bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physical Compatibility, Antimicrobial Activity, and Stability of Cefazolin Combined with Gentamicin or Ethanol in Sodium Citrate as a Catheter Lock Solution
Authors: Bachu Rinda Devi , Dass Akshith , To Emily , Boddu Sai H. S. , Jung Rose , Churchwell Mariann D. 
Published: November 2021

Background:
Catheters provide vascular access for patients requiring intravenous treatments, but frequently are a source of infection and/or thrombosis. Instilling a solution of an antimicrobial agent with an anticoagulant into the catheter lumen may salvage-infected catheters.

Objective:
The aim is to evaluate the physical compatibility, antibacterial activity, and stability of varying combinations of cefazolin (10 mg/mL), 40% ethanol, 4% sodium citrate with or without gentamicin (1 mg/mL) as a catheter lock solution over 48 h.

Methods:
Admixtures were prepared using aseptic technique and stored under four conditions with or without light at 25°C or 37°C. Prepared admixtures were assessed for physical compatibility, antimicrobial susceptibility, and chemical stability in triplicate at 0, 24 and 48 h. Admixture physical compatibility was determined by visual clarity, pH, and ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy. Antibacterial activity was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. The chemical stability of cefazolin and gentamicin were assessed using high performance liquid chromatography and UV spectroscopy, respectively.

Results:
All admixtures maintained clarity for 48 h. All admixtures stored at 25°C and the admixture containing 10 mg/mL cefazolin-4% sodium citrate stored at 37°C sustained antimicrobial activity and were chemically stable. A significant change in pH, antimicrobial activity, cefazolin concentration (<95% of baseline), were observed in admixtures containing ethanol stored at 37°C after 24 h. Gentamicin concentrations remained stable throughout the study.

Conclusion:
The admixture of 10 mg/mL cefazolin-4% sodium citrate sustained antimicrobial activity over 48 h and was chemically stable. However, admixtures containing ethanol stored at 37°C showed incompatibility with decreased antibacterial activity and cefazolin degradation after 24 h.
Self-medication Survey among Pharmacy Students in Iraq
Authors: Salih Muhannad R. M. , Abd Arwa Y. 
Published: November 2021

Background:
Self-medication (SM) is the self-administration of treatment without a medical prescription or consultation or guidance from a physician or a health-care provides.

Aim and Objectives:
This study aims at understanding the existing prevalence of self-medication (SM) and finding out underlying circumstances among pharmacy students of the two universities.

Materials and Methods:
A study was undertaken involving pharmacy students of two universities in Baghdad. The students' responses obtained from a self-administered questionnaire were analyzed to assess the prevalence and attitude of students toward SM.

Results:
The data obtained from a valid questionnaire form answered by 188 students revealed that 63.3% had indulged in SM, and 39.9% reported practicing on rare occasions. The majority (48.9%) relied on the information received from the pharmacist with 44.7% and 16% of them had used over-the-counter and prescription-only medicines, respectively. 54.8% of participants were against SM but reported that it could be used in rare situations.

Conclusions:
The prevalence of SM was high among study participants. Therefore, necessary steps are needed to create awareness about the irrational use of SM and prevent the sale of medicines without a prescription.
Outflow adjustment coefficient for the design of storage facilities using the rain envelope method applied to Brazilian state capitals
Authors: Santos Diego Marangoni , Goldenfum Joel Avruch , Dornelles Fernando 
Published: November 2021

