bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Case Report: Transmission of Dengue Virus from a Deceased Donor to a Kidney Transplant Recipient Previously Infected by Dengue Virus
Authors: Lecadieu Arnaud , Teysseyre Laura , Larsen Kevin , Vidal Charles , Caron Margot , Traversier Nicolas , _ _ , Aujoulat Thomas , Allyn Jérôme , Allou Nicolas 
Published: May 2021

Abstract.Since 2018, a dengue epidemic has been ongoing in the French overseas department of Reunion Island, in the Indian Ocean, with more than 25,000 serologically confirmed cases. Currently, three dengue serotypes have been identified in Réunion Island (DENV-1, DENV-2, and DENV-3) progressing in the form of epidemic outbreaks. This arbovirus is mainly transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes and may be responsible for serious clinical forms. To date, very few cases of kidney transplant–related dengue virus infection have been described. Here we report the first case of severe dengue virus infection related to kidney transplantation from a patient previously infected with dengue. Testing for dengue fever with PCR search in donor’s urine may help complete the pretransplant assessment in areas where this disease occurs.
High Mobility Group Box 1 and Interleukin 6 at Intensive Care Unit Admission as Biomarkers in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Sivakorn Chaisith , Dechsanga Jutamas , Jamjumrus Lawan , Boonnak Kobporn , Schultz Marcus J. , Dondorp Arjen M. , Phumratanaprapin Weerapong , Ratanarat Ranistha , Naorungroj Thummaporn , Wattanawinitchai Patchrapa , Siripoon Tanaya , Duangdee Chatnapa , Techarang Tachpon 
Published: May 2021

Abstract.Exuberant inflammation manifesting as a “cytokine storm” has been suggested as a central feature in the pathogenesis of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study investigated two prognostic biomarkers, the high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), in patients with severe COVID-19 at the time of admission in the intensive care unit (ICU). Of 60 ICU patients with COVID-19 enrolled and analyzed in this prospective cohort study, 48 patients (80%) were alive at ICU discharge. HMGB1 and IL-6 plasma levels at ICU admission were elevated compared with a healthy control, both in ICU nonsurvivors and ICU survivors. HMGB1 and IL-6 plasma levels were higher in patients with a higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (> 10), and the presence of septic shock or acute kidney injury. HMGB1 and IL-6 plasma levels were also higher in patients with a poor oxygenation status (PaO2/FiO2 < 150 mm Hg) and a longer duration of ventilation (> 7 days). Plasma HMGB1 and IL-6 levels at ICU admission also correlated with other prognostic markers, including the maximum neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, D-dimer levels, and C-reactive protein levels. Plasma HMGB1 and IL-6 levels at ICU admission predicted ICU mortality with comparable accuracy to the SOFA score and the COVID-GRAM risk score. Higher HMGB1 and IL-6 were not independently associated with ICU mortality after adjustment for age, gender, and comorbidities in multivariate analysis models. In conclusion, plasma HMGB1 and IL6 at ICU admission may serve as prognostic biomarkers in critically ill COVID-19 patients.
Influence of aidan and turmeric as additives on blood chemistry, proximate composition and organoleptic indices of broiler chickens
Authors: Ingweye J.N. , Egbo G.O. , Kalio G.A. 
Published: May 2021

The study assessed blood chemistry, proximate composition and organoleptic indices of meat from broiler chickens fed aidan and turmeric as additives. One hundred and eighty Cobb 500 strain day-old chicks were used for an 8-week study. Birds were divided into six groups (30 birds/group) of three replicates (10 birds/replicate) each. The groups were randomly allotted to six dietary treatments (A, B, C, D, E, and F). Group A was the control, fed basal diet without aidan or turmeric. Groups B, C, D, E and F were fed diets containing 0.5% aidan, 1.0% aidan, 0.5% aidan + 0.5% turmeric, 1.0% turmeric and 0.5% turmeric, respectively. Blood was drawn from one bird per replicate at end of study for blood chemistry analysis. One bird per treatment was selected, slaughtered and loin meat taken for proximate and sensory evaluation using 20 semi-trained test panelists and nine-point hedonic scale questionnaire. Completely randomized design, one-way analysis of variance was used. Dietary inclusion of turmeric and aidan alone or in combination showed no apparent pathological concerns but significantly (p<0.05) elevated PCV, RBC, thrombocytes, heterophils, lymphocytes, AST, ALT, albumin, globulin, protein, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, cholesterol, creatinine values and decreased (p<0.05) haemoglobin and glucose concentrations. Also, treatments did not affect (p>0.05) monocytes and potassium levels and showed normal WBC and eosinophils counts. Furthermore, dietary treatments improved (p<0.05) crude protein content of the meat without affecting (p>0.05) fat, ash and dry matter as well as sensory indices. Nevertheless, no meat was disliked by consumers. Inclusion of aidan and turmeric up to 1.0% could support antiglycaemic and phosphorus activity. But, beyond 1.0% inclusion, anaemia and dehydration of the birds may occur.
Keywords: Phyto-additive, Non-antibiotic, Natural growth promoter, Sensory indices
Analysis of Media Use Preferences among Coconut Farmers in Western Zone of Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Bolarin O , Mogor C.C 
Published: May 2021

