bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative and Qualitative Assessment of Phytochemicals in Methanolic Extracts of Hurricane Weed (Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. &Thonn) Plant
Authors: Ameen O.A. , Hamid A.A. , Yusuf Q. , Njoku O.G. , Oseni T.O. , Jamiu W. 
Published: May 2021

The phytocomponents of the leaf and root extracts of Phyllanthus amarus (Euphorbiaceae) were studied. The constituents of the leaves and roots were identified and quantified by using GC-MS. Result from the phytochemical analyses showed the presence of saponins, tannins, phenolics, anthocyanins, and glycosides in both leaves and root of the plant. Alkaloids and triterpenoids were, however only absent in the root of P. amarus but present in the leaves of the plant. Flavonoids, coumarins and steroids were absent in the leaves but present in the root part. The mean concentration of the phytochemicals investigated in leaves are 0.73±0.01%, 1.85±0.03%, 1.12±0.01%, 1.80±0.01%, 1.59±0.50%, 0.13±0.10%, and 0.86±0.01%, for saponins, tannins, phenolics, anthocyanins, alkaloids, triterpenoids, and glycosides respectively, while the mean concentration of the phytochemicals investigated in roots are 0.91±0.01%, 1.53±0.03%, 0.70±0.01%, 2.97±0.10%, 2.47±0.03%, 0.62±0.01%, 0.90±0.01% and 2.02±0.10% for saponins, tannins, phenolics, steroids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, glycosides and coumarins respectively. Furthermore, the GC-MS analysis of methanol extracts of the leaves and root of P. amarus revealed the presence of three medicinally important bioactive compounds, which are: 9-Octadecenoic acid which has percentage of abundance of 92.23% and 82.46% in leaves and roots of the plant respectively, followed by n-Hexadecanoic acid and Tetradecanoic acid with their corresponding percentage of abundance of 7.7% and 17.54% for leaves and root. These analytical results suggest the plantto possess a significant role in phyto-medicine. The importance of this plant was discussed in line with the role they play in ethnomedicinal life of the people.
Keywords: Phyllanthus amarus; Phytochemicals; GC-MS; methanolic extract; Phytocomponents
Design and Fabrication of a Manually Operated Vegetable Leaf Slicing Machine
Authors: Ikpoza E. , Usiobaifo E.J. , Erhunmwun I.D. 
Published: May 2021

This paper entails the design and fabrication of a manually operated vegetable leaf slicing machine. The developed machine consists of a hopper, the cutter housing, the cutting blades, the rotating shaft, and a wooden handle. The machine was designed to enhance the hygienic slicing of vegetable leaf materials and for prevention of knife-related injuries for both domestic and commercial use. The machine was tested with a slicing efficiency of 95.52 % with a provision of an alternative quick vegetable cutting process with no injuries, no electric power supply and with little or no noise to the operating environment.
Keywords: Vegetables, slicing, cutting blade, knives, hopper
Use of Livestock and Plant Agro-Waste in the Production of Organic Feed and Its Effect on the Physiology of Albino Wistar Rats
Authors: Onyegeme-Okerenta B.M. , Amadi B.C. , Wegwu M.O. 
Published: May 2021

The need to consider agricultural wastes as resources for organic feed formulation has been of interest to researchers. This study was aimed at investigating the use of some livestock and plant agro-wastes in the production of organic feed and its effect on the physiology of albino Wistar rats. A total of 30 weaning rats were separated into six (6) different groups with 5 rats per group. Groups 1, 2, and 3 were fed with known commercial feed -Vital, Top and Hybrid feeds respectively, Group 4 was fed with corn only, while Groups 5 and 6 were fed with indigenous formulated feed FF1 and FF2 respectively - derived from some local livestock and agro-waste. Phytochemical constituents and proximate composition of the various feeds were carried out. The animals were fed for 7 weeks during which anthropometric measurement and data were collected. Blood samples were collected via venipuncture after seven weeks for biochemical and haematology analysis. The result of the proximate analysis of the formulated feeds showed protein values of 30.00±3.00 (FF1) and 22.00±1.00 (FF2) as against 18%, 21% and 22% for Vital, Top and Hybrid feeds respectively. The haematology indices showed that the various feeds improved erythropoietic functions. Similarly, the Biochemical functions of the commercial feeds and Formulated diets can support growth and maintain homeostasis. Conclusively, this study has demonstrated an added advantage in the use of agro-wastes and their biotransformation into a cost-effective replacement for commercial feeds.
Keywords: Commercial feeds, Formulated feeds, Wistar rats, Corn
Potential of Ricinus communis L. For Removal of Heavy Metal in Contaminated Soil
Authors: Akintola O.O. , Abiola I.O. , Abodunrin E.K. , Olokeogun O.S. , Ekaun A.A. , Ademigbuji A.T. , Babatunde K.O. 
Published: May 2021