Detention devices are often used as alternative measures for stormwater control. The Envelope Curve Method is widely used in Brazil to estimate detention device volumes. This method estimates the storage volume based on inlet and outlet balance, where the inlet is obtained by the Rational Method and the outlet by orifice bottom discharge. Usually, the outlet flow is adopted as a constant and equivalent to the maximum allowed, and this procedure can cause reservoir undersizing. This paper evaluates detention control measures’ hydraulic behavior for the Envelope Curve Method and proposes the inclusion of an outflow adjustment coefficient (Cout), seeking to compensate for the adoption of constant outlet flow simplification. Values for this coefficient were estimated for several Brazilian state capitals, ranging from 0.62 up to 0.65. The undersizing hypothesis due to the adoption of constant outlet flow was confirmed, as the simulations showed the need for an increase between 8.4% to 16.8% in the device size. This undersizing may be compensated for by applying the outflow adjustment coefficient (Cout).
Keywords: adjustment coefficient, detention facilities, envelope curve, hydrologic design outflow adjustment coefficient.
Interaction of precipitation with tree canopy increases nutrient input
Authors: Poleto Gian Carlos , Momolli Dione Richer , Schumacher Mauro Valdir , Ludvichak Aline Aparecida , Santos Kristiana Fiorentin dos , Viera Márcio , Alvares Clayton Alcarde , Stahl James 
Published: November 2021

Given that atmospheric deposition is the first source of nutrient input into forest ecosystems, and that the precipitation partition serves as a nutritional source mainly when there is an interaction with the forest canopy, the objective of the present study was to quantify the nutrients input into rainfall, throughfall and stemflow in Eucalyptus urophylla stands with partial exclusion (E) and without exclusion (WE) of throughfall. The experiment was conducted in the northeast of the state of Paraná-Brazil, in the municipality of Telêmaco Borba. The partial precipitation exclusion system (E) is formed by a system of gutters that conduct 30% of throughfall out of the experiment. The nutrient input in rainfall was 55.7 kg ha-1 yr-1, while the sum of throughfall and stemflow was 64.1 kg ha-1 yr-1 in treatment (WE) and 39.8 kg ha-1 yr-1 in treatment (E). Interaction with the canopy of the trees enriched the rainfall with nutrients, mainly the elements potassium and chlorine, due to leaching of the vegetal tissues. The reduction of the water treatment system in partial exclusion of precipitation (E) reduced representative nutrient input. Although stemflow represents on average only 2.6% of the water volume, it is responsible for 6.7% of the amount of nutrients in relation to precipitation. Therefore, stemflow cannot be neglected in the balance of nutrient cycling. With a rotation of 7 years, the application of significant amounts of fertilizers can be avoided, considering the inputs of 449 and 277 kg ha-1year-1.
Keywords: nutrient cycling, stemflow, throughfall.
Effect of magnesium on some mechanical properties of 1200 Aluminium alloy
Authors: Shittu M. D. , Olaniyi A. E. , Daniyan A. A. , Isadare D. A , Oluwasegun K. M. , Ibitoye S. A. 
Published: November 2021

This paper investigated the effect of magnesium as a dispersion strengthening material on some mechanical properties of 1200-Aluminium (Al-Fe-Si) alloy, a typical commercial aluminium alloy used in the production of household utensils. 1200-Aluminium (Al-Fe-Si) alloy containing varying percentages of the dispersion hardening material (i.e. Magnesium) were produced and mechanical tests namely; hardness, tensile strength and impact strength were carried out. Also, the microstructures of the cast materials were studied. The results showed that increase in magnesium content, as dispersion hardening material improved the hardness, tensile strength and caused a slight decrease in impact strength of the 1200-Aluminium alloy. It is inferred from this work that using magnesium as a dispersion hardening material brings about corresponding improvement in some mechanical properties of 1200-Aluminium (Al-Fe-Si) alloy.
Keywords: Magnesium, Aluminium alloy, dispersion strengthened, reinforced alloy, crystallographic formation Depth, Geothermal Energy
Antimicrobial activity of Sida acuta, Phyllanthus amarus and Phyllanthus muellerianus against microorganisms implicated in urinary tract infections
Authors: Obuotor T. M. , Kolawole A. O. , Adeyanju F. O. , Adewumi S. S. 
Published: November 2021

