bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adsorption Isotherms and Thermodynamics of <i>Thymol Blue</i> Removal from Aqueous Solution Using Native Pear (<i>Dacryodes edulis</i>) Seed Biomass
Authors: Overah Loretta Chukwudumebi , Ujor Avwerosuo , Anwuli Almond 
Published: April 2024

The release of dyes into watercourses not only upsets their beautiful nature but also hinders the transmission of sunlight into streams, reducing photosynthesis and resulting in the loss of aquatic life and reduction of water quality. Therefore, there is need to remove such colored substances. One of such dyes is thymol blue. This study was conducted with a view to removing thymol blue (TB) dye from an aqueous solution using a low-cost agricultural biomass, the African native pear (Dacryodes edulis), as the adsorbent. Batch experiments showed that the process was affected by pH, temperature, contact time, and initial thymol blue concentration. Optimum dye adsorption was achieved at pH 12. The data was analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The latter isotherm better described this process than the former. The thermodynamic quantities like free energy change (∆G°), enthalpy change (∆H°), and entropy change (∆S°) were also evaluated. It was inferred from the results that the adsorption process was spontaneous, feasible, endothermic in nature, and occured by a physisorption mechanism. These findings indicate that the native peer seed is an efficient biosorbent for thymol blue removal from an aqueous environment.
Performance and Cost Benefit of Organic Acid Supplementation in Broiler Diets Containing Graded Levels of Soaked <i>Balanite Aegyptiaca</i> Fruit Meal
Authors: Abdullahi I. , Idachaba C.U. , Oladipo M.F. , Silas S.W. , Yilwatda B.M. , Idris H.M. , Adeniyi A.K. , Kurdor P.N. 
Published: April 2024

Balanite aegyptiaca fruit meal (BAFM) is an alternative feed source that requires processing and supplementation with additives to enhance its utilization in broiler diets. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) day old broiler chickens were used for the study. They were allotted to four experimental treatments each replicated thrice with ten (10) chickens per replicate in a completely randomized design. Raw BAFM fruit was processed by soaking for 24 hours, dried and incorporated in the diets at 0.00, 2.50, 5.00 and 7.50% in T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. Acidifier (Fysal®) was supplemented in the diets of T2-T4 at 0.1%. The study monitored the following parameters; initial weight, final weight, weight gain, feed efficiency, and mortality rate. Cost benefit was also determined at the end of the study. Results obtained indicate that growth performance was poorer in chickens fed the control diet compared to others. Starter-phase chicks fed diets with the highest BAFM dietary inclusion level (7.5%) exhibited enhanced weight gain, improved feed conversion efficiency, and reduced feed cost per unit weight gain, while the pooled performance showed that the parameters declined at 7.5%. Cost benefit showed that feed cost per kilogram gain reduced up to 5% inclusion level of BAFM in the diets while it slightly increased at 7.5%, though better than the control group. At 5% dietary inclusion of BAFM with acidifier supplementation, feed cost per kilogram gain reduced by ₦95.22 (18.49%). Based on the results obtained in this study, it was concluded that soaked BAFM and acidifiers are good supplements that can be utilized in broiler diets at 5.0% and 0.1% respectively.
Pharmacogenomics as a Tool in Addressing Genetic VariationDependent Adverse Drug Reactions
Authors: Anunobi Oluchukwu O. 
Published: April 2024

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a cause of discontinuing drug development and withdrawal from market, as well as a very common source of morbidity and mortality. Genetic variables may be the primary predictor of drug response for certain medications, but they are estimated to account for 15– 30% of the variability in drug response. Many factors can contribute to adverse drug reactions, including genetics and drug targeting/delivery. Genetic markers, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in drug-metabolizing enzymes, drug targets, and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotypes, have been associated with an increased risk of ADRs. Pharmacogenomics is the study of the genetic variation in the way that different people react to different pharmaceuticals, including variations in the risk of adverse drug reactions, dose requirements, and efficacy. The implementation of genetic data for predicting responses to medications and ADRs is becoming a reality in clinical practice, offering the potential to reduce the incidence of ADRs and improve patient outcomes. As pharmacogenomic research continues to advance, it holds great promise for enhancing drug safety and efficacy, ultimately leading to more tailored and effective therapeutic interventions.
Fungal Isolation and Characterization from some Ornamental Plants in Baze University Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Mairami F.M. , Ahmad Bello 
Published: April 2024

