bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Growth and Yield of Two Maize Varieties under the Influence of Plant Density and NPK fertilization
Authors: Kareem I. , Taiwo O.S. , Kareem S.A. , Oladosu Y. , Eifediyi E.K. , Abdulmaliq S.Y. , Alasinrin S.Y. , Adekola O.F. , Olalekan K. 
Published: June 2020

This study assessed growth and yield performances of maize under the influence of inorganic fertilizer, population density and variety using the following treatments: maize varieties DMR-ESR-Y and Suwan- 1-SR; 70 × 30cm and 100 × 40cm plant spacing; 0, 60 and 120 kg NPK/ha . Data were collected on number of leaves per plant, plant height, ear height, leaf area, leaf area index, days to 50% flowering, days to tassel and silk appearances, stem dry mass, root dry mass, cob mass, number of kernel rows, number of kernels per cob, harvest index, treatment yield per hectare. The result showed that combination of 120kgN/ha, DMR-ESR-Y and 47, 619 plants/ha improved root, shoot, leaf sheath and plant dry masses, cob length, cob diameter, shelling percentage, moisture content at harvest, harvest index, number of cobs per plant as well as number of kernels per row. It is, therefore, recommended that combination of 120kgNPK/ha, DMR-ESR-Y and 47,619 plants/ha should be used for better maize production to cater for the ever increasing population of consumers in Southern Guinea savannah agroecological zone of Nigeria and other area with the same climatic and edaphic conditions.
Keywords: NPK fertilizer, population density, maize variety, yield improvement
High Terrestrial Radiation Level in an Active Tin-Mine at Jos South, Nigeria
Authors: Atipo M. , Olarinoye O. , Awojoyogbe B. , Kolo M. 
Published: June 2020

Mineral mining and milling can be a source of national economic and technological development. However, mining of minerals has been confirmed to disturb the natural distribution of radioisotopes in the soil, air and water bodies in the biota. In an attempt to evaluate the radiological burden resulting from tin mining activities at Rayfield-Du area of Jos, the background gamma-radiation level in the mine was measured via a well calibratedhand-held dosimeter placed at 1 m above ground level. The mean absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose rate and excess lifetime cancer risk for the mine was 0.83 μSvh-1; 1.44 mSv-1 and 0.005 respectively. Generally, dose rates were higher in the mine pits and processing areas as compared to administrative areas of the mine. The mean measured dose rate and calculated dose parameters for the mine were all high when compared to the regulatory limit for public exposure. The potential of developing radiation-induced health defects as a result of high radiation absorbed dose rate by the miners and dwellers around the mine is highly probable.
Keywords: Gamma-radiation; mine; absorbed dose rate; radiation exposure.
Effect of Tamsulosin Use on Plasma Insulin Status in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Patients in Sokoto, Nigeria
Authors: Dikko M , Bello S.O. , Chika A. , Mungadi I.A. , Sarkingobir Y. , Umar A.I. 
Published: June 2020

The objective of this paper was to determine the effect of tamsulosin use on plasma insulin status in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients in Sokoto, Nigeria. Standard methods and procedures were used. At 2nd and 3rd months of tamsulosin use, there was a significant increase (P<0.05) in plasma insulin values compared to baseline. Likewise, at 4th month of tamsulosin use, a significant increase (P<0.05) in plasma insulin values was revealed compared to baseline and 2nd month values. Other inter-mean values comparisons were not significantly different (P>0.05). Plasma insulin at 4th months of the study in BPH patients (45-54 years) treated with tamsulosin revealed a significant increase (P<0.05) compared to baseline values. Other inter-mean values comparisons were not significantly different (P>0.05). BPH patients (aged 55-64 years) at 3rd month showed a significant increase (P<0.05) in plasma insulin values compared to baseline values. Likewise, at 4th month of tamsulosin use, a significant increase (P<0.05) in plasma insulin values was seen compared to baseline and 1st month values. Other inter-mean values comparisons were not significantly different (P>0.05). In BPH patients aged 65 and above, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in plasma insulin values from 1st through 4th month compared to baseline and other inter mean values comparisons. Plasma insulin at 0th , 1st , 2nd , 3rd and 4th months of BPH patients of different age groups treated with tamsulosin revealed no significant differences (P>0.05). This study revealed that tamsulosin use in the patients lead to significant increase in plasma insulin level (hyperinsulinemia). Careful and routine monitoring of BPH patients should be done. Patients need enough exercise activities and some drugs can be administered to alleviate elevated glucose or insulin.
Keywords: Tamsulosin, hyperinsulinemia, benign prostatic hyperplasia patients, insulin resistance
Comparative Studies on the Proximate Composition of the Various Body Part of <i>Clarias gariepinus</i> and <i>Scomber scomrus</i>
Authors: Ogbe K.U. , Omada O.I. 
Published: June 2020

