bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Logística reversa de embalagens no Brasil: produção científica versus realidade nacional
Authors: Cavalcante Francisco Leorne de Sousa , Frota Artemisa Fontinele , Bezerra Emanuel Araújo , Stefanutti Ronaldo , Pianowski Sarah Maia 
Published: March 2024

A Logística Reversa é uma ferramenta para gestão de resíduos sólidos, incorporada oficialmente no Brasil pela Lei 12.305/2010 (BRASIL, 2010), que estabeleceu três instrumentos para implementar os sistemas de logística reversa: acordos setoriais, termos de compromisso e regulamentos expedidos pelo poder público. Para o segmento de embalagens em geral, foi assinado em 2015 o Acordo Setorial, com a meta de recuperar 22% das embalagens recicláveis do mercado brasileiro. Esta pesquisa objetivou traçar um panorama comparativo entre a produção científica global sobre a logística reversa de embalagens e o seu desenvolvimento no Brasil nos últimos 20 anos. Para tanto, realizou-se uma análise bibliométrica na base de dados Scopus com auxílio da ferramenta Biblioshiny, além de pesquisas em documentos oficiais e na literatura científica. Os dados gerados pelo Biblioshiny foram exportados no formato CSV para criação de gráficos contendo múltiplas análises. Para analisar o cenário brasileiro, utilizou-se pesquisas em documentos oficiais e na literatura científica, com destaque para o site da Coalizão Embalagens. As análises mostraram a importância crescente da temática, o quantitativo crescente de publicações, citações e implementação de políticas públicas em países de todos os continentes do mundo, com destaque de 2010 em diante. O Brasil ocupa posição de relevância em número de publicações e citações, notadamente nas regiões Sudeste e Sul, o que infelizmente não tem sido acompanhado da efetiva implantação da cadeia de logística reversa de embalagens, em virtude de diversas dificuldades gerenciais e operacionais, que resultam em descontinuidades nas etapas logísticas que envolvem o processo. Uma das limitações da pesquisa foi a divergência e imprecisão de dados oficiais concernentes à realidade brasileira. Assim, sugere-se a descentralização da gestão, monitoramento e fiscalização dos instrumentos de logística reversa para os estados e municípios, com base no princípio da responsabilidade compartilhada, bem como a realização de estudos posteriores com a finalidade de compreender em profundidade as particularidades das cadeias de logística reversa de embalagens.
In Defense of (Limited) Oligarchy
Authors: Kogelmann Brian 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In democracies around the world, the rich exercise a disproportionate share of political power. Democratic theorists universally condemn this. The current paper brings balance to this conversation by mustering a defense of limited oligarchy. I have two goals. First, I shall argue that we need not be overly despondent about the wealthy's outsized influence, for overrepresentation of the wealthy performs some good for us—good which might not be entirely obvious at first glance. Second, I hope to temper reform efforts that seek to limit the wealthy's influence. While the people should have a greater say than they currently do, the wealthy's influence should still be greater than what their numbers suggest. I ultimately embrace oligarchic bicameralism, an old idea that proposes ordinary persons be represented in the lower chamber of the legislature, and property be represented in the upper. This is accomplished through a combination of sortition and elections.
Effects of sub-chronic oral administration of hydromethanolic stem extract of Costus afer Ker Gawl. (Costaceae) on body weight, relative organ weight (ROW) and histopathology of selected organs in rats
Authors: Jimoh AbdulFatai Adetunji , Bello Maiha Bilkisu , Chindo Ben , Ejiofor Janet , Yakubu Musa 
Published: March 2024

