bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Effects of Pentanol and Biodiesel Blends on the Performance and Emission Characteristic of Compression Ignition Engine
Authors: Ibrahim I.U. , Idris M. , Hussain I.A. , Kaisan M.U. , Ajunwa I. , Shitu A. 
Published: March 2021

Emissions from use of fossil fuels have consistently posed significant threat to the environment and wellbeing of man. This has prompted several studies aimed at finding solution to the emissions and their effects. The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of adding pentanol and biodiesel from Moringa Oleifera seed to pure diesel content of 70% by volume. pentanol and biodiesel make up the remaining 30 percent by volume and were also varied, with pentanol percentage being increased from 2 percent to 8 percent so as to carefully monitored the effects of adding pentanol while the Moringa oleifera biodiesel made up the balance for the 30%. These blends were labelled according to the percentage composition of biodiesel and pentanol (B28P2, B26P4, B24P6, B24P6, and B22P8). The physicochemical properties of all blends such as viscosity, density, pour point, acid value and iodine value determined. From the result of the engine performance and emission tests, B24P6 blend has been noted to have the best engine performance parameters, haven shown the best engine brake power of 19.787 kW, and with the highest engine brake thermal efficiency of 19.78%.While in term of engine emission, B22P8 blend, have the lowest Nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission, with a value of 82.4994 ppm which is about 3% lower than that of pure diesel, while B26P4 have the lowest carbon monoxide (CO) emission among all the samples tested with value of 6.1556 ppm which is about 58% lower than that of Petro diesel. However, blends appeared to have good brake mean effective pressure except for B22P8 which have the lowest BMEP, that’s about 2.8% lower than that of Petro diesels. Conclusively, the addition of Moringa oleifera biodiesel with pentanol improved the diesel quality, yielding good improvement in engine performance and emission.
Keywords: Diesel, biodiesel, pentanol, biofuel blends, Moringa oleifera seed, engine emissions
Mechanical Performance of Recycled Aggregate Concrete Containing Lathe Waste Steel Fibre
Authors: Alabi S.A. , Arum C. 
Published: March 2021

The increasing demand, diminishing supplies, and growing pressure on natural resources have necessitated recycling and reusing waste. Several kinds of research have been done on the reuse and recycling of debris from building projects. Thus, with a view to the reuse of waste materials, the elimination of environmental contamination, the reduction of overhead costs of concrete, and the extension of the service life of concrete structures, this research aimed to study the feasibility of utilizing recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) with constant inclusion of waste steel fibre (LWSF) in concrete by evaluating its workability, compressive and splitting tensile strengths. A concrete mix ratio of 1:2:4 by weight of cement, sand, and granite was adopted with a water-cement ratio of 0.45. Five different concrete mixes were prepared in this study; one normal aggregate concrete (NAC) and four (4) other mixes with 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% recycled aggregate content with a constant 1.5% addition of LWSF. The result of workability shows a reduction with an increase in the percentage replacement level. The recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) was characterized by lower compressive strength as compared with the NAC. When the replacement ratio increased from 25% to 50%, a significant reduction of about 14% and 30% were observed in the compressive strength at 7-days, but at 28-days slight increase in the compressive strength was observed. Also, a decrease in splitting tensile strength as the percentage replacement of crushed granite (CG) with RCA is increased was observed. Overall, the findings showed that the RAC-containing LWSF is environmentally sustainable and would significantly reduce the global greenhouse impact and building materials' overall quality.
Keywords: Recycled concrete, lathe waste, steel fibre, compressive strength, tensile strength
The dynamics of anticoccidial drug usage in poultry within Umuahia, Abia state, Nigeria
Authors: Okonkwo C.J. , Uwalaka E.C. 
Published: March 2021

