bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physicochemistry and Heavy Metal Characteristics of Waste Products from Abattoir Activities in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Testimonies Chikanka Azuonwu, , N. Ogbonna David , Onwuteaka John 
Published: December 2019

The upsurge of abattoir operations as a result of the rise in demand for meat protein has led to a corresponding increase in waste generation. These wastes are often channelled into nearby streams with little or no treatment which exposes aquatic organisms to the resultant consequences of this waste deposition. This study was thus aimed at determining the physicochemical quality of some abattoir samples in Port Harcourt city. Soil, faecal matter, wastewater, waste blood and service water samples from the Iwofe, Rumuodomaya and Trans-Amadi abattoirs were collected within a period of one year and the pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), sulphate, chloride, temperature, nitrate, ammonia and heavy metals quantities including chromium, lead, zinc, cobalt, copper and cadmium were determined using standard techniques. The study recorded high BOD5 and COD values from the blood, faecal matter, soil and wastewater samples while service water samples had values within the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality limits. Seasonal variations in the physicochemical parameters of the samples collected both in the wet and dry seasons were observed. The pH values ranged from 6.2-8.5, BOD5 of blood, faecal matter soil and wastewater ranged from 2124-4349 mg/l while the COD ranged from 2715-8820 mg/l. In Rumuodomaya, the BOD5 and COD ranged from 2276-2727 mg/l and 2583-3245 mg/l respectively while samples from Trans-Amadi abattoir had values for BOD5 and COD ranging from 2253-4330 mg/l and 2931-4597 mg/l, respectively. Nitrate, chromium, cadmium, zinc, cobalt, lead and copper contents in the different locations varied statistically at α-0.05 while no significant difference was observed for pH, ammonia, temperature, COD, BOD5, sulphate and chloride contents at α=0.05. The BOD5 and COD of waste blood, wastewater, soil and faecal matter recorded values that were above permissible limits for service water and therefore raises concern for the aquatic life being threatened by these effluents as the amount of dissolved oxygen available for them will be reduced as a pollution of the immediate environment, if these generated wastes are not treated before disposal.
Dynamic Assessment in the EFL Classroom: The Case of Listening Comprehension
Authors: Alshenqeeti Hamza , A. Grami Grami Mohammad 
Published: December 2019

The current study evaluates the potential of dynamic assessment (DA) in listening comprehension classes. DA is based on the sociocultural aspect of the Vygotskyan theory. It facilitates language improvement because DA assumes that mental instruments mediate psychological exercises. Although DA has been extensively analyzed, few studies have investigated its impact on listening comprehension in the language classroom. This study intends to fill the research gap in listening comprehension studies using DA as a mediation tool. The purpose of the current study therefore is to assess the effects of dynamic assessment on listening comprehension. A total of fifty-six English as a foreign language (hereinafter EFL) learners took part in the present examination. The subjects took a general placement proficiency test developed by the English Language Centre within the university to ensure participant homogeneity. The researcher recorded pre-test and post-test results of the participants and coded the values quantitatively. Data management and analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA to test reliability and validity. The relevance of DA in enhancing listening comprehension is clearly supported by the fact that DA students’ results outperformed their counterparts in the study. The study findings also indicated a need for language educators to utilise mediation techniques in order to enhance students’ listening skills. Educators are advised to apply more DA approaches to mitigate student resistance to classroom instructions. These discoveries underscore the efficacy of DA and suggest its inclusion in the language-learning curriculum.
The Effect of Exclusive Breastfeeding on Child Survival Using Modified Kaplan Meier Model (MKMM)
Authors: Dashal Moses Longji , Lasisi Kazeem Eyitayo , Longji Kaneng Eileen 
Published: December 2019