Adverse effects of plant extracts on body weight, relative organ weight and histopathology are important indicators of toxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute and sub-chronic toxicity of the hydromethanolic stem extract of Costus afer Ker Gawl. (Costaceae). OECD (2008) Guideline 425 was used to evaluate oral acute toxicity of the extract. Sub-chronic oral administration of the extract on body weight, relative organ weight (ROW) and histopathology of selected organs in Wistar rats were evaluated using OECD 1995 guideline 407. Forty Wistar rats of both sexes were divided into 4 groups. Rats in control group (Group I) received 1 ml/kg/day distilled water while Groups II, III and IV rats received 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day of the extract respectively for 28 days. All treatments were administered orally. The rats were sacrificed under light halothane anaesthesia on the 29th day and the target organs were harvested, weighed and examined macroscopically for any morphological changes and microscopically for any lesions. There were no significant changes in mean body weights of rats and relative organ weights of selected organs in the extract treated groups when compared with the control group (distilled water). Although histological features of the brain, heart, stomach mucosa, lungs, spleen, ovaries and uterus in the extract treated groups were similar to those of control, slight to moderate renal and hepatic necrosis and necrosis of secondary spermatogenic cells at doses of 500 mg/kg and above of the extract were observed in the kidneys, liver and testes respectively. Caution should be exercised on sub-chronic administration of this extract as it may be toxic to the kidneys, liver and testes.
Hippocratea africana root extract and fractions attenuate paracetamol-induced oxidative stress and kidney injuries in rats
Authors: Nwakaego Ebong 
Published: March 2024

Hippocratea africana root used locally in the treatment of poisoning was investigated to confirm its antidotal potential in rats. The root extract (200-600 mg/kg) and fractions; dichloromethane (DCM) and aqueous, 400 mg/kg) were evaluated for nephroprotective activity against paracetamol-induced kidney injury in rats. Anti-oxidative stress and renoprotective potentials of root extract and fractions were assessed by determining oxidative stress markers levels, kidney function parameters and histopathology in rats. The root extract and fractions caused significant (p<0.05 – 0.001) increases in the levels of oxidative stress markers (SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH) in the kidney, while MDA level was decreased. The root extract/fractions caused significant (p<0.05-0.001) reduction of elevated serum levels of creatinine and urea of the rats, while the electrolytes levels were considerably reduced though not significant. Histology of kidney revealed absence or significant reductions in pathological features in the treated rats compared to paracetamol treated group group. The results show that the root extract and fractions of H.africana have antioxidative stress and nephroprotective potentials which may be due to the antioxidant activities of their phytochemical constituents.
Evaluation of the anticonvulsant activity of ethanol leaf extract of Panicum maximum in pentylenetetrazole and strychnine induced seizure in mice.
Authors: Iyanyi Uchechukwu Loveth , Oparah Ikenna , Okokon Jude O. 
Published: March 2024

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition affecting around 50 million people worldwide. This study evaluated the anticonvulsant effect of Panicium maxmium in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and strychnine (STN) induced convulsions in mice. For each model, 25 mice were divided into five groups; group 1 received 10 ml/kg distilled water, groups 2-4 received 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of extract p.o respectively. Group 5 received 3 mg/kg of diazepam p.o. Convulsion was induced intraperitoneally using PTZ and STN, thirty minutes after the extract was administered. The onset of myoclonic, tonic-clonic seizure, time of death within 60 minutes of PTZ and STN administration were monitored. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnet’s comparison tests. In STN-induced seizure model, 100 mg/kg of P. maximum exhibited a significant (p < 0.001) anticonvulsant activity by delaying myoclonic seizure onset in mice when compared to the control. Significant (p < 0.001) activity was also observed in the onset of tonic clonic seizure at same dose when compared to control. In PTZ-induced seizure model, 200 mg/kg exhibited more significant (p < 0.001) activity followed by 100 mg/kg (p < 0.05) by delaying myoclonic seizure onset in mice when compared to the control. Significant (p < 0.001) activity were observed in tonic clonic phase at same doses respectively. The different doses administered couldn’t protect the mice from death. Diazepam, standard drug used, protected all the animals without any signs of convulsions. The results provide evidence that the extract possesses anticonvulsant activity.
Ocimum Gratissimum essential oil: A review of extraction methods, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological uses and formulation approaches
Authors: Ikeotuonye Chidalu , Uronnachi Emmanuel , Nwakile Calistus , Attama Anthony 
Published: March 2024

