bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determining the status of preconception care model in pregnant woman of Gorgan city (North of Iran) using structural equation modeling (SEM)
Authors: Borghei Narjes Sadat , Ebady Tayebeh , Bayrami Roghaieh , Nikbakht Roya
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND:

Preconception reduces unplanned pregnancies and plays an important role in reducing maternal and infant mortality. Considering the importance of these care services, this study was conducted to determine the status of preconception care (PCC) model with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 394 pregnant women referring to Gorgan's health centers. Samples were selected by multi-stage stratified sampling method. The instrument used in this research was a researcher-made questionnaire by Bayrami. Data were analyzed using R software version 4.1.4. Structural equation modeling (SEM) with weighted least square mean and variance method was used to fit the conceptual model and the significance level of the tests was considered 0.05.

RESULTS:

The results showed that PCC model was deemed appropriate as optimum conditions indicators of goodness of fit; knowledge with a coefficient of 0.182 leads to self-efficacy (SE), and SE affects the accessibility of facilities with a coefficient of 0.465 and the expected outcome with a coefficient of 0.500. After facility structure with a coefficient of 0.500, SE construct with a coefficient of 0.215 had the most effect on performing PCC behavior.

CONCLUSIONS:

Facilities and SE as a key element of empowerment have an important role in promoting PCC. Identifying the factors associated with this care appears to help health policymakers to planning for these caregivers more precise and sensitive.
Evaluation of e-learning in a department of Community Medicine as a response to COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Venugopal Vinayagamoorthy , Dongre Amol R.
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND:

COVID-19 pandemic pushed all educational institutions to rely exclusively on technology-based learning. As this was done for the first time, it is ideal to evaluate the e-learning program to refine and consolidate the learned experience. Hence, the current study was undertaken to evaluate the online learning and teaching experiences of students and teachers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This program evaluation on e-learning was carried out in the department of Community Medicine (DCM) in a private medical college using context/input/process/product framework among IV, VI, and VII semester undergraduate students and faculties in DCM who were exposed to e-learning for the period of 2 months since April 2020. Google Forms was used to design a survey questionnaire that was conceptualized as per the needs of the evaluation framework. Ethics Committee approval was obtained. Descriptive analysis was done for quantitative variables and manual content analysis using Lewin's force field framework was performed for the qualitative data.

RESULTS:

Out of 301 undergraduates contacted, 196 (65.1%) responded to online survey. Their mean age was 19.9 years and 128 (65.3%) were females. Mobile phone was used by 93.4% to access e-learning. Combined modality of learning was preferred by 58.2% of them in future. Six “for” and “against” factors on e-learning emerged out of content analysis pertaining to three main stakeholders, namely administrator, faculty, and student.

CONCLUSION:

Our evaluation conveys that for effective e-learning in any subject, the students, educators, and institutional factors that were identified need to be considered throughout all phases of program development with careful assumptions about its acceptance by the millennial.
The use and the cost of outpatient diagnostic procedures for cardiovascular diseases in Isfahan province
Authors: Rezayatmand Reza , Yadegarfar Ghasem , Ghasemirad Masoumeh , Mohammadi Farzaneh
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND:

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are among the most important causes of premature death, disability, disease burden, and increasing the cost of healthcare worldwide. Having an overview of service utilization can help policymakers to plan more effective use of those services and to cut costs. Thus, this study aims to determine the amount of use as well as the cost of various outpatient diagnostic procedures for CVDs in Isfahan province of Iran from 2011 to 2017.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This descriptive study used insurance claim data (time period: 2011–2017) from Health Insurance Organization in Isfahan province to determine the amount of use and the cost of various outpatient diagnostic procedures for CVDs. Afterward, based on these data, the use and the cost of various outpatient diagnostic procedures for CVDs were estimated for the total population of Isfahan province. The list of outpatient diagnostic procedures for CVDs was carefully chosen according to experts' opinions.

RESULTS:

The use and the cost of outpatient diagnostic procedures for CVDs have drastically increased in the study period (2011–2017). Since 2011, the number of procedures and their related costs have increased 6.6 and 30.76 times (11.74 times, adjusted with PPP conversion factor), respectively. Per capita use (per thousand people) was 18.75 in 2011, reaching 116.51 in 2017. Per capita cost (per thousand people) was 1,887,660 IRR (355 PPP$) in 2011, reaching 54,660,365 IRR (3920 PPP$) in 2017. The highest cost and use were related to echocardiography and electrocardiography, respectively. A notable increase has been observed in the share of radionuclide myocardial perfusion scan and analysis of pacemakers and ICDs of the total cost.

CONCLUSIONS:

The use of outpatient diagnostic procedures for CVDs has drastically increased during the studied period. Consequently, the cost borne by the health system and the patients have notably increased. This may be because of the increase in the incidence and prevalence of CVDs during the study period. Greater access to related health services can be mentioned as another reason for this increase. Further research is needed to explain all potential reasons and their importance, which can provoke a suitable health policy reaction.
Strategies, facilitators, and barriers to interaction between health researchers and policy makers
Authors: Shabankareh Khadijeh , Mojiri Shahin , Soleymani Mohammad Reza , Hamidi Ali , Sajadi Haniye Sadat , Alavi Mousa
Published: July 2022

This systematic review protocol is developed with the objective to identify the strategies, facilitators, and barriers to interaction between researchers and policy makers to use research evidence in health policy making. It seems that review of interactive methods between researchers and policy makers can help to understand the role of researchers on evidence-informed policy making. Moreover, identifying barriers and facilitators of these interactions can help universities and institutions associated to health policy making in planning to improve the interaction between researchers and policy makers to facilitate evidence-informed policy making.
Subarachnoid Block in a Parturient with Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt in situ
Authors: Wadhwa Bharti , Oberoi Gurleen Kaur , Saha Mousumi , Saxena Kirti N.
Published: July 2022

