bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demographic Issues in Malaysia
Authors: Nor Nik Norliati Fitri Md
Published: October 2019

This article will discussed about demographic issues in Malaysia and focused about fertility trend, increasing the number of ageing (60 years and above) and non citizen residents. Since 2016 years the crude birth rate in Malaysia are decreased to 16.6 per 1000 population compared to 18.5 per 1000 population in 2009. Starting on years 2019, fertility trend among women are decreased which is below the replacement level 2.1 child per women (15-49 years reproductive women) especially Chinese and Indian ethnic. In 2014, Chinese ethnic and Indian showed that total fertility rate is 1.4 child per women. In 2015, Malay ethnic showed the total fertility rate is 2.6 per child among women 15- 49 years. This situation showed the issued of age population increasingly significantly. The percentage of older person in Malaysia in 2010 among Chinese, Indian, Malay and Bumiputera ethnic are representively 12.2 percent, 7.9 percent, 7.3 percent and 6.2 percent. It showed that the issues of social support for example the living arrangement of older persons, health care, health status and income are the most important issues and must be addressed. Besides that, Malaysia will be challenging problem migrant worker from Asian country and will cause the problem for example for Malaysian citizen to get the work. Based on Department of Statistics Malaysia in 2016, there are about 3.3 million non-Malaysian citizens in Malaysia which is 80.3 percent in 15-64 years. Hopefully this paper will provide some suggestions to enable the authorities to address these issues more effectively.
Quality Control and Stability Testing of Arq Formulations of Unani Pharmacopeia of India Using HPTLC and GC-MS
Authors: Zahiruddin Sultan , Parveen Abida , Khan Washim , Ibrahim Mohammad , Akhtar Jamal , Khan Asim Ali , Ansari S H , Ahmad Sayeed
Published: October 2019

Background: There is an increasing global demand for traditional medicines because of their efficacy, ease of availability, and few or no side effects. The Unani medicines have long been used in India and abroad for various disorders and diseases. Arqiyat (Arq; distillate) is one of the most widely used Unani formulation prepared by simple distillation from single or combination drugs. Objective: In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to generate data for quality control and stability testing of Arq formulations of the Unani Pharmacopeia of India that includes only three Arq formulations. Method: Arq-e-Nana (AeN), Arq-e-Gazar (AeG), and Arq-e-Brinjasif (AeB) were prepared through hydrodistillation. Quality control and stability analysis were performed by using HPTLC and GC-MS. Results: Dichloromethane extract of AeB showed maximum of 10 bands at different retardation factor values; however, there are 7 bands in AeN as well as in AeG. GC-MS analysis showed presence of 10 metabolites in AeG, 8 in AeN, and 9 in AeB. Stability studies showed that the shelf life of Arq formulations would be enhanced at refrigeration (5 ± 2°C) conditions. Conclusions: The present study highlights quality control and stability analysis of Arq formulations of Unani Pharmacopeia of India using HPTLC and GC-MS.
From the President: Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
Authors: Brown Ann K. G.
Published: October 2019

Washington, DC, is switching from spring to summer as I sit down to complete this column. And as such, my tenure as Reference and User Services Association President is coming to an end and President-Elect Beth German is poised to assume the position and this column!As with our day-to-day profession, ALA and RUSA have seen their share of challenges and changes in this past year. The Steering Committee on Organizational Effectiveness (SCOE) is looking at sweeping changes to the structure of ALA, including the divisions. Our efforts of focusing on equity, diversity, and inclusion continues to be a challenge organizationally and professionally for libraries, library workers, and their patrons.
Information Literacy and Instruction: Creating Analog and Digital Games for Reference Training: Overview and Examples
Authors: Kirk Sam
Published: October 2019

To provide effective service at the reference desk, proper training for those staffing the desk is essential. Those responsible for reference training know that developing trainings that are both effective and engaging can be a challenge. In this column, Sam Kirk discusses the benefits of gamification in trainings. She describes how the University of Pennsylvania Libraries have used low-cost strategies to gamify their reference training for library interns. She shares examples of different types of games that can be used to scaffold learning for interns, culminating in a final, comprehensive game.—Editor
Veteran Views of the Library: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Pionke JJ
Published: October 2019

As a user population of libraries, veterans have been a much discussed topic for the past several years. Most of the literature has focused on outreach efforts but included very little input from veterans themselves. As part of a larger project to capture veteran narratives of service, and using the Library of Congress Veteran’s History Project protocol, veterans were asked about library use and reading habits while in the service. This study sought out feedback from veterans on how they view the library, how they use the library, and what improvements or changes they would like to see in the libraries that they visit. This small study revealed several trends in how veterans viewed themselves, including being self-sacrificing for the good of the whole, being reserved about veteran status, and having a strong sense of community. The trends observed in this small sample can be used to better focus outreach efforts towards this special-needs population.
Leveraging Existing Frameworks to Support Undergraduate Primary Source Research
Authors: Billeaudeaux Brigitte , Scott Rachel E.
Published: October 2019

