bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nori Preference Level based on the Condition of the Raw Material Eucheuma cottonii Seaweed
Authors: Ramasari Dinda Widu , Liviawaty Evi , Nurhayati Atikah , Pratama Rusky Intan , Afrianto Eddy 
Published: August 2019

Aims: To determine the level of preference of panelists for Nori based on the condition of raw materials of dry and semi-dried Kappaphycus alvarezii (formerly Eucheuma cottonii) seaweed.
Study Design: The research was conducted experimentally.
Place and Duration of Study: Organoleptic tests were carried out in the Laboratory of Fisheries Product Processing Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, University of Padjadjaran. Physical tests and chemical tests conducted at the Laboratory of Research and Biological Resources and Biotechnology Research Institute at the Society (LPPM), IPB, between March 2019 and April 2019.
Methodology: The research was conducted experimentally consisted of 3 treatments with 20 semi-trained panelists as replication from Fisheries students of Fisheries and Marine Science Faculty, University of Padjadjaran who had experienced the organoleptic assessment. Hedonic tests were to determine the level of panelists preference for the products which included appearance, aroma, texture, and flavor, the results were statistically analyzed using Friedman Test and Bayes Test. Physical tests (thickness and hardness) and chemical tests (water content and crude fiber content) were carried out on the most preferred treatment product and analyzed descriptively.
Results: The organoleptic test results of Nori from Kappaphycus alvarezii (formerly Eucheuma cottonii) seaweed with dry raw material conditions had the highest average value on each characteristic compared to other treatments, appearance of 7.70, aroma of 7.00, texture of 7.50, and flavor of 7.90. The Bayes test results on the treatment of Nori from Kappaphycus alvarezii (formerly Eucheuma cottonii) seaweed with dry raw materials conditions having the highest alternative which was 8.54 with the most influential taste criteria for the assessment. The thickness of the Nori was 0.108 mm, the hardness was 1916.16 gf, water content of Nori was 17.23% and crude fiber content was 10.10%.
Conclusion: The treatment of Nori with raw materials of dry conditions was the most preferred by panelists.
Comparative Effects of Cow Dung and Poultry Manure on the Germination and Growth of Zingiber officinale (Ginger) William Roscoe Production
Authors: Owoloja O. A. , Oyewo I. O. 
Published: August 2019

The study is based on determining the effects of organic manure (cow dung and poultry manure) on the growth & germination of Zingiber officinale using topsoil in the research as the medium of growth. The seeds were subjected to 7 treatments which include cow dung and poultry manures and topsoil only as control treatment. The seeds were sown directly into the polythene pots thoroughly mixed with the organic manures at different levels of application which includes 2.5 g, 5.0 g and 10.0 g with 3 replicates making a total of 21 poly pots. The germination was thoroughly observed for 3 weeks after planting. The experiment was laid in a completely Randomized design with 3 replicates.
The parameters assessed were the plant height, the number of leaves and stem girth. The data collected were subjected to ANOVA.
The Results of the study showed that treatment T1 with cow dung at 2.5 g had the highest plant height of (49.65 cm), stem diameter of (0.458 m) and Number of leaves (12.27) followed by T5 (5.0g of poultry Manure) with plant height of (45.40 cm) stem diameter (0.435 cm) and number of leaves (12.73). Treatment 7 which is the control treatment had the Least Leaf Number of (24), height of (28.97) and stem diameter of (0.257).
Therefore from all the treatments used, cow dung at 2.5 g and poultry manure at 5.0 g are advisable for Raising Zingiber officinale.
Manipulation of Chemical Properties in Soil under Wetland Rice through Industrial Effluents
Authors: Islam Md. Rafiqul , Rahman Golam Kibria Muhammad Mustafizur , Saleque Md. Abu 
Published: August 2019

