bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dance in Ethiopia: Traditionality and Contemporariness
Authors: Wilcox Hui , Belay Melaku 
Published: March 2021

Dance practices in Ethiopia remained vibrant, albeit transformed, as thecountry transitioned from feudalism to socialism (1974), and then to neoliberalcapitalism (1991). For centuries, a vast array of movement traditions has beenessential to religious and communal rituals in Ethiopia. Today, traditionalEthiopian dance is most visible in tourist restaurants or YouTube videos. Thetrajectory of dance from ritualised practices to commercialised performancespresents a seeming paradox: traditional Ethiopian dance as we know it today is,in fact, a modernised performance genre serving multiple functions: memorytransmission, ideological dissemination, and profit generation, among others.In the 1980s, the socialist state harvested dances from around the country toproduce “modernised” performances on the stages of government theatres,propagating the ideology of national unity amidst border wars and internaloppression. In the 1990s, as Ethiopia opened to the West, these dances continuedto be performed on restaurant stages, not so much to propagandise for thestate as to generate profit for the industry. The modernisation of traditionaldance continues in Ethiopia, under the auspices of neoliberal privatisation,which has also led to the westernisation of youth culture. Since the late 1990s,a group of young Ethiopians have devoted themselves to contemporarydance by adopting Western aesthetics and distinguishing their practice fromtraditional dance. Recently, they have grappled with the imperative to infuseEthiopian dance traditions in their work in order to be recognised in the globaldance field. Through dance ethnography, oral histories, and video archives,this paper illuminates both traditionality and contemporariness as historicalconstructs – categories of differential powers used to organise the currentdance field in Ethiopia.
Keywords: Ethiopian dance, contemporary dance, traditional dance, multiple modernities, decolonizing dance
Potential for Sustainable Urban and Peri-Urban Agricultural Practices in Nairobi County
Authors: Mwaura Mary Njoki , Mukoya-Wangia Sabina , Origa Japheth Ododa , Mbatia Oliver Lee Ernest , Chimoita Evans Ligare 
Published: March 2021

The study examined the sustainable potential of urban and peri-urban agricultural practices in Nairobi. The study employed purposive, stratified and random sampling methods to select 149 respondents. Frequencies, means and standard deviations were used to analyse data. Findings indicate that the most popular urban and peri-urban practices were composting (221), open field farming (212), vegetable nurseries (155) and various forms of irrigation (140). Animal based practices were not found to be very popular. Majority ofthe practices were concentrated in the peri-urban areas. Popular practices were not found to be the most profitable. The most profitable practices were cattle rearing raising approximately Ksh.650,000, mushroom farming (Ksh.500,000), chicken rearing (Ksh.500,000), and hydroponics production (Ksh.450,000). These unpopular practices required expensive inputs, specialised technological and management skills and a controlled agricultural environment for production and efficient use of resources. Theserequirements qualified them to contribute towards the economic, social and environmental aspects of sustainability. There is need for a transformation from the current popular, less profitable and environmentally unfriendly practices categorized as uncontrolled environment agriculture practices to the controlled environment agriculture practices. This can be achieved through the provision of subsidised inputs and specialised technological and management skills to the farmers by the county government and other relevant stakeholders. This change with policy support will contribute to using sustainable agricultural practices that ensure food security and contribute to a sustainable food system in the city.
Key words: Urban and peri-urban agriculture, sustainable agricultural practices, Nairobi County.
Sasakawa Africa Fund for Extension Education: A Review of Demand-Driven Agricultural Extension Education in Nigeria
Authors: Idowu Oladele 
Published: March 2021

The paper examined demand-driven agricultural extension education in Nigeria and emphasized the need for extension professionals to acquire soft skills in addition to their technical capabilities through the utilization of demand-driven extension education (DDEE) strategies. A review of demand-driven agricultural extension education in Nigeria as introduced by Sasakawa Africa Fund for Extension Education in universities was carried out to assess the concepts of demand-driven extension education, capacity development, skill, skill- mismatch. The reviews were analysed using themes and the findings were reported based on the themes identified from the review analysis. Job matching and human capital theories are the theoretical underpinning for this paper. The paper further highlighted the numerous benefits of DDEE prominent among which include its ability to adapt to the need of the learners and employers, utilize dynamic work-based pedagogy to improve competencies, and respond to the needs of the labour markets to ensure continuous alignment between desired qualification and available training. It is important to properly mainstream the use of demand-driven extension education strategies in training extension personnel for better and more sustainable extension and services delivery to farmers.
