bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the hydration process and biological activity of a novel nanosilver incorporated dicalcium silicate based retrograde filling material
Authors: Dsouza Teena , Shetty Aditya , Kini Sudarshan , Shetty Veena , Rao Shama , Payaradka Rajesha , Satheesan Nijil , Dsouza Neevan , Shetty Heeresh 
Published: February 2023

Background
Although several materials have been used for retrograde filling following apical surgeries, there is no consensus on a single best material. Tricalcium silicate-based types of cement have been developed as root-end filling materials mainly due to tricalcium silicate’s hydraulic properties. However, its unfavorable setting characteristics and minimal antimicrobial properties have necessitated the introduction of new additives into the existing commercially available materials. To design an affordable product based on a dicalcium silicate with a shorter set time, minimal cytotoxic complications, and enhanced antibacterial activity, we developed a new endodontic cement from pure raw materials, intending to satisfy the prerequisites of ideal retrograde material.

Methods
The composition of the experimental calcium silicate-based cement included the addition of calcium chloride and silver nanoparticles in varying concentrations. Structural characterization was carried out using energy dispersive analysis by X-rays using scanning electron microscope (EDAX SEM) and hydration characteristics were performed using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The experimental material was further evaluated for biocompatibility using MTT ([3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide)assay and antibacterial activity was evaluated using an agar diffusion test against Enterococcus faecalis.

Results
The structural characterization and hydration characteristics revealed that the experimental cement was dicalcium silicate based with favorable biocompatibility and enhanced antibacterial activity. Tricalcium silicate based mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) also had favourable biocompatibility, however, its antibacterial activity was significantly decreased when compared to the novel cement.

Conclusion
All hydraulic cements that are available in the dental market are predominantly tricalcium silicate-based materials. There has been no evidence in the literature to date wherein it has been explored whether a dicalcium silicate-based hydraulic cement can solely be used in root-end cavities. The findings of the study revealed a dicalcium silicate based retrograde filling material with favourable biocompatibility exhibited immediately as well as in the set samples. Incorporation of silver nanoparticles boosted the antibacterial activity when compared to that of ProRoot MTA. This material could potentially reinstate the usual hype created with tricalcium silicate types of cement since dicalcium silicate cements also exhibit similar properties.
The Influence of Amino Acids and Trace Elements on L-lysine Production by Bacillus subtilis Using Agricultural Products as Carbon and Nitrogen Sources
Authors: Okpalla J. , Ekwealor I. A. 
Published: February 2023

The influence of amino acids and trace elements on L-lysine production by Bacillus subtilis using agricultural products as carbon and nitrogen sources was studied. The L-lysine producing bacteria had already been isolated from Nigerian soil. They were purified and identified as B. subtilis PR13 and B. subtilis PR9, using cultural, biochemical and molecular characteristics. Optimization of some parameters which included amino acids and trace elements on L-lysine production by Bacillus species was carried out. The L-lysine was produced in 250 ml flasks containing fermentation media (FM1 and FM2). The findings revealed that, enhanced lysine yield of 2.88mg/ml and 1.68 mg/ml by Bacillus subtilis PR13 and Bacillus subtilis PR9, was observed at in the presence of 0.1% (w/v) of glycine and leucine respectively. There was a negative correlation between amino acid and lysine production by the B. subtilis PR 13 (r= -0.74) and PR 9 (-0.55). The supplementation of 0.005 g/l of MgSO4.7H2O and FeSO4.7H2O enhanced optimum L-lysine yield of 2.56 mg/ml for B. subtilis PR 13 and 1.36 mg/ml for B. subtilis PR9. There was a positive correlation between MgSO4.7H2O and lysine production by the B. subtilis PR 13 (r=0.96) and FeSO4.7H2O and lysine production by B. subtilis PR9 (r= 0.94). The results obtained in the study, illustrated that the optimization of process parameters could increase L-lysine yield from agricultural products by B. subtilis PR13 and B. subtilis PR9.
The Effect of the Four Marketing Mix Factors on Customer Loyalty (Case Study: Consumers of Boots Café Makassar
Authors: Ismail Muhammad , Haeruddin Muhammad Ilham Wardhana , Mustafa Fahrina , Khatmi Mutiah Nurul 
Published: February 2023

