bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Financial Dualism and Inclusion on Economic Development in Nigeria
Authors: Anyanwu G. I. , Okere P. A. , Adioha N. F. 
Published: December 2020

This study examined the effects of financial dualism and inclusion on the economic development in Nigeria. Data were obtained principally from primary sources, interviews and questionnaires. The sample for the study consisted of one hundred (100) respondents randomly selected from shop owners in Eke Ugwu market, in owerri capital territory. The qualitative data were transformed into quantitative form with the use of likert scale. The ordinary least square (OLS) estimation technique was employed to test for relationship in the model. The study revealed a significant relationship between financial inclusion and economic development in Nigeria. The study further revealed that the delivery of quality financial services at affordable price and terms to the generality of the populace especially the disadvantaged and lower income segment of the society is the essence of financial inclusion. This study therefore recommends that the monetary authorities should ensurethat banks offer prompt and timely services. Neck-to-measure services should be produced and made available to customers at affordable prices. Again, Banks and other financial institutions should design appropriate packages that will assist in collaborating with the informal financial institutions so that the funds so far mobilized by them are integrated into the banking sector. This will reduce the volume of currency outside the banking sector.
Point of Sale and Cashless Policy in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects
Authors: Anyanwu G. I. , Anumaka C. I. 
Published: December 2020

The study examined the impact of Point of Sale (POS) on cashless policy, issues and prospect in Nigeria economy; research questions were formulated and distributed to the sample population of 500 drawn from various POS operating centers in line with the objectives of the study. Four hundred and fifty responses were returned while fifty copies were not returned; the responses were categorized according to strongly agreed, agreed, strongly disagreed, disagreed and neutral with weight of (5,4,3,2,1) assigned to each category respectively to generate acceptable raw data for econometric analysis. The raw data were analyzed using cointegrated, ordinary least squares, autoregressive distributed lag, unit root and Grange causality; the result shows that POS has significant and positive impact on cashless policy in Nigeria. We therefore recommend that POS should be deployed to various areas to facilitates exchange transactions and ultimately reduces cash based related transactions in the economy.
Effect of Aqueous Extract of Costus afer Stems on the Liver and Cardiac Enzymes Activities of High Fat Diet Induced Hyperlipidemic Rats
Authors: Chioma Anyiam C. , Albert Anyiam. C. , Bassey Essien, E. , Jeremiah Danladi G. 
Published: December 2020

Aim: The present study was carried out on the effect of aqueous extract of Costus afer stems on the liver and cardiac enzymes activities of diet induced hyperlipidemic rats.
Methodology: Wistar albino male rats (100-135g) were randomly distributed into 7 groups of 12 rats each. Group I was fed with standard diet as normal control rats and all the other groups were fed with high fat diet (10g eggyolk/day) for 2 weeks. The plant extract was administered orally at different concentrations of 400, 800 and 1600mg/kg b.w alone and also in combination with the reference drug, Atorvastatin® (0.26mg) to the treatment groups for four weeks. The liver and cardiac enzymes activities were observed at specific intervals (2 weeks).
Results: Results showed a significant (p<0.05) difference in the plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities after two weeks of feeding with egg yolk supplemented diet in all the test groups when compared with the normal and hyperlipidemic control rats. After 2 and 4weeks treatment, there was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the plasma AST, ALT and ALP activities of rats in groups IV, V and VII when compared with the normal and hyperlipidemic control rats (groups I and II). There was also a significant (p<0.05) difference in the creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activity of all the test groups when compared with the normal control rats after feeding with high fat diet for 2 weeks. After 2 and 4weeks of treatment, rats in groups III, IV and VI (HTR on atorvastatin, 0.26mg, HTR on aqueous extract, 400 mg/kg and 1600 mg) significantly decreased when compared with the normal and hyperlipidemic control rats.
Conclusions: Hence, this shows that Costus afer stem extract may prevent hepatocyte injury or also maybecardioprotective against myocardial injury.
Cladode Pruning Affects Yield and Fruit Quality of ‘Roja Lisa’ Cactus Pear [Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.]: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Zegbe Jorge A. 
Published: December 2020