While it is now conclusively established that subarachnoid block (SAB) for cesarean section has distinct advantages, its administration in a parturient with a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt in situ has been controversial. Over the years, experience with regional anesthesia techniques for labor and operative delivery in patients with VP shunt is accumulating, and various workers have reported safe outcomes with successful administration. In the absence of clinical evidence pointing to significant risks and complications, neuraxial anesthesia may be a safe and suitable alternative alternative to general anesthesia for Cesarean delivery in parturients with VP shunt, provided due considerations are followed. The indications for SAB in a parturient with VP shunt should be based on obstetrics considerations and neurological status.
Analysis of Genetic Diversity in Wild and Domesticated Stocks of the Tropical Abalone Haliotis asinina by Microsatellite Polymorphism
Authors: Praipue Parichart , Klinbunga Sirawut , Prasertlux Sirikan , Janpoom Sirithorn , Rongmung Puttawan , Ratdee Ornchuda , Ittarat Wanwipa , Boonphimpapha Phimsucha , Jarayabhand Padermsak , Khamnamtong Bavornlak
Published: July 2022

The basic information on genetic diversity of wild and hatchery-propagated stocks of tropical abalone, Haliotis asinina is important for the construction of a breeding scheme leading to the sustainable culturing activity of this species. In this study, 2,876 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were in silico analyzed and 178 EST sequences contained microsatellite motifs. Four loci (DW455, DW503, PHe177, and PT102) of type I and two loci (Haμ9 and Haμ10) of type II microsatellites were applied for genetic diversity studies. The mean number of alleles per locus and observed heterogeneity in wild populations were 4.167 and 0.483, and 4.833 and 0.528 for CAME (east coast) and TRGW (west coast) while those of hatchery-propagated samples were 3.000 and 0.708, 4.500 and 0.479, 5.167 and 0.524, and 6.333 and 0.527 for PHIH (2nd generation, G2; Philippines), SAMH (G1), SMaRT-TRGH (G8) and SMaRT-SICH (G8), respectively. The numbers of alleles, observed heterozygosity and effective population sizes suggested no severe reduction of genetic diversity in our breeding program of H. asinina. However, reduced Ne was observed in the cultured stocks from the Philippines (PHIH). FST-statistics and the exact test between pairs of samples revealed significant genetic differences between all pairwise comparisons of samples in this study.
Seasonal Germ Cell Proliferation and Maturation Patterns in Indian Major Carp, Labeo Rohita (Hamilton, 1822) and Tilapia, Oreochromis Niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Panda Bibekananda , Ogirala Gopi Krishna , Manna Sanjeet , Verma Dhananjay Kumar , Luna Samanta , Padmanav Routray
Published: July 2022

The present work assessed the seasonal changes in germ cells (GC) and the maturation of rohu, Labeo rohita and tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Here, we showed two species representing two diverse types of spawning behavior, having two distinct GC proliferation and spawning patterns. During July, a single peak spawning season for rohu was recorded with the highest GSI (female: 19.5±1.29 and male 4.2±0.24), which is the peak monsoon time in Eastern India. However, two peak spawning seasons were marked in tilapia during the pre-monsoon (April) and post-monsoon (October) period with GSI values of male: 0.9±0.21, female: 3.9±1.32 and male: 1.1±0.3, female: 4.4±1.1 respectively. Gonadal histology in synchrony with GSI provides insights into the effects of various seasonal climate changes on the reproductive status of fish. Further, GC ultra-structure revealed various development stages in rohu and tilapia in different seasons using a scanning electron microscope. Here, comparative models were proposed for GC proliferation and maturation during different parts of the year in rohu and tilapia that may be used to plan breeding programs and hatchery management of these two species.
Characterization of Pseudoalteromonas sp. from Aquaculture Environment and Optimization of Fermentation Culture Parameters by RSM-Based Modeling
Authors: Uzun Yaylaci Ecren
Published: July 2022

The aim of the study was to identify Pseudoalteromonas strain OS-9 and evaluate its anti-Vibrio potential. Based on the morphological, biochemical, and 16S rRNA sequence analysis, the strain was identified as Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis. Experiments designed with Box Behnken showed that cell density and cell-free supernatant activity were simultaneously maximum at 30°C, pH 7, and 90 h. The coefficient values obtained from the response surface methodology regression equations determined that pH was more effective on responses than other physical variables. The cell-free supernatant of P. haloplanktis OS-9 extracted under optimized conditions was only effective on Gram-negative fish pathogenic bacteria and especially on Vibrio. Among Vibrio spp., the strongest inhibitory effect was observed against V. rotiferianus. At the maximum cell density (10.48 OD), the strain OS-9 showed the maximum inhibitory effect against V. rotiferianus (26.42 mm zone diameter). In co-culture assay, the growth of V. rotiferianus was inhibited after 96 h with an initial level of 1.0 × 106 CFU ml-1 by the strain OS-9. These results indicated that P. haloplanktis strain OS-9 could be considered as a potential Vibrio bio-controlling agent.
Revealing the Secret Sounds and Movements
Authors: Margaritova Rumiana
Published: July 2022

The article examines how public and audio-visual media presentations of Alevi-Bektashi ritual music and semahs in Bulgaria act as a bridge between the community and outsider audience. Special attention is paid to the advantages of using the innovative format of the virtual tour for revealing a little known and still somewhat closed ethno-religious minority that is apprehensive about outside scrutiny.
Musical Ritual and Ritual Music
Authors: Heimarck Brita Renée
Published: July 2022

