bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The privatised self? A theological critique of the commodification of human identity in modern technological age in an African context professing Ubuntu
Authors: Banda Collium 
Published: April 2019

Modern technology has significantly improved human life. However, its serious negative element in Africa is fostering human self-sufficiency and independence that ultimately subvert human solidarity and interdependence that are highly valued by ubuntu philosophy. The main question of this article is: From the perspective of the African communal tenet of ubuntu that places human identity within communal solidarity and interdependence, how can we theologically respond to the commodification of human identity in the modern technological age? Consequently, a description is made of how modern technological age promotes human self-sufficiency that leads to the commodification of human identity. Further, the link between the commodification of human identity and privatisation of self is described. The challenge of ubuntu philosophy expressed by the Nguni proverb umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu is unpacked, and its challenge to the human self-sufficiency promoted by the technological age is explored. The image of God is proposed as an important theological tool of responding to the commodification of human identity. Finally, some steps that the churches can use to mitigate the commodification of human identity are presented. Technology is here to stay; rather than resist it, Christians must embrace it from a perspective informed by the image of God.
λ/64‐spaced compact ESPAR antenna via analog RF switches for a single RF chain MIMO system
Authors: Lee Jung‐Nam , Lee Yong‐Ho , Lee Kwang‐Chun , Joong Kim Tae 
Published: April 2019

In this study, an electronically steerable parasitic array radiator (ESPAR) antenna via analog radio frequency (RF) switches for a single RF chain MIMO system is presented. The proposed antenna elements are spaced at λ/64, and the antenna size is miniaturized via a dielectric radome. The optimum reactance load value is calculated via the beamforming load search algorithm. A switch simplifies the design and implementation of the reactance loads and does not require additional complex antenna matching circuits. The measured impedance bandwidth of the proposed ESPAR antenna is 1,500 MHz (1.75 GHz–3.25 GHz). The proposed antenna exhibits a beam pattern that is reconfigurable at 2.48 GHz due to changes in the reactance value, and the measured peak antenna gain is 4.8 dBi. The reception performance is measured by using a 4 4 BPSK signal. The measured average SNR is 17 dB when using the proposed ESPAR antenna as a transmitter, and the average SNR is 16.7 dB when using a four‐conventional monopole antenna.
Polysyncraton (Ascidiacea, Didemnidae): a re-examination of some specimens and descriptions of three new species
Authors: Oliveira Livia M. , Hoeksema Bert W. , Rocha Rosana M. 
Published: April 2019

Polysyncraton Nott, 1892 is the second largest genus of didemnid ascidians; it has a wide distribution ranging from temperate to tropical waters. Seventy-one specimens of Polysyncraton from eight museum collections and recently collected samples were analyzed. This resulted in the description of three new species (P. cabofriense Oliveira & Rocha sp. nov. from Brazil, P. globosum Oliveira & Rocha sp. nov. from Australia and P. snelliusi Oliveira & Rocha sp. nov. from Suriname) and emended descriptions of three further species (P. amethysteum (Van Name, 1902), P. magnilarvum (Millar, 1962) and P. purou C. Monniot & F. Monniot, 1987).
Mycotoxins Consumption and Burden of Aflatoxin-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in People Subsisting on Sorghum Based Products in the Derived Savannah Zone of Nigeria
Authors: Garba M. H. 
Published: April 2019