A laboratory experiment was conducted in Soil Science Division of Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) during 2010-11 aimed to determine the effects of different industrial effluents on some soil chemical properties under long-term industrial wastewater irrigated rice field. Effluents irrigation created some differences in soil pH, electrical conductivity and organic carbon. The pH in all soil depth was higher with wastewater irrigated rice field. Irrigation with wastewater increased in all the effluents irrigated rice fields; the electrical conductivity (EC) was remarkable higher with all soil depth than the control field. In all the rice fields soil (Control + effluents irrigated fields), the organic carbon content (%) started to decrease sharply with the increase in soil depth. Organic carbon content was slightly higher with wastewater irrigated rice soils. Exchangeable cations (Ca, Mg, K and Na), trace elements (Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu) and heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr and Ni) were increased through irrigation with wastewater in rice–rice cropping pattern.
Prevalence of Insulin Resistance among Cigarette Smokers in Sokoto Metropolis
Authors: Kakako Saheed Ladipo , Oduola Taofeeq , Dallatu Muhammad Kabiru , Bako Hauwa , Ugwuoke Chidi , Ali Ali Isah 
Published: August 2019

Introduction: Cigarette smoking (CS) is a well-known risk factor for the development of metabolic diseases, various forms of cancer as well as insulin resistance (IR). IR is considered as an underlying derangement which very commonly aggravates metabolic syndrome.
Aim: This study assessed the prevalence of IR in cigarette smokers in Sokoto metropolis using selected surrogate markers.
Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted in Sokoto among 108 subjects. Fasting venous blood samples were collected for plasma glucose, triglycerides and insulin estimation. Plasma glucose and serum triglycerides were analysed using enzymatic methods while insulin was assayed using ELISA method. Homeostasis model of assessment-IR (HOMA-IR), Quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), Mc Auley (McA) and fasting IR index (FIRI) were calculated using standard formula and IR cut-off of >2.5, <0.339, >5.8 and >2.3 respectively were used.
Results: Based on the cut off mark, the prevalence of IR for HOMA-IR, QUICKI, McA, FIRI indices were 62(57.4%), 66(61.1%), 39(36.1%) and 60(55.6%) respectively. There was a significant correlation between HOMA-IR and FIRI (p< 0.05, r = 0.999). HOMA-IR also had a significant correlation with McA (p<0.05 r = -0.506). QUICKI had a significant correlation with McA (p<0.05 and r = 0.243).
Conclusion: This study established a significantly high prevalence of IR among CS. Importantly, it can be concluded that cigarette smokers may be predisposed to the development of metabolic disease.
Changes in Renal Parameters Associated with Typhoid Infection
Authors: Ozougwu J. C. , Alozie K. C. , Imakwu C. A. , Eziuzor S. C. , Akwari D. K. 
Published: August 2019

Background: Typhoid is a vital health hazard globally but its incidence is greater in developing compared to developed countries owing to low sanitation, poor hygiene practices, unsafe food and drinking water.
Objective: This study was designed to determine the changes in renal parameters associated with male and female Typhoid patients.
Materials and Methods: A hundred and twenty male and hundred and twenty female Typhoid patients were divided into four groups made up of sixty Typhoid positive male, sixty Typhoid negative male, sixty Typhoid positive female and sixty Typhoid negative females. The renal parameters were evaluated using Spectrophotometer. The results were analyzed using statistical package for social science version 20 statistical software.
Results: The result of renal changes associated with male and female Typhoid fever patient showed insignificant increase (p < 0.05) in Total serum Protein and significant increase (p < 0.05) in Creatinine level of both male and female patient compared to their control. It showed insignificant increase (p < 0.05) in potassium ion and sodium ion of the Typhoid positive male patient, significant decrease in sodium ion and insignificant decrease in potassium ion of the Typhoid positive female compare to their controls. Similarly, the result of the Typhoid positive male patients showed significant increase (p < 0.05) in Chloride ion and insignificant decrease (p < 0.05) in Chloride ion of Typhoid positive female compare to their control. Furthermore, it showed insignificant decrease (p < 0.05) in Urea level of the Typhoid positive males and insignificant increase (p < 0.05) in Urea level of the Typhoid positive females.
Conclusions: Renal parameters as a tool for examining cases of early typhoid infections may aid in detecting early complications related to typhoid fever so as to aid in patients care and avert death that may come from such complication.
Credit Card Fraud Detection Using Autoencoder Model in Unbalanced Datasets
Authors: Al-Shabi M. A. 
Published: August 2019