Aims: This study assessed the initial effect of experimental pruning (EP) or grower’s pruning (GP) of cactus pear fruiting cladodes on fruit yield (FY), fruit size distribution (FSD), and fruit quality (FQ) at harvest and after storage.
Study Design: Treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design with eight or ten replicates, with a single plant as replicate, for EP or GP, respectively.
Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was set up in a drip-irrigated commercial orchard of ‘Roja Lisa’ cactus pear [O. ficus-indica (L.) Mill.] plants located at Santa Fe, Jerez, Zacatecas, México, from February to August 2006.
Methodology: The EP considered two agronomic practices: 1) exposing the center of each plant while eliminating unproductive cladodes and those shading other cladodes and 2) concentrating fruiting cladodes in the outer part of the plants. The GP randomly eliminated some cladodes from the central part and around the plants only. Treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design with eight or ten replicates, with a single plant as replicate, for EP or GP, respectively. The response variables were: FY, FSD, and FQ at harvest and after storage. The FQ attributes were: mean fruit mass (MFM), flesh firmness (FF), total soluble solids concentration, pulp and peel mass, dry matter concentration, and fruit water loss (FWL) during storage.
Results: EP increased MFM by 42% over GP and produced 15% more marketable fruit (fruit equatorial diameter from 5.0 to 7.0 cm), but FY was reduced by 39%. The FF was higher in EP fruit than GP fruit after storage. The other FQ attributes were similar in both pruning treatments, both at harvest and after three weeks at room temperature. The FWL was also similar under both pruning systems. More targeted pruning has the potential to increase the productivity of cactus pear orchards.
Conclusion: Experimental pruning increased fruit size and the percentage of commercial fruit, but reduced both overall and commercial fruit yields. After three-week storage at room temperature, flesh firmness remained greater in EP fruit. Fruit water loss was not influenced by pruning treatments during the storage.
Effect of Humic Acid Application Methods on Yield and Some Yield Characteristics of Corn Plant (Zea mays L. indentata)
Authors: Oktem Ayse Gulgun , Oktem Abdullah 
Published: December 2020

Aims: This study was aimed to determination of humic acid application methods on yield and some yield characteristics of corn plant (Zea mays L. indentata) as grown second crop conditions.
Study Design: Study was set up according to randomized complete blocks experimental design with 3 replicates.
Place and Duration of Study: Research was conducted under Harran Plain conditions as second crop conditions in 2017, Sanliurfa, Turkey
Methodology: Capuzi hybrid corn variety was used as a plant material. Humic Acid (HA) applications were 0 (control), to soil (4 L da-1 HA, before sowing), to seed (%2 HA), to foliar (%0.7 HA, when the plants have 4, 8, 12 leaves), to soil + seed (4 L da-1 HA before sowing + %2 HA to seeds), to soil + foliar (4 L da-1 HA to soil before sowing, %0.7 HA, when the plants have 4, 8, 12 leaves), to seed + foliar (%2 HA to seeds + %0.7 HA when the plants have 4, 8, 12 leaves) and to soil, seed and foliar (4 L da-1 HA to soil before sowing + %2 HA to seeds + %0.7 HA when the plants have 4, 8, 12 leaves).
Results: Humic acid treatments effected positively tassel flowering day, grain number per ear, grain yield, protein ratio, leaf surface temperature and chlorophyll content (SPAD) values (P≤0.05). The longest tassel flowering duration value was seen at control application whereas the shortest tassel flowering duration value was found at soil+foliar treatment. Grain number per ear value ranged from 602.8 to 655.9 numbers. The highest grain yield value obtained from seed+soil+foliar treatment of humic acid (1325.54 kg da-1) while the lowest value was seen at control parcel (1165 kg da-1). Protein ratio (%) values ranged from % 8.33-9.40. The highest protein ratio was obtained from Seed+Soil+Foliar treatment of humic acid while the lowest protein ratio value was found at control parcel. Leaf surface temperatures decreased with all humic acid applications. The highest chlorophyll content (SPAD) value was obtained from seed+ foliar treatment of humic acid whereas the lowest value was at control parcel.
Conclusion: The highest grain number per ear, grain yield, protein ratio values were found in soil+seed+foliar application of humic acid. And also, the highest chlorophyll content (SPAD) values were obtained from seed+foliar treatment of humic acid. Tassel flowering duration decreased with humic acid applications. The lowest leaf surface temperature value was found at soil +foliar application. All applications of humic acid affected positively on corn plant yield characteristics.
Determinants of Delayed Presentation of Patients with Primary Malignant Musculoskeletal Tumours Managed in a Tertiary Referral Hospital
Authors: Naomi Amuron , Geoffrey Madewo , Patrick Sekimpi , Gonzaga Waiswa , Buunaaim Alexis D. B. 
Published: December 2020

