bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design, characterizations, DFT, molecular docking and antibacterial studies of some complexes derived from 4-aminpantipyrine with glycine amino acid and ligand
Authors: Abdul-Khaleq Mohammed Baraa , Ali Ahmed Sahbaa , Al-Healy Fanar 
Published: September 2024

The synthesis of the heterocyclic ligand (LK) involved the combination of 4-amino antipyrine, 4-nitroacetophenone, and glycine. A new series of transition metal complexes of Ni(II), Co(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) have been synthesized from the Schiff base (LK). It was characterized by micro elemental analysis, FT-IR, UV-Vis, and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The prepared complexes were characterized using (CHN) analysis, flame atomic absorption, as well as conductivity measurements and magnetic susceptibility. From the obtained data, the octahedral structure was suggested for all complexes. The ligand showed tridentate nature by binding to metal ions through the N atom of antipyrine and the N,O atom of glycine. The exhibited excellent electrolytic properties, except for the Cu(II) and Zn(II) complex which exhibited non-electrolytic behavior. Theoretical calculations with DFT were conducted for all complexes. The antibacterial activity of the ligand and its complexes against (S. aureus, B. subtilis) was evaluated through the disc diffusion method. Additionally, molecular docking analysis was conducted to gain more insights into the ligand's binding energy and interaction with the S. aureus receptor.
KEY WORDS: 4-Amino antipyrine, Heterocyclic ligand, Glycine, Molecular docking
Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(6), 1609-1624.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i6.9
Characterization and Adsorption Capacity Evaluation of ZnCl2 Impregnated Cassava Peel Carbon for Removal of Fe, Ca, Mg and Zn ions in Wastewater from Cassava processing Industry
Authors: Omotosho O. A. 
Published: September 2024

The objective of this paper was to prepare, characterize and evaluate the adsorption capacity of cassava peel carbon (CPC) impregnation with ZnCl2 salt for the removal of Fe, Ca, Mg and Zn ions in wastewater derived from cassava processing which has been noted to be problematic in terms of management. CPC and cassava peel activated carbon (CPAC) at 1:3, 2:3, and 1:1 impregnation levels were placed in fixed bed adsorption columns to determine metal ion adsorption capacities of the carbon materials after 120, 240, 360 and 480-minute contact times. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were used in assessment of adsorption of the carbon materials, while pseudo-first and second order models were used to validate the adsorption kinetics of Fe, Ca, Mg and Zn. Pore space development was also monitored using scanning electron microscope (SEM) imagery. Results SEM images revealed hexagonal honeycomb surface structure at 2:3 impregnation level and spongy configuration at 1:1 ZnCl2 impregnation level. The correlation coefficient of Langmuir isotherm was observed to be between 0.86 to 1, indicating that the adsorbent is very good in adsorption of the metals, however, Freundlich isotherm is found to be unfavorable in describing CPAC’s capacity in adsorbing zinc ion contaminant. The pH of the carbon materials was observed to have increased while the bulk density reduced with increasing level of impregnation. Conclusively, CPC and CPAC materials are well suited to Langmuir isotherm as well as pseudo-second order model, implying that adsorption occurs well in a monolayer form on the surface material surface.
Assessment of Nutraceuticals Potentials of Protein Isolates from Seed Coat of Four Melon Species
Authors: Odekanyin O. O. , Oriyomi V. O. , Adegboyega J. O. , Akinrinade S. S. , Balogun A. 
Published: September 2024

Recently, there has been more attention on the bioactivity of phytochemicals and other metabolites in agro-food by-products for the management of oxidative stress–related conditions. Hence, the objective of this paper is to assess the nutraceuticals potential by investigating antioxidant and α-amylase inhibitory potentials of seed coat protein isolates from four melon species namely: Citrullus colocynthis, Citrullus mucosospermus, Cucumeropsis mannii and Lagenaria siceraria using appropriate standard methods. At highest concentration, Lagenaria siceraria had the strongest free radical scavenging activity (38% inhibition). The strongest chelating effect was exhibited by C. mannii (IC50 = 0.59 ± 0.08 mg/ml), which also showed highest ferric reducing potential at all concentrations. At 0.05 mg/ml, C. colocynthis, C. mucosospermus, C. mannii, and L. siceraria seed coat protein extracts inhibited alpha-amylase activity by 43.2%, 16.76%, 2.6% and 22.3%, respectively, and inhibition of 60.9%, 28.6%, 38.3% and 29.5% were recorded for the seed protein extracts respectively, at 0.5 mg/ml. In conclusion, the various melon seed coat protein isolates showed appreciable levels of antioxidants and possessed inhibitory activity against α-amylase. Hence, the seed coats of the four melon varieties assessed in this study are promising potential sources of antioxidants for the supplementary treatment of oxidative stress–induced conditions.
Hepatoprotective Effect of Corn Silk Extract on Carbonated Alcoholic Herbal Beverages Induced Hepatoxicity in Adult Wistar Rats
Authors: Onyeije B. P. , Innih S. O. , Abudu I. E. , Leslie O. 
Published: September 2024