A research was carried out to isolate and characterize the fungal community present on some ornamental plants grown in Baze University Abuja Nigeria. Leaf samples showing diseased symptoms were collected from four different ornamental plants in the area (Indian shot, Canna indica; Plantain lily, Hosta undulata; Elephant ear, Caladium sp; and Song of India, Pleomelere flexa. The diseased portions were cut to form an aliquot. Serial dilutions were carried out and the samples were inoculated on Potato Dextrose Agar and incubated at 27 oC for 5 days. Fungal colonies formed were counted and sub-cultured. Data obtained for occurrence was analyzed in frequency and percentages while for enumeration using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test was used to separate significant means at 5% level. The result obtained revealed the presence of ten fungal species represented by eight genera associated with the plants: Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus parasiticus, Mucor racemosus, M. mucedo, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizopus stolonifer, Alternaria alternata, Pythium aphanidermatum and Penicillium chrysogenum. Aspergillus niger is the most predominant species. Elephant ear has the highest fungal loads. Four of the fungal species: A. alternata, Aspergillus parasiticus, Pythium aphanidermatum and Fusarium oxysporum are potential pathogens while the remaining six species are saprophytes. This implies that the plants are at risk of losing their aesthetic values as such proper attention need to be given to these plants.
Assessment of Patients’ Satisfaction with Pharmaceutical Services rendered in Staff Clinic, of Tertiary Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State
Authors: Osarenmwinda Monday Ikponmwosa , Abolarin Oluwabusayo , Ole Joseph 
Published: April 2024

The evaluation of patients’ satisfaction on various matters concerning healthcare services provides insight about the drawbacks of different healthcare systems. The study aimed at assessing the level of patients’ satisfaction with pharmacy services in staff clinic of tertiary hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State. In a cross-sectional study, data on the level of satisfaction with the pharmacy services among 130 patients who had their prescriptions filled at the pharmacy clinic during the period of April to October, 2019 was collected using a validated adopted structured instrument. The data collected was entered into and analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Analyses were descriptive and inferential, and results were considered significant at P < 0.05. Very many (80.8%) of the respondents had frequent patronage of the pharmacy, with majority (76.9%) which sought services for themselves, and 80.0% were registered on National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). The overall mean score, the respondents gave to satisfaction with pharmacy services was 3.31. There was above average structure and process mean score (> 3) with respect to gender, patronage, payment status and services sought for self or others. Services sought for self, was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the process mean score. There was a positive correlation between mean overall satisfaction score and mean structure as well as process satisfaction score (r value is 0. 717 and 0.986 respectively with P < 0.0001). The overall mean patient satisfaction with services rendered is above average. The mean process satisfaction score contributed more to the overall satisfaction score than the mean structure satisfaction score, and both aspects correlated positively with the overall satisfaction score.
<i>Curcuma Longa</i> (Turmeric) Supplements Improved Fasting Blood Glucose Level and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Diabetic Wistar Rats
Authors: Salisu Shuaibu , Bababa Aliyu S. , Abdullahi Zainab A. , Usman Abdulhamid M. , Sulaiman Sulaiman A. , Garkuwa Adamu H. , Jibril Murtala M. , Ladan Ahmad Aliyu , Garkuwa Usman A. 
Published: April 2024