Background: In Survival analysis, Kaplan-Meier estimator serves as a tool for measuring the frequency or the number of patients surviving medical treatment. Kaplan Meier estimates of survival data have become a better way of analyzing data in cohort study. Kaplan- Meier (K-M) is a non-parametric estimates of survival function that is commonly used to describe survivorship of a study population and to compare two study populations.
Aims: This research study is aimed at reducing the morbidity and mortality rate of children less than 6 months.
Methodology: 58,609 children less than six months were Exclusive Breastfed from the database. The analysis is done using both K-M and the modified K-M model to examine the effects of Exclusive Breastfeeding. The AIC and BIC was also used as the information criteria.
Results: Our results revealed that the K-M model 0.998566822 as the estimated survival probability of children under the ages of six months. Also showing, Exclusively Breastfed children stand the chance of 99% survival.
The modified K-M model also revealed 6.98276443909739 as the estimated survival probability, due to initiation of milk substitute and food supplement into the breastfeeding pattern. Showing about 70% chances of survival. Implying about 30% of the existence in one disease or the other or the risk of dying before the age of 5 years.
From the information criteria, the AIC (2.3119452169420) and BIC (7.8478797677756) in the Modified K-M are both lower compared to Existing Kaplan Meier (4.0012457354876) and (9.5371847322969) respectively. Modified K-M stand as the best model in knowing the types/amount of food to be added to breastfeeding pattern.
Conclusion: So far, the Modified Kaplan Meier Model has been verified and the findings agree that the life expectation will be improved by 99% if children are fed exclusively with breast milk while the life span is been reduced that can lead to death by 30% if the children have a mix feeding which agrees with why Exclusive Breastfeeding should be done.
Genetic Polymorphisms of Pfcrt K76T and Pfmdr1 N86Y among Asymptomatic School Children in Forest Communities of Ekondo Titi Subdivision along the Cameroon-Nigeria Border Area
Authors: Tientche Bonaventure , Fru-Cho Jerome , Anong Damian Nota , Nkuo-Akenji Theresa K. 
Published: December 2019

Aims: The study sought to quantify Plasmodium infection and molecular markers for chloroquine resistance among asymptomatic school children.
Study Design: The study was cross-sectional.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Ekondo Titi Subdivision near Cameroon's south-western border with Nigeria from March to May and from September to October 2014.
Methodology: The prevalence of human Plasmodium species was determined by nested PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) using DNA from dried blood spot in six primary schools. A PCR/RFLP analysis (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) was used to determine the prevalence of chloroquine resistance (CQR) associated pfcrt 76T and pfmdr 1 56Y point mutations in Plasmodium falciparum asymptomatic school children.
Results: A nested PCR amplifying the 18S small-subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene of Plasmodium in 205 samples confirmed 76.1% of the isolates as asymptomatic P. falciparum infections, with a substantial proportion 22% of P. malariae infection. Among these, 3.6% were single P. malariae infections and 15.1% were P. falciparum and P. malariae mixed infections. Mixed P. falciparum and P. ovale infections were 2.0%. Of the 156 Plasmodium falciparum, positive samples by species-specific PCR, 107 samples with P. falciparum mono-infection were analyzed for the presence of drug resistant alleles pfcrt 76T and pfmdr1- Y 86. The prevalence of pfcrt 76T mutation (74.6%) was higher than that of the pfmdr1-Y86 mutation (25.4%). Logistic regression analysis of socio-demographic factors predicted no significant association between pfcrt 76T mutation with gender and communities.
Conclusions: The results indicated a high prevalence of P. malariae and mixed infection in the area under study. The high-level distribution of the pfcrtT76 observed in the study could be possibly attributed to the fact that CQ remained widely used at the community level more than 14 years after withdrawal.
Catalytic Conversion of Sugarcane Bagasse into 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Adam Omer Ishag Omer , Mousa Mohammed Adam , Mohamed Ali Mahmoud , B. Omer Awadalla 
Published: December 2019