Heavy metal contamination has become a serious ecological problem due to its toxic effects on soils, plants and human. Experimental study was conducted on dumpsite soil to assess the potential of Ricinus communis to accumulate heavy metals from the soil using bioconcentration (BCF) and tanslocation factors (TF). Heavy metals concentration (mg/kg) in dumpsite and control soil before planting were Mn (50.68- 220.08); Zn(29.01- 135.56); Cu (8.92- 86.88), Pb (5.88-48.86), Ni (3.01-7.99) and Co (1.78-6.88) while the concentration in soils after planting were Mn(29.89- 135.21); Zn (15.11-88.21); Cu (3.89-50.22), pb (3.68-31.56), Ni (1.22-3.56) and Co (0.67-2.68) in Mg/kg. Ricinus communis showed BCF greater than 1 for Ni and Co and less than 1 for Mn, Cu, Zn and Pb while TF is greater than 1 for all the determined heavy metals. The dumpsite soils have higher heavy metal concentration than the control soil. The levels of heavy metals concentration in soils and plants are in the order of Mn> Zn> Cu> Pb> Ni. Significant reduction (P<0.05) was observed in the heavy metal concentrations in the soils before and after planting indicating their accumulation in the plants. Results of this study indicate the accumulation of heavy metals in Ricinus communis plants and its potential for effective removal of Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, Co and Mn from the dumpsite soils.
Keywords: Heavy metal accumulation, Ricinus communis, Dumpsite soil, Translocation factor, Remediation
Design, Construct and Evaluation of a Single Row Hand-Pushed Mechanical Weed Control Machine
Authors: Saleh A. , Suleiman M.L. 
Published: May 2021

Weed control is one of the major problems in crop and vegetable production in Nigeria. Most of the peasant farmers use manual weeders in their cultivation, a process that is costly, labour intensive and time consuming. The process does not also give the farmer adequate returns to enable him breakeven. It is, therefore, necessary to design a weeding equipment which minimize the human effort and provide efficient work output for the peasant farmer. This study focus on designing, construction and evaluation of a hand-pushed weed control machine that would eliminate the challenges being faced by the farmer in weeding. Materials selected to suit the construction of the weeder are durable and locally available, easily replaced if damaged and at affordable cost. They include mild steel (3mm, 5mm), 30 mm circular (hollow) pipes, 10 mm diameter steel rod, and 40 cm pneumatic tyre. The developed weeding machine was evaluated in the experimental farm of IAR with impressive results. It works well in sandy loam soil of about 25.65% moisture content and requires less labour force compared to the manual hoe. It has about 84.7% weeding efficiency, 0.0129ha/hr effectivefield capacity, 0.019ha/hr theoretical field capacity and 68% field efficiency. The average cost of the weeding is N21, 000:00.
Keywords: Manual weeding, hand-pushed weeder, weeding efficiency, field efficiency
Ethanolic Extract of Ground Vernonia Amygdalina Stem Exhibited Potent Antibacterial Activity and Improved Hematological Bio-Functional Parameters in Normal and Monosodium Glutamate-Intoxicated Rats
Authors: Egbuonu A.C.C. , Amadi R.P. 
Published: May 2021