This exploratory study aims to improve librarian support for undergraduate users as they find, access, evaluate, and appropriately use primary source materials in their research. By approaching object-based information literacy instruction via the Association of College and Research Libraries’ (ACRL) Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education (Framework), this project will promote use of academic library special collections and archives in ways that reinforce the theoretical approach espoused by that document. Primary source evaluations collected before and after one semester of Framework-based instruction indicate that the concepts identified therein are relevant to and support learning with primary sources.
Book Review: Get Your Community Moving: Physical Literacy Programs for All Ages
Authors: ElBasri Teralee
Published: October 2019

Carson brings her years of experience with physical literacy programs in libraries and other spaces to create this well thought-out and researched guide to physical literacy programming and its rationale in the library. She makes clear the connection between physical health and mental/emotional well-being, as well as how physical activity can positively affect library staff and patrons alike. The exploration of the mind/body connection and the assertions of the positive connections between the two supported with well-researched facts makes this book worth examining. In particular, the correlation between regular exercise and lowered teen suicide rates should be enough motivation for all libraries to provide these types of programs that engage our communities in physical activity and awareness.
Book Review: Planning Academic Library Orientations: Case Studies from Around the World
Authors: Luetkenhaus Holly
Published: October 2019

For those engaging with first-year students and planning first-year programs in academic libraries, the library orientation is a key part of the work we do. “Library orientation” is often a catch-all term that is used to describe many types of library activities aimed at new college students, including in-class sessions, tours, online tutorials, and more. For a librarian revising an existing orientation program or starting from scratch, the possibilities are almost limitless, and it can be daunting to weed through the many options and settle on one that works for your library, your institution, and your students.
Book Review: Maximizing School Librarian Leadership: Building Connections for Learning and Advocacy
Authors: Warner Elaine
Published: October 2019

In Maximizing School Librarian Leadership, Moreillon blends the 2018 AASL National School Library Standards and the concepts of Guided Inquiry Design: A Framework for Inquiry in your School by Carol Kuhlthau, Leslie Maniotes, and Ann Caspari (Libraries Unlimited, 2012). Moreillon tasks the school librarian to join the school leadership team in promoting inquiry learning through advocacy and professional development. By helping their school build a culture that supports a shared vision, the school librarian can help teachers embrace new ways of teaching with inquiry learning. Moreillon does an outstanding job of showing how the AASL standards and the Guided Inquiry Design (GID) model combined creates a deeper learning experience for students. The book outlines multiple strategies for inquiry learning but focuses primarily on using the GID model.
Book Review: The No-Nonsense Guide to Born-Digital Content
Authors: Barnett-Ellis Paula
Published: October 2019

Libraries and archives contain increasing amounts of born-digital content in many forms. The No-Nonsense Guide to Born-Digital Content is a comprehensive guide to help manage this content, written by Heather Ryan, director of Special Collections, Archives, and Preservation and assistant professor at University of Colorado Boulder Libraries, and Walker Sampson, digital archivist at University of Colorado Boulder Libraries. The authors have produced a detailed guide that offers an introduction to various forms of digital content and a wide range of related topics. For example, this work covers such varied subjects as digital information basics, acquisitions, digital preservation, and workflows.
Book Review: The Readers’ Advisory Guide to Teen Literature
Authors: Schwartz Jessica Hilbun
Published: October 2019

Finding the right book for the right reader at the right time is a perennial goal for librarians, particularly those who serve adolescents. Even the most seasoned teen services librarians will tell you that being a literary matchmaker is incredibly challenging. Teens can be a fickle bunch, and they are not always great at communicating their needs. Furthermore, young adult (YA) literature is a booming field, and keeping up with it can be daunting. Successful readers’ advisory for teen patrons requires knowing about teens and YA literature, as well as how to talk to teens about books. In The Readers’ Advisory Guide to Teen Literature, Angela Carstensen aims to teach librarians—both those who work directly with teens or teen materials and those who do not—the necessary knowledge to become teen readers’ advisory masters.
Book Review: Shaping the Campus Conversation on Student Learning and Experience: Activating the Results of Assessment in Action
Authors: Lobley Marla
Published: October 2019

From 2013–2016, over 200 campuses participated in ACRL’s Assessment in Action (AiA) program. Shaping the Campus Conversation is a compilation of AiA resources, including reports, reflections, and published articles. For individuals at academic institutions who are (or beginning to be) immersed in assessment efforts, this could be a valuable resource. This includes assessment leaders outside the library, as all of the AiA participants were required to have multiple partners on campus. In addition, most of the projects concerned information literacy instruction, so they could apply in a broader university environment.
Book Review: Transform and Thrive: Ideas to Invigorate Your Library and Your Community
Authors: Williams Lisa
Published: October 2019

Transform and Thrive is a rather eclectic short volume written by five librarians from the Carrol County (MD) Public Library. It is part aspirational cheerleader for change agents and part historical humanities lesson, coupled with a dash of program and service ideas.
Book Review: Eating Disorders: Understanding Causes, Controversies and Treatment
Authors: Sprochi Amanda K.
Published: October 2019

This two-volume set from Greenwood explores eating disorders and their causes, treatment, and prevention. The editor, Justine Reel, is a researcher and licensed counselor specializing in disordered eating, obesity prevention, and sports psychology, and she has assembled a knowledgeable team of psychologists, nutritionists, eating disorder specialists, and researchers as contributors to this encyclopedia. Articles in the volume are listed alphabetically and include topics on medical and psychological disorders, sports medicine and exercise, popular culture, therapies, and comorbidities common to eating disorder patients.
Book Review: History of African Americans: Exploring Diverse Roots
Authors: Shotwell Trent
Published: October 2019

