bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tobacco and e-cigarette use among Thai dental students: A cross-sectional national survey, 2021
Authors: Kaewsutha Nathawut , Karawekpanyawong Raksanan 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Objectives:
This study examined the prevalence of tobacco and e-cigarette use, attitudes toward tobacco control, training on tobacco control in the dental curriculum, and attitudes toward e-cigarette use among Thai dental students.

Materials and Methods:
An online survey among 1968 Thai dental students was conducted in 2021. The questionnaire was modified from the Global Health Professions Student Survey with information collected on tobacco products, e-cigarette use, attitudes, and training toward tobacco control in the dental curriculum and personal information (e.g., sex, course year, regions, and types of dental schools). Descriptive analyses and χ2 tests were performed.

Results:
The prevalence of tobacco and e-cigarette use among Thai dental students was 4.2%. Out of current users, 95% used e-cigarettes and 36.6% used multiple products, with a 1.7% prevalence of conventional cigarettes and other forms of tobacco use. Tobacco and e-cigarette use was higher in male than female dental students and was not associated with course year, region, and type of dental school.

Conclusions:
A small percentage of Thai dental students used tobacco or e-cigarettes, with the majority of current tobacco users being e-cigarette users. Thai dental students generally had a favorable view of tobacco control and a negative view of e-cigarette use. However, fewer than half of the surveyed students had received training in tobacco cessation therapy.
Challenges in the classification of oral submucous fibrosis and proposing a new classification based on systematic review of literature
Authors: Gupta Sonia , Subbappa Anitha , Singh Shivani , Sharma Pallavi , Singh Ankita , Kumar Aakash , Sandhu Harman , Nadar Karthick Thangamani 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Aims and Objectives:
Oral submucous fibrosis is one of the common oral potentially malignant disorders that can result in severe morbidity. Due to its widespread involvement in the oral cavity and high risk of malignant transformation, the diagnosis and treatment of this disease at an early stage is essential to prevent further complications. This research was carried out to review various classification systems of oral submucous fibrosis documented in the literature to date, including their benefits and drawbacks, thus focusing on a need to discover some reliable classification systems.

Materials and Methods:
An electronic search of the published English literature was performed without publication year limitation in PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases using keywords like (‘Oral submucous fibrosis’ OR ‘Oral submucous fibroses’), AND (‘Classification’ OR ‘Grade’ OR ‘Stage’), AND (‘Clinical’, OR/ AND ‘Histological’, OR/AND ‘Functional’) following PRISMA guidelines. A manual search of all related Dental and Medical journals was also performed. We also checked the reference lists of the relevant articles for any other possible information on the subject.

Results:
The search strategy revealed 31 relevant articles and it could be appreciated that oral submucous fibrosis has been classified in seven different ways. Each system is enclosed with its own limitations and benefits.

Conclusion:
From this research, it can be concluded that despite the existence of several classification systems for oral submucous fibrosis, at present, no classification scheme is considered to be reliable that could help in the accurate assessment of the progression of the disease and classifying oral submucous fibrosis still remains a challenging task for clinicians, surgeons, and pathologists. We have postulated a proposed new classification system based on our literature research, but still robust research is needed in this aspect.
Applications and perspectives of artificial intelligence, machine learning and “dentronics” in dentistry: A literature review
Authors: Mayta-Tovalino Frank , Munive-Degregori Arnaldo , Luza Silvia , Cárdenas-Mariño Flor C , Guerrero Maria Eugenia , Barja-Ore John 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Objective:
The aim of this study was to describe artificial intelligence, machine learning, and “Dentronics” applications and perspectives in dentistry.

Materials and Methods:
A literature review was carried out to identify the applications of artificial intelligence in the field of dentistry. A specialized search for information was carried out in three databases such as Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. Manuscripts published from January 1988 to November 2021 were analyzed. Articles were included without any restriction by language or country.

