bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heavy metal ions in polluted water removable by synthesising a new compounds for dithiocarbamate derivatives
Authors: S. Al-fahdawi Aeed , K. Mohamed Shaaban , Potgeiter Herman , Alfutimie Abdullatif 
Published: September 2024

Metal ion poisoning in water and industrial effluents threatens ecosystems and human health. The development of efficient metal ion removal technologies has garnered attention in recent years. This work synthesizes and characterizes dithiocarbamate complexes as metal ion scavengers. Used to make dithiocarbamate ligands. Different metal salts were added to carbon disulfide and the proper amines to initiate substitution reactions. The complexes were characterized using FTIR, UV-Vis, mass spectroscopy, 13C-, 1H-NMR, magnetic susceptibility, melting point, and electrical conductivity molar EC. Data from spectroscopy and analysis indicate the development of two-type macrocyclic complexes with the formula [M(L)]2, where M = FeII, CoII, and ZnII ions. Tetrahedral geometries around the metal core and the second general formula [M(L)(H2O)2]2, where M = MnII, NiII, CuII, suggested octahedral structures. Heavy water pollution has been removed using this essential ligand. Metal ion scavenging of 96–98% was possible with the produced dithiocarbamate complexes. This work developed unique and efficient strategies for metal contamination removal from aquatic settings, promising environmental remediation and human health protection. Optimizing synthesis conditions and scaling up operations are needed to fully use these compounds in real-world applications.
KEY WORDS: Dithiocarbamate ligand, Transition metal complexes, Spectral characterization, Coordination chemistry, Dithiocarbamate complexes, Scavenger heavy metal ions
Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(6), 1583-1593.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i6.7
Evaluation of Physicochemical Parameters, Total Bacteria Count and some Heavy Metal Levels in Soil from Automobile Workshop Activities at Nnewi Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: Madukasi E. I. , Agbazue O. 
Published: September 2024

Disposal of used motor oil and chemical substances on land leads to loss in soil quality by minimal abundance and variety of microorganisms in soil. The objective of this paper was to evalaute the physicochemical parameters, total bacteria count and some heavy metal levels in soil from automobile workshop activities at Nnewi Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria. Using field survey and appropriate standard laboratory analyses, the results showed that the control uncontaminated soil samples recorded high bacteria count (6.9 x106 cfu/g). The available soil nitrogen(9.0), soil nutrients nitrate (15.10) and phosphorous (17.3) all recorded appropriate values when compared with WHO standard. The acidity of the soil using pH value as an indicator showed that the uncontaminated control soil samples were acceptable for crops also the Ec values. The heavy metals analysed indicates that the control soil samples were also moderate in heavy metals accumulation when compared with the contaminated soil samples particularly Cd, Pb (0.08) and Hg (0.01) while Cd was not detectable. These findings have shown that automobile activities can denature soil properties which could lead to soil infertility. The automobile activities has to be controled by the concerned agencies in Nigeria. Environmental education should be encouraged to reduce effects of anthropogenic activities on soil quality in the study area.
Biocontrol Potential of Endophytic Fungi against Orobanche Infestations in Fruit Crops: A Case Study in Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Ukpene A. O. , Oduma E. O. 
Published: September 2024

This study investigated the potential of endophytic fungi as biocontrol agents against Orobanche infestations in fruit crops such as chickpea, soybean, lentil, and pea plants from different sites in Ika agricultural habitats in Delta State, Nigeria, using appropriate standard methods. Fusarium sp. showed significant inhibition of Orobanche crenata (75%) by mycotoxin production and Penicillium sp. (65%) by biocombustion. Field trials showed a significant reduction in Orobanche-infested areas, with Fusarium sp. (40% to 10%) and Penicillium sp. (30% to 10%) treatments showing significant yield improvement (20% and 22%, respectively). The study concluded that selected fungi, especially Fusarium sp. and Penicillium sp., are effective control agents for Orobanche in legume crops. This information contributes to sustainable agriculture by providing environmentally friendly alternatives to pesticides, crop yields, and economic losses from plants, and it reduces the incidence of pests.
Physicochemical Limnology and Water Quality Assessment of Ten Surface Water Bodies in Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Okoye G. U. , Ogbebor J. U. 
Published: September 2024