History of African Americans: Exploring Diverse Roots by Thomas J. Davis chronicles the remarkable past of African Americans from the earliest arrival of their ancestors to the election of President Barack Obama. This work was produced to recognize every triumph and tragedy that separates African Americans as a group from others in America. By distinguishing the rich and unique history of African Americans, History of African Americans: Exploring Diverse Roots provides an account of inspiration, courage, and progress. Each chapter details a significant piece of African American history, and the book includes numerous concise portraits of prominent African Americans and their contributions to progressing social life in the United States.
Book Review: Listen to New Wave Rock! Exploring a Musical Genre
Authors: Whatley Edward
Published: October 2019

Listen to New Wave Rock! is the first volume in the Exploring a Musical Genre series from Greenwood Press. According to the series forward, the series will consist of “scholarly volumes written for the enjoyment of virtually any music fan” (x). Rather than attempt to provide an exhaustive history of new wave music, this volume instead focuses on fifty musical works the author considers to be “Must-Hear Music” (xiv). This limited focus allows the author to devote more attention to the chosen pieces of music than is typical of most reference resources. The entries provide accounts of each band’s formation and early careers that one would expect in a volume such as this; however, what distinguishes Listen to New Wave Rock! is the rigorous critical analysis the author applies to each selected musical composition.
Book Review: Popular Fads and Crazes through American History
Authors: Laudicina Matthew
Published: October 2019

While many aspects of American life and culture have changed and evolved, one commonality that remains a constant throughout the generations are the ever-changing passions and obsessions of the American people. Whether it be a new genre of music, innovative toys and games, or the latest fashion trends, these compulsions burn incredibly hot and often very fast. Not long after the establishment of whatever the latest craze may be, attentions drift away and onto the next hottest trend in the blink of an eye. Here to enlighten interested readers on the many cultural obsessions that have captivated America throughout its history is Nancy Hendricks’s Popular Fads and Crazes through American History.
Book Review: Reading Harper Lee: Understanding To Kill a Mockingbird and Go Set a Watchman
Authors: Hartsell-Gundy Arianne A.
Published: October 2019

Reading Harper Lee: Understanding To Kill a Mockingbird and Go Set a Watchman by Claudia Durst Johnson is meant to assist students studying the work of Harper Lee by providing context for her life and work and examining key topics such as race, class, and gender. It functions in some ways as an update to Johnson’s Understanding To Kill a Mockingbird: A Student Casebook to Issues, Sources, and Historic Documents (Greenwood, 1994) since it includes analysis of Go Set A Watchman. Rather than being a replacement for the 1994 reference work, it functions as a great complement for a student studying Harper Lee. While Understanding To Kill a Mockingbird provides numerous primary documents to help a student understand the historical context, Reading Harper Lee provides a more concise analysis of themes, which potentially makes it more accessible to a student new to literary criticism.
Book Review: The Biology of Beauty: The Science behind Human Attractiveness
Authors: Coder Megan
Published: October 2019

Rachelle M. Smith, an associate professor of psychology and the chair of social sciences at Husson University, is the author of this one-volume work. The subject of beauty is complex and has been heavily researched among many academic disciplines like anthropology, biology, evolutionary studies, psychology, and sociology. This research “has added to a foundation of understanding what it means to be attractive and the biological underpinnings of beauty” (vii).
Book Review: The Schoolroom: A Social History of Teaching and Learning
Authors: Forester Kelsey
Published: October 2019

Dale Allen Gyure’s The Schoolroom: A Social History of Teaching and Learning takes an in-depth look at how the structure of schools has changed over the course of American history, starting from Colonial America to the twenty-first century. After its well laid out table of contents, there is a helpful timeline, chronicling major developments in United States education history starting in 1635 with the opening of Boston Latin Grammar School and going up to 2016 with the Sandy Hook Elementary School and the new era of school design (xv-xix). It also includes a helpful glossary that defines specific terms, such as different building plans, types of schools, and educational theories. Throughout the chapters, words found in the glossary are in bold.
Les “Dernières leçons d ’Émile Benveniste au Collège de France”: nouveau regard sur l’écriture
Authors: Fenoglio Irène
Published: October 2019

La publication des Problèmes de linguistique générale (t. 1 1966, t. 2 1974 chez Gallimard) selon un plan approuvé par Emile Benveniste pour le premier tome, et repris à l’identique pour le second, a assuré tardivement une large publicité à des travaux majeurs de Benveniste, mais en a aussi confiné d’autres, moins accessibles. Sont ainsi restés dans l’ombre, l’ensemble des Cours dispensés par Benveniste à l’EPHE et au Collège de France. Il est apparu important d’offrir à la lecture les derniers Cours au Collège de France où Benveniste développe un thème souvent annoncé dans les articles de linguistique générale et jamais traité pour lui-même, celui de l’écriture. Dans les Cours intitulé par Benveniste lui-même «La langue et l’écriture», le linguiste interroge l’acte même d’écrire, de grapher, et pour cela remonte loin.
La antología como un museo: una aproximación discursiva y pragmática a la conservación y la transmisión de la poesía medieval francesa
Authors: Muñoz Juan Manuel López
Published: October 2019

