bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of dataset confounding on predictions of deep neural networks for medical imaging
Authors: Garcia Santa Cruz Beatriz , Husch Andreas , Hertel Frank
Published: April 2022

The use of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) in medical imaging has often outperformed previous solutions and even specialists, becoming a promising technology for Computer-aidedDiagnosis (CAD) systems. However, recent works suggested that CNN may have poor generalisation on new data, for instance, generated in different hospitals. Uncontrolled confounders have been proposed as a common reason. In this paper, we experimentally demonstrate the impact of confounding data in unknown scenarios. We assessed the effect of four confounding configurations: total, strong, light and balanced. We found the confounding effect is especially prominent in total confounder scenarios, while the effect on light and strong confounding scenarios may depend on the dataset robustness. Our findings indicate that the confounding effect is independent of the architecture employed. These findings might explain why models can report good metrics during the development stage but fail to translate to real-world settings. We highlight the need for thorough consideration of these commonly unattended aspects, to develop safer CNN-based CAD systems.
Association of heat shock protein 8 with atopic march in a murine experimental model
Authors: Jeong Kyu-Tae , Do Ji-Hye , Lee Sung-Hee , Lee Jeom-Kyu , Chang Woo-Sung
Published: April 2022

Background

Atopic march (AM), a unique characteristic of allergic diseases, refers to the sequential progression of atopic dermatitis (AD) in infants to allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis in children and young adults, respectively. Although there are several studies on AM, the establishment of an AM murine model to expand our understanding of the underlying mechanism and to identify the potential biomarkers is yet to be achieved. In this study, an improved murine model was established by applying a method to minimize skin irritation in inducing AD, and it was used to perform integrated analyses to discover candidate biomarkers.

Methods

To induce atopic dermatitis, 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) was applied to the ear skin once a week, and this was continued for 5 weeks. From the second application of DNCB, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp) extract was applied topically 2 days after each DNCB application; this was continued for 4 weeks. Dp sensitization and intranasal challenges were then performed for 4 weeks to develop conditions mimicking AM.

Results

Exacerbated airway inflammation and allergic responses observed in the AM-induced group suggested successful AM development in our model. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and mass spectrometry analysis identified 753 candidate proteins from 124 2-DE spots differentially expressed among the experimental groups. Functional analyses, such as Gene Ontology (GO) annotation and protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis were conducted to investigate the relationship among the candidate proteins. Seventy-two GO terms were significant between the two groups; heat shock protein 8 (Hspa8) was found to be included in six of the top 10 GO terms. Hspa8 scored high on the PPI parameters as well.

Conclusion

We established an improved murine model for AM and proposed Hspa8 as a candidate biomarker for AM.
Predictive Role of Chest Radiograph in COVID-19 Hospitalised PatientsA Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Arul Judah Nijas , Kumar Mohan , Moorthy Swathy , Mani Rajkumar
Published: April 2022

Introduction: The portable Chest Radiograph (CXR) has an indispensable role in large scale screening and diagnosis of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), especially in developing countries with limited resources. It can help in predicting the severity of lung involvement in the patients infected with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, especially in areas where the Computed Tomography (CT) is unavailable. Aim: To determine the prognostic value of CXR at clinical presentation in assessing the disease severity and its correlation with inflammatory markers in COVID-19 hospitalised patients. Materials and Methods: This was a single-centre retrospective study, conducted at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, from October 2020 to December 2020, on hospitalised COVID-19 patients. Clinically, the patients were categorised as mild, moderate and severe, based on their peripheral oxygen saturation- more than 94%, between 90-93% , and less than or equal to 89%, respectively. Blood samples, drawn at presentation to the hospital tested for various inflammatory markers proven to be predictive of disease severity, were documented for the analysis purpose. The CXRs, done at the presentation, were scored based on the number of zones involved and type of abnormality present (ground glassing, consolidation and septal thickening). The CXRs were scored a minimum ‘0’ to a maximum of ‘9’. Correlation between the radiograph score and inflammatory markers was further analysed. Results: Among the 456 study patients, 71% had mild, 15% had moderate and 14% had severe COVID-19 infection. The mean CXR score in each category was 1, 3 and 4, respectively (p-value <0.001). The study groups were grouped as mild and non mild (included the moderate and severe categories). A criterion CXR score of 2 was able to differentiate mild and non mild cases (sensitivity was 78.29%, specificity was 77.98%, positive predictive values was 58.38%, negative predictive values was 90.11%), with an accuracy of 78.1%. The inflammatory markers like Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Absolute Lymphocyte Counts (ALC), eosinophil%, D-dimer, Lactate Dehydrogenas (LDH), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), and ferritin showed statistically significant difference between the two groups (p-value<0.001). Conclusion: The CXR can be used as a screening and predictive tool for disease severity in developing countries where access to Computed Tomography (CT) is limited. Given the possibility of subsequent waves of the COVID-19 pandemic and the risk of excessive radiation exposure from CT, CXR may be used as a reliable alternative.
Effect of Blanching on the Physicochemical Characteristics, Nutrient Composition and Sensory Properties of ‘Banga’ Sauce Produced from Fresh Oil Palm Fruits
Authors: Akusu O. M. , Orisa C. A. , Chibor B. S.
Published: April 2022