The objective of this paper was to assess the physicochemical limnology and water quality assessment of ten surface water bodies in Edo State, Nigeria to determine their suitability for drinking, provide information on water quality status to the concerned public as well as providing baseline information that can be used as reference for further studies using appropriate standard techniques. Results revealed that pH, colour, turbidity, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, total alkalinity, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, sulphate, nitrate and phosphate 5.52 – 7.06, 1.0 – 5.5 PtCoU, 3.5 -23.0 NTU, 11.0 -75.5 mg/L, 21.0 – 152.5µS/cm, 25.0 – 106.5 mg/L, 3.0 – 40.8 mg/L, 0.18 – 7.40 mg/L, 0.13 – 2.77 mg/L, 5.76 – 8.92 mg/L, 3.12 – 6.87 mg/L, 9.5 – 24.5 mg/L, 0.2 – 2.60 mg/L and 0.05 – 0.49 mg/L respectively. From the results of the physicochemical analyses, the water quality index score of the rivers was computed using the Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index method and the values obtained indicated that 60% of the sampled rivers were classified as having grade C quality (51 – 75), while 40% were of the grade D category (76 -100). Maximum index score (79.72) was recorded at Eruvbi River while the lowest index value (59.32) was redorded at Ugbogor River. Overall, this study found that the water quality of all chosen rivers is poor and unfit for drinking without previous treatment, although they are appropriate for irrigation and industrial usage.
The relevance of indigenous knowledge systems in social work education and practice in Zimbabwe: A human rights perspective
Authors: Mwapaura Kudzai , Mushunje Mildred , Charamba Sunungurayi , Risinamhodzi Netsai , Simango Tapiwanashe G. 
Published: September 2024

Indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) are central to communities in Africa. They shape, influence, and define the behaviour of societies. Most communities in Zimbabwe have consistently recognised the human rights of individuals. Understanding how IKS can influence social work theory and practice to uphold human rights is important. Human rights are an inherent part of the social work profession. The article explores the views of social work educators in Zimbabwe on the intersection of IKS and human rights in social work education and practice. Data were qualitatively collected from ten purposefully selected social work educators using an instrumental case study design. Evidence from the participants shows four essential aspects, which are, the relevance of indigenous knowledge systems in social work education and practice in Zimbabwe, the role of indigenous knowledge systems in the application of human rights in social work in Zimbabwe, ways to utilise IKS best to uphold human rights; the challenges faced by educators in utilising indigenous knowledge systems in social work in Zimbabwe. The article concludes that IKS upholds human rights perspectives in social work theory and practice. The article recommends that IKS, informed by a human rights perspective, be integrated into social work education and practice in Zimbabwe and practised at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels.
Candidate Runaway Stars in the Cluster NGC 2180
Authors: Ambaye Kahsay Efrem , Mengesha Gebrehiwot Yikdem 
Published: September 2024

The relative proper motions and tangential velocities of four stars from the cluster NGC 2180 are investigated using Gaia DR3 data. Our approach is to subtract the mean proper motion of the fields (the stars within a 1” radius around each target star) and the cluster from the motion of the target stars to calculate the relative proper motions with respect to their field and the cluster, respectively. From the relative proper motions of the target stars with respect to the field stars and the distance to the center of the cluster, we estimated the relative tangential velocities of our target stars. We use the astrometric excess noise information to filter the field stars from star-like objects, such as unresolved binaries. To eliminate foreground contaminations of the field stars used to figure out the relative proper motions of the target stars, we made a parallax cut, Color Magnitude Diagram (CMD) cut, and proper motion (PM) selection. The flight times of the target stars to the cluster NGC 2180 (kinematic ages) are calculated using angular separations from the cluster and their relative proper motions with respect to the cluster. All of the target stars have kinematic ages less than the age of the cluster. The stars, ID1 and ID3 have and with respect to their fields, which corresponds to the relative velocities respectively. These two stars could be runaways from the cluster because they have flight times from the cluster agreed with late ejection from the cluster and have larger proper. The remaining two stars, ID 2 and ID 4 have and with respect to the fields, which corresponds to the relative velocities and respectively, and could not be runaways as they have smaller proper motions, although their flight times to the cluster agreed with late ejection from the cluster.
Effect of Treatment of Malaria and Diabetes with Aqueous Extract of <i>Anthocleista Djalonensis</i> in Mice
Authors: Akachukwu Doris , Opara Chinazum , Igwe Gloria Daniel , Onwenaruwa Grace , Ibeh Chukwuemeka 
Published: September 2024

