bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism is a Relevant, But not Determinant, Risk Factor in the Etiology of Neuropsychiatric Disorders – Current Advances in Human Studies: A Systematic Review
Authors: de Assis Gilmara Gomes , Hoffman Jay R.
Published: March 2022

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is the brain’s most-produced neurotrophin during the lifespan, essentially involved in multiple mechanisms of nervous system development and function. The production/release of BDNF requires multi-stage processing that appears to be regulated at various stages in which the presence of a polymorphism “Val66Met” can exert a critical influence. Aim: To synthesize the knowledge on the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on intracellular processing and function of BDNF. Methods: We performed a systematic review and collected all available studies on the post-translation processes of BDNF, regarding the Val66Met polymorphism. Searches were performed up to 21st March 2021. Results: Out of 129 eligible papers, 18 studies addressed or had findings relating to BDNF post-translation processes and were included in this review. Discussion: Compilation of experimental findings reveals that the Val66Met polymorphism affects BDNF function by slightly altering the processing, distribution, and regulated release of BDNF. Regarding the critical role of pro-BDNF as a pro-apoptotic factor, such alteration might represent a risk for the development of neuropsychiatric disorders.
MiR-224 promotes lymphatic metastasis by targeting ANGPTL1 in non-small-cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Han Haibo , Pan Bo , Liang Fan , Wu Lina , Liu Xijuan , Yang Yue , Chen Jinfeng
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs can regulate tumor metastasis either as oncomiRs or suppressor miRNAs. Here, we investigated the role of microRNA 224 (miR-224) in lymphatic metastasis of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: The expression of miR-224 was demonstrated by a validation cohort of 156 lung cancer patients (77 cases with lymphatic metastasis) by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to study the malignant phenotype after upregulation and inhibition of miR-224 expression. Furthermore, the direct target genes of miR-224 were determined by a luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS: First, miR-224 was identified as a highly expressed miRNA in tumor tissues with lymphatic metastasis, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.57 as determined by qPCR analysis of a validation cohort of 156 lung cancer patients. Then, in vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that forced expression of miR-224 in H1299 cells promoted not only cell viability, plate colony formation, migration and invasion in vitro but also tumor growth and lung metastasis in vivo. Consistently, inhibition of miR-224 suppressed malignant characteristics both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, molecular mechanistic research suggested that miR-224 enhanced NSCLC by directly targeting the tumor suppressor angiopoietin-like protein (ANGPTL). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the collective findings demonstrate that miR-224 is a potential biomarker for the prediction of lymphatic metastasis of NSCLC.
Fuzzy expert systems for prediction of ICU admission in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Sadat Asl A.A. , Ershadi M.M. , Sotudian S. , Li X. , Dick S.
Published: March 2022

The pandemic COVID-19 disease has had a dramatic impact on almost all countries around the world so that many hospitals have been overwhelmed with COVID-19 cases. As medical resources are limited, deciding on the proper allocation of these resources is a very crucial issue. Besides, uncertainty is a major factor that can affect decisions, especially in medical fields. To cope with these issues, we use fuzzy logic (FL) as one of the most suitable methods in modeling systems with high uncertainty and complexity. We intend to make use of the advantages of FL in decisions on cases that need to treat in ICU. In this study, an interval type-2 fuzzy expert system is proposed for the prediction of ICU admission in COVID-19 patients. For this prediction task, we also developed an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). Finally, the results of these fuzzy systems are compared to some well-known classification methods such as Naive Bayes (NB), Case-Based Reasoning (CBR), Decision Tree (DT), and K Nearest Neighbor (KNN). The results show that the type-2 fuzzy expert system and ANFIS models perform competitively in terms of accuracy and F-measure compared to the other diagnosis systems.
Don Lindberg, High performance computing and communications, and telemedicine
Authors: Ackerman Michael J. , Howe Sally E. , Masys Daniel R.
Published: March 2022

From 1992 to 1995 Donald A.B. Lindberg M.D. served concurrently as the founding director of the National Coordination Office (NCO) for High Performance Computing and Communications (HPCC) and NLM director. The NCO and its successors coordinate the Presidential-level multi-agency HPCC research and development (R&D) program called for in the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991. All large Federal science and technology R&D and applications agencies, including those involved in medical research and health care, participate in the now-30-year-old program. Lindberg’s HPCC efforts built on his pioneering work in developing and applying advances in computing and networking to meet the needs of the medical research and health care communities. As part of NLM’s participation in HPCC, Lindberg promoted R&D and demonstrations in telemedicine, including testbeds, medical data privacy, medical decision-making, and health education. That telemedicine technologies were ready to meet demand during the COVID-19 pandemic is testament to Lindberg’s visionary leadership.
Empirical analysis of agricultural trade liberalization and economic growth in Pakistan ARDL approach
Authors: Awan Saima Ashraf , Tariq Muhammad Imran , Zhuang Peifen
Published: March 2022