Ocimum gratissimum is a plant native to Africa. Its leaves have been used in local dishes over the years, with documented evidence of varying pharmacological uses of its essential oil. This review focuses on the extraction methods, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological uses and formulation approaches of Ocimum gratissimum essential oil. The traditional extraction methods that have been widely used include the solvent, cold press and hydrodistillation methods. However, newer methods such as steam distillation, ultrasound and microwave assisted hydrodistillation, supercritical fluid extraction, pressurized liquid extraction and pressurized hot water extraction methods have not been fully reported. These methods provide more yield of the essential oil compared with the traditional methods and their processes are less laborious. Furthermore, they are often limited to analytical applications as they cannot handle large quantities of samples. The phytochemical constituents of Ocimum gratissimum essential oil vary, based on location of the plant and the time of the season the plant parts were harvested for extraction. The African species have more thymol than eugenol. Other notable constituents are saponins, terpenes and flavonoids in both African species and others. The essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum bears the scent of the plant and other important properties such as protection of the plant from pests and to attract insects for cross-pollination. The essential oil of this plant has been noted to possess various pharmacological properties which explains its use in inflammatory conditions and the treatment of diarrhoeal disease, wound healing and cerebrovascular disorder, amongst others. The essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum has been embedded in gels, cream, silver nanoparticles and nanoemulsion to improve its pharmacological activity and bioavailability. This review article highlights the potentials of the essential oil of this ubiquitous plant as a therapeutic source for the treatment of different tropical diseases.
Secondary metabolites of mangrove-derived endophytic fungus, Pseudopestalotiopsis species investigated for antimicrobial and antioxidant activities
Authors: Ajah Virginia N. , Okolo Chukwubuikem , Okezie Ugochukwu , Ukwubile Cletus , Asekunowo Anita Kelechi , Umeokoli Blessing , Okoye Festus 
Published: March 2024

Attention is being diverted toward the bioprospecting of newer bioactive compounds from marine endophytic fungi. This is because marine fungi have shown a large chemo-diversity of untapped important secondary metabolites needed for drug development. In the present study, the secondary metabolites of a mangrove-derived endophytic fungus Pseudopestalotiopsis species isolated from the root of Rhizophora racemosa were investigated for antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The fungal isolation, taxonomic identification, fermentation, extraction, and isolation of the fungal secondary metabolites were carried out using standard techniques. The fermentation product was subjected to fractionation. The crude extract and its fractions were screened for antimicrobial and antioxidant assays. The active extracts and fractions exhibited good antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas oleaginous, and Candida albicans with MIC values that ranged between 0.06 to 1 mg/mL. The Gram negatives were the most susceptible bacteria while C. albicans was the most susceptible fungi. Moderately low antioxidant activities were recorded in the DPPH and FRAP assays. The chromatographic separation and HPLC analysis of the fungal secondary metabolites yielded compounds: Palitantin (A), Cytosporin D (B), Cytosporin K (C), and Fusarielin (D). These compounds have been previously reported to possess varying pharmacological activities which include antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Thus, The results of this study show that these compounds may, in part, account for the anti-microbial and antioxidant effect of the root of Rhizophora racemosa ethno medically.
Epiphytic medicinal plants as reliable sources of therapeutic agents with enhanced pharmacological activities
Authors: Umeyor Ebuka , Umeyor Immaculeta , Chukwuemerie Ogechukwu , Ifejirika Ezeonyi , Okoye Festus 
Published: March 2024

Epiphytes are bioindicator groups of plant species that give important information on how the ecosystem support evolution of life in its habitat and to what extent this is achieved owing to their sensitivity and responsiveness to environmental stimuli. The plants have been used for the treatment of non-infectious and infectious diseases including boils, wounds, ulcers, smallpox, diarrhoea, fever, colds, ulcers, malaria, and worm infections. They are also used to improve hepatic functions, treat rheumatism, diabetes, bronchitis, and enhance muscle tone. Some of the novel bioactive molecules identified in epiphytes include flavanthrinin, nudol, and fimbriol. The pharmacological activities of epiphytes were discussed following information obtained from databases such as Google scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, Prota, Web of Science, Prosea, Scifinder Scholar, and Scopus. The review evaluated and discussed the ethnomedicinal uses of ten (10) epiphytes including Adiantum caudatum, Diaphananthe bidens, Nephrolepis cordifolia etc. The phytochemical factors of the plants (catechin, quercetin, kaempferol, alkaloids, and flavonoids) with their traditional uses were presented. Interestingly, these plants have shown significant medicinal properties including anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities.
Pharmacognostic studies and thin layer chromatography profile of the aerial parts of Vernonia cinerealess. (Asteraceae)
Authors: ISA Hassanatu , Adam Katsayal Umar Adam mni , Abdurahman Abdurahman Ezzeldin Mukhtar , Mohammed Maje Idris Mohammed , Abdulhamid Abdulhamid Zakir 
Published: March 2024