Increasing level of antimicrobial resistance among bacterial pathogens causing Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is one of the most significant public health challenges globally. Hence, the search for alternatives from medicinal plants. This study investigated the efficacy of Phyllanthus amarus (PA), Phyllanthus muellerianus (PM) and Sida acuta (SA) leaf extracts on microorganisms implicated in UTI. Mid-stream urine samples collected from 100 patients clinically diagnosed with UTI were cultured. The microorganisms isolated were identified using their morphological and biochemical characteristics. Methanol leaf extracts of the three plants were obtained by cold maceration in 60% methanol. Crude extract of PM was thereafter purified by solvent partitioning. Antibiotic susceptibility test was determined using the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion. Antimicrobial effects of the extracts and oil was ascertained using agar well diffusion. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations (MBC) were also determined. Rate of kill and mechanism of action of the purified extract of PM on isolates were investigated. Cytotoxicity of plant extracts were assayed on brine shrimps while synergism of the purified extract with ciprofloxacin was ascertained using overlay inoculum susceptibility disc method. Antioxidant and phytochemical analyses of the extracts were conducted using standard methods. Phytochemical analysis of the leaf extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins and steroids. Antioxidant assay also indicated SA had the highest total flavonoids and phenol content of 339.86 mgQUE/g and 27.63 mgGAE/g. Microorganisms isolated include: Escherichia coli (24%), Proteus mirabilis (24%), Staphylococcus aureus (19%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (13%), Candida albicans (11%), Enterobacter sp. (5%) and Citrobacter sp. (4%). The crude extract of PA had zone of inhibition ranging from 16.7 ± 1.53 mm to 24 ± 1.00 mm while SA crude extract had 14.7 ± 1.53 mm to 27 ± 2.00 mm. PM crude extract had inhibition zones of 17 ± 1.00 mm to 22.3 ± 2.12 mm. The MIC and MBC ranged from 6.25 mg/ml to 50 mg/ml and 12.5 mg/ml to 50 mg/ml respectively. Ethyl acetate fraction of PM showed the highest percentage yield and had a zone diameter range from 13.5 ± 1.00 mm to 28 ± 1.53 mm with MIC and MBC ranges of 6.25 mg/ml – 12.5 mg/ml and 25 mg/ml to 50 mg/ml respectively. Synergism with ciprofloxacin was observed at 25% of the microorganisms, 50% antagonism and 25% additively. Toxicity analysis showed lethal dose concentrations of 19.05 mg/ml, 25.12 mg/ml and 130.11 mg/ml for PM, PA and SA respectively. The findings of this study suggest that the methanol extracts of the medicinal plants used in this study does possess a potent lead molecule in combating microorganisms causing UTI.
Key words: Antimicrobial activity, Phyllanthus muellerianus, Phytochemicals, Toxicity, UTI,
Effects of sun-drying on the antioxidant potentials of pepper (Capsicum) varieties
Authors: Morakinyo A. E. , Babarinde S. O. , Kalu G. M. , Nzekwe S. C. , Oyedepo T. A. 
Published: November 2021

The present study investigated the effects of sun-drying on the antioxidant potential of three pepper varieties: Capsicum annuum var, Capsicum chinense and Capsicum annuum. Fresh fruits of the pepper varieties were collected, washed under distilled water and were divided into two parts: one for fresh sample and the other for the dried sample. Dried and fresh samples of the pepper varieties were homogenized and extracted with methanol. The concentrations of total phenolics and flavonoids were evaluated; DPPH-radical scavenging activity and the FRAP potential of the extracts were also determined. The results revealed that sun-drying process significantly reduced the total phenolic content of C. annuum var, C. chinense and C. annuum from 5.91 ± 0.22 mg/g GAE, 6.9 ± 0.23 mg/g GAE, 6.67 ± 0.99 mg/g GAE to 3.31 ± 0.72 mg/g GAE, 3.59 ± 0.89 mg/g GAE, 3.01 ± 0.17 mg/g GAE respectively and flavonoid content from 3.80 ± 0.02 mg/g QE, 3.91 + 0.08 mg/g QE, 3.84 ± 0.08 mg/g QE to 1.26 ± 0.90 mg/g QE, 1.95 ± 0.07 mg/g QE, 1.23 ± 0.04 mg/g QE respectively. The result also revealed that the fresh samples of C. annuum var, C. chinense and C. annuum exhibited higher percentage inhibition of DPPH-radical at 59.4 ± 0.5%, 61.2 ± 0.6%, 58.9 ± 0.2% respectively and were significantly different from the percentage inhibition by the dried samples: 39.2 ± 0.5%, 42.4 ± 0.4%, 38.6 ± 0.6% respectively.The FRAP potential of the fresh samples of C. annuum var, C. chinense and C. annuum: 588.56 ± 29.4 ìmol Fe(II)/g, 691.34 ± 20.46 ìmol Fe(II)/g and 598.9 ± 23. 82 ìmol Fe(II)/g respectively were significantly different from the dried samples: 370.22 ± 14.75 ìmol Fe(II)/g, 392.34 ± 45.74 ìmol Fe(II)/g and 358.6 ± 30.08 ìmol Fe(II)/g respectively. The three Capsicum species are very rich in antioxidants. However, the sun drying method reduced the antioxidant capacities of the peppers, thus further studies should be carried out on the best method for the preservation of Capsicum species.
Key Words: Capsicum. annuum var, C. chinense, C. annuum, Antioxidant, Sun-drying, methanolic extract
Pedogeochemical survey for uranium mineralization in parts of Igarra Schist belt, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Adepoju M. O. , Okonkwo C. T. , Bolarinwa A. T. 
Published: November 2021