Background: Malignant musculoskeletal tumours are comparatively rare tumours and delays in diagnosis and treatment are common. Understanding the factors that influence delay is important so as to improve the outcomes for cancer patients.
Aim: To describe factors associated with delay in presentation of patients with primary musculoskeletal tumours.
Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.
Setting: The study was conducted in a tertiary referral hospital from July to December 2014.
Methodology: 56 patients with a confirmed histopathological diagnosis of a primary malignant musculoskeletal tumour and who had consented to the study were included.
Data was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. The clinical findings, laboratory results and radiographs of the lesions and the chest, as well as histopathological results were used to stage the musculoskeletal tumour.
Data was analyzed using SPSS software version 20.0. Univariate and bivariate analysis was done for associations and results presented in the form of tables, pie charts and bar graphs.
Results: A total of 56 patients were studied, 34 (60.7%) males and 22 (39.3%) females with a male to female ratio of 1.5:1. 73.2% (41) of the patients were adults while children comprised 26.8% (15). The age range was 4yrs-78yrs, with a mean of 32.25yrs.
The mean patient delay was four months with 50% (28) of the patients seeking care for the first time after three months.
Males were twice as likely to present late compared to females (OR 2.5, P=0.10) while patients younger than 40 years were more likely to present late (OR 1.4, P=0.59). Low educational level (OR 3.7, P=0.15) and low family income (OR 2.3, P=0.38) were associated with delayed presentation.
Conclusion: Delayed presentation of patients with MS tumours is influenced by a multitude of factors ranging from the socio-demographics (age, sex, education level), socio-economic status and tumour knowledge, beliefs and perception.
Phytochemicals, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Potential Study of Tinospora cordifolia
Authors: Barua Anik , Hossain Md. Rabiul , Barua Labonno , Md. Sayem Abu Sadat , Abedin Md. Zainul , Hossain Rashadul 
Published: December 2020

Aims: Tinospora cordifolia is a herb used in the traditional folk medicine due to their health benefits. Studies reported the biochemical composition and some biological properties of the plant stem. The aim of the current study was to investigate the antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties from the extract of Tinospora cordifolia stem.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was accomplished by eleven months in the Department of Pharmacy, University of Science and Technology Chittagong (USTC), Bangladesh.
Methodology: Presence of phytochemical constituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids and tannins, saponins were evaluated. Antimicrobial activity of the stem extract was assayed separately using an agar diffusion method against some gram negative and gram positive bacteria. The cytotoxic potential of the stem extract was evaluated by the Brine-Shrimp Lethality Assay mathod.
Results: The zone of inhibition formed by the methanolic extract in the antimicrobial assays was significant. In addition, cytotoxicity of the extract was found to be significant as compared to the standard gallic acid in Brine-Shrimp lethality assay.
Conclusion: The methanolic extract of Tinospora cordifolia may possess significant antimicrobial property which requires more studies to isolate the specific bioactive compound for developing a new antimicrobial agent from this plant.
Artificial Sweeteners and Metabolic Syndrome: Paradox of Physiological Behavior or Neuroendocrine Mechanisms
Authors: Mallu Maheswara Reddy , Naredla Kusuma , Meesala Maha Lakshmi , Karyamsetty Kamala Vasanthi , Dudekula Shaheena , Boppa Haritha , Thota Trishanthi , Akula Niranjan Babu 
Published: December 2020

