bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regression modelling for concentration dependent mass density and specific volume of aqueous surfactant solutions
Authors: Sivamani Selvaraju , Manganaan Ehilla Jeanifer , Banerjee Saikat , Vijayanand Manickam 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT. In the present work, mathematical models relating mass density and specific volume of solution with concentration for aqueous solutions of anionic (sodium lauryl sulfate - SLS) and cationic (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide - CTAB) surfactants (0-10% (w/w)) have been investigated. The experimental studies were performed to study the effect of solution concentration on mass density and specific volume of solution. Mass density increases, and specific volume decreases with an increase in solution concentration for both surfactants. Linear, quadratic, cubic, quartic, quintic, and exponential models were fitted to the experimental data to check the applicability. The models were validated based on the coefficient of determination (R2) and the sum of square of error (SSE) to be unity and zero, respectively. Modelling results reveal that the quintic model was fitted to study the effect of density on solution concentration for both surfactants.

KEY WORDS: Density, Surfactant, Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, Sodium lauryl sulfate, Modelling, Regression

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(4), 1047-1054.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i4.19
Ratio derivative-zero crossing and successive derivative of ratio spectra for simultaneous determination of urea, creatinine, and uric acid in human urine samples
Authors: Khasraw Ali Dashty , Adil Fakhre Nabil , Mohameed Rasheed Chnar 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT. Two simple precise and accurate spectrophotometric techniques are developed for simultaneous determination of ternary mixture of urea, creatinine, and uric acid in humane urine sample. The first technique is a ratio derivative zero - crossing where measured urea at 216.61 nm, creatinine at 260.56 nm, and uric acid at 283 nm. The second technique is a successive derivative of ratio spectra where urea, creatinine, and uric acid measured at 203 nm, 261 nm, and 283 nm, 287 nm, respectively. These procedures do not need separation. The proposed methods showed excellent linear range over the concentration ranges of 1.0–15.0 μg/mL, 1.0–16.0 μg/mL, and 2.0–15.0 μg/mL for urea, creatinine, and uric acid, respectively. The recoveries ranged from 97.10% to 101.9% for urea, 97.22% to102.70 % for creatinine, and 97.45% to102.55 % for uric acid with relative standard deviations less than 1.56% for urea, 3.87% for creatinine, and 3.71% for uric acid. The analytical eco-scale and green analytical procedure index tools were used to evaluate how the proposed procedures will affect the environment. The simultaneous quantification of urea, creatinine, and uric acid in human urine samples can be accomplished with remarkable effectiveness by using the suggested approaches.

KEY WORDS: Urea, Creatinine, Uric acid, Derivative spectrophotometry
Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(4), 817-829.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i4.2
Optimization of modified QuEChERS method for extraction of selected pharmaceuticals from vegetable samples using HPLC
Authors: Tegegne Bisratewongel , Singh Chandravanshi Bhagwan , Zewge Feleke , Chimuka Luke 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT. Optimized QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) method of sample preparation was employed for five selected pharmaceutical compounds on its advantage of simplicity, less extraction solvent and extraction time. Different parameters affecting the extraction efficiency of the target analyte was optimized. Since QuEChERS was developed for pesticides, uses of the method for pharmaceuticals need modification and evaluation of different parameters. Clean-up sorbents were evaluated for their matrix effect removal after extraction and a combination of d-SPE sorbent, MgSO4, PSA, C18 and diatomaceous earth found to be selective clean-up sorbent for the targeted compounds. The addition and amount of diatomaceous earth and EDTA during the clean-up and extraction steps, respectively, were also examined and the amount was optimized. Solvent type and composition, salt type and extraction time were also optimized and methanol, MgSO4 with NaCl salt and 5 min extraction time was obtained. The method was successfully applied to different vegetable samples collected from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and Johannesburg, South Africa (carrot, cabbage and lettuce) and none of the target analytes were found in the sample investigated. The matrix effect study on vegetable samples collected was found very high that suppresses the signal during analysis.

KEY WORDS: QuEChERS, EDTA, Pharmaceuticals, Vegetable, HPLC
Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(4), 831-844.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i4.3
Electrochemical sensor of multiwalled carbon nanotube electrode modified by 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-orthofluoro benzoyl-5-pyrazolone for sensing dopamine
Authors: Norzehan Mohamad Mahbob Emi , Syahrizal Ahmad Mohamad , Md Isa Illyas , Hashim Norhayati , Ul-Hamid Anwar , Idris Saidin Mohamad , M. Si Suyanta 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT. This work explicates a simple, rapid, and sensitive method for the electrochemical detection of dopamine (DOP) utilising 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-orthofluorobenzoyl-5-pyrazolone (HPMoFBP)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) carbon paste electrode (CPE). The electrochemical behaviour of DOP was performed through cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry. HPMoFBP/MWCNT showed a higher current at the lower potential for the oxidation of DOP compared to bare MWCNT. The sensor's improved electrocatalytic activity was observed to detect in a 1.0 x 10-1 M phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solution at pH 8.0. A good linear regression analysis was observed between electrical response and the concentration of DOP in the range of 1 to 1000 µM. Under optimized experimental conditions, 1.0 x 10-7 M has been determined as the limit of detection (LOD). The sensor has expressed considerable sensitivity towards DOP detection without interference and is successfully used to determine DOP in dopamine hydrochloride injection.