Pedogeochemical survey for uranium mineralization in Dagbala-Atte district, Igarra schist belt, southwestern Nigeria was carried out. The concentrations of As, Au, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, U and V in the residual soils were subjected to univariate and multivariate analyses and plotted on geochemical distribution maps to delineate possible U-mineralization areas. Histograms and box plots showed the elements are log-normally distributed with threshold values of 9.47 %, 10.8, 1589, 2.98, 45.6, 31.0, 0.68, 8.59, 122 ppm and 10.6 ppb, respectively for Fe, As, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, U, V and Au. Correlation matrix revealed a strong correlation between U and each of Fe, Mo and Pb indicating close primary association among these four elements. Factor analysis revealed association of U, Mo and Pb implying possible occurrence of U in the granitic rocks of the area. Geochemical maps showed that the strongest U anomaly occurred in the northeastern part of the district that is underlain by granitic gneisses with numerous unmapable granite-pegmatite veins, which possibly are the host of the U mineralization. Copious geological study of these granite-pegmatite veins is recommended.
Keywords: Anomaly, box plots, correlation matrix, geochemical distribution map, uranium mineralization.
Spinal Cord Tissue Bridges Validation Study: Predictive Relationships With Sensory Scores Following Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Smith Andrew C. , O’Dell Denise R. , Thornton Wesley A. , Dungan David , Robinson Eli , Thaker Ashesh , Gisbert Robyn , Weber Kenneth A. , Berliner Jeffrey C. , Albin Stephanie R. 
Published: November 2021

Background
Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), widths of ventral tissue bridges demonstrated significant predictive relationships with future pinprick sensory scores, and widths of dorsal tissue bridges demonstrated significant predictive relationships with future light touch sensory scores, following spinal cord injury (SCI). These studies involved smaller participant numbers, and external validation of their findings is warranted.

Objectives
The purpose of this study was to validate these previous findings using a larger independent data set.

Methods
Widths of ventral and dorsal tissue bridges were quantified using MRI in persons post cervical level SCI (average 3.7 weeks post injury), and pinprick and light touch sensory scores were acquired at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation (average 14.3 weeks post injury). Pearson product-moments were calculated and linear regression models were created from these data.

Results
Wider ventral tissue bridges were significantly correlated with pinprick scores (r = 0.31, p &lt; 0.001, N = 136) and wider dorsal tissue bridges were significantly correlated with light touch scores (r = 0.31, p &lt; 0.001, N = 136) at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation.

