bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nove najdbe iz starejše železne dobe iz Zagorja ob Savi in Save pri Litiji
Authors: Murko Miha , Draksler Matej 
Published: July 2020

Arheološki strokovni javnosti je Zagorje ob Savi znano že več kot stoletje, odkar so konec 19. stoletja naključno odkrili grobove iz starejše železne dobe. Leta 2011 so tod potekala zaščitna arheološka izkopavanja, ki so doprinesla k poznavanju najdišča in pokazala na njegov pomen. Odkritih je bilo 9 skeletnih grobov, od katerih sta bila dva otroška, dva ženska in pet moških. Izstopata grob z bronasto pasno garnituro ter grob z dobro ohranjenim ženskim okostjem in pridanimi jantarnimi jagodami, bronastim lasnim obročkom, kačasto fibulo ter lončkom. Odkrite so bile še druge najdbe, ki kažejo, da je na istem prostoru v pozni bronasti oziroma zgodnji železni dobi obstajala naselbina.
Najdbi fibule in sulice, odkriti nad Savo pri Litiji, dodatno osvetljujeta fenomen planega skeletnega pokopa, ki se je ob koncu halštatskega obdobja uveljavil v Zasavju.
Anomalous Vascular Peritoneal Band Causing Small Bowel Obstruction in an Adult
Authors: Nyakirugumi Suzanne , Nduhiu Mathenge 
Published: July 2020

Peritoneal bands resulting in small bowel obstruction in adults are rare. We present a case study of a 39-year-old male who presented with a 10-day history of signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction. The patient had no history of abdominal trauma or surgery. Intraoperatively, the small bowel obstruction was caused by a vascularized peritoneal band that had a membrane. The band formed a closed loop and caused the small bowel to herniate and lead to mechanical obstruction. In the band was an anomalous artery that connected the ileocolic artery to the descending branch of the left colic artery. The mainstay for diagnosis is an exploratory laparoscopy or laparotomy. The definitive treatment is transection of the band. This is the first reported case in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Keywords: Small bowel obstruction, Congenital bands, Peritoneal bands, Vascular bands, Inferior mesenteric artery, Superior mesenteric artery
Laser Hemorrhoidoplasty: Experience at Aga Khan University Hospital
Authors: Abdulkarim Abdallah , Misoi Brian , Gathege Daniel 
Published: July 2020

Background: Hemorrhoidal disease is the commonest benign anal condition diagnosed in the outpatient setup. Interventional treatment options range widely, from office-based procedures to hemorrhoidectomy. Laser technology increasingly is in use in the field of proctology. We present our index clinical outcomes following laser haemorrhoidoplasty (LHP).
Methodology: Retrospective cross-sectional study of 21 consecutive patients who underwent LHP between 2015 and 2018 under a single surgeon. Their outcomes were compared with a group of patients who underwent the standard open hemorrhoidectomy over the same period of time.
Results: Postoperatively, 85.7% of patients post-LHP had a better pain score (mild) compared with 66.7% in the open hemorrhoidectomy group. The mean operative time in minutes was shorter for LHP, 29.67±17.50 versus 39.20±20.77 in the open group. Duration of hospital stay in days between the two groups were similar; LHP group median=1(1–3), open group median =1(1–3). Rates of infection, recurrence and urinary complications were however higher in the laser group, 4.8%, 9.5% and 9.5% respectively compared with the open hemorrhoidectomy group that were 0%, 6.7% and 6.7 % respectively. Both groups had no reported cases of stool or flatus incontinence.
Conclusion: Laser haemorrhoidoplasty is associated with reduced pain scores and shorter operative time than open hemorrhoidectomy. Duration of hospital stay was similar in both groups. The rate of complications was high in the study group.
Keywords: Laser haemorrhoidoplasty, Pain score, Complications, Open hemorrhoidectomy
Successful Esophageal Replacement Surgery in a 3-Year Old with Post-corrosive Esophageal Stricture
Authors: Kaumbulu Cleopas Mutua , Awori Mark Nelson , Patil Rohini , Rafik Ahmed Mohamed , Muturi James Ndung'u 
Published: July 2020

