bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity of Zika Virus Transmission in Indonesia: Serosurveillance Data from a Pediatric Population
Authors: Sasmono R. Tedjo , Johar Edison , Yohan Benediktus , Ma’roef Chairin Nisa , Pronyk Paul , Hadinegoro Sri Rezeki , Soepardi Elizabeth Jane , Bouckenooghe Alain , Hawley William A. , Rosenberg Ronald , Powers Ann M. , Soebandrio Amin , Myint Khin Saw Aye 
Published: May 2021

Abstract.The presence of Zika virus (ZIKV) in Indonesia has been recognized since the 1970s, but its transmission dynamics there have been poorly understood. To understand more fully the geographic distribution and burden of ZIKV infection, we performed retrospective serological tests on specimens collected from asymptomatic children age 5 to 9 years old living at 30 sites in 14 provinces. Of 870 serum samples tested, 9.2% were found to be positive for anti-ZIKV antibodies, as confirmed by plaque reduction neutralization assays. This was the same overall prevalence reported previously for 1- to 4-year-old children collected at the same sites at the same time. Together with geographic differences in seroprevalence between the age groups, these data suggest that, although ZIKV might be endemic in Indonesia, its occurrence has been focal and episodic.
The Medical Education Environment at the University of Nairobi, Kenya: An Assessment with the DREEM Tool
Authors: Ojuka Daniel , Aseta Faith , Githambo Beth , Wambua Brian 
Published: May 2021

Background: The supportive learning environment can enhance impartating of knowledge and skills.
Objective: To assess the learning environment at the School of Medicine of the University of Nairobi using the Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure(DREEM) tool.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey carried in 2019 out among medical students during their clinical years to obtain their perceptions about the learning environment at the School of Medicine of the University of Nairobi. The DREEM tool was used for the survey. Data were entered and analyzed in SPSS version19. Comparisons were performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). p≤0.05 was consideredstatistically significant.
Results: We obtained 619 responses (77.4%) from 800 tools distributed. The total mean score of DREEM was 93.3/200. This is a 46.7%score overall indicating a poor perception of the learning environment. Year IV was the class with the poorest perception with a p<0.05. Conclusion: The DREEM score shows numerous problems, with perception of learning and social support being the areas requiring themost improvement. Although teachers are knowledgeable, students are wary of their ability to transfer knowledge and skills.
Keywords: Learning environment, DREEM, Medical students
Assessment of bacterial contamination of irrigation water and market gardening products at Parakou (A city in northern Benin)
Authors: Sare Eric Bio Nikki , Hounkpatin Armelle Sabine Yélignan , Adjahossou Vidédji Naéssé , Bagoudou Abdel Fawaz , Sourou Anicette Bio 
Published: May 2021

In many districts of Benin, the use of wastewater in urban agriculture is becoming more and more widespread. This activity around wastewater discharges potentially poses health risks to populations. As water is one of the main sources of food contamination in developing countries, the main objective of this study, oriented towards the assessment of the bacterial load, was to search for Salmonella which are pathogenic to humans in irrigation water as well as in some market gardening products consumed in Parakou district. The study was carried out on the market gardening perimeter of the slaughterhouse site located near the international marketArzèkè, where market gardeners exclusively use surface water from the mixture of groundwater and runoff from installed collectors. At the end of this study, the results from the observation of the different colonies, followed by biochemical tests for the detection and differentiation of Salmonella, allowed us to detect the presence of Salmonella in the different samples ranging from 50% to 80%. The presence of Fecal coliforms and Escherichia coli not only in water but also in market garden products was also confirmed. These results might partly explain the frequency of salmonellosis in the study area.
Keywords: Salmonella, microbiological tests, biochemical tests.
Etude comparée de la ventilation naturelle et automatique à l’aide de tuyaux perforés et du procédé classique de retournements des andains en compostage
Authors: Sema Alaki-Issi Massimapatom , Koledzi Edem K. , Krou Nitale M’Balikine , Tcha-Thom Maglwa 
Published: May 2021

