bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phytochemical Screening, Acute Toxicity and Antibacterial Activity of Methanolic Stem Bark Extract of Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis
Authors: Hauwa Baba Umar  , Saidu Abdulkadir  , Basira Ibrahim  , Halima Ibrahim  
Published: August 2024

This study was conducted to determine the phytochemical constituents, acute toxicity and antibacterial activity of methanolic stem bark extract of. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. The stem bark was collected, air dried, grounded and extracted using maceration method with methanol. The methanol extract of the stem bark was used for phytochemical screening, acute toxicity studies and anti-bacterial activity. The phytochemical screening of this extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, carbohydrates except anthraquinones which was not present. The acute toxicity studies of the extract indicated that: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis had LD50 value of above 5000 mg/kg. The result of antibacterial activity showed that the stem bark extracts was found to have a significant effect (P<0.05) against the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The Methanolic stem bark extract had MIC of 50.0 mg/ml and 200 mg/ml and MBC of 100 mg/ml and >200 mg/ml, against S. aureus and E. coli respectively. The result obtained is an indication that the stem bark of the plant can be used for treatment of bacterial ailment as claimed by traditional practitioners in Giambi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Further research such as isolation of the active component should be carried out to validate the use of this plant in the traditional medicine as antibacterial agents.
Consideraciones éticas sobre la utilización de la inteligencia artificial en la atención clínica
Authors: Echeverria Bunster Carlos , Rojas O. Alberto , Arriagada U. Anamaria , Salinas R. Rodrigo , Taboada R. Paulina , Ruiz-Esquide S. Gonzalo , Rodríguez S. María Ángeles , Borja R. Hernán 
Published: August 2024

El desarrollo de la llamada “Inteligencia Artificial” (IA) y algunos resultados promisorios motivan una reflexión sobre las aplicaciones de la IA al cuidado de la salud de las personas, sus ventajas potenciales, eventuales inconvenientes, posibles repercusiones sobre la relación médico-paciente, el ejercicio y naturaleza de la Medicina y problemas epistémicos relevantes.
Se mencionan ciertas condiciones éticas, estimadas necesarias para la introducción de IA en la práctica clínica, relevando la necesidad de aumentar el conocimiento de todos los involucrados sobre sus criterios decisionales, responsabilidades de quienes los aplican y necesidad de controles objetivos sobre los resultados obtenidos, respetando siempre la dignidad personal.
Mycelium Garden
Authors: Fierro David , Schuh Diane 
Published: August 2024

Ce projet, développé dans le cadre de l’appel à projet de recherche « Symbiose » de l’EUR ArTec, se concentre sur l’interaction entre l’humain et un réseau de mycélium. Il cherche à comprendre et utiliser les expressions électriques du mycélium dans une perspective musicale. La méthodologie repose sur une recherche de « connaissance objective » (Popper, 1985), étudiant les interactions avec le mycélium par un processus expérimental. Le projet explore la création d’assemblages pour rendre cette interaction sensible et audible. Il interroge les interfaces et les transductions dans des interactions interspécifiques, mettant en lumière l’importance de reconnaître l’altérité des êtres non-humains. L’installation souligne la nécessité de développer des protocoles de recherche guidés par un principe de « verisimilitude » dans le contexte d’un projet écologique d’attention au vivant.
Nutritional and Phytochemical Evaluation of Kanya (Diospyros mespiliformis) Juice: A Potential Functional Beverage for Enhanced Food Security
Authors: Muhammad Hadiza Sani , Atiku Mukhtar Kurawa , Basheer Diya'uddeen Hasan , Zubairu Idris Kaida , Muhammad Salisu Muhammad 
Published: August 2024

Study’s Excerpt/Novelty

This study provides an in-depth nutritional and phytochemical analysis of Diospyros mespiliformis, an underutilized fruit, assessing its potential as a functional beverage to improve food security and human nutrition.
By evaluating both fresh and dried forms of the fruit for proximate, mineral, vitamin, and phytochemical content, the research offers comprehensive data on its nutritional value and antioxidant activity.
Furthermore, the study highlights the fruit's potential to address malnutrition, serve as a cost-effective raw material for juice production, and contribute to health maintenance and disease prevention, including the management of osteomalacia due to its moderate calcium content.