Results:
Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science were found to have 215, 1023, and 98 registered manuscripts, respectively. Duplicates (191 manuscripts) were eliminated. Finally, 4 letters, 12 editorials, 5 books, 1 erratum, 54 conference papers, 3 conference reviews, and 222 reviews were excluded.

Conclusions:
Artificial intelligence has revolutionized prediction, diagnosis, and therapeutic management in modern dentistry. Finally, artificial intelligence is a potential complement to managing future data in this area.
Major and heavy metals contents and health risk assessment of pumpkin peel, flesh and seed by microwave plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy
Authors: Yetesha Abeb , Singh Chandravanshi Bhagwan , Yohannes Weldegebriel 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACT. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of major (Na, Mg, K, Ca) and heavy (Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd) metals and health risk assessment of the peel, flesh and seed of pumpkins cultivated in Ethiopia, using microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. Dried powdered samples (0.5 g) were wet digested with 69% HNO3 and 30% H2O2 in microwave digester. The percent recovery for the three parts of pumpkin samples were 90-110%. The mean concentration of metals in pumpkin peel, flesh, seed samples, respectively, were K (27806±9767, 29531±2452, 10667±1133), Ca (5267±2092, 3190±900, 2919±397), Mg (4716±469, 848±349, 4668±413), Fe (158±29, 111±46, 225±56), Na (167±116, 63.1±15, 171±123), Mn (28.9±1.4, 9.61±3.2, 33.4±4.9), Zn (24.2±4.4, 10.6±4.0, 67.5±12.3), Cu (8.14±1.1, 15.1±9.3, 10.8±0.9), Ni (3.79±2.4, 2.14±1.3, 3.44±2.8), Cr (0.28±0.1, 0.36±0.2, 0.69±0.1), Cd (0.24±0.1, 0.46±0.1, 1.39±0.2) mg/kg. The hazard index (HI) of pumpkin flesh and seed indicated ingestion of pumpkin is safe from non-carcinogenic risk. The total cancer risk (CR) due to consumption of pumpkin flesh and seed through Cr and Cd from the three sampling sites are in the range 1.1 x 10-4 -1.8 x 10-4, indicating a non-risk of exposure to cancer due to the consumption of pumpkin grown in the sampling areas.

KEY WORDS: Pumpkin, Mineral content, Health risk, Microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometry

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(3), 533-551.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i3.1
Preparation and characterization of vernolic acid methyl ester functionalized ordered mesoporous materials
Authors: Chebude Yonas , Gonfa Gutta , Díaz Isabel 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACT. Vernonia oil is a naturally epoxidized triglyceride oil extracted from the seed of Vernonia galamensis, a native plant in East Africa. After hydrolysis to vernolic acid (VA) and derivatization, vernolic acid methyl ester (VAME) is synthesized and used to functionalize ordered mesoporous materials (OMM). Al-MCM-41 with Si/Al ratio of 15, pure silica SBA-15 and periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) are employed as supports exploring the different surface properties. Following optimization of the VAME/OMM ratios, selected samples, i.e. those with 13% VAME, were impregnated with AgNO3 in NaBH4 to obtain Ag-nanoparticles. The final AgVAME-OMM potential catalysts were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, observing an efficient loading of Ag nanoparticles in pure silica SBA-15 with VAME with 500 m2 specific surface area and 6 nm pore size.

KEY WORDS: Vernolic acid methyl ester, Vernonia oil, Functionalization, Ordered mesoporous materials, Catalysis

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(3), 689-702.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i3.12
Inorganic tin(IV) complexes as photo-stabilizer for PVC
Authors: Haddad Raghad , Khadum Semaa , Ali Muataz , Majeed Alabbas , Husain Amani , Bufaroosha Muna , Ahmed Dina , Yousif Emad 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACT. Five organotin(IV) complexes including captopril (ligand) were employed in small amount as photostabilizers for poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) when irradiated by UV light. Polymer’s samples were cast into films in order to conduct the UV exposure impact. The photodegradation rate constant (kd) of blank and organotin(IV) complexes embedded PVC specimens were investigated in this work. The kd values of filled samples were lower than the blank one, which indicates higher stability of these embedded films. Among these additives, triphenyltin(IV) showed the highest stability effect.