Fraudulent credit card transaction is still one of problems that face the companies and banks sectors; it causes them to lose billions of dollars every year. The design of efficient algorithm is one of the most important challenges in this area. This paper aims to propose an efficient approach that automatic detects fraud credit card related to insurance companies using deep learning algorithm called Autoencoders. The effectiveness of the proposed method has been proved in identifying fraud in actual data from transactions made by credit cards in September 2013 by European cardholders. In addition, a solution for data unbalancing is provided in this paper, which affects most current algorithms. The suggested solution relies on training for the autoencoder for the reconstruction normal data. Anomalies are detected by defining a reconstruction error threshold and considering the cases with a superior threshold as anomalies. The algorithm's performance was able to detected fraudulent transactions between 64% at the threshold = 5, 79% at the threshold = 3 and 91% at threshold= 0.7, it is better in performance compare with logistic regression 57% in unbalanced dataset.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex People Residing on Blue Diamond Society of Dhumbarahi, Kathmandu, Nepal: A Social Life Perspective
Authors: Subedi Suraksha , Dahal Maginsh , Baral Kushalata , Baral Bimal , Rai Sanjita 
Published: August 2019

Background: Sex refers to biological and physical characteristics that are linked with labeled male or female. Transgender refers to a person whose sense of personal identity and gender does not correspond with their birth sex.
Objectives: The objective of the study was to determine the social life of LGBTI living at blue diamond society.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted among 188 respondents living at Blue diamond society Dhumbarahi, Kathmandu. Non-probability, purposive sampling technique and structured interview were used for data collection. Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 16 and percentage was calculated and presented in tables.
Results: Among 188 respondents, 28.2% were transgender male, 28.7% were transgender female, 22.9%were gay and 20.2% were lesbian, all (100%) of the respondents have difficulty walking outside the society, all(100%) of the respondent have difficult to adjust beside their own society and all(100%) of the respondents do not have job opportunity in the society.
Conclusion: The above results concluded that further studies on various topics related to LGBTI are needed to conduct for improvement of social life of LGBTI.
Evaluation of Acute Painful Episodes with Foetal Hemoglobin Level and Other Haematological Parameters in Sickle Cell Patients in Abuja Nigeria
Authors: Okeke O. Chinwe , Ukaejiofo O. Ernest , Obiageli E. Nnodu , Eyiuche D. Ezigbo , Chinedu C. Okeke 
Published: August 2019

Introduction: Heterogeneity in sickle cell anaemia manifestations ranges from near asymptomatic cases to severe illness.
Objective: This study determined the relationship between foetal haemoglobin F level, other haematological parameters and acute painful episode score of sickle cell disease patients in FCT Abuja Nigeria.
Methods: 60 Sickle cell patients were selected for the study. 20 severe crises, 20 non-severe crisis SS were enrolled in the study. Control group comprised 20 apparently healthy haemoglobin AA individuals. Data were analysed descriptively.
Results: Hb F level increased significantly in non-severe crisis sickle cell anaemia (7.12%± 3.6) and severe crisis (5.30%±2.3) groups, compared to the control group (0.32±1.8). This trend was also observed in RDW, MCHC and MCV. The mean Hb concentration and haematocrit (Hct) were significantly lower for both non- severe crisis and severe crisis SCA groups. There was no significant correlation between HbF and any of the haematological parameters in both non severe crisis and severe crisis groups. Patients with SCA had higher levels of HbF than matched controls. HbF had no correlation with any of the haematological parameters in both severe and non-severe SCA groups studied.
Conclusion: Further studies should focus on environmental factors contributing to this variability.
Physician’s Knowledge on X-ray Exposure from CT Scans in a Moroccan Hospital
Authors: Amaoui Bouchra , Kharras Abdennasser El , Semghouli Slimane 
Published: August 2019