The study investigated the media use preference among coconut farmers in the western zone of Lagos state, Nigeria. A total number of 120 coconut farmers were selected for the study. Data were collected with the use of interview schedule and analyzed with frequency count, percentage, mean and Chi-square statistics. The usage mean rank showed that mobile phone (mean=4.49), radio (mean=4.47) and television (mean=4.09) were ranked first, second and third respectively. The highest ranked preferred media were radio (mean=4.63), agricultural extension officers (mean=4.43) and fellow farmers (mean=4.36). Chi-square analysis showed that there was no significant relationship between the coconut farmers’ media preference and their socio-economic characteristics. The study conclude that mobile phone, radio and television are the most frequently used media by coconut farmers in the study area. The study further averred that coconut farmers preferred radio, agricultural extension officers, television, family and friends as a medium of communication. The government and non-governmental organizations should intensify the dissemination of information to the coconut farmers using media such as radio, agricultural extension officers, television since that is the most preferred media.
Keywords: Preference, Radio, Television, Mobile phone, Agricultural extension
Mathematical Modeling of Effect of Pumping Rate on Contaminant Transport in Riverbank Filtration System
Authors: Abubakar A.D. , Olayiwola R.O. , Mohammed A.A. , Cole A.T. 
Published: May 2021

Riverbank filtration (RBF) is a natural technology that is used for river water treatment. This research seeks to investigate the effect of pumping rate on the transport of colloids in RBF. However, this work considered Dissolved Organic Matter (DOM) as a nutrient for bacteria. The mathematical model consists of groundwater flow equation and colloids concentration equations. The equations were solved analytically using parameter expanding method and Eigen function expansion techniques. The results obtained are presented graphically and discussed. It was observed that increase in pumping rate value enhance both the hydraulic head and concentration of colloids which slightly reduces the quality of pumped water from RBF.
Keywords: Riverbank filtration, analytical model, colloids, hydraulic head and pumping rat
Missing Observations in Split-Plot Central Composite Designs: The Loss in Relative A-, G-, and V- Efficiency
Authors: Yakubu Y. , Chukwu A.U. 
Published: May 2021

The trace (A), maximum average prediction variance (G), and integrated average prediction variance (V) criteria are experimental design evaluation criteria, which are based on precision of estimates of parameters and responses. Central Composite Designs(CCD) conducted within a split-plot structure (split-plot CCDs) consists of factorial (𝑓), whole-plot axial (𝛼), subplot axial (𝛽), and center (𝑐) points, each of which play different role in model estimation. This work studies relative A-, G- and V-efficiency losses due to missing pairs of observations in split-plot CCDs under different ratios (d) of whole-plot and sub-plot error variances. Three candidate designs of different sizes were considered and for each of the criteria, relative efficiency functions were formulated and used to investigate the efficiency of each of the designs when some observations were missing relative to the full one. Maximum A-efficiency losses of 19.1, 10.6, and 15.7% were observed at 𝑑 = 0.5, due to missing pairs 𝑓𝑓, 𝛽𝛽, and 𝑓𝛽, respectively, indicating a negative effect on the precision of estimates of model parameters of these designs. However, missing observations of the pairs- 𝑐𝑐, 𝛼𝛼, 𝛼𝑐, 𝑓𝑐, and 𝑓𝛼 did not exhibit any negative effect on these designs' relative A-efficiency. Maximum G- and Vefficiency losses of 10.1,16.1,0.1% and 0.1, 1.1, 0.2%, were observed, respectively, at 𝑑 = 0.5, when the pairs- 𝑓𝑓, 𝛽𝛽, 𝑐𝑐, were missing, indicating a significant increase in the designs' maximum and average variances of prediction. In all, the efficiency losses become insignificant as d increases. Thus, the study has identified the positive impact of correlated observations on efficiency of experimental designs.
Keywords: Missing Observations, Efficiency Loss, Prediction variance
Heavy Metal Contents in Topsoil of Selected Public Primary Schools Playground in Benin Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Biose E. , Amaechi C.F. , Nwaemene C. 
Published: May 2021

