bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rhizoremediation of a Cadmium-polluted Soil using Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Eleusine indica
Authors: Obuekwe I. S. , Ilechukwu O. E. 
Published: August 2023

Rhizoremediation involves the use of plants and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) for remediation of contaminated soil. This study evaluated the use of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Eleusine indica to remediate cadmium-polluted soil. Soil samples were collected around the roots of E. indica and PGPR were isolated and evaluated for their capacity for plant growth promotion. P. aeruginosa was selected for Cd remediation experiment which was based on treatments T1 (control soil), T2 (soil + cadmium), T3 (soil + plant + Cd + Pseudomonas applied 2x monthly) T4 (Soil + Plant + Cd + Pseudomonas applied once). T5 (soil + plant + Cd + Pseudomonas applied 1x monthly) T6 (soil + plant + Cd) and T7 (soil and plant). Cd concentration in soil treatments was equivalent to 8 mg/kg and treatments were monitored for 2 months. Bacterial count, physicochemical parameters, nutrient analyses, and Cd removal were subsequently evaluated. T3 had higher bacterial count and pH values (p < 0.05) relative to other treatments and this could be due to the inoculum addition. Conversely, reduction in electrical conductivity, organic carbon and organic matter observed in T3 could be attributed to improved rhizospheric activities. Again, rhizoremediation was highest (P < 0.05) in T3 (90 %) and this suggests P aeruginosa made bio-absorption of Cd easier for E. indica relative to treatments that do not have the inoculum. This study showed that E. indica together with P. aeruginosa are suitable candidates for phytoremediation of Cd contaminated soils.
Smallholder Farmers’ Perceptions on Drivers of Land Degradation and its Impact on their Livelihoods in the Kuje Area Council of Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Abenu A. , Yusufu F. A. , Sahabo M. M. 
Published: August 2023

Land degradation is a global problem that has adversely affected agriculture. The Guinea Savannah ecological zone is one of the regions experiencing large-scale land degradation in Nigeria. Because of the important role agriculture plays in the economy of Nigeria, this study therefore examines smallholder farmers’ perception of drivers of land degradation and its impact on their livelihoods in the Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; an area within the Guinea savannah ecological zone. A survey of smallholder farmers was conducted and the instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire. Most of the respondents perceived that overgrazing (96.7%), soil erosion (92.7%), bush burning (82.2%), continuous soil tillage (80.2%), sand mining (72.3%) and deforestation (63.2%) are responsible for land degradation in the area. The livelihoods of farmers are negatively impacted because land degradation has led to a reduction in land productivity; dependence on chemical fertilizers, which increases the cost of crop production; and loss of farm labour. To mitigate land degradation; controlled grazing, afforestation and controlled sand mining should be encouraged; in addition to the provision of cheap alternative cooking energy by the government to help reduce the rate of deforestation.
Effects of Preparation Conditions on Surface Properties and Yields of Periwinkle Shell Activated Carbon
Authors: Oyedoh E. A. , Ekesiobi U. U. 
Published: August 2023

This study explored the potential of periwinkle shells as precursor material for activated carbon preparation. The periwinkle shell was activated using the potassium hydroxide method. The periwinkle shell activated carbons prepared were characterized in terms of physico-chemical properties, functional groups, and yield and surface characteristics. The central composite design of response surface methodology was used for analysis and optimization of carbonization conditions of the periwinkle shell. The carbonization conditions considered and their range of values are carbonization temperature of 300 to 700 and carbonization time of 30 to 180 mins. The FTIR analysis showed the presence of stretching vibration bands such as carbonate ion, aliphatic and heterocyclic N-H. The optimum conditions of the periwinkle shell carbonization carbon preparation are carbonization temperature of 536.38oC and carbonization time of 82.09 mins. These conditions gave maximum responses of PSBC’s yield percentage of 95.15%, surface area of 71.53 m2/g and porosity of 36.70. The R2 values obtained were very high for each response; 99.47%, 99.98% and 97.77% for PSBC’s yield, surface area and porosity respectively indicating that the results of experimental studies were in perfect agreement with those suggested from model. Periwinkle shells were found to be an efficient precursor material for activated carbon preparation with a very high yield as well as excellent surface characteristics.
Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and preliminary phytochemical constituents of fermented seeds of <i>Trigonella foenum-graecum</i>
Authors: Falana M.B. , Dikwa M.A. , Nurudeen Q.O. 
Published: August 2023

Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) is among the earliest plants used as spices and medicine worldwide. This study determined the antioxidant activities of the fermented seeds of T. foenum-graecum by methods, ABTS 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonicacid) and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). The phytochemical compounds, pH, and in vitro agar well (antimicrobial) assay of the sample was tested at three concentrations (100%, 50%, and 25%) against the selected pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, and Escherichia coli) by agar well diffusion method. There was a pH decline from 5.6 (on day 1) to 3.53 (on day 7) and finally 3.38 (on day 14). The antioxidant property of the 14th-day fermented T. foenum-graecum revealed a free radical scavenging potential in correspondence with the tested concentrations. Flavonoids, phenol, phytosterols, terpenoids, alkaloids, and tannins were detected in the samples fermented for 7 and 14 days, respectively. The zones of inhibition (in diameter) were in tune with the tested concentrations, and this ranged between 6mm – 15mm on day 7 and 6mm-17mm on day 14 against the test pathogens. Hence, this study validates the antimicrobial, and antioxidant activity of fermented seeds of T. foenumgraecum and supports its use as an herbal therapeutic agent against diseases associated with the test pathogen.
Fruit Extract of Oil Palm (<i>Elaeis Guineensis</i> (Jacq.)) Inhibits Uterine Contractility in <i>Ex-Vivo</i> Mouse Models
Authors: Odion E.E. , Bafor E.E. , Uchendu A.P. , George I.O. , Omoruyi O. 
Published: August 2023

Background: Different parts of Elaeis guineensis (EG) plants are used ethno-medicinally for treating numerous illnesses including abdominal contraction.
Objectives: Thus, this study evaluated the inhibitory potential of the fruit-extract of EG on the uterine contractility in ex-vivo mouse models.
Material and Methods: The effect of EG extract on spontaneous uterine contractions, oxytocin (OT)-induced uterine contractions, high potassium chloride induced uterine contractions and oxytocin-induced calcium free contraction were evaluated in adult non-pregnant female albino mice.
Results: EG in a concentration dependent mode diminished spontaneous uterine contractions, while amplitude and frequency of contractions were inhibited significantly, but the frequency of contraction was at the highest concentration of EG. EG also produced a significant inhibition of the frequency of OT-induced contraction in calciumfree media.
Conclusion: The aqueous fruit extracts of EG inhibited uterine contraction in the uterus through inhibition of intracellular calcium stores.
Prevalence of Plasmodium Falciparum Gametocytes among Malaria Positive Cases at Korogwe District Hospital: The Use of Molecular Techniques in Comparison with Light Microscopy
Authors: Urassa Aloyce P. , Kudra Mwanaidi P. , Kaaya Robert D. , Kajeguka Debora Charles , Mkumbaye Sixbert Isdory 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundMonitoring gametocytes in the population can inform about the human infective reservoir, which greatly aids malaria transmission, and provide relevant data for transmission models. Using molecular techniques in preference to light microscopy to detect gametocytes may lead to most reliable results. Effective determination of gametocytes is inevitable to achieve the transmission-blocking interventions as a prime target to end malaria. We aimed to determine the prevalence of P. falciparum gametocytes in malaria-positive cases from Korogwe district hospital MethodologyArchived DNA samples collected from Korogwe district hospital collected in a cross-sectional study were used to determine the prevalence of P. falciparum gametocytes using specific primers for cPCR targeting a Pfg27 gene. Demographic data, including blood slides data were retrieved from the database for statistical analysis. ResultsWith light microscopy, prevalence of P. falciparum gametocytes was 9.8%; sensitivity and specificity were 35.6% and 99.2% respectively. The cPCR gave a prevalence of 25.9%, with a sensitivity of 94.1% and specificity of 81.5%. The cPCR was diagnostically found to be significantly superior over light microscopy technique (X2=45.780, P < 0.001). ConclusioncPCR is superior to light microscopy technique in detecting P. falciparum gametocytes when one considers a successive malaria transmission-blocking intervention.
Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2023;6(2):175-183
The Study of Interplay of Singlet Superconductivity and Ferromagnetism in Superconducting HoMo6Se8
Authors: Kebede Hambisa Teshome , Amente Chernet , Singh Pooran 
Published: August 2023