Coccidiosis is one of the most important parasitic diseases of poultry worldwide. Chemotherapy remains the principal means to control this disease albeit the increasing problems of drug resistance. The aim of this study was to examine the drug usage of anticoccidials in the six communities of Umuahia, Abia state. Data such as type, class and composition of drugs used, level and frequency of usage, route ofadministration and anticoccidial program adopted by different farms were collected from 85 poultry farms within the study region. Results showed that the ionophores anticoccidials were not in use whereas the sulphonamides constituted the bulk of the drugs used (79.3%). Others were; thiamine analogue (21.1%), aminopyrimidine (33.7%), guanidine (14.4%), pyrimidine derivative (15.1%) and nitroimidazol (8.6%). Most of the drugs (>60) contained vitamin A and K. The most popular drug combinations were sulphaquinoxaline and diveradine with vitamin A and K (Embazine Forte) among thirteen trade-marked drugs under use. Close to 25.0% of farms practiced shuttle program and the rest continuous program of administration. Anticoccidials were administered through in-water medication for prophylactic and therapeutic use, and for both in the different farm applications in 43.5, 27.7 and 31.8 (%) respectively. The lack of usage of the ionophores and the massive use of sulphonamides coupled with low application of the right anticoccidial programs in this region presents a serious danger of anticoccidial resistance with consequent high prevalence of the disease.
Keywords: Anticoccidials, Coccidiosis, Drug resistance, Ionophores, Poultry, Sulphonamides
Double-layer Tablets of Lornoxicam: Validation of Quantification Method, In vitro Dissolution and Kinetic Modelling
Authors: Gönüllü Ü , Gürpınar P , Üner M 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To formulate double-layer tablets of lornoxicam (LRX) prepared by direct compression method and evaluate their physical and drug release characteristics.Methods: The outer layer of tablets, composed of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), starch and lactose, incorporated tan initial or prompt dose of the drug (4 mg) for immediate release. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K90) and carbomer, in varying concentrations, were used to prepare the tablet cores for sustained drug delivery. Weight variation, dimensions, hardness, tensile strength, friability and disintegration time of the tablets were evaluated. Drug release from double-layer tablets as well as kinetic models of drug release were determined after validating the method used for the quantification of the drug. The analytical method for quantification of LRX by UV spectroscopy was validated and verified for linearity, intra-day and inter-day precision, accuracy, recovery and specifity.Results: Tablet cores based on HPMC and HPMC:PVP K90 mixture displayed better compression and flow properties (good and fair to passable) than those formulated with PVP K90 and carbomer (poor). Satisfactory results were obtained from all the tablet formulations met compendial requirements. The slowest drug release rate was obtained with tablet cores based on PVP K90 (1.21 mg%.h-1). Drug release followed Higuchi kinetic model and the tablet cores released drug by diffusion/polymer relaxation or diffusion/erosion.Conclusion: Double-layer tablet formulation of lornoxicam based on HPMC or HPMC-PVP mixture is suitable for the treatment of inflammatory and painful conditions.Keywords: Lornoxicam, Controlled release, Double-layer tablets, Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug, Oral delivery
Prognostic Importance of Circulating Tumor Cells in Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer: A Prospective Study
Authors: Bi H , Shi H , Sun X , Su J , Mao Z 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To investigate the prognostic value of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and to predict the treatment response in a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methodology: A single-center prospective study involving 93 patients with NSCLC was conducted. Blood samples were analyzed for CTC count before and after chemotherapy. Clinical relevance of CTCs with patient`s characteristics and treatment response were determined.Results: Higher levels of CTCs were associated with severe stage of NSCLC (p = 0.003), tumor histology (p = 0.014) and metastases (p = 0.013). Significant difference in CTC count was observed in favorable (CTCs < 5) and unfavorable (CTCs ≥ 5) groups. Progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.8 months (range: 5.32 to 6.43) and 2.2 months (range: 1.85 to 3.01) in the favorable and unfavorable groups, respectively (HR: 3.88, 95% CI, p < 0.001). Similarly, overall survival (OS) was 7.3 months (95% CI, 6.51 to 7.92) and 3.9 months (95% CI, 1.99 to 5.13), respectively (HR: 4.8, 95% CI, p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis revealed CTCs as strong predictors of OS and PFS. Significant reduction (p < 0.001) in CTC count was also observed after one cycle of chemotherapy.Conclusion: Patients with low CTC count live longer and remain progression-free for a longer period of time than those with high CTC count. High CTCs can be detected in severe forms of lung cancer and can be used as a valid prognostic marker. However, this assertion requires validation in larger prospective clinical cohorts.Keywords: Circulating tumor cells, Non-small cell lung cancer, Circulating tumor cell, Prognosis
Effect of mebendazole on fibrosarcoma in hamsters
Authors: Popović Dušica J , Lalošević Dušan , Popović Kosta J. , Čapo Ivan , Popović Jovan K. , Miljković Dejan 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effect of mebendazole on an in vivo solid tumor model of fibrosarcoma in hamsters.Methods: 24 Syrian golden hamsters of both sexes with the approximate body weight of 100g were randomly distributed in 2 experimental and 2 control groups, with 6 animals in each group. BHK-21/C13 cells (2 x 106) in 1 mL Glasgow Minimum Essential Medium (GMEM) were injected subcutaneously into the back of each animal in 3 groups. The experimental groups were treated with mebendazole (460 mg/kg) via a gastric tube on a daily basis, immediately after tumor inoculation. In addition, one experimental group received deoxycholic acid 20 mg/kg once a day. After 2 weeks, when the tumors were approximately 1 - 2 cm in the control group, all the animals were sacrificed, and their blood collected for laboratory analysis. The tumors were excised, their weight and diameters measured, and the volumes calculated. The tumor samples were histopathologically assessed and the main organs toxicologically analyzed. Images were taken and processed by an imaging software, and Ki-67-positive cells in the tumor samples were quantified.Results: Mebendazole diminished tumor mitosis from 18.5 ± 3.02 to 13.5 ± 3.45 (p < 0.05), vasculature and tissue penetration, and increased necroses in tumor slices. Tumor volume and weight were insignificantly attenuated. Toxicity was not observed.Conclusion: Mebendazole might be an effective non-toxic agent in sarcoma therapy.Keywords: Mebendazole, Hamsters, BHK-21/C13 cells, Fibrosarcoma therapy, Tumor mitosis
Ethnomedicinal uses and pharmacological activities of Croton megalobotrys Mϋll Arg: A systematic review
Authors: Maroyi Alfred 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To provide an overview of the ethnomedicinal uses and pharmacological activities of Croton megalobotrys as to understand its potential value and importance in primary health care systems of local communities throughout its distributional range.Methods: The literature search for information on ethnomedicinal uses and pharmacological activities of C. megalobotrys was undertaken using databases such as Web of Science, BMC, Science Direct, Elsevier, Scopus, PubMed and Scielo. Other relevant literature sources included books, book chapters, websites, theses, conference papers and other scientific publications.Results: Croton megalobotrys is an important herbal medicine in southern Africa used as an abortifacient and purgative,and as remedy for human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) opportunistic infections, malaria, muscle aches or pain, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and skin infections. The chemical constituent of C. megalobotrys is mainly composed of alkaloids and cinnamate derivative isolated from the stem bark. The biological activities demonstrated include antibacterial, antiplasmodial, anti-HIV and radical scavenging activities.Conclusion: The historical traditional usage of C. megalobotrys as herbal medicine in southern Africa calls for detailed phytochemical and pharmacological properties of the species aimed at identifying the compounds responsible for its wide usage as an herbal medicine.Keywords: Alkaloids, Croton megalobotrys, Ethnopharmacology, Primary health, Southern Africa
Application of a widely-used tropical anti-worm agent, mebendazole, in modern oncology
Authors: Popović Dušica J , Poša Mihalj , Popović Kosta J , Kolarović Jovanka , Popović Jovan K. , Banović Pavle Z. 
Published: March 2021