KEY WORDS: Electrochemical sensor, Dopamine, Pyrazolone, MWCNT, Voltammetry
Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(4), 845-857.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i4.4
Coffee spent supported Fe-Al-Zr composite: Synthesis, characterization and its adsorptive dye removal from tannery wastewater
Authors: Kebede Tigist , M. Taddesse Abi , Hussen Ahmed 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT. This work was conducted to evaluate the adsorption performance of coffee spent modified Fe-Al-Zr composite. The Al2O3/Fe3O4/ZrO2 ternary oxide system was efficiently synthesized from the respective salt precursors by a two-step co-precipitation method under nitrogen atmosphere in basic condition. XRD, SEM-EDX, FTIR and ICP-OES were used to characterize the features of the adsorbents. The pH point of zero charge of the selected adsorbent was also determined. Batch adsorption experiment was conducted under different conditions such as contact time, initial concentration of dye, pH, sorbent dosage and agitation speed. The Langmuir and Freundlich, isotherms were tested to examine the adsorption behavior. The equilibrium data was well fitted to Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacity (qo) was 8.4 mg/g for acidic brown 75 dyes. The kinetic data correlated (R2 = 0.999) well with the pseudo second order kinetic model. To evaluate the practical applicability of the coffee spent supported nanocomposite adsorbent to real samples, effluent was collected from Batu Leather Industry. The result demonstrated 95.7% (10 mg/L) removal efficiency of the dye by the as-obtained composite indicating its potential application for environmental application.

KEY WORDS: Coffee spent, Nanocomposite, Sorption, Textile dye, Immobilization
Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(4), 875-889.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i4.6
Binuclear transition metal complexes containing 6 N moieties Schiff base ligand: Synthesis, characterization and microbicide activities
Authors: Mohamed Elgamasy Sabreen , Ebrahim Abd-ElRazek Samar 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT. Complexes of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) ions with tetra amine hydrazide ligand [H4L] were prepared and characterized using physical and spectral methods. Analytical data showed that the complexes found in (1:2) ligand:metal ratio. Spectral studies revealed that the ligand bonded to the metal ion in neutral tetradentate or tetrabasic tetradentate manner through azomethine nitrogen atom, protonated/deprotonated hydroxyl group. From the electronic spectral data together with magnetic susceptibility values a distorted octahedral structure can be proposed for all complexes except complex 2 which has square planar structure. Electron spin resonance spectra for Co(II) complex 6 revealed axial symmetry with g|| > g⊥ > ge, indicating distorted octahedral or square planar structures and the unpaired electron exists in a d(x2−y2) orbital with marked covalent bond feature. Quantum chemical calculations have been performed to study structures and energetics of the ligand and its complexes. The prepared complexes showed good to excellent antimicrobial activity, and the most active complexes against Aspergillus niger were 3 with zone of inhibition of 23 mm. Complex 7 showed interesting activity against Escherichia coli with zone of inhibition of 23 mm.

KEY WORDS: Metal complexes, Nitrogen moiety, Antimicrobicide activity

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(4), 901-915.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i4.8
Competence evaluation by public secondary school teachers: a panacea for students improved performance in calabar zone, nigeria
Authors: Abigail Edem Okon , Celestina Edem Okon 
Published: May 2023

The study examined teachers’ competence in evaluating students’ learning outputs. It was a descriptive survey design whose area of coverage was 2021/2022 school year in public secondary schools across Calabar Education Zone of Cross River State, Nigeria. Four out of seven Local Government Areas, 20 out of 100 secondary schools and 496 out of 1,502 teachers (evaluators) formed the sample of the study. Each teacher had one student to examine on; punctuality, obedience, self-control and honesty (Affective Domains); the evaluation methods considered were formative and summative evaluation. The sampling methods adopted were purposive, simple random and systematic sampling methods. Two sets of questionnaire were used for data collection in addition to students’ result sheets (first term junior secondary school two (JSS 2) and teaching staff disposition (teachers’ register). The two sets of questionnaire were Teachers’ Competence Evaluation Questionnaire (TCEQ) and Teachers’ Score on Students’ Affective Domain Questionnaire (TSSADQ). The questionnaire instruments were validated by experts in different areas of research affected. The results obtained from the test-retest pilot study were correlated using Pearson Product Moment Correlation to obtain the internal consistency of the measures whose coefficient was 0.76. Data collected were analyzed using contingency chi-square technique to test the formulated null hypotheses. It was found that evaluation methods influence students’ learning outputs and that the quality of teacher competence evaluation also influence students’ affective domain. It was recommended that teachers should intermittently evaluate students learning in the course of instruction and not forgetting the final evaluation. Also, teachers should improve their evaluation strategies by making learning a life-long affair.
Effectiveness of geogebra application on geometrical mathematics among secondary schools students in delta state
Authors: N L Ekwue , N M Ajaegba , P Umukoro , M Okeke , C P Amos-Emeaso 
Published: May 2023

