bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Paleo-environmental deduction from pebble morphometry and textural studies of sandstone deposits of Isuochi and Environs, Anambra Basin, South Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Ezike Ejiofor C. , Okonkwo Henry I. , Iyi Emmanuel C. 
Published: June 2020

Textural analysis and pebble morphomentric were carried out on the sandstone deposits of Isuochi area in Anambra Basin, in an attempt to reconstruct the paleoenvironment of deposition. Field observation shows that the sandstone samples, collected from various locations were analyzed for sieve analysis, while two hundred fresh quartz pebbles that are greater than 2.00mm in diameter were collected for pebble morphomentric. Morphomentric parameters include; elongation ratio, flatness index, oblate index, and maximum projection sphericity were computed. Bivariate plots of Maximum Projection Sphericity against Oblate Prolate Index show that about 69% of the pebbles are of fluvial origin,while 31% is surf, bivariate plots of Flatness Index against Maximum Projection Sphericity show that about 57% is of fluvial origin, while 43% show surf; these imply that the associated pebbles are of fluvial origin. Bivariate plots of sandstone textural parameters such as skewness against standard deviation also suggest that the sediments are more of fluvial origin while multivariate parameter shows partly shallow marine environment.
Keywords: Pebble Morphometry, Oblate-Prolate Index, Paleoenvironment.
Boosting land restoration success in the Great Green Wall through the use of symbiotic microorganisms for propagated tree seedlings
Authors: Fofana Barkissa , Sacande Moctar , Blagna Fanta , Dibloni Théophile O. , Compaore Emmanuel , Sanon Kadidia B. , Maiga Ynoussa , Ouattara Aboubakar S. 
Published: June 2020

Several studies have clearly demonstrated the scientific and practical use of the symbiotics microorganisms for plants in earth ecosystems. The main goal of this study was to rehabilitate a degraded soil of the sahelian zone of Burkina Faso by using the rhizobia and mycorrhizal symbiosis through the inoculation technique. Native rhizobial strains were isolated from soil samples. These strains were then tested in laboratory and greenhouse conditions for their effects on the nodulation and growth of Vachellia seyal. At the end of these tests three promising strains were selected to form a complex that was used with or without arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus for the inoculation of plants produced in nursery or issued from direct seedling at the field. After 3, 12 and 14 months of cultivation, respectively, the growth parameters of plants such as the height and the collar diameter were measured. In addition, the field survival rate of plantations was evaluated. The results showed that inoculation has improved the growth and survival rate of Vachellia seyal plants in the field. The double inoculation was more effective than the single inoculation. With these promising results, we recommend inoculation of seedlings for a better success of restoration plantings in the Sahel.
© 2020 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Symbiosis, native strains, rehabilitate, inoculation, sahelian zone
Vegetative propagation of <i>Afzelia africana</i> Sm. Ex Pers.: a multipurpose and threatened tree
Authors: Ogbimi Ejeoghene Rita , Sakpere Ayobola Moninuola , Akinropo Seun Michael 
Published: June 2020

Afzelia africana is at the verge of extinction from continuous exploitation without replacement, thus propagation of this tree species is expedient. Vegetative propagation is a reliable means of propagation of tree species. This study therefore describes a protocol for the vegetative propagation of Afzelia africana by using stem cuttings from its mature tree (20 years old) and saplings (2 years old). Herbaceous (non - lignified portion of the stem) and semi – hard wood cuttings (lignified portion of the stem) (with and without leaves) were treated with high and low concentrations of Indole butyric acid (IBA) solution via the quick dip and the soaking method of application and planted on forest soil and river sand in a humidifier. Cuttings from mature tree planted on forest soil and river sand did not respond to any treatment. Also, no response was observed on cuttings collected from saplings and planted on forest soil; however, cuttings planted on river sand sprouted. The presence and absence of leaves and IBA treatment had an interaction effect on root number (0.02) and root length (0.0001). The response from herbaceous cuttings was significantly higher than from semi – hard wood cuttings with respect to root number (1.00) and root length (5.82 cm). Cutting type and IBA treatment also had an interaction effect on root number (0.05) and root length (0.0007). Herbaceous leafy stem cuttings of A. africana treated with 400 ppm IBA and planted on river sand is suitable for rooting stem cuttings of A. africana for raising seedlings for reforestation, afforestation and other conservation purposes.
© 2020 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Rooting, cuttings, Afzelia africana, hormone, humidifier
Cytokine levels of interleukin-2 and 7 amongst antiretroviral therapy success and failure HIV patients attending the University Teaching Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Authors: Ikomey George Mondinde , Mbakam Cedric Happi , Assoumou Marie Claire Okomo , Brandon Jacobs Graeme , Mesembe Martha , Mbamyah Emilia Lyonga , Murphy Edward , Tagny Claude Tayou 
Published: June 2020