This article reports the effect of magnetic ordering and superconducting order parameter on superconducting and magnetic transition temperatures of interacting singlet superconductivity and ferromagnetism in HoMo6Se8 material. The basic superconducting parameters were calculated starting with the BCS type model Hamiltonian and using the double time temperature dependent Green function formalisms. Results showed that the superconducting critical temperature decreases with enhancement of superconducting order parameter and vice versa. This is perhaps due to the weakening of the binding energy as the temperature approaches its critical value. On the other hand, the superconducting critical temperature demonstrates attenuation with increasing magnetic order parameters . It was also observed that the enhancement of magnetic transition temperature with the increase of the magnetic order parameter demonstrates variation with the alteration of the superconducting order parameter. Moreover, the calculations revealed that there is a temperature region where both superconductivity and magnetic order coexist. Furthermore, the present theoretical analysis is broadly in agreement with existing experimental findings.
Development of a hydrogel containing metronidazoleloaded Eudragit RS 100 nanoparticles for buccal drug delivery
Authors: Ho Hoang Nhan , Nguyen Van Anh Tuan , Ho Nguyen Anh Thu , Le Hoang Hao 
Published: August 2023

Purpose: To formulate Eudragit RS 100-based nanoparticles containing metronidazole (MTZ NPs) and incorporate them into hydrogels using different gelling agents for controlled release in the buccal mucosa.
Method: MTZ NPs were fabricated using the nanoprecipitation method. MTZ NPs (1 % w/w) were introduced into hydrogels using different gelling excipients. Physicochemical properties of MTZ NPs, mucoadhesive strength and spreadability of the hydrogels, and ex vivo permeation of MTZ were evaluated.
Results: MTZ NPs were spherical in shape and had a mean particle size of 201.9 ± 5.6 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.092 ± 0.014, and encapsulation efficiency of 46.28 ± 1.18 %. Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) hydrogel containing MTZ NPs showed homogenous and smooth appearance, mucoadhesive strength of 2789.7 ± 13.4 dyne/cm2 , and spreadability of 5.32 ± 0.77 cm. The cumulative amount of drug permeated from MTZ hydrogel and MTZ-containing NP hydrogel through porcine buccal mucosa was 1104.33 ± 28.97 and 397.62 ± 16.13 µg/cm2 , respectively, after 7 h (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: HEC hydrogel containing MTZ NPs demonstrates high mucoadhesive strength, good spreadability, and sustained ex vivo permeation of MTZ. Thus, HEC hydrogel is a promising pharmaceutical formulation for controlled drug release in the buccal mucosa
Relationship between Organisational E-readiness and E-Commerce Implementation in Developing Countries: Perspectives from Tanzania
Authors: Mbamba Ulingeta O.L. 
Published: August 2023