En este artículo analizo, desde una perspectiva diacrónica, las formas y lasfunciones de las prácticas de copia y de compilación que han hecho posible la transmisiónhasta hoy de la poesía medieval francesa. Tales prácticas comparten con las prácticasmuseísticas una misma ambición de conservación y difusión del patrimonio cultural de unacomunidad o nación. La transmisión de la poesía medieval no es el resultado de un plan deconservación progresivo, sino que, al contrario, es la consecuencia más o menos azarosade una suma de proyectos sucesivos, a cargo de una cadena deslavazada de intermediarios.Cada uno de estos intermediarios actúa sobre los textos aplicando sus propias técnicas deselección y de transmisión, según sus propios y objetivos, contribuyendo así con su propiavoz a conformar una cierta memoria discursiva del pasado.
“The William Blake Archive”: repensando o acervo físico e o arquivo digital
Authors: Tavares Enéias Farias
Published: October 2019

Quais os objetivos de um arquivo? Preservar ou disponibilizar documentos? Oque diferencia um arquivo físico de um digital? Seria um arquivo digital capaz de alteraro significado de termos como “documento”, “cópia” e “edição”? São essas algumas dasperguntas que o The William Blake Archive gera na mente de especialistas na obra do artistainglês e na de interessados pela preservação de arquivos históricos, fundos documentaise acervos literários. Este texto objetiva analisar este projeto acadêmico pioneiro e um dosmais respeitados arquivos digitais da atualidade.
Museus e linguagem: uma análise semiótica das interações entre museus e cidades
Authors: Crippa Giulia
Published: October 2019

O artigo propõe uma base metodológica para o estudo dos museus enquantoobjetos semióticos. Após uma introdução de caráter teórico-metodológico, o trabalho propõeuma leitura do Museu Judaico de Berlim como texto que se coloca, em sua arquitetura,em diálogo direto com seu ambiente histórico e topográfico, através de uma linguagemligada à ausência, ao vazio, à dialética do dito e do silenciado. Em um segundo momento,examina a constituição de um museu que constrói a narrativa de seus objetos através daficção, o Museu da Inocência, ilustrando as possibilidades de instituir uma memória coletivados indivíduos dentro da recuperação da memória de Istambul em um momento históricoparticular, o do processo de modernização turco na década de 70. Em ambos os casos, omuseu se apresenta como texto complexo cujas camadas podem ser analisadas.
Museu da Língua Portuguesa: instituição e discurso didático
Authors: Nunes José Horta
Published: October 2019

Neste artigo analisa-se o discurso de institucionalização do Museu da LínguaPortuguesa. A partir da perspectiva da Análise de Discurso e da História das IdeiasLinguísticas, mostra-se como se constitui o discurso sobre a língua, sobre os visitantesdo museu e sobre as relações da instituição com o espaço urbano em que se situa. Paraisso, discutem-se as noções de discurso didático, individuação do sujeito, significaçãodo “entorno” enquanto espaço urbano e sociabilidade. São considerados também osdiscursos da Unesco e do Estado brasileiro sobre a língua vista como patrimônio históricocultural imaterial.
Língua, museu e discurso: entremeios e descaminhos de uma exposição no Museu da Língua Portuguesa
Authors: Borges Luiz Carlos
Published: October 2019

Este trabalho discute as tensas e complexas relações entre língua, museu,patrimônio. Ao compreender a língua como deriva e inapreensibilidade, pensando asua relação com os processos de preservação e de exposição, e observando a exposiçãode longa duração do Museu da Língua Portuguesa, a pergunta que motiva a reflexãoaqui apresentada é: que língua (portuguesa) é essa que se encontra ali exposta? Assim,supor a língua como discurso infere tomá-la como incapturável, o que, por sua vez,leva a conjeturar que a língua só se dá à/na exposição ou à preservação na forma de umsimulacro ou delusão.
Imaginários do sensacionalismo: transferências culturais entre Brasil e França no início do século XX
Authors: Guimarães Valéria Dos Santos
Published: October 2019

O objetivo é analisar narrativas sobre o sobrenatural e mostrar como o imagináriodesse tema universal percorre jornais franceses e brasileiros, em diversos formatos (faitsdivers, crônicas literárias, crítica etc.), articulando-se ao contexto específico de recepção.Escolhemos os casos dos jornais Gazeta de Notícias do Rio de Janeiro e Le Figaro de Paris paraabordar as transferências culturais entre os dois países. Ao mesmo tempo, mostramosque a circulação de temas tem múltiplas direções, passando por diversos suportes,formatos e gêneros, constituindo os imaginários do sensacionalismo que, a despeito daestandardização, podem e devem ser apreendidos historicamente.
Literatura itinerante: notas sobre a “Revista Literaria” de El Correo de Ultramar
Authors: Marques Mariana Teixeira
Published: October 2019