Immune reconstitution complications (IRC) are major problems faced by HIV treated patients worldwide. Interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-7 play vital roles in peripheral T-cell homeostasis. Our study objective was to measure and compare the blood plasma levels of IL-2 and IL-7 amongst antiretroviral therapy (ART) patients attending the Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital, Cameroon. We performed a cross-sectional study with 296 HIV positive patients enrolled between July 2017 and May 2018 at the Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital. IL-2, IL-7, T-cell profile counts and plasma viral load were measured on whole blood specimens. Data obtained were analyzed using Graph Pad Prism 5.0 and Epi info 7.0 Software. IL-2 and IL-7 plasma concentration levels were higher in patients with ART failure compared to ART success, with a mean ± SD of 19.4±8 and 17.1±6 pg /ml, 35.26±11 and 21.5±5 pg/ml, with p < 0.001 and < 0.001. There was a direct and significant correlation between viral load, IL-2 and IL-7 with p values = 0.028, and 0.020, respectively. There was an association between IL-2, IL-7 and viral load in relation to the duration on treatment (DT), with p values = 0.003 (R2= 0.041, CI= 0.069 – 0.34) ,0.017 (R2= 0.027, CI= -0.30 – 0.030), and 0.001 (R2= 0.048, CI= -0.047–0.76). Considering that limited surrogate markers are available for monitoring immune reconstitution and high associated mortality rates, IL-2 and IL-7 could be a good immunological predictor for ART failure and success in HIV infected individuals.
© 2020 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Homeostasis, Immune reconstitution, Interleukins, ART
Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial analysis of Schiff bases of o-phenylenediamine and 2-aminopyridine-3-carboxylic acid with ofloxacin and their metal (II) complexes
Authors: Putaya Habila A.N. , Ndahi Naomi P. , Bello Hauwa S. , Mala Grema , Osunlaja Adekunle A. , Garba Hussaini 
Published: June 2020

The increasing multi-drug resistance of microbes to the existing anti-biotic drugs has been of great concern to medical scientists and challenge has directly concerned pharmacologists, inorganic chemists, molecular microbiologists etc. This work attempted modifying a second generation fluoroquinolone (ofloxacin) toward attaining more improved activity. Schiff base Ligands HL1 and HL2 were obtained from separate condensation of o-phenylenediamine and 2-aminopyridine-3-carboxylic acid with ofloxacin in 2:1 and 1:1 mole ratio respectively. These ligands were complexed with chloride salts of Ni (II), Mn (II) and Zn (II) to afford their metal complexes. The new compounds were characterized on the basis of physicochemical properties, IR spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, Molar conductance and metal analysis. The IR spectra revealed that the metal ions coordinated with the ligands through azomethine nitrogen and carboxylato oxygen depicting tetradentate character with the formular type ML and ML2 for HL1 and HL2 metal complexes respectively. The antimicrobial evaluation of the ligands and their respective complexes in Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Aspergellus niger and Aspergellus fumigatus presented a promising to excellent activity except for A. niger which showed no activity in all the tested compounds.
© 2019 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved
Keywords: Schiff base, metal complexes, ofloxacin, o-phenylenediamine, 2-aminopyridine-3-carboxylic acid, antimicrobial activity
Caractérisation des systèmes d’élevage de cobaye (<i>Cavia porcellus</i> L., 1875) dans trois zones agroécologiques de la Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Kouadio Kouakou Parfait , Yao N’goran Aphonse , Ayagirwe Basengere Rodrigue , Yéo Gnenissongui Joseph , Soro Yadé René , Fantodji Agathe 
Published: June 2020