Banga sauce is the concentrated mesocarp juice of oil palm fruits. This work is aimed at evaluating the effect of blanching on the physicochemical characteristics, nutrient composition and sensory properties of ‘Banga’ sauce. Ripe and fresh fruits of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) were blanched in batches at 1000C for 0 to 25 min, extracted and concentrated as banga sauce. Samples were labeled A, B, C, D and E, for 0, 10, 15, 20 and 25 min blanching time, respectively. Moisture content was significantly (p<0.05) high (76.37 – 80.66%) and decrease significantly (p<0.05) with increase in blanching time. Percentage fat content of sample A was low (1.62%). Differences in protein content were not statistically significant. Carbohydrate content of sample E was 17.38%. Differences in peroxide value, iodine value and saponification value of the sauce were not statistically significant. Melting point, viscosity and density were respectively 36.44°C, 35.00 cSt and 0.9968, these values decrease significantly with increased blanching time. Solid fat content of unblanched banga sauce was significantly high (75%) at refrigeration temperature (5°C), with significantly lower value of 55% seen in sample E. Taste scores for samples B and C were significantly higher followed by sample E. Overall acceptability scores ranged from 7.49 – 7.81, with sample C given higher value, though not statistically difference.
Knowledge and Skill Assessment of Farmers Regarding Cherry Cultivation Practices. The Study in District Baramulla of Jammu and Kashmir (UT), India
Authors: Yousuf Dawood , Ahmad Dar Mushtaq , Ahmad Bhat Tariq , Peer Q. J. A. , Naresh K.
Published: April 2022

Present study is based on the data collected from horticulture zone Tangmarg of district Baramulla of Jammu and Kashmir (UT), which consists of 35 fruit growing villages out of which 06 villages were selected purposively having maximum area under cherry fruit cultivation. A proportionate allocation approach was used to pick 120 cherry growers from the 06 villages that were chosen. The study shows that majority (46.66%) of the cherry growers were having medium level of knowledge regarding various cherry cultivation practices. It was also found that most (50%) of the cherry growers had low skills, 43.33 per cent of the cherry growers were having medium skills and very less percentage (6.66%) of the cherry growers had high skills of cherry cultivation. It was observed that majority of the cherry growers had not taken any expert guidance regarding various operations necessary for cherry cultivation. So it is categorical that cherry growers were not cultivating cherry as per the recommended package of practices of cherry. As a result, demand-based, cost-effective training programmes and methods must be tailored to ensure that human resources are put to the best possible use in order to achieve long-term cherry production.
Environmental Impact of Abattoir Waste Discharge on the Quality of Water Body and Soil in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
Authors: Oladipo O. O. , Ilesanmi T. M. , Olaleye A. C.
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Wastes generated from abattoirs are an increasing source of pollution of water bodies.

Aims: This study emphasizes on identifying environmental impacts caused by the abattoir along Iworoko Road, Ilokun Ado-Ekiti facility on its receiving water body and its users.

Methodology: Wastewater, stream water, and soil samples were collected twice from the abattoir over a two-month period (June and August). Heavy metals, physiochemical and microbial analyses were carried out on the samples.

Results: The sample collected in June from the study area showed mean bacterial count which ranges from 8.0 – 55.0x103 cfu/ml, and sample obtained in August showed mean bacteria count and this indicated that wastewater sample has the highest bacteria count of 8.0 x 103 cfu/ml. The lowest bacterial count was found in the stream water sample with 1.7 x 103 cfu/ml. The mean bacterial count in the contaminated soil sample was 2.8 x 103 cfu/ml. The results also show the occurrence of potentially pathogenic organisms such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The heavy metals and physiochemical properties of samples collected from the study area are as follows; Fe (3.806 and 2.812), Cu (1.070 and 0.95), Cd (0.001 and 0.001), Ni (0.0055 and 0.0025), Pb (0.13 and 0.107), Zn (0.37 and 0.406), pH (8.475 and 8.600), temperature (26.250 and 27.750 oC), total dissolved solid (267.05 and 212.8), dissolved oxygen (1.65 and 2.45) for waste water sample; Fe (0.402 and 0.519), Cu (0.277 and 0.3095), Cd (0.0 and 0.001), Ni (0.002 and 0.003), Pb (0.04 and 0.016), Zn (0.126 and 0.16), pH (6.82 and 7.235), temperature (26.600 and 27.700 oC), total dissolved solid (103.4 and 125.95), dissolved oxygen (4.85 and 5.00) for stream water sample; and Fe (122.85 and 98.500), Cu (0.694 and 0.4745), Cd (0.004 and 0.001), Ni (0.02 and 0.010), Pb (0.3675 and 0.2885), Zn (0.3255 and 0.525), pH (6.200 and 6.495), temperature (23.300 and 27.800 oC) for soil sample – each figure representing June and August respectively.

Conclusion: The concentration of the heavy metals reported in this study indicates that there is significant difference in the concentration of the pollutants taken at different sample points.
Evaluation of Environmental Geochemistry of Trace Metal Pollutant in Sediments of Outlet Jeneberang River, Indonesia
Authors: Tonggiroh Adi , Pachri Hendra , Ria Irfan Ulva
Published: April 2022

The Jeneberang River flows between settlements, rice fields, traditional ports which are located in the southernmost part of Makassar. Regional development and increasing population are anthropogenic as a source of heavy metal input to rivers, and require a sustainable geochemical study of the environment. Study objectives, concentration and spatial distribution, use of sediment samples for grain size and Coupled Plasma-Osiloscope Emission Spectroscopy (ICP–OES) method for trace elements. The average yield of the seven river sediment samples was (Cr)149 mg kg-¹ (Mn)1388.14 mg kg-¹, (Cd)0.74 mg kg-¹, (Cu)54.71 mg kg-¹, (Zn)130.28 mg kg- , (Pb)3675 mg kg-1.