This research analyzed the relationship between openness to agricultural exchange, foreign direct investment, capital, consumer price index, and GDP in Pakistan utilizing time series data for the 1971-2019 period. We used autoregressive distributed lag ARDL-bound testing method to analyze the long-run and short-run correlation between projected variables. The study’s findings also confirmed a positive and important long-term correlation between openness to agricultural trade, foreign direct investment and Pakistan’s economic development. There is no long-run relationship between consumer price and economic growth.
Neuraxial anesthesia for post-operative pain control after hip surgery in children with cerebral palsy and pre-existing intrathecal baclofen pumps
Authors: Kulkarni Vedant A. , Kephart Donald T. , Ball Madeleine A. , Tumber Sundeep , Davidson Loren T. , Davids Jon R.
Published: March 2022

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to describe the efficacy and adverse events of neuraxial anesthesia for post-operative pain control in non-ambulatory children with cerebral palsy with pre-existing intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pumps undergoing hip reconstructive or palliative surgery. METHODS: Twelve children (mean age 11.25 years) were included in the study with the following neuraxial anesthesia methods: indwelling epidural catheter (8 patients), neuraxial opioids administered through the side port of the ITB pump (3 patients), and single injection spinal anesthetic (1 patient). Observational pain scores and opioid requirements were quantified for all patients. RESULTS: There were no ITB pump or surgical complications at a mean follow-up of 2.2 years. The average length of stay was 6 days. Patients had good post-operative pain control with a mean observational pain score of 0.7 and mean morphine equivalent use of 0.26mg/kg/day. Four patients required anti-emetics to control nausea and three patients had urinary retention requiring repeat catheterization, but all medical complications resolved prior to discharge. CONCLUSION: Neuraxial anesthesia can effectively control post-operative pain in children with a pre-existing ITB pump. Utilizing the side port of the ITB pump for administration of neuraxial opioids is an option when epidural or spinal anesthesia is not possible.
La función maternante del analista ante el desvalimiento y el desamparo frente al impacto de lo disruptivo: consideraciones acerca de la técnica
Authors: Isely María Pía
Published: March 2022

El objetivo de este trabajo es realizar una revisión de la literatura psicoanalítica a través de una búsqueda bibliográfica sobre el papel del Analista ante el desvalimiento y el desamparo. Se intentará reflexionar acerca de la posibilidad de una función maternante del Analista como recurso técnico, dentro del Psicoanálisis para enfrentar el desvalimiento y el desamparo en la actualidad, el alcance y sus limitaciones.  Para ello, se utilizó Google Académico, y la biblioteca de APA (Asociación Psicoanalítica Argentina), incluyendo artículos, libros, tesis de maestría y tesis doctorales publicados entre año 1970 y 2020, en idioma español. Los criterios de búsqueda incluyeron las palabras   función maternante del analista ante el desvalimiento y desamparo, y luego reducida a los trabajos que referían a función maternante, desvalimiento y desamparo como conceptos separados. Los datos indicaron que es mucho lo que se ha escrito sobre el desamparo en especial en los últimos 10 años, sin embargo no es tanto lo que se ha encontrado sobre la función maternante como recurso técnico indicado, según los materiales investigados. Aun así se está investigando el vínculo temprano de la díada madre-hijo para ser reeditado en la diada paciente-terapeuta dentro de un psicoanálisis actual y contemporáneo en especial frente al desamparo actual Se concluye que es un tema a revisar en función de la ética y los riesgos del exceso que tal vez limiten el desplegué de este recurso terapéutico pata incluirlo dentro de la praxis psicoanalítica.
To Study the Osteoporosis in Pre and Post Menopausal Women
Authors: Patil Vishal Supada , Khandalkar Yogesh Shivmurti , Raithatha Harsh Arunkumar , Kulkarni Ketan Ajay
Published: March 2022

Background: In India and surrounding Asian countries, osteoporosis is becoming a public health issue. The study was aimed to assess the risk factors for osteoporosis in preterm and postmenopausal women because the risk factors for natural osteoporosis in women in these nations are similar. Osteoporosis is a major public health concern around the world. In the United States, an estimated 10 million persons aged 50 and over had osteoporosis, with more than 5 million women, including 4.5 million women and 800,000 men, suffering from the disease. The highest rate of osteopenia and osteoporosis among Arab women was recorded in Kuwaiti women 50 years or older, with even higher rates reported in the Saudi Arabian State (KSA) among women of the same age, with 31% having osteopenia and 40% having lumbar spine osteoporosis.

Aim: The purpose of the study was to determine the risk factors for developing osteopenia and osteoporosis in pre- and postmenopausal women, to assess pre- and postmenopausal women's knowledge of osteoporosis prevention, and to assess the relationship between osteoporosis knowledge and selected demographic variables.

Material and Method:

In December 2020, a systematic literature search was conducted. This search included the months of January 2018 through December 2020. The key terms "osteoporosis," "menopause," and "risk factor" were used to conduct a literature search in Pub Med and Google Scholar.

Results:

The overall prevalence of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women is 41 percent, while it is 53 percent in India alone. In comparison to other countries, China is studying a variety of risk factors. The maximum risk variables were investigated in China, but not in India, Korea, or Japan. As a result, age, height, postmenopausal status, and exercise were taken into account in the final study. Age was investigated as a non-modifiable risk factor for osteoporosis in all four countries: India, China, Korea, and Japan. Calcium consumption and a variety of workouts were discovered to be useful modifiable factors. Other characteristics, such as age, height, and postmenopausal status, are unchangeable. All four countries evaluated age as a non-modifiable risk factor for osteoporosis: India, China, Korea, and Japan.