This article explores music as a religious ritual accompaniment within the realm of Balinese Hinduism in Bali, Indonesia, and the spiritual dimensions of music as a “tool” and a “ritual” in itself, within the Hindu-based Siddha Yoga practices and philosophies of sacred sound and the devotional worship of arati.
Textual Dimensions of the Public Ḥaḍra in Egyptian Sufism
Authors: Frishkopf Michael
Published: July 2022

The article explores the crucial role of text in Sufism, especially in the central corporate ritual, ḥaḍra. Using Egypt as a case study, and thoroughly analyzing one particular ḥaḍra performance, the article uses concepts of intertext and interauthor to demonstrate how text supports socio-spiritual relationships.
La traduzione di poesia: una sfida in fieri. Studio di caso: In morte del fratello Giovanni, una proposta di traduzione in spagnolo
Authors: Marangon Giorgia
Published: July 2022

The Translation of Poetry: A Challenge in Progress. Case Study: In the Death of His Brother Giovanni (In morte del fratello Giovanni). A Proposal for Translation into Spanish

Speaking and writing about translation appears to be a fashionable topic not only because of the heated debates it generates, but also because of its origins. However, talking about the translation of poetry becomes almost a quixotic task. What apparently appears to be a simple change of linguistic code entails, in reality, a transposition that brings together the Weltaschauung that underlies the text. We have chosen for our case study one of the best known and studied sonnets by the Italian poet Ugo Foscolo: In morte del fratello Giovanni. In the philological analysis and the translatological results we have laid the foundations for a modern Spanish translation that tries to preserve the form and rhyme of the original text.
Du dédoublement auctorial au dédoublement lectoral. À propos de Poetyckie podwojenie. Marian Pankowski – polski poeta języka francuskiego / Dédoublement poétique. Marian Pankowski – poète polonais de langue française de Dorota Walczak-Delanois
Authors: Szczur Przemysław
Published: July 2022

From a Double Author to a Double Reader. On Poetyckie podwojenie. Marian Pankowski – polski poeta języka francuskiego / Dédoublement poétique. Marian Pankowski – poète polonais de langue française by Dorota Walczak-Delanois

This review is a discussion of the book Poetyckie podwojenie. Marian Pankowski – polski poeta języka francuskiego / Dédoublement poétique. Marian Pankowski –poète polonais de langue française, by Dorota Walczak-Delanois. The author emphasizes the value of the monograph, which is the first comprehensive discussion of Marian Pankowski’s French-language poetry. A particularly interesting aspect of the book is its bilingualism. The author of the review interprets it as an extension of Marian Pankowski’s own writing practices and draws attention to the similarities between them and the work of the author of the book. He also emphasizes the influence of the book’s structure on its reception. The work is also presented as an important contribution to the history of Polish francophony.
Flexible approach to prejudice in the civil process: opportunities and risks
Authors: Смагина Е.С.
Published: July 2022

В СТАТЬЕ РАССМАТРИВАЮТСЯ ПРОБЛЕМЫ НОРМАТИВНОГО РЕГУЛИРОВАНИЯИ ПРАКТИЧЕСКОГО ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ ПРАВИЛ ПРЕЮДИЦИИ СУДЕБНЫХ АКТОВ В ЦИВИЛИСТИЧЕСКОМ ПРОЦЕССЕ, ПРЕДЛАГАЕТСЯ МЕХАНИЗМ ОПРОВЕРЖЕНИЯ ПРЕЮДИЦИИ.

THE ARTICLE DISCUSSES THE PROBLEMS OF REGULATORY REGULATIONAND PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF THE RULES OF PREJUDICATION OF JUDICIAL ACTS IN THE CIVIL PROCEDURE, A MECHANISM OF THE REFUTATION OF THE PREJUDICE IS PROPOSED.
Circumstances confirmed by a notary when performing a notarial act as a basis for exemption from proof in the arbitration process
Authors: Мацкевич П.Н.
Published: July 2022

В СТАТЬЕ АНАЛИЗИРУЮТСЯ ПОЛОЖЕНИЯ Ч. 5 СТ. 69 АПК РФ ОБ ОСВОБОЖДЕНИИ ОТ ДОКАЗЫВАНИЯ ОБСТОЯТЕЛЬСТВ, ПОДТВЕРЖДЕННЫХ НОТАРИУСОМ ПРИ СОВЕРШЕНИИ НОТАРИАЛЬНЫХ ДЕЙСТВИЙ, А ТАКЖЕ ПРАКТИКА ПРАВОПРИМЕНЕНИЯ ДАННОЙ НОРМЫ. АВТОРОМ РАССМОТРЕНЫ ВОПРОСЫ О СООТНОШЕНИИ ДАННОЙ НОРМЫ С НОРМАМИ О ПРЕЮДИЦИИ, ОБ УСЛОВИЯХ И ПОРЯДКЕ ОПРОВЕРЖЕНИЯ НОТАРИАЛЬНО ПОДТВЕРЖДЕННЫХ ОБСТОЯТЕЛЬСТВ, ОБ ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИИ КРУГА ОБСТОЯТЕЛЬСТВ, КОТОРЫЕ МОГУТ УСТАНАВЛИВАТЬСЯ НОТАРИУСОМ ПРИ СОВЕРШЕНИИ ТЕХ ИЛИ ИНЫХ НОТАРИАЛЬНЫХ ДЕЙСТВИЙ.