Sorghum is a local grain that grows predominantly in the semi-arid, savannah and grassland region of Northern Nigeria and other parts of the world. Sorghum samples were collected from five districts in each of the six agro-ecological zones, while the sorghum based products such as gruel, pap and porridge were also sampled using A quantitative food frequency questionnaire (QFFQ) followed by measurement of the body weight and the quantity of food consumed by the respondents. The mycotoxin concentrations in both raw sorghum sample and the sorghum based products were determined using High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Mycotoxin concentrations determined from the two different samples was used to determine the amount of mycotoxins consumed by respondents from different age groups. Subsequently the burden of aflatoxin induced Hepato celluar carcinoma (HCC) in communities (within the zone) that subsist on sorghum and sorghum based products was also determined. There was a significant difference (P = 0.05) between the concentration of the mycotoxins in the raw and the processed sorghum samples in the area under study. The processing methods employed in the in the preparation of these products could not reduce the toxin level below the PTDI and TDI levels set by the regulatory agencies. Average daily consumption of sorghum based products based on age range was found to be 192.5 g/day, 617.0 g/day, 810.2 g/day and 746.1 g/day for the infants, children, adults and elderly respectively The incidence of HCC and the burden aflatoxin induced HCC in the HbsAg+ and the HbsAg- populations was alarmingly high. Sorghum is a major grain corn in the world agricultural economy and represents an important staple food for the populations of many developing countries. Nevertheless, the nutritional value of sorghum as human food, as well as a feed material for animals, is impaired by its susceptibility to infection by fungi and fungal metabolites and this calls for urgent mitigation strategies to avoid health emergencies particularly in the poverty stricken countries of the sub Saharan Africa where this crop is a common staple.
Factors Affecting the Academic Performance of the Students of Bowen University, Nigeria
Authors: Okedigba Ibukun , Adedigba Tomiloba D. , Okedigba Temilola O. 
Published: April 2019

Aim: Students’ academic performance is an important criterion that is considered for career opportunity in academia and industry as such the onus is on students to perform well academically in order to stand a chance of holding their own in a competitive and saturated labour market. The fact however is that a number of factors within and outside the classroom combine to determine how well students perform academically. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the impact of factors such as gender, study habits, faculty of study, extracurricular activities, boyfriend/girlfriend relationship, social media usage and type of secondary school attended on students’ academic performance in Bowen University.
Study Design: A survey research design was used which employed a questionnaire capable of gathering large amount of quantitative and qualitative data.
Place and Duration of Study: Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria between March 2017 and May 2017.
Methodology: A self-designed survey questionnaire was administered to a sample of 380 students (144 males, 236 females) drawn from a population of 3,819 students using multi-stage sampling technique. Data collected during the survey were processed and analyzed using various statistical techniques including frequencies, percentages, independent samples t-test, analysis of variance test and Chi-Square test for independence.
Results: Survey results indicated that gender, involvement in extracurricular activities, involvement in boyfriend/girlfriend relationship, study habit and social media usage significantly impact upon student’s academic performance while the type of secondary attended and the faculty of study were found not to significantly affect academic performance of the students.
Conclusion: The survey results demonstrated that some of the considered factors significantly affect academic performance of students while some do not. As such, it is important for students to develop good study habits that will enable them spend more time studying while also cutting down on the number of hours spent daily on social media. In the same vein, students should be more involved in extracurricular activities that promote fitness, total wellness and team work. In addition, relationships should be well managed to ensure that they do not negatively impact on students’ academic performance.
Sanitary Status of Soybeans Seeds Produced in Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Kabangu J. Mudibu Wa , Kabemba N. Kalonji , Katoto P. , Lukombo J. C. , Mukendi J. , Manyi M. Muengula , Biola Funny , Lukanda Tshilenge , Tshiombe V. , Mbuyi A. Kalonji 
Published: April 2019

Soybean is one of the main food crops in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Its production is ensured mainly by farmers who use seeds of various origins. However, yields obtained with this crop remain low because of seed-borne diseases that also affect the quality of the seeds.
Twenty – two batches of seeds collected in the Democratic Republic of Congo were analyzed. The average values ​​of weight purity recorded ranged from 79 to 100 %, germination rates from 0 % to 86.6 % and seed weight from 71.1 to 152 g. Several phytopathogenic agents have been identified on both certified variety and landraces. The fungus Fusarium solani F.sp Glycine, Aspergillus sp, Rhizoctonia solani, Phomopsis longicola, Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. Glycine and Pseudomonas syringae pv Glycine have been identified.
Evaluation of Awareness of Susceptibility to Human Papilloma Virus and Cervical Cancer Screening among Nurses at University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria
Authors: Chubike Ndie Elkenah , Irolo Elusoji Christiana , Adeolu Ejidokun 
Published: April 2019