Keywords: Agricultural extension, agricultural education, demand-driven extension education, capacity development, skill, skill- mismatch
Econometric Analysis of the Effect of Changes in Price on Consumption Pattern of Petrol, Rice and Bean in Owerri City, Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Nwosu U.I. , Vincent U. 
Published: March 2021

It was hypothesized that changes in price could affect the consumption pattern of petrol, rice and bean, their status as basic needs notwithstanding. To test this hypothesis, primary data were generated, subjected to econometric model and analyzed. Two-hundred residents of different income groups who live in Owerri city, Imo State, Nigeria and have used petrol, rice and bean for at least ten years and were not less thanthirty-one years old were sampled using standard method. The pretest result of questionnaire validity and reliability was r = 0.726 and this indicates high reliability. A total of 90% strongly agreed and agreed that prices of petrol, rice and bean are unstable in Owerri City, Imo State, Nigeria. The results indicate that 70% of the consumers strongly agreed and agreed that price affects consumption of the products irrespective of need. This wasa significant observation too. In the study, availability of petrol, rice and bean affected consumption in an urban environment.Grain quality was found a strong determinant of consumption of rice and bean in the city. There was a positive and non-significant relationship between price and consumption of petrol, rice and bean and this shows that price is not the most important determinant of consumption of all commodities. Necessity was more important than price in consumption of petrol, rice and bean in the city of Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. These findings are useful to econometricians, policymakers, governments and households.
Keywords: Basic needs, Econometric model, Income groups, High reliability, Grain quality.
Redressing harmful environmental practices in the Nigerian petroleum industry through the criminal justice approach
Authors: Brown Cleverline T. , Okogbule Nlerum S. 
Published: March 2021

The discovery and continued exploitation of crude oil in Nigeria with its many advantages, has exposed the Nigerian environment to several forms of pollution and degradation. Consequently, extensive harm has been done to the human and natural environment some of which may prove irreversible. This is largely attributable to wrongful environmental practices, sabotage, ineffective regulation and enforcement mechanisms. Sadly, environmental laws in Nigeria do not specifically criminalize such inimical activities, while some grave environmental crimes are downplayed and treated as civil wrongs. This article argues in favour of a compelling need for a reassessment of environmentally harmful acts with a view tocodifying and criminalizing certain acts to promote the observance of basic environmental laws, especially by multinational corporations, and support the realization of a sustainable environment in the country. This has become imperative as Nigeria is a subscriber to the United NationsSustainable Development Goals (SDGs). An effective and efficient regulatory regime is a vital for achieving these goals by the year 2030.
Keywords: Environment, Environmental Pollution, Environmental crime, Ecocide, SDGs.
Interrogating the multilateral trading system and paradigms of corporate social responsibility: Implications for Nigeria
Authors: Ani Laura 
Published: March 2021

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) norms are a strategic business policy that now forms the cornerstone of how international trade is governed globally. Although initially a voluntary initiative, its relevance in promoting social, environmental, and ethical responsibilities among global investors has arguably been conceived as trade distorting and violating the tenets of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Nonetheless, CSR is now mainstream in all related global transactions. This article seeks to evaluate the impacts of global CSR on international trade and examine the extent of Nigeria’s participation in global CSR. The article argues that Nigeria should go beyond considerations of trade that focuses mainly on liberal market access and expand the practice to include environmental, social, and ethical practices. It concludes that adherence to international CSR will propel developing countries to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, World Trade Organization, Sustainable Development.