 

Conclusion: The current study discovered a link between osteoporosis awareness and marital status, previous osteoporosis knowledge, and health information source. In postmenopausal women, adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, as well as a variety of workouts, might be considered preventive strategies for osteoporosis.

Keywords: Menopause, osteoporosis, risk factor, early detection, prevention of osteoporosis.
Ride-hailing through the COVID-19 Pandemic in New York City
Authors: Chang Annie , Miranda-Moreno Luis
Published: March 2022

We explored the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on ride hailing trips in New York City between February 1, 2019 and July 31, 2021. Using negative binomial regression models, we quantified the effects of COVID-19 indicators on daily ride hailing trip counts. We found that a 1% increase in the number of new cases and vaccines administered were associated with 16.0% decrease and 0.8% increase in trip counts, respectively. Since the initial drop of 258.2% during the stay-at-home phase of the pandemic, trip counts recovered in the subsequent phases albeit still lower than pre-pandemic levels at -85.0% and -38.7% during the reopening and vaccination phases, respectively.
Historical Development and Expansion of L2 Motivational Research
Authors: Omar Abdul Raham , Harwood Mirna
Published: March 2022

This article offers a historical analysis of the main phases that the L2
motivation research has undergone. It presents a brief chronological account of
the main theoretical developments in L2 motivation research to date. The
discussion starts with a brief review of the social-psychological period, which
was concerned with L2 motivational factors in intergroup relations. After that,
it discusses the situated-cognitive period, which was interested in learners in
classroom settings, and the process-oriented period concerned with language
learners and their circumstances. The last part of this article discusses the
recent emerging theories in the L2 motivation field and the revolutionary
contribution they made to understand the relationship between students’
motivation and the achieved proficiency level. These theoretical studies
include the recent themes that contributed massively to understanding the role
of motivation in the process of learning a target language and the extent to
which it determines the level of success achieved by its learners. Understanding language learners’ psychology enables practitioners to understand the role of L2 motivation and its implications in teaching a target language.
The Paradoxical Characterization in Dutchman: Reflection of Baraka’s Ambivalent Stance in the 1960s
Authors: Zhu Lingjun
Published: March 2022

Dutchman was read by many critics as Amiri Baraka’s nationalist manifesto advocating black unity to violently fight against white dominance. In fact, Amiri Baraka’s thoughts of nationalism in this period were not so fixed but rather paradoxical. Due to personal growth and social background, Baraka devotes himself to black nationalism as a means of solving his alienation from blacks. However, the revolutionary part of black nationalism blinds him of its shortcoming: exclusiveness, which runs counter to Baraka’s social concern. What Baraka is concerned about is the African Americans and the whole Americans who suffer oppression. His uncertain stance reflects itself in the artistic creation of Clay and Lula. Clay and Lula are not simply angry black nationalists and white racists. When Clay suffers from racial bullying, his defiance shows the revolutionary side of nationalism. Paradoxically, he is also an obedient middle class assimilated by white culture. Lula is both a racist and a member of the lower class, which reflects Baraka’s Marxism influence.
An Analysis of Prosodic Features of Chinese EFL Majors’ English Questions
Authors: Wang Ying
Published: March 2022

Drawing on the Auto-segmental Metrical theory in intonational phonology, this paper reveals the phonological structure of English interrogatives between Chinese EFL majors and native speakers from a syntactic pragmatic perspective, based on reading documents of eight English majors with Praat being its research tool. Findings show that the prosodic characteristics of interrogatives of English majors are obviously different from those of native speakers, which are mainly reflected in the segmentation of tone groups, boundary tone, intonation nucleus, and stress distribution. It purports to help English majors clarify the important pragmatic functions of intonation in information transmission and interpersonal communication, and foster strengths and circumvent weaknesses so as to better develop "Chinglish pronunciation" with Chinese characteristics; meanwhile, to bring enlightenment to English intonation teaching.
ON THE ELZAKI SUBSTITUTION AND HOMOTOPY PERTUBATION METHODS FOR SOLVING PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION INVOLVING MIXED PARTIAL DERIVATIVES
Authors: Babajide Ayeni O. , Oluwatobi Idowu K
Published: March 2022

This paper investigated new methods of solving partial differential equations involving mixed partial derivatives that were initially solved by Sujit and Karande in their usual notation by making use of Laplace substitution method. The methods investigated in this paper are Elzaki Substitution and Homotopy perturbation Methods of solving partial differential equations with mixed partial derivatives. Finally, the results obtained showed that Elzaki Substitution method and Homotopy Perturbation method are accurate and efficient method to solve partial differential equations involving mixed partial derivatives
APPLICATION OF REMOTE SENSING IN LITHOLOGICAL DISCRIMINATION OF PRECAMBRIAN BASEMENT ROCKS OF ZUNGERU AREA, PART OF SHEET 163 (ZUNGERU NW), NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA
Authors: Aliyu Abubakar , Adamu Lukman Musa , Abdulmalik Nana Fatima , Amuda Abdulgafar Kayode , Umar Aliyu Ohiani , Umar Nazif , Jungudo Salihu Muhammad
Published: March 2022

