 

Aim: To evaluate the effects of combined 50% methanol extracts of Euphorbia abyssinica (Desert Candle), and Coleus sp. on Candida albicans, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum gypseum and Epidermophyton floccossum.

Study Design: The completely randomised block design, two-way analysis of variance was used to analyse the data and Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test, for mean separation.

Place and Duration of Study: The research was carried out in the Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria, between April 2011 and August 2012.

Methodology: All the fungal strains used in the research were collected from the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, Nigeria. Susceptibility testing was done using a pour-plate method, while the checkerboard and Time-kill assays were employed to evaluate the efficacy of the different combinations of the two plant extracts.

Results: The individual plant extracts inhibited all the fungal strains tested at different concentrations; but Coleus sp. extracts were observed to be more active than Euphorbia abyssinica extracts. The extract combinations inhibited the test fungi for more than two weeks. In the Time Kill assay, the combinations showed synergy on E. Floccossum only.  It showed additive or antagonistic activity on the rest of the fungi tested. The Checkerboard combinations showed synergy on T. mentagrophytes, M. gypseum, and E. foccossum. Epidermophyton foccosum was the most susceptible among the fungi tested while C. albicans was the least susceptible. The control drug voriconazole also inhibited all the fungi tested. Significant antifungal activity (P=0.05) was observed in the checkerboard assay more than in the Time Kill assay.

Conclusion: These findings simply authenticate some of the folklore claims that these plants have a wide range of curative uses, suggesting that they can be used as alternative sources of agents for the treatment of resistant fungal infections.
Risk Factors and Microbiological Control of Soils, Surfaces and Medical-technical Equipment at the Abomey-Calavi / So-Ava University Hospital Center, Benin
Authors: Socohou Akim , Sina Haziz , Degbey Cyriaque C. , Ahouandjinou Helène , Gounou-Kora Houssenatou , Baba-Moussa Farid , Adjanohoun Adolphe , Baba-Moussa Lamine
Published: November 2019

Aims: The aim of our work was, on the one hand, to evaluate the risk factors for infectious contamination in hospital environments and, on the other hand, to carry out a microbiological control of surfaces at the Abomey-Calavi / So-Ava hospital in Benin.

Methodology: The risk factors were evaluated using structured interviews based on the questionnaire. Fifty-five health care workers were surveyed and the questionnaire focused on: i) knowledge of care-associated infections and risk factors, ii) services most affected by care-associated infections and iii) origin of care-associated infections. For the microbial quality control of medical surfaces and materials, samples were collected by the dry swab method and the microbial isolation was carried out on Chapman and EMB agar plates. The biochemical analyses were carried out for the confirmations.

Results: Out of 55 respondents, the 93% think that bacterial germs are often involved in care-associated infections. In addition, 80% of respondents believe that the healthcare environment may be the source of care-associated infections. Regarding the microbiological quality of the surfaces, out of 96 samples collected, 77% were contaminated with Staphylococcus spp and 30% with Enterobacteria. Concerning units’ contamination, the highest prevalence was observed in paediatrics with 92% of samples contaminated with Staphylococcus spp followed by the operating theatre (87%).

Conclusion: It is clear from our work that hygiene managers must carry out preventive and corrective actions for the respect of the principles of hygiene. It would also be important to conduct regular microbiological monitoring of surfaces to identify any contamination.
Prevalence of Fascioliasis and Dicrocoeliasis in Cattle Slaughtered in Some Abattoirs in Akure Metropolis, Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Dada E. O. , Jegede S. O.
Published: November 2019