The conclusion on the grain size of the sand, it is known that the order is dominated by concentration: Mn>Zn>Cr>Pb=Cu then changes to the grain size of silt clay: Mn>Cr>Zn>Cu>Pb, showing indications of migration, exchange phase and heavy metal enrichment. The order of heavy metal contamination uses the Igeo average value: Cd>Cr=Pb>Mn>Cu>Zn is class 1, namely 0 < Igeo < 1 = not polluted to moderately polluted, and the order of heavy metal enrichment uses EF: Cu (0.64), Mn (0.58), Pb (0.56), Zn (0.73), Cd (0.41), Cr (0.55), generally EF < 2 is deficiency to minimal enrichment. It seems that the heavy metals in the minimum contamination and enrichment criteria which are strengthened by statistical analysis of correlation factors and multiple scatter are Pb and Zn.
Solar Energy Potentials of Some Selected Locations in Northeastern Nigeria
Authors: Jaafar Muhammad
Published: April 2022

Sunlight is the primary source of clean and cheap energy but its intensity varies from one location to another depending on the latitude, altitude, atmospheric absorption and scattering by air molecules, dust particle  and water vapour among others. The aim of this work is to determine the solar energy potentials of Gombe ( latitude 10° 16' 59.9988'' N and longitude of 11° 10' 0.0012'' E), Jalingo (latitude 8° 53' 34.2672'' N and Longitude 11° 22' 37.74'' E), Damaturu (Latitude 11° 44' 49.1856'' N and  Longitude 11° 57' 58.2912'' E) and Bauchi (latitude 10° 18' 50.9724'' N and longitude 9° 50' 46.6152'' E)   in northeastern Nigeria, the process involves obtaining the  solar irradiation data for these four locations from a renewable energy simulation package ( photovoltaic geographical information system, PVGIS) for a period of 10 years, a daily, monthly and annual solar irradiation was obtained for each of these locations. A peak monthly values was obtained in the month of January for  Gombe,  Jalingo and Bauchi while the month of March has the peak value for  Damaturu,  an average daily solar irradiation of 5.8977kWh/m2/day, 5.9026 kWh/m2/day, 6.0337 kWh/m2/day and 5.9821kWh/m2/day and an annual values of 2154.44kWh/m2/yr, 2056.17 kWh/m2/yr, 2202.30kWh/m2/yr   and 2150.60kWh/m2/yr   for Gombe, Jalingo, Damaturu and Bauchi respectively. These locations have very similar atmospheric conditions and hence a closer range of solar energy potentials compared to places like Lagos, Onitsha and Sapele in Delta state  with (4.42kWh/m2/day), (4.43kWh/m2/day, and 5.31 kWh/m2/day respectively.  Damaturu has the  highest solar irradiance among the four locations studied. Grid- connected PV system and thermal system (concentration thermal technology) can be built to support electricity  generation and hot water production respectively for residential and industrial use. The utilization of  Solar oven, cookers and coolers  technology should be encourage by government and non-governmental organization, this will help stop global warning and desert encouragement  and hence  conserve other natural resources( such as forest)  for other use ( furniture construction).
Modelling and Qualitative Analysis of the Transmission Dynamics of COVID-19 in Nigeria
Authors: Yusuf Tunde T. , Afolabi Ayodeji S. , Dansu Emmanuel J. , Abidemi Afeez
Published: April 2022

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues despite series of control measures implemented to curtail it. Therefore, it is pertinent to study how the various proposed control measures can be effectively combined in order to stem the alarming spread of the disease and its attendant consequences. In this paper, a deterministic model for the transmission dynamics of the disease, which incorporates the impacts of the various implemented control measures, is presented. Based on the proposed model, the disease’s basic reproduction number (R0) was derived and the equilibrium solutions were determined. It was shown that whenever R0 \(\le\) 1, the model has only the disease-free equilibrium which is globally stable while in circumstances where R0 > 1, there exists an endemic equilibrium which is globally asymptotically stable. When the latter equilibrium state exists, the former becomes unstable. In addition, the model parameters were estimated using Nigeria’s demographic and COVID-19 surveillance data.

The model is simulated for different scenarios of the disease outbreak and the results suggest that the disease will die out quickly in the population if about half of the population adhere to personal protection, about half of exposed individuals are efficiently traced and about half of symptomatic individuals are promptly isolated and treated.
Application of Benefit Incidence Analysis (BIA) as a Tool to Evaluate Climate Action Spending on Climate Smart Agriculture Initiatives: An Experimental Study of the Usage of BIA on Agriculture-Related Spending in Zambia
Authors: Zulu Kangacepe , Simenti-Phiri Easton , Kanyamuna Vincent , K. Chunga Chitembo , Tembo Hedges
Published: April 2022