Remote sensing technology has advanced significantly, making it useful for geological applications such as structural and lithological mapping, as well as mineral prospecting and mapping. This study looks at how certain enhancement techniques on Landsat 7 ETM+ data can be used to map surface geology, resulting in color composite imagery that can be interpreted and validated through field mapping exercises. Because some of these rocks are poorly exposed and some portions of the research region are inaccessible, field mapping was supplemented by remote sensing lithological mapping techniques. False Color Composite images for bands (7:4:1 and7:5:4), Principal Component analysis (PC1, 2, 3 and PC4, 5, 6) and RGB composite images of Landsat band ratios (1/3:5/7:3/5 and5/1:5/7:4) proved useful in determining the approximate boundaries of the various lithology in the research area. Gneiss and quartzites occur in the central and western quadrants of the study area, mylonites and schist in the eastern quadrant, and amphibolite in the southern and southeastern quadrants, according to GPS sample locations of the individual rock types found in the study area plotted on the processed images. The contact relationships between these rocks are mostly gradational and interlayered. As a result, a thorough examination of satellite optical imagery, such as Landsat data, can greatly aid lithological inquiry and the creation of more detailed geological maps in areas that are inadequately understood.
ANALYSIS OF THE ACTIVITIES OF EDO STATE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (ADP) EXTENSION SERVICES AMONG SMALL-SCALE CASSAVA FARMERS.
Authors: Ehilenboadiaye C. O. , Onemolease E. A. , Omoregie O.
Published: March 2022

This study assessed the expectations of cassava tuber farmers  from the agricultural extension service providers in Edo State, Nigeria. It examined the support presently given to cassava farmers by the extension service viz-a-viz the  needs of the farmers. To achieve these objectives, data were collected from 196 cassava tuber producers, randomly sampled from the three agricultural zones in the State. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential (multiple regression, Friedman and Cochran tests) statistics. Cochran test (χ2 = 596.35; p<0.01) revealed that information delivery on available improved varieties (0.939), land clearing/preparation methods (0.878), cassava stem treatment (0.872), recommended planting distance/spacing (0.867) and fertilizer application methods (0.857) were significant areas in which farmers have been supported by the extension service. Friedman test results (χ2 = 135.52; p<0.05) revealed that linking farmers to input suppliers (mean rank = 9.17) and training on proper cutting of cassava stems (mean = 9.10) were among the most significant needs. Multiple regression revealed that farm size (p<0.05) was the only variable significantly correlated with the extension needs of the farmers. The major constraints facing cassava tuber producers included high cost of improved varieties (mean = 3.85) and farming inputs (mean = 3.82) as well as poor access roads for transportation of cassava tubers. Taking advantage of group formation and linkage to credit were recommended
POST HARVEST TREATMENT OF PEST AFFECTING WHEAT GRAIN USING SOME SPICES (Pipernigrum, Zingiber Officinale AND Ellectaria cardamom).
Authors: Sulaiman Bello , Mustafa S. Y. , Allahnana M. H. , Chigozie L. A.
Published: March 2022

The study was conducted in the Laboratory of Plant Science and Biotechnology Department, Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State to investigate the insecticidal potency of three spices powder namely black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), ginger (Zingiber officinale L.), and true green (Ellectaria cardamom L.), against wheat weevil (Tribolium castaneum) on stored wheat grain. Spices powder was added separately to 20g of wheat grain in plastic containers at four dosages 0.15, 0.27, 0.37, and 0.5% (w/w) while control had no spices powder. Twenty insect pests (Tribolium castaneum) were introduced into each container. Mortality counted in each treatment was recorded after 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days. All treatments were replicated three times. Variations were significantly observed in the overall effect of different plant powders on the mortality of weevils extracted from wheat kernel. Weevils treated with Piper nigrum powder exhibited the highest mean mortality (16.37), followed by Ellectaria cardamom (16.05) and lastly Zingiber officinale (13.82). from the result  obtained, it is evident that the spice powders possessed insecticidal properties which if fully extracted could be used in post harvest treatment of wheat grain on storage
GENOTYPIC VARIANCE AND SELECTION CRITERIA IN GROUNDNUT (ARACHISHYPOGAEAL.) BASED ON OIL QUALITY AND AGRONOMIC TRAITS
Authors: Abdurrasheed Nafisa , Usman A. , Oladosu Y.
Published: March 2022

Variability gives room for recombination which is important for any crop improvement program. Based on this contextual, this work was conducted to evaluate genetic variability among groundnut germplasm and establish relationships between oil quality and agronomic traits using multivariate analysis. To achieve this objective, fifteen groundnut genotypes were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data were collected on oil and yield quality traits. The estimates of genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were high for number of pods and number of seeds per plant, carbohydrate and protein. Broad sense heritability estimates for agronomic and oil content traits ranged from 49.57% - 99.06% while the genetic advance expressed as percentage of mean estimates ranged from 17.73% -114.38%.  The evaluated genotypes were clustered into four main groups based on oil and yield quality traits using UPGMA dendrogram. Hence, hybridization of group II with either group I, III or IV could be used to achieve higher vigor or heterosis among the genotypes. The number of pods per plant showed a significant correlation with pod weight per plant (r =0.79) and the number of seeds (0.99). However, most of the oil content traits recorded a non-significant negative correlation. It was concluded that number of pods, seeds per plant, and fat content might be the major agronomic and oil quality traits as selection criteria for improving groundnut genotypes. Also, this assessment could be used in development of reliable selection criteria for important agronomic traits in groundnut
STATUS OF POLLUTANTS IN NSUDU-RIVER, OKWOYI ISIEKE IBEKU UMUAHIA NORTH, LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ABIA STATE FOR DRINKING PURPOSE
Authors: CHIWETALU Uche Jenice
Published: March 2022