Full Abstract
Diospyros mespiliformis is a fruit not used much but has remarkable micronutrients and a phytochemical composition that may improve food security and human nutrition. Diospyros mespiliformis is an indigenous wild- tree whose importance has not been fully explored. This study aimed to assess the nutritional qualities of kanya and kanya juice for potential usage as a functional beverage. Riped and dried samples of the fruits were collected from a forest in Wudil Kano state. Fruit pulp and fresh and dried kanya peel were assessed for their proximate and mineral contents using standard procedure. Juice from the fresh pulp, peel, and pulp and the dried pulp, peel, and pulp alone were made, and their phytochemicals, vitamins, physicochemical, antioxidant activity, and sensory qualities were analyzed. The results obtained from the proximate analysis were: moisture content (4.92 – 65.20%), Ash (0.44 – 0.88%), Fiber (0.29 – 2.60%), Fat (1.41 – 6.76%), Protein (0.90 – 6.86%) and Carbohydrate (31.72 – 86.56%). The mineral analysed were: Calcium (16.27 to 62.03 mg/100g), Potassium (495.55 – 1891.00mg/100g), magnesium (9.050 –9.841 mg/100g), Sodium (12.840 – 46.643mg/100g) and Zinc (0.534 – 1.111mg/100g) are both found in good amounts in kanya fruit. The Vitamins analysed were: Vitamin B1 (0.120 – 0.147mg/100g.), Vitamin B2 (0.03-0.071mg/100g), Vitamin B3( 1.68- - 4.29mg/100g), Vitamin B6(0.11- 0.277mg/100g) and Vitamin C (23.20- 45.92mg/100g). Phytochemicals analysed were: Flavonoids (4.941 – 5.369mg/100g), Tannins (27.649 – 94.434mg/100g), Alkaloids (90.511 – 0.562mg/100g), Saponins (18.760-256.000mg/100g), and Steroids (0.150-2.115mg/100g). The findings suggest that Diospyros mespiliformis fruit juice consumption could overcome malnutrition, maintain a healthy state, and prevent various diseases. Furthermore, the fruit can be used as new food ingredients for formulation. It is another less expensive source of raw materials for juice production, and juice is enjoyed for its unique qualities and sensory advantage. Its moderate calcium value could also be used to manage oesteomalacia.
Antibacterial Activities of Three (3) Selected Medicinal Plants against Diarrhea Causing Pathogens
Authors: Zamfarawa Murtala Saadu , Usman Nasiru Adabara , Adamu Faruk Kuta , Muhammed Hadiza Lami , Wuna Mohamed , Usman Sa'adu , Musa Isah Gummi 
Published: August 2024

Study’s Excerpt/Novelty

This study offers a comparative analysis of the antimicrobial efficacy of extracts from Acacia nilotica, Carica papaya, and Khaya senegalensis against common diarrheal pathogens, providing insights into potential alternative treatments for diarrhoea.
Utilizing the cold maceration method and well diffusion assays, the research meticulously quantifies the inhibitory effects of each extract at varying concentrations, revealing Khaya senegalensis as the most potent.
The findings underscore the therapeutic potential of these plant extracts, particularly in developing regions, and support their traditional use in diarrhoeal therapy, presenting a promising avenue for addressing a critical public health issue.