Aims: The development of restaurants and cafes today has been offered with various kinds of competition in all fields. Seeing these conditions, café and restaurant managers are increasingly required to act quickly and precisely so as not to lose the competition. Winning this competition can be done by displaying the best products and can meet consumer tastes that are always developing and changing, as well as with satisfying services. Companies are required to consider market customers who are increasingly focused on customer loyalty. This study aims to determine the partial and simultaneous effects of marketing mix components, namely product, price, place, and promotion on customer loyalty and which variable has the dominant influence on customer loyalty at the Boots Café Makassar.
Methodology: This research is a descriptive quantitative study conducted from July to December 2022. Sampling using purposive sampling method. The total sample in this research are 210 customers (78 male, 132 female, age range 15-35 years) during 2022 who made more than two purchases. Data collection uses a questionnaire with a Likert scale, which will be tested for validity and reliability. The classical assumptions used include normality, heteroscedasticity and multicollinearity. Data processing uses SPSS application.
Results: Data is normally distributed, there is no multicollinearity problem and no heteroscedasticity problem in the regression model. Based on T test, it is found that the promotion variable has the strongest influence on customer loyalty. All independent variables simultaneously affect customer loyalty The R-Square value is 0.752, this means that the ability of Product, Price, Place, and Promotion to explain the customer loyalty variable is 75.2% while the rest (100% - 75.2% = 24.8%) is explained by other variables that are not in this study.
Conclusion: Customer loyalty is positively and significantly impacted by the marketing mix, which consists of product, price, place, and promotion. The promotion variable has the highest value when compared to other variables, despite the fact that all independent variables have an impact on customer loyalty. The results of this study's theoretical contribution suggest that customer loyalty may be partially and simultaneously influenced by product, price, place, and promotion. Regarding the managerial contribution, this study contends that in order to keep their clientele loyal, business owners and policymakers must evaluate and enhance the marketing mix.
COVID-19 Vaccination Concerns: Perspectives of Youths in a Developing Nation's Context
Authors: Samuel Aguwa Ugochukwu , Azuka Okafor Izuchukwu , Ejike Udokanma Echezona , Jude Okolie Ikechukwu , David Izuchukwu Okonkwo , Ovie Ogbo Felix , Dorothy Nwosu Chioma , Uchechi Aguwa Adline 
Published: February 2023