En Côte d’Ivoire, la pratique de l’élevage de cobaye est une activité marginalisée et méconnue des statistiques officielles des productions animales. Pour pallier ce déficit d’informations scientifiques et techniques, et promouvoir le développement de l’élevage de ce rongeur herbivore, une étude a été entreprise sur la caractérisation du système d’élevage du cobaye (Cavia porcellus, Linneaus, 1758) en Côte d’Ivoire. Une interview de 70 éleveurs sélectionnés dans les trois zones agroécologiques de la Côte d’Ivoire a été réalisée sur la base d’un questionnaire. Les résultats montrent que l’élevage de cobaye est pratiqué à majorité (70%) par les adolescents ayant un niveau de scolarisation d’étude primaire dont 73,33% sont de sexe masculin. L’aliment de base est à 80 % le fourrage récolté et il n'existe aucune prophylaxie sanitaire. Les cobayes élevés sont destinés à l’autoconsommation. Deux types d’élevage de cobaye ont été déterminés avec des techniques de conduite encore rudimentaires, correspondant ainsi à l’élevage familial traditionnel. Toutefois, cet élevage peut constituer un gage de sécurité alimentaire important pour les adolescents. Cependant, une sensibilisation efficiente pour son adoption et sa prise en compte dans les programmes de développement par tous les acteurs s’avèrent nécessaire.Mots clés : Cobaye, caractérisation, mini-élevage, système de production, Côte d’Ivoire.
English Title: Characterization of cavy (Cavia porcellus L., 1875) breeding system in three agroecological zones of Côte d’Ivoire
In Côte d'Ivoire, the practice of cavy breeding is a marginalized activity and little known by official statistics of animal production. To overcome this lack of scientific and technical information, and to promote development of cavy breeding, this study was undertaken on characterization of cavy breeding system (Cavia porcellus, Linneaus, 1758) in Côte d 'Ivoire. For interviewing, 70 cavy breeders selected from three agroecological zones of Côte d’Ivoire was carried out basis on questionnaire edited. Majority cavy breeder are adolescents (70%) with a level of primary school education, whom 73.33% are male. The staple food is 80% harvested fodder and no sanitary prophylaxis existing. Cavy is breeding for self-consumption for the holder. Two groups of cavy breeding have been determined with still rudimentary management techniques, thus corresponding to traditional family breeding animal. However, breeding cavy can constitute a pledge of important food security for youth. However, efficient awareness-raising for its adoption and its inclusion in development programs by all stakeholders is necessary.Keywords: Cavy, characterization, small stock, production system, Côte d’Ivoire.
Caractérisation phénotypique du néré (<i>Parkia biglobosa</i> (Jacq.) R. Br. ex G. Don, Fabaceae) dans trois types de savane de Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Kouonon Léonie Clémence , Koffi Kouamé Guillaume , Adjoumani Koffi , Mobio Anouman Désirée Sandrine , Goba Koudougnon Alice Estère 
Published: June 2020