Full Abstract
Diarrhoea is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in developing countries in sub Saharan Africa and south East Asia. Extracts from Acacia nilotica,(Bagaruwa) Carica papaya (Gwanda) and Khaya senegalensis (Marke) were prepared using cold maceration method. Well diffusion method was used on Muller Hinton agar and thiosulfate citrate bile salt agar (TCBS) and suspension of the test organisms was prepared in peptone water to match 0.5 McFarland standard, each extract solution at 200, 250 and 300mg/ml, was introduced into respective wells, incubated at 37oC for 24 hours. Ciprofloxacin at 8 mg/ml, was used as control. Plant crude extracts of C. papaya yielded (19.05g), A. nilotica (18.67g) and K. senegalensis (13.94g) respectively. The extracts exhibited varying degrees of inhibition against V. cholerae, K. pneumoniae and S. enterica serovar. Khaya senegalensis had the highest significant antibacterial activity at 300mg/ml (36.00±0.81f, 19.00±0.98, 22.00±0.69) and was the most active among the three plant extracts, followed by C. papaya at 300mg/ml (29.33±1.17, 31.50±0.29, 9.00±1.15) then A. nilotica at 200mg/ml, 29.00±0.87, 12.00±0.58, 20.00±0.29. Only C. papaya showed no activity at all concentration against V. cholera. The MIC of the plant crude extracts against Vibrio cholerae, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella enterica serovar Kentucky was 0.96±0.04, 0.96±0.05 and 1.80±0.17mg/mL respectively, while MBC was 1.02±0.12, 1.04±0.29 and 1.92±0.23 mg/mL. In conclusion the three plant crude extracts of (K. senegalensis, A. nilotica and C. papaya) showed varying degrees of antimicrobial activities against the test organisms. Therefore the leaves of the plants Carica papaya, Acasia nolitica and K. senegalensis can be recommended for diarrhoeal therapy in accordance with the traditional uses.
Estimation of Extension of Topp-Leone Distribution using Two Different Methods: Maximum Product Spacing and Maximum Likelihood Estimate
Authors: Habu Lawrence , Usman Abubakar , Abubakar Sadiq Ibrahim , Abdullahi Usman Aliyu 
Published: August 2024

Study’s Excerpt/Novelty

This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of parameter estimation methods for the Log-Topp-Leone (L-T-L), Topp-Leone-Exponential (T-L-E), and Topp-Leone-Weibull (T-L-W) distributions using maximum likelihood (ML) and maximum product spacing (MPS) techniques.
Through simulations conducted in R-Studio, the research demonstrates the consistency and adequacy of these estimators, particularly highlighting the unbiased and efficient performance of the ML estimator.
The findings underscore the recommendation of ML over MPS for parameter estimation in Topp-Leone distribution extensions, contributing valuable insights into statistical methodology for complex distribution models.

Full Abstract
The parameters for Log-Topp-leone (L-T-L) distribution, Topp-leone-exponential (T-L-E) distribution, and Top-plane-Weibull (T-L-W)distribution were estimated via the methods of ML (maximum likelihood) and MPS (maximum product spacing). Simulations were carried out using R-Studio to estimate the parameters and check the efficiency of the estimators. As a consequence, if the sample size (SS) increases, the outcome of the estimations tends to the true PV (parameter values), which proves the consistency and adequacy (C & A) of all the estimators. Similarly, the MSE and biases using the two estimators approach zero, even though some MPS bias values fluctuated. This shows the suitability of each estimator, and MLE is more unbiased and adequate. The estimates using MLE and MPS were efficient. Thus, we recommend that MLE be employed in assessing and computing the parameters of extensions of the Topp-Leone (TL) distribution.
Microbial Analysis of Street Food Samples from Bichi Central Market, Kano State, Nigeria: Implications for Food Safety and Public Health
Authors: Bichi Usman Armayau , Hamza Yunus Adam 
Published: August 2024

Study’s Excerpt/Novelty

This study presents a detailed bacteriological analysis of popular street foods from the Bichi Central Market in Kano, highlighting the public health risks associated with their consumption.
By identifying significant bacterial contamination in 90% of the samples, including the presence of harmful microorganisms such as Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, and Vibrio spp., the research underscores the urgent need for effective food safety interventions.
These findings contribute valuable data to the field of food safety, particularly in developing regions, and emphasize the importance of stringent hygiene practices in street food preparation to prevent food-borne illnesses.

Full Abstract
One fundamental prerequisite for food quality is food safety. Twenty samples of street food-fried rice, rice and beans, spaghetti, and jollof rice were randomly chosen from five separate sellers in the Bichi Central Market, Kano. The samples were taken in sterile polythene bags on ice to stop the growth of bacteria. The samples were sub-cultured and subjected to the pour plate procedure for bacteriological analysis. To use pour plate techniques, the sample was serially diluted. The first and last tubes were chosen, and 1 ml of each sample was pipetted into the Nutrient agar plate and incubated for 24 hours at 37oC before being checked for growth. The amounts of bacterial growth in each of the screened food samples ranged from 1.0 X 105 to 2.6 X 106 cfu/ml. Bacterial counts in 90% of the food samples exceeded the acceptable threshold (104 cfu/ml), and bacterial counts in 10% showed low counts. The food samples identified five distinct varieties of bacteria, including Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Vibrio spp. Multiple harmful microorganisms were isolated from spaghetti and jollof rice. The results showed that street food has the quality to spread food-borne illnesses, which highlights the need for workable solutions focused on street food safety.
Impact of Magnetized Irrigation Water Treatment on Nutrients Uptake and Water use Efficiency of Cowpea Cultivar (Vigna unguiculata L.)
Authors: Adebayo Kehinde Raheef 
Published: August 2024