Corn silk is the long shiny fibers at the top of an ordinary ear of corn (Zea mays). Corn silk contains phytochemicals of medical benefit such as flavonoids compounds which act as antioxidant agents and has been widely reported possess hepatoprotective effect. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of corn silk extract on carbonated alcoholic herbal beverages (CAHB) induced hepatoxicity in adult Wistar rats. A total of forty five adult Wistar rats weighing between 200g and 250g were randomly assigned into nine groups of five rats each in a group. Group A was the normal control group (no CAHB administration). Groups B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I were the CAHB intoxicated groups and treated with corn silk extract at different doses. After administering a carbonated alcoholic herbal beverage, there was a substantial increase (p≤0.05) in the mean concentration of liver enzymes (ALP, ALT, ALT), total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin. While those characteristics reversed to values similar to the control after being treated with varying doses of corn silk extract The oxidative stress parameter (SOD, GPX, Catalase, MDA) shown significant increase in group. Histological examination of the liver revealed infiltrate of inflammatory cells, vascular ulceration, periportal infiltration of inflammatory cell, and vascular congestion in a group treated with carbonated alcoholic herbal beverages (CAHB). The only group exhibiting normal hepatocyte morphology and kupffer cell activity was the one administered 200 mg/kg of maize silk extract. Group D showed a similar and more powerful hepatic architecture after receiving only 600 mg/kg of maize silk extract. The hepatoprotective and anti- oxidative effects of corn silk extract were confirmed by the treatment groups (200 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg), which displayed normal hepatocytes with minor vascular congestion, respectively. Corn silk administration lowers a number of the harmful effects of in vivo carbonated alcoholic herbal beverage administration in the liver of Wister rats, according to the findings in this study.
Effect of Body Size and Condition Factor on Proximate Composition of Clarias batrachus Under Different Concentration of Ammonia
Authors: Naeem Zara , Zuberi Amina , Ali Muhammad , Danyal Naeem Ammar , Naeem Muhammad 
Published: September 2024

This study is focused on examining the proximate body composition (water, fats, proteins, and ash) of Clarias batrachus, exposed to different concentrations of ammonia. Fish were kept in different groups with ammonia concentrations of 0 mg/L (T-0), 0.25mg/L (T-I), 0.5mg/L (T-II), 0.75mg/L (T-III), and 1mg/L (T-IV) for 3 months. At the end of the trial, a total of 50 samples of C. batrachus (10 from each treatment group) were taken to analyze the body composition. Mean (±SE) values of water, ash, fat, and protein contents in % wet body weight of C. batrachus were found 77.07±0.80% to 82.23±0.55%, 2.98±0.03%to 3.34±0.17%, 3.90±0.19% to 4.58±0.30% and 10.53±0.40 to 15.36±0.56 in the different studied treatment groups. Water and protein contents were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the exposure of ammonia to C. batrachus. Significantly highest level of protein content was found in the fish group which was not treated with ammonia exposure (T-0). Whereas ash and fat contents showed no significant (P>0.05) difference between the ammonia-treated groups and the control group. Regression analysis showed a clear effect of fish size on water and protein contents in C. batrachus reared in different treatment groups. While ash was found correlated only in T-0 (p<0.001; r=0.939), and fat in T-0 (p<0.001; r=0.929) and T-III (p<0.05; r=0.636). However, the condition factor remained constant with the proximate composition of C. batrachus. This study would be helpful in the measurement of the body composition of fishes with the size of fishes affected by different concentrations of ammonia to analyze the nutritional value of C. batrachus.
Awareness of Antimicrobial Resistance and Antimicrobial Drugs Prescription Pattern in Small Animal Clinical Practice in Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Jolaoso Adeyemi Olufunmilayo , Agbaje Michael , Awoyomi Olajoju , Onoja Bernard , Ojo Olufemi Ernest 
Published: September 2024

