bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Appraisal of Content-Based Image Retrieval (CBIR) Methods
Authors: Olaleke J. O. , Adetunmbi A. O. , Ojokoh B. A. , Olaronke Iroju 
Published: April 2019

Background: Content Based Image Retrieval (CBIR) is an aspect of computer vision and image processing that finds images that are similar to a given query image in a large scale database using the visual contents of images such as colour, texture, shape, and spatial arrangement of regions of interest (ROIs) rather than manually annotated textual keywords. A CBIR system represents an image as a feature vector and measures the similarity between the image and other images in the database for the purpose of retrieving similar images with minimal human intervention. The CBIR system has been deployed in several fields such as fingerprint identification, biodiversity information systems, digital libraries, Architectural and Engineering design, crime prevention, historical research and medicine. There are several steps involved in the development of CBIR systems. Typical examples of these steps include feature extraction and selection, indexing and similarity measurement.
Problem: However, each of these steps has its own method. Nevertheless, there is no universally acceptable method for retrieving similar images in CBIR.
Aim: Hence, this study examines the diverse methods used in CBIR systems. This is with the aim of revealing the strengths and weakness of each of these methods.
Methodology: Literatures that are related to the subject matter were sought in three scientific electronic databases namely CiteseerX, Science Direct and Google scholar. The Google search engine was used to search for documents and WebPages that are appropriate to the study.
Results: The result of the study revealed that three main features are usually extracted during CBIR. These features include colour, shape and text. The study also revealed that diverse methods that can be used for extracting each of the features in CBIR. For instance, colour space, colour histogram, colour moments, geometric moment as well as colour correlogram can be used for extracting colour features. The commonly used methods for texture feature extraction include statistical, model-based, and transform-based methods while the edge method, Fourier transform and Zernike methods can be used for extracting shape features.
Contributions: The paper highlights the benefits and challenges of diverse methods used in CBIR. This is with the aim of revealing the methods that are more efficient for CBIR.
Conclusion: Each of the CBIR methods has their own advantages and disadvantages. However, there is a need for a further work that will validate the reliability and efficiency of each of the method.
Screening of Antimicrobial Activity of Various Extracts of the Stem Justicia gendarussa
Authors: Venkatachalam Dhanapal , Rahman Akhib , Sunny Basil , Jacob Jensy , Kuriyan Nikhil , Raman Reshma , Vaniapurackal Ria 
Published: April 2019

Objective: The present study was designed to check in-vitro efficacy of Antibacterial and antifungal activity of aqueous and hexane extracts of stem of Justicia gendarussa against selected bacterial and fungal strains. Justicia gendarussa, belonging to the family Acanthaceae, commonly known as ‘‘vatham kolli’ was used in treatment of bronchitis, inflammation, eye diseases, ear ache, vaginal discharges, rheumatism, dysentery, eczema and jaundice.
Methodology: Hexane and aqueous extracts of Justicia gendarussa was used for antimicrobial screening. Antibacterial activity was tested against pathogenic bacterial strains Eschericha coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Also antifungal activity was tested against one human pathogenic fungal strain i.e. Candida albicans. Antibacterial and antifungal activities of Justicia gendarussa extract was carried out by using disc diffusion method.
Results: Aqueous extract of Justicia gendarussa showed the largest zone of inhibition (5mm) against Eschericha coli, at 50µgm/ml and 3mmzone of inhibition against S. aures, at 50µgm/ml. Hexane extract does not showing activity against to human pathogenic E. coli and S. aures, at 50µgm/ml. Aqueous extract has shown more potent antibacterial activity against Eschericha coli. Aqueous extract was found to be more effective against human pathogenic fungus Candida albicuns than hexane extract and standard drug. The zone of inhibition of Aqueous extract was 11mm and the zone of inhibition of hexane extract was7mm and standard only 2mm.The phytochemical screening demonstrated the presence of different types of compounds like terpenoids, tannins, and flavonoids which may contribute for the anti-microbial action of this plant.
Conclusions: These findings provide scientific evidence of traditional use of Justicia gendarussa and also indicate the potential of this plant for the development of antimicrobial agents.
Pytochemical Characterization, Evaluation of the Anti-diabetic Activity and Acute Toxicity of Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae) Seed Oil in Wistar Rat Models
Authors: Nkeng-Asong Bezejea , Fokunang Tembe Estella , Borgia Njinkio Nono , Grace Mbong , Bathelemy Ngameni , Yves Tabi Omgba , Marcel Ngudjoe Ervrard , Nchafor Ndikum Valentine , Tchaleu Ngadjui Bonaventure , Ntungwen Fokunang Charles 
Published: April 2019