Vernonia cinerea(VC) Less is synonymously known as Cyanthillium cinereum and Vernonia abbreviate belongs to Asteraceae family. Different parts of the plant are extensively used in traditional medicine for treatment of various disease conditions. However, there was no scientific evaluation of the plant’s pharmacognosy and thin layer chromatography (TLC), which necessitate these studies, to bring out characters that will facilitate its proper identification, standardization and, nature of secondary metabolites in aerial parts of the plant. To carry out detailed pharmacognostic studies and TLC evaluation on the aerial parts of Vernonia cinerea. Aerial plant parts of V. cinerea were studied for their organoleptic, macroscopic, microscopic, physicochemical features and bitterness properties, their elemental and nutritional values were evaluated using standard procedures. In the TLC, reagents were used to evaluate presence of various bioactive constituents in the parts studied. Pharmacognostic studies of aerial parts of VC highlighted features that are diagnostic from microscopic characters and their dimensions, different ergastic substances in the chemomicrocopical study. The elemental analysis showed the presence of macro, micro and trace elements. Nutritionally, there are presence of macro molecules such as carbohydrates, protein and fats. All these will serve as criteria to differentiate it from other species in the same and other families. The TLC profile showed spots of different colour shades after spraying with general and specific reagents and, their Rf values determined. Detailed pharmacognostic studies on the aerial parts of VC showed characters which might be useful to provide information with regard to its identification, standardization and types of phytochemicals present.
Levels of trace metals content of crude ethanol leaf extract of globimetula oreophila (Hook. f) danser growing on Azadirachta indica using atomic absorption spectroscopy
Authors: DAUDA GARBA , Ali Bila Hassan , Muhammad Sani Yahaya , Muhammed Magaji Garba , Muhammad Musa Aliyu , Hassan Halimatu Sadiya 
Published: March 2024

Globimetula oreophila is a parasitic plant that is widely used in the treatment of various ailments including malaria, hypertension, cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, and as a diuretic agent. The present study is aimed at analyzing and documenting the level of trace and toxic metals in the crude ethanolic leaf extract of G. oreophila. After collection and authentication, the leaves were air-dried, mashed into powder, weighed, and extracted using 70% ethanol. Crude extract (0.5g) was digested with HNO3: HCl (3:1); then heated to 200 ºC and analyzed for its metal content by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Fe had the highest concentration (32.73mg/kg), while Pb was not detected. The concentrations of Co, Cu, Ni, Zn, and Cd detected were 5.97, 10.8, 8.0,1, and 0.9 mg/kg respectively. The concentrations of Cd, Fe, and Ni were above the permissible limit of FAO/WHO.
Methanol leaf extract of Leptadenia hastata ameliorates chronic, unpredictable, mild stress-induced depression
Authors: Sani Dr. Ibrahim H. , A. Umar Dr. Muhammad , Rabiu Abubakar Abdullahi Rabiu Abubakar , Prof. Sani Malami  , Prof. Abdullahi Hamza Yaro  
Published: March 2024