Sur la plateforme de compostage de l’ONG ENPRO, pour chaque tas de compost, cinq retournements sont nécessaires en vue d’apporter de l’air pour une bonne décomposition aérobie. Le retournement d’un seul tas de compost nécessite trois ouvriers pour une durée de trois heures. Donc, pour chaque fréquence de retournement, il faut mobiliser dix-sept ouvriers en une journée. Leur prise en charge pour les cinq retournements s’élève à 595000 FCFA. Face à ce coût élevé, la recherche d’alternatives de réduction du nombre d’ouvriers et du temps s’impose. La ventilation naturelle qui consiste à renouveler de l’air par des forces naturelles à travers des ouvertures, se présente comme la technique la plus optimiste. Ainsi, l’objectif de ce travail est d’optimiser la main d’œuvre et le temps accordé aux retournements. Cinq andains sont élaborés dont un standard et les quatre autres à ventilation naturelle. L’étude comparative des critères de maturité et de stabilité a montré des valeurs similaires pour les deux types de compost. Aussi, la ventilation naturelle a permis de réduire le nombre de retournements à deux et le nombre d’ouvriers à dix contre cinq et dix-sept pour le compostage standard puis le coût de prise en charge des ouvriers d’environ 25%.Mots clés : Compostage, retournement des andains, optimisation du temps, ventilation naturelle.
English title: Comparative study of natural and automatic ventilation using perforated pipes and the classic method of turning windrows in compostingOn the composting platform of the NGO ENPRO, for each pile of compost, five turns are necessary in order to provide air for good aerobic decomposition. Turning a single compost heap requires three workers for three hours. So, for each turnaround frequency, seventeen workers must be mobilized in one day. Their cost for the five turnarounds amounts to FCFA 595,000. Faced with this high cost, the search for alternatives to reduce the number of workers and time is essential. Natural ventilation, which consists of renewing air by natural forces through openings, is presented as the most optimistic technique. Thus, the objective of this work is to optimize the manpower and the time allocated to turnarounds. Five windrows are produced, one of which is standard and the other four have natural ventilation. The comparative study of the maturity and stability criteria showed similar values for the two types of compost. Also, natural ventilation has reduced the number of turnovers to two and the number of workers to ten against five and seventeen for standard composting and the cost of supporting workers by around 25%.
Keywords: composting, windrow turning, time optimization, natural ventilation
In vitro study for antifungal compounds from Parinari curatellifolia (Chrysobalanaceae) and Terminalia sericea (Combretaceae)
Authors: Mbunde Mourice Victor Nyangabo , Innocent Ester , Mabiki Faith , Andersson Pher G. 
Published: May 2021

Parinari curatellifolia (Chrysobalanaceae) and Terminalia sericea (Combretaceae) have been traditionally used in Southern Highlands of Tanzania for treatment of various infectious disorders. The present study aimed to evaluate antifungal activity of the isolated compounds from Parinari curatellifolia and Terminalia sericea plant species. The ethyl acetate extract of the root barks from Parinari curatellifolia and Terminalia sericea were fractionated using column chromatography. The structures of compounds were established using both 1D and 2D-NMR spectroscopic techniques while antifungal activities of the fractions and isolated compounds were evaluated using broth microdilution assay against Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans and Aspergillus niger species. Two known compounds toddalolactone (1) and 10-hydroxy-13-methoxy-9- methyl-15-oxo-20-norkaur-16-en-18-oic acid -lactone (2) from P. curatellifolia and two compounds Sericic acid (3) and sericoside (4) from T. sericea were isolated and their structures identified and confirmed by spectral data obtained and from the literatures. Strong antifungal activity was shown by Sericic acid (3) with MIC value of0.07 mg/ml against C. albicans and C. neoformans. Isolation of toddalolactone (1) from Parinari curatellifolia as well as the antifungal activity of Sericic acid (3) from Terminalia sericea is being reported for the first time. Bioactivity of these compounds support traditional use of the studied plants.
Keywords: Sericic acid, toddalolactone, fungi, antifungal, Parinari curatellifolia, Terminalia sericea.
Economic potentials of mushroom (Pleurotus floridanus) production among Rumuekini women group in Obio/Akpo, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Adedokun O.M. , Ndubueze-Ogaraku M.E. 
Published: May 2021