KEY WORDS: PVC, Organotin(IV) complexes, Photostability, Photodegradation, UV light

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(3), 771-777. a
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i3.18
Adsorption of diazo dye direct red-28 and tetra-azo dye direct black-22 using calcined kaolin in aqueous solutions
Authors: Findik Serap 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACT. In this study, the removal of diazo and tetra-azo dyes using calcined kaolin were compared. Direct red-28 (DR-28) and Direct black-22 (DB-22) was chosen as diazo and tetra-azo dyes, respectively. The kaolin obtained from Turkiye and calcined at 200 °C was found to be the most efficient adsorbent. Natural and calcined kaolins were characterized using SEM-EDS, FTIR, TGA, and XRD. The parameters such as, calcination temperature of the kaolin, adsorbent amount, temperature, initial pH, contact time, and initial concentration were studied. It was found that the removal rate of DR-28 was higher than that of DB-22 at the studied conditions. The removal of DR-28 and DB-22 were found to be 90.1% and 46.2% under the following conditions: adsorbent amount: 1.2 g/200 mL, initial concentration: 20 mg/L, original pH, temperature: 20 °C and contact time 120 min. The adsorption of the dyes was fitted to Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacity of calcined kaolin at 200 °C was determined as 5.39 and 3.5 mg/g for DR-28 and DB-22, respectively. The adsorption of DR-28 and DB-22 followed a pseudo-second order model. The thermodynamic study showed that the adsorption of DB-22 onto calcined kaolin was endothermic while that of DR-28 was exothermic.

KEY WORDS: Adsorption, Diazo dye, Tetra-azo dye, Kaolin

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(3), 593-610.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i3.5
Zinc(II) complex of (Z)-4-((4-nitrophenyl)amino)pent-3-en-2-one, a potential antimicrobial agent: synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial screening, DFT calculation and docking study
Authors: Waziri I. , O. Wahab O. , A. Mala G. , O. Oselusi S. , A. Egieyeh S. , Nasir H. 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACT. Herein, the synthesis and characterizations of (Z)-4-((4-nitrophenyl)amino)pent-3-en-2-one (HL) ligand and its Zn(II) complex are reported. The compounds were characterized using elemental and thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis, electrochemical studies, FTIR, UV-Vis, 1H and 13C{H}NMR, HRMS, and PXRD techniques. Antimicrobial activity was screened on some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. DFT predictions were achieved using B3LYP, ωB97XD and M06-2X functional with 6-31+G(d,p) and LANL2DZ basis sets for nonmetallic and metallic atoms, respectively. The therapeutic potentials of the compounds were evaluated based on protein binding affinity, ADME/T and drug-likeness properties. The experimental results revealed the formation of a complex in which two ligands coordinated to the zinc ion in a tetrahedral arrangement through their carbonyl and amino groups. The antimicrobial study showed that the complex possesses higher antimicrobial activity than free ligand and the control (Streptomycin). B3LYP emerged as the best performing functional having yielded the best IR spectra and geometrical parameters relative to the experimental data. The density functional theory (DFT) predictions revealed that the complex is more active than the ligand, and its formation is thermodynamically feasible and exothermic. The docking results revealed that the binding affinities of the compounds are in agreement with the in-vitro data, and they possess drug-like properties.