Herein, Vernonia amygdalina stem ethanolic extract, VASEE, was elucidated for its antibacterial activity in vitro by disk-diffusion technique and, in vivo effect on some hematological parameters of normal and monosodium glutamate, MSG-intoxicated rats. For in vivo study, 20 male albino rats assigned into five groups (A, B, C, D, and E) were, for 14 days, respectively administered MSG (8000 mg/kg body weight, bw), VASEE (200 mg/kg bw), Control (Vital feed and tap water), MSG (8000 mg/kg bw + VASEE, 200 mg/kg bw), and MSG (8000 mg/kg bw + VASEE, 400 mg/kg bw). In vitro, the VASEE-related activity against the tested bacterial pathogens was significant (P < 0.05), dose dependent and comparable to that by the standard antibacterial drug, Ciprofloxacin. In vivo, VASEE compared to control and MSG groups improved (P < 0.05) and, notably at the highest tested dose modulated the monosodium glutamate intoxication-related effect on, the studied hematology of rats. Thus, VASEE exhibited potent activity against the tested bacterial pathogens, improved, and potentially modulated MSG-intoxication-related effect on, the rats’ hematological functions. The study underscored a promising antibacterial application of the extract of hitherto wasted bitter leaf stem that could offer novel therapeutic benefits on the hematology of especially MSG-intoxicated rats, warranting further studies.
Keywords: Hematology, intoxication, bitter leaf stem, packed cell volume, Red blood cell
Effects of Weed Management Strategies and Organic Matter in Plantain (Musa paradisiaca L. ABB) Yield in Agricultural Research Farm, Afaha Nsit, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Ekpo T.U.U. , Ekpo N.T. 
Published: May 2021

Effects of weed infestation on plantain bunch yield in Nigeria is very alarming coupled with low nutritional status of the tropical soil. Therefore, field experiments were carried out in 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 to investigate the effects of weed management strategies and organic manure on the performance of plantain (Musa paradisiaca L.ABB). The experiments were carried out in Agricultural Education Research Farm, College of Education, Afaha Nsit. Seven treatments were replicated three times. These were sweet potato (20,000 plants/ha) + poultry manure (20t/ha); sweet potato (20,000plants/ha) + sawdust (40t/ha); hand-slashing at three months interval + poultry manure (20t/ha); hand-slashing at three months interval + sawdust 40t/ha; sweet potato + egusi-melon + poultry manure (20t/ha); sweet potato + egusi-melon + sawdust (40t/ha) and weedy + no organic manure. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design. Analysis of variance was carried out on data obtained on weed studies and plantain performance. Means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5% probability level. The unfertilized weedy plot reduced plantain bunch yield by 89.7% followed by 41.9% and 43.0% obtained from the sawdust treatment plots integrated with egusi-melon plus hand-slashed and sweet potato respectively. The treatment plot of sweet potato integrated with egusi-melon plus poultry manure (20t/ha) significantly controlled weeds satisfactorily, accelerated plantain growth, reduced 50% flowering time by 23.5% and significantly enhanced plantain bunch yield hence; it is recommended.
Keywords: Plantain, sweet potato, hand-slashing, organic manure.
Cost–Benefit Analysis of Associated Gas Flaring in the Niger – Delta Area of Nigeria (a case study of 1958 – 2004
Authors: Amaechi C.F. , Emejulu M.J. 
Published: May 2021

CT: Associated gas flaring has been revealed as a significant contributor to the warming of the local climateof the communities where these flare stacks are located. Associated gas flaring has also been revealed as a major casualfactor to the degradation of the environment, air pollution and consequent health effects of the inhabitants of these hostcommunities. This study goes a step further to assess the economic benefit of total utilization of associated gas as an antedote to these problems as it is been argued that flaring this gas is cheaper than total utilization. The research uses as its casestudy the Niger – Delta region of Nigeria a West African country with 1958- 2004 been the years under review. The studyadopted the Cost – Benefit approach/ Method of analysis as well as relied on secondary face to face interview. Results fromthe study revealed that the economic benefit of total utilization of associated gas far outweighs the cost of flaring associatedgas. Results from the study also reveal that if Nigeria had utilized the associated gas from crude oil exploitation from 1958-2004; the country would be $32 billion richer. This is without the estimation of the multiplier effect of reinvesting thesemonies. The research further reveals that the country requires another Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant 1.4 times thecapacity of the Bonny LNG plant to totally processthese associated gases for onward utilization. In the light of theserevelations the study recommends a strategic legal framework for the formulation of an act for the operation and governance of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) be put in place by the government as this is a major bottleneck to the development of the sector. Also in the development of strategic plans and policy guidelines for the enactment of the act, the host communities should be in full participation. This is to ensure transparency and equity which will further result in total cooperation and compliance by all stakeholders. Furthermore, the study recommends a time frame be set for routine review of the plans and policy guidelines so as to update lapses for further and future development.
Keywords: Cost – Benefit Analysis, Gas flaring, Total Utilization, Non Utilization, Utilization Economic Cost
Development and Performance Evaluation of an Improved Thermal Performance Wood Stove using Skirt
Authors: Ajunwa I. , Folayan C.O. , Pam G.Y. , Abubakar S. , Iorpenda M.J. , Kaisan M.U. 
Published: May 2021