THE ARTICLE ANALYZES THE PROVISIONS OF PART 5 OF ART. 69 of the Arbitration Procedure Code of the Russian Federation ON EXEMPTION FROM PROOF OF CIRCUMSTANCES CONFIRMED BY A NOTARY IN THE PERFORMANCE OF NOTARIAL ACTIONS, AS WELL AS THE PRACTICE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OF THIS REGULATION. The author considered questions about the ratio of this norm with the norms of prejudice, about the conditions and procedure for refuting notarized circumstances, about determining the circle of circumstances that can be established by a notary when performing certain notarial actions.
The stakeholders of the Olympic System
Authors: Chappelet Jean-Loup
Published: July 2022

Cet article retrace l'apparition chronologique des parties prenantes qui mettent sur pied, tous les quatre ans, les Jeux olympiques modernes. Toutes ces parties prenantes forment aujourd'hui un système (olympique) dont la gouvernance s'est considérablement complexifiée au fil des olympiades et qui ne saurait être aujourd'hui uniquement hiérarchique (sous l'égide du Comité international olympique ou sous le contrôle des Etats) ou gouverné par le seul marché (représentés par les sponsors et les diffuseurs). L'article suggère une gouvernance collaborative qui intègre toutes les parties prenantes et notamment celles qui ont récemment pris beaucoup d'importance : les athlètes d'élite, les groupes citoyens et les ordres judiciaires, ainsi que les gouvernements locaux, régionaux et nationaux qui voient leurs rôles traditionnels de plus en plus renforcés dans le système olympique du XXIe siècle. Le Comité international olympique (CIO) a été créé en 1894 à l'issue d'un congrès organisé à Paris pour le rétablissement des Jeux olympiques. Depuis, il a fait en sorte que ces Jeux soient organisés tous les quatre ans dans une grande ville d'Europe ou des Etats-Unis, puis du monde entier (sauf pendant les deux guerres mondiales, en 1916, 1940 et 1944). La seule exception à ce rythme quadriennal est fournie par les Jeux prévus à Tokyo pour l'été 2020 et qui ont été reportés à l'été 2021 (tout en gardant le nom de « Tokyo 2020 ») à cause de la pandémie de Covid-19 qui se déclara au début 2020. Dès ses débuts, le CIO fut rejoint par d'autres organisations sportives qui contribuent à l'organisation des Jeux olympiques (d'été) (ainsi que des Jeux d'hiver depuis 1924 et des Jeux de la jeunesse depuis 2010) et qui sont aujourd'hui les parties prenantes d'un véritable système inter organisationnel en réseau qui s'est considérablement complexifié au fil du temps.
Flora of the phytogeographical plot “Central Asia” in the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Authors: Shynder Oleksandr , Negrash Julia
Published: July 2022

For the first time, a complete inventory and analysis of the taxonomic composition of the flora of the phytogeographic plot “Central Asia” in the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine were conducted. The plot “Central Asia” was established in 1953 for the directed introduction and naturalization of plants from Central Asia. Over 1,000 plant species have been tested here during all this time, which indicates a large amount of experimental work. The structure of the flora on the study plot has certain features of the flora of Central Asia. According to the inventory results, 308 valid taxa (species and subspecies) of higher vascular plants from 168 genera and 66 families have been recorded on the plot. Of these, 183 taxa belong to the natural flora of Central Asia. The structure of the flora of plants on the study plot has certain features of the flora of Central Asia. However, in the conditions of Kyiv, the plants of Central Asian flora requiring more temperate habitats (e.g., plants originated from northern steppes, valley and lowland forests) have taken root best. The geographical structure of the flora of the plot is dominated by ergasiophytes with Central Asian (25.0 %), Eurasian and Paleoarctic (together 34.2 %), and sub-Mediterranean (10.9 %) types of ranges. From this number, 42 species of ergasiophytes are endemic to Central Asia. The biomorphological structure of the flora of the plot is dominated by perennials (47.3 %), and the share of woody plants is 26.4 %. According to Raunkiaer’s classification of life forms, hemicryptophytes (28.4 %), phanerophytes and cryptophytes (25.1 % each) predominate on the plot. In the conditions of Kyiv, phanerophytes from mountainous regions appeared to be the most resistant plants. While among ergasiophytes of Central Asian origin, plants growing in forests, steppes, shrubs, and edges appeared the most represented. Among the ergasiophytes growing on the plot “Central Asia”, 24 species are listed in the red books of Central Asian countries. Currently, there are some problems related to the state of phytocoenoses on the phytogeographical plot “Central Asia” and its flora in general (e.g., death of many ergasiophytes of Central Asian origin due to inconsistency of climatic conditions, expansion of invasive organisms, growing anthropogenic load, etc.) However, thanks to the large-scale introductory work, the collection of plants on the plot has a unique composition and remains one of the most attractive decorations of the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden.
Captura de carbono del arbolado de la Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí, Ecuador
Authors: Castillo Ruperti Ricardo Javier , Bello Pinargote Vicente Enrique , Loor Barrezueta Yulio Santiago , Ayón Hidalgo Carlos César
Published: July 2022

La importancia de los árboles para el ambiente se centra en los servicios que pueden ofrecer, siendo el de fijación de CO2 uno de los más destacados. El objetivo de la investigación fue estimar la cantidad de carbono capturado por el arbolado de las áreas verdes de la Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí. Para este propósito se realizó un inventario del estrato arbóreo. Se registraron todos los individuos con diámetro a 1.30 m ? 5 cm. Se evaluó la riqueza y abundancia, además de variables dendométricas (altura total, diámetro del tronco). Se calculó el carbono capturado a partir de la estimación de biomasa forestal. La densidad de la madera de las distintas especies se obtuvo de varias bases de datos forestales mundiales. Se identificaron 68 especies y 1200 individuos. La especie más abundante fue Azadirachta indica (37%). El secuestro de CO2 fue de 19 650.76 t. A pesar de que se fija una importante cantidad de carbono, muchos ejemplares se encuentran en conflicto con infraestructura física, lo cual requiere la remoción de estos. Se recomienda diseñar nuevas áreas verdes bajo estrictas normas de calidad, priorizando especies nativas.
Y aún más al fondo del bullshit
Authors: Tena Sánchez Jordi
Published: July 2022