The study assessed economic potentials of mushroom production using farm produce waste in Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers State, Nigeria. Specifically, socioeconomic characteristics of mushroom farmers in the LGA were identified, perception of farmers about mushroom cultivation was analyzed and cost-return analysis of mushroom cultivation was estimated. Purposive sampling technique was adopted in the selection of 32 farmers who participated in the training of mushroom cultivation in Rumuekini community was selected. Data was analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics such means, and percentage and gross margin model was used to determine profit level. The result showed that mushroom farmers were mainly women aged between 50 years and above. Gross margin analysis of mushroom cultivation showed that estimated total variable cost of production was four thousand nine hundred and fifty naira (₦4,950 .00 = 12.4 USD) per 100 substrate bags of cultivated mushroom. Estimated total revenue realized was twenty-two thousand, five hundred naira (₦22,500= 56.3 USD) per 100 substrate bags of cultivated mushroom and gross margin was seventeen thousand, five hundred and fifty naira (₦17,550=43.9 USD) per 100 substrate bags of cultivated mushroom. It was found that mushroom cultivation has the potential to improve income status of the women. Also, the materials for mushroom production could be sourced locally and farmers preferred cultivated mushroom to wildly sourced types. It is recommended that more awareness be created, and support services be given to the women in the area to encourage their participation in mushroom production. Mushroom cultivation could be extended to interested smallholder women for the purpose of augmenting nutrition, and economic empowerment.
Keywords: Mushroom, Economic, Potentials, Production, Farmers.
Assessment of plant population on growth, fibre and seed yield of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) in Ibadan western Nigeria
Authors: Olanipekun S.O. , Togun A.O. , Adejumo S.A. , Adeniyan O.N. , Adebayo A.K. 
Published: May 2021

Kenaf is a multi-purpose crop with numerous industrial uses. Its production is constrained by poor cultural and agronomic practices which reduce yield. Inappropriate spacing among others could result in low yield. Effect of plant spacing on growth and yield of kenaf was investigated in Ibadan, Nigeria. Kenaf seed was sown (2 plants/stand) at three plant spacing: 50×15, 50×20, 50×25 cm was assessed for seed and bast fibre yields using randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The analysis was done using statistical analysis system (SAS). Plant spacing differed significantly for bast fibre and seed yields. Highest bast fibre yield (0.9±0.03) and seed yield (0.5±0.01) were obtained at 50×20 cm and 50×25 cm spacing, respectively, while the lowest bast fibre yield (0.7±0.01) and seed yield (0.3±0.01) were obtained at 50×15 cm spacing. Spacing of 50 × 15 cm and 50 × 20 cm are appropriate when planting for fibre while 50 × 25cm is appropriate for seed production.
Keywords: Kenaf, Spacing, Fibre and Seed yield.
Evaluation of maize-soybean intercropping systems and fertilizer rates on maize grain yield using competitive indices
Authors: Takim F.O. , Omeke J.O. , Tunku P. , Shebaya J.A. , Olaoye G. , Tologbonse D. , Onyibe J.E. 
Published: May 2021

Field trials were conducted in savanna ecologies of Nigeria during the 2015 and 2016 seasons using maize (PVA8) and soybean (TGX 1448-2E) intercropping systems with different fertilizer rates to evaluate the yield of maize and assess the best intercropping system for resource management. Single plant stands and two plants/stand and 2 arrangements of rows (one row on a ridge and two rows on a ridge) were used to impose maize plant densities evaluated in strip inter-crop with soybean. The trial was factorial, laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Thus, 8 maize-soybean strip cropping systems and application of 3 NPK rates were evaluated at Saki-Oyo, Ilorin, and Nasarawa (southern Guinea savanna), Kaduna in the northern Guinea savanna, Funtua (Katsina) and Gusau (Zamfara) located within Sudan savanna ecologies of Nigeria. Data on yields and yield components were collected. The intercropping systems were assessed using existing intercropping indices such as Land Equivalent Ratio (LER), Relative Crowding Coefficient (K), Aggressivity (A), Competitive Ratio (CR), Actual Yield Loss (AYL), Intercropping Advantage (IA) and Monetary Advantage Index (MAI). The result showed that Nasarawa and Kaduna were most ideal locations for maize production in the Nigeria savannas. The highest grain yield of 4.04 tons/ha maize and 1.36 tons/ha soybean were obtained from seeding 1 plant/stand in 2-rows per ridge x 4 ridges of maize alternated with 2 rows of soybean with the application of NPK at 100:50:50. The LER was 1.11, AYL (1.10) and MAI (208) gave a profit of ₦312,102.00 (US$990.80) ha-1 with a benefit-cost ratio of 2.38 and production efficiency of 29.56%. The study concluded that, seeding 80% maize and 20% soybean per ha will lead to sustainable maize crop production with limited use of fertilizer. It can be adopted by the farmers in Nigeria savannas as a relatively profitable intercropping system.
Keywords: Maize production, Ideal location, Fertilizer rate, Competitive indices, Savanna ecologies, Nigeria
Marketing Analysis of Ducks in Akinyele Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Jatto K.A , Adeoye A.S , Oke O.O , Oke O.S , Abegunrin O.O , Kareem A.T 
Published: May 2021