Aim: Azadirachta indica A. Juss commonly called ‘Indian Lilac’ or ‘Margosa’ is used in the South West region of Cameroon to treat malaria, typhoid, intestinal worms and diabetes, and as mosquito repellent. Diabetes, a major risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases, is associated with long term damage, dysfunction, and failure of various organs, especially the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels. This study was designed to determine the phytochemical constituents and to investigate the anti-diabetic property of Azadirachta indica A. Juss seed oil obtained from the Far North region of Cameroon in alloxan induced diabetic Wistar rats.
Method: An in vivo experimental study was conducted in the laboratory for preclinical animal studies and pharmaco-toxicology research, of FMBS, UY1 Cameroon. A study population of 135 albino Wistar rats with average mass 100 ± 20g was used. The phytochemical screening of the seed oil used was done using the GC-MS technique. The antihyperglycemic property of the oil was evaluated after oral glucose hyperglycemia induction, using 2g/kg body mass of glucose. The anti-diabetic property of the oil was evaluated over a period of 28 days, and blood glucose concentration after diabetes induction using alloxan solution in citrate buffer. The oral acute toxicity profile of the oil was evaluated over a period of 14 days following oral single dose 3 mL/100g administration of neem oil.
Results: Physico-chemical results showed that the oil was composed mainly of five fatty acides (oleic acid (30-55%) being the most abundant and linoleic acid (11-26%) least abundant) and nineteen biochemicals with the three most abundant being: nonacosane (20.6575%), hentriacontane (14.1515%) and 2-methylbenzaldehyde (11.8674%). The oil was antihyperglycemic and maximum effect observed at 1mL/100g body mass, and at t=20minutes, compared to 0.5 mL and 1.5 mL.
Conclusion: This study showed that neem oil have a promising preventive diabetic properties. The oil also proved to be antidiabetic at the doses of 0.5 mL, 1 mL and 1.5 mL per 100g body mass, with maximum effect observed with neem oil at 1ml/100g. Acute toxicity results showed no lethality at the maximum standard toxicity range of 2000mg/kg body weight.
Evaluation of Organoleptic, pH and Pasting Properties of Blends from Unripe Plantain, Soybean and Ginger
Authors: Iwanegbe I. , Jimah A. , Suleiman M. 
Published: April 2019

Aim: To evaluate the organoleptic, pH and pasting properties of unripe plantain (Musa paradisiaca), soybeans (Glycine max) and ginger (Zingerber officianale) as edible sources of food which can be processed into flour for several purposes.
Methodology: The plant materials (unripe plantain, soybean and ginger) used in this study were processed separately into flours. The flours were then formulated into different proportions i.e. composite flour blends; A (100%), B(80:14:6)%, C(70:26:4)%, D (60:38:2)% and E(50:50)% and analyzed for pasting properties, pH and sensory properties using standard procedures for 12weeks. Data generated were subjected to one-way analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in randomized block to test significant variations (P<0.05) among mean values obtained.
Results: The results showed that the peak viscosity of the blends which is the ability of starch to swell freely before their physical breakdown ranged from 651 RVU to 2766 RVU. The highest value (2766 RVU) was recorded in blend A, follow by B (1916 RVU), C (1383 RVU), D (972 RVU) while the lowest value (651 RVU) was recorded in E. The highest trough value (2462 RVU) was recorded in blend A and followed by B (1687 RVU), C (1224 RVU), D (875 RVU) and the lowest was E (550 RVU). This implies that the higher the quantity of soybean substituted, the lesser the trough. Trough which measures the ability of paste to withstand breakdown during cooling was significantly different (P<0.05) in the blends. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in the aroma of the various blends at week 0. Blend B with 6% ginger inclusion had the highest score (8.83) at 0 week, followed by blend C (8.50) with 4% ginger. Blends A and E without ginger inclusion had the lowest scores (6.25 and 6.75 respectively) at 12 weeks. The highest pH blend E (6.98) was observed at 12 weeks storage. The pH of the various blends remained acidic throughout storage of 12 weeks, an indication of shelf stability of products.
Conclusion: It was evident that supplementing unripe plantain flour adequately improved the pasting properties, pH and organoleptic properties which is a useful application in pastries like cakes and other snacks
In vivo Evaluation of Anti-malarial Activity of Stem and Root Extracts of Erythrina abyssinica
Authors: Onyango Daniel W. , Midiwo Jacob O. 
Published: April 2019

Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the in vivo anti-malarial activity of stem and root extracts of E. abyssinica using the 4-day suppressive in vivo anti-malarial test.
Methodology: Female mice weighing approximately 20±2 g were intra-peritoneally injected with mice passaged Plasmodium berghei parasites. The extracts were then administered orally 2 h post-infection and, subsequently, daily for 4 days. On the 4th day, blood smears were prepared from all the mice, stained with giemsa and parasitaemia as well as chemosuppression determined.
Results: Comparatively, the root extracts exhibited higher chemosuppression than stem extracts and the level of chemosuppression was dose dependent being the highest at 50 mg/kg and lowest at 12.5 mg/kg. Survival time in extract treated and chloroquine treated groups was 2 to 3 fold higher than the –ve control.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that the root extracts are more efficacious in suppressing the development of full blown malaria compared to stem extracts and may be a useful candidate in managing malaria in future.
Agronomic Efficiency of Bone Meal under Acidification in Brachiaria ruziziensis Dry Matter Production in Western Amazon
Authors: Damaceno João Batista Dias , Nina Lobato Ana Cecília , Gama Romildo Torres da , Silva Cleidson Alves da , Martins Jhonny Kelvin Dias , Oliveira Danielle Monteiro de , Tucci Carlos Alberto Franco , Souza Falcão Newton Paulo de , Ferreira Elvino 
Published: April 2019

Aims: The objective of this work was to evaluate the agronomic efficiency of the bone meal under acidification in the production of dry matter of Brachiaria ruziziensis in relation to a soluble source.
Study Design: The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with seven treatments and three replications. Treatments included a control, single superphosphate (SS), bone meal (BM), BM treated with 10% oxalic acid, BM treated with 10% acetic acid, and BM treated with 1% to 0.5% hydrochloric acid.
Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out from October 2014 to February 2015, at the Experimental Farm of the Federal University of Rondônia (UNIR), located 15 km from the city of Rolim de Moura, Rondônia, Brazil.
Methodology: The bone meal used in the experiment was produced manually, where bovine bones were collected and burned for carbon removal and particle reduction. The oxalic acid, acetic acid and hydrochloric acid were used to increase the solubility of the bone meal for application to the soil for growth of B. ruziziensis. Parameters evaluated were the agronomic efficiency index (AEI), phosphorus conversion efficiency (PCE), shoot dry matter (SDM), and root dry matter (RDM).
Results: AEI obtained for acid treatments was above 60% and PCE satisfactory when compared to the soluble source, except for 0.5% hydrochloric acid and significantly above the BM without acid treatments. There was higher production of SDM and RDM with the soluble source (SS), however the acid treatments promoted dry matter production above the BM without acid treatments.
Conclusions: The application of acids in bone meal promoted satisfactory agronomic efficiency gains for Brachiaria ruziziensis.
Yield and Characteristics of Melon Fruits under Different Fertilization Management and Soil Cover
Authors: Lobo Jackson Teixeira , Silva Sales Witalo da , Alves Feitosa José Fabrício , Costa Junior Juscelino Martins , De Fatima Reynaldo Teodoro , Carreiro Daniel De Almeida , Camara Felipe Thomaz da 
Published: April 2019