This study was carried out to determine some physicochemical properties and heavy metals level in primary school playground located in Benin City, Southern Nigeria using standard methods. A total of 10 topsoil samples were collected from five primary school playgrounds from different locations in Benin metropolis, Southern Nigeria in February, 2017. The mean levels of pH and EC ranged from 5.53 to 7.02 and 200.05 - 410.00 µS/cm respectively. The mean concentrations for heavy metals ranged from 337.15±64.28 and 464.10±19.37 for Fe, 23.40±7.50 and 29.70±4.81 for Mn, 45.95±8.70 and 67.95±4.74 for Zn, 8.48±1.61 and 12.90±3.82 for Cu, 5.10±2.33 and 7.41±1.54 for Cd, 4.42±2.02 and 8.39±7.09 for Cr, 6.17±2.82 and 13.82±6.76 for Pb, 0.99±0.09 and3.24±3.73 for Ni respectively. Heavy metal concentrations were in the following order. In Ogiegbaen, Eresoyen and Ekosodin Primary schools (PS) playground, the order was Fe> Zn> Mn> Cu> Pb> Cd> Cr> Ni while the order in Agbado PS and Olua PS were Fe> Zn> Mn> Cu> Pb> Cr> Cd> Ni and Fe> Zn> Mn> Pb> Cu> Cd> Cr> Ni respectively. Enrichment factor (EF), Contamination factor (CF) and Geoaccumulation index (Igeo) were used to evaluate the pollution status of the soil.
Keywords: Topsoil, Playground, Heavy metals, Assessment Indices
Design, Fabrication and Performance Study of Co-Pyrolysis System for Production of Liquid Fuel from Jatropha Cake with Polystyrene Waste
Authors: Babajo S.A. , Enaburekhan J.S. , Rufa’i I.A. 
Published: May 2021

The increasing quantities of plastics and their disposal has been a major public concern. This paper therefore describes a fixed bed co-pyrolysis system designed and fabricated to obtain liquid fuel from a combination of Jatropha seed cake and polystyrene (plastic) waste using appropriate standard technique. The characterization of the feedstock materials (Jatropha cake and polystyrene) were carried out based on proximate and ultimate analysis. The products of the experiment were: liquid fuel, char and gas, while char and gas were considered as by-product. The parameters that were found to influence the product yields significantly includes: feed ratio, temperature and reaction time. The optimum liquid yield obtained from the co-pyrolysis of Jatropha cake with plastic (polystyrene) waste was 65.0 wt% (that is at the optimum parameters of feed ratio 1:1, temperature 500 oC and reaction time of 45 minutes). The liquid fuel obtained at these optimum conditions were analyzed based on physical and chemical properties, and compared to that of conventional diesel. The results of the liquid fuel obtained and conventional diesel in terms of viscosity, density and pH were 3.8 cP, 3.5 cP, and 830 kg/m3 , 853 kg/m3 , and 1.0, and neutral respectively. Elemental analyses of the liquid fuels from Jatropha cake with polystyrene waste showed that there is high contents of carbon and hydrogen, 87.2 and 8.3 respectively, which indicates that the liquid fuels may support combustion. The calorific value of liquid fuel from copyrolysis of Jatropha cake with polystyrene waste was 42.3 MJ/Kg, and closer to that of conventional diesel 45.5 MJ/Kg. Considering the results obtained from the study, the liquid fuel from Jatropha cake and polystyrene waste can be used as an alternative fuel
Keywords: Co-pyrolysis, Jatropha cake, Polystyrene waste, calorific value
Thermal Resistance Evaluation of Raffia Palm Ash Concrete
Authors: Wilson U.N. , Sani J.E. , Adefila A.A. , Mohammed I.S. 
Published: May 2021