The study assessed the marketing activities of ducks in Akinyele Local Government Area. The study was carried out in three selected main markets (Ojoo, Moniya, and Shasha). Information was generated from ninety-four (94) duck marketers in the study area using structured questionnaire to determine the socio-economic characteristics of duck sellers, profitability, market performance and problems militating against duck marketing. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Gini coefficient, budgetary analysis and marketing margin. The result showed that 52.1% of respondents were males while about 47.9% of respondents were females. Age range of 40-50 (38.3%) is the majority which means that adult dominate the duck business. Majority of them are married (63.8%), with no formal education (31.9%) and with marketing experience (40.4%) of less than five years. The result of the Gini coefficient was 0.52 which implied that the degree of income inequalities is high in sales revenue of the respondents and hence high level of concentration. Moniya market is more efficient among the other market visited. Duck selling business in Moniya is more profitable as sellers on the average realized gross revenue of ₦280,700; followed by Ojoo, ₦147,582; and Shasha, ₦116,640. The problems encountered include, low patronage, low price, disease infestation, mortality and theft. It was recommended that there should be general awareness of the business as a means of employment which would serve as poverty alleviation in the society.
Key words: Market structure, Market performance, Profitability, Ducks
Phytochemical Screening and Antimicrobial Analysis of Fadogia andersonii Robyn Plant Extrac
Authors: Nzeako J. , Ndukwe G.I. , Habila J.D. , Oluwabukola E.A. , Owoicho I. 
Published: May 2021

Medicinal plants extracts are now generally considered as effective medicines that play a major role in modern pharmacy. The plant Fadogia andersonii belonging to the Family Rubiaceae, which is used in ethno-medicine was studied. Preliminary phytochemical analyses of the whole plant revealed the presence of the following metabolites: Saponins, terpenes, steroids, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides and carbohydrates. Anthraquinones was found to be absent. Antimicrobial screening of the methanol plant’s extract carried out (in vitro) on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Candida albican and Aspergillus flavus showed that the extract has activity on the tested microorganisms. However, it showed no inhibitory effect against Escherichia coli. The extract was found to inhibit the growth of S. aureus, B. cereus, S. pyogenes and C. albican at 25mg/ml with a corresponding MBC at 50mg/ml. S.typhi and S. pneumonia were inhibited at 50mg/ml with a corresponding MBC at 100mg/ml. It also inhibited the growth of P. aeruginosa, K. pneumonia and A. flavus at 100mg/ml with a corresponding MBC at 200mg/ml. The observed antimicrobial effects were believed to be due to the presence of active principles which were detected in the phytochemical screening.
Keywords: Phytochemicals, Antimicrobials, Fadogia andersonii Robyn
Physicochemical and Mineral Analysis of Fish Pond Water; Implications for the Environment
Authors: Mgbemena N.M. , Ilechukwu I. , Amalu E.U. , Anierobi C. 
Published: May 2021