Conclusion
This retrospective study’s results provide external validation of previous findings, using a larger sample size. Following SCI, ventral tissue bridges hold significant predictive relationships with future pinprick sensory scores and dorsal tissue bridges hold significant predictive relationships with future light touch sensory scores.
Domestic railways through the prism of the country's history
Authors: Voulfov A. B. 
Published: November 2021

The construction of railways in Russia, as well as throughout the world, contributed to the emergence of numerous new areas of social life, including stimulating the emergence of previously unknown new sectors of the economy. On the basis of a historical review, the mission of the railways in improving the Russian society is considered, the spheres of influence on public life, aesthetic education and enrichment of the appearance of the landscape, the development of the sphere of enlightenment and education, missionary work, and service are listed. Examples of solving the problem of long-distance year-round communication, regardless of the climate, main communication across the vastness of Russia, the creation of a special tradition of transportation, which determined the still living everyday style of life of Russian railways, are given.Having spawned a new tradition of messages, people have created a different system of relationships with the world. The railway has played a leading role in this and has a long and honorable history, it is a great chronicle of heroism, labor, scientific thought and culture.The study is devoted to the initial stage of development of railways and aspects of their impact on the life of Russians. The following will describe the historical events that predetermined the current state of domestic railways in the context of the everyday life of compatriots.
Adaptation of the assessment system of the Olympiad to secondary vocational education
Authors: Nosyreva I. N. 
Published: November 2021

The main tasks of the Olympiad of diploma projects of the Federal Agency for Railway Transport are to improve the quality of training, develop the creative abilities of students, increase the interest of students and teachers in the development and improvement of the railway industry, and form highly qualified human resources. The practice of participation of branches (structural units) of secondary vocational education of the Irkutsk State Transport University shows that not all indicators can be achieved.The educational process in secondary vocational education is focused on preparing for practical activities in production. In accordance with federal state educational standards for secondary vocational education programs, a student must master general and professional competencies, acquire certain knowledge, skills and practical experience. It is proposed to make a number of changes in the system of evaluating the Olympiad of diploma projects in terms of criteria. The assessment system of the Olympiad must be adapted taking into account the possibilities of secondary vocational education to stimulate the participation of structural units in their conduct.
First place in the Zheldortrans' rating
Authors: Mikryukova O. V. , Belov S. A. 
Published: November 2021

Today, an urgent problem for applicants and employers is to obtain complete and reliable information about the quality of training of students by educational organizations of various levels, including secondary vocational education. One of the most demanded tools is an independent assessment of the quality of education and the creation of ratings of educational organizations. Of interest are the ratings generated by employers, which do not assess formal signs of compliance of the conditions for the implementation of the educational process with regulatory requirements, but include indicators that allow assessing the level of graduates ‘compliance with employers' requirements and the demand for graduates in the transport industry.The All-Russian Industry Association of Railway Transport Employers (Zheldortrans) this year for the first time held a rating of educational organizations that implement programs of secondary vocational education in railway specialties. This rating included the main indicators that allow assessing the quality of personnel training for railway transport enterprises. Information about the goals and criteria of rating formation, as well as its results is provided. According to the results of the work of the expert commission, formed from representatives of Zheldor-trans and the Russian Railways holding, the Chelyabinsk Institute of Railways, a branch of the Ural State University of Railways, was recognized as the best educational organization that implements training programs for specialists in secondary vocational education in the areas of rail transport.
Development of an electronic educational resource for secondary vocational education programs
Authors: Domnin S. V. , Yurieva D. A. 
Published: November 2021

One of the most important problems of modern education is the use of information and communication technologies in educational activities and the educational process for all types and at all levels of education. Special requirements are currently imposed on the electronic information and educational environment of an educational institution. The Krasnoyarsk Institute of Railway Transport has created an electronic educational resource for secondary vocational education programs, operating on the basis of LMS Moodle. This electronic educational resource is based on general didactic principles: scientific nature, accessibility, visibility, systematicity and consistency of training, strength of knowledge assimilation, intellectual potential. It was accepted that each electronic course within the resource should have the following qualities: a developed hypertext structure in the conceptual part, as well as in a logical structure of presentation, a user-friendly navigation system, the ability to use multimedia technologies, accessibility, links to literary sources, electronic libraries and sources of information on the Internet, effective feedback.The organizational measures for building the structure of an electronic educational resource and the stages of its implementation in the educational process for secondary vocational education programs are considered: sequential training of the teaching staff in the development of courses in the Moodle system, the development and adoption of the structure of an electronic educational resource, the development of requirements for electronic courses placed in the resource.