Artificial sweeteners owing to their non-caloric nature were proposed as a healthful means with the prospective benefits. Epidemiological data indicate direct relationship between artificial sweetener intake and increase in body weight, glycemic status, and adiposity. Despite strong association, evidence is still lacking in establishing the causal relationship between artificial sweeteners and various risk factors for the development of metabolic syndrome. In vitro studies have disclosed that artificial sweeteners similar to glucose/fructose bind to sweet-taste receptors on the tongue and intestinal mucosa stimulating enhanced sugar absorption, through glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion. Human studies failed to recapitulate these effects, advocating that artificial sweeteners rather serve to promote food consumption rather than improving satiety. Therefore, enhanced food consumption, disallowance of caloric adjustments could in some measure explain body weight gain with the use of artificial sweeteners. However, the physiological behavior and neuroendocrine mechanisms by which the non-caloric sweeteners may stimulate appetite needs further scrutiny.
Antiemetic Effect of Fruit Extracts of Trapa bispinosa Roxb. in Chick Emesis Model
Authors: Bokhari Syed Waleed Ahmed , Gul Sabiha , Fatima Rida , Sarfaraz Sana , Hasan Muhammad Mohtasheemul , Abbbas Afshan 
Published: December 2020

Background: Vomiting and nausea are common symptoms associated with many diseased conditions. They also occur as side effects due to intake of certain medications. Natural remedies are nowadays being considered as a better alternate compared to allopathic medicine.
Aim: The current study was designed to evaluate the antiemetic effect of hexane and ethanolic extracts of Trapa bispinosa Roxb fruit.
Methodology: The study was conducted on young chicks aged 6-7 days using Copper sulfate (50 mg/kg) for the induction of emesis using oral route. Antiemetic effect was determined by observing the reduction in the number of retches in different groups of chicks. Metoclopramide and Chlorpromazine (150 mg/kg) were used as standard antiemetic agents. Chicks were treated with both extracts (ethanolic and hexane) at the dose of 150 mg/kg.
Results: Hexane extract was found to be most effective when compared with all the groups. The results showed that T.bispinos Roxb. hexane extract was able to effectively prevent the copper sulfate induced emesis in chicks. Phytochemical analysis was also performed and it was predicted that the antiemetic effect of hexane extract might be due to the presence of alkaloids and triterpenoids.
Conclusion: The positive effects obtained from this study showed that natural remedy might also be used as an alternate to allopathic medicine for nausea and vomiting.
Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Gram-negative Uropathogens Isolated in Public Hospital Establishment «Saad Guermech Saoudi Amar Hmaida» Skikda-Algeria
Authors: Khelfaoui Mohamed Sabri , Zeroug Rayane , Yousfi Maroua , Satha Bouchra 
Published: December 2020

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a serious world-wide health problem whose treatment becomes highly difficult due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains.
Aims: Herein, a retrospective study was conducted with the aim to determine the prevalence, the identification of the bacteria responsible of UTIs, and the antimicrobial resistance profile.
Study Design: All Patient samples, including either external samples or samples taken from patients admitted to Public Hospital Establishment “Saad Guermech Saoudi Amar Hmaida” in Skikda-Algeria were used in this study for a period extending from January 2018 – March 2020.
Methodology: The identification of bacterial strains and the antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out using Analytical Profile index galleries (API) system and disk diffusion method.
Results: Among the 1203 samples, 206 (17.12%) were positive, and 997 (82.88%) were negative for bacterial growth. Regarding the pathogenic strains, 26 (12.62%), and 180 (87.38%) were found respectively, Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. Among the 180 Gram negative strains, 104 (57.83%) were reported in female patients, 68 (37.72%) were in male patients, and 8 (4.45%) whose gender was not mentioned. The most representative Gram-negative strains are Escherichia coli (E. coli) (43.33%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) (13.33%), Proteus mirabilis (P. mirabilis) (7.77%), Enterobacter sp (E. sp) (6.66%), since the other strains were less frequent. Moreover, 6 bacterial strains belonging to 3 genera (Escherichia, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter) were ESBLs producers with an overall prevalence of 3.33% of pathogenic strains isolated from urine. ESBLs were produced in 4.00%, 5.88%, and 6.25% of E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and E. cloacae strains respectively.
Conclusion: E. coli was found to be the most predominant strain, while most of the Gram- negative strains were highly resistant to Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, Ampicillin, penicillin and tobramycin.
Bio-Fabrication of ZnO-CuO Nanoporous Composite and Its Application as Nanolarvicidal Agent for Malaria Vectors
Authors: Shehu Zaccheus , Abba Ezra , Lamayi Danbature Wilson , Yoriyo Kennedy Poloma , Abubakar Zainab Adamu , Kenneth Zungi Namau , Usiju Zirmba , Abubakar Amina 
Published: December 2020