Study’s Excerpt/Novelty

This study investigates the effect of magnetically treated water on the nutrient uptake and water use efficiency (WUE) of the TVX-117 cowpea cultivar, utilizing a custom-designed magnetic water treatment unit.
The research demonstrates that magnetized water significantly enhances nutrient absorption and WUE in cowpea plants, with a remarkable 24.7% improvement in WUE compared to 7.6% for non-treated plants, highlighting the potential for magnetic treatment to optimize irrigation practices.
These findings provide new insights into agricultural water management techniques, offering a sustainable approach to improving crop performance and resource efficiency.

Full Abstract
The study assessed the impact of magnetically treated water on the TVX-117 cowpea cultivar for nutrient uptakes and water use efficiency. The magnetic water improved absorption and nutrient assimilations that sustained cowpea growth. A rectangular magnetic water treatment unit of 230 mm x 150 mm x 130 mm designed using a metal plate of thickness 2 mm formed an enclosure for twelve pairs of neodymium magnets (N50 grade) of dimensions 50 mm x 25 mm x 10 mm. Irrigation water was treated with a magnetic flux of 1127.4 G and a mean flow rate of 2.86 litres per minute through the device. Irrigation of treated and ordinary water was done by applying 1.43 L at a 3-day irrigation interval for a bucket experiment under a transparent polythene garden. A completely randomized design was applied, and treatments were replicated ten times for magnetized and non-magnetized irrigation treatments. Significant differences exist between initial cowpea nutrients and nutrient uptakes of the harvested Cowpea as the coefficient of determination was R2 = 0.9801; p < 0.05. The results indicated that Water Use Efficiency (WUE) for magnetized water-irrigated plants was 24.7% compared to 7.6% for control. Significant differences existed between their WUEs as the coefficient of determination value was R2 = 0.8130; p < 0.05. Magnetized water improved water use efficiency, supporting better nutrient uptakes by cowpea seeds.
Staphylococcus aureus Contamination of Milk and Cheese: Assessment of Consumers and Vendors Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices in Ilorin, Nigeria
Authors: Odetokun Ismail Ayoade , Adewoye Adeola O , Adetona Mutiat Adenike , Ade-Yusuf Rodhiat O , Raza Ali , Ogundijo Adeolu O , Ghali-Mohammed Ibraheem 
Published: August 2024

Study’s Excerpt/Novelty

This study uniquely highlights the significant gaps in knowledge and practices among fresh milk and cheese vendors in Ilorin, Nigeria, regarding contamination with Staphylococcus aureus.
It reveals a notable disparity in education levels between vendors and consumers and associates higher educational attainment with better knowledge and attitudes towards food safety.
These findings underscore the necessity for targeted educational interventions to enhance food safety practices, informing policymakers on improving public health outcomes related to dairy product handling.

Full Abstract
Mishandling milk and cheese can promote the growth of harmful bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), making it important to ensure their safety for public consumption. This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of fresh milk/cheese vendors and consumers in Ilorin, Nigeria, regarding the contamination of these products with S. aureus. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey of 150 participants involving milk and cheese consumers and vendors was carried out in Ilorin, Nigeria. Data obtained were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. Results revealed that all vendors were female, 45 (100.0%), and almost half of the consumers, 47 (44.8%). Vendors 37 (82.2%) displayed unsatisfactory knowledge scores compared to consumers 33 (31.4%), with educational level significantly associated with knowledge among vendors. Consumers’ age category and higher educational levels were associated with positive attitudes among the population groups, while none of the sociodemographic characteristics were significantly associated with practices among the respondents in this survey. Vendors at the secondary level of education were more likely to have satisfactory knowledge (OR: 48.0, 95% CI: 2.3, 997.0, p = 0.02) than those without formal education. In addition, adult consumers were more likely to display acceptable attitudes (OR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.2, 8.2; p = 0.03) than adolescent consumers. These findings have implications for policymakers, suggesting the need for targeted interventions to improve the handling of milk and cheese in Nigeria while ensuring the safety of these products for public consumption.
Tree Species Diversity in Makurdi Zoological Garden, Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: Paul Adoyi Michael , Alfred John Ubelejit 
Published: August 2024