Afin de préserver les nombreux biens et services fournis par Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R. Br. ex G. Don, Fabaceae, il est fondamental de connaître la variabilité phénotypique de l’espèce pour sa domestication. L’objectif de cette étude est de déterminer des caractères morphologiques permettant d’identifier des arbres-plus dans les savanes de Côte d’Ivoire. La variabilité phénotypique d’arbres distants d’au moins 100 m des trois types de savane a été étudiée à travers 22 caractères quantitatifs relatifs aux troncs, feuilles, fruits et graines. La matrice de données obtenue a été analysée avec différents tests tels que MANOVA suivie de ANOVA 1, AFD et la CAH. Les paramètres permettant de distinguer les arbres selon leur origine sont : hauteur totale d’arbre, épaisseur graine, poids de graine et pulpe par fruit, longueur du fruit, longueur et épaisseur du pédicelle, longueur et épaisseur du pédoncule. Les arbres en savane guinéenne ont de longs et épais pédoncules, des pédicelles épais et de longs fruits. Les arbres en savane sub-soudanaise sont hauts avec des graines et pédicelles épais, un poids de graine et de pulpe par fruit en moyenne élevé alors que les arbres en savane soudanaise sont hauts avec un long pédoncule.
Mots clés: Parkia biglobosa, néré, variabilité phénotypique, conservation, savane.
English Title: Phenotypical caracterization of african locust bean (Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R. Br. ex G. Don, Fabaceae) from three savannahs types in Côte d’Ivoire
To preserve goods and services provided by Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R. Br. ex G. Don, Fabaceae, it is essential to know the phenotypical variability of this species for domestication purpose. The objective of this study is to define morphological discriminant traits to identify tree-plus in the savannahs from Côte d'Ivoire. The phenotypical variability of trees distant at least 100 m from three types of savannah was studied through 22 quantitative traits related to trunks, leaves, fruits and seeds. Matrix data was analyzed with different tests such as MANOVA followed by ANOVA 1, AFD and CAH. Traits that allow distinguishing trees according to their origin are: total height, seed thickness, seed and pulp weight per fruit, fruit length, pedicel length and thickness, peduncle length and thickness. In the Guinean savannah, trees have long and thick peduncles, thick pedicels and long fruits. In Sub-Sudanese savannah, trees are tall with thick seeds and pedicels, high seeds and pulp weight per fruit while Sudanese savannah trees are tall with a long peduncle.
Keywords: Parkia biglobosa, locust bean, phenotypical variability, conservation, savannah.
Influence of unscheduled stop and dwell time of minibus public transport on transit time in Kano Metropolis
Authors: Ibrahim M.N. , Alhassan H.M. 
Published: June 2020

Minibus has been one of the modes of public transport in Nigerian cities. Despite its positive impact on urban mobility demand, it is however, associated with some problems which make its service ineffective. This study explores the operating characteristics of minibus public transport in Kano metropolis. It also examines the influence of unscheduled random stops and dwell times of minibus on passengers' transit time. Data were collected on the number of random stop, dwell time per stop, and travel time from route’s origin to destination using an in-vehicle observation technique. Four major routes on which minibuses operate were used for the study. Finding from this study revealed that minibus public transport in Kano city is characterized by recurring unscheduled random stops and long dwell time. Across the routes studied, the total number of unscheduled stops ranges from 18 to 23 per trip while the cumulative dwell time per trip constitutes 40 to 60% of the transit time leading to increase in overall passenger’s travel time, with attendant delay to the users. A weak correlation exists between the number of unscheduled stops and transit time, indicating a less influence on the transit time. However, a strong correlation exists between dwell time during stops and travel time which is an indication of a substantial influence on transit time. Further analysis revealed that variations of recurring unscheduled stops and dwell times account for about 74% of variability in minibus transit time. Finding from test of significance at α 0.05 revealed pvalues of 0.845 and 7.34E-43 for number of stop and dwell time, respectively. This suggests that the number of stop does not influence the transit time significantly; whereas, the dwell time influences the transit time significantly. This implies that increase in passengers’ transit time is substantially due to the long dwell time during unscheduled random stop rather than the number of stop itself.
Keywords: Minibus, public transport, unscheduled stop, dwell time, transit time
A 3D modelling of the in-cylinder combustion dynamics of two stroke internal combustion engine in its service condition
Authors: Ikpe A.E. , Owunna I.B. 
Published: June 2020

In this study, a two stroke internal combustion engine was successfully modeled as a closed cycle with the intake, compression, expansion and exhaust processes considered in two strokes of the reciprocating piston. The in-cylinder combusted gases with respect to air-fuel mixture of 14.4:1 in the two stroke engine model were analyzed, showing the dynamics of the combusted gases, the flame pressure and temperature trajectories. It was observed that provided compression and expansion takes place at air-fuel mixture near ideal condition (14.7:1), the combusted gas temperature which occurred in the range of 293.92-3000.60 K is directly proportional to the cylinder gas pressure which occurred in the range of 60.76-80.20 bar. With a heat transfer coefficient of 581.236 W/m2K, the maximum temperature of the IC engine material was found to be 2367.56K at equilibrium and the maximum shear stress was found to be 176 x 102 MPa (1.76 x 105 bar). The 14.4:1 air-fuel mixture implies that 26% O2, 73% N2 and 1% trace gases are the in-cylinder air constituent that will react with 1 mole of hydrocarbon to form the combusted products of 96.2% CO2, 3.2% H2O and 0.6% N2. This will vary in conditions where the air-fuel mixture changes.
Keywords: Modelling, Gas dynamics, Two stroke, IC engine, Air-fuel mixture.
Investigation of pumpkin pod extract as corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in HCl Solution
Authors: Okewale A.O. , Adebayo T. 
Published: June 2020