Study on the proximate a composition of flesh and other body parts of Clarias gariepinus and scomber scombrus was carried out in January, 2020 using standard procedures. For Clarias gariepinus the highest protein (25.69%) was observed in the head, followed by flesh (21.70%) and while the lowest protein (18.61%) was discovered in the bone. Highest fats (3.61%) was recorded in the flesh, followed by head (2.25) while (0.80%) recorded in the fins as the lowest fats. In fibre the highest (1.87%) was observed in head followed by (1.72) in the bone. The lowest fibre (0.60%) was reported in the flesh. The highest ash (22.03%) was recorded in fins, followed by bone (19.83%) while the lowest (1.30%) was discovered in the flesh. The highest moisture (75.76%) was recorded in the flesh, followed by fins (73.23) while the lowest (56.48%) was observed in the head. For scomber scombrusthe highest protein (29.44%) was observed in the head, followed by bone (28.40%) and while the lowest protein (24.30%) was discovered in the flesh. Highest fats (6.42%) was recorded in the flesh, followed by head (1.48%) while (0.95%) recorded in the bone as the lowest fats. In fibre the highest (1.11%) was observed in fin followed by (0.69%) in the flesh. The lowest fibre (0.59%) was reported in the head. The highest ash (6.37%) was recorded in head, followed by bone (5.07%) while the lowest (0.33%) was discovered in the flesh .The highest moisture (68.68%) was recorded in the flesh, followed by head (66.56%) while the lowest (37.20%) was observed in the fin. .The highest carbohydrate (5.58%) was recorded in the bone, followed by fin (5.28%). The study showed that the best body parts in terms protein content of the two fish samples were the head. The Head has the highest crude protein content thus it can be recommended as a possible effective ways to solve protein malnutrition
Keywords: proximate, Scomber scombrus, Clarias gariepinus, head, flesh, fins, bones
Mitigating Impact of Soil Salinization on Growth, Yield and Fruit Nutritional Quality of <i>Abelmoschus esculentus</i> L. (Okra) Using Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungus (<i.Glomus clarum</i>)
Authors: Kekere O. , Ayesa T.O. , Akinbuwa O. 
Published: June 2020

Soil salinity is a severe environmental stress that limits crop growth and productivity. Mycorrhizal fungi association has the potential to minimize environmental stress like soil salinization in some plant species. Hence, an experiment was conducted to examine the potential of an Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM), Glomus clarum, to reduce salt stress in Abelmoschus esculentus L. (okra). Seedlings of A. esculentus were raised in perforatedplastic pots filled with 3 kg top soil; treated with 0 (control), 35, 70, 140, 280 or 560 mM NaCl solution; and grouped into two. Each pot in the first group was inoculated with 20 g of AM spawn while pots in the second group were not inoculated with the mycorrhizal fungus. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with each treatment replicated 5 times. Growth parameters in plants without AM including plant height, stem girth, leaf area and number of leaves decreased significantly with increasing salt concentration compared to the control. Salinity also reduced the growth parameters in plants with AM but did not differ significantly from the control. Fresh and dry weight of plant parts, total biomass, number of fruits, fruit fresh and dry weights as well as leaf total chlorophyll were reduced by salinity, but significant differences were recorded only in plants without inoculation with AM. Salinity with or without AM did not significantly affect fruit nutritional and proximate composition of A. esculentusnexcept Na+ that increased with increasing soil salinity. Inoculation of saline sites with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus, Glomus clarum, could serve as a sustainable and environmentally safe treatment to enhance salinity tolerance in okra for improved productivity.
Keywords: Salt stress, arbuscular mycorrhiza, okra, productivity
Seasonal and Temperature Dependent Variations in Proximate Parameters and Mineral Elements of Smoke-Dried Catfish (<i>Clarias gariepinus</i>, Burchell, 1822) using Traditional and Eco-Friendly Kilns in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Ogunbambo M.M. 
Published: June 2020