“Mas aislados se encuentran, desunidos/esos pueblos nacidos para aliarse”: assimcomeçava o quinto verso do poema – eco de um apelo à união dos povos latino-americanos– do diplomata colombiano José Maria Torres Caicedo no periódico El Correo de Ultramar,periodico politico, literario, mercantil e industrial, de 1857. O jornal parecia querer cumpriressa missão. Publicado em língua espanhola em Paris, era distribuído em inúmerascidades em toda a América. Examinando a publicação, a partir de 1844, dos Mistérios deLondres, de Paul Féval, em sua Revista Literaria, nosso objetivo é sugerir uma abordagempossível do “roman-feuilleton” em sua primeira fase.
Mallarmé no Brasil
Authors: Stroparo Sandra Mara
Published: October 2019

O trabalho apresenta um levantamento sobre a recepção de Mallarmé no Brasil,fazendo escolha de uma linhagem que vai do Modernismo às traduções feitas pelos poetasconcretos. Esse recorte resulta em uma amostragem importante sobre as leituras da obrado autor francês no país e trata de algumas das particularidades que definiram a poesiade nossos autores.
Análise da distribuição de água na bacia do Rio Apeú através do modelo SWAT
Authors: Santos Joyse Tatiane Souza dos , Nunes Hildo Giuseppe Garcia Caldas , Rosa Amanda Gama , Costa Deborah Luciany Pires , Souza Paulo Henrique Nascimento de , Tavares Lucas Belém , Sousa Adriano Marlisom Leão de
Published: October 2019

A disponibilidade hídrica de uma bacia hidrográfica depende da variabilidade temporal e espacial expressa por várias funções hidrológicas, as quais são influenciadas pelo clima, fisiografia e uso de solo. Este artigo se propôs avaliar espacialmente a distribuição de água na bacia do rio Apeú, através da simulação da produção de água (WYLD) gerada pelo modelo SWAT, durante o período de 2007 a agosto de 2018. Para isso, utilizou-se o modelo SWAT na simulação de diversas informações que compõem o balanço hídrico, em especial a produção de água, a partir de informações de uso e tipo de solo, declividade e dados climáticos obtidos de órgão como o Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE), o Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE) e o Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INMET), bem como, características morfométricas calculadas a partir do Sistema de Informações Geográficas (SIG). Os resultados demonstraram que a WYLD está intimamente ligada com a dinâmica dos usos e ocupações do solo e a morfometria da bacia do rio Apeú, ao longo dos anos analisados, e não somente a sazonalidade das precipitações na região. Ainda, em decorrência das mudanças sofridas pela bacia ocasionaram um aumento em cerca de 30 % das perdas de água e diminuíram em até 60 % a sua produção o que pode ser prejudicial à população que dependem da bacia, para a pesca, transporte, entre outros.
Effects of Nigella sativa Linn. Oil on Gut Bacteria and Liver Function Status of Albino Wistar Rats
Authors: Oluwafemi F. , Ojo P. , Kolapo A. L. , Oluwalana S. O.
Published: October 2019

Background: Nigella sativa oil (NSO) has been suggested for use in several food and pharmaceutical applications due to its bioactive contents.

Objectives: The present study investigated the effects of 14 µl/g body weight dosage of NSO on body weight, gut microflora and liver function status (LFS) of albino wistar rats. Phytochemical analysis of NSO extract was done.

Materials and Methods: Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into two groups: 14 µl/g body weight of NSO was administered to group A while group B was given an equal volume of distilled water. Five rats provided baseline data for weight, the microbial counts and LFS in a 12-weeks experiment. At two weeks interval, five rats were sacrificed from each group and their intestinal contents were used for the microbial count (Viable, Coliform, E. coli, Staphylococci and Lactic acid bacteria (LAB)) assessment and the blood samples for LFS study.

Results: Nigella sativa oil showed the presence of alkaloids (0.083 mg/g), flavonoids (0.302 mg/g), saponins (0.325 mg/g), terpenes (0.138 mg/g), steroids (0.152 mg/g), tannins (0.008 mg/g) and terpenoid (0.138 mg/g). In both groups, the weight of rats continued to increase from the onset of the study, but between 10th and 12th week, non-significant (p>0.05) weight reduction was observed from 191.72±3.23 g to 189.30±4.71 g in the treatment group. Baseline Viable, Coliform, E. coli, Staphylococci and LAB counts (x 106 CFU/g) were 160, 146, 55, 23, and 154 respectively. Sequel to intake of NSO for twelve weeks, the microbial counts (x 106 CFU/g) were respectively 49, 38, 27, 11, and 318. Blood samples also showed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in LFS for Aspartate aminotransferase (78.48 to 60.06U/L), Alanine aminotransferase (30.80 to 18.54 U/L), Alkaline phosphatase (97.00 to 79.34U/L), and Bilirubin (0.52 to 0.20 U/L).