Clinico-pathological effects of single oral dose of cypermethrin in guinea pigs
Authors: Omonona AO , Jarikre TA , Adetuga AT 
Published: March 2021

The effect of environmental intoxication and one time accidental oral ingestion of cypermethrin was studied in the guinea pig through exposure to sublethal concentrations of the pesticide. The clinical, haematologic, and biochemical changes were monitored within 72 hours of exposure. Haemocytometric method was used to evaluate the erythrogram and leucogram changes, and microscopy for histopathology. There were significant increases in the eosinophil count, ALP, creatinine, cholesterol, globulin and albumin and decrease in urea levels and thrombocytopaenia (P>0.05). There were diffuse moderate vascular congestion and mononuclear cellular infiltrates in the interstitium of the lungs, and degeneration in the liver and kidney. Single oral ingestion of cypermethrin altered biochemical parameters commensurate with tissue changes. Cypermethrin exposure and intoxication of animals in the environment may contribute to morbidity and ecotoxicity.Keywords: Cavia, Cypermethrin, Environment, Toxicity, wildlife
TaqMan Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction and Pyrosequencing using Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Protocol for Rapid Determination of ALDH2 *2 in a Chinese Population
Authors: Li J , Wu J , Zhang Y , Wang X , Jin J , Wang Y 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To establish a rapid molecular method for the detection of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), and determine whether the polymorphic ALDH2 gene is associated with drinking behavior in a Chinese population.Methods: The gene polymorphism of ALDH2 *2 was detected using pyrosequencing and TaqMan realtime polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Genotyping of 176 volunteers were performed at The Third Hospital of Wuhan, Hubei, China. Genetic associations with alcohol use behavior was assessed.Results: Pyrosequencing and TaqMan real time PCR methods were successfully developed to identify ALDH2 *2 polymorphisms. The allele frequencies of ALDH2 *2 were 21.31 % in the Chinese population. While the genotype frequency of heterozygous ALDH2 *1/ *2 plus homozygous ALDH2 *2/ *2 was 46.67 % in non-drinkers, it was 30.17 % in the alcoholics group (p = 0.030). The allele frequency of ALDH2 *2 was 15.09 % in the alcoholics group and 28.33 % among non-drinkers (p = 0.011). There were substantial differences in allele frequencies of ALDH2 genotypes between this study’s Chinese sample and other ethnic groups in Asia; the frequency of ALDH2 *2 allele was significantly higher than that in European and Americans.Conclusion: The developed pyrosequencing and TaqMan real time PCR methods are rapid, accurate, high-throughput, convenient, and reliable for detecting ALDH2 polymorphisms. ALDH2 *2 gene protects against the development of alcoholism. The frequencies of ALDH2 in this Chinese population differ from those of other ethnic populations.Keywords: Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2, Polymorphism, TaqMan real time Polymerase Chain Reaction, Pyrosequencing, Allele, Alcoholics, Genotype frequency
Protective effect of glucosamine cyclohexyl ester on osteoarthritis in rat via targeting expressions of matrix metalloproteinase and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1
Authors: Shui Wei , Luo Gang , Qiao Bo , Ni Weidong , Guo Shuquan 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To investigate the therapeutic effect of glucosamine cyclohexyl ester on osteoarthritis (OA) in a rat model.Methods: Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot assays were used to analyze the effect of glucosamine cyclohexyl ester on changes in mRNA and protein expressions of matrix metalloproteinase and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 in isolated rat chondrocytes, and in a rat model of OA. The rat model of OA was prepared by injecting monoiodoacetate to Sprague-Dawley rats via intra-articular route.Results: Treatment of the chondrocytes with glucosamine cyclohexyl ester for 48 h prevented interleukin-1 β (IL-1β)-mediated increases in mRNA and protein expressions in matrix metalloproteinases-1, -3 and -13, and also blocked IL-1β-induced decreases in mRNA and protein expressions of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1. Glucosamine cyclohexyl ester treatment also blocked the onset of morphological changes such as irregular surface, adhesion of tissues andpresence of osteophytes in the femoral condyle surface of the OA rats. Mankin score for control, OA and glucosamine cyclohexyl ester treatment groups were 0.98 ± 0.15, 8.35 ± 0.88 and 2.39 ± 0. 67 (p = 0.002), respectively. Treatment of OA rats with glucosamine cyclohexyl ester also inhibited increases in the activities of matrix metalloproteinases-1, -3 and -13, and decreases of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 mRNA and protein expressions. Treatment of chondrocytes and OA rats with IL-1β caused no significant changes in the levels of H3K27 and H4K8.Conclusion: These results show that glucosamine cyclohexyl ester prevents OA by targeting the expressions of matrix metalloproteinases-1, -3 and -13 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1.Keywords: Metalloproteinases, Interleukin, Mankin score, Osteoarthritis, Cartilage