Furan derivatives especially 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural has recently been regarded as one important precursor for the production of biofuels and biobased compounds.
Aims: The aim of this study was to convert sugarcane bagasse into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural using Tetrabutylammonium bromide, Tetramethylammonium chloride and metal chlorides (chromium chloride, copper chloride, ferric chloride and cobalt chloride) in dimethylsulphoxide; using different reaction time and temperatures.
Study Design: The design of this study includes preparation of two different systems of catalyst to convert sugarcane bagasse into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural.
Place and Duration of Study: This study conducted at Department of Applied and Industrial Chemistry, International University of Africa- Sudan, between 2017 and 2019.
Methodology: Two different catalytic systems were prepared to convert sugarcane bagasse into 5-hydroxymethylfurfaural, the first system Tetrabutylammonium bromide and metal chlorides (Chromium chloride, copper chloride, ferric chloride and cobalt chloride) in dimethyl sulphoxide; the second system tetrametheylammonium chloride and same metal chlorides in dimethylsulphoxide. The conversion of sugarcane bagasse was conducted at temperatures 100, 130 and 150°C; in addition to reaction times 60, 90 and 120 min.
Results: The obtained results indicated that the yield of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural was high 53.41% at 150°C and 120 min reaction time when chrome chloride was used in Tetrabutylammonium bromide and dimethylsulphoxide as co-solvent; although the highest yield 89.23%, was noted also at same condition, when chromium chloride was used in Tetramethylammonium chloride and dimethylsulphoxide as co-solvent.
Conclusion: Based on these results chromium chloride was considered the best catalyst for yielding 5-hydroxymethylfurfural from sugarcane bagasse in both Tertabutylammonium bromide and Tetramethylammonium chloride; but is best in Tetramethylammonium chloride.
Distribution of Ocular Disorders in Communities Affected by Crude Oil-spillage in Rivers State
Authors: Awoyesuku E. A. , Chinawa N. E. , Ejimadu S. C. 
Published: December 2019

Objective: To assess the ocular disorders prevalent in communities affected by crude oil-spillage in Rivers State.
Methods: A cross sectional study involving participants at a one day free eye screening event in Ogu Bolo Local Government area of Rivers State. Participants had comprehensive ocular examination, a pen torch examination of the anterior segment and a direct fundoscopy using the Welch Alllyn Ophthalmoscope, Tonometry was done using the Keeler Pulse air tonometer and those with minor ocular pathologies were treated on site while more chronic disease were referred to a private Ophthalmology group practice.
Statistical Analysis: Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Descriptive statistics employed mean, median, standard deviation and range values. Frequencies and proportions were used for categorical variables.
Results: The mean age was 46.76±16.03 years while the age range was 1-90 years. The male to female ratio was 1:1.1. About 57.9% and 57.1% of the people had visual acuity better than 6/18 in the right and left eyes respectively. About 19.7% and 20.1% had visual acuity worse than 6/36 in the right and left eyes respectively. The commonest Ocular disorder was Refractive Error (33.6%).This was followed by Presbyopia (17.8%), Cataract (15.1%), Allergic Conjunctivitis (6.5%) while Ocular albinism was least (0.2%).
Conclusion: Ocular anterior segment disorders are prevalent in communities affected by oil spillage and could be due to exposure to petroleum-related chemical irritants.
Management of Conjunctivochalasis
Authors: Dogan Mahmut 
Published: December 2019