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health challenge in veterinary and human health, leading to monitoring of resistance and promotion of responsible antimicrobial use. This survey assessed the use of antimicrobials among government veterinarians in Ogun state, Nigeria. Clinicians were requested to fill questionnaires designed to extract information on the frequency of antibiotics use, antibiotic prescription patterns and evaluation of perception on AMR and use of antibiotics with compromised efficacy in veterinary practice in the last three years. Fifty-two (52) questionnaires were administered and duly completed upon return. Data analysis showed 100% awareness of AMR with 80.8% (42/52) agreeing to have encountered AMR in the course of managing small animal cases. The tetracycline class of antibiotics 49(94.2%) was the most prescribed, followed by aminoglycosides 40(76.9%) and fluoroquinolones 35(67.3%). Empirical therapy (34/52) 65.4% is the most common treatment option among clinicians while 18 (34.6%) out of 52 clinicians performed antibiotic susceptibility testing along with laboratory diagnosis as treatment guide. Furthermore, 75.0% of the respondents affirmed administering antibiotics formulated for human use in small animal treatment. Thirty-three (63.5%) respondents administered human antimicrobials in animals according to the recommended dosage in humans. This survey identified that AMR was common in small animals in the state studied and this may be due to the irrational use of antibiotics. Promoting antimicrobial stewardship in small animal medicine therefore is paramount to mitigating antimicrobial resistance and data obtained from this study will contribute to developing evidence-based policy on the rational use of antibiotics in small animal practice in Nigeria.
Rabbitry and Emerging Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus in Nigeria: A Concern for Food Safety and Security
Authors: Bakam Judith Dizot , Malgwi Bitrus , Jonathan Jesse , Asala Olayinka , Shittu Ismaila , Meseko Clement 
Published: September 2024

For many decades, small-scale livestock, including rabbit production, has been a veritable pro-poor poverty alleviation venture in Africa. With the rising population and increasing demand for food, the need to introduce and expand small-scale rabbit farms for long-term sustainability cannot be overemphasized. While increasing the production and commercialization of domestic rabbit production is desirable, the intensification of livestock also comes with some animal health problems. One of these is the emergence of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD) caused by Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV). The virus causes sudden death in rabbits, and does not yet pose any public health risk. Symptoms of RHD may include: loss of appetite, lethargy, high fever, seizures, jaundice, bleeding from natural orifices, difficulty in breathing and sudden death. The first known outbreak of RHD in Nigeria was reported in September 2020 at rabbit farms in Kwara and Oyo States,in Nigeria. Despite several intervention strategies, the disease has continued to spread across the country. In this review, we search literature on the current state and knowledge of RHD as it affects rabbits and the economic impact on livelihood and animal health implication of this emerging viral disease on rabbit farms in Nigeria.
Microbiological and nutritional assessment of ‘<i>ncha iwu</i>’ (edible emulsion) vended in selected markets in Umunneochi Lga, Abia State, Nigeria
Authors: Ire F.S. , Amos P. C. , Ahaotu I. , Ndukwe M. 
Published: September 2024