Using survey data obtained through semi-structured questionnaires which were administered using a multi-stage random sampling process, this study sought to undertake an experimental application of the Benefit Incidence Analysis (BIA) socio-economic evaluation tool on 117 rural farming households in Chongwe District of Zambia. The sampled households were receiving agricultural support through the Government-financed Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP). Specifically, this experimental study of the usage of BIA on agriculture-related spending in Zambia  was aimed at proving possible replication of the usage of BIA for evaluating socio-economic and distributional impacts of financing for Climate Smart Agricultural (CSA) practices. Results prove that BIA assessment variables such as income/expenditure quintiles, education status, gender and age are also applicable to and essential in evaluating CSA initiatives. Despite this study proving applicability to CSA assessments, undertaking a BIA is highly technical and data intensive. Such an undertaking would heavily rely on the timely availability of complementary economic and financial data and an intermediate to advanced level of technical capacity in order to administer the analysis.
Improved Irrigation Practices for Higher Agricultural Productivity: A Review
Authors: Attri Meenakshi , Bharti Vijay , Ahmad Nesar Nesar , Mehta Swati , Bochalya Ranjeet Singh , Kumar Bansal Kanik , Sandhu Rubby
Published: April 2022

Technological innovations will leads to meet the present and future challenges of agriculture sector. Water is one of important natural resource, since time immemorial, also acted as catalyst during Green Revolution and helped India achieve self-sufficient status in food grain production. Fresh water is only 2.6% of the total water resources of the world has to be utilized efficiently. Inspite of coverage under irrigation in India and phenomenal growth in production from irrigated area, water use efficiency remains very low as irrigation water is lost during conveyance and application. Prevalent irrigation methods used in agriculture are primarily based on gravity based flow. Surface Irrigation methods viz., Land configuration, Laser levelling and Cablegation can increase production and can save 33% of water. Likewise sprinkler and drip Irrigation practices can also increase both productivity and water saving by 70-90%. The modern methods of irrigation (sprinkler, drip and micro-sprinkler) are becoming increasingly popular with application efficiencies as high as 90 to 95% when compared to 50 to 60% in conventional irrigation methods. Whereas irrigation practices like Pre-irrigation, hydrogel led to significant increase the yield levels by 36% and water saving by 27%. At present, the area under micro-irrigation is only very less when compared to large rain fed area in India. So in order to increase the higher agricultural productivity, we have to shift towards the latest innovative methods as compared to  traditional methods of irrigation.
Effect of Fertility Levels and Bio-fertilizers Application on Yield, Yield Attributes, and Economics of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Yadav Pratistha , Yadav Deen Dayal , Kumar Ankit , Sachan Ravindra , Yadav Smriti
Published: April 2022

The experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2017–18 at the Students' Instructional Farm of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh to evaluate the effect of different fertility levels and bio-fertilizers application on yield, yield attributes, and quality of late sown chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The experiment comprised of 12 treatment combinations in split plot design which comprised 4 treatments [F1 (control), F2 (RDF 100%), F3 (75% RDF), F4 (50% RDF)] in main plot and 3 treatments [B1 (Rhizobium + PSB), B2 (Rhizobium + PGPR) and B3 (Rhizobium + PSB + PGPR)] in sub plots with three replications. Results showed that among the different fertility levels, application of 100% RDF significantly enhanced yield and yield attributes over other treatment. Among the different bio-fertilizers treatments application of Rhizobium + PSB + PGPR had significantly improved yield attributes and seed yield as compared to Rhizobium + PGPR. The combined application of 100% RDF with Rhizobium + PSB + PGPR resulted in significantly higher seed yield of late sown chickpea during winter (Rabi). Higher values of economics viz., gross return, net return and B:C ratio in chickpea were observed with the application of 100% RDF + (Rhizobium + PSB + PGPR) treatments except cost of cultivation.
Response of Different Levels of Nitrogen and Sulphur on Production and Economics of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
Authors: Lakshmi Deepika Chandu , Singh Rajesh , Siva Nagi Reddy Vangala
Published: April 2022

A Field Research done at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh in Kharif to study the interactive effect of different levels of Nitrogen and Sulphur on yield and economics of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) var. DRSH -1. Experiment was undertaken on an agricultural research farm in 2021. Nitrogen is a primary nutrient element which plays a major role in growth and development of plant and As Sunflower is an oilseed crop, requires optimum level of Sulphur to produce good quality oil. Thus optimum levels of Nitrogen and Sulphur increases the production and productivity of sunflower crop. A combination of 120 kg N/ha + 45 kg S/ha yielded the maximum Seed yield (1446.20 kg/ha), Stover yield (2794.39 kg/ha), the highest gross return (94.003 x 103 INR/ha), net return (58.619 x 103 INR/ha), and benefit: cost ratio (B:C ratio) (1.66).
Rotavirus in Oysters, Lettuce, and Feces in Children with Diarrhea from Panama
Authors: Bourdett-Stanziola Lurys , Cuevas-Abrego Manuel , Ferrera Annabelle , A. Durant-Archibold Armando
Published: April 2022