Study’s Excerpt/Novelty

This study focuses on ecological assessment of tree species diversity in the Makurdi Zoological Garden, employing indices such as the Shannon Weigner evenness and diversity indices and the Menhinick index to evaluate species richness and distribution.
The findings highlight a moderate level of species diversity (diversity index of 2.06) and an uneven distribution of tree species, with Danieli oliveri showing the highest frequency and Ceasalpiniodeae the highest relative abundance.
The study's detailed analysis of species richness and abundance underscores the impact of disturbances on tree diversity and recommends close monitoring to mitigate logging and grazing activities.

Full Abstract
This study's primary emphasis was an ecological assessment of 16 different families of trees that were picked at random in an extended field survey conducted in the Makurdi Zoological Garden in Benue State, and this was done to assess the evenness, richness, and diversity of the tree species. The relative abundance of trees was estimated using the Shannon Weigner evenness index, while the variety of tree species was estimated using the Shannon Weigner diversity index. To determine the species richness in the research area, the Menhinick index was also employed. Danieli oliveri has the highest frequency of 43.37%, while Acacia seyal, and parkia biglobosa have the lowest frequency of 0.14%. The family Ceasalpiniodeae has the highest relative abundance of 0.4637, while Fabaceae and Anacardiaceae have the least relative abundance of 0.0027. The result shows the Zoological Garden's diversity index to be 2.06, indicating a moderate level of species diversity supported by cluster analysis. This suggests that some of the tree species found in the Makurdi Zoological Garden have experienced disturbances. A moderate distribution and low species richness are also indicated by the evenness and Menhinick values of 0.72 and 1.06, respectively. This suggests that some species are more abundant than others, leading to the domination of particular species. The study recommends close monitoring of the study area to mitigate disturbances, logging, and grazing activities.
Valorization of Spent Plastics for Hydrocarbon Production with Improved Economic Worth and Environmental Remediation: A Pre-degradation Approach
Authors: Mustapha Amina Muhammad , Agbogo Victor Ugbetan , Inuwa Ibrahim Mohammed , Yilleng Moses Titus 
Published: August 2024

Study’s Excerpt/Novelty

This study introduces an approach to addressing Nigeria's plastic waste problem by converting discarded low-density polyethylene (LDPE) sachets into valuable liquid fuel through pyrolysis.
Utilizing a modified zeolite catalyst (ZSM-5) enhanced with nickel, the research demonstrated a high yield (≈72%) of liquid products rich in alkenes, which are essential for gasoline blending and chemical processes.
The innovative dissolution of LDPE in toluene before degradation not only reduces viscosity for uniform heating but also presents a scalable solution to prevent pipeline blockages, showcasing the potential for continuous operation in plastic waste conversion.

Full Abstract
Amidst the world's energy crisis, our society faces a growing environmental dilemma as plastic junk winds up in landfills and bodies of water, infiltrating the food chain. In Nigeria, water packaged in transparent low-density polyethylene (LDPE) sachets is widely consumed by the populace and the sachets are discarded in large quantities. Waste LDPE was subjected to pyrolysis, which involves first dissolving it in toluene and then degrading it using a modified zeolite catalyst. ZSM-5 underwent modification with the addition of nickel using the hydrothermal technique. The catalyst and pure zeolite's elemental composition, surface area, crystal structure, and morphology were examined through Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), respectively. The liquid products were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The result showed a high yield of liquid products (≈72%) rich in alkene, a valuable gasoline blending stock that can be used as a feedstock for various chemical processes. The physicochemical parameters of the oil obtained via both thermal and catalytic cracking were also determined and it was observed that the product of the catalyzed process had better properties with some of the oil-fuel characteristics obtained fitting perfectly within the range of standard fuel. Dissolving the LDPE in toluene reduced its viscosity, allowing for easy handling and uniform heating within the reactor. Furthermore, the dissolution method before degrading could help prevent pipelines from getting stuck with melted plastic feed if plastic waste conversions through cracking are scaled up to continuous operations.