This paper aimed to establish the role of e-readiness in implementing e-commerce in organisations in developing countries using Tanzania as an example. Using Molla and Licker’s (2005a) model, the study evaluated the organisational e-readiness to implement e-commerce. Data collected via email came from 165 purposively selected managers from Dar es Salaam. The resultant data were subjected to confirmatory factor analysis to reduce the number of variables to a manageable level. Then the e-readiness factors were regressed to the level of e-commerce. The results show that organisational commitment, technological resources, and awareness level, as well as the government’s commitment to e-readiness emerged to be important factors in determining the level of e-commerce of an organisation. Empirically, the study shows that these four factors are reliable predictors of the e-commerce level from the developing countries’ perspectives. All the variables identified were significantly related to the level of e-commerce an organisation has attains. Thus, the paper argues that an organisation’s commitment, technological resources and awareness level, as well as the government’s commitment to e-Readiness are salient factors in determining the e-commerce level of implementation of an organisation. Implicitly, the factors the paper has identified are important in the execution of e-commerce. As such, these factors need consideration in an organisation seeking to benefit from e-commerce implementation. In other words, countries can ignore e-readiness and e-commerce implementation at their own peril.
Social Media Use and Perceived Social Capital Dimensions among Students of Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Titilope Afolayan Oluyinka , Muritala Falade Adesola 
Published: August 2023

In this 21st century, social media plays a pivotal role in the lives of users due to innumerable benefits gained from its continuous usage, one of which is social capital. This study investigated social media use and perceived social capital dimensions among students at Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State. A survey design approach was adopted, using a structured and validated questionnaire to collect data. A total of 325 students served as the sample size, based on stratified sampling selection of 8 departments under the College of Science and Technology (CST) in Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; while the Purposive sampling technique was used in the distribution of a questionnaire to students in the study area. Findings revealed a positive correlation between social media use of some popular sites such as Facebook Instagram, LinkedIn, WeChat, Snapchat, and perceived online bonding as well as bridging capital. However, there were no significant differences between male and female students in their perceived online bonding and bridging social capital. In terms of relative contribution, Facebook had the strongest contribution to online bonding capital; while Instagram had the strongest contribution to bridging capital. It was concluded that the intense use of some popular social media sites drives the accumulation of bonding and bridging social capital. Therefore, based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that University management of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) should create an enabling environment for the adoption and use of popular social media platforms by students, for quicker accessibility, faster formation and accumulation of bonding, and bridging social capital.
Intraocular Lens Materials: A Detailed Assessment of Benefits and Drawbacks
Authors: Hashim Halah A. , Mohammed Mohammed Fawzi 
Published: August 2023

Intraocular lenses (IOLs), which are used to repair vision in a large number of patients following cataract surgeries, are potentially the most significant single advancement in ophthalmology. The first IOLs were made by the only biomaterial available for implantation over decay which is a rigid plastic namely, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), The main drawback of PMMA is that it necessitates the largest incision in cataract surgery, with the corneal incision is as large as the optics of the IOLs. Because the essential intention of forward-thinking cataract surgery is to make the smallest incision possible, the IOLs must be adaptable and bend. This intention can be accomplished by enhancing the model and matter of IOLs. There are also some characteristics associated with IOLs materials that may have some impact such as (Refractive Index, Water content, Glistening, Etc.), The improvement of the first silicone IOLs used to overcome that problem but it is now rarely used and has been replaced with an Acrylic hydrogel material that provides a good performance; researchers are still evaluating suitable IOLs materials.
How Do the Images of Scientists in Secondary School Science Textbooks Affect Students’ Perceptions of Scientists?
Authors: Arslan Kevser , Akcay Hakan , Kapici Hasan Ozgur 
Published: August 2023