The importance of heat energy source from wood to humanity cannot be over emphasised since many depend on it for their heating needs. In this work, a wood stove was designed, constructed and tested without a skirt and with a detachable skirt of height 120 mm (same height as the pot used for the experiment) to ascertain the influence of the skirt on the stove in terms of thermal performance in a water boiling test. Thermal efficiency and specific fuel consumption were evaluated. It was found that the stove tested without a skirt gave an average thermal efficiency of 31.33% and an average specific fuel consumption of 0.14 kg/l. When tested with a skirt, however, the stove gave an average thermal efficiency of 38.65% and an average specific fuel consumption of 0.09 kg/l. This signifies an improvement in thermal performance by the use of skirt on the stove designed.
Keywords: Humanity, Globally, Detachable-skirt, Thermal performance, Wood stove.
Isolation of Biofilm Producing Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus from Hospitalized Orthopaedic Patients in Kano State, Nigeria
Authors: Oche D.A. , Abdulrahim U. , Oheagbulem A.S. , Olayinka B.O. 
Published: May 2021

Biofilm formation and resistance to methicillin are among the factors that makes Staphylococcus aureus a very important human pathogen in both health-care and community settings. This study investigated methicillin-resistance among biofilm-producing S. aureus isolated from 49 orthopaedic in-patients within a 3 months period. Wound swabs, nasal swabs, bed swabs and urine samples were collected from each patient. The samples were cultured and screened for presence of S. aureus while the micro-titre plate method was used to detect biofilm producing isolates. PCR technique was finally used to detect the presence of mecA gene in methicilin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates. Findings reveal 14.8% of bacterial isolates were Staphylococcus aureus of which 96.4% were biofilm-producers. However, strong biofilm producers constitute 11.1%. The mecA gene was detected in 15.8% of the MRSA isolates. Therefore, MRSA among biofilm-producing S. aureus is a potential threat primarily to the community of National Orthopaedic Hospital Dala and a major public health challenge.
Keywords: Biofilm, Methicillin-resistance Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), mecA gene, Orthopaedic patient
Nonlinear Kinetic and Equilibrium Adsorption Isotherm Study of Cadmium (II) Sorption by Dacryodes edulis Biomass
Authors: Overah L.C. 
Published: May 2021

The kinetics and equilibrium adsorption isotherm of cadmium (II) adsorption onto Dacryodes edulis (native peer seed) biomass was studied using a nonlinear approach, which is unpopular but proven in some literature to be more reliable and easier. In optimizing the process, about 98% removal of the cadmium ion was achieved within five minutes at pH 7 by contacting just 30 mg of the Dacryodes edulis seed biomass with the adsorbate solution of a concentration of 100 mg/L. Non-linear investigation of the kinetics and adsorption isotherms of the process was done using the R console statistical and computing software. The results indicated that the Elovich mechanism and the Freundlich adsorption isotherm most suitably described the kinetics and adsorption isotherm, respectively, of the process as provided by their least values of the sum of squared residuals (SSR). This outcome implied a chemical adsorption (chemisorption) mechanism and a multi-layer coverage by the cadmium ions on heterogeneous active sites of the biomass surface with a Freundlich constant or capacity factor, Kf of 27.83 mg g-1, heterogeneity factor, 1/n of 0.2614 and Elovich constants, α and β of 7.0 mg g−1 s−1 and 1.0 g mg-1, respectively. These findings indicate that Dacryodes edulis seed biomass has a good potential for cadmium (II) adsorption.
Keywords: Dacryodes edulis, Elovich kinetic model, Freundlich isotherm, Langmuir isotherm, Nonlinear
Bacterial Contamination Associated with Mobile Cell Phones among Undergraduate Students of Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Ya’aba Y. , Chuku A. , Okposhi U.S. , Hadi N.S. , Ramalan S.A. 
Published: May 2021