This study examines the status of pollutants in Nsudu River for drinking water purpose. Water samples were collected from Nsudu River and analyzed at Enugu State Water Corporation (quality control unit) laboratory. Physical, chemical and bacteriological tests were conducted on the collected samples following standards and acceptable methods of water analysis. The results obtained showed that turbidity, total solid, total suspended solid, total dissolved solid, alkalinity, electrical conductivity, pH, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, iron, chloride, etc. conformed with the acceptable limits stipulated by both World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigerian standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) with the exception of the biological parameters which were found to be above the standards stipulated by the two bodies. More so, ANOVA results showed (P < 0.01) and (F-test of 12094 > F-crit. of 6.9) indicating significant difference between the biological contaminants
RIVER WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT AND ITS SUITABILITY FOR IRRIGATION PURPOSE
Authors: Adegbola Gbolagade Adeyemi , Soyewo Luke Temitope , Odey Bernard Ogbor , Ajani Adeyemi Babatunded
Published: March 2022

Irrigation water quality refers to water suitability for agricultural purpose. Good water quality has the possibilities to allow maximum yield of crops under good soil and water administration practices. Ikose River water which they are using for irrigation purposes by the rural communities was evaluated for its quality. Water samples were collected in dry as well as rainy season into sterilized, labelled bottles and were transported in ice pack to laboratory for analyses. Results were pH range of 6.36-6.43, calcium (Ca2+) 23-25 mg/L, magnesium (Mg2+) 8-12 mg/L, potassium (K+) 2.40–2.50 mg/L, sodium (Na+)1.74-1.90 mg/L, bicarbonate (HC03-) 200-230 mg/L-, phosphate (PO3-P) 0.10-0.12 mg/L, electrical conductivity (EC) is within 0.06 mg/L, Nitrate (NO3-N) 0.04–0.42 mg/L, sulphate (SO42-) 24-25 mg/L, total dissolved (TDS) 28.70-30.20 mg/L for the dry season and the pH ranged from  7.01-7.03, (Ca2+) 45-48 mg/L, (Mg2+) 24-18 mg/L, (K+) 4.20–4.30 mg/L, (Na+) 2.12-2.14 mg/L, (HCO-3) 350-360 mg/L, (PO3-P) 0.19-0.20 mg/L, (EC) is within 0.11 mg/L, (NO3-N) 0.10-0.11 mg/L, (SO42-) 38.00-39.00 mg/L, (TDS) 54.50-54.60 mg/L for the rainy season. The samples analyzed were within the recommended standard limits set for irrigation water quality. The water quality indicators MAR, 29.4; SAR,0.08; SSP,3.78; KR,0.04; PS, 0.46; PI, 92.95; RSC,1.46; TH, 101.5 for dry season and MAR, 36.11; SAR, 0.06; SSP, 2.03; KR, 0.02; PS,0.28; PI, 54.94; RSC, 1.36; TH, 224.5 for rainy season were under safe limits.
A SURVEY OF IMAGE DENOISING FILTERS BASED ON BOUNDARY DISCRIMINATION NOISE DETECTIO
Authors: Alhassan Baththama , Bagiwa M.A , Kana A. F. D. , Abdullahi M.
Published: March 2022

Image denoising is an essential and complex activity that should be carried out before any other image processing because it checks for errors within the image(s) and rectifies them. There are ways to remove noise, the switching scheme is an outstanding method when equated to others, it initially segregates the noisy pixels and then filters them. Boundary Discriminative Noise Detection (BDND) is a type of algorithm that uses the switching method and is good for impulse noise detection, many works have been presented using several enhancements to detect noise from images using BDND. In this paper, we present a detailed outline of impulse noise and noise removal techniques by looking at over a decade of research conducted to establish a fundamental understanding of the Boundary discriminative noise detector algorithm used in image denoising. We analyzed 19 relevant papers through Google Scholar, focusing on three aspects: the methods for detecting noisy pixels, the type(s) of noise, and the major challenges. We found that many of the image denoising methods still use BDND and at least one algorithm is developed yearly except for 2017 to 2021, indicating the algorithm is significant in the field of image denoising. Furthermore, we wrap up the survey by highlighting some research challenges and offering a list of key recommendations to spur further research in this area.
ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF SOME TRANSITION METAL COMPLEXES OF TWO LIGANDS DERIVED FROM AMINO ACIDS AND 2 – IMINO – 1 – METHYLIMIDAZOLIDIN – 4 – ONE
Authors: Manir Muhammad , NURA SULEIMAN GWARAM  , Usman Ahmad Madaki
Published: March 2022