En el presente trabajo se sostienen toda una serie de tesis interrelacionadas. En primer lugar, se argumenta que el escepticismo y el pensamiento crítico no gozan de especial buena salud el ámbito de la teoría social. En segundo lugar, se sostiene que esto es también así a nivel social general. En tercer lugar, se discuten algunos mecanismos que pueden permitir explicar por qué el bullshit y el oscurantismo, y no el pensamiento crítico y el escepticismo, proliferan en ambos contextos. En cuarto lugar, se abordan tres ámbitos donde la crisis del pensamiento crítico resulta especialmente grave, tanto a nivel social como académico: a saber, los movimientos ecologista, feminista y antirracista. En este caso, se defiende que no se trata tan solo de que el bullshit y el oscurantismo estén presentes en estos debates tanto en el campo académico como en el político, sino que existe una relación causal entre ambos ámbitos, así como un proceso de falsificación de preferencias que puede ser peligroso tanto para la libertad intelectual, como para la libertad de expresión y la salud de la democracia. Finalmente, el ensayo se cierra con un apartado de conclusiones donde se exploran algunas posibles vías de solución.
Desmontando a Han
Authors: BENGOETXEA JUAN BAUTISTA
Published: July 2022

En el texto defendemos que la crítica de Byung-Chul Han a la sociedad actual en sus vertientes epistémica y tecnocientífica es una pseudo-crítica. Su crítica de la noción de transparencia se teje con citas y reflexiones de naturaleza poco clara que chocan de frente con nuestra concepción de lo que es la crítica filosófica. Como alternativa, proponemos una crítica argumentada de los mismos fenómenos a los que apunta Han con el fin de desmontar su propuesta al respecto. Sobre el trasfondo de la filosofía racionalista crítica de Popper y de la semiótica crítica de Eco, proponemos escrutar las nociones de conocimiento, enseñanza y tecnologías a partir del análisis de varios conceptos clave: el pseudo-conocimiento, la posverdad y el bullshit. A partir de ello, sostenemos que hay otros fenómenos (mala ciencia y mala filosofía, cámaras de eco, burbujas epistémicas) cuyo examen nos puede ayudar a acometer nuestra tarea crítica razonada de un fenómeno clave en la actualidad que Han ni siquiera ha previsto: las tecno-enseñanza online.
Proximate Analysis, Vitamins, Moisture Content and Mineral Elements Determination in Leaves of Solanum erianthum and Glyphaea brevis
Authors: Uzoekwe N.M. , Ukhun M.E. , Ejidike P.P.
Published: July 2022

Nigeria is solitary of the richest floristic region of Africa continent and have been a resource of plants and their yields used predominantly as food or as medicine for centuries. The study involves the qualitative and quantity assay of the proximate composition using standard methods, elemental determination using atomic absorption spectrophotometer and vitamin content using UV-visible spectrophotometer. The result of proximate composition showed appreciable amount of crude fibre (9.56%; 29.17%), carbohydrate (33.00%; 28.50%), crude protein (13.55%; 10.07%), ash (19.23%; 9.14%) and crude fat (2.79%; 9.03%) for Solanum erianthum and Glyphae brevis respectively. Similarly, the leaves recorded high values of these elements: potassium (124.77±0.83; 101.54±0.58 mg/100g), magnesium (77.24±0.24; 69.95±0.24 mg/100g), iron (13.11±0.26; 11.74±0.25 mg/100g) respectively. Vitamins A, B (1, 2, 3, 6&12), C&E were detected. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) had the highest concentration (232.75±1.25 mg/L; 166.25±1.25 mg/L) and B2 (riboflavin) the lowest (0.037±0.00 mg/L; 0.032±0.00mg/L) respectively for Solanum erianthum and Glyphae brevis. The study revealed that the two plants (Solanum erianthum and Glyphae brevis) could be a good source of food and medicine.
ELEMENTAL AND MINERAL VARIATION OF AMENDED SOIL FOR PALM SEEDLING GROWTH
Authors: Iguehide Osa- , Okuo J. M. , Anegbe B. , Babalola B. M. , Aigbogun J.
Published: July 2022

Palm oil mill sludge (POMS) is generated in great amount in Nigeria and often regarded as pollutant and waste material. This study is aimed at utilizing POMS for growing oil palm seedlings. The POMS was naturally stabilized for 25, 50, 75 and 100 days. Four different treatments (POMS: Soil ratio) were performed to evaluate the effect of stabilization on the growth of oil palm seedlings. It was found that the stabilization period has great influence on the nutrient parameters of the soil which led to a corresponding growth of the oil palm seedlings. It was found that the percentage of Nitrogen and Phosphorus increased from 0.19 % at day zero to 0.51 % at day 100 and 0.12 % at day zero to 0.36 % at day 100 respectively. The C:N ratios of the POMS gradually decrease with increase in the stabilization period, from 44.71 at day zero to 12.92 at day 100. The level of metals in the POMS ranged from 0.52 – 0.59, 0.34 – 0.40, 6.23 – 7.02 and 3.98 – 4.34 meq/100 g of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium respectively. The levels of these metals were not greatly affected by the stabilization period. There was a gradual increase in the height of the plant as the stabilization period increased. 100 days stabilized POMS was found to have the highest plant height of 66.20 cm at 15 % amendment. Application of POMS in agricultural practices may offer a sustainable option in managing pam oil mill sludge.
ADSORPTION OF Zn2+ ONTO UNMODIFIED AND CITRIC ACID MODIFIED GROUNDNUT SEED SHELL FROM AQEOUS SOLUTION.
Authors: Okwunodulu F. U. , Ufearoh S. M. , Mgbemena N. M. , Amaike A. E .
Published: July 2022