Turmeric is a spice derived from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa (C. longa) which is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). Curcuma longa is widely used for food spices, preservatives, and coloring agents. Anxiety disorders are the most frequently occurring mental disorders, they encompass a group of conditions that share extreme or pathological anxiety as the principal disturbance of mood or emotional tone. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of C. longa supplements on fasting blood glucose levels and anxiety-like behavior in diabetic Wistar rats. Twenty (20) rats were randomly assigned into five (5) groups of four each (N=4). Group I served as control and received distilled water (1 ml/kg), groups II, III, IV and V were diabetic and received glibenclamide (1mg/kg), and C. longa supplements at 2.5%, 5% and 10% respectively. Diabetes was induced using intraperitoneal injection of freshly dissolved alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg). All administrations were made for 21 days. Fasting blood glucose levels and anxiety-like behavior were determined using a digital glucometer and elevated plus maze test respectively. Based on the results obtained from this study, there was significant (p < 0.05) improvement in fasting blood glucose levels across all supplemented doses of C. longa (2.5%, 5% and 10% at 9.33 ± 0.46 mmol/L, 11.20 ± 0.68 mmol/L and 11.00 ± 0.40 mmol/L respectively) compared to control group (18.13 ± 1.28 mmol/L). Time spent in the opened arm was also increased significantly (p < 0.05) in 5% (18.25 1.18 s) and 10% (19.25 1.49 s) groups after 21 days of supplementation compared to before the commencement of supplementation (9.75 ± 1.11 s and 10.25 ± 1.49 s respectively). These findings suggested that the C. longa supplement improved fasting blood glucose and anxiety-like behavior in diabetic Wistar rats.
Enhanced Local Binary Pattern Algorithm for Facial Recognition Using Chinese Remainder Theorem
Authors: Adigun A.A. , Abolarinwa M.O. , Ojo O.E. , Oladimeji A.I. , Bakare O.S. 
Published: April 2024

Current biometrics research focuses on achieving a high authentication success rate for identity management and discussing the threat of various security attacks. Local Binary Pattern (LBP), one of the methods for feature extraction, and Chicken Swarm Optimization (CSO), one of the strategies for feature selection, were used for user identification and authentication. LBP requires high computational time to extract features from the facial images. The Chinese Remainder Theorem (CRT) was used to reduce its computational time by formulating an Enhanced Local Binary Pattern (ELBP). Michael Olugbenga Banji Abolarinwa (MOBA) database was created specifically for this study. 600 frontal facial images of 200 people were collected, each with three images. 360 images were used for training while 240 images were used for testing. MATLAB (R2016a) was used to run the simulation. The time it took to classify the facial images when LBP and CSO were combined and when ELBP and CSO were combined were enumerated. The LBP-CSO achieved a false-positive rate (FPR) of 11.67%, a sensitivity (SEN) of 92.78%, a specificity (SPEC) of 88.33%, a precision (PREC) of 95.98%, and an accuracy of 91.67% in 119.10 seconds at 0.80 thresholds for face recognition. ELBP-CSO obtained an FPR of 5.00%, SEN of 95.00%, SPEC of 95.00%, PREC of 98.28%, and accuracy of 95.00% in 79.16 seconds. The results showed that LBP-CSO took an average of 119.10 seconds and ELBP-CSO took an average of 79.16 seconds. In conclusion, the performance of CSO-ELBP justifies the usage of LBP enhancement with CRT.
Current perspectives of south african orthopaedic surgeons to the direct anterior approach in total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Pietrzak J.R.T. , Geldenhuys D.B. , Sikhauli N. , Cakic J.N. , Mokete L. 
Published: April 2024