Conjunctivochalasis is defined as a redundant, nonedematous conjunctiva that causes a wide variety of symptoms. Excess conjunctival tissue may not cause any symptoms and may cause some symptoms like subconjunctival hemorrhage, epiphora, dry eye findings and corneal ulceration. Disturbance of tear meniscus, impaired tear distribution and punctal occlusion play a role in the onset of symptoms.
Although the etiopathogenesis of the disease is not yet clearly understood, several theories have been proposed. According to the mechanical theory, age-related mechanical changes in the conjunctiva lead to a chronic obstruction of the lymphatic flow and lymphatic dilatation after this chronic obstruction leads to conjunctivochalasis. According to inflammatory theory, collagenolytic activity increases as a result of inflammation on the ocular surface, causing degeneration of elastic fibers. As a result, degeneration of elastic fibers lead to alterations in the extracellular components of the conjunctival tissue. This inflammatory changes resulting in conjunctival laxity.
Although conjunctivosalasis (CCh) is a clinical diagnosis, it is often overlooked by clinicians. CCh patients are can be symptomatic or asymptomatic. Medical and / or surgical treatment is generally needed in symptomatic patients, whereas treatment is not necessary in asymptomatic patients. Medical treatment is the first choice in the treatment of conjunctivochalasis. Artificial tear preparations are widely used in the treatment of CCh due to the deterioration of the tear film layer and dry eye symptoms. In clinical practice, topical anti-inflammatory eye drops are often preferred to reduce ocular surface inflammation. In cases where medical treatment is not sufficient, surgical treatment should be performed.
Today, there are many studies showing that surgical treatment is effective in reducing ocular symptoms and ocular surface damage in patients with CCh and in cases with and without dry eye.The surgical treatment plan should include the loose conjunctival tissue located in the lower part, as well as the excess conjunctival tissue located in the nasal and temporal regions and aim to correct the tear meniscus along the entire lower lid margin. The most preferred surgical method is crescent excision of CCh tissue and primary suture of the conjunctiva. Other surgical approaches include fibrin glue and amniotic membrane transplantation and direct scleral suture of CCh tissue. Another surgical method is electrocauterization of the conjunctival tissue. It is applied 5 mm away from limbus and there is no harm to fornixes.
Building Communities in Tense Times: Fostering Connectedness Between Cultures and Generations through Community Arts
Authors: Beauregard Caroline , Tremblay Joëlle , Pomerleau Janie , Simard Maïté , Bourgeois‐Guérin Elise , Lyke Claire , Rousseau Cécile 
Published: December 2019

HighlightsCollaboration, central to arts projects, took different forms and fostered community resilience.The arts process offered a space for migrant participants to have a critical look at the host society.Commitment was fluctuating, which could be explained by participants’ vulnerable position.Sharing personal stories was a way for participants to build bridges across social divides.
The impact of concomitant cytogenetic abnormalities on acute myeloid leukemia with monosomy 7 or deletion 7q after HLA‐matched allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Poiré Xavier , Labopin Myriam , Polge Emmanuelle , Volin Liisa , Finke Jürgen , Ganser Arnold , Blaise Didier , Yakoub‐Agha Ibrahim , Beelen Dietrich , Forcade Edouard , Lioure Bruno , Socié Gérard , Niederwieser Dietger , Labussière‐Wallet Hélène , Maertens Johan , Cornelissen Jan , Craddock Charles , Mohty Mohamad , Esteve Jordi , Nagler Arnon 
Published: December 2019