Mobile cell phones are extensively used globally. This study was aimed at determining bacterial contamination associated with mobile cell phones among undergraduate students of Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. One hundred swab samples from mobile cell phones were randomly collected from the students’ cell phones between August 2019 and December 2019. Demographic factors like age, gender, mobile phone type, storing of mobile cell phones, cleaning habits and use in toilets were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. The samples were analysed using standard microbiological techniques. The data collected were analysed using percentile and SPSS version 20.0. The value (p<0.01) was statistically considered to have significant associations. Microbial analysis showed that 70 nondisinfected samples were contaminated by eight diverse types of bacteria, which included Escherichia sp., Salmonella sp., Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Staphylococcus sp., Klebsiella sp., Micrococcus sp and Enterobacter sp. The swabbed cell phones of females (56.3%) were more contaminated than those of males (43.7%) with bacterial load count of 41.9 x 103 and 28.8 x 103 CFU/mL among females and males, respectively. The mobile cell phones used in toilets (75.0%) were highly contaminated by bacteria. Users who did not cut their nails had higher contamination (69.4%) than those users who cut their nails (34.3; p = 0.01). The age of mobile cell phones within 6 – 12 months had 55.5% for females and 23.5% for males. This study showed that mobile cell phones harbor bacteria liable for causing health threats to handlers. Therefore, awareness programs concerning hand hygiene and discouraging their use in toilets to avoid causing severe health consequences. The use of disinfectants to wipe mobile cell phones whenever contamination is encountered is advocated to safeguard public health.
Keywords: Mobile Cell Phone, Swabs, Microbes, Contamination
Chytrost bez porozumění: hypotéza kulturní inteligence a její limity
Authors: Matějíček Petr 
Published: May 2021

Člověk je mimořádně přizpůsobivým, a proto úspěšným živočišným druhem. Existuje mnoho spekulativních odpovědí na otázku, proč tomu tak je. Jednu z nich představuje hypotéza kulturní inteligence, která uvažuje o schopnosti kulturního učení jako o klíči k lidskému úspěchu. Cílem této práce je představit hypotézu kulturní inteligence jako podnětnou alternativu k etablovanějším přístupům v otázkách po původu lidské inteligence v čele s hypotézou obecné a improvizační inteligence. Jejich vzájemná komparace ukazuje, že hypotéza kulturní inteligence musí při popisu kulturní transmise nutně pracovat s flexibilními strategiemi sociálního učení, čímž ztrácí část své explanační síly. Nicméně to nemusí být ještě důvod k odmítnutí jejího zdravého jádra, protože existuje možnost, jak zkombinovat flexibilitu lidského uvažování s „hloupým“ procesem kulturní selekce, kterou nabízí koncepce metakognitivních strategií sociálního učení kognitivní psycholožky Cecilie Heyesové.
De La Théologie du cœur à La Théologie réelle : la mystique d’après Pierre Poiret
Authors: Mazzocco Mariel 
Published: May 2021

Pasteur, théologien, philosophe cartésien et éditeur d’ouvrages spirituels, Pierre Poiret occupe un statut particulier et original dans l’histoire des idées religieuses : il incarne le rôle du « passeur spirituel », celui dont la mission est de transmettre à la postérité l’héritage des auteurs mystiques. Poiret n’est pas un mystique, mais un spécialiste de la « théologie mystique ». Mais qu’est-ce que le mot mystique désigne pour un protestant français du Refuge résidant en Hollande ? Par quels moyens, selon Poiret, la théologie mystique peut sortir de sa niche et s’adresser à un public élargi, toute confession confondue ? Et encore, en quelle mesure son activité d’éditeur s’inscrit dans le cadre des querelles sur la mystique qui ont marqué la fin du xviie siècle ? Telles sont les questions auxquelles cet article tentera de répondre.
Pierre Poiret éditeur des Justifications de Madame Guyon
Authors: Trémolières François 
Published: May 2021

Pierre Poiret (1646-1719) s’est fait l’éditeur infatigable de nombreux textes mystiques, y compris ceux de ses contemporains. Se distinguent notamment les Œuvres complètes de Madame Guyon (1648-1717), qu’il a rassemblées en trente-neuf volumes, certains parus après sa mort : c’est le cas des Justifications (trois tomes, 1720), ce dossier d’autorités que Mme Guyon avait rassemblées pour sa défense au moment de la querelle du quiétisme. On s’est proposé de confronter cette édition au manuscrit (l’exemplaire adressé à Bossuet, conservé à la Bibliothèque nationale de France). Poiret s’y révèle d’une scrupuleuse fidélité, contraint à des modifications certes importantes mais toujours pour servir l’original, récupérant la quasi-totalité du manuscrit, le transformant il est vrai, par les vertus de la seule mise en forme, en anthologie de la « doctrine mystique » (selon les termes de la préface) commune.