Rotavirus infections are the most common causes of infectious diarrhea in young children worldwide. We performed a genotyping of rotavirus strains by RT-PCR for G (VP7) and P (VP4), in Anadara tuberculosa, Lactuca sativa and feces samples of children with diarrhea collected in Panama. Combinations of genotypes G (VP7) and P (VP4) were identified in Anadara tuberculosa: 30 (15%) corresponding to G12P[8], 26 (13%) to G12P[6], 28 (14%) to G1P[8], 7 (3.5%) to G2P [6]. Lactuca sativa: 42 (18%) corresponding to G12P[8], 33 (14%) to G1P[8]. In feces of children with diarrhea: 39 (13%) corresponding to G12P[8], 14 (4.6%) to G9P[8], 12 (4%) to G12P[6], 2 (0.6%) to G2P[x], 1(0.3%) to G3P[8], 6(2%) to G2P[4] were identified. This research represents the first report of rotavirus strains identified in Anadara tuberculosa and Lactuca sativa in Panama and the Central American region.
Study about Acetic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Some Selected Waste Protein Source
Authors: Alisigwe Chibuzo V. , Njoku George C. , Iloanusi David U. , Uchendu Jennifer C. , Aririguzo Prisca C.
Published: April 2022

Background: Acetic acid bacteria (AAB) are an essential and diverse group of bacteria involved in producing fermented foods and beverages, primarily known for their production of acetic acid (ethanoic acid) used in the production of vinegar.

Aim: This study aims to isolate Acetic Acid Bacteria from protein waste and quantify the acetic acid produced which will serve as a means of protein waste management/recycling to conserve the environment/society at large while producing the value-added product; acetic acid from waste protein sources (fish, milk, meat, egg, soy milk, beans and unpasteurized milk).

Methodology: The samples were homogenized in sterile distilled water, followed by serial dilution and inoculation on glucose yeast calcium carbonate (GYC) agar using the spread plate method with an inoculum size of 0.1 ml. The plates were incubated at 30oC for 48 hours. Several biochemical tests, including oxidase, catalase, and Gram stain, were carried out on the isolates. The acetic acid production rate was estimated using the yeast glucose ethanol acetic acid (YGEA) medium.                                                                                  

Results: Twenty-five (25) (white, creamy and yellow pale-coloured) well-isolated colonies were selected to be analyzed. Out of 25 isolates, fourteen (14) suspected acetic acid bacteria because they produced clear zones around their colonies in the selective GYC culture medium. Of the 14 analyzed isolates, six (6) were Gram-negative rods. Presumptive identification of the acetic acid bacterial isolates includes Acetobacter aceti and Gluconobacter oxydans. Morphologically identified and biochemically confirmed acetic acid bacterial isolates were then further checked for their abilities to produce acetic acid by titration in YGEA (Yeast, Glucose, Ethanol, Acetic acid) medium. Acetic acid production rate varied among the isolates. Among three (3) acetic acid-producing strains, isolates from fish 2 showed the highest acetic acid production (24.34 g/100 ml) rate at 37oC, while those from milk 1 and meat 2 showed 23.96 g/100 ml and 23.46 g/100 ml, respectively.

Conclusion: This study is based on the importance of AAB in converting low-value protein waste to value-added products such as acetic acid, ascorbic acid, cellulose and others. This is due to their ability to use protein waste as a substrate.
Isolation and Characterization of Glyphosate Degrading Bacteria from Kubau Local Govt. Area, Kaduna State
Authors: Muhammad Aliyu Babadiddi , Abdullahi Nasiru , Jahun Bashir Muhammad , Shehu Dayyabu
Published: April 2022

Strains of bacteria with the ability of utilizing glyphosate as the sole source of carbon were isolated from soil exposed to glyphosate herbicide by culture enrichment method and identified through partial 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis.  Sixteen different microbial strains were isolated from glyphosate-contaminated sites in Kubau local govt. area, Kaduna state. Two of the microbial strains: BBDD3 and BBD4 were found to be the best degraders and were able to withstand up to 16.4 mg/ml of the glyphosate concentration. On the basis of 16s rRNA and biochemical tests, BBDD3 and BBDD4 strains were identiﬁed as Escherichia coli and Sporanaerobacter acetigenes respectively. These strains demonstrate laboratory utilizing ability of 92% and 98% for 16.4 mg/ml of the glyphosate formulation, respectively. The best optimum conditions for degradation were observed at pH 6.0 for the strains and at the temperature of 35oC for strain BBDD3 and BBDD4. Based on these results, the two strains displayed their potentials to be used in the bioremediation of glyphosate-contaminated environment.
Antimicrobial Property of Microorganisms Isolated from Soil and Water – Body Samples in Ghana
Authors: Boadi Martin , Gbedema Stephen Y. , Bayor Marcel T. , Boamah Vivian E. , Odoi Hayford
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Soil and aquatic microorganisms have been the major sources of novel antimicrobial agents over the past years. The continues use of these agents against pathogenic organisms have resulted in multi-drug resistant pathogens, hence, the need to search for new and potent antimicrobial agents.

Methods: In this study, microorganisms were isolated from 24 samples collected from soil, the Kakum River (water and sediments) and the Gulf of Guinea (water and sediments). The microorganisms present in these samples were screened for their antimicrobial producing potentials.

Results: A total of 138 microorganisms were isolated out of which thirty-six (36) showed growth–inhibitory activity against at least one of the test organisms used for the screening. The extract of a selected isolate, GKSE1, showed antibacterial activity against B. subtilis, S. aureus, S. epidermidis, S. pyogenes, E. faecalis, E. coli, K. pneumonia, P. aeruginosa, S. typhi, S. typhorium and S. dysentriae with minimum inhibitory concentration ranging from 1.563–6.250 mg/mL. The extract was stable in aqueous solution for more than three months and also had activity after autoclaving at 121oC for 15 minutes. TLC analysis of the crude extract revealed 5 spots with 2 regions of inhibition in a bioautography assay.