This work studied the removal of Zn2+ from aqueous solution using unmodified and citric acid modified groundnut seed shell. Batch experiment was carried to ascertain the effects of adsorbent dose, particle size, and contact time on such adsorption with initial metal ions concentration of 100 mg/l at a temperature of 25 oC and pH of 7.5. It was deduced from the experiment that the amount of metal ion adsorbed increased as the adsorbent dose was increasing in both unmodified and citric acid modified ones; 97.27 mg/g at adsorbent dose of 4 g for the unmodified and 98.91 mg/g at adsorbent dose of 5 g for the modified. 250 µm and 354 µm were the optimum particle sizes for both unmodified and modified groundnut seed shell respectively, values given as 89.4 mg/g for the unmodified and 84.3 mg/g for the modified. Maximum adsorptions were all favoured at longer contact time; 90.31 mg/g at 120 minutes and 76.2 mg/g at 90 minutes for unmodified and modified, respectively. Generally, it was observed that the unmodified groundnut seed shell showed greater adsorption capacity than the modified groundnut seed shell. Lagergren’s first-order and Ho-McKay’s pseudo-second-order kinetics hypothesis were used to study the kinetic of metal ions adsorption onto unmodified and modified groundnut seed shell. It was observed that the removal of metal ions over the adsorbents showed a better fit with the pseudo-second-order process than the pseudo-first-order process with R2 values given as 0.957 and 0.967 for both unmodified and modified groundnut seed shell. Kinetics of Zn2+ adsorption obeyed the Pseudo-second order model which suggests chemisorption as the rate-determining step in adsorption process. Based on the results of the study, it was shown that the groundnut seed shell is capable of adsorbing Zn2+ from aqueous solutions especially when unmodified.
CHROMATOGRAPHIC, INFRARED SPECTRAL AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY STUDIES OF ETTHYL ACETATE AND METHANOL EXTRACT OF THE SEED OF D. EDULIS
Authors: Ogbuagu A. S. , Nwali I. U. , Ezem S. N. , Onyema C. T. , Okonkwo C. P.
Published: July 2022

The seed powder of Dacryodes edulis were extracted using n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol by the cold maceration method. The crude Methanol and ethyl acetate extracts were then biologically assayed for acute toxicity (LD50) using the method of Lorke (1983). Anti-inflammatory activities of the crude were also assayed using male albino rats. The most biologically active (methanol extract) was separated using series of column chromatography (CC) and thin layer chromatography (TLC). The extractives coded DEF, DEH, DEJ and DEK, respectively were then characterized using infra-red (IR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). All the results obtained were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance. The acute toxicity studies showed that even at higher concentration of 5000mg/kg, the extracts were not lethal to all the animals used. The anti-inflammatory analysis showed that the methanol extract had the highest anti-inflammatory activities. The IR for the methanol extractives showed the following λ max: (3500-3200) for the O-H stretch of alcohols and phenols, 3391.9 and 3354.6 for the N-H stretch of amines and amides, 3261.4 for the O-H stretch of carboxylic acids, 2948.3 and 2847.7 for the C-H stretch of alkanes, 1431.3 and 1386.6 for the C-H bend of alkanes and 1364.2 for C-H rocking of alkanes. Also 2836.5 for the C-H stretch of aldehydes, 2210.3 for the C=N stretch of nitriles,1736.9 1699.7 and 1013.8 for the C=O stretch of aldehydes, ketones and carboxylic acids. Equally 1643.2 and1636.9 for the C=C stretch of alkenes and 1576.7 for the C=C stretch of aromatic ring. These functional groups correspond to some of the compounds listed in the GC-MS library suggestions such as tetra- decanoic acid, hexa-decanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, vaccenic acid, catechol, 2, 4-di-tert- butylphenol and others. Presence of N-H group of amines and amides the GC-MS suggested presence of tri-(2-aminoethylamine,3,3,3-trifluoro-N-(2-fluoro-phenyl-2-(trifluoro methyl)methyl propionamide etc. The C=C of alkenes agreed with the suggested presence of cetene and bi-cyclo (10,10) tridec-1-ene and others. The non- toxic nature of the seed and its ability to reduce inflammations gives credence to its use in traditional medicine practice.
PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND ANTI-TUMOR ACTIVITIES OF SOME SELECTED MEDICINAL PLANTS IN NIGERIA
Authors: Dass P.M , Abel A. , Shagal M. H , Agber C.T
Published: July 2022

The study analyzed the phytochemicals present, the anti-oxidant activities of the plants and validated the anti-cancer properties of three selected medicinal herbal remedies used by the population in Lala District, Gombi LGA, Adamawa State Nigeria. Preliminary phytochemical analysis, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the medicinal plants were carried out. Essential oils and tannins were present in all three plants while glycosides were below detectable limits in all three. One of them Anchus officinal, demonstrated good antioxidant activity with IC50 ranging from 0.50-0.45, which is lower than IC50 of Ascorbic acid (IC50 0.60 and 0.66, the standard) in both DPPH and H2O2 free radical scavengers. The brine shrimp toxicity results indicated that the plant extracts tested had LC50 values lower than 1000 μg/mL; Anchus officinalis (LC50 300.19μg/mL), is mildly toxic and probably have no obvious danger of outright toxicity during acute exposure. Thus, of the three plants, one shows the best activity; having utmost phytochemical consitituents, antioxidant activities and mild toxicity on brine shrimp.
NANOEMULSION: A PROMISING AND NOVEL NANOTHERAPEUTIC VEHICLE FOR TRANSDERMAL DRUG DELIVERY APPLICATION
Authors: Oyelaja-Akinsipo O. B. , Dare E.O. , Oladoyinbo F. O. , Katare D. P. , Sanni L. O. , Alayande S. O.
Published: July 2022