This study examined the physicochemical parameters of fish pond water to ascertain if they pose any risk to the environment after disposal. Water samples were collected from metallic, tarpaulin and concrete ponds from Anambra, Imo and Lagos states, Nigeria and analysed for minerals and physicochemical parameters using standard analytical methods. The results obtained were as follows; pH 6.30±0.06 – 6.94±0.01, turbidity 40.00±0.01-315.00±1.73 NTU, TSS 324.00±9.59 – 1346.00±20.53 mg/L, TDS 24.2 ±2.20 – 45.6 ±17.2 mg/L, hardness 18.6±3.9 – 24.3±3.80, phosphate 0.12±0.01 - 0.23±0.01, nitrate 0.42±0.02 – 1.17±0.01, BOD 1.43.33±1.41 – 577.67±2.8, DO 27.67±1.41 – 57.67±0.02, Zn 0.12±0.03-0.92±0.02, Cu 0.18±0.03 – 0.53±0.01, Fe 0.24±0.02 – 0.55±0.02 and Ca 0.19±0.02 – 0.51±0.02. The results varied from one pond to another depending on the residence time of the samples and the nature of the pond. All parameters were within the established limit for effluent disposal except biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)and dissolved oxygen (DO).
Keywords: Physicochemical parameters, Fish pond, Aquaculture, Freshwater, Fish
Proximate and Elemental Analysis of African Star Apple (Chrysophyllum albidum)
Authors: Ibrahim H. , Haruna A. , Abdullahi N. 
Published: May 2021

The proximate and elemental analysis of African star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) using standard analytical techniques was investigated. The proximate composition of the plant showed the values of 54.57 % for carbohydrate, 13.25 % of fat, and 3.85 % of crude protein. The crude fiber and ash content indicates the values of 6.60 % and 4.70 % respectively. The moisture content present (17.03 %) reveals the possibility of having low antimicrobial activities of the plant. The mineral elements present in different concentrations are Ca (706.850 mg/kg), Mg (325.500 mg/kg), Fe (40.875 mg/kg), Cu (3.275 mg/kg), and Zn (4.625 mg/kg). The result shows that the fruit have essential minerals required by human for normal life activities.
Key words: Chrysophyllum albidum, Star apple, Proximate compositions, Mineral elements
Influence of Hydrological Variables on Macrophytes in a Black Water River Ecosystem
Authors: Anwana E.D. , Ogbemudia F.O. , Ita R.E. , Sunday P.E. 
Published: May 2021

This study assessed the influence of hydrological variables on macrophytes in a Black Water River ecosystem of Enyong River in Itu and Ibiono Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom and Cross Rivers States, Nigeria. Four vegetation plots were chosen and in each of the plots, four belt transect were laid. In each transect, macrophyte were systematically sampled in four 10 m × 10 m quadrat at regular intervals. Macrophytes were identified to species level and their frequency and density determined. Water samples were obtained in each quadrat where the macrophytes were sampled and analyzed for their physicochemical properties using standardized methods. Altogether, 10 macrophyte species were encountered. Vossia cuspidata had the highest density (100.00±8.00 st/ha) and frequency values (100 %). Sacciolepis africana had the least density of 7.10±0.45 st/ha while Ludwigia octovalvis, Persicaria senegalensis, andSacciolepis africana had the least frequency of 25 %, respectively. The pH of the water was strongly acidic (5.54±0.03), electrical conductivity was low (20.00±5.77 µs/cm), temperature (29.00±1.10 ºC), Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (9.20±0.12 mg/l) and turbidity (7.10±0.06 NTU) values were high while Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) (2.00±0.29 mg/l) Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) (10.00±0.29 mg/l) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) were low (5.00±1.15 mg/l). Water Nutrients followed this decreasing order; chloride (3.55±0.02 mg/l) > nitrate (2.45±0.03 mg/l) > sulphate (2.02±0.06 mg/l) > phosphate (0.08±0.01 mg/l) and sulphide (0.03±0.02 mg/l). Heavy metals also followed this descending order; Pb (0.50±0.03 mg/l) > Zn (0.07±0.02 mg/l) > Cu (0.03±0.02 mg/l). Canonical Correspondence Analysis delineated 11 hydrological variables (temperature, pH, sulphate, turbidity, phosphate, BOD, nitrate, DO, TDS, sulphide and TSS) which exerted great influence on macrophyte distribution. V. cuspidata had affinity to pH and temperature, Sacciolepis africana had affinity to turbidity and BOD, Ludwigia octovalvis and Nymphaea lotus had affinity to sulphate and chloride, respectively, while Ipomoea aquatica and Alternanthera sessils had affinity to phosphate. On the other hand, Persicaria senegalensis, Salvinia molesta, Azolla pinnata and Ceratophyllum demersum had affinities to sulphide, DO, TSS and TDS, respectively. Since hydrological variables regulate macrophyte diversity and distribution, this study calls for consistent, monitoring and management of this ecosystem against future environmental changes.
Keywords: Aquatic plants, Black water, Canonical Correspondence Analysis, Ordination