Anthocleista djalonensis is a medicinal plant that has been used to treat malaria, jaundice, abscesses and diabetes. The study assessed the effects of aqueous extract of A. djalonensis leaves on some biochemical indices in the treatment of malaria and diabetes. Twenty-four mice used were randomly assigned into six groups numbering four each and provided with feed and water ad libitum. Group 1 (control) received water and feed only. Groups 2, 3, 4 5 and 6 received 200 mg/kg body weight of extract; 5 mg/kg body weight of chloroquine, 400 mg/kg body weight extract, 2 mg/kg body weight glibenclamide 5 mg/kg body weight chloroquine and 2 mg/kg body weight glibenclamide respectively for seven days. Phytochemical screening of A. djalonensis leaves revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, saponins, steroids, flavonoids and tannins at 6.76 ± 0.03, 0.61 ± 0.01, 2.11 ± 0.02, 0.89 ± 0.01, 3.10 ± 0.03 and 1.13 ± 0.01 % respectively. Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activity of Groups 5 and 6 were significantly (p<0.05) higher compared to the control. There were no visible histological changes in liver and kidney. Results of this study suggest that A. djalonensis is relatively safe for the treatment of diabetes and malaria at the administered doses.
Cryptosporidium Infection Among Slaughtered Cattle in Igboora, Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Adelakun Olubukola Deborah , Akande Foluke Adedayo , Bakre Adetolase Azeezat , Akporube Kelechi , Ola-Daniel Fiyinfoluwa , Daramola Oluwatola F. , Alabi Peter Ibukunoluwa 
Published: September 2024

Cryptosporidium is an enteric protozoan of gastrointestinal tracts that cause life threatening diarrhea in the young, as well as, malnourished or immune-compromised adult animals. It is sustained in the environment by continual shedding through asymptomatic carrier via contamination. This study evaluated the presence of 250 cattle prior to slaughtering at Igboora slaughter slabs, Oyo State, Nigeria. Faecal samples were collected per rectum processed and analyzed for Cryptosporidium oocyst which were confirmed by their Pinkish red spherical ovoid shape with halo against a green background. The age, sex, breed and body condition score of each of cattle were also noted. Out of the 250 sampled cattle, 22% (55/250) were positive for Cryptosporidium. Higher prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts was detected in females (22.2%) compared to males (21.2%), and in the younger (23.3%) compared to older cattle (15%). Among the breeds of cattle screened, the highest prevalence was recorded in Sokoto Gudali (41.7%) while Cross breeds had the least prevalence (19.4%). Also, the highest prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts was detected in cattle with lean Body Condition Score (29.4%). No statistically significant difference was observed among all the variables (p>0.05). This study has shown the occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection in cattle slaughtered in Igboora. It is therefore advised that sanitation measures including proper sewage and dung disposal be put in place to prevent further transmission among cattle and to human beings .
Interference cancellation system of a microwave resonator filter for 4G and 5G applications
Authors: Onaifo F. , Ogbeide K.O. , Omoze E.L. 
Published: September 2024