Transdermal delivery of therapeutics has been identified by scientific researchers as an alternative choice of drug administration, owing to its unique and tremendous benefit over conventional and oral administrations, but its exploration has been limited because of the “skin barricade” as its major challenge. Special formulation that is capable of meeting up and overcoming its associated challenges is required. Nanotechnology is already established as one of the developing areas of technology and its application in drug delivery has proven overwhelming success. Nanoemulsions are unique nanotechnological formulations that represent a novel drug delivery system towards resolving pharmaceutical challenges as well as improves dermal and transdermal drug delivery. Since the majority of novel drug candidates especially those phyto-pharmaceutically discovered are of less solubility and bioavailability, their pharmaceutical applications have been underexplored. This study aims at presenting nanoemulsion as a novel formulation capable of solving undesirable pharmaceutical challenges such as toxicity, first-pass metabolic effect, drug solubility, and bioavailability. Its potential as an exclusive nanocarrier that mobilizes and promotes transdermal therapeutic delivery is also reviewed. Improvement in drug potential and delivery using nanoemulsions as a recent advance with particular attention to the possibility of its journey through the skin and its consideration as a multiple delivery tool for the systemic circulation through the skin as a transdermal drug delivery route is also highlighted.
COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS UPTAKE OF VEGETABLES CULTIVATED ON A DUMPSITE AT ABRAHAM ADESANYA POLYTECHNIC IJEBU-IGBO, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA.
Authors: Ajayi O. A.
Published: July 2022

Growing and harvesting of plants on contaminated site as remediation method is a technique that may be employed for the purpose of environmental remediation. Seeds of jute (Corchorus Olitorius), spinach (Celosia argentea) and okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) were planted on a dumpsite at Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic Ijebu Igbo, Ogun state. They were harvested five weeks after visible growth and maturation was observed. The soil from the dumpsite and harvested vegetables were dried, digested and analysed for possible absorption of heavy metals (Lead, Manganese, Copper, Cadmium and Iron) using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The analyses revealed an appreciable level of concentration (mg/kg) of manganese, iron, lead, copper and cadmium in the cultivated vegetables. However, a higher absorption capacity for Fe was observed in Abelmoschus esculentus which revealed its potential as soil remediation for Fe. Movement of Cd was also strong from the soil to all the cultivated vegetables but mild for Cu, Pb and Mn. The results obtained for the cultivated vegetables showed they are presently within the safe limits of NAFDAC and European Union but may later pose a health risk to consumers if the constant practice of refuse and sewage disposal of inorganic contaminants on the dumpsite is not controlled.
SYNTHESIS CHARACTERIZATION AND ANTIMICROBIAL STUDIES OF SOME STRONTIUM-HYDRAZONE COMPLEXES
Authors: Aremu J. A. , Durosinmi L. M. , Akinlabi A. K. , Dare E. O. , Oluyemi E. A. , Ojo I. A. O.
Published: July 2022

Hydrazones and their coordinated compounds were prepared for antimicrobial activi ties investigation while hydrazides were prepared from their esters. The hydrazides were reacted with benzaldehyde to produce benzoylhydrazone, m-nitrobenzoylhyd razone, p-nitrobezoylhydrazone, 3,5 dinitrobenzoylhydrazone, p-aminobenzoylhyd razone and m-aminobenzoylhydrazone in white, off white, light-yellow, deep-yellow and light-brown colours. Complexes were synthesized from strontium chloride and the hydrazones which produced off-white, grey, light-brown and dark-brown complexes. The ligand-metal compounds were analyzed through complexometric titration while characterization of all the samples were based on spectra data. Metal to hydrazone stoichiometry of 1:0.5 to 1:3 were proposed for the complexes. Relevant assignments were made in the hydrazones and complexes for possible points of coordination. Physicochemical properties of the ligands and their coordinated compounds were determined. Antimicrobial Properties of the compounds demonstrated good performance on Streptococcus faecalis, Clostridium sporosenes, Baccillus anthracis, Pseudomonas fluorescenes, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Hansenula anomala. Nanohybrid study of the samples is recommended for future studies on the antimicrobial activities.
INVESTIGATION OF POLLUTION LEVELS OF SOILS WITHIN PETROLEUM DEPOTS IN NIGERIA
Authors: Nwosu F. O. , Olulegan Y. O. , Olayinka O. D. , Fabiyi S.F.
Published: July 2022

The petroleum depots are housing facilities for the erected petroleum storage tanks, which serve the purpose of keeping petroleum products. The threats posed by the storage tanks on the environment cannot be overlooked. Levels of chemical components of soil around the storage tanks of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) depots in Kwara and Oyo States were assessed using exposure limits, health standards as well as pollution indices. Parameters such as pH, Electrical Conductivities (EC) and heavy metals (Fe, Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Mn, Co and Ni) were determined in the soil around the storage tanks of the depots using standard methods. Average levels of heavy metals in soil followed the decreasing order Fe > Zn > Mn > Pb > Ni > Cr > Cu > Co > Cd for Kwara Petroleum depot and Fe > Zn > Mn > Pb > Ni > Cr > Co > Cu > Cd for Oyo Petroleum depot. Zn (1.77 mg/g) and Mn (1.13 mg/g) were respectively above the regulatory limit of FEPA (0.75 mg/g and 0.48 mg/g), permissible limits of WHO (0.3 mg/g and 0.05 mg/g) and maximum permissible limits of USEPA (0.2 mg/g and 0.08 mg/g) for Kwara Petroleum depot. Fe was above the regulatory limit of FEPA (5.0 mg/g) for both depots. Oyo Petroleum depot had considerable degree of contamination (17.444) of heavy metals while Kwara Petroleum depot had a very high degree of contamination (42.325) of heavy metals. Metal Pollution Index values (1.351 and 1.632) for Oyo Petroleum depot and Kwara Petroleum respectively indicated pollution in both depots. The Pearson Correlation (at 0.05 significant level) showed significant correlation between most heavy metals which signified that they were likely from the same source. Installation of primary treatment plant or proper maintenance measures are recommended to be put in place.
PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF NIGERIAN KALANCHOE PINNATA (LAM.) STEM-BARK
Authors: Kendeson C. A. , Kagoro M. L. , Adelakun E. A.
Published: July 2022