Conclusion: This study has shown that microorganisms isolated from soil, Kakum River and the sea has the potential to produce antimicrobial agents with the isolate GKSE1, identified as Enterococcus faecalis having excellent activity.
Genotype x Environment Effects Elucidation of Wheat Genotypes Evaluated in Northern Hills Zone by AMMI, BLUP and Non Parametric Measures
Authors: Verma Ajay , Pratap Singh Gyanendra
Published: April 2022

AMMI analysis of sixteen wheat genotypes evaluated at eight locations of northern hills zone revealed that significant environments, GxE interactions and genotypes contributed 44.8%, 30.9% & 8.9% respectively. Signal component of interactions accounted 87.91% of total interactions sum of squares. Values of IPCA1 pointed for G8, G2, G15 while G14, G10, G7 would be of choice as per IPCA-2. ASV1 measure while utilizing 58.5% of interactions recommended (G1, G8, G5) whereas (G1, G14, G5) pointed by ASV. Measures MASV1and MASV as per 97.4% of interactions settled for G10, G4, G5. BLUP based measures i.e. HMGV identified G10, G9, G16, while RPGV favored G9, G15, G6  and HMRPGV identified G9, G15, G6 wheat genotypes for this zone of the country. Suitability of G1, G10, G4  observed by NPi (1) measure whereas NPi(2) selected  G4, G12, G1 while NPi(3)  identified G4, G1, G12 and NPi(4) pointed for G1, G4, G12. Biplot analysis of measures found total 75.4% of accounted by first two principal components with with 43.2% & 29.2% contributions. BLStdev ASV MASV ASV1 MASV1 BLCV Si4 Si2, NPi (1) NPi (2) accounted for more share in first component while BLHM MHPRVG BLGM PRVG Mean BLAvg BLGM Si7 NPi (4) were major contributors in second one. Measures ASV, ASV1, MASV, MASV1, NPi(1), Si1, Si2, Si3, Si4, Si5, Si6, Si7  clustered in  biplot graphical analysis. Measures NPi(2), NPi(3), NPi(4) formed a cluster with  BLUP based measures Mean, BLAvg, BLGM, PRVG, MHPRVG.
Acute Diarrhea: Risk Factors and Electrolytes Disturbances in Children of Age 2 Months to 5 Years
Authors: Rehana Nazia , Langah Azizullah , Jamali Ameer Ali , Siyal Habibullah , Jamali Asif Nadeem , Memon Fouzia Rasool , Ahmer Arslan
Published: April 2022

Objectives: Objectives of this study are to determine the risk factors in children with acute diarrhea and to determine the electrolytes disturbances in children with acute diarrhea.

Methodology: A study was conducted at Paediatric Department, PMCH Nawabshah. Total 246 patients, meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled into the study by using non-probability consecutive sampling technique. A written informed consent was taken from attendant to include their child into the study. Children were admitted to in-patient department and serum sodium and serum potassium levels were evaluated through collection of venous blood sample. Risk factors were explored by clinical history and relevant physical examination. All of the data was recorded on pre-designed profroma. Data was entered into statistical package SPSS version 21 for statistical analysis.

Results: Total 246 children were recruited into the study out of which, 160(65%) were males and 86(35%) were females. The median age (in years) was 1.5 with IQR: 0.75 – 2.63. Majority of the children were from rural area (80.1%). The prevalence of risk factor ‘incomplete vaccination’ was high among all risk factors (98.78%). Prevalence for lack of tap water supply, use of bottle feed, lack of breast feed and use of prelacteal feed were 86.58%, 82.5%, 78.05% and 17.1% respectively. The most common electrolyte imbalance was hyponatremia (55.28%) followed by hypokalemia (43.90%), hypernatremia (13.01%) and hyperkalemia (10.16%).

Conclusion: Diarrhea impacted serum electrolytes and children developed dehydration especially hyponatremina and hypokalemia. Therefore, serum electrolytes should be closely monitored among children with diarrheal illness and timely managed with necessary interventions. The frequent risk factors of acute diarrhea were non-compliance to vaccine program, exclusive breastfeeding, and lack of potable water. The findings of current study suggest to give education to care givers so they may properly take care of their offspring. Potable water should be available and used to avoid consequences of utilizing unsafe water.
Muscle Town the Health Fitness Prevention of Disease: Using a Mobile App to Improve Fitness and Health
Authors: Kandhro Irfan Ali , Ali Fayyaz , Khan Asif , Zulqarnain Panhwar , Iqbal Baqir , Habiba Umme , Rayyan Al
Published: April 2022

In the present era, people are suffering from various diseases the main reason is that make everything easier for us like doing our jobs and travel it has become very easy now a days. Because everything is so easy people have stopped doing hard work which is why they are gaining weight and because of the weight gain, they are getting dangerous diseases like heart disease, blood pressure. The only way to avoid them is to exercise and take care of your diet. Smartphone and smartwatch app developers try to focus on providing easy to understand and easy to navigate user interfaces to get you started quickly. How do you begin using a health or fitness app? The process is simple. By adding health information like your BMI calculator calories counter, age, gender, weight, and inquiries about your various health goals and communicate with chatbot, you can set up a profile relatively quick and painless that matches your needs after you’ve downloaded one. The growth of the mobile app market and the fitness market led to some interesting projects combining both areas to be developed over the last decade.
Screening of Health Parameters for Future Implications of Students
Authors: Jamil Muhammad , Waqas Muhammad , Aslam Muhammad Rafiq Qambrani Soniha , Ansari Muhammad Akram , Soomro Javed Ali , Iqbal Muhammad Zafar , Khan Alamgir , Selamoglu Zeliha
Published: April 2022