‘Ncha iwu’ is commonly used as a sauce in the preparation of ready-to-eat African salad, a wellknowndelicacy among the Igbo tribe in Nigeria. A total number of fifteen (15) samples of ‘ncha iwu’ were randomly purchased from three (3) vendors in Orie Ngodo and Eke Eziama market in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia state. The microbiological quality, proximate composition, and mineral content of the samples were determined using Standard Methods. ‘Ncha iwu’ prepared in the laboratory served as the control. The results showed that total bacterial, Staphylococcal, Coliform and fungal counts of the samples ranged from 3.81-4.37, 2.0-3.58, 3.0-3.8, and 2.0-3.0 log10 CFU/g, respectively. The bacterial species isolated and frequency of occurrence were Staphylococcus aureus (28 %), Klebsiella spp. (18 %), Pseudomonas spp. (18 %), Escherichia coli (18 %) while the fungal species were Penicillium spp. (50 %), Aspergillus spp. (40 %), and Candida spp. (10 %). Proximate analysis indicated that ‘ncha iwu’ contains ash (63.93%), moisture (15.88 %), fibre (8.99 %), lipid (7.70 %), protein (3.50 %) and carbohydrate (0.0 %) while minerals content include Fe (3.679 mg/g), Mg (1.055 mg/g), K (1.054 mg/g), Ca (1.030 mg/g), Mn (0.469 mg/g) and Na (0.222 mg/g). Although ‘ncha iwu’ contains beneficial nutrients, majority of the commercial samples were contaminated with potential pathogenic microorganisms which is a public health concern unlike the control. This is as a result of poor handling by the producers and vendors. Good hygienic practices by the handlers, proper packaging and storage of ‘ncha iwu’ will reduce the microbial contamination of the product. Hence, adequate public health awareness campaign, training on food safety, sanitation and hygenic practices should be provided to the local processors and vendors of ‘ncha iwu’.
Micropaleontological and sedimentological analyses of carbonates rocks in parts of Sokoto Basin, Nigeria: implications for paleoecological interpretation and exploration efforts
Authors: Aigbadon G.O. , Igbinigie N.S. 
Published: September 2024

This study presents a detailed analysis of the Paleocene and Maastrichtian marine sediments in the Sokoto Basin, Nigeria, using boreholes GSN – BH – 2051 and GSN – BH – 4051, respectively. This study is aimed at integrating sedimentological, micropaleontological and petrographic data in paleoecologic interpretation of depositional environments of the Sokoto Basin. The methods adopted in this research involved the examination of ditch cuttings, carbonate thin sections, and microfossils analyses from the boreholes drilled in Sokoto Basin. The sedimentological data from the borehole showed that the studied stratigraphic unit comprises mainly fine to medium-grained limestone facies, sparitic intraclastic packstone and oolitic-elmicrite wackestone facies. The microfacies obtained from petrography data revealed micro-fossils abundance and diversity associated with the onset of shallow marine transgression which resulted in the deposition of the Dange and Kalambaina Formations, respectively. The assemblages of the larger foraminifera (Opercullnoides bermudezi) and the larger ostracod (Bairdia iIaroensis) in the borehole sections further suggested marginal marine depositional environment for the Kalambaina and Gamba Shale Formations. The paleoecological interpretation suggests varying salinities and dysaerobic conditions during deposition, with implications for understanding basin evolution. The study concludes by highlighting the importance of integrating multiple methods for a detailed understanding of paleoecological and depositional environment of Sokoto sedimentary basin.
Effect of plantain peel ash as an admixture on concrete properties
Authors: David A. O. , Bello O. S. , Akisanya O. O. , Orogbade B. O. , Amusan G.M. 
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the effect of plantain peel ash as an admixture on concrete properties, which is a sustainable alternative to conventional concrete production. The aim is to optimize the mix design of concrete required for improved performance, investigate the effect of the plantain peel ash on the compressive strength of the concrete, and examine the effects of plantain peel ash as a supplementary material on the durability and service life of concrete. The use of plantain peel ash as an admixture for cement in concrete has gained increasing popularity due to its ability to reduce the environmental impact of concrete production. This study contributes to the understanding of the durability and performance of plantain peel ash in concrete which is crucial for sustainable construction practices. The methodology involves mix design according to IS 10262:2009 for M15 grade of concrete with 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% plantain peel ash replacement, testing of compressive strength and durability of the concrete samples and also the optimal dosage required, in comparison with conventional concrete. The result of this study shows that the addition of 5% plantain peel ash increases the compressive strength of the concrete with obtained value of 27.30 N/mm2 and also has the standard workability for a normal concrete at 45 mm for the control and 60 mm for 5% PPA. The 10%, 15% and 20% shows a decrease in their compressive strength compared to the control mix (0%) with a value of 18.42 N/mm2 for 28 days curing. Overall, it can be said that 5% plantain peel ash has provided a strong basis for the use of plantain peel ash in concrete mixtures. The 5% is equivalent to 0.72 kg PPA.
Centro Cultural Euclides da Cunha (1947-1985): considerações acerca da construção do campo intelectual em Ponta Grossa/PR
Authors: Molar Jonathan de Oliveira 
Published: September 2024