Conclusion: Beneficial effects of NSO at the investigated dosage of 14 µl/g body weight has been demonstrated as no toxicological effect was observed.
Extension Needs of Vegetable Growers: A Study in Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand
Authors: Rawal Jyoti , Ansari Mohammad Aslam
Published: October 2019

Information needs to be expressed by farmers have often been understood as extension needs. However, the mandate of extension services is more than just providing information about agri-inputs and its supply chain. The present study was undertaken to determine the extension needs of vegetable growers. The study sample comprised of 160 vegetable growers spread across four villages in two districts of Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. The data was collected through personal interviews using a pre-tested structured interview schedule. The study findings revealed that a large majority of the vegetable growers expressed high extension needs. Certain attributes of farmers such as age, education, farming experience, information-seeking behaviour, media exposure and income were found to have a significant relationship with the extension needs of vegetable growers. The study findings will help policymakers, technology developers, extension scientists and field extension agents learn about the extension needs of the vegetable growers and help in designing and developing appropriate extension strategies according to their extension need and convenience of the farmers so that they could get the maximum benefit out of it.
Ethno-ecological Variability in the Consumption of Leafy Green Plants in the Republic of Benin
Authors: Baco Mohamed Nasser
Published: October 2019

Beninese’s dietary habits related to Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus), African basil (Ocimum gratissimum) and African eggplant (Solanum macrocarpon) were studied in eleven districts of Republic of Benin. Data were collected from five hundred households on their consumption habits. Results showed that these leafy vegetables are consumed, either alone or accompanied by other leafy vegetables, depending on seasonal availability, health-promotion, and taste. Diversification and greater access to leafy green vegetables could improve individuals’ nutritional profile.
Evaluation of Haematological Parameters in Stroke Patients in South-Western Nigeria
Authors: Akinlua I. , Asaolu M. F.
Published: October 2019

Introduction: Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of both ischemic and haemorrhagic stroke which has been linked to chronic and acute inflammation. Variations in the biochemical status of stroke patients might be accountable for the high morbidity and mortality associated with stroke.

Aims of the Study: This study was designed to investigate haematological parameters namely Parked cell volume(PCV), Total Leucocyte Count(WBC), Platelet Count, and Differential Leucocyte Count(Neutrophil and Erythrocyte) in stroke patients attending various teaching and general hospitals in South-Western part of Nigeria.

Place and Duration of the Study: This study included already diagnosed stroke patients attending Teaching Hospitals and general hospitals in south-Western Nigeria and was carried out between 2015 to 2017.

Methodology: Packed Cell Volume (PCV), total leucocyte (WBC), differential leukocyte and platelet count was determined using the method of Cheesbrough, (1999).

Results: The result of this study revealed a significant increase p<0.05 in platelet count in stroke patients when compared with the control. Similarly, there is a significant increase p<0.05 in differential leukocyte count(neutrophil and lymphocyte count) in these patients when compared with the control. However, the WBC level in these patients is not significantly p<0.05 different from the control subjects. The PCV in stroke patients is significantly lowered p<0.05 when compared with the control subjects.

Conclusion: This study reveals alterations in most of the haematological parameters considered in this patients which is a pointer to the fact that these parameters with further investigations could give clues to the diagnosis and management of stroke thereby reducing its morbidity and mortality.
Specialized Screw for Clamping of Cutting Tool Inserts
Authors: Vasilko Karol , Murčinková Zuzana
Published: October 2019

The paper presents the design of easy-to-use and sophisticated cutting tool insert clamping that is applied for turning tools. The simplified analytical calculation and von Mises stress fields obtained by Finite Element Method are provided. The technical solution of clamping screw is based on the specialized screw head that is of hexagonal-conical shape. The higher axial force in screw arising from the tightening, higher contact pressure clamping the cutting tool insert. The frictional force between screw head and the insert surfaces presses the cutting tool insert into its seating when tightening and helps to get out the insert when un-tightening. The design of clamping specialized screws gives the possibility to use them in integrated cutting tools with two or more cutting tool inserts.
Current and Future Prospects of Plant Breeding with CRISPR/Cas
Authors: Ganpatrao Wagh Sopan , Baliram Pohare Manoj
Published: October 2019

Innovative plant breeding technology is an absolute necessity to enhance agriculture production in order to have an ambition of feeding nutritious food to the ever-increasing population. Current advances in CRISPR/Cas genome editing technology have led to effective targeted changes in most plants that promise to accelerate crop improvement. Here we discussed the discovery of CRISPR/Cas technology, associated manipulations for plant genome editing and its potential applications in the plant breeding. We emphasized mainly on the most essential applications of CRISPR/Cas genome editing in crop improvement, such as crop trait improvement (yield and biotic/abiotic stress tolerance), developments in optimizing gene regulation, strategies for generating virus resistance in plants, and the use of high throughput mutant libraries. Finally, the challenges and opportunities for plant breeding in precision agriculture and its bright future discussed.
Characterization of Anthocyanins in Sweet Potato Leaves Grown in Various Stages and Conditions
Authors: Su Xiaoyu , Jia Zhenbao , Tao Fei , Shen Jiamin , Xu Jingwen , Griffin Jason , Wang Weiqun
Published: October 2019