Aim of the Study: The study aimed at evaluation of awareness of Susceptibility to Human Papilloma Virus and Cervical Cancer Screening among Nurses at University of Benin Teaching Hospital.
Research Design: Cross sectional descriptive survey design was used for the study.
Study Place: The place of study is University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria.
Duration of Study: Data was collected within four weeks in December 2016.
Method of Data Collection: A validated self-structured questionnaire was utilised for data collection. A total of 281 nurses who worked in UBTH were recruited for the study. The study setting was purposively selected due the cervical cancer mortality observed among nurses in recent time. The level of significance was put at 0.05.
Findings: The results showed that 62 (24.2%) and 153 (59.8%) of the nurses are aware of susceptibility to Human papilloma Virus and cervical cancer and its prevention, respectively. However, 116 (45.3%) exhibited a negative attitude towards the proven screening modality. Those who demonstrated negative attitude towards pap smears utilisation were less likely to utilise it. This was found to be statistically significant (chi-square = 14.899, df = 1, p value = 0.000.
Conclusion: Besides, nurses with university education exhibited positive attitude towards pap smear test more than their counterparts who had diploma education in nursing/midwifery. Similarly, older nurses exhibited a positive attitude more than the younger counterparts.
Recommendation: Intervention programmes that would focus on change of attitude of the nurses towards utilisation of cervical cancer screening were recommended. Further study on the utilisation of cervical cancer screening by these nurses were also was also recommended.
Exploration of Antidiabetic Activity of Stephania japonica Leaf Extract in Alloxan-Induced Swiss Albino Diabetic Mice
Authors: Islam Md. Dobirul , Akter Syeda Farida , Islam Md. Amirul , Uddin Md. Salim 
Published: April 2019

Aims: Presently the medicinal world is rapidly turning more on the therapeutic health benefits of natural product and medicinal plants in the management of major crucial disease and their complications. Medicinal plant, Stephania japonica has been studied for exploring antidiabetic potentiality as an alternative source of medicine against the global threat of Diabetes mellitus (DM).
Methods: The extraction of S. japonica leaf was carried out by acetone and ethanol. Phytochemical screening and quantitative analysis of S. japonica leaf extracts were evaluated through chemically forming characterized color formation and calibration method respectively, by using standard reference substances (ascorbic acid, gallic acid, and quercetin) to assess the probable compounds present in the extract. Anti-diabetic potentiality of highest phytochemicals containing two extracts were investigated in in vitro as a ⍺-amylase inhibitors and in vivo through alloxan-induced Swiss albino diabetes mice model.
Results: Alkaloids, carbohydrates, steroids, flavonoids, resins, saponins, tannins and coumarins were present in the leaf extracts. The estimated amount of total phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols and proanthrocyanidins contents of acetone and ethanol extract were 92.12±0.64 and 56.54±1.05 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/gm of dry extract, 66.02±1.42 and 46.17±0.54 mg of catechin equivalent (CAE)/gm of dry extract, 7.05±0.108 and 5.26±0.083 mg of quercetin equivalent (QUE)/gm of dry extract, 35.19±0.67 and 9.55±1.11 mg CAE/gm of dry extract, respectively. In 3, 5-dinitrosalicylic acid method, acetone and ethanol extract showed α-amylase inhibition of 51.02% and 46.62%, respectively at the concentration of 1000 µg/mL whereas in starch iodine color assay, acetone and ethanol extract showed inhibition of 57.32% and 52.12%, respectively at the concentration of 800 µg/mL. In contrast, both of the leaf extracts significantly (p<0.05 to p<0.001) improved the lipid profile parameters, blood glucose level and serum hepatic marker proteins in alloxan-induced diabetic mice.
Conclusion: The present study strongly concluded that S. japonica leaf extracts process potent antidiabetic potentiality that might be significance for the management of diabetes and its complications.
Isolation and Characterization of Plasmid - Bearing Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Bacteria from Different Aquatic Sources in Akure, Nigeria
Authors: A. K. Onifade, , S. Alaofin, , O. O. Owoyemi, 
Published: April 2019