Accidental caustic ingestion in children, though entirely preventable, continues to be present in developing countries. Gastrointestinal injuries following caustic ingestion in children range from mild to fatal. Presentation of such children to the medical facility could be early or sometimes late with complications. Management is based on the type of injury and could range from medical conservative management to complex surgical procedures. Such complex surgeries are almost unavailable in developing countries. We present a 3-year old who presented to our facility with an esophageal stricture following accidental caustic ingestion four months prior to presentation. He had a failed stricture dilatation and needed to be managed surgically; he subsequently had a good outcome, which is rare in developing countries.
Keywords: Post-corrosive esophageal stricture, Esophageal replacement surgery
Variations in geotechnical characteristics of some crude oil contaminated soils
Authors: Oyediran Ibrahim Adewuyi , Enya Nchewi Ideba 
Published: July 2020

Variations based on the effects of curing time and environmental exposures on the geotechnical characteristics of some crude oil contaminated soils were investigated. 2 to 10% by weight of crude oil was added to soils as a simulation of contamination. The contaminated soils were cured under room temperature (unexposed) as well as outside in the open air (exposed) for 21, 63 and 189 days. Geotechnical, geochemical and mineralogical analyses were carried out on the contaminated and uncontaminated soil samples. Results indicate that for the unexposed soils, the LL and PL increased as crude oil concentration (COC) increased up to 4%, above which both decrease. But the reverse was the case for PI after curing for 21 days. With increasing curing time to 63 and 189 days, LL and PL both increased with increase in COC while PI decreased. The UCS increased with increase in oil content up to 4%, but decreased as oil content increased above 4%. Furthermore, UCS decreased with increase in curing time. Across all curing periods, MDD increased upon addition of crude oil up to 4%, thereafter it decreased with increase in COC. The hydraulic conductivity decreased with increase in COC and curing time. For the exposed soils, LL, PL and PI all increased upon addition of crude oil up till 4% before decreasing as the amount of oil increased above 4% for the curing duration of 21 days. For 63 and 189 days, LL and PL decreased while PI increased. Maximum dry density (MDD) showed same variation trend in exposed soils similar to that shown by the unexposed soils. Hydraulic conductivity increased with increase in COC and curing time. Thus, crude oil is observed to be capable of altering the geotechnical properties of soils exposed to it. Furthermore, contaminated soils exposed to the open air and longer curing time were significantly modified than the unexposed variant and with reduced exposure time.
Keywords: Geotechnical variation, Contamination, Curing environment, Curing time, Exposure
Homotopy Perturbation Transform method for solving the partial and the time-fractional differential equations with variable coefficients
Authors: Kehaili Abdelkader , Hakem Ali , Benali Abdelkader 
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we present the exact solutions of the Parabolic-like equations and Hyperbolic-like equations with variable coefficients, by using Homotopy perturbation transform method (HPTM). Finally, we extend the results to the time-fractional differential equations.
Keywords: Caputo’s fractional derivative, fractional differential equations, homotopy perturbation transform method, hyperbolic-like equation, Laplace transform, parabolic-like equation.
The Socio-Cultural Implications of Odezuruigbo Cultural Dance Music in Awka, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State
Authors: Nwamara Alvan-Ikoku O. , Okpala Hope Nkechi 
Published: July 2020

Music is an integral part of everyday life in Awka traditional community. It is a very important aspect of their culture. Music accompanies every socio-cultural activity of the people. Consequently, there are varieties of musical types practiced by various categories of people in Awka. This paper is concerned with activities of Odezuruigbo Cultural Dance Music, an outstanding women music group in Awka. It discussed amongst other things the organization and the socio-cultural implications of odezuruigbo cultural dance music. Data for this study were drawn from fieldwork, oral interview and review of related literature. The findings of this study revealed that the impact of odezuruigbo dance group in the life of Awka community is indispensable. It also revealed that some gender dichotomies in the use of some local musical instruments are gradually becoming insignificant. This study recommended that the practice of those socio-cultural festivals which promote the traditional music and dance of the people be encouraged.
Key Words: activity, culture, cultural dance, dance music, and odezuruigbo
Toxicity assessment of African locust bean effluents on agricultural soil and aquatic organism at Jimba- Oja and Temidire locust bean (<i>Parkia biglobosa</i>) processing centers
Authors: Amusat M.A. , Ayeloja A.A. , Dada-Joel O.T. , Eneh K.C. 
Published: July 2020