Phytochemical-enriched edible greens, sweet potato leaves (Ipomoea batatas L.), have become popular due to potential health benefits. However, the phytochemical contents in sweet potato leaves and their subsequent change over harvest stages and growth condition are mostly unknown. In this study, the anthocyanin profile and content in leaves of four sweet potato cultivars, i.e., white-skinned and white-fleshed Bonita, red-skinned and orange-fleshed Beauregard, red-skinned and white-fleshed Murasaki and purple-skinned and purple-fleshed P40, were evaluated. Fourteen anthocyanins were isolated and identified by HPLC-MSI/MS. The most abundant was cyanidin 3-caffeoyl-p-hydroxybenzoyl sophoroside-5-glucoside, which comprised up to 20% of the total anthocyanins. Of the young leaves (1st and 2nd slip cuttings), Bonita contained the highest anthocyanin content followed by P40. Of the mature leaves (vine stage), Beauregard had the greatest anthocyanin (592.5 ± 86.4 mg/kg DW) and total phenolic (52.2 ± 3 mg GAE/g DW). It should be noted that the lowest anthocyanin and total phenolic content of shoots were found in P40, while tubers of P40 contain the highest content of each. Furthermore, the increase in leaf anthocyanin content over the growth stages that was observed in three of the cultivars but not in P40. No significant difference of anthocyanin content was found in Beauregard leaves grown in the high tunnels when compared with that in the open field. This study demonstrated for the first time that anthocyanin levels were significantly changed in response to various growth stages but not high tunnel condition, indicating that the effect of anthocyanin biosynthesis in sweet potato leaves is highly variable and genotype specific.
Evaluation of Oil Extracts from Three Indigenous Botanicals against Field Pest of Solanum Species
Authors: Alamu O. , Ofuya T. I. , Oni M. O. , Idoko J. E. , Ogungbite M. O. , Adejobi S. K.
Published: October 2019

Oil extract of three plant insecticides, Acalypha godseffiana, Annona muricata and Petiveria alliaceae were evaluated as protectant against field pest of three major Solanum species cultivated in Nigeria. The experimental design was laid out in a completely randomized block design with each treatment replicated three times. The results indicated low level in severity of shoot damage among Solanum macrocarpon bio-pesticide treated plants and their interactions. Higher fruit damage severity (13.93%) was reflected in untreated S. macrocarpon interactions. Findings from the study reflected a coefficient of determination  (R2) = 0.18 between plant oil treatments and fruit yield of eggplant species, which implies that 18% of the variance in fruit yield of eggplant species can be attributed to the plant oil treatments. Further screening of the active components of the botanicals for insecticidal potency is hereby recommended.
Antibiotic Susceptibility of High Vaginal Swab’s Isolates Obtained from the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Effiong E. , Ndukwe N. N. , Wali Y. S.
Published: October 2019

Introduction: Bacterial vaginosis is caused by the invasion of the vagina by pathogenic microbiota with a unique adaptive strategy. Immunodeficiency and immune compromised female patients may have reported cases of this category of infections.

Aims: This study evaluated the susceptibility pattern of High vaginal swab (HVS) isolates using both Optudisc and Abtek antibiotics susceptibility disc obtained from the Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology Unit, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH); Rivers State, South-South Nigeria.

Study Design: Thirty (30) isolates with multidrug resistance were screened, selected and identified with frequencies of occurrence with 36.67% E. coli, 29.9% Klebsiella sp., 16.67% Staphylococcus aureus, 6.6% Pseudomonas sp. and 13.33% Proteus sp. The susceptibility of the isolates was assessed using Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method.

Results: Over 80% were susceptible to Gentamicin, 64% to Ofloxacin, using the Abtex Biological Limited while Optudisc revealed 72% to Peflacin, Ciprofloxacin, Streptomycin, 60% resistant to Ampicillin, 56% to Nalidixic Acid, Septrin. About 100% sensitivity was observed in the second generation Cephalosporins, Cefuroxime and Ceftazidime, whereas 75% were resistant to Oxacillin and Augmentin. While Optudisc for Gram-positive isolates were 100% susceptible to Levofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin. Statistical analysis using t-test at p< 0.05 showed that mean results using the different disc were significant.

Conclusion: The trend in the susceptibility of isolates was attributed to the spate of self-medication and abuse and misuse of herbal remedies. These findings underscore the need to enforce proper susceptibility testing prior to administration of therapeutic formulations.
Cardiovascular Complication after Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Sik Shin Ho
Published: October 2019

Patient mortality after kidney transplantation continues to be a major clinical challenge, with approximately 1 in 5 recipients dying within 10 years of engraftment. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of death after the 1-year posttransplant and it has been estimated that the risk of cardiovascular events is 50-fold higher than in the general population. Because of this, post transplant outcomes are substantially influenced by cardiovascular disease. The presence of both traditional and non-traditional risk factors contributes to this overwhelming burden of cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Facial Nerve Palsy: A Report on the Prevalence, Intervention and Outcome in a Tertiary Hospital in the South- South Region of Nigeria
Authors: Ibekwe Uju Matilda
Published: October 2019

Background: The facial nerve is an important and complex nerve whose course predisposes to various affectations.  Most work has been focused mainly on Bell’s palsy and not much has been done on other aspects of the nerve affectation.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of facial nerve palsy, possible aetiology and the treatment outcome in our environment.

Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective study of all patients diagnosed with facial nerve palsy seen in the ENT Surgery department and the Physiotherapy department of Teaching hospital university of Port Harcourt within the period of January 2015 to January 2018. The patients` case files, clinic and ward registers were the source of data. The patients` demographics, presenting complaints, side affected, type of lesion, aetiology, intervention and outcome, were sought from these records. Data was analyzed with IBM SPSS version 20 and results presented in statistical tables.