Bio-fabrication of ZnO-CuO nanoporous composite was successfully synthesized using Gum Arabic. The morphology, elemental composition, surface plasmon resonance and functional groups bonds of the ZnO-CuO nanoporous composite were confirmed by SEM, EDX, UV-Visible and FTIR techniques respectively. Nanolarvicidal activity of ZnO-CuO nanoporous composite was tested against 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th instars of malaria vectors for 24 hours using different concentrations. The lethal concentrations (LC50) of ZnO-CuO nanoporous composite against 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th instars were found to be 8.841, 8.734, 8.963 and 10.557 mg/L respectively. Whereas, the LC90 of ZnO-CuO nanoporous composite against 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th instars were found to be 19.062, 28.063, 40.888 and 79.567 mg/L respectively. For all instars, the correlation coefficients were found in the range of 0.945 to 0.999 and it indicates concentration dependent larvicidal activity. It was observed that the lower the instar, the higher the larvicidal activity and conversely. Therefore, ZnO-CuO nanoporous composite could be used as nanolarvicidal agent especially for malaria vectors.
Does the cognitive approach to lie detection improve the accuracy of human observers?
Authors: Mac Giolla Erik , Luke Timothy J. 
Published: December 2020

SummaryThe current meta‐analysis examines the cognitive approach to lie detection. Our goal was to assess the practical utility of this approach by examining whether it improves the lie detection ability of human observers. The cognitive approach to lie detection led to an average accuracy rate of 60.00%, 95% CI [56.42; 63.53] and a bias corrected average accuracy rate of 55.03%, 95% CI [48.83; 61.16]. Critically, this result is moderated by whether observers were informed, or not, about which cues to focus on. Naïve observers had average accuracy rates of 52.37%, 95% CI [48.80%; 55.93%], little better than chance. In contrast, informed observers had average accuracy rates of 75.81%, 95% CI [71.52%; 79.86%]. This promising result is qualified by indications of publication bias, considerable heterogeneity between studies, and a lack of research on important practical issues, such as the influence of counter‐measures. Although these shortcomings raise a note of caution, we remain optimistic about future research on the topic.
TiN @ Co5.47N Composite Material Constructed by Atomic Layer Deposition as Reliable Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Guo Daying , Wan Zhixin , Li Yan , Xi Bin , Wang Chengxin 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAn efficient and durable oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalyst consisting of TiN @ Co5.47N is constructed by the integration of plasma nitriding and a delicate atomic layer deposition (ALD) CoxN process. Representative results of comprehensive study are: 1) the material is electrocatalytically active in universal medium. The OER overpotentials are 398, 248, and 411 mV in acidic, basic, and neutral electrolyte, respectively, at a current density of 50 mA cm−2; 2) the material records an impressive long‐term stability of continuous catalysis for 1500 h, during which the overpotential increases by only 1.3%. The synergistically electronic interaction between TiN and ALD Co5.47N, as well as a protective yet active CoTi layered double hydroxides (CoTi LDH) layer formed simultaneously at the interface/surface of TiN @ Co5.47N during the electrocatalytic process, is speculated to be responsible for the superior OER performance; 3) the surface Co atoms other than Ti of CoTi LDH, exhibit electrocatalytic activity with dramatically low overpotential based on density functional theory calculations.