Smoke-drying Clarias gariepinus (catfish) provides animal protein and a source of livelihood in Lagos, Nigeria. Changes occurring to seasonal and mineral compositions of smoke-dried catfish using local Traditional Drum Kiln (TDK) and a newly constructed Eco-Friendly Kiln (EFK) fitted with a flame, drying and electronic components was carried out in this study. The smoke-drying process was carried out in both wet and dry seasons and smoke-dried catfish samples stored at ambient and adjusted refrigerated temperatures of 28 and 4 0C. The smoke-drying procedure was standardized at 60 - 80 0C and kiln lasted 24 ± 3 hours. Moisture content results showed a significant difference when the catfish samples were smoke-dried using TDK and EFK and stored in ambient and controlled temperatures in both wet and dry seasons while crude protein, lipid, ash and crude fibre values were significantly different when stored only in dry season. Mineral elements phosphorus, sodium, copper, magnesium and iron showed a significant difference when stored at both temperatures and seasons using both kilns. Mineral elements were found to be most stable in smoke-dried catfish samples when stored at controlled temperatures. This work proved that standardizing smoke-drying process using both kilns resulted in good quality smoke-dried catfish but showed that higher biochemical values were obtained when EFK is used.
Key words: Nigeria, Smoke-drying Kilns, Seasons, Ambient, Controlled Temperatures
Chemical Speciation of some Heavy Metals in Sand Filter Media [SFM] Waste Dumpsite in Yenagoa, Nigeria
Authors: Ikoko I.L. , Osu C.I. , Horsfall M. 
Published: June 2020

The chemical speciation of five heavy metals [HMs] in spent sand-filter-media [SFM] waste dumpsite was investigated with a view to ascertain their distribution and chemical availability of the heavy metals in the dumpsite. Samples were collected at the surface, 100cm depth of the dumpsite and 100m away from the dumpsite and analysed using FAAS for total concentration of Cr, Fe, Mn. Ni and Pb. Speciation analysis was carried out usingmodified Tessier’s sequential extraction method. The percentage concentrations showed that Pb occurred more at the exchangeable fraction with 90.6% at the top, 91.34% at 100cm depth. This signifies that Pb is biochemically available for in-take by living organisms. Fe had the highest concentration by mass 12mg/g but its occurrence of between 22- 28% is in the residual/inert fraction. Ni had 40% in the exchangeable and carbonate fractions at the surface and at 100cm depth. Cr had highest exchangeable fraction of 46.29% and 45.59% at the surface and 100cm depth of the SFM. Mn had 37.30% and 42.26% at the surface and at 100cm depth of the SFM. Although Fe had highest concentration by mass, it is least biochemically available occurring more at the residual/inert fraction while the other four metals [Pb, Ni, Cr, Mn] are all biochemically available for intake by organisms and may enhance biochemical accumulation overtime and finally become harmful to living organisms around that dumpsite.
Keywords: Speciation, Heavy metals, Sand Filter Media, Waste Dumpsite
Major Ion Chemistry and Groundwater Quality Evaluation for Irrigation
Authors: Shyamala G. , Ramesh S. , Saravanakumar N. 
Published: June 2020

Hydrogeochemical characteristics of Groundwater analyzed in the study area of Coimbatore district by collecting 60 samples from agricultural belt. Groundwater quality for irrigation is determined by several key factors like pH, Electrical conductivity (EC), Total suspended solids (TDS). The cations such as Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+), Calcium (Ca2+), Magnesium (Mg2+ ) and anions are Hydrocarbon (HCO3), Carbonate (CO3 -), Chlorides (Cl-)and Sulphates (SO4 2-) are tested. The irrigation water quality parameters such as Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR), Chloro Alkali Indices (CA I & CAII), Kelley’s Ratio (KR), Magnesium Hazard (MH), Percent sodium (%Na) and Permeability Index (PI), Soluble sodium Percent (SSP) are computed from the key factors, anions and cations. From the USSL Diagram the samples fall in C2S1, C3S1, C4S1 range. Salinity hazard is too elevated in the study area, all the samples are categorized under high to very high with the values greater than 750 μS/cm. Total dissolved solid in the study area indicated that only 2 locations are unfit for irrigation. SAR and % Na shows that there is no hazard related to irrigation watering. Magnesium hazard in the groundwater is high and indicates 51 sample out of 60 is unsuitable for irrigation. From the study it indicates the groundwater is contaminated with salt content and in most of the area it can be used for irrigation.
Keywords: Groundwater, Irrigation water quality, Salinity hazard, Kelley’s ratio, Magnesium hazard
Evaluation of Different Rainfall-based Drought Indices Detection of Meteorological Drought Events in Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Ekwezuo C.S. , Madu J.C. 
Published: June 2020