This study investigates the effectiveness of GeoGebra application on geometrical mathematics among secondary school students in Delta state. Dynamic mathematics software (GeoGebra) is a freely available interactive dynamic software for the teaching and learning of mathematics that combines geometry and algebra into a single package. A descriptive survey and quasi–experimental design was used, specifically, the pretest-posttest non-equivalent control group. The population consists of all the SS 2 students and mathematics teachers in all the public and private schools in Delta State. Fifteen mathematics teachers participated in the online workshop and that form the sample size of the teachers and 600 students were sampled, but 516 scripts were returned. Three (3) research questions guide the study. Two instruments were developed for the study; Mathematics Ability Test (MAT) and a Questionnaire on Mathematics Teacher's Attitudes toward GeoGebra Software (QMTAGS) were used for data collection. MAT was administered as a pre-test and post-test to the experimental and control groups which have 15 objective questions, while QMTAGS was administered to teachers after the workshop exercise on the GeoGebra software which contained 14 multiple-choice items. The data obtained were subjected to mean and standard deviation. The result of the findings showed that GeoGebra makes the teaching and learning of mathematics fun and enjoyable and factors responsible for mathematics teachers’ non-access to digital teaching of mathematics are lack of computer-literate skills, non-availability of computer lab software, lack of power supply, and lack of professional development. Male students performed better than their female counterparts; private schools also performed better than public school students. It was recommended that GeoGebra should be fully integrated into Nigeria’s education curriculum.
Groundwater quality assessment from parts of the basement complex area of oshogbo, southwestern nigeri
Authors: Adeyinka Falana Olukayode , Akinfenwa Akanbi Olanrewaju 
Published: May 2023

The increasing population in Oshogbo metropolis with the attending rise in human generated waste and environmental pollution has created a quest in assessing the quality of the available groundwater. Therefore, drinking water must meet the desirable quality and standards, and there is need for thorough monitoring of the quality available for drinking purposes. A total of twenty (20) samples of water were randomly collected from borehole drilled into the basement complex rocks. The temperature of water samples ranges between 26°C and 29°C and an average of 27.9°C. The range of pH is from 6.7 to 7.8 with mean value of 7.2 which indicated that the water is neutral. The TDS was low and ranges between 21.3 to 50.5 mg/l with a mean value of 35.8 mg/l. Calcium has concentration ranging between 1.3mg/l and 7.2mg/l. Concentration of Magnesium ranges between 1.5mg/l and 18mg/l while concentration of sodium ranges from 1.2mg/l to 8.9mg/l and Potassium ranges from 1.2mg/l to 4.3mg/l. Chloride concentration ranges from 2.1mg/l to 8.2mg/l and Sulfate concentration ranges between 0.4mg/l and 12.0mg/l while Bicarbonate ranges from 3.7mg/l to 14.3mg/l. The geochemical data for both cation and anion shows that: Mg>Na>Ca>K and HCO3>SO4>Cl. Mg-HCO3 occupied 30% of the water type analyzed, Mg-Cl took 15%, Ca-HCO3 took 25%, while Mg-SO4 took 30%. The major cations from the water facies indicate that Calcium and Magnesium are geogenic in origin and are as a result of interaction of water and the underlying rocks are reflective of bedrock dissolution. . Concentration of Cl-, HCO3- and SO42-can be attributed to increasing population and industrial growth within the metropolis, although the concentration is not when compared with WHO standard and Nigeria Standard standard desirable and permissible limits.
An object-oriented programming solution for managing inventory of used cars in Kenya using inheritance relationships
Authors: Mwangi Waweru 
Published: May 2023