Background: Vaccine programmes' success lies in the acceptability and understanding of vaccine concerns among diverse population groups. This study investigates the covid-19 vaccination concerns among Nigerian youths.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 631 youths (343 females and 270 males) between 15-44 years who were randomly recruited online and offline from the six geo-political regions of Nigeria. The questionnaire was administered between 10 February and 15 March 2021. SPSS (Chi-square and Cramer's V Statistic) was used to determine the association (p<0.05)between covid-19 vaccination concerns and participants' demographic characteristics.
Results: Among the 12 identified covid-19 vaccination concerns, side-effects (p=0.037), not necessary (p=0.007), negative reaction to vaccines (p=0.026) and assumed non-exposure to covid-19 patients (p=0.004),, were statistically associated with gender. For age, efficacy doubt (p=0.023), political/economic construct (p=0.023), family disapproval (p=0.018), and non-exposure to covid-19 patients (p=0.000) were statistically significant. Efficacy doubt (p=0.029) and the vaccine is a hoax (p=0.020) were associated with marital status. Side effect (p=0.182), a mere human experiment (p=0.777), doubt on efficacy (p=0.305), not necessary (p=0.457), political/economic construct (p=0.673), negative reaction to vaccine (p=0.162), and the vaccine may not be affordable (p=0.506) were not associated with the occupation. For the level of education, side effects (p=0.140), a mere human experiment (p=0.580), efficacy doubt (p=0.243), and negative reaction to the vaccine (p=0.386).
Conclusion: Amongst youths in developing nations, especially in institutions of learning, health promotion and vaccine advocacy strategies should be intensified. The strategies should incorporate reinstating trust in vaccine efficacy and education and target youths and their family health decision-makers.
C-Reactive Protein as an Index of Early Diagnosis of Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Eniowo Patricia I. , Kareem Abiodun J. , Eniowo Akinbowale R. , Adejuyigbe Ebunoluwa A. , Oluwatuyi Korede O. , Akinmadelo Opeyemi O. 
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Neonatal sepsis is a major cause of morbidity/mortality and the definitive diagnosis is an isolation of the pathogen from blood culture which might take 2-7 days. A test for early confirmation of infection is therefore required. C-reactive protein (CRP) is therefore suggested as an early screening tool in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.
Aim: To determine the usefulness of CRP in the early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis among neonates.
Study design: This was a prospective longitudinal study.
Place of the study: Department of Paediatrics, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex Ile-Ife.
Methods: Consecutive neonates were recruited. Blood culture was done and CRP was done at contact and 24 hours. Data were analysed and P = .05 was considered significant.
Results: A total of 180 neonates comprising 106 (58.9%) males with a male to female ratio of 1.4:1 were studied. Thirty-two (17.8%) of the neonates had culture-proven sepsis with a prevalence of 10.1% among the inborn and 23.8% among the out-born with statistically significant difference (χ2 = 5.638, P = .018). The means of initial and repeat CRP for subjects with culture-proven sepsis were 41.4 (23.6) mg/l and 10.6 (4.3) mg/l respectively while subjects without sepsis were 9.2 (11.3) mg/l and 6.1 (2.6) mg/l respectively (P < .001). The CRP has a sensitivity of 93.8%, specificity 91.9%, negative predictive value 98.6%, and positive predictive value of 71.4%. The area under the curve for the receiver operator characteristic curve for subjects with CRP ≥ 10mg/L and positive culture was 0.909 (P < .001).
Conclusion: The CRP has a high sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value and can therefore be used to screen neonates with sepsis.
Resuscitating Ecological Balance in Palnadu District Watershed Development Programme Using Micro-Watershed Approach
Authors: Reddy P. Venkataram Muni , Sasidhar Kona , Reddy C. P. , Reddy R. V. Sagar Kumar , Reddy B. Janardhan , Deshpande Shilpa 
Published: February 2023

Aim: This study was taken up to understand the impact of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) Integrated Watershed Management Project (IWMP) interventions on components of Natural Resource Management (NRM) including land productivity, reclamation,land use pattern, water resource replenishment and conservation along with availability and access of drinking waterin Palnadu District of Andhra Pradesh.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted by Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department, Andhra Pradesh from 2009 to 2022.
Methodology: The primary data was collected through the field surveys conducted by the MEL&D team of NABCONS during May 2022, covering all 17 Micro Watersheds under four sanctioned PMKSY projects. The secondary data about the projects and watershed interventions was obtained from the DPRs of the projects.
Results: There is a significant reduction in the wasteland area from 198.2 Acres to 126 Acres, which indicates there is an improvement in cultivated area. Irrigated area and fodder area increased by 61.9 Acresand 47 acres respectively. As a result of Natural Resource Management (NRM) works the gross cropped area in the micro watershed increased by 114.5 acres which generate additional employment and income for the farmers.
Conclusion: Implementation of watershed projects had resulted in a significant improvement in natural resource management as evidenced in terms of increases in wasteland reclamation, improving the quantum of green cover, increasing the availability of fodder and fuelwood for local use by the indigenous households, enhancements in crop production and productivity with higher acreage under horticulture crops, which have had positive spin-offs in terms of higher employment opportunities and better wages both for men and women within the project area itself; resulting in a reduction of migration to contiguous areas as well.
Effect of Plant Growth Regulator on Growth, Yield, Quality and Economic of Summer Squash (Cucurbita pepo L. Var. Pattypan) in Mid Hills of Uttarakhand
Authors: Dobhal Ankita , Pant S. C. , Chandola J. C. , Panwar Anita , Kumar Vijay 
Published: February 2023