Plant extracts are most of the time used for antioxidant and antimicrobial studies. The Present study was designed to evaluate the activity of metal complexes as antioxidant and against some selected bacterial and fungal isolates. The new metal complexes of Cr (III) and Zn (II) containing ligands derived from Tyrosine, Leucine and 2 – imino – 1 – methylimidazolidin – 4 - one  were selected. The test compounds were evaluated for their possible antioxidant activity through free radical scavenging activity via using 1,1 – diphenyl – 2 – picryl – hydrazyl (DPPH) method. All the complexes exhibited good to moderate activity with Cr (III) complex (CrL1) and (CrL2) as the best radical scavengers having the % inhibition value of 67.74 and 65.33 respectively. The complexes were also screened for their antimicrobial activities against two bacterial isolates and one fungal isolate (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Aspergillus niger). The result showed that all the compounds have the moderate activity against the tested organisms.
MARKETING ANALYSIS OF CHILLI PEPPER IN KANO STATE MARKETS, NIGERIA
Authors: Lawal A. T. , Gaya A. Y. , Alhassan A. , Sulei I. , Abdulwahab F. S. , Umar H.
Published: March 2022

The study analyzed the marketing of chilli pepper in selected markets in Sumaila local government Kano State, Nigeria. The study focused on the socioeconomic characteristics of the chilli pepper marketers, profitability and marketing efficiency of chilli pepper as well as constraints of chilli pepper marketing. The result of socioeconomic characteristics showed that majority of the chilli pepper marketers (96.2%) were male and 46.2% were between the ages of 30-39years, and the majority of the marketers had attended various level of education in the study area which means they can read and write. The results showed that 69.8% of the sampled marketers have less than 10 people in their household. The result further revealed that 49.1% of the marketer’s haves less 10 years’ experience in the marketing of chilli pepper in the study area. Chilli pepper marketing was profitable venture with a net margin of 2,520.74 per 30kg of bag. Marketing of chilli pepper was found to be efficient in view of the high marketing efficiency obtained. The result revealed that the constraints faced by chilli pepper marketers were lack of uniform measure, poor credit facilities, transportation, inadequate storage facilities and poor market infrastructures. It can be concluded that pineapple marketing was profitable and efficient in the study area despite the constraints faced by the marketers. And therefore can be recommended that Construction of good road network to reduce damage of pineapple during transportation and plastics trays should be provided
SPECIES DIVERSITY OF BIRDS OF PREY IN HADEJIA NGURU WETLANDS, NIGERIA
Authors: Sabo Babura Bashir , Muhammed Salisu , Mafara Sa'adu Abubakar
Published: March 2022

The study aimed to determine the distribution, diversity and abundance of birds of prey in Hadejia Nguru wetlands Nigeria, carried out in March to August, 2021, with a view to providing information in a bid to establish a baseline for conservation for this group of birds. The Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands (HNWs) is a Ramsar site and an Important Bird Area (IBA) being recognized nationally and internationally as an ecological area for resident, inter-African and Palearctic migrant bird species in sub-Sahara region, Nigeria. Transect line method was used for the bird survey. This involved moving slowly along the transect line and recording all birds seen and detected in and around the transect line. The survey was carried out for a period of six (6) months using transect line method and each site was surveyed twice every month during the study period. Bird observation was carried out twice daily; morning between 6:00 to 10:00 a.m. and evening between 4:00 to 6:30p.m by walking slowly along the transect line. Birds were counted as birds seen and birds inflight were also counted. Richness index (RI) and t-test were used for data analysis. The total number of birds was calculated as the number of birds seen plus the number of birds heard. Transect line survey method detected a total of 1,562 individual birds of prey that belong to twenty four (24) species of 2 families. Accipitridae with 20 species is the richest family in species number and Falconidae with
LEVEL OF ALLOCATIVE EFFICIENCY ESTIMATION OF IRRIGATED TOMATO PRODUCTION UNDER KANO RIVER IRRIGATION PROJECT (KRIP), NIGERIA
Authors: Ahmed Bashir Sa'ad , Ahmed Ben , Yusuf Oseni
Published: March 2022

The focus of this study is to analyze the Level of Economic Efficiency of Irrigated Tomato Production under Kano River Irrigation Project (KRIP), Nigeria. A combination of purposive and random sampling techniques were used to select 213 irrigated tomato farmers. Primary data were collected through a well-structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages and data. It was found that the medium and large scale farms emerged as farms with price-efficiency in terms of higher unit profit (0.43) respectively. It can be concluded irrigated tomato farmers in the study area were fairly allocative efficient, suggesting that opportunities for improvement in the allocative efficiency of the respondents. It is recommended that education should be encouraged by extension agents through effective and efficient dissemination of information.
ANALYSIS OF CLIMATE DATA USING SPATIAL TECHNIQUES TO ESTIMATE RAINFALL IN THE NORTH WEST OF NIGERIA
Authors: Abdulkadir Y.
Published: March 2022

The study inspect the spatial variation of Rainfall in different localities in the North West of Nigeria, Rainfall data present the basic metrological role in many field of geostatistical and practice, that is why it’s one of the major climate resources that can be used as a measuring tool of climate change. The aim was to analyzed the data of one decade for thirty sample locations from (2010 – 2019) obtained from NIMET using three different spatial models and compare the models performance in order to obtained the optimal model that can be used for rainfall prediction in the study Area. The assessment of the optimal model is based on the validation methods used in the research that is the method of RMSE and R2. The supportive auxiliary variables which have been used in estimating neighboring locations are Humidity, Temperature, Pressure and Wind speed. The predicted Rainfall in the models has proved the theory of ITCZ, and the locations with a higher predicted Rainfall are in the southern part while the locations with a lower predicted Rainfall are in the northern part of the study Area in all the models, regarding the validation methods used in the research, Geographically weighted Regression (GWR) outperform Ordinary Kring (O.K) and Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) in terms of RMSE and R2.
DNA VACCINES: CHALLENGES AND APPROACHES
Authors: Omaji G. O. , Anakaa T. M. , Ilouno L. E.
Published: March 2022