Although clinical trials have not been completed, it has already been confirmed that mebendazole, a well-known anti-parasitic drug widely used in the tropical areas, inhibits cancer cell growth. Preclinical studies show that mebendazole notably impedes the growth of malignant and metastatic tumors such as osteosarcoma and soft tissue sarcoma, melanoma, carcinoma (lung, colorectal, breast, ovarian, hepatocellular and adrenocortical), acute myeloid leukaemia, glioblastoma multiforme and meduloblastoma. Mebendazole can induce the depolymerization of microtubules in neoplasms and newly formed vasculature, stopping tumor growth and neoangiogenesis, along with other proposed mechanisms of action.Keywords: Anthelmintic, Mebendazole, Cancer treatment, Antimicrotubullar effect, Antineoangiogenesis
MicroRNA-16 inhibits the migration and invasion of glioma cell by targeting Bcl-2 gene
Authors: Luo Baochang , Zhang Jing 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effect of microRNA-16 (miR-16) on glioma cell migration and invasiveness, and the mechanism involved.Methods: MicroRNA-16 mimic or inhibitor was transfected into human glioma (SHG44) cells. Cell migration, invasiveness and morphology were determined using scratch test, Transwell invasion assay, and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. Expressions of bcl-2, MMP-9 and MMP-2, and NF-κB1 proteins were measured using Western blotting.Results: Overexpression of MicroRNA-16 significantly down-regulated MMP-9 protein in SHG44 cells (p < 0.05), but MMP-2 protein expressions in the 2 groups were comparable (p > 0.05). Protein expressions of MMP-9 and NF-κB1 were significantly down-regulated in human glioma positive cells, relative to negative control.Conclusion: MiR-16 overexpression suppresses the migration and invasiveness of SHG44 cells via the regulation of NF-κB1/MMP-9 signaling pathway, and it directly targets bcl-2 gene by inhibiting its protein expression. This finding affords a new target for developing new anti-glioma drugs.
Keywords: Bcl-2, Expression, Glioma, MicroRNA-16, NF-κB1signaling pathway
Retracted “Effect of Shensong Yangxin on heart failure in preserved ejection fraction rat model”
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Sun Qian , Chen Hao , Zhang Qiang 
Published: March 2021