Background: Computed tomography (CT) is a major source of ionizing radiation exposure in medical diagnostic. Patients more exposed related to radiation are supposed to be more susceptible to health risks.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess physician’s knowledge of radiation doses and potential health risks of radiation exposure from CT.
Materials and Methods: A standardized questionnaire was distributed to physicians. The questionnaire covered the demographic data of the prescriber, the frequency of referrals for CT scan examinations, the physicians’ knowledge of radiation doses, the potential health risks of radiation exposure from CT scan and training on patients’ radiation protection. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Microsoft Office Excel 2007.
Results: A total of 72 physicians (55%) completed the questionnaire. Ninety nine percent of the practitioners’ prescribe CT examinations for patients during their exercises but only 10% of physicians use the guideline during CT prescriptions. Thirty eight percent of prescribers took into account the ratio benefit/risk related to x-rays during radiological exam prescription. While 4% of prescribers’ explained the risk related to x-rays to the patients during radiological exam prescription, 14% of physicians have correctly estimated the effective dose received during an abdomen pelvic scan compared to the dose of a standard chest x-ray radiograph in an adult. Fifty four percent of doctors underestimated the lifetime risk of fatal cancer attributable to a single computed tomography scan of the abdomen pelvic and 8% of practitioners have received formal training on risks to patients from radiation exposure.
Conclusion: The present study showed the limited knowledge of radiation exposure for the Physicians. Recurrent training in advanced radiation protection of patients could lead to significant improvements in knowledge and practice of CT prescribers.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Self-medication among Pharmacy Students in North Cyprus
Authors: Khamis Sarah , Sheqer Hasan , Arsoy Gunay 
Published: August 2019

Aim: The aim of our study is to assess the attitude, knowledge and practice of self-medication among fifth year Pharmacy Students at Near East University in Northern Cyprus.
Study Design: A cross sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in faculty of pharmacy in Near East University in Northern Cyprus on 28 of December 2018.
Methodology: A 7- part self administered questionnaire was used among fifth year pharmacy students who were available during the study time.
Results: A total of 77 questionnaires were distributed to be filled by respondents, all of them were filled completely and collected. 88% of the participants in our study were in the prevalent age group of 22-26 years and most of these students were from Turkey (58.3%). 25.7% of students visited a physician when they had a disease, however 25% of them didn’t comply with physician’s prescription. Headache (16.8%) and common cold (14.0%) were the most frequently reported illness for which self-medication was taken. Analgesic medicines (37.4%), followed by vitamins (29.7%) and antibiotic (13.5%), were used commonly as self-medication. Nearly all of students 95.9% knew the meaning of OTC and prescription only drugs. About 30.7% of students medicated themselves because it isn’t a serious disease. The main source of information about self-medication for students was the advice from pharmacist (29.7%). 26.8% of students agreed that pharmacists are good source of information for minor medical problems, 18.2% agreed that self-medication is acceptable for pharmacy students however 4.1% accepted that self-medication is not acceptable at all and it would be harmful.
Conclusion: The practice of self-medication is prevalent amongst fifth year pharmacy students even with adequate knowledge and awareness about the consequences. Proactive pharmacist may contribute in management of minor illness and rationalized self-medication.
Modeling Elekta VersaHD using the Varian Eclipse treatment planning system for photon beams: A single‐institution experience
Authors: Zhang You , Le Anh H. , Tian Zhen , Iqbal Zohaib , Chiu Tsuicheng , Gu Xuejun , Pugachev Andrei , Reynolds Robert , Park Yang K. , Lin Mu‐Han , Stojadinovic Strahinja 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe aim of this study was to report a single‐institution experience and commissioning data for Elekta VersaHD linear accelerators (LINACs) for photon beams in the Eclipse treatment planning system (TPS). Two VersaHD LINACs equipped with 160‐leaf collimators were commissioned. For each energy, the percent‐depth‐dose (PDD) curves, beam profiles, output factors, leaf transmission factors and dosimetric leaf gaps (DLGs) were acquired in accordance with the AAPM task group reports No. 45 and No. 106 and the vendor‐supplied documents. The measured data were imported into Eclipse TPS to build a VersaHD beam model. The model was validated by creating treatment plans spanning over the full‐spectrum of treatment sites and techniques used in our clinic. The quality assurance measurements were performed using MatriXX, ionization chamber, and radiochromic film. The DLG values were iteratively adjusted to optimize the agreement between planned and measured doses. Mobius, an independent LINAC logfile‐based quality assurance tool, was also commissioned both for routine intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) QA and as a secondary check for the Eclipse VersaHD model. The Eclipse‐generated VersaHD model was in excellent agreement with the measured PDD curves and beam profiles. The measured leaf transmission factors were less than 0.5% for all energies. The model validation study yielded absolute point dose agreement between ionization chamber measurements and Eclipse within ±4% for all cases. The comparison between Mobius and Eclipse, and between Mobius and ionization chamber measurements lead to absolute point dose agreement within ±5%. The corresponding 3D dose distributions evaluated with 3%global/2mm gamma criteria resulted in larger than 90% passing rates for all plans. The Eclipse TPS can model VersaHD LINACs with clinically acceptable accuracy. The model validation study and comparisons with Mobius demonstrated that the modeling of VersaHD in Eclipse necessitates further improvement to provide dosimetric accuracy on par with Varian LINACs.
Substrate‐Controlled Divergent Synthesis of Enaminones and Pyrroles from Indolizines and Nitroso Compounds
Authors: González‐Soria María José , Alonso Francisco 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIt is imperative to learn new synthetic transformations to succeed in drug discovery and development. We report the substrate‐driven synthesis of β‐enaminones and N‐aryl pyrroles from indolizines and nitrosoarenes; aryl‐substituted indolizines lead to β‐enaminones in a regio‐ and diastereoselective manner, whereas alkyl‐substituted indolizines produce tetrasubstituted pyrroles. All products contain a pyridine unit, the second most abundant ring (after phenyl) in the FDA Orange Book. In both cases, the reactions proceed at room temperature without any catalyst. Moreover, both types of products can be obtained in one pot from commercial materials as well as at a gram scale. It is worthy of note that the regioselectivity of the β‐enaminones is inaccessible by the standard literature methods and their utility has been exemplified in the synthesis of diverse heterocycles. We have made every endeavor to put forward the corresponding reaction mechanisms based on thorough experimental work.magnified image
One‐pot synthesis of octablock copolymers of high‐molecular weight via RAFT emulsion polymerization
Authors: Fang Jinwei , Wang Shengpeng , Luo Yingwu 
Published: August 2019