Aims: This study was designed to investigate the plasmid bearing multiple antibiotic resistant bacteria from different aquatic sources.
Place and Duration of Study: This research work was carried out in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo state, Nigeria between January and June, 2018.
Methodology: The pathogenic bacteria associated with water samples collected from different sources in Akure, Nigeria were isolated and characterized. A total of 521 water samples were collected from sources such as wells, taps, streams, rivers, boreholes and rain. All the samples were subjected to presumptive, confirmed and completed tests to evaluate their microbiological quality. The microbial types in the samples were determined using standard microbiological techniques. All isolates obtained in this study were subjected to antibiotic sensitivity analysis and screened for Beta-lactamase production (ESBL). Plasmid profile analysis of the resistance isolates was carried out using standard method. Furthermore, post-curing of the plasmid mediated antibiotic resistance isolates was performed and data obtained were analyzed and presented using analysis of variance.
Results: Bacterial isolates such as Acinetobacter baumanni, Citrobacter freundii, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella typhimurum, Salmonella paratyphi, Shigella dysenteriae, Serratia marcescens, Proteus vulgaris and Vibrio cholerae were identified from the water samples. The isolate E. coli had the highest percentage distribution of 24.10% in well water and 26.19% in stream water while Salmonella species had the highest occurrence of 53.85% in rain water. The Beta-lactamase producing (ESBL) isolates were resistant to multiple antibiotics except Ciprofloxacin, Gentamycin and Pefloxacin that conferred antibacterial effect. Plasmid-gene profile analysis of the isolates revealed that S. typhimurium, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa and P. vulgaris possess single plasmid each while only E. coli contain two plasmid bands. The post plasmid-curing antibiotic sensitivity test of the isolates revealed that the initial antibiotic resistance of the bacterial isolates were plasmid mediated.
Conclusion: Findings from this study suggest the purification of water from these sources before consumption is important as most microbes found in these samples are potential pathogens that are capable of causing infectious diseases with multiple antibiotic resistant features.
Priority approaches of occupational safety and health activities for preventing low back pain among caregivers
Authors: Iwakiri Kazuyuki , Takahashi Masaya , Sotoyama Midori , Liu Xinxin , Koda Shigeki 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Objectives
The incidence of occupational low back pain (LBP) is high among caregivers. The use of care equipment and training about care methods could prevent LBP among caregivers. However, in care facilities in Japan, these measures are not adequately employed. Moreover, the care facilities have faced issues regarding poor staffing in recent years. The present study investigated the relationship between LBP and occupational safety and health activities (OSHAs) for preventing LBP among caregivers and aimed to validate the priority approaches of OSHA.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted in care facilities for the elderly in Japan. Questionnaires for administrators and caregivers were distributed to 1,000 facilities and 5,000 caregivers, respectively. Questionnaires completed by 612 facilities and 2,712 caregivers were analyzed.

Results
No direct association was observed between severe LBP and OSHA, but indirect association was done. A significant relationship was noted between severe LBP and the care methods. Direct factors causing severe LBP were lifting a resident using human power and taking an unsuitable posture. These care methods were associated with the following OSHAs: promoting the use of care equipment, training about care methods, and consultation regarding the use of care equipment and employing an appropriate care method with the person in charge.