Results: There were altogether 76 patients seen within the period under study. There were more females than males 57.9% and 42.1% with a ratio of 1.4:1. Age ranged from 20-83 years with a mean age of 48.9+/- 14.1 years. Highest incidence was among the age range 50-59 years. Commonest presenting complaint was facial weakness-80.3% outright facial deviation was seen in 17.1%. The left side was more affected and upper motor neuron lesion was the commonest type of facial nerve palsy encountered 80.3%. Hypertension was the commonest aetiology. About 69.7% had a good response to management. The outcome of treatment in relation to the type was statistically significant.

Conclusion: Facial nerve paralysis is not rare in this region and hypertension is a common aetiology with UMNL as the commonest type. Majority recover after the paralysis with steroid treatment.
An Iterating Method to Calculate the Geometry of Range Modulation Wheel in Passive Proton Therapy
Authors: Tabatabaeian Zahra Sadat , Sadeghi Mahdi , Ghasemi Mohammad Reza
Published: October 2019

In the passive method of proton therapy, range modulation wheel is used to scatter the single energy proton beam. It rounds and scatters the single energy proton beam to the spectrum of particles that covers cancerous tissue by a change in penetration depth. Geant4 is a Monte Carlo simulation platform for studying particles behaviour in a matter. We simulated proton therapy nozzle with Geant4. Geometric properties of this nozzle have some effects on this beam absorption plot. Concerning the relation between penetration depth and proton particle energy, we have designed a range modulation wheel to have an approximately flat plot of absorption energy. An iterative algorithm programming helped us to calculate the weight and thickness of each sector of range modulation wheel. Flatness and practical range are calculated for resulting spread-out Bragg peak.
In vivo Efficacy of Posaconazole (POS) against Voriconazole Resistant (VCZ-R) Aspergillus flavus in an Inhalational Neutropenic Murine Model of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis
Authors: Natesan Suganthini Krishnan , L. Cutright Jessica
Published: October 2019

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a life-threatening infection in patients with cancer. Recent studies have reported that non-fumigatus Aspergillus spp., including Aspergillus flavus, are emerging as predominant pathogens in various transplant and cancer centers in the USA and around the world. Clinical and environmental isolates of Aspergillus species showing reduced susceptibility to VCZ have been reported. Mortality, despite therapy, remains high, and drug resistance might partly account for treatment failures. In this in vivo study, the virulence of a VCZ-R cyp51A mutant of A. flavus and the efficacy of POS against this mutant were evaluated using a neutropenic inhalational murine model of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. VCZ-R A. flavus mutant was virulent in vivo, and had similar infectivity as the VCZ-S parent. Posaconazole had superior activity to that of VCZ in reducing fungal burden (p <0.05) and mortality (p <0.05) in this experimental model of VCZ-R A. flavus murine infection. This study demonstrated that POS may be a viable option for certain strains of VCZ-R A. flavus.
Association between Schistosoma mansoni Infection Rates in Humans and in Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Chikwendu J. I. , Onekutu A. , Ogbonna I. O. , Amuta E. U.
Published: October 2019

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease of medical importance. Intestinal schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma mansoni is less wide spread than urinary schistosomiasis in Nigeria. A study was carried out in Akwanga, Nasarawa State to determine the association between S. mansoni infection rates (prevalence) in humans and infection rates in Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The study was carried out in two communities: Gwanje community and MadaHills community in Akwanga. For infection rates in humans, four hundred (400) urine samples were tested for S. mansoni antigen using point of care circulating cathode antigen (POC-CCA) test kit. Infection rates in snails were determined by S. mansoni cercarial shedding by snails. Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails were more abundant and had significantly higher (p<0.05) infection rates in dry season than rainy season in both Gwanje and MadaHills. There was a positive correlation between infection rates in humans in Gwanje and MadaHills (21.5%) and (14%) and infection rates in snails in Gwanje and MadaHills (13.9%) and (9.6%) respectively. Snails collected close to portions of the river that community residents earmarked for open defecation within freshwater bodies had significantly higher (p<0.05) infection rates (15.8%) than snails collected from across river banks, (7.1%) and snail infection rates in areas designated for fetching water for drinking and domestic use was (12.7%) . Health education, improved sanitation practices and annual chemotherapy with praziquantel could help interrupt disease transmission and bring about schistosomiasis control in both Gwanje and MadaHills communities.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling of Furfuryl Alcohols with Arylboronic Acids via Aromatization‐Driven Carbon−Carbon Bond Cleavage to Synthesize 5‐Arylfurfuryl Alcohols and 2,5‐Diaryl Furans
Authors: Huang Guanghao , Yin Biaolin
Published: October 2019

Herein we report a protocol for novel palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions of sustainably produced primary furfuryl alcohols with arylboronic acids to deliver 5‐arylfurfuryl alcohols and 2,5‐diaryl furans. Hammett plot analysis suggested that the reaction mechanism involved aromatization‐driven cleavage of the carbon−carbon bond of a furan oxonium ion intermediate. This protocol provides a simple, practical way to transform 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural into useful compounds.

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