This study aims to reveal whether there are any relations between secondary school students' perceptions of scientists and the images of scientists in secondary school science textbooks. The participants of the study were 140 secondary school students from a public school. The study is based on a qualitative research methodology. Qualitative research methods were used in the research. As a data collection tools, the Draw a Scientist Test (DAST) and secondary school science textbooks were used. The drawings obtained from the students and the images of scientists in the science textbooks were analyzed in the context of the determined themes. As a result of the study, it was determined that the students generally drew the scientist as male, thoughtful, wearing a lab coat and glasses, and young, with long and curly hair. It has been observed that scientists express their working environment as people who work alone in the laboratory and library environment. It also stands out that they benefit from computers and other technological apparatus like telescopes. It was determined that the students mostly included the drawings of Isaac Newton, Galileo Galilei, and Albert Einstein at each grade level as famous scientists. It has been determined that the drawings made by the students were influenced by the images from the textbooks.
Using Motivational Theories to Study Imposter Phenomenon Among Academics
Authors: Taasoobshirazi Gita , Hord Amy , Vaughn Ashley , Treadaway Hailey , Johnson Marcus Lee 
Published: August 2023

The present study analyzes Imposter Phenomenon (IP) through the lens of three different motivational frameworks. Expectancy Value Theory, Attribution Theory, and Self-Determination Theory were used to study IP among academics. With 72% of participants experiencing frequent or intense IP levels, IP was prevalent among those sampled. Females experienced higher IP than males, although race and first-generation status did not significantly impact IP levels. Post docs had higher IP scores than tenured faculty and full-time non-tenured faculty had higher IP scores than tenured faculty. Younger academics had higher IP scores. Analyses of the motivational frameworks showed significant differences by IP level.
Teaching Intrapersonal Conflict: A Necessity in a Post COVID World
Authors: Elmoudden Sanae 
Published: August 2023

At the university level, mental health and mental illness education is still limited to clinical disciplines. However, Post COVID-19 mental health issues have become an epidemic that the university cannot ignore. Left alone to clinical disciplines, mental health issues appear as a health disturbance instead of a daily process of internal negotiations in need of acceptance and promotion. Indeed, the normalization of mental health can lead students to seek the required help with no fear of diagnosis stigma. By interviewing students and faculty about their mental health journey during COVID and Post-COVID 19, this paper proposes different spaces where the normalization of mental health can be integrated easily within Higher Education. One of the spaces alluded to in the paper is an inclusive language that incorporates neurodiversity mental illness. However, the main purpose of this focuses on intrapersonal conflict as a discursive space where teaching can become mindful.
Using Differentiated Instruction to Foster Algebraic Thinking in Classrooms
Authors: Owusu-Ansah Nana Akosua , Armah Gloria , Frimpong Sylvester Ali , Apawu Jones 
Published: August 2023

This quasi experiment sought to use strategies of differentiated instruction (DI) to foster algebraic reasoning of Junior High School (JHS) year 2 students in the Winneba municipality, Ghana. The study employed Solomon four group sampling technique to collect pre-test and post-test data from 337 students. After the treatment, the independent -test on the post-test gave the results ( ) and ( ) with indicating that, there was a significant difference between the achievement score of the experimental and control groups. The calculated effect size between the means of the experimental and control groups was approximately 0.7, an indication that the effect of DI strategies is large. It was recommended that, DI strategies should be employed in Ghanaian classroom to improve students’ algebraic thinking.
Analysis of Nurse Staffing Needs Methods in Inpatient Room at Hospital : Literature Review
Authors: Dwisurya Muhammad Shiddiq , Sundari Sri , Rosa Elsye Maria 
Published: August 2023

Planning for nurse staffing needs was very important at hospital. Nowadays there are some new methods and tools perform to count nurse staffing needs. The use of correct tools and methods makes hospital run well in quality of service, administration, and also financial. This study aims to analyze various methods that can be used in determining nurse staffing needs in hospital inpatient room. This study using PRISMA / Preferred Reporting Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis with final result there are 12 literatures for this study. Results of study show that there is no definite requirement which method should be used from a country in the literature to calculate nursing staff compliance. There are only recommendations from the government or associations rather than professional organizations from each country which method that have good recommendation. Thus, each method has its own way of providing insight into the number of nurses needed in the inpatient room. Each method is interrelated and the calculation results often differ from one method to another.