The study was carried out in March-May 2019 to investigate the prevalence of fascioliasis and dicrocoeliasis in cattle slaughtered in parts of Akure abattoir, Ondo State, Nigeria. Two hundred (200) bile samples from cattle were collected from both male and female cattle. The parasitological analysis of the bile sample was carried out by sedimentation technique. Prevalence of Fasciola gigantica was (50.5%) for Dicrocoelium hospes was 16.0% and double infections accounted for (5.5%).  Prevalence of Fasciola gigantica infections was high in female cattle (57.7%) compared to their male counterparts (38.9%). For Dicrocoelium hospes, the infection was higher in male (18.2%) than in the female (14.6%) while the prevalence of double infections was higher in males (7.8%) than in the females (4.07). The high infection rate for Fasciola gigantica (84.0%) and Dicrocoelium hospes (62.0%) was found to be high at Busa abattoir. Double infection was observed to be high at Oke-Odu abattoir (10%) than in other abattoirs while no infection was observed at Bola meat abattoir. Overall age prevalence of fascioliasis and dicrocoeliasis (82.8%) was within the age bracket of 9-10yrs while the least infection (54.2%) fall within the age bracket of 7-8yrs. Prevalence of fascioliasis and dicrocoeliasis in Sannia breed was 90.2% followed by the Ambala breed (84.0%) while the least was 31.2% in the White Fulani breed. This study which revealed a high prevalence of fascioliasis and dicrocoeliasis among cattle slaughtered in the studied abattoir possesses a threat to healthy livestock productions and it is significant public health importance. Adequate measures to improving the veterinary services are needed to put in place to reduce the economic losses accruing to these infections.
Characteristic Features of Biochemical Indicators of Mixed Saliva in Patients with Chronic Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis
Authors: N. Khabibova Nazira
Published: November 2019

Chronic recurrent aphthous stomatitis (CRAC) is a chronic disease of the oral mucosa, characterized by periodic remissions and exacerbations with the eruption of aft. According to WHO, it affects up to 20% of the population. Currently, most scientists are inclined to the leading role of the immune system in the pathogenesis of the disease. It has been established that with increasing severity of the disease T-suppression of immunity increases, which is characterized by a decrease in the number of T-lymphocytes and their functional activity. The increase in the number of T-suppressor cells accompanied by a decrease in the number of T-helper cells. The severity and duration of the disease correspond to the severity of the sensitization of the body with these antigens. The work was carried out based on scientific-educational practical dental center at the Bukhara State Medical Institute of Therapeutic Dentistry. A clinical examination of 67 patients aged 25–35 years with chronic recurrent aphthous stomatitis was conducted, 14 healthy individuals were included in the control group.
A CO2‐Tolerant Perovskite Oxide with High Oxide Ion and Electronic Conductivity
Authors: Li Ming , Niu Hongjun , Druce John , Téllez Helena , Ishihara Tatsumi , Kilner John A. , Gasparyan Hripsime , Pitcher Michael J. , Xu Wen , Shin J. Felix , Daniels Luke M. , Jones Leanne A. H. , Dhanak Vin R. , Hu Dingyue , Zanella Marco , Claridge John B. , Rosseinsky Matthew J.
Published: December 2019

Mixed ionic–electronic conductors (MIECs) that display high oxide ion conductivity (σo) and electronic conductivity (σe) constitute an important family of electrocatalysts for a variety of applications including fuel cells and oxygen separation membranes. Often MIECs exhibit sufficient σe but inadequate σo. It has been a long‐standing challenge to develop MIECs with both high σo and stability under device operation conditions. For example, the well‐known perovskite oxide Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ (BSCF) exhibits exceptional σo and electrocatalytic activity. The reactivity of BSCF with CO2, however, limits its use in practical applications. Here, the perovskite oxide Bi0.15Sr0.85Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ (BiSCF) is shown to exhibit not only exceptional bulk transport properties, with a σo among the highest for known MIECs, but also high CO2 tolerance. When used as an oxygen separation membrane, BiSCF displays high oxygen permeability comparable to that of BSCF and much higher stability under CO2. The combination of high oxide transport properties and CO2 tolerance in a single‐phase MIEC gives BiSCF a significant advantage over existing MIECs for practical applications.
Research Direction toward Scalable, Stable, and High Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Park Nam‐Gyu
Published: November 2019