Kalanchoe pinnata also known as Bryophyllum pinnatum and commonly referred to as Life or Miracle plant is used in traditional medicine in some parts of Nigeria. The stem-bark of the plant was extracted with 70% ethanol and the crude extract evaluated for its phytochemical constituents as well as pharmacological activities. The phytochemical profile showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolics, steroids/terpenes and tannins while the quantitative analysis gave the phenolics content to be 5.538 ± 0.005 mg gallic acid equivalent, flavonoid content as 0.242 ± 0.001 mg quercetin equivalent and tannin content as 0.019 ± 0.001 mg tannic acid equivalent per gram of extract. The scavenging activity on DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl) radical showed that the plant exhibited higher antioxidant activity with IC50 value of 40.56 and 37.28 µg/ml for ascorbic acid and the extract respectively. The antimicrobial activity results showed that the extract inhibited the growth of micro-organisms such as Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia and Aspergillus niger; while the extract was inactive against Salmonella typhi and Candida albicans. These results give scientific evidence for the use of the plant in folk medicine.
PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BRIQUETTES FROM CASHEW LEAVES AND BANANA LEAVES ADMIXTURE.
Authors: Bamisaye A. O. , Ige A. R. , Ahmed A. M. , Bamidele M. O. , Kaoje H. A.
Published: July 2022

The rapid increase in the world’s population and urbanization is a threat to non-renewable energy source; crude oil. This necessitates the use of biomass and agricultural waste as an alternative source of energy. This study is aimed at production and characterization of briquettes from Cashew Leaves (CL), Banana Leaves (BL) and CL- BL admixture using Cassava starch as binder. The volatile matter, fixed carbon, calorific value and other physico-chemical parameters of the briquettes were examined under the same experimental condition. The volatile matter, fixed carbon and calorific value of 68.29±0.06 %, 16.51±0.07 % and 23.52±0.02 MJ/Kg respectively were recorded in sample E (at 100% BL) followed by sample D (25% CL+ 75% BL admixture) with 68.34±0.03 %, 16.01±0.03 % and 22.91±0.01 MJ/Kg respectively at p < 0.05.While sample A (100% CL) recorded an average volatile matter, fixed carbon and calorific value of 69.40±0.01%, 12.36±0.02 % and 21.06±0.03 MJ/Kg respectively. The finding of this study shows that the incorporation as well as increase in the percentage of BL in CL-BL admixture progressively improved its quality as biofuel.
ANTIOXIDANT AND HAEMATOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF L-ARGININE ON MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE-INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS IN RATS’ SERUM
Authors: Egbuonu A. C. C. , Njoku C. J. , Oriaku C. E. , Eze O. B. , Emeonye C.
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to examine the possible antioxidant and haematological responses of L-arginine on oxidative stress induced by monosodium glutamate burden in rats’ serum. Thus, monosodium glutamate, at a dose of 8000 mg/Kg of body weight was administered to male Wistar rats by oral intubation daily for 28 days. Monosodium glutamate treatment significantly increased malondialdehyde but diminished reduced glutathione concentrations, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities in the rats’ serum. Monosodium glutamate treatment significantly decreased haemoglobin and packed cell volume but non-significantly decreased white blood cells contents in the rats’ serum. L-arginine either mono-treatment or co-treatments with monosodium glutamate significantly decreased malondialdehyde but increased reduced glutathione concentrations catalase and superoxide dismutase activities in the rats’ serum compared to control and monosodium glutamate treatment. L-arginine either mono-treatment or co-treatments with monosodium glutamate significantly increased haemoglobin, packed cell volume and white blood cells contents compared to control and monosodium glutamate treatment. Results revealed that these effects induced by monosodium glutamate at a dose of 8000 mg/Kg in the rats’ serum were significantly mitigated by L-arginine. The antioxidant effects by L-arginine were notably significant at 120 mg/Kg in the rats’ serum and accompanied by probable up-regulation in the rats’ haematological expression and functions.
Synthesis and In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Morpholine Derived Benzenesulphonamides
Authors: Ahmed A. , Ugwu D.I. , Simon O. G. , Oluwasola H. O.
Published: July 2022

This study investigated the synthesis of sulphonamide substituted derivatives of morpholine from appropriate benzenesuphonyl chlorides obtaining excellent yields of oily products. The structural elucidation was confirmed by 1H and 13C NMR spectral analysis. The synthesized compounds; 4(-phenylsulonphonyl)morpholine and N-(4-(4-Methylbenzene-1-sulphonyl)morpholine) were evaluated for their in vitro antibacterial activity against bacteria; B. subtilus, S. typhi and E. coli. Both compounds were moderately active against B. Subtilis, but had no inhibitive activity against E. coli. Whereas, N-(4-(4-Methylbenzene-1-sulphonyl)morpholine) was moderately active against S. typhi. The physiochemical properties of the synthesized compounds evaluated, revealed its’ potential for drugs.