This work focused on the use of natural, and eco-friendly waste material as an inhibitor for inhibiting carbon steel corrosion. In order to obtain minimum rate of corrosion on carbon steel, optimization of the process factors that affect carbon steel corrosion was undertaken using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Three parameters were fluctuated viz; temperature, pumpkin pod extract concentration and time of exposure and their corresponding effects on rate of corrosion of carbon steel were ascertained. The data obtained was fitted to a model that is quadratic which was subsequently validated. The predicted lowest rate of corrosion by the model is 2.5427mm/yr with optimal conditions of 178.07ppm of pumpkin extract concentration, exposure time of 2.26hrs, and 35.28oC of temperature. The conditions were validated in three replicates and corrosion rate of 2.75mm/yr was obtained.
Keywords: corrosion, optimization, pumpkin pod, response surface methodology.
Actuarial modelling of equilibrium condition in life and pension using integral transform
Authors: Ogungbenle G.M. , Adeyele J.S. 
Published: June 2020

This paper aims at deriving actuarial modelling of equilibrium condition in life and pension mathematics under the framework of integral transform. The specific objective is to establish net actuarial balance representing the difference between the present values of contributions and benefit outgo of the defined benefit scheme. This is the equilibrium position such the plan sponsor cannot borrow to pay plan members at the point of retirement. Our investigation confirms that the present value of benefit outgo payable by the trustees equals the present value of total contribution of the plan sponsor so that the equilibrium point is reached under the framework of integral transform.
Keywords: Integral transform, defined benefit, force of interest, equilibrium Fredholm, liability and Thiele
Effect of salt concentrations on <i>in vitro</i> rumen fermentation of cellulose, starch, and protein
Authors: Costa E.C.B. , Araújo G.G.L. , Oliveira J.S. , Santos E.M. , Henriques L.T. , Perazzo A.F. , Zanine A.M. , Pereira G.A. , Pinho R.M.A. 
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of various concentrations of three salts (sodium chloride (NaCl), magnesium chloride (MgCl2), and calcium chloride (CaCl2)) on the in vitro rumen fermentation of cellulose, starch, and protein substrates. Six salt concentrations were tested, separately, namely 0, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1600 mg/dL. The experiment was conducted using the completely randomized design in a 6 × 3 × 3 factorial arrangement with main effects of salt concentration and salt type (six levels of three salts (NaCl, MgCl2, or CaCl2) (0, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1600 mg/dL) into three substrates [starch, cellulose, and glucose]) with three replicates. Cellulose- and glucose-fermenting bacteria were sensitive to NaCl concentrations greater than 400 mg/dL (17.48 decisiemens per metre (dS/m)) and 800 mg/dL (20.55 dS/m) in the media, respectively. In contrast, starch-fermenting bacteria continued to grow in NaCl concentrations up to 1600 mg/dL (29.09 dS/m). Thus, it was concluded that starch-fermenting microorganisms tolerated higher concentrations of NaCl compared with the other microbial groups. Cellulose-fermenting microorganisms are less tolerant to MgCl2 in relation to the other microbial groups. Starch, cellulose-, and glucose-fermenting bacteria from cattle tolerate CaCl2 concentrations of up to 1600 mg/dL (12.26 dS/m). These results suggest that brackish water may be used for ruminants. However, it is important perform an analysis of that water and then to adjust diets to minimize the effects of types of salt and concentrations of salt on rumen microorganisms.
Keywords: brackish water, dissolved salts, rumen microbes, water quality