Na presente pesquisa buscamos analisar o processo de construção do campo intelectual em Ponta Grossa/PR a partir da atuação e das narrativas elaboradas pelos membros integrantes do Centro Cultural Euclides da Cunha (CCEC – 1947/1985), formado em sua maioria por profissionais liberais como médicos, advogados, professores etc., pois, em quase quarenta anos de existência, por meio de correspondências trocadas entre seus membros associados e sócios correspondentes de fora, podemos problematizar os discursos e a movimentação do CCEC, em um projeto cujos intelectuais eram vistos como guias abnegados que levariam Ponta Grossa e o Brasil rumo ao desenvolvimento. As cartas trocadas desvelam também o compartilhamento de uma linguagem e tratamento em comum entre os intelectuais, por meio delas, os membros do CCEC buscavam inserir a instituição por entre discussões mais amplas e diálogo com estudiosos no que tange a um projeto cultural e científico para o Brasil.
Exploring the role of personality traits as mediators of mental health in Pakistani commuters
Authors: Alia Asmat  , Niazi Nazish , Choudary Ginasha 
Published: September 2024

Objective: To investigate how resilience mediates the relationship of personality factors with depression and aggression among daily commuters in an urban setting.
Method: The correlational study was conducted at Lahore Pakistan from October 2019 and March 2020, and comprised male subjects aged 20-49 years who were employed at private schools, offices and banks, and commuted on a daily basis. Data was collected using the International Personality Item Pool, Brief Resilience Scale, Siddiqui Shah Depression Scale and the Clinical Anger Scale. Data was analysed using analysis of moment structure version 24.
Results: Sample size for the current study is 187 (Male participants) were aged 19-29 years. Resilience had a significant negative mediating effect between depression (-0.14*) and neuroticism (-0.22*) personality traits, but was a non-significant mediator for other personality factors with respect to aggression and depression.
Conclusion: Resilience was found to be beneficial in addressing aggression and depression among daily commuters.
Key Words: Personality factors, Resilience, Depression, Aggression, Commuting time, Mediation.
Travellers’ diarrhoea among tourists in Pakistan
Authors: Abdul Thawwab Ishaque  , Abdul Raheem Rizvie  , Muhammed Ifham Imtiyas  
Published: September 2024

Madam,
Travellers’ diarrhoea (TD) emerges as a significant health concern, especially within the South Asian region, which reports the highest Reporting Rate Ratios (RRR)1.
Making things even worse, the prolonged summer season in the region amplifies the frequency of reported TD cases, exacerbating the overall scenario2. Notably, travellers to low-income countries exhibit a RRR 150.9 times higher than travellers to high income countries1. Pakistan is no exception, experiencing many TD cases and potential complications among tourists. However, the recent surge in popularity witnessed over 960 million tourists engaging in international travel during 2022, which paves the path for a rise in TD incidence3.
Existing prevention and management approaches are constrained and primarily reliant on individual understanding and behaviours. Although travel advisories offer fundamental precautions, a dearth of all-encompassing guidance adapted to the distinct hurdles tourists encounter persists. Furthermore, Pakistan’s scarcity of resources positions it as the 3rd ranked country worldwide facing water shortage and sanitation challenges. Consequently, numerous travellers find themselves inadequately prepared to confront these risks. It becomes apparent that a more methodical and precise strategy is imperative to educate and empower tourists, offering them pragmatic tactics to diminish their vulnerability to TD.
Governments, tourism boards, and international organisations should collaborate on culturally tailored education about TD and prevention methods. This can be delivered through workshops, online resources, and campaigns, empowering travellers to make informed decisions. Secure dining areas with hygiene certifications adhering to food safety standards, which should be continuously monitored by the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) is required to reduce health risks and improve travel experiences. Using mobile apps to empower travellers with informed choices, preventing hazard navigation related to hygiene, quality, pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Campylobacter jejuni etc. and high-risk assessment will provide a safer environment for foreigners. Continuous research should be promoted to manage strategies for evolving challenges and to find cheap and sustainable alternatives. Providing arrival information will equip travellers with prevention and management strategies for self-care. Multimedia campaigns in various languages should be initiated to educate communities and tourists, fostering hygiene commitment for safer travels. Encouraging tourists to get travel vaccinations will reduce the risk of TD for visitors in Pakistan. In conclusion, by implementing these strategies, we strive to ensure the well-being of foreigners and contribute to the broader goal of a healthier and safer tourism environment in Pakistan.