Background: Despite the global increase in popularity for the use of the Direct Anterior Approach (DAA) for Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA), the current beliefs and reasons for its use and disuse amongst South African orthopaedic surgeons is not well understood.
Objective: To determine the perspectives regarding DAA compared to other surgical approaches to THA.
Methods: We conducted an anonymous online survey sent to all current members of the South African Orthopedic Association (SAOA).
Results: The response rate was 24.25% (n=194). There were 76 (39.18%) respondents that have performed DAA (DAA Performers) and 118 (60.82%) that have never performed DAA (DAA nonperformers). A proportion of 50% and 11.84% of DAA performers were between 30 to 45 years and older than 60 years of age, respectively (p<0.000). The DAA is the preferred approach to THA for 36.84% (n=28) of DAA performers, whilst 63.16% (n=48) prefer an alternative approach. Both DAA performers who prefer DAA and those who prefer alternative approaches consider DAA more satisfactory for length of hospital stay (p<0.000) and short-term functional outcomes (p=0.002) compared to other surgical approaches. For DAA non-performers, the primary reasons for not performing DAA THA were inexperience in surgical technique (72.09%), increased operative time (12.79%), unsatisfactory outcomes (27.91%) and learning curve (67.44%). There were 5 (18.52%) and 30 (70.33%) surgeons who have been in clinical practice for more than 10 years that do and do not intend to use DAA in the future, respectively (p<0.000).
Conclusion: The trends of the adoption of the DAA by South African orthopaedic surgeons show increasing popularity, similar to patterns seen in the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Younger surgeons are more likely to perform the DAA THA whilst more experienced surgeons are less likely to deviate from their current standard of practice.
Clinical and microbiological profiling of infections in open tibia fractures at Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute
Authors: Mgisha W. , Majigo M. , Mwinga A. , Henry E. , Ambrose T. , Haonga B.T. 
Published: April 2024

Background: Fracture-Related Infection (FRI) is a challenging complication after surgical fracture treatment. Consequences include reoperations, increased medical costs, loss of function and even amputation.
Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the rate, predictors of infection, clinical-radiological presentation and microbial profiles of open tibia FRI.
Methods: Between January 2022 and June 2022, a descriptive cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI) involving patients aged 18 years and above with surgically managed open tibial shaft fractures in the preceding 12 months. Microbiological culture of three intraoperative tissue and bone specimens were taken by sterile techniques using separate and sterile instruments.
Results: There were 190 patients between 18-72 years with a mean age of 35.6 ±10 years. After surgical debridement, all 190 (100%) were managed with either an external fixator or an intramedullary nail. It was found, 49 (25.8%) patients had FRI. A smoking history was identified as a predictor of infection (AOR= 2.21 95% CI 0.84-5.59, P value 0.108). Delayed union was a complication found in 70.3% of patients with infection attending 12th week follow-up and beyond. Almost all (96.5%) intraoperative tissue samples were culture positive, yielding most isolates as polymicrobial (57.9%) and the predominant pathogen identified being Gram-negative bacteria in delayed and late infections.
Conclusion: About one-quarter of open tibial shaft fractures are at risk of FRI. The risk is higher among smokers. Intraoperative tissue sampling provides significant cultural yield with predominant gramnegative infection in delayed and late presentation.
Investigating Landsat data for continuous monitoring of ground electrical conductivity: implication for propagation at medium frequency in Ondo West
Authors: Adenodi R.A. , Ikusika A. 
Published: April 2024

Ground electrical conductivity (GEC) has many applications, which makes it worthy of continuous research. Apart from the configurations of the radio transmitter and receiver, it is a major determinant of the electric field intensity of radio waves in the Medium Frequency (MF) band. It is usually measured in such a way that both the researcher and the measuring instrument are in direct contact with the ground, and measurements are made at some predetermined constant intervals to ensure good spatial coverage and even spatial distribution. The direct method becomes cumbersome when the field of study is large because the GEC over the licensed coverage area must be known such that electric field intensity can be predicted. At the planning stage, this ensures all parts of the licensed region are reached by useful signals that can suppress interference at all times and seasons. The study is motivated by the possibility of using Landsat to estimate GEC. This study utilizes Landsat images to first estimate the normalized difference salinity index and then, with the aid of map algebra, generate another raster 2 whose pixels' values are the GEC. The study covers a landmass of 967 km in the Ondo West Local Government Area (OWLGA). During analysis, the GEC was divided into five classes. The results reveal that the ranges of very low, low, moderate, high, and very high GEC are 0.124 to 0.437, 0.438 to 0.937, 0.938 to 1.635, 1.636 to 2.524, and 2.525 to 3.600 mS/m, which have mean values of 0.346 ± 0.109, 0.754 ± 0.103, 1.071 ± 0.089, 1.351 ± 2 0.067, and 1.564 ± 0.106 mS/m, and are dispersed over 176.45, 202.24, 214.14, 374.17, and 228.56 km , respectively. The values of GEC, their respective coverage, and spatial distribution recorded in this study are strong enough to sustain the propagation of useful electric field intensity over the entire landmass of Ondo West Local Government if a medium wave is established. The study recommends that the change in GEC with time in this field be studied.
Advancing supercapacitor performance: a comprehensive review of electrochemical conversion of coconut shells into activated carbon nanofibers
Authors: Ajibade I.I. , Garba B. , Suriati P. 
Published: April 2024