Indiscriminate processing of agricultural produces has led to the alteration of agricultural soil and aquatic habitat, consequently threatening food security, human health and natural population size of aquatic organisms. This study investigated chemical properties of the soil at Jimba- Oja and Temidire locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) processing centres. The static bioassays were also performed on Clarias gariepinus to evaluate the median lethal concentrations of the locust bean effluents within 72 and 96 hours. Physico-chemical parameters of effluents showed that pH was slightly acidic (6.44 to 6.73 respectively). The dissolved oxygen ranged from 6.48 to 6.73 mg/L and phosphate from 67.52 to 82.60 mg/L. The concentration of copper, iron, nickel ranged from 6.77 to 8.84, 32.57 to 47.67 and 0.21 to 1.04 mg/L respectively. These parameters exceeded the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) permissible limits. The Effluents from Parkia biglobosa impacted soil with high concentrations of heavy metals ranging from: copper 4.72 to 5.02, cadmium 0.03 to 0.35, iron 51.82 to 76.41 and nickel 0.13 to 0.05 at processing centers compared to the control site. Toxicity assessments indicated that the mortality increased with increase in effluent concentration. LC tests (36 %:72 hours), (20 %: 96 hours), (30.1 %: 50 72 hours) and (20 %: 96 hours) concentrations were carried out for Jimba-oja and Temidire respectively and the sublethal dose of below 7.5 % for both Parkia biglobosa processing centers were obtained. The study concluded that releasing Parkia biglobosa effluent to the environment have negative impacts on agricultural soil and aquatic organisms. There is therefore need for relevant government agencies to control indiscriminate discharge of these effluents into the environment untreated.
Keywords: Locust bean effluent, Toxicity, Agric soil, Aquatic Organism
Media optimization and the effect of benzyl amino purine (BAP) and gibberellic acid (GA3) on the shooting of Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir.
Authors: Olorode M.E. , Adekunle E.A. 
Published: July 2020

Ptreocarpus erinaceus is a very useful forest tree due to its economic and medicinal values. It is also used as fodder for livestock due to its high nitrogen content. Its numerous use attract the high demand leading to it’s over exploitation. However, the tree is slow growing in nature. Hence, there is a need to look for in vitro methods for its mass propagation as an alternative method to raise healthy trees and sustain its availability. Media optimization gave two best performing media; Driver and kuniyuki Walnut (DKW) and Murashige and Skoog MS) which were further supplemented with different combinations of plant growth regulators (PGR)-Benzyl Amino Purine (BAP) and Gibberellic Acid (GA3). Overall, the DKW media with BAP/GA3 at 1.0/0.5 produced the highest shoot length while BAP/GA3 at 4.0/0.0 gave the highest number of leaves after eight weeks of inoculation. Effective utilization of these experimental conditions could be the impetus towards mass propagation of this important tree species.
Keywords: Ptreocarpus erinaceus, media optimization, Plant growth regulator, shoot length, mass propagation
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of <i>Clerodendrum capitatum</i> (Willd) Schum. & Thonn. (Verbenaceae) leaves
Authors: Adamu Abdulrahman , Abubakar Abdulmumin Z. , Ambi Adamu A. , Aliyu Ibrahim M. , Mohammed Hamza , Ilyas Najma , Abubakar Mujtaba S. 
Published: July 2020

Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd) Schumach and Thonn. (Verbenaceae) is a perennial herb, which grows up to 0.5 m to 2 m high. It is widespread over North-East, East, and South Central Africa. It is known as “bambaro or maashayi” by the Hausas of Northern Nigeria. The leaves are used traditionally to treat intercostal pain, headaches and toothaches. The aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the aqueous ethanol extract and fractions of C. capitatum. The anti-inflammatory activity was investigated using carrageenan induced rat paw oedema model, while acetic acid induced mice writhing model was used to evaluate the anti-nociceptive property. The oral median lethal dose values were found to be greater than 5,000 mg/kg for the aqueous ethanol extract, ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions, while that of dichloromethane fraction was less than 2000 mg/kg using OECD method. The acetic acid induced writhing was significantly (P<0.05-0.001) reduced particularly for the EF and NF fractions at 200 mg/kg (93.12% and 98.79%). DF showed percentage inhibition of 87.59% and 81.75% at 50 and 100 mg/kg respectively. The extracts and fractions also caused a significant (P<0.05-0.001) dose dependent reduction of inflammation induced by carrageenan when compared with the negative control with the maximum inhibitory effect of 43.69% observed in Ethyl acetate fraction at 50 mg/kg dose at the 3rd hour. It can be concluded that the leaf extracts of C. capitatum possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in animal models, which may be mediated through the phytochemical constituents present in the extract and fractions of the plant.
Keywords: Clerodendrum capitatum; Anti-inflammatory; Analgesic; OECD
Evaluation of diclofenac niosomal gel formulated with <i>Grewia</i> gum for topical delivery
Authors: Alalor Christian A. , Jokor Peter E. 
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this study was to formulate niosomal gel for topical delivery of diclofenac using Grewia gum as gelling agent. Niosomes containing 1g of diclofenac were formed using the thin film hydration (TFH) method. Niosomal gels were then formulated using a semi-synthetic polymer, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and a natural polymer, Grewia gum as gelling agents. The formulated gels were evaluated for spreadability, viscosity, extrudability, homogeneity, clarity and pH. Results show that gels having pH and viscosity ranges of 6.8-7.3 and 265-490 Poise respectively were formed. The gels were homogenous, clear and showed good spreadability and extrudability except for batches F7 and F8. The gels formulated using the test gum, Grewia gum compared favourably with those of the standard polymer, HPMC as well as with the marketed gel. Formulation F5 containing 2% w/w Grewia gum, the optimized batch, showed viscosity of 265 poise, pH of 6.9, spreadability and extrudability values of 5.55 cm and 5.00 g/s respectively. In conclusion, Grewia gum at a concentration of 2% w/w could be used in the formulation niosomal gel for the delivery of diclofenac, which would help to circumvent the potential gastric irritation of diclofenac when used orally.
Keywords: Niosomes; Grewia gum; Diclofenac; Lipid hydration; Topical delivery
Formulation and evaluation of sustained release diclofenac sodium matrix tablets produced using <i>Brachystegia eurycoma </i>gum
Authors: Okafo Sinodukoo E. , Avbunudiogba John A. , Ejomafuvwe Ejiro 
Published: July 2020

This study was carried out to evaluate sustained release diclofenac sodium matrix tablets formulated using Brachystegia eurycoma gum (BEG) as matrix polymer. BEG was isolated by acetone -precipitation of the filtrate obtained from the maceration of powdered dried seeds of Brachystegia eurycoma in distilled water. Diclofenac sodium matrix tablets were produced by non-aqueous wet granulation method using BEG as the hydrophilic matrix former. The tablets were evaluated using official and unofficial tests such as; uniformity of weight, content uniformity, dissolution test, tablets diameter, thickness, hardness and friability tests. The drug release profile of the matrix tablets were compared to that formulated using a standard matrix former, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC). Hardness values ranged from 6.12 ± 1.80 to 9.73 ± 1.39 kgf, friability from 0.31 ± 0.00 to 1.00 ± 0.00%. The drug content ranged from 98 to 101 %. The percentage drug released from the matrix tablets after 10 h was between 71.27 and 98.73 % except for formulation BF3 that released 32.56 %. This study showed that sustained release diclofenac sodium matrix tablets were successfully formulated using Brachystegia eurycoma gum as the matrix former and the tablets were comparable to that formulated with HPMC.
Keywords: Brachystegia eurycoma gum; Diclofenac sodium; Matrix tablets; Sustained release
Reinforcing the teaching of translation in Beninese Secondary Schools: A new challenge for EFL teachers
Authors: Mèhouénou Mahugnon Sévérin , Dossoumou Ashani Michel , Loko Djima Crépin 
Published: July 2020

This paper dealt with, after the scrutiny of advanced learners’ translation skills, the necessity of reinforcing the teaching of translation skills as a potentially effective method of teaching/learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL)in Benin high schools. In fact, the Beninese EFL learners study English for almost about seven years (four years in the first cycle and three years in the second) before joining university. For the last three years, they are exposed to translation skills during evaluation. Unfortunately, the designed curriculum has nowhere mentioned the teaching/learning/evaluation of translation. This paper then examined, through a well-established methodology based on field research investigation and questionnaires, some translation excerpts by EFL learners and hypotheses that no translation techniques are taught by teachers before evaluation. It finally concludes that the poor grades the learners culled are due to the lack of practice with their teachers who, in turn, have received no professional training in the matter.
Key Words: translation, evaluation, techniques of translation, communicative performance, source language, target language.
Analysis of the Proximate Composition, Anti-Nutrients and Mineral Content of <i>Maerua Crassifolia</i> Leaves
Authors: Aletan U.I. , Kwazo H.A. 
Published: July 2020