AbstractMultiblock copolymers (mBCPs) could offer new opportunities to design new nanomaterials with multifunctions or enhanced properties in a cost‐effective way. However, it is still very challenging to obtain high degree of polymerization in each block of mBCPs with large block number using one‐pot synthesis via controlled radical polymerizations. This is due to the accumulation of the dead chains throughout the many step polymerization. In this work, we developed a new highly efficient strategy for preparing mBCPs with large block number using one‐pot reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) emulsion polymerization, where every polymer block was formed by sequential addition of monomers. We achieved high block degree of polymerizations (~100 per block) for a model system of “octablock” polystyrene (PS) in just 2 hr per block. Experimentally measured molecular weights are in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions. The dead chains generated through the polymerization are negligible due to the low initiator concentration. Yet the polymerization rates are still very fast due to the heterogeneous advantages of emulsion polymerization. We have also applied this strategy to a series of mBCPs from diblock (PS176‐PnBA286)1 to octablock (PS176‐PnBA286)4 (PnBA for poly(n‐butyl acrylate)). The high degree of polymerization in our mBCPs ensures microphase separation even though PS/PnBA system is known for small
χ values. We have also found that the tensile properties of our mBCPs increase significantly with increased number of blocks. Our work reveals that the number of blocks is an important molecular variable for tuning the mechanical properties of block copolymers.
An AIEgen‐Peptide Conjugate as a Phototheranostic Agent for Phagosome‐Entrapped Bacteria
Authors: Qi Guobin , Hu Fang , Kenry  , Shi Leilei , Wu Min , Liu Bin 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe detection and elimination of intracellular bacteria remain a major challenge. In this work, we report an aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) bioprobe that can detect bacterial infection and kill bacteria surviving inside macrophages through a dynamic process, notably specific molecular tailoring of the probe by caspase‐1 activation in infected macrophages and accumulation of the residue on phagosomes containing bacteria, leading to light‐up fluorescent signals. Moreover, the AIEgen can serve as a photosensitizer for generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS); and the average ROS indicator fluorescent signal intensity per unit area in the bacterial phagosomes is approximately 2.7‐fold higher than that in the cytoplasm. This, in turn, induces bacteria killing with high efficiency and minimal cytotoxicity towards macrophages. We envision that this specific light‐up bioprobe may provide a new approach for selective and sensitive detection and eradication of intracellular bacterial infections.