Conclusions
These OSHAs decreased lifting a resident using human power and taking an unsuitable posture, which are the primary risk factors of LBP. Therefore, these OSHAs should be implemented as priority approaches to prevent LBP among caregivers in care facilities for the elderly.
A novel method for monitoring the constancy of beam path accuracy in CyberKnife
Authors: Yang Bin , Wong Wing Kei Rebecca , Lam Wai Wang , Geng Hui , Kong Chi Wah , Cheung Kin Yin , Yu Siu Ki 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe aim of current work was to present a novel evaluation procedure implemented for checking the constancy of beam path accuracy of a CyberKnife system based on ArcCHECK. A tailor‐made Styrofoam with four implanted fiducial markers was adopted to enable the fiducial tracking during beam deliveries. A simple two‐field plan and an isocentric plan were created for determining the density override of ArcCHECK in MultiPlan and the constancy of beam path accuracy respectively. Correlation curves for all diodes involved in the study were obtained by analyzing the dose distributions calculated by MultiPlan after introducing position shifts in anteroposterior, superoinferior, and left–right directions. The ability of detecting systematic position error was also evaluated by changing the position of alignment center intentionally. The one standard deviation (SD) result for reproducibility test showed the RMS of 0.054 mm and the maximum of 0.263 mm, which was comparable to the machine self‐test result. The mean of absolute value of position errors in the constancy test was measured to 0.091 mm with a SD of 0.035 mm, while the root‐mean‐square was 0.127 mm with a SD of 0.034 mm. All introduced systematic position errors range from 0.3 to 2 mm were detected successfully. Efficient method for evaluating the constancy of beam path accuracy of CyberKnife has been developed and proven to be sensitive enough for detecting a systematic drift of robotic manipulator. Once the workflow is streamlined, our proposed method will be an effective and easy quality assurance procedure for medical physicists.
Comparison of multiparametric MRI‐based and transrectal ultrasound‐based preplans with intraoperative ultrasound‐based planning for low dose rate interstitial prostate seed implantation
Authors: Fredman Elisha T. , Traughber Bryan J. , Gross Andrew , Podder Tarun , Colussi Valdir , Vinkler Robert , Machtay Mitchell , Ellis Rodney J. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPurposeTransrectal ultrasound images are routinely acquired for low dose rate (LDR) prostate brachytherapy dosimetric preplanning (pTRUS), although diagnostic multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) may serve this purpose as well. We compared the predictive abilities of TRUS vs MRI relative to intraoperative TRUS (iTRUS) to assess the role of mpMRI in brachytherapy preplanning.Materials and methodsRetrospective analysis was performed on 32 patients who underwent iTRUS‐guided prostate LDR brachytherapy as either mono‐ or combination therapy. 56.3% had pTRUS‐only volume studies and 43.7% had both 3T‐mpMRI and pTRUS preplanning. MRI was used for preplanning and its image fusion with iTRUS was also used for intraoperative guidance of seed placement. Differences in gland volume, seed number, and activity and procedure time were examined, as well as the identification of lesions suspicious for tumor foci. Pearson correlation coefficient and Fisher's Z test were used to estimate associations between continuous measures.ResultsThere was good correlation of planning volumes between iTRUS and either pTRUS or MRI (r = 0.89, r = 0.77), not impacted by the addition of hormonal therapy (P = 0.65, P = 0.33). Both consistently predicted intraoperative seed number (r = 0.87, r = 0.86). MRI/TRUS fusion did not significantly increase surgical or anesthesia time (P = 0.10, P = 0.46). mpMRI revealed suspicious focal lesions in 11 of 14 cases not visible on pTRUS, that when correlated with histopathology, were incorporated into the plan.ConclusionsRelative to pTRUS, MRI yielded reliable preplanning measures, supporting the role of MRI‐only LDR treatment planning. mpMRI carries numerous diagnostic, staging and preplanning advantages that facilitate better patient selection and delivery of novel dose escalation and targeted therapy, with no additional surgical or anesthesia time. Prospective studies assessing its impact on treatment planning and delivery can serve to establish mpMRI as the standard of care in LDR prostate brachytherapy planning.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Carbonylative Synthesis of Benzosilinones from (2‐Iodophenyl)Hydrosilanes and Terminal Alkynes
Authors: Chen Bo , Wu Xiao‐Feng 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA palladium‐catalyzed carbonylation procedure for the synthesis of benzosilinones from (2‐iodophenyl)hydrosilanes and terminal alkynes has been developed. With Pd(PPh3)4 as the catalyst and DABCO as the base, various benzosilinones were isolated in good to excellent yields with good functional group tolerance. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example for the preparation of benzosilinones from terminal alkynes.magnified image