Aims: To evaluate the 'Canary' and 'Hale's Best Jumbo' melon yield and fruit characteristics as a function of fertilization management and soil cover with mulch.
Study Design: The design was a randomized complete block design in a 2x3x2 factorial scheme, with three replications and seven plants per plot.
Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted from June to September 2015, at the Center of Agrarian and Biodiversity Sciences of the Federal University of Cariri, located in the city of Crato, Cariri region, Brazil.
Methodology: Two varieties of melon ('Canary' and 'Hale's Best Jumbo') were studied under three fertilization managements (mineral fertilization via soil, mineral fertilization via soil + organic fertilization and mineral fertilization via soil + foliar fertilization) with the presence or absence of soil cover with polyethylene mulch.
Results: The use of mineral + organic fertilization and mineral + leaf fertilization promoted an increase in fruit mass and yield of approximately 3.93 t ha-1 (25.50%) and 4.64 t ha-1 (30%), respectively. Both melon cultivars presented the best responses grown on plastic mulch, with yield increases of 79.66% and 26.16% for 'Canary' and 'Hale's Best Jumbo', respectively. Moreover, the 'Hale's Best Jumbo' cultivar presented higher soluble solids contents than the 'Canary' melon, with an increase of 11.26% (0.76 ° Brix).
Conclusion: The use of soil cover and additional fertilization (organic or foliar) in the cultivation of melon provides an increase in size, mass and productivity, while soil cover increases the soluble solids content in fruits.
Breaking Communication Stereotypes: The Discourse of Armenian Velvet Revolution
Authors: Muradian Gaiane 
Published: April 2019

In its most basic sense, communication – the transmission and reception of information between the addresser and addressee, the generation of certain meaning, and the powerful source of information in the society – is a social multidimensional semi­otic sys­tem which today, along with traditional oral and written discourse modes, is realized through numerous other media or modes – live-streaming and online text messaging as well as pictures, graphic designs, cartoons, colors, music, clothing, theatre-like scenes/actions, etc. The collection of these modes or elements, contributes to how multimodality affects different rhetorical situations, or opportunities for increasing the audience’s reception of an idea or concept. Hence, the present paper aims at outlining the different modes of multidisciplinary communication tactics with a focus on the complex nature of language/discourse/text and other multimodal communication practices in terms of the aural, spatial and visual resources or modes used to compose the message of the 2018 Armenian Velvet Revolution. The case study shows that the Armenian Velvet Revolution is a master-class in the application of multimodality, i.e. various modes of communication to convey information and impact the public, thus securing the success of the Revolution
Current Issues of Backpacking Tourism Development: Profile and Characteristics of “Sharecost” and “Opentrip” Tourist
Authors: Wiweka Kadek , Wachyuni Suci Sandi , Simawang Sinta Prasintya , Adnyana Pramania , Wihartaty Eka 
Published: April 2019

Aims: The backpacker phenomenon has developed so rapidly and more professionally packaged. Currently, there are two types of backpacker activities that are in great demand, such as "Open Trip" and "Share Cost". The purpose of this study is to identify the profile and characteristics of tourists "Open Trip" and "Share Cost", as part of a type of backpacking tour.
Study Design: The researcher used an ethnographic approach that was carried out by combining observation techniques, interviews, and participatory questionnaires, which meant researchers followed the opentrip and share cost trips as research objects.
Methodology: This approach is carried out by combining observation techniques, interviews, and participatory questionnaires, which means that researchers follow the opentrip and share cost trips as research objects. We included 73 participants each from share cost and opentrip. All participants filled out questionnaires about profiles and their characteristics.
Results: This study found that both the method of travel, both opentrip and Sharecost, have many similarities and are grouped in backpacker types. The similarity that occurs lies in the demographic characteristics of tourists in terms of age and work, but there are differences in gender. Whereas from the travel process, there are some technical differences between preparation, when traveling, until after the trip.
Conclusions: Where both share cost and opentrip have the characteristics of each market. This information is important for tourism industry players to recognize market segments that are now developing among millennials. This information can then be useful as a reference in determining marketing strategies and product development in accordance with the characteristics of these tourists.
Comparison and Effectiveness of Complementary and Alternative Medicine as against Conventional Medicine in the Treatment and Management of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Boston Cecil , Wong Natasha , Ganga Teshawattie , Chandradatt Khaimwattie , Rosales Judith , Singh Jaipaul , Kurup Rajini 
Published: April 2019