This study was carried out to determine the proximate composition, anti-nutrient and the mineral content of Maerua crassifolia leaves. Proximate analysis was performed using standard AOAC methods, mineral contents were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry while the anti-nutrients were analysed using standard methods. The results revealed that the leaves had moisture content of 62.00 %, ash content of 12.17± 0.47 g/100 g and crude protein content of 15.17 ± 0.02 g/100 g. The value of the minerals ranged between 75.33 ± 0.05 mg/kg for potassium and 2.88 mg/kg for magnesium. For the heavy metals, zinc had the highest value of 0.22 ± 0.02 μg/mg. The sodium: potassium ratio was calculated to be 0.92 ±0.00. All the anti-nutrients studied were below the lethal doses recommended. The results obtained indicate that the leaf will be a good source of nourishment if properly utilized.
Keywords: proximate composition, mineral content, anti-nutrients, Maerua crassifolia
Effects of Temperature on Morphological, Structural and Optical Characteristics of CdTe Films for PV Applications
Authors: Salawu M.A. , Alabi A.B. , Adeleke J.T. , Sulu H.T. , Sharafa S.B. , Akomolafe T. 
Published: July 2020

Cadmium telluride (CdTe) is a direct band gap semiconductor for direct light-to-electricity conversion. The films are promising photovoltaic materials for CdS/CdTe solar cells because of its energy band gap of 1.5 eV and higher absorption co-efficient (>104cm-1). This work presents the characterization of 1 μm CdTe films for photovoltaic applications. The films were deposited on cleaned glass substrates using thermal evaporation. The effect of annealing temperatures (as deposited, 400°C and 500°C) on morphological, structural and optical characteristics of CdTe films was investigated for an hour and characterized with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and UV-Visible spectrophotometer. The results revealed that the reflectance characteristics of CdTe films depend on the wavelength of electromagnetic spectra. The maximum percentage optical transmittance of CdTe films for as-grown, 400°C and 500oC films were 59%, 60% and 58% respectively at 800 nm wavelength. The absorbance decreases with increasing in wavelength and was found to be 1.65, 1.25 and 0.85 % for the as-grown, 400°C and 500oC films respectively. The absorption coefficient exhibits higher values in the shorter wavelength and decreases as the wavelength and temperatures increases and the band gap becomes wider. The SEM analyses showed that the films were homogenous and free from crystal defects. The results revealed that 1 μm CdTe film may be used as absorber layer in CdS/CdTe thin film solar cells.
Keywords: CdTe, Glass substrate, Thermal evaporation, Annealing temperature, Energy band gap
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Malaria in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Madobi Z.H. 
Published: July 2020

Malaria has been the focus of multiple declarations, and a range of targets has been set since the beginning of the millennium. Poor people are at increased risk of both becoming infected with malaria as well as becoming infected more frequently. Malaria is also a major contributor to deaths among hospital inpatients in Africa. The purpose of this research is to employ geospatial techniques to map out areas that are vulnerable to malaria breeding vectors using weighted multi-criteria decision analysis to determine the risk levels within the study area and to determine the factors influencing the population at risk of malaria with a view to providing an effective malaria management. Malaria incidence records were used to determine the incidence rate of the disease from 2014 – 2016 and the rate of severity and total confirmed cases of the disease occurrence during the study period. Malaria risk map, which was produced through the integration of malaria hazard map, vulnerability map and elements at risk map, was used to determine the most susceptible areas to malaria attacks in the study area. The results showed about 87% of the entire study area being at high risk of malaria attack. It is observed that there is an increasing trend of malaria cases in the study area despite its variability over the years. It can be concluded that the study area as a whole is prone to malaria infestation and this requires immense attention in order to mitigate the scourge of the disease and its vector. It will be cost effective if GIS and remote sensing could be integrated in monitoring and early warning system in the ongoing malaria control and prevention activities especially in Nassarawa and Kumbotso local government areas that have a very high risk of malaria attacks. There is also the need to research more on the relationship between malaria prevalence and some key socio-anthropogenic factors such as literacy level, income level, HIV status, pregnancy status and meteorological factors.
Keywords: Malaria Risk, Vulnerability, Hazard, Weighted multi-criteria decision analysis.