This research study aimed to examine the health parameters of students for their future implications. The population of the study was comprised of all the students of the department of sports sciences and physical education, university of the Punjab Lahore Pakistan. One hundred (100) students were selected as a sample by using available sampling technique. For the collection of data, the researcher develops a likert type scale concerning to different parameters of the problem. Thus the developed scale was personally served by the researcher among the respondents and collected back after getting it filled by the respondents. The collected data were processed through statistical package for social science (SPSS, version-26) and similarly mean, standard deviation and percentage were used for the analysis of data. Based on analysis, the findings reveal that respondents of the study having good health status and they are adopting positive healthy habits.
Properdin: An Immune System Regulator That Can Be a Therapeutic Target of the Complement System
Authors: Mashraqi Mutaib M. , Asiri Saeed A.
Published: April 2022

Properdin, a serum glycoprotein, is involved in the immune system regulation, particularly in alternative pathways beginning the complement system. Properdin is made up of cyclic oligomers of monomeric subunits and is generated by various leukocyte subsets. Properdin promotes complement activation, which results in changes withinside the cell milieu that makes contributions to innate and adaptive immunological responses, such as the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, immune cell recruitment, and the development of immune cells involved in antigen presentation. Despite the presence of potential inhibitors (properdin) in serum and the formation of non-physiological aggregates in pure properdin preparations, properdin has emerged as a critical component in a variety of inflammatory illness models. Using the properdin-deficient murine model has aided in the knowledge of how properdin participates in diseases pathophysiology promotion or prevention. Pharmaceutical therapy for complement-dependent damage such as properdin is possible for a variety of acute and chronic problems, fluctuating from entrenched medicines for rare conditions to prospective future therapies for large patient groups such as the pandemic coronavirus-virus disease 2019. The basics of properdin biology are discussed, with a focus on the main hurdles that devour hampered the analysis of outcomes as of properdin-targeted studies.
Prevalence of Precipitating Factors in Rehospitalisation among Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Patients at Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Hussain Sabir , Hussain Wajid , Jamil Araj , Shaikh Laraib , Ahmed Bilal , Manzoor Vengus
Published: April 2022

Aims: The purpose of this research was to assess the frequency of precipitating variables that resulted in hospitalisation among ADHF patients who were admitted to the hospital.

Sample: The sample size was calculated using WHO sample size calculator version 2.0 considering 13.22%7 uncontrolled hypertension among the patients with acute decompensated HF (ADHF), with 95% confidence interval, and 5% of margin of error, the sample size of n = 177 patients was calculated.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) Karachi from 26th October 2018 to 26 April 2019.

Methodology: Both male and female patients aged 20 to 80 years with documented HF with EF <40% on echocardiogram presenting with acute decompensated HF (ADHF) in NYHA class II, III or IV were included in this study.

Results: A total of 177 hospitalized patients with acute decompensated HF were included. 107 (60.5%) were males & 70 (39.5%) were females with the mean age of 52.039+14.83887 years. The PF were acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in 64 (36.2%), medication Non compliance in 36(20.3%), atrial fibrillation in 44(24.9%), and uncontrolled hypertension in 47(26.6%).

Conclusion: HF hospitalizations are associated with a significant number of preventable PF. The most prevalent precipitating event in our analysis was acute coronary syndrome (ACS), which occurred in 36.2 percent of participants. Patient HF patients may benefit from the identification of possible triggering factors, which may aid in the optimization of therapy and the provision of counseling.
Neuroimaging and Neuropsychological Performance in Parkinson's Disease Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review
Authors: Alandas Nourah , Alanazi Abeer , Alzahrani Hamad
Published: April 2022

Introduction: One of the most common non motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) is cognitive decline. Scientific evidence has demonstrated that patients with PD experience rapid cognitive decline in multiple cognitive domains, specifically executive functions, attention, visuospatial, language and memory. However, the extent of cognitive decline with its correlation to brain regions on neuroimaging have not been reviewed extensively in the literature.

Objective: The objective of this review is to summarize the existing literature that explores cognitive performance in patients with PD with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) using different neuroimaging techniques.

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed and Web of Science databases. This review is focused on articles that explored neuroimaging and neuropsychological performance in patients with Parkinson’s disease. We screened articles and excluded those that did not fit the criteria of this study, and a total of 13 articles have met the criteria.

Results: Overall, PD-MCI patients experienced more cognitive decline than PD patients without MCI. Global cognitive ability was associated with frontal lobe, basal ganglia, para-hippocampal gyrus, occipital lobe, and the cerebellum. In addition, some specific cognitive domains were associated with specific brain regions. Attention and executive functions were associated with insula network and the parietal and frontal regions. Learning and memory were associated with grey matter atrophy and right cingulate gyrus and the limbic lobe. Language was associated with frontal cortex, precuneus, and anterior cingulate gyrus. Visuospatial ability was associated with Salience network (SN) and White Matter Hyperintensity (WMH).