Discovery of the 9.7% efficiency, 500 h stable solid‐state perovskite solar cell (PSC) in 2012 triggered off a wave of perovskite photovoltaics. As a result, a certified power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.2% was recorded in 2019. Publications on PSCs have increased exponentially since 2012 and the total number of publications reached over 13 200 as of August 2019. PCE has improved by developing device structures from mesoscopic sensitization to planar p‐i‐n (or n‐i‐p) junction and by changing composition from MAPbI3 to FAPbI3‐based mixed cations and/or mixed anion perovskites. Long‐term stability has been significantly improved by interfacial engineering with hydrophobic materials or the 2D/3D concept. Although small area cells exhibit superb efficiency, scale‐up technology is required toward commercialization. In this review, research direction toward large‐area, stable, high efficiency PSCs is emphasized. For large‐area perovskite coating, a precursor solution is equally important as coating methods. Precursor engineering and formulation of the precursor solution are described. For hysteresis‐less, stable, and higher efficiency PSCs, interfacial engineering is one of the best ways as defects can be effectively passivated and thereby nonradiative recombination is efficiently reduced. Methodologies are introduced to minimize interfacial and grain boundary recombination.
Gas injection in a yield stress fluid
Authors: Hojeij Ali , Jossic Laurent , Magnin Albert , Blésès Didier , Hattou Stéphane
Published: November 2019

Mixing of viscous non‐Newtonian fluids plays an important role in many industrial processes (wastewater treatment, methanization, etc.). In some cases, mixing by gas injection can be more interesting than mechanical mixing. The present study focuses on the gas injection in yield stress fluids. The influence of the air flow rate, fluid rheological properties, and geometrical configuration on an air jet impinging the bottom wall of a tank containing a yield stress fluid has been considered. Focus has been placed on the air cavity present at the injection point. The trends of two key parameters of the cavity have been characterized: its maximum diameter and frequency detachment. Correlations based on the characteristic dimensionless numbers governing the flow have been derived. These correlations show that the apparent viscosity has an effect on the cavity's frequency but a low influence on its diameter which is mainly governed by the air flow inertia.
Probing Sialidases or Siglecs with Sialic Acid Analogues, Clusters and Precursors
Authors: Liu Guang‐jian , Jia Li‐yan , Xing Guo‐wen
Published: December 2019

Sialic acids have recently gathered interests of many researchers. Sialidases and Siglecs are two important sialic acids‐related proteins that exist in biological systems, and aberrant sialoside‐Siglec or sialoside‐sialidase interactions are associated with many diseases, including autoimmunity, infection and cancer. Probing sialidase and Siglec effectively can enable the studies on the complex physiological functions of sialic acids. Over the last few decades, many sialic acid derivatives with modifications of parent skeleton and aglycon have been designed to increase the binding affinity with sialidase/Siglec or improve their detection efficiency. At the same time, in‐situ detection has also been aided by metabolic oligosaccharide engineering, in which incubating cells with sialic acid precursors could result in unnatural sialylated glycans incorporated into cellular membrane. In this minireview, we will predominantly highlight the development of sialidase and Siglec probing strategies using sialic acid analogues, clusters and precursors, which may further lay foundation for new diagnostics and treatments.
Tunable Optical Hooks in the Visible Band Based on Ultra‐Thin Metalenses
Authors: Ma Xiaoliang , Guo Yinghui , Pu Mingbo , Jin JinJin , Gao Ping , Li Xiong , Luo Xiangang
Published: December 2019

Optical hook, a kind of curved high‐intensity light beam, has aroused tremendous interests during the past several years, and its experimental observation has been reported in the terahertz band. The existing approaches to generate such beams depend on the effect of “curved photonic nanojet” stemming from transparent and symmetry breaking high‐index dielectric slab, and thus are restricted by the limited material selection, large device footprint, and fixed trajectory. Herein, the generation of photonic hooks in the visible band based on ultra‐thin metalenses is reported. The strategy can overcome the limitations mentioned above and the photonic hook can be easily tuned by changing the incidence angle or wavelength. Such flexibility is likely to widen the future applications of such unique beam in particle trapping, optical tweezers, and superresolution imaging.
meso‐Diketopyripentaphyrin and Diketopyrihexaphyrin as Macrocyclic Tripyrrinone Ligands for NiII Ions
Authors: Mori Daiki , Yoneda Tomoki , Suzuki Masaaki , Hoshino Tyuji , Neya Saburo
Published: November 2019

We report expanded porphyrins with pyridine rings and two neighboring carbonyl groups, which allow NiII ions to coordinate to the tripyrrinone‐type NNNO coordination structure with Ni−O bonds. The selectivity of tripyrrinone is superior to other pyrrolic or pyridinic cavities of expanded porphyrins. Introduction of α‐carbonyl pyridine next to the tripyrrolic conjugated structure is a powerful strategy for regioselective metalation of flexible expanded porphyrinoids.