AbstractMonosomy 7 or deletion 7q (‐7/7q‐) is the most frequent adverse cytogenetic features reported in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and is a common indication for allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Nevertheless, ‐7/7q‐ occurs frequently with other high‐risk cytogenetic abnormalities such as complex karyotype (CK), monosomal karyotype (MK), monosomy 5 or deletion 5q (‐5/5q‐), 17p abnormalities (abn(17p)) or inversion of chromosome 3 (inv(3)), the presence of which may influence the outcomes after SCT. A total of 1109 patients were allocated to this study. Two‐year probability of leukemia‐free survival (LFS) and overall survival (OS) were 30% and 36%, respectively. Two‐year probability of non‐relapse mortality (NRM) was 20%. We defined five different cytogenetic subgroups: the “‐7/7q‐ ± CK group‐ designated group1,” the “MK group‐designated group 2,” the “‐5/5q‐ group‐ designated group 3,” the “abn(17p) group‐ designated group 4” and the “inv(3) group‐ designated group 5.” The 2‐year probability of LFS in first remission was 48% for group 1, 36.4% for group 2, 28.4% for group 3, 19.1% for group 4 and 17.3% for group 5, respectively (P < .001). Multivariate analysis confirmed those significant differences across groups. Note, SCT in ‐7/7q‐ AML provides durable responses in one third of the patients. The presence of ‐7/7q‐ with or without CK in the absence of MK, abn(17p) or inv(3) is associated with a better survival after SCT. On the contrary, addition of MK, ‐5/5q‐, abn(17p) or inv(3) identifies a sub‐group of patients with poor prognosis even after SCT.
Changes and correlations in height from 7 to 69 years of age across the birth years of 1930 to 1989
Authors: Pedersen Dorthe C. , Meyle Kathrine D. , Ängquist Lars , Andersen Ingelise , Tjønneland Anne , Linneberg Allan , Osler Merete , Mortensen Erik L. , Gyntelberg Finn , Lund Rikke , Aarestrup Julie , Baker Jennifer L. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectivesThe aims of this study were to describe changes in height during childhood and to investigate potential changes in the proportion of children attaining final height in childhood and in correlations between child and adult height across birth cohorts.MethodsWe included 363 059 children (179 906 girls) from the Copenhagen School Health Records Register, who were born between 1930 and 1989, with height measurements at ages 7, 10, or 13 years. Linkages to data resources containing adult height values between ages 18 and 69 years were possible for a subpopulation of 96 133 individuals (23 051 women). Birth years were categorized as 1930 to 1939, 1940 to 1949, and 1950 to 1989. Descriptive height statistics were estimated by birth years and birth cohorts. Height correlations were examined using sex‐ and age‐specific partial Pearson correlation analyses and meta‐regression techniques.ResultsAcross 60 birth years, mean child heights at age 7 increased by 2.9 cm in girls and 3.0 cm in boys, and adult heights increased as well. The proportions of children attaining final height by age 13 remained low across the birth cohorts; nonetheless, there was a significant increase from 0.7% to 1.5% in girls only (P < .0001). Both child‐child and child‐adult height correlations were strong and remained relatively stable across birth cohorts.ConclusionsMean child and adult height increased during the study period, but the proportion of children attaining final height at age 13 remained low. Child‐child and child‐adult height correlations were largely unchanged across birth cohorts.
The genetics of isolated congenital heart disease
Authors: Nees Shannon N. , Chung Wendy K. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe genetic mechanisms underlying congenital heart disease (CHD) are complex and remain incompletely understood. The majority of patients with CHD have an isolated heart defect without other organ system involvement, but the genetic basis of isolated CHD has been even more difficult to elucidate compared to syndromic CHD. Our understanding of the genetics of isolated CHD is advancing in large part due to advances in next generation sequencing, and the list of genes associated with CHD is rapidly expanding. Variants in hundreds of genes have been identified that may cause or contribute to CHD, but a genetic cause can still only be identified in about 20–30% of patients. Identifying a genetic cause for CHD can have an impact on clinical outcomes and prognosis and thus it is important for clinicians to understand when and what to test in patients with isolated CHD. This chapter reviews some of the known genetic mechanisms that contribute to isolated inherited and sporadic CHD as well as recommendations for evaluation and genetic testing in patients with isolated CHD.
Feasibility of successfully breeding rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) to obtain healthy infants year‐round
Authors: Beck Robert T. , Lubach Gabriele R. , Coe Christopher L. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractRhesus monkeys are typically seasonal breeders but can be induced to extend the timing of their mating and births under captive conditions. The following analyses evaluated the potential impact of extending their pregnancies and deliveries year‐round. Birth records from a large breeding colony housed in an indoor facility with a constant 14‐hr light/10‐hr dark cycle were analyzed across 25 years to examine seasonal trends in monkeys that mated in one of two ways: spontaneous in social groups or with a scheduled, timed‐mating protocol. The dates of delivery and birth weights for 2,084 infants were used in these analyses. Younger nulliparous females mating in social groups evinced a clear seasonal peak when birthing their first infant. However, older females, both primiparous and multiparous, could be bred continuously, which enable the birth of infants in every month of the year. Based on the live birth rate, infant birth weights, high survival rates, and the normal sex ratio of infants birthed year‐round, there were no adverse effects of breeding rhesus monkeys in this way. The continuous availability of infant births can be very advantageous for many types of research programs.