This article previously published in Volume 17 Issue 12 of this journal in December 2018 has been retracted in line with the guidelines from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE, http://publicationethics.org/resources/guidelines).
Retraction: Zhang W, Sun Q, Chen H, Zhang Q. Effect of Shensong Yangxin on heart failure in preserved ejection fraction rat model. Trop J Pharm Res 2018; 17(12):2427-2432 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/tjpr.v17i12.17
To the editor:Many readers have written to me with questions about my article. We have found out that there was anomission in the experimental design hence some of the results could not be repeated. Therefore, wedecided that the paper should be retracted to avoid misleading the readers. Sincerely, Qian Sun.
Keywords: Heart failure, Ejection fraction, Shensong Yangxin
Convince me you exist. An analysis of The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) court files
Authors: Sargi Islam 
Published: March 2021

The end of empires and the rise of nation-states have transformed the way politics and societies operate and the modern sense of these changes, transformations, events, and situations. Language, culture, and memory are essential pillars of the nation-states’ projects of creating a new society. The modern form of government, the nation-state, use history not only as a means of transmission but also as a means of building identity and memory. This study examines the case files of three critical names in the Kurdish movement and the history-based debates in their trials. By applying discourse analysis, we have shown how the Turkish state and The Kurdish Workers’ Party used history as a tool to “prove” and “disprove” the existence of Kurds, the Kurdish language, and Kurdistan. While the judges imposed an evidence-based approach to history and denied the existence of Kurds, Kurdish and Kurdistan, the PKK members opposed the official thesis of the state and built their arguments more on the day-to-day realities of life. The study’s main argument is that the official ideology uses history to prove and convey a message to the rest of society, whereas the defendants used it as a means of protest depending on the historical reality rather than history as a science. This study discusses that by using science to make examples of these members, the judges used history to prove the Kurds’ non-existence, whereas the defendants implied history as a way of protesting the ruling authority.
Clinical Study of Risk Factors for Diabetic Maculopathy
Authors: Bangal Dr. Surekha V. , Patil Dr. Bhushan , Sharma Dr. Akshita 
Published: March 2021