T: This research attempts to empirically investigate the behavior of Raffia Palm Ash (RPA) concrete under elevated temperature of different percentages of RPA inclusion in the concrete. Raffia palm ash was obtained after the calcination of the raffia palm for 3 hours at 5500C. X-ray Florescence (XRF) analysis performed revealed that the sample of Raffia Palm Ash (RPA) is a Class C pozzolana, which contains 51.8% of (SiO2 + Al2O3 + Fe2O3) and has a specific gravity of 2.8. The compressive strengths were determined at 0 0C, 718 0C and 821 0C at 0 minutes, 15 minutes and 30 minutes respectively. The result revealed that workability of the concrete declined with the increment in the percentage of raffia palm ash in the concrete. The compressive strength of the concrete cubes as well decreased with the rise in temperature for the entire samples tested. The average loss in strength of the control (0% RPA) is about 15.3% at 7180Cand 25.3% at 8120C while for Raffia palm ash concrete with 5% (optimum replacement) gives a minimum loss in strength of about 21.3% at 7180C and 28.5% at 8120C, which is about 6% at 7180C and 13.2% at 8120C, more than the control. The Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) imaging indicates that the concrete subjected to temperature of about 821oC produces fewer flakes when compared to the concrete subjected to temperature of about 7180C.
Keywords: Compressive strength, Raffia Palm Ash (RPA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Thermal resistance, X-ray Florescence (XRF)
Analysis, Occurrence and Ecological Risk Assessment of Diclofenac and Ibuprofen Residues in Wastewater from Three Wastewater Treatment Plants in South-Western Nigeria
Authors: Ajibola A.S. , Adebiyi A.O. , Nwaeke D.O. , Ajibola F.O. , Adewuyi G.O. 
Published: May 2021

Despite the frequent detection of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) worldwide in the aquatic environment, there is currently a paucity of studies from Africa, including Nigeria, on the occurrence and potential ecological risks of two commonly used NSAIDs diclofenac and ibuprofen in wastewater and effluent receiving water. In this work, diclofenac and ibuprofen were determined in wastewater from three wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and effluent receiving water in South-Western Nigeria. Instrumental analysis was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Ecological risk was assessed for four trophic levels: fish, daphnia, algae and bacteria. The method quality parameters were satisfactory for the accurate determination of target NSAIDs in wastewater and effluent receiving water. Maximum concentrations of diclofenac and ibuprofen in wastewater were 166.1 µg L-1 (UCH influent) and 62.0 µg L-1 (Ijaiye effluent), respectively. Ibuprofen posed high risk to fish in all effluent and effluent receiving water samples. Bacteriawere the most sensitive organisms to the presence of diclofenac while fish was the most sensitive to ibuprofen. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the occurrence and ecological risk assessment of diclofenac and ibuprofen residues in wastewater from Nigerian municipal and hospital WWTPs. More efficient wastewater treatment processes and technologies are recommended for the investigated WWTPs to reduce the discharge of target NSAIDs and other pharmaceuticals into the Nigerian aquatic environment.
Keywords: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, wastewater, ecological risk assessment, Nigeria
Artisanal Petroleum Refining and Occupational Dynamics in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria
Authors: Igben J.L. 
Published: May 2021

This study examines the occupational dynamics of the population as a result of artisanal refining of crude oil in the Niger Delta using structured questionnaire administered to 240 household heads selected from two settlements, one far from area of artisanal refineries (controlled settlement) and the other in area of artisanal refineries (experimental settlement). The questionnaire covered location and demographic characteristics of the respondents, as well as the typology of occupations. The pair-wise Student t-test and simple percentages were used to analyse the data collected. The study revealed that there were significant dynamics (t = -0.22, df =12, p<0.05) in the number of respondents in identified occupational typologies as indirect impact of artisanal refining in the experimental and controlled settlements. The study recommends the intensification of efforts to implement existing laws on environmental protection and provision of employment for teeming population.
Keywords: Artisanal Refineries, Occupational structure, Environmental degradation, Niger Delta.
Spectrophotometic Determination of Caffeine and Vitamin B6 in Selected Beverages, Energy/Soft Drinks and Herbal Products
Authors: Ogunneye A.L. , Banjoko O.O. , Gbadamosi M.R. , Falegbe O.H. , Moberuagba K.H. , Badejo O.A. 
Published: May 2021