This assessment provides a comprehensive evaluation of the limitations associated with the application of supercapacitors, along with the imperative to enhance their functionality. Following this, the advantages of Electrochemical Double Layer Capacitors (EDLC) are discussed in comparison to other types utilized in supercapacitor contexts. The transformation of coconut shells into carbon nanofibers is extensively investigated through various methodologies, highlighting both their benefits and limitations. It becomes evident that the current utilization of coconut shells has not yet achieved optimal sustainability or viability for energy storage purposes. Nevertheless, coconut shells offer a widely available and sustainable resource that can be converted into Activated Carbon nanofibers for energy storage applications. Diverse techniques have been employed to produce these ACB nanofibers, each targeting specific objectives including improved energy density, adaptable diameter, reduced energy consumption, and faster charging times. Despite these accomplishments, it is evident that numerous significant properties of carbon nanofibers derived from coconut shells remain unexplored, leading to substantial knowledge gaps that must be addressed for each technique. Therefore, further research is warranted to advance the comprehension of key parameters associated with various methods, ultimately facilitating the development of highly desirable carbon nanofibers sourced from coconut shells and catering to the requirements of sustainable energy storage applications.
Microfacies and mineralogical analyses of the late cretaceous carbonate rocks from The Central Benue Trough, Nigeria
Authors: Aigbadon G.O. , Igbinigie N.S. , Obasi A.I , Akudo E.O , Christopher S.D. , Ocheli A. , Igwe D.O. , Francis A.J. , Joseph G.E. , Akor D.J. 
Published: April 2024

The Cretaceous limestone facies from Yandev section in the central Benue Trough, Nigeria constitutes parts of the potential reservoirs and sources rocks for petroleum prospects in the basin. The central Benue Trough is the least studied basin among its contemporaries due to lack of subsurface data. Detailed mineralogical, facies analysis and diagenesis of these carbonate rocks in the basin have not received significant study. The aim of this study was to employed multifaceted methodology such as sedimentological, facies analysis petrographic and geochemical approaches which was lacking in previous research in the trough. The sedimentological analysis was done to evaluate fabrics grain sizes, and lithology types. For petrographic analysis, thin sections were prepared and examined under a petrographic microscope and categorized according to Dunham's classification. Geochemical analysis involved X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope - energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) techniques to unveil mineralogical, oxide, and elemental compositions. The sedimentological results revealed light to dark grey medium to fine-grained limestone facies with intercalation of dark grey shales and siltstones. The XRD mineralogy data, revealed calcite (60.00 - 64.10%), quartz (14.30 - 51.00%), albite (12.30 - 19.00%), and chlorite (6.30 - 8.10%). Microfacies results revealed distinct sandy bioclastic wackstone and sparitic intraclastic packstone, as well as micritic intraclastic wackestone and sparitic bioclastic packstone. SEM images highlighted the intricate composition, including elongated structures, whites and dark spots suggesting varying conditions of deposition. Elemental analysis through EDX emphasized significant proportions of carbon, oxygen, sodium, potassium, calcium, silicon, aluminum, iron, and magnesium. Based on sedimentological, biofacies, lithofacies and geochemical evidence we infer that the carbonate sediments were mainly deposited in a shallow marine depositional environment (inner to outer neritic).