Conclusion: This review of the literature showed that PD-MCI patients display different cognitive impairment as well as different neuroanatomical changes when compared to PD-Normal Cognition (NC).  These findings may suggest that cognitive impairment in PD-MCI patients require different clinical treatment and care. This review also can have diagnostic and treatment implications for this group of patients.
Effect of Polymer Concentration on the Photocatalytic Membrane Performance of PAN/TiO2/CNT Nanofiber for Methylene Blue Removal through Cross-Flow Membrane Reactor
Authors: Hastuti Lathifah Puji , Kusumaatmaja Ahmad , Darmawan Adi , Kartini Indriana
Published: April 2022

A photocatalytic membrane combining photocatalyst and membrane technology based on polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and TiO2/CNT has been developed. Such combination is to overcome fouling formation on the membrane, thus prolonging the membrane lifetime and enhancing the efficiency on the waste treatment. PAN nanofiber was prepared by electrospinning method. The precursor solution was dissolved PAN and dispersed TiO2/CNT in N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF). PAN concentration in the precursor solution was varied at 4.5, 5.5, 6.5, 7.5, and 8.5%. The effect of PAN concentration on the fiber morphology and pore size was discussed. The performance of the resulted membrane on methylene blue (MB) removal was also investigated on a cross-flow system. SEM images of the resulted membrane identified that PAN nanofiber was successfully fabricated with random orientation. The PAN 6.5% showed the highest diffraction intensity of the anatase crystalline phase of TiO2. The additions of CNT and TiO2 lead to the formation of a cluster of beads as confirmed by TEM. Increasing the concentration of PAN increased the fiber diameter from 206 to 506 nm, slightly decreased the surface area and pore size, respectively, from 32.739 to 21.077 m2.g−1 and from 6.38 to 4.75 nm. The PAN/TiO2/CNT nanofibers show type IV of the adsorption-desorption N2 isotherms with the H1 hysteresis loops. Membrane PAN/TiO2/CNT at PAN concentration of 6.5% shows the optimum performance on the MB color removal by maintaining the percentage of rejection (%R) at 90% for 240 min and permeability of 750 LMH. Copyright © 2022 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Interpersonal mindfulness and forgiveness: Examining the mediating roles of anger rumination and state anger
Authors: Yang Tongping , Chen Guodian , Bi Chongzeng
Published: April 2022

Measuring mindfulness without accounting for specific contexts may lead to controversial results. This study attempted to examine whether the newly proposed construct of interpersonal mindfulness, mindfulness as it happens within the interpersonal context, was connected to forgiveness and the mechanisms behind this connection. Data were collected from 312 participants using measures of interpersonal mindfulness, trait mindfulness, anger rumination, state anger, self‐reported forgiveness, and forgiving behavior. Results showed that interpersonal mindfulness was significantly associated with both self‐reported forgiveness and forgiving behavior even while accounting for trait mindfulness. Mediation analysis revealed that anger rumination and state anger could mediate this link separately and sequentially, but only when trait mindfulness was uncontrolled. When controlling for trait mindfulness, the mediating role of state anger remained significant, but neither anger rumination nor the serial combination did. An alternative model was also supported, showing that after controlling for interpersonal mindfulness, trait mindfulness was indirectly associated with forgiveness through anger rumination and the serial mediating effect of anger rumination and state anger, but not state anger. These findings suggest that interpersonal mindfulness is more suitable for predicting interpersonal forgiveness than trait mindfulness. State anger may operate as a proximal mechanism in explaining how mindfulness relates to interpersonal forgiveness, whereas anger rumination may operate at a more distal level.
Highly Regio‐, Stereo‐, and Enantioselective Copper‐Catalyzed B−H Bond Insertion of α‐Silylcarbenes: Efficient Access to Chiral Allylic gem‐Silylboranes
Authors: Huang Ming‐Yao , Zhao Yu‐Tao , Zhang Cheng‐Da , Zhu Shou‐Fei
Published: April 2022

Herein, we report the development of a method for highly regio‐, stereo‐, and enantioselective B−H bond insertion reactions of α‐silylcarbenes generated from 1‐silylcyclopropenes in the presence of a chiral copper(I)/bisoxazoline catalyst for the construction of chiral γ,γ‐disubstituted allylic gem‐silylboranes, which cannot be prepared by any other known methods. This reaction is the first highly enantioselective carbene insertion reaction of α‐silylcarbenes ever to be reported. The method shows general applicability for various 3,3‐disubstituted silylcyclopropenes and exclusively affords E‐products. The novel chiral γ,γ‐disubstituted allylic gem‐silylborane products are versatile allylic bimetallic reagents with high stability and have great synthetic potential, especially for the construction of complex molecules with continuous chiral centers.
A Selenide Catalyst for the Activation of Alkenes through Se⋅⋅⋅π Bonding
Authors: Yuan Xinglong , Wang Yao
Published: April 2022

Chalcogen bonding catalysis with divalent chalcogenides required using heteroatoms as electron donors to give reactivity, while the activation of hydrocarbons such as alkenes by this concept remains an unresolved challenge. Herein, we discovered a powerful selenide catalyst that showed unprecedented capability in the activation of alkenes. The Se⋅⋅⋅π interactions were capable of catalyzing a broad range of transformations, including intermolecular cyclization and coupling reactions. Significantly, the Se⋅⋅⋅π bonding activation mode can be exploited to achieve intermolecular enyne cyclizations and controlled cross‐coupling of triple alkenes. The activation of alkenes by divalent selenides opens up a new avenue for supramolecular catalysis.