In this study, a simple, sensitive and reproducible spectrophotometric technique has been developed and validated for the determination of caffeine and vitamin B6 in beverages, energy/soft drinks and herbal products. The determination of caffeine and vitamin B6 in the respective samples were carried out at maximum (λmax) absorbance of 272 and 290 nm respectively. The method was validated in terms of linearity, sensitivity (limit of Detection (LOD) and limit of Quantification (LOQ), accuracy (% Recovery), precision (relative standard deviation). The method was linear from (4-20 µg/ml and 50 - 250 µg/ml with r 2 of 0.9991 and 0.9996 for vitamin B6 and caffeine respectively. The accuracy of the method ranged from 99.48 - 101.42% for caffeine and 99.94% - 102.35% for vitamin B6. The detection limit and quantification limit were 0.192 µg/ml and 0.640 µg/ml for vitamin B6 while 0.0155 µg/ml and 0.0518 µg/ml was obtained for caffeine. The method for the two analytes was found to be precise as the percentage relative standard deviation was below 5%. Therefore, the method proposed in this study is rapid, suitable and can be used as a quality control index for caffeine and vitamin B6 in beverages, energy/soft drinks and herbal products in industries.
Keywords: Caffeine, Vitamin B6, Beverages, Energy/Soft drinks, Herbal products, Spectrophotometry
Modeling the Effect of Bank Specific Factors on Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Nigeria: Panel Data Regression Approach
Authors: Yakubu Y. , Egopija S.M. 
Published: May 2021

Periodic checking and evaluation of financial performance of the banking sector is a way of sustaining the development of a nation’s economy. The key indicators of the banks’ financial performance are their return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE). A bank’s financial performance is affected by some specific factors like capital adequacy ratio (CAR), credit risk (CRISK), management quality, liquidity ratio (LIQ.RAT.) and bank size. This work first compares average financial performance of some sampled commercial banks in Nigeria (UBA, GTB, ZENITH, FIRST, and ACCESS banks) based on the key indicators and the bank specific factors. It then models the effect of these factors on the overall financial performance of the sampled banks using panel data regression approach. The results showed that the GTB had the highest average ROA, ROE and CAR throughout the period under review while Zenith bank was the best in terms of credit risk, management quality and liquidity ratio. The fitted ROA model accounted for 83% of the total variability in the data and revealed that CAR, CRISK, and LIQ.RAT were significant at both 1% and 5% levels while the ROE model accounted for 69% and revealed that CRISK and LIQ.RAT were significant.
Keywords: Financial Performance, Commercial Banks, Evaluation, Panel Data, Economy
Detection of Bacteriological Contaminants in Hand-Pump Fitted Borehole Water from a Residential Suburb in Ringim Local Government, Jigawa State
Authors: Adeleye A.O. , Kabiru B. , Amoo A.O. , Amoo F.K. , Raji M. , Bate G.B. , Yalwaji B. , Yerima M.B. 
Published: May 2021

Water from borehole source can be contaminated due to indiscriminate waste disposal. This pilot study was conducted to assess the bacteriological quality of water from five (5) hand-pump-fitted borehole sources present in Sabon Gari quarters in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State. Presumptive, confirmed and completed tests were employed to determine total and faecal coliforms from the water samples using most probable number (MPN) technique. Bacterial isolates were identified by standard microbiologicalmethods. Results obtained indicate that all the water samples across all the dilution strengths tested recorded substantial growth of total coliforms at 37.3°C while faecal coliforms were observed at 44°C after incubation for 48 h. Using the MPN table, the five water samples assayed recorded 50 MPN/100mL, 14 MPN/100mL, 3 MPN/100mL, 5 MPN/100mL and 1 MPN/100mL. Results were also positive for gas and acid production in all samples collected characteristic of presence of E. coli. The results obtained in this study show bacterial contamination of the water from the boreholes which may constitute a public health risk. It is therefore recommended that the water pumped from these boreholes should be subjected to adequate treatment to meet World Health Organization (WHO) required standard for potable water meant for drinking.
Keywords: Boreholes, hand pump, most probable number, total coliforms and faecal coliforms.