Since the discovery of the first vaccine about 200 years ago, improvement in vaccine development approaches has occurred over the years.  Most notably, the emergence of DNA vaccines. DNA vaccines can evoke both humoral and cell mediated immunity, they are safe and have several advantages over other vaccines types. Despite this, poor immunogenicity produced by DNA vaccines in humans has called for novel strategies. This review highlight ways to improve the efficacy of DNA vaccines through plasmid modification, delivery systems, prime boost and addition of adjuvants. The review also discusses the potential of DNA vaccine in pandemic settings such as that of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
A MOLECULAR DOCKING VIRTUAL SCREENING, DRUG-LIKENESS AND PHARMACOKINETICS (ADMET) PROPERTIES PREDICTION OF SOME ENDOMETRIAL CANCER AGENTS
Authors: Aiyedogbon Okikiola , Ibrahim Muhammad Tukur , Adamu Shallangwa Gideon , Muhammad Tahir Salisu , Abubakar Tukur
Published: March 2022

Endometrial or uterine cancer is a malignancy arising from the endometrium of the uterus. Women have a 1 in 40 life-time risk of being diagnosed with endometrial cancer, the fourth most common malig¬nancy among women. Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological malignancy in the developed world. The binding mode of some endometrial cancer agents in the active site of human estrogen receptor (PDB1*1P) (receptor) was studied via molecular docking. Molecule 6 was identified to have the highest binding energy of -10.1 kcal/mol among other selected compounds which might be as a result of hydrogen bond interactions formed with ASP480 amino acid residues and hydrophobic/other interactions formed with LEU508, LEU479 and ILE451 amino acid residues in the active site of the receptor. The drug-likeness properties of these selected endometrial cancer agents were predicted following the Lipinski’s rule of five and were found to be orally active and bioavailable as they obeyed the used filtering criterion. Based on the pharmacokinetic properties predicted, they were seen to have good ADMET properties. This research proposed a way for designing potent endometrial cancer agents against their target enzyme (human estrogen receptor).
PROXIMATE COMPOSITION AND CARCASS QUALITY OF SMOKED AND FRESH GREY MULLET (LIZA FALCIPINNIS) COLLECTED FROM LAGOS LAGOON
Authors: Esan Oluwayomi , Abdullahi M. M.
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this research was to determine the quality of smoked grey Mullet (Liza falcipinnis). The fish were divided into two portions; one portion was processed using NIOMR smoking kiln. All of smoked mullet samples were subjected to chemical analysis. The proximate composition shows that moisture content in smoked sample was very low (5.43%) while it was high (72.89 %,) in fresh sample. There was no significant difference in both smoked and fresh sample values obtained for crude protein (25.7% and 22.2%) respectively, while lipid, ash and carbohydrate values obtained shows significant difference (p>0.05). Also, there were no significant difference in the moisture and lipid values obtained for smoked tissue, whole fish, and carcass of mullet, but there were significant differences in the values obtained for crude protein, ash and carbohydrate respectively
Pengaruh Citra Perusahaan dalam Mempertahankan Eksistensi UMKM Pekalongan di Masa Pandemi Covid-19 dan Era New Normal
Authors: Ayu Sunarjo Wenti , Ilmiani Amalia , Nurhayati Siti
Published: March 2022

The impact felt during the spread of the corona virus was very large, especially on the country's economy, one of the most vulnerable sectors is MSMEs which are the driving force of the country's economy. Consumers began to limit their consumption due to deteriorating financial conditions. Moreover, consumers really want satisfaction when choosing MSMEs that are considered able to provide prices that are in accordance with financial conditions during the Covid-19 pandemic, are able to provide good service, and are able to maintain the company's existence by creating a positive image, so that consumers feel satisfied. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on the MSME business, how people are consistent in using Indonesian MSME products because they are familiar with their image and quality, so that MSMEs can still maintain their existence in the face of crises in that era. The level of technological readiness in research This is at the basic research stage with the output target is to obtain data from a questionnaire about how great the existence of Indonesian local MSMEs is able to survive during the COVID-19 pandemic until a new era is normal. The sample used in the study used a random sampling technique to randomly select consumers of Indonesian local MSME products throughout Indonesia, with data analysis techniques using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The result is that company image is able to mediate service quality on customer satisfaction, but is not proven to mediate customer satisfaction prices. This opens the door for future research.
Model Hubungan Literasi, Pengalaman dan Perilaku Pengelolaan Keuangan Keluarga: Peran Niat Berperilaku Sebagai Mediasi
Authors: Mardianah Anisa , Rr Iramani
Published: March 2022