Drought Indices are extensively adopted as a drought detection and monitoring tool in all climatic regions. This study assesses and compares the performance of four rainfall based drought indices, Deciles index (DI), Percent of Normal Index (PNI), Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Z-score Index (ZSI) in detection and classification of drought events in Imo state , a humid environment of Nigeria from (1982 to 2016). The resultshows that droughts do occur in humid climatic region of Nigeria. The various indices differ in their detection and classification of drought events in the study area. However, they classified 2007 and 2008 as the year with the most severe drought event in the state. There is high correlation (r > 0.70) among the four indices, with ZSI and PNI showing the highest relationship to SPI (r= 0.97). The differences observed among the drought indices in detecting drought events in the study area can be reduced by using multiple drought indices in addition to the use of SPI in drought assessments especially in Nigeria since technological advancement in drought monitoring software’s has made it easier. Also it is worthwhile to research on why drought detection varies with indices.
Keywords: Drought assessment, Rainfall-based drought indices, humid environment, Imo state, Nigeria.
Macro- and Micro-morphological, Anatomical, Cytological and Phytochemical Properties of <i>Tridax procumbens</i> Linn. (Asteraceae)
Authors: Wuhua C. , Pepple I.I. 
Published: June 2020

This study examined the macro- and micro-morphological, Anatomical, Cytological and Phytochemical Properties of Tridax procumbens L. in the family Asteraceae. Observations of plant parts aided by measurements were done and these were sectioned following Wahua’s method; root tips squashed with FLP Orcein and qualitative phytochemical analyses were carried out. The slides were viewed using the light compound microscope and photomicrographs were taken after careful examination from good preparations. Macromorphological studies showed the plant grows up to 40cm or more in height. Foliar features revealed opposite, pinnate, oblong to ovate with coarsely serrated margin and acute apex, 4±1.5cm long and 2±1cm wide with petiole up to 1.5±0.5cm in length. The floral structure show cased diameter of each flower head as 1.0±0.4cm while the peduncle is elongated and up to 10±5cm in length; the petal is 0.7±0.2cm in length alongside tubular sepals up to 0.9±0.3cm in length. The stamen is 0.9±0.2cm in length while the carpel is 1.0±0.1cm. Presence of anomocytic stomata which is amphistomatic. Anatomical sections on the mid-ribs, petiole, internodes, nodes and roots revealed peculiar internal features. Mitotic chromosome is 2n=36. Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, cardiac glycosides, phenols. The information generated from this study would further aid in the delimitation of the species.
Keywords: Tridax procumbens, Morphology, anatomy, cytology, palynology, phytochemistry
Understanding the Internal Variability of Mudstones: Dark Mudstone of the Campano- Maastrichtian Mamu Formation as Case Study
Authors: Edegbai A.J. , Emofurieta W.O. 
Published: June 2020

The objective of this research work was to investigate approximately 6m of Campano-Maastrichtian dark mudstone outcropping at Uzebba, Benin Flank, SW Anambra Basin using sedimentological, geochemical, mineralogical, and palynofacies techniques. Our findings show that the mudstone succession can be subdivided into 3-broad units from bottom to top. Unit 1 is characterized by weak to moderate bioturbation, high quartz content (≥50 %) as well as grained dominated microfabric with planar to wavy laminations. Unit 2 has the lowest particle size, zero to mild bioturbation, low quartz content as well as matrix dominated microfabric with thin to indistinct laminations, which are mostly planar. Unit 3 show intermediate particle size, weak to moderate bioturbation, moderate quartz content as well as grain dominated microfabric with much thicker laminations than units 1and 2 that vary from wavy to curved. Geochemical and palynofacies proxies for detrital influx and paleoproductivity are congruent. They show that units 1 and 3 received significant detrital contribution as well as high terrestrial paleoproductivity under low relative sea level, which promoted the development of good petrophysical and geomechanical properties suitable for gas shale development. Conversely, Unit 2 received less significant detrital contribution as well as increased marine paleoproductivity under higher relative sea level.
Keywords: Detrital influx, paleoproductivity, unconventional reservoirs, Benin flank
Nanotechnology: Review on Emerging Techniques in Remediating Water and Soil Pollutions
Authors: Yarima A. , Ali R. , Abdullahi A.A. , Idris Z. 
Published: June 2020