Field study on the Effect of Plant Growth Regulator on Growth and Yield of Summer Squash (Cucurbita pepo L. Var. Pattypan) was conducted during 2017 (summer season). Ten treatments of plant growth regulator consist of T1 Control; T2 Ethrel 150 ppm; T3 Ethrel 200 ppm; T4 Ethrel @ 250 ppm; T5 Gibberellic acid (GA3) @ 25 ppm; T6 Gibberellic acid (GA3) @ 50 ppm; T7 Gibberellic acid (GA3) @ 75 ppm; T8 Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) @ 50 ppm; T9 Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) @ 100 ppm; T10 Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) @ 150 ppm were tried in Randomized Complete Block Design having three replications. Results revealed that the maximum number of male flowers per plant (13.63) was found under T5 that was closely followed by T4, T7, T3 and the lowest number of male flowers per plant (7.06) in T9. In contrast, the maximum number of female flowers per plant (7.86) was found under T9 while the lowest number of female flowers per plant (4.76) was found under T7.The lowest sex ratio (1.26) was observed with T9, while the highest sex ratio (2.43) was observed with T6.The maximum fruit set percent (71.58) were found under T8 that was statistically identical by T10: Naphthalene acetic acid 150 ppm while the minimum fruit set (49.02) were found under T2. Different plant growth regulators showed a statistically significant variation on number of fruits per plant. The maximum (6.03) fruits per plant in number were recorded under T9 and the minimum fruits per plant were recorded in T2. The yield of summer squash was recorded the maximum (403.75 q ha-1) in treatment T4 which was closely followed by T10. The quality parameters i.e., TSS (4.66) and shelf life (114.6 days) of summer squash was determined the maximum in T8 as compared to other treatments. The economics of using different growth regulators revealed that the benefit cost ratio was the maximum with Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) @ 100 ppm (T9) followed by Ethrel 250 ppm (T4). The overall results showed that the effective treatment for increasing femaleness and yield of Summer Squash was Ethrel (250 ppm) with the satisfactory benefit cost ratio (4.23).
Malignant Melanoma of the Anorectal Region: A Case Study and Review of the Contemporary Treatment Options
Authors: Ramesh Bhat Rakshita , Prakash Namitha 
Published: February 2023

Aims: Anorectal melanoma, an uncommon malignancy of mucosal origin accounts for 0.05 per cent of all colorectal malignancies and 1 per cent of tumours of the anal canal. The typical clinical presentation includes local pain, palpable mass, bleeding, change in bowel habits, and weight loss. The symptoms are somewhat nondescript and unremarkable and can be easily confused with other conditions native to the region. Hence, a careful and timely assessment is imperative in treating this condition.
Presentation of Case: A case involving a 54-year-old male who presented with a 3-month history of rectal bleeding and pain. Further assessment revealed a malignant melanoma of the anal canal. After undergoing laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection, the patient was on 6 cycles of dacarbazine. He was subsequently found to have liver metastasis. He subsequently started oral Temozolomide for 2 cycles. He has been on close follow-up for the last 6 months and the disease has not progressed since.
Discussion: The course of evaluation in suspected cases of anorectal melanoma is a rectal examination, biopsy and histopathologic examination. Immunohistochemistry aids in the confirmation of the diagnosis. Laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection demonstrates good response rates. Adjuvant chemotherapy in anorectal melanoma can be given in patients following surgical resection of the primary anorectal tumour and with a high risk of recurrence. Targeted therapies like c-kit inhibitors, BRAF inhibitors, anti- CTLA-4 antibodies and anti-PD-1 antibodies can also be used.
Conclusion: Melanomas of the anorectal region present a diagnostic dilemma and carry poor prognoses. Despite an aggressive management approach, the disease maintains an average five-year survival rate of 20%.
Pollution Status of Dumpsites within Uyo Metropolis, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Ubong U. U. , Ekwere I. O. , Obadimu C. O. , Uwanta E. J. 
Published: February 2023