Pengelolaan keuangan keluarga sangat dibutuhkan dalam menumbuhkan ekonomi keluarga. Penelitian ini memiliki dua tujuan utama yaitu menguji pengaruh literasi keuangan dan pengalaman keuangan pada perilaku pengelolaan keuangan keluarga, dan menguji peran niat berperilaku dalam memediasi hubungan antara literasi dan pengelolaan keuangan. Penelitian ini melibatkan pengelola keuangan keluarga dengan menerapkan teknik purposive sampling dalam melaksanakan survei, dan selanjutnya data dianalisis menggunakan Partial Least Square (PLS). Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa pengalaman keuangan memiliki pengaruh positif signifikan terhadap perilaku pengelolaan keuangan. Temuan lain dari penelitian ini membuktikan bahwa literasi keuangan secara tidak langsung berpengaruh terhadap perilaku pengelolaan keuangan melalui peran mediasi penuh dari niat berperilaku. Penelitian ini menawarkan implikasi managerial yang mana untuk meningkatkan pengelolaan keuangan dibutuhkan pengalaman keuangan baik. Selain itu, penelitian ini menghasilkan wawasan baru bahwa seorang individu yang memiliki literasi keuangan tinggi harus juga memiliki niat berperilaku keuangan yang baik agar pengelolaan keuangan keluarganya akan semakin cermat.
Factors Affecting Cash Holding in Indonesia Manufacturing Companies
Authors: Dewi Maya Sari  , Soufyan Dara Angreka , Ridha Ainul
Published: March 2022

This study aims to analyze the effect of leverage, net working capital, and firm size on cash holding using panel data regression method based on data on the financial statements of manufacturing companies available on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2012 to 2014. Testing with the Chow test states that the data regression model the panel used is the common effect. The results of this study indicate that cash holding is positively influenced by leverage, net working capital, and firm size. The greater the leverage, net working capital, and company size will increase the availability of cash in the company.
Acute Ecotoxicological Effects of Bauxite Residue Addition on Mortality and Motion-frequency of Dendrobaena veneta and Enchytraeus albidus (Annelida) in Three Types of Soils
Authors: Kerekes Ivett Kriszta , Pusztai Éva , Feigl Viktória , Kemény Sándor
Published: March 2022

The bauxite residue is produced in high amounts all over the world. This industrial waste is a possible soil-amendment material. Although the material has been produced in high amounts, it is not frequently reused. We investigated its ecotoxicological effects on two annelid species: Dendrobaena veneta and Enchytraeus albidus. Two forms of bauxite residue (BR: S – untreated; G – dried, filter pressed, and gypsum neutralized) and three natural soils (NH: Nagyhörcsök, NY: Nyírlugos, OB: Őrbottyán) were examined. To determine the safe concentration of bauxite residue in soil on the short, acute mortality and sublethal behavioral tests (peristaltic motion-frequency) were performed. The bauxite residue addition (<5/10%) raised the pH and water holding capacity level of soils. Both types of the bauxite residue increased the motion-frequency of the worms. The untreated type had an acute mortality effect (>25%). Both species refused the soils containing both bauxite residue types at higher concentrations (>10%). Slight bauxite residue addition may improve the life circumstances of annelids in acidic sandy soils because of the potential rise of the pH level and water holding capacity.
Sakari Hänninen, Kirsi-Marja Lehtelä and Paula Saikkonen (eds.), The Relational Nordic Welfare State: Between Utopia and Ideology (Cheltenham/Northampton: E. Elgar, 2019)
Authors: Straume Ingerid
Published: March 2022

Neoliberalism is a peculiar phenomenon: Nobody, to my knowledge, identifies as being a neoliberal, yet several publications have recently demonstrated how four decades of neoliberal reforms have transformed Western democracies in surprisingly uniform ways. In this sense, neoliberalism is an ideology without proponents, or, to use vocabulary from The Relational Welfare State: Between Utopia and Ideology, a utopia that has successfully manifested itself by replacing or transforming other socio-historical regimes.
Günther Handl and Kristoffer Svendsen (eds.), Managing the Risk of Offshore Oil and Gas Accidents: The International Legal Dimension (Cheltenham: E. Elgar, 2020)
Authors: Savov Ognyan
Published: March 2022

Managing the Risk of Offshore Oil and Gas Accidents: The International Legal Dimension is a book from the Edward Elgar’s New Horizons in Environmental and Energy Law Series. It is structured around the assessment of domestic and regional legal concepts regarding safety, liability and compensation for harm, and is divided in three Parts containing topics consisting of one or several Chapters.

Part I is on prevention and reduction of harm. Without restricting itself only to the offshore industry, Topic/Chapter 1 acknowledges the deficiencies of risk management by considering State and stakeholder involvement in corporate governance and concludes that transparency is one of the most important factors for improving it.
GLOSSARIUM IURIS ROMANI (Latneskt-íslenskt orðasafn rómaréttar Jústiníanusar) – New edition
Authors: Jamin Jürgen
Published: March 2022

Roman law in the form of the legislation of the emperor Justinian (527-565) has been studied in Western Europe since the end of the 11th century in Bologna. Modern law is based in many ways on the concepts of ancient Roman law, therefore, it’s important that law students get to know them right at the beginning of their studies so that they will be well equipped to compare the different legal systems (in Europe). The knowledge of Roman law is often a prerequisite to a basic understanding of the legal norms in force. An understanding of Roman law is also important for the critical evaluation of present or proposed legislation. It is the best training ground for a future lawyer, judge or politician to learn to argue.