The industry of buying and selling used cars in Kenya has continued to grow by leaps and bounds. There are many dealers who have opened shops in Nairobi, Mombasa, and many other towns locally. Therefore, having a software solution that can manage this data appropriately is important for the day- to-day running of these businesses. Inheritance is a key concept in object-oriented programming that uses the concepts of generalization and specialization. Inheritance allows a new class to extend an existing class. The new class inherits the members of the class it extends. This review paper explores the use of inheritance in developing software that used car dealers can find useful in managing their data.
The restorative effects of graded intensities of exercise training on the biochemical and nutritional status of obese induced male Wistar rats (Rattus novegicus)
Authors: Mwangi Kanyoni James , Kariuki Kweri Joseph , Githinji Mwangi Elijah , Muriithi Kigundu Alex , Dominic Marera , Wairimu Mwangi Ann , Walter Rono Kiplangat 
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the specific effects of 12 weeks of intensive, graded intensities of exercise training on nutritional parameters and some plasma biochemical parameters in high-fat diet and sucrose obesity-induced (HFDS) Wistar rats. In evaluating the restorative effects of graded exercise training as an intervention in managing obesity, 25 male Wistar rats who were 7 weeks old were used. These 25 rats were broadly grouped into 5 rats as controls and 20 rats as experiments. In the first phase of the experiment, which involved the induction of obesity, the rats were fed on HFDS containing 35% total fat, 39% carbohydrates, 23% protein, 6% fiber per 100 grams, and 60% sucrose solution per 100 mL for 12 weeks, while the 5 rats in the control group were fed on a normal rodent diet containing 5% total fat, 39% carbohydrates, 23% protein, and 6% fiber per 100 grams. In the second phase, which was the interventional phase, the 20 HFDS-induced obese rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups: the control (sedentary group), low, medium, and high-intensity exercise training groups, and were subjected to various intensities of exercise training. All experimental groups received the HFDS throughout the exercise training period. After 84 days of exercise training intervention, the final body weight, plasma biochemical parameters including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) concentrations, and nutrition parameters including feed efficiency (FE), feed consumption (FC), and caloric intake (CI) were assessed. The study established that graded exercise training has a direct, inversely proportional reduction in TC, TG, and LDLC concentrations. In conclusion, medium- to high-intensity exercise training is associated with restoring the dyslipidemic profile in the serum of rats and also increased feed efficiency.
Quality changes in papaya fruit under different storage temperatures and duration
Authors: Matsuane Christinah , Kavoo Agnes Mumo , Kiage Beatrice Nyanchama , Karanja Josephine , Wanzala Fredah Karambu Rimberia 
Published: May 2023

Kenya experiences high postharvest losses in the fruit and vegetable subsector, which have been estimated at 50 percent. These losses are mainly due to poor postharvest handling practices, a lack of storage facilities, and/or poor storage conditions. Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a highly perishable tropical fruit with a short shelf life and requires proper storage and handling practices due to its delicate skin texture, high moisture content, and high respiratory rates. In this study, F hybrid and Mountain variety papaya fruits were collected at Meru County in May 2022 and stored at three different temperatures (6, 16 and 24 °C) for a duration of 0, 4, 8 and 12 days to evaluate their effects on fruit quality. The data collected was separately subjected to a two-way ANOVA in a completely randomised design using the GenStat statistical software package (14th edition). Storage temperatures and durations significantly (p < 0.05) decreased papaya quality. Mountain fruits were firmer while F fruits had more appealing peel and flesh colors. F fruits retained more potassium (1.20 g/100g) and vitamin C (0.29 g/100g) when stored at 16 °C on day 12. The optimal storage temperature and duration for successful storage and extension of shelf life of papaya fruits was found to be 16 °C for 8 days. The F hybrid fruits were more comparable to the local papaya variety, Mountain, on the various tested parameters, which could make it suitable for consumer utilization and market exploitation in Kenya.
Moderating effect of organization culture on the relationship between supplier development and organizational performance in food and beverage manufacturing companies in Kenya
Authors: Chebichii Bartoo Dorothy , Namusonge Gregory Simiyu , Makokha Elizabeth Nambuswa 
Published: May 2023

Supplier development may serve as a better tool that firms can leverage to improve and sustain their organizational performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the moderating effect of organization culture on the relationship between supplier development and organizational performance of food and beverage manufacturing companies in Kenya. The study employed a descriptive survey research design utilizing the resource dependency theory. The target population was procurement managers and procurement officers from 217 food and beverage manufacturing companies in Kenya registered under the Kenya Association of Manufacturers as of 2017. A sample of 248 respondents was drawn. Primary data were collected through the use of a questionnaire. The reliability coefficient was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. The content validity of the instrument was determined by the researcher using expert judgment. The analysis of the data was done using descriptive and regression analysis with the help of SPSS V26. The regression coefficients showed that the interaction between supplier development and organization culture on the performance of food manufacturing firms was significant (β = 0.058, t = 4.68, P < 0.05). The organizational culture moderates the relationship between supplier development and the performance of food and beverage manufacturing firms in Kenya. The study concluded that supplier development influences the performance of food and beverage manufacturing companies. Further, organization culture moderates the relationship between supplier development and the performance of food manufacturing firms. The management of food and beverage manufacturing companies in Kenya should enhance supplier development so as to enable the provision of better services and also to be competitive and achieve organizational goals for their survival.