This paper aimed at designing a microwave resonator filter for use in 4G and 5G applications. A band resonator filter was designed and implemented using microstrip technology. Poor performance of a microstrip microwave resonator filter is due to spurious harmonics and unwanted frequencies which are always present and cause interferences of signals hindering effective communication. The coupling matrix was first obtained using polynomial functions of transmission and reflection coefficients. A cost function for optimization was developed and particle swarm optimization techniques were used to optimize the coupling matrix. The transversal matrix was developed and converted to the folded matrix for practical filter implementation. A bandpass filter was designed and simulated using high- frequency structure simulator software. Unwanted frequencies are eliminated by employing a novel square open loop resonator structure. The filter was designed to specification and the results show that unwanted frequencies were eliminated corresponding to the frequency of the outer resonator and therefore performs better than comparable filter.
The role of arginase estimation to predict hypertensive disorder of pregnancy at an earlier stage
Authors: Saba Shafiq  , Khan Muhammad Nadim Akbar , Qayyum Shazia , Sultana Saadia 
Published: September 2024

Objective: To determine the significance of serum arginase estimation as a predictor of pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia at an early stage.
Method: The observational, cross-sectional study was conducted from October 15, 2021, to October 15, 2022, at the Department of Chemical Pathology, in collaboration with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pakistan Railway Hospital, Islamic International Medical College Trust, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and comprised pregnant women with 20-25 weeks of gestation who were divided into three groups. Those having no complications were placed in control group A, those with pregnancy-induced hypertension in group B, and those with preeclampsia in group C. Serum arginase, uric acid, alanine transaminase, platelet count and spot urinary protein levels were measured for each subject. Data was analysed using SPSS 26.
Results: Of the 90 women, 30(33.3%) were in group A with mean age 27.27±2.90 years, 30(33.3%) were in group B with mean age 30.17±2.48 years, and 30(33.3%) were in group C with mean age 29.33±3.11 years. There were significant intergroup differences in the mean levels of serum arginase, serum uric acid, alanine transaminase, platelet count and spot urinary protein (p<0.05).
Conclusion: A moderate to marked increase in serum arginase levels in pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia cases, combined with abnormal serum uric acid and alanine transaminase levels along with low platelet count suggested that serum arginase estimation could be used to predict hypertensive disorders of pregnancy at an early stage.
Key Words: Arginase, Preeclampsia, Pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Periodic acid-schiff stain and p53 marker: reducing interobserver variability in microinvasive oral squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis
Authors: Rehan Syeda Areeba , Parveen Bushra , Ara Nighat , Hafeez Ud Din  , Rathore Muhammad Usman , Muneer Saadia 
Published: September 2024

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of periodic acid-Schiff stain and p53 immunohistochemical marker in reducing interobserver variability for diagnosing microinvasive oral squamous cell carcinoma cases.
Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care diagnostic hospital in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from March 31 to July 31, 2023, and comprised diagnostically challenging biopsy specimens. The specimens were subjected first to haematoxylin and eosin stain, and then with periodic acid-Schiff stain and tumour protein p53 immunohistochemistry simultaneously. A preliminary diagnosis on routine staining alone and a final diagnosis with the two adjuncts were reported by two observers who were both blinded to the prior diagnosis. Data was analysed using SPSS 25.
Results: Of the 30 specimens diagnosed, 21 (70%) belonged to males and 9 (30%) to females. The mean age of the patients was 60.47±11.78 years. Periodic acid-Schiff staining and tumour protein p53 immunohistochemistry demonstrated a significant decrease in interobserver variability in the diagnosis of microinvasive oral squamous cell carcinoma, exhibiting enhanced visualisation in basement membrane breach and identifying the invading cells within the lamina propria that were masked on routine staining (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Periodic acid-Schiff stain and tumour protein p53 immunohistochemistry could assist in reducing interobserver variability in the diagnosis of microinvasive oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Key Words: Interobserver variability, Periodic acid-Schiff reaction, Oral squamous cell carcinoma, Immunohistochemistry.
Efecto de la fuente nitrogenada en la producción de biomasa de maíz (Zea mays L)bajo condiciones de invernadero
Authors: Silvera - Pablo Celia , Mallqui - Chavez Mario , Barrenechea - Mejía Rolly , Calderón N Gustavo 
Published: September 2024