Aim: The main objective of the study was to compare, using laboratory data, the efficacy of herbal medicines against conventional drugs in treating and managing diabetes mellitus (DM) among type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients.
Methodology: The study recruited 80 patients from a private Herbal Clinic and the Georgetown Public Hospital Diabetic and Medical Outpatient Clinic after giving their consent and satisfying the inclusion criteria. Laboratory tests and analysis were done using conventional scientific methods and data analyzed using SPSS version 20 with a p-value of 0.05 being used to determine statistical significance.
Results: The results showed that age, religion, ethnicity, education, marital status and monthly income have significant associations with the use of herbs. Persons using herbal medicine alone had normal lipid profile, renal function and liver function test, in addition to hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cell count (WBC), glycosylated hemoglobin (HBA1c) and fasting blood glucose (FBS). The most common herbs used were Momordica charantia (local name- karela) and Azadirachta indica (local name- neem), which were used in combination or alone. Results showed a positive effect on coronary heart disease risk.
Conclusion: The information generated from the study indicated that a significant number of diabetic patients using herbs alone for their treatment had normal results. However, a more controlled study is required to validate these results.
Biological monitoring of o-toluidine in urine pretreated by an enzymatic deconjugation method
Authors: Eitaki Yoko , Nakano Makiko , Kawai Toshio , Omae Kazuyuki , Takebayashi Toru 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Objectives
To establish an enzymatic deconjugation method to separately quantify urinary o-toluidine (OT), its six metabolites, another six chemicals present in an OT-processing plant, and one metabolite of p-toluidine, and to propose optimal urinary biological monitoring items of OT exposure.

Methods
Thirty-six urine samples of an OT-processing plant’s workers were obtained and pretreated by an enzymatic deconjugation method employing β-glucuronidase/arylsulfatase for 3 hours at 37°C and measured by liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). An alkaline hydrolytic pretreatment and 1-chlorobutane extraction procedure was also examined as a widely used urinary OT measurement method.

Results
The 14 chemicals were separated by LC-MS condition set by us and 13 chemicals other than 2-chloroaniline showed satisfiable linearity and limits of determination. Standard substances of six OT metabolites decomposed after the alkaline heating. In the 36 urine samples, OT, N-(4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl) acetamide (NHM), and 4-amino-m-cresol (ACR) accounted for approx. 90% of the total OT and OT metabolites, but inter-individual variation of the three substance excretion seemed to be wide. Time course of urinary excretion revealed that concentration of the three substances was higher 24 hours after the work shift’s end rather than just after the work shift.

Conclusions
OT and its six metabolites can each be determined with LC-MS. The alkaline method is not so optimal for exact biological monitoring. Rather, the sum of urinary OT, NHM, and ACR measured by the enzymatic method is a better index, and “end of the workweek” is a good urine-sampling time for the biological monitoring of OT exposure.
A new Elf5CreERT2‐GFP BAC transgenic mouse model for tracing Elf5 cell lineages in adult tissues
Authors: Singh Snahlata , Elenio Emily , Leu Nicolae A. , Romano Rose‐Anne , Vaughan Andrew E. , DeRiso Jennifer , Surendran Kameswaran , Chakrabarti Rumela 
Published: April 2019

Elf5 is a transcription factor known to regulate critical developmental processes and has been shown to act as a tumour suppressor in multiple cancers. Elf5 knockout mice are embryonically lethal, limiting in vivo studies pertaining to its function. Moreover, haploinsufficiency of Elf5 limits the use of current mouse models to investigate adult tissue distribution of Elf5. Here, we successfully generated Elf5CreERT2‐GFP bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenic mice and show that Elf5+ cells are present in several adult tissues, where its expression was previously not known. Our study demonstrates the unique distribution of Elf5+ cells in multiple adult organs, which will facilitate future studies investigating the function of Elf5 in these tissues during homeostasis, repair and cancer.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Inert C−H Bond Activation and Cyclocarbonylation of Isoquinolones with Carbon Dioxide Leading to Isoindolo[2,1‐b]isoquinoline‐5,7‐Diones
Authors: Yan Kelu , Jin Junbin , Kong Yong , Li Bin , Wang Baiquan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA palladium‐catalyzed inert C−H bond activation and cyclocarbonylation of isoquinolones leading to isoindolo[2,1‐b]isoquinoline‐5,7‐diones under 1 atm of carbon dioxide has been developed. This transformation features high regio‐ and chemo‐selectivity, step‐economy, and good functional group tolerance. Most of the corresponding products were obtained in moderate to good yields. It offers an alternative approach for the synthesis of useful diverse isoindolo[2,1‐b]isoquinoline‐5,7‐dione derivatives.magnified image