Effect of moxifloxacin on oxidative stress, paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity and efficacy of treatment in patients with multiple drug-resistant tuberculosis
Authors: Yang Hongguo , Zhao Yanyan , Ma Yunbo , Wen Qiang , Zhang Minghui 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effect of moxifloxacin on paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity, and serum oxidative stress in patients with multiple drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).Methods: A total ofof 130 MDR-TB patients who were treated with moxifloxacin from October 2014 to October 2010 in Eastern Medical District of Linyi People's Hospital of Shandong Province, China were randomly divided into an observation group (65 cases, moxifloxacin group) and control group (65 cases, non-moxifloxacin group). Total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI), PON1 levels and treatment efficacy for groups were determined.Results: Compared with pre-treatment levels, TOS (23.3 ± 4.7 vs 13.9 ± 3.3 umol H2O2 Eq/L, t = 13.20, p = 0.00) and OSI (17.4 ± 4.8 vs 5.7 ± 1.4 U, t = 18.87, p = 0.00) of the observation group significantly decreased, while TAS (1.4 ± 0.5 vs 3.5 ± 0.7 umol Trolox Eq/L, t = 19.68, p = 0.00) and PON1 (15.5 ± 6.9 vs 31.1 ± 8.3 U/L, t = 11.65, p = 0.00) significantly increased. TOS (23.3 ± 4.7 vs 13.9 ± 3.3 umol H2O2 Eq/L, t = 7.73, p < 0.05) and OSI (16.9 ± 5.5 vs 7.4 ± 3.2U, t = 12.04, p = 0.05) reduced significantly in the control group. Moxifloxacin correlated positively with △TAS (r = 0.697, p = 0. 04) and △PON1 (r = 0.785, p = 0.01), but correlation with △TOS (r = -0.625, p = 0.01) was negative. Efficacy was significantly higher in the observation group than that in the control group (81.54 % vs 56.92 %, p =0.00).Conclusion: Oxidative stress injury in MDR-TB patients may be effectively managed by combination of moxifloxacin with anti-TB treatmentKeywords: Multiple drug-resistant TB, Moxifloxacin, Paraoxonase, Oxidative stress
Effect of Spatholobus suberectus (Fabaceae) extract on second-degree burns in rats
Authors: Dai Lingyun , Zhao Chunhu , Jian Yu , Mei Zujun , Pei Xufeng , Yuan Wensheng , Wu Fengxue 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the wound-healing effect of Spatholobus suberectus (Fabaceae) on seconddegree burns in a rat model.Methods: The animals were divided into normal, negative control, as well as 10 % Spatholobus suberectus (SS) (SS10), 20 % SS (SS20) and standard (STD) groups. Second-degree burns were inflicted by exposing a 3 × 3 cm sterile area of skin to boiling water for 10 min. The animals were treated topically twice daily for 2 weeks. Wound contraction (%) was measured after 2 weeks, while wound tissue histopathology was assessed by hematoxylin & eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining. In addition, lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde kit) and cytokine secretion (ELISA) were measured in liver and plasma, respectively.Results: The results of this study suggest that topical application of SS for 2 weeks significantly increases wound closure compared with the negative control. Moreover, treatment with SS significantly improved the pathological status of the wound throughout the protocol. There was also a significant decrease in malondialdehyde activity and increase in cytokine release in SS-treated rats compared with control rats.Conclusions: The results show that topical application of SS after inflicting second-degree burns in rats results in increased wound healing and decreased cytokine release and oxidative stress.Keyword: Spatholobus suberectus, Burns, Wound, Lipid peroxidation, Cytokines
MicroRNA-485-5p reduces keratinocyte proliferation and migration by regulating ITGA5 expression in skin wound healing
Authors: Yuan Keyu , Sun Yi , Ji Yu 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To determine the effect of miR-485-5p on keratinocyte proliferation and migration.Methods: Human primary keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) were treated with different concentrations of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF)-β1. miR-485-5p expression levels were determined using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2- yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) and wound healing assays were performed to investigate the regulatory effects of miR-485-5p on cell viability and migration of HaCaT cells. Downstream target gene expression of miR-485-5p was determined using a luciferase activity assay.Results: In HaCaT cells, miR-485-5p was time- and dose-dependently downregulated by TGF-β1 treatment (p < 0.05). Forced expression of miR-485-5p decreased cell viability and migration of HaCaT cells (p < 0.05). Knockdown of miR-485-5p enhanced HaCaT cell viability and migration. Integrin subunit alpha-5 (ITGA5) was predicted and verified to be a downstream target of miR-485-5p in HaCaT cells. Overexpression of ITGA5 attenuated the miR-485-5p-induced decrease of HaCaT cell viability and migration (p < 0.05).Conclusion: MiR-485-5p reduces cell proliferation and migration of keratinocytes through the regulation of ITGA5. This mechanism provides a potential therapeutic strategy for skin wound healing.