El N en el agroecosistema, es el nutriente limitante para la mayoría de los cultivos, entre ellos el cultivo de maíz. Una planta bien fertilizada con N obtiene buenos rendimientos. El N promueve la fotosíntesis, la floración, e incluso el número de semillas y peso por mazorca. En el mercado de los fertilizantes, existe fuentes nitrogenadas, las que presenta diversas concentraciones y forma de N, siendo necesario en el contexto actual, determinar que fuentes presentan mejores condiciones de absorción y eficiencia de uso por parte de la planta.

Este experimento evaluó la respuesta del maíz a la aplicación de 250 kg N ha-1, probando diferentes fuentes nitrogenadas, entre ellas, úrea, nitrato de amonio y sulfato de amonio, bajo condiciones de invernadero. Los resultados muestran que, entre las fuentes nitrogenadas no hubo diferencias significativas, sin embargo, el sulfato de amonio, presentó mejor comportamiento para la altura del maíz, con 71.7 cm, diámetro de tallo 1.61 cm, biomasa fresca 83.7g/planta y seca 15.16 g/planta. Podemos concluir que los fertilizantes nitrogenados influyen positivamente en el crecimiento del maíz, siendo importante considerar la fuente utilizada y la cantidad existente de N en las etapas iniciales del cultivo, siendo en esta etapa relativo la fuente utilizada, por su alta movilidad del nutriente en el suelo y su fácil disponibilidad para la planta.
Modelling of atmospheric concentrations of fungal spores: a 2-year simulation over France using CHIMERE
Authors: Vida Matthieu , Foret Gilles , Siour Guillaume , Couvidat Florian , Favez Olivier , Uzu Gaelle , Cholakian Arineh , Conil Sébastien , Beekmann Matthias , Jaffrezo Jean-Luc 
Published: September 2024

Abstract. Fungal spore organic aerosol emissions have been recognised as a significant source of particulate matter as PM10; however, they are not widely considered in current air quality models. In this work, we have implemented the parameterisation of fungal spore organic aerosol (OA) emissions introduced by Heald and Spracklen (2009) (H&amp;S) and further modified by Hoose et al. (2010) in the CHIMERE regional chemistry-transport model. This simple parameterisation is based on two variables, leaf area index (LAI) and specific humidity. We have validated the geographical and temporal representativeness of this parameterisation on a large scale by using yearly polyol observations and primary biogenic organic aerosol factors from positive matrix factorisation (PMF) analysis at 11 French measurement sites. For a group of sites in northern and eastern France, the seasonal variation of fungal spore emissions, displaying large summer and small winter values, is correctly depicted. However, the H&amp;S parameterisation fails to capture fungal spore concentrations for a smaller group of Mediterranean sites with less data availability in terms of both absolute values and seasonal variability, leading to strong negative biases, especially during the autumn and winter seasons. Two years of CHIMERE simulations with the H&amp;S parameterisation have shown a significant contribution of fungal spore OA to PM10 mass, which is lower than 10 % during winter and reaches up to 20 % during summer in high-emission zones, especially over large forested areas. In terms of contributions to organic matter (OM) concentrations, the simulated fungal spore contribution in autumn is as high as 40 % and reaches at most 30 % of the OM for the other seasons. As a conclusion, the fungal spore OA contribution to the total OM concentrations is shown to be substantial enough to be considered a major PM10 fraction and should then be included in state-of-the-art chemistry-transport models.
Ratzinger, Joseph (2023): Vivir como si Dios existiera. Una propuesta para Europa, Ediciones Encuentro, Madrid, 331 pp. ISBN: 978-84-1339-139-7.
Authors: Camargo Camacho Cristhian C. 
Published: September 2024

Reseña del libro Vivir como si Dios existiera. Una propuesta para Europa, de Joseph Ratzinger, en la que se señalan los principales elementos de interés en el texto en torno al pensamiento teológico político del papa Benedicto XVI.