Leptadenia hastata (Pers) Decne is a tropical herb widely used in the phytotherapy of neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression. Despite the availability of synthetic antidepressant drugs, depression remains a major medical problem. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of methanol leaf extract of Leptadenia hastata (LHME) on chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression. Acute toxicity of Leptadenia hastata was determined using Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines. The chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model-induced depression involves the evaluation of baseline behavioural changes in the sucrose preference test, open field test, and tail suspension test. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations and serum cortisol were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were also assessed using standard procedure.
The median lethal dose (LD50) value was > 5000 mg/kg. LHME at doses of 250 – 1000 mg significantly (p<0.01) decreased CUMS-induced depression in a dose-dependent manner. LHME significantly (p<0.01) reversed depression associated weight loss from 14.00±0.62 g in week two to 22.57±1.13 g in week five of the experiment. It also increased sucrose consumption in the sucrose preference test (SPT) from 4.29±0.52 ml in week two to 9.71±0.68 ml in week five. The LHME also significantly (p<0.01) decreased the duration of immobility from 190.00±4.55 sec in week two to 158.00±3.83 sec in week five in the tail suspension test (TST). Furthermore, LHME at the tested dose significantly (p<0.01) increased the locomotor activity from 36.29±1.25 sec in week two to 62.43±1.73 sec in week five in the open field test (OFT). LHME significantly (p<0.01) and dose-dependently increased the levels of BDNF (204.74±22.97 pg/ml) and decreased the levels of plasma cortisol (0.98±0.06 ng/ml). However, treatment with LHME and the standard drug imipramine did not significantly change SOD activity and the MDA level in CUMS-induced mice.
The findings demonstrated that LHME ameliorates CUMS-induced depressive-like behaviours, and its effect is possibly mediated via the neuroendocrine (cortisol) and neurotrophic (BDNF).
Learning Design: To Improve Mathematical Problem-Solving Skills Using a Contextual Approach
Authors: Amalia Lia , Makmuri Makmuri , Hakim Lukman El 
Published: March 2024

Mathematical problem-solving skills are essential for success in various fields, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). However, many students struggle with math and often lack the necessary skills to solve problems effectively. Traditional math education often lacks real-world context, which makes it difficult for students to engage with the material and develop problem-solving skills. To address this issue, the need for a contextual approach to learning design to improve mathematical problem-solving skills is inevitable. In the context of math education, this approach can be applied by providing learners with mathematical problems that are embedded in meaningful contexts, such as real-world scenarios or case studies. This approach draws from theories such as situated cognition and social constructivism, which emphasize the importance of considering the broader context in which problem-solving occurs. A literature review is used in this research method, and data analysis is done descriptively. By applying a contextual approach to mathematics learning design, students are expected to develop mathematical problem-solving skills that are important for success in various fields.
Implementasi Kebijakan Pengelolaan Perhutanan Sosial Skema Hutan Desa Bagi Masyarakat Kampung Ubadari, Distrik Kayauni, Kabupaten Fakfak, Provinsi Papua Barat
Authors: Wasongko Fajar Wedha , Tafalas Muhammad Guzali , Watunglawar Balthasar 
Published: March 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan mendeskripsikan dan menjelaskan kinerja serta peran para pihak (stakeholder) dalam mengimplementasi kebijakan program perhutanan sosial skema hutan desa; mengidentifikasi dan menemukan faktor-faktor yang berpengaruh terhadap implementasi kebijakan perhutanan sosial dengan skema hutan desa; serta mendeskripsikan dan menjelaskan strategi dan langkah yang tepat untuk meningkatkan implementasi kebijakan perhutanan sosial skema hutan desa selanjutnya. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan wawancara mendalam (indepth interview) dengan menggunakan panduan wawancara yang sistematis. Faktor-faktor pendorong pengelolaan hutan desa di Kampung Ubadari yaitu adanya pendampingan stakeholder, keterlibatan masyarakat dalam pemanfaatan lahan, terdapat regulasi pendukung perhutanan sosial serta aturan internal kelompok, melakukan pelatihan peningkatan kapasitas SDM, bantuan alat ekonomi produktif, adanya unit usaha hutan desa (KUPS), peran pendamping sebagai fasilitator pengembangan usaha dan penghubung mitra, terdapat potensi wisata alam, adanya pedoan pembinaan, pengendalian dan evaluasi, serta penerapan sistem agroforestri yang baik. Faktor-faktor penghambat terdiri atas belum adannya program kerja, belum ada sosialisasi kebijakan tentang hutan desa, pokja PPS Provinsi Papua Barat belum berfungsi secara optimal, pertemuan rutin dan keterlibatan anggota dalam peningkatan kapasitas belum baik, bantuan peralatan belum optimal dimanfaatkan, unit usaha belum berjalan maksimal, koordinasi pendamping belum maksimal, belum optimalnya pemanfaatan obyek wisata alam, perlindungan dan pengamanan hutan belum maksimal, serta kegiatan pembinaan, pengendalian dan evaluasi belum terlaksana dengan baik.