Aim: To determine the association between various systemic risk factors with diabetic maculopathy. Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted on 50 patients having diabetic maculopathy. Patients with maculopathies secondary to Vitreous Haemorrhage, Ocular disorders like Glaucoma, Uveitis, Advanced Diabetic Eye Disease, Vitreo-macular traction, maculopathy along with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, ischemic maculopathy, and history of laser treatment in last six months were excluded from the study. Data was collected using a structured proforma that included name, age, sex, occupation, height, weight, history of other systemic diseases like hypertension, investigations and treatment taken in past, family history, duration of DM, smoking, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia and nephropathy. Results: Out of 50 patients, 38 (76%) were males and 12 (24%) were females suggestive of male predominance. Mean age of the patient was 57.36±11.65 years in males and 56.67±10.17 years in females. Among 50 patients, 19 patients had diabetes mellitus for 6-10 years duration, 14 patients had diabetes mellitus for 1-5 years, in 12 patients for 11-15 years, in 2 patients for 16-20 years, in 2 patients for 21-25 years and only 1 patient more than 25 years. Mean duration of DM was 12.2±6.1 years. Majority of patients having maculopathy had duration of DM up to 20 years. Among 50 patients, 27 patients (54%) had systemic hypertension, 37 patients (74%) had uncontrolled blood sugar level, 29 patients (58%) were found to have hyperlipidemia and 20 patients (40%) had nephropathy. Among 50 patients, pseudophakia was noted in 7 patients (14%), obesity was noted in 21patients (42%). Eleven patients (22%) were found to have anemia, 6 patients (12%) had family history of DM and 13 patients (26%) had history of smoking. Conclusion: Hyperglycemia, hypertension, duration of DM, hyperlipidemia are the major risk factors for the development and progression of diabetic maculopathy. While anemia, smoking, and obesity, family history of DM are the less significant risk factors.
Newer Therapies In Management of Neonatal Birth Asphyxia
Authors: Shinde Dr. Abhijit , Mhaske Prof. Dr. Sunil Natha , Dr. Sushrut Kumar  
Published: March 2021

Asphyxia is an insult to the fetus or newborn due to lack of oxygen or lack of perfusion to various organs.1 National Neonatology Forum of India has defined asphyxia as gasping or ineffective breathing or lack of breathing at 1 min of life.2Birth asphyxia is one of the most important causes of neonatal brain injury whose incidence ranges from 3.7 to 9/1000 deliveries in the west.3 With the advent of therapeutic hypothermia (TH), improved outcomes are being reported in moderate HIE. TH, however, has not demonstrated improvement in outcomes related to severe HIE. . This has led clinicians and researchers to continue evaluating complementary and/or alternative therapies for infants with HIE. In this review, we will discuss current and emerging therapies in the management of HIE, other than hypothermia. With issues of access to health care and the burden of birth asphyxia shifting to developing and least developed nations, there is a need for alternative and supplementary neuroprotective agents. Low cost and easy availability along with ease of use would assist in ensuring that these therapies have global applicability. So global efforts must be taken to increase such studies as birth asphyxia is causing more morbidity & mortality globally.
KEPEMIMPINAN SITUASIONAL KEPALA MADRASAH DALAM MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR PESERTA DIDIK PADA MTS AL WASHLIYAH PADANG MATINGGI
Authors: Aliamsah Ritonga Candra Wijaya, Syamsu Nahar, 
Published: March 2021

<p><strong>Abstrak</strong>: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis: 1) Strategi kepala sekolah dalam meningkatkan motivasi belajar siswa di MTs Al Washliyah Padang Matinggi; 2) Bentuk-bentuk motivasi belajar untuk Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar siswa di di MTs Al Washliyah Padang Matinggi; 3) Faktor pendukung dan penghambat pada strategi kepala sekolah dalam meningkatkan Hasil Belajar belajar siswa di MTs Al Washliyah Padang Matinggi. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif. Hasil penelitian ini mengungkapkan Tiga temuan yaitu: 1) MTs Al Washliyah Padang Matinggi bahwa semua melakukan motivasi terhadap siswa agar semangat belajarnya tinggi, akan tetapi ada guru yang sering melakukan itu, ada juga guru yang jarang melakukan itu; 2) bentuk-bentuk strategi kepala madrasah dalam meningkatkan motivasi belajar siswa maka dapat disimpulkan bahwasannya MTs Al Washliyah Padang Matinggi banyak bentuk motivasi yang dilakukan, seperti membuat program seperti: Membuat olimpiade untuk para murid, Membuat penilaian murid terbaik, Membuat penilaian siswa terajin, Pemilihan kelas terbaik setiap akhir bulan, Program sedekah terbanyak setiap minggu dan Program walikelas terbaik; 3) MTs Al Washliyah Padang Matinggi memiliki beberapa faktor pendukung dan penghambat pada strategi motivasi belajar siswa.</p><p><strong>Kata Kunci: </strong><strong>Kepemimpinan dan Hasil Belajar</strong></p>