Keywords: ITGA5, Keratinocyte, Cell migration, MiR-485-5p, Cell proliferation, Wound healing
N-acetylcysteine effectively alleviates systemic lupus erythematosus in mice via regulation of oxidative stress
Authors: Lu Feng , Liu Bingxin , Zhao Hui 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To study the influence of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) mice, and the mechanism(s) involved.
Methods: Fourteen MRL/lpr SLE mice aged 5 weeks (mean weight = 20.35 ± 2.12 g) were divided into two 7-mouse groups: SLE (control) and treatment groups. The control group comprised healthy female SPF-grade C57BL/6 mice (n = 7). The treatment group mice received intraperitoneal injection of NAC at a dose of 250 mg/kg daily for 8 weeks. The serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO), and activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were assayed using standard methods. The level of urine protein and activity of anti-double stranded (ds) DNA antibody were determined using their respective enzyme-linked assay (ELISA) kits.
Results: The spleens of mice in SLE mice were significantly enlarged, relative to control mice, but they were reduced significantly by NAC (p < 0.05). N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) also significantly reduced the serum levels of MDA and NO in SLE mice, but significantly increased the serum activities of superoxide dismutase and GPx. Moreover, urine protein concentration and activity of anti-dsDNA antibody in SLE mice significantly increased, but reduced significantly by NAC treatment (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: These results suggest that NAC effectively alleviates SLE in mice via regulation of oxidative stress. Thus, NAC has the potentials for development into a therapy for the management of SLE.
Keywords: Anti-dsDNA antibodies, Antioxidant enzymes, N-acetylcysteine, Oxidative stress, Systemic lupus erythematosus
Comparison of efficacy and safety profiles of epidural analgesia and opioid analgesia in Chinese patients with thoracic trauma: A preliminary report
Authors: Yang Xiaoping , Zhang Danjie , Kong Deling , Zhang Jin , Dang Bingwen 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To compare the efficacy and safety profiles of epidural analgesia (EA) and opioid analgesia (OA) in Chinese patients with thoracic trauma (TT).
Methods: Patients with confirmed diagnosis of thoracic trauma were given either EA (via a catheter) or slow-release OA. The following efficacy variables were assessed in the two treatment groups: pain score, and changes in cytokine and catecholamine levels from baseline after treatment. Moreover, respiratory parameters were determined before and after treatment. The safety associated with each anesthesia was also evaluated. Quantitative data were analyzed either with Student’s t-test or MannWhitney test, while categorical data were analyzed using Fisher exact or Chi-square test, based on data size.
Results: A total of 200 patients completed the study (100 patients in each group). Pain, as assessed by verbal rating scale (VRS), was slightly lower in patients after treatment with EA, when compared to the patients treated with OA. However, the difference was not statistically significant (p < 0.05). Maximum inspiratory force (cmH2O) and tidal volume (liters) were slightly improved in patients treated with EA, when compared to OA-treated patients, although the difference was not statistically significant (p < 0.05). Moreover, the two treatments produced comparable levels of cytokines and catecholamines.
Conclusion: The efficacy and safety data for EA and OA in Chinese non-obese patients with TT indicate numerically favorable outcome for EA, when compared to OA.
Keywords: Epidural analgesia, Opioid analgesia, Chinese patients, Thoracic trauma