Environmental Pollution is becoming a global challenge in both developing and the developed countries, pollutants discharge from oil and gas industries and or agricultural practices continue effecting the health of human and other animal in an ecosystem in one way or the other. This necessitated the development of a techniques to clean up of the polluted environment. Remediation of pollutants relies mainly on using varioustechniques like physical, chemical and or biological methods for the removal of contaminants from different environmental media be it soil, water, and or air. These techniques have their own limitations as the toxicity of the degrading agents, time consuming and the fate of the environment after remediation matters a lot. Therefore, nanotechnology is gaining interest in remediating pollutions as nanoparticles are relatively cost effective, sensitive and selective and can be used as sensors to monitor toxins, organic contaminants and heavy metals in land, water and or air. The enhanced properties and effectiveness of nanotechnology-based materials makes them suitable for nano remediation. This review provides an overview of the nanomaterials: Organic based nanomaterials (Dendrimers), inorganic (TiO2, nZVI), carbon-based (Carbon nanotubes, (CNTs)), and composite-based materials) used in environmental remediation. These nanomaterials were reported to remediate different contaminants in theenvironment such as heavy metals, pathogens, pesticides, dyes, chlorinated organic compounds, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Keywords: Nanotechnology, nanoparticles, Nano remediation, pollutions and environments.
Validation of an optical, computer-assisted technique for intraoperative tracking of 3-dimensional canine stifle joint motion
Authors: Signorelli Cecilia , Cinti Filippo , Zaffagnini Stefano , Pisoni Luciano , Lopomo Nicola Francesco 
Published: June 2020

Background: Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture is the most common orthopedic pathology in dog and in men. In human, optical computer-assisted technique is considered as a repeatable and reliable method for the biomechanical assessment of joint kinematics and laxity in case of CCL surgery.Aim: To evaluate the repeatability and reliability afforded by clinical tests in terms of laxity measured by means of a computer-assisted tracking system in two canine CCL conditions: CCL-Intact, CCL-Deficient. Methods: Fourteen fresh frozen canine stifles were passively subjected to Internal/External (IE) rotation at 120° of flexion and Cranial drawer test (CC). To quantify the repeatability and the reliability, intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and the mean percent error were evaluated (Δ r %).Results: The study showed a very good intra-class correlation, before and after CCL resection for kinematics tests. It was found a minimum ICC = 0.73 during the IE rotation in CCL-Intact and a maximum value of ICC = 0.97 for the CC displacement in CC-Deficient. IE rotation with CCL-Intact is the condition with the greatest Δ r % = 14%, while the lowest Δ r % = 6% was obtained for CC displacement in CCL-Deficient.Conclusion: The presented work underlined the possibility of using a computer-assisted method also for biomechanical studies concerning stifle kinematics and laxity.
Keywords: Computer-assisted technique, Cranial cruciate ligament, Dog, Stifle joint.
ANALYSIS OF READING COMPREHENSION FINAL TEST AT ENGLISH DEPARTMENT OF MUHAMMADIYAH ACEH UNIVERSITY
Authors: Rahmatun Nisa  , Cut Mawar Helmanda  
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study is not only to analyze the model and the items test set by lecturer of Reading Comprehension subject but also the ability of students according to the item questions of each final test. This study analyzes the contents taken from the document test and it used descriptive quantitative approach. The gained data derived from three Reading subjects, they are: Intensive Reading Comprehension, Reading Comprehension III dan Academic Reading. The total number of the items from those three subjects is 60 items. The findings revealed that the kind of questions asked by lecturers varied, namely; Multiple Choice, Open-ended Question, Word Matching, and True and False. Based on the those documents the writer found that 6 questions about Main Idea, 16 questions about Vocabulary, 4 about references, 6 questions about inference and 28 questions about details. Then, the results of students' reading ability in answering the items were; main idea: ​​63.59%, Detail: 76, 92%, Inference: 44,04, Reference ; 86, 89% and Vocabulary : 73,45 %. From the five aspects students were better to answer questions in the Reference item. The implication of this research is to provide input to examiners and lecturers in giving material and in testing students at the end of the semester and to improve the ability to make test items.