The study evaluates the heavy metals, geo-accumulation index and contamination factor in soil around dumpsites in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected, during rainy season, at depth of 0-15cm and 15-30cm from two study sites (A, B) and a control site (C). Soil samples were all analyzed for heavy metals (Pb, Ni, Cd and Cu) using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The concentration of Lead at site A for depth 0-15 cm ranged from 13.71 -14.90 mg/kg with a mean value of 14.38 ± 0.61 mg/kg; Nickel varied from 2.35 – 3.22 mg/kg (2.74 ± 0.44 mg/kg); Cadmium ranged from 3.78 – 4.13 mg/kg (3.93 ± 1.18 mg/kg); Copper ranged from 27.84 – 28.34 mg/kg (28.14 ± 0.27 mg/kg). The heavy metals concentration in soil at sites A and B followed the sequence, Cu > Pb > Cd > Ni while at the control site; Cu > Cd > Ni > Pb. The calculated geo-accumulation index (Igeo) showed that the soil samples from sites A and B for Pb, Ni and Cu belong to class 2, which implies that the soil was moderately contaminated. The Igeo values for Cd at sites A and B were classified as 4, indicating a strongly contaminated soil. However, Igeo of Cd at the control site is class 3, implying moderately to strongly contaminated soil. Calculated contamination factor (CF) showed that Pb, Ni and Cu for sites A, B and control at depths 0-15cm were in class 1 (low contamination), while Cd contamination was class 4 except at control site (15 -30cm) which showed CF of class 3. The contamination degrees (CD) for the sampling sites A and B showed considerable contamination and their pollution load index (PLI) indicated a progressive deterioration of the sites; however, the control site recorded very minimal state of pollution. Generally, the results found that the top soil (0 – 15 cm) was more contaminated than the sub soil (15 – 30 cm) of all sample sites studied. The results of this study imply that the inhabitants around Sites A and B are exposed to Cadmium pollution and the soil is not suitable for agricultural practice, since plants can take up these toxic metals and bio-accumulate them in their tissues. Cadmium, at high concentration in plants, can cause serious clinical and physiological effects on humans when consumed as food.
Flat Tummy Water Attenuates Lipid Profile and Serum Glucose of High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Female Wistar Rats
Authors: Chinedu Alor Patrick , Chukwuemeka Chinko Bruno 
Published: February 2023

Background: Flat tummy water (FTW) is an herbal tonic preparation made from cucumber (Cucumis sativus), lemon (Citrus limon), ginger (Zingerber officinale) and mint leaf (Mentha piperita) and is believed to be effective in the reduction of central/abdominal fat. While the potency and efficacy of FTW are hardly known, the present study presents a scientific investigation of its effect on high-fat-induced obese Wistar rat models.
Methods: FTW was constituted using measured quantities of cut and infused cucumber, lemon and mint leaf while the individual plants were extracted and mixed to obtain an extract mixture (EM). Twenty-five (25) female Wistar rats were used for the study. They were divided into five (5) groups of five (5) animals each. Groups 1 & 2 served as the normal and negative controls and received standard rat chow/distilled water and high-fat diet/distilled water respectively. Groups 3, 4 & 5 served as the experimental groups. Group 3 received FTW ad libitum while groups 4 & 5 received 25 and 50mg/kg of extract mixtures (EM) respectively alongside the formulated high-fat diet. Lipid profile and serum glucose were determined using standard colourimetric methods. The body weight, naso-anal length, abdominal and thoracic circumferences (AC/TC) of the animals were measured before and after the experiment.
Results: There was a significantly reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins, very low-density lipoproteins and serum glucose and significantly increased high-density proteins among the obese animals treated with FTW and EM compared to the untreated obese negative control (p<0.05). The study also observed reduced body weight, AC/TC ratio and lee obesity index among treated obese animals when compared with the untreated negative control (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The present study shows that the oral administration of flat tummy water (FTW) as well as extracts mixtures (EM) led to a moderate decrease in central abdominal obesity. FTW and EM showed potent anti-hyperlipidaemic, anti-hyperglycaemic and anti-obesity activity. This study concludes that these observed effects could be due to the synergistic action of cucumber (Cucumis sativus), lemon (Citrus limon), ginger (Zingerber officinale) and mint leaf (Mentha piperita).