KEY WORDS: Schiff base, Zinc complex, Antimicrobial, DFT, Docking study

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(3), 633-651.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i3.8
Nutrient and organoleptic assessment of snacks produced from wheat and African breadfruit (Treculia africana)
Authors: Ihemeje A. , Akujobi I.C. , Ofoegbu D.C. 
Published: March 2023

African breadfruit snacks were produced from wheat and African breadfruit composite flour blends in the ratio of 100:0, 95:5, 90:10, 85:15 and 80:20 respectively. Breadfruit seed was coated with the respective wheat-African breadfruit composite flour blends and then baked to produce the snacks. Coating made with 100% wheat served as the control. Proximate composition and functional properties of the flour blends, proximate, mineral content and sensory analysis of the snacks were all determined using standard methods. Proximate composition ranged as follows: protein (10.77-14.32%), fat (1.61-3.20%), fiber (1.20-1.40%), ash (2.04-3.33%), moisture (8.16 -10.00%) and carbohydrate content (70.33 - 75.48%) respectively. The result showed increase in protein, ash, fat, fiber as well as phosphorus (139- 159mg/100), magnesium (2.05 – 2.94mg/100), calcium (169 – 190mg/100), and potassium (240 – 255.01mg/100) due to the addition of African breadfruit. The functional properties revealed potential suitability of wheat-breadfruit composite flour in snack production and the snack produced from 15% inclusion of African breadfruit flour was most preferred in terms of general acceptability.
Evaluation of cowpea genotypes for resistance to the legume pod borer, Maruca Vitrata (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Agbim J.U. 
Published: March 2023

16 cowpea varieties were screened for resistance to the legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata F. under natural infestation in the field. Plants were planted in a randomized complete block design in three replicates; each plot consisted of four rows, 3m long. Spacing was 1.5m between plots and 0.75m between rows. Intra- row spacing was 0.2m.Two weeks prior to planting experimental materials, a susceptible cultivar was planted perpendicular to every range of rows within a plot to serve as a reservoir of the test insect, M.vitrata. Plants were sprayed with Monocrotophos at 200g a.i /ha once at the vegetative stage and at the onset of flower bud initiation and later during podding to control other pests apart from Maruca. Larval density, flower damage, pod damage, seed damage, pod load (a measure of the degree of successful pod production) and Index of pod evaluation (Ipe), calculated as [PL X (9-PD)], (a measure of the varietal performance of the cowpea genotypes) were used to assess resistance in cowpea varieties. Significant variations were observed in the level of resistance among the cowpea genotypes in the field. The findings show that Tvu 4578 is resistant while Tvu 1544, IT97K-499-35, IT93K452-1 and IT90K-76 show promising level of resistance. The probable factor contributing to resistance may be non- preference or host plant resistant factors.
Response of maize (Zea mays) to organic and inorganic fertilizer sources on soil under intensive continuous cultivation
Authors: Ogunweide T.A. , Odunjo T.E. , Fademi I.O. , Ande O.T. 
Published: March 2023

A field experiment was carried out during the wet season of 2019 at the experimental plot of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (I.A.R&T), Moor Plantation, Ibadan. The aim is to examine the response of maize to organic and inorganic fertilizer on soil under intensive continuous cultivation. Initial soil samples were collected randomly from experimental plots and analyzed. The experiment was carried out using four treatments, organic, inorganic, organic plus inorganic, and control with each replicated three times. Each plot has a dimension of 3m x 4m. Agronomic parameters observed were plant height (cm), number of leaves (leaf area index, LAI), stover’s weight, ear weight, and yield of grain. After harvesting, soil samples were collected to measure changes in soil properties. Calcium, magnesium, and sodium improved significantly after the application of organic and inorganic - compared to other treatments. The result shows that plot treated with organic plus inorganic fertilizer (poultry manure + NPK) had the highest yield of 1.03t/ha compared to inorganic (NPK) 0.87t/ha, organic (poultry manure) 0.71t/ha and control which had no treatment has the least yield of 0.15t/ha. Therefore, inorganic plus organic were recommended for optimum and sustainable production on degraded soil.
Prevalence of Aflatoxin B1 in marketed herbs and spices in Nairobi county Kenya: Consumer awareness, practices, and associated health risks
Authors: Wakhungu C.N. , Okoth S. , Wachira P. , Otieno N.A. 
Published: March 2023

We conducted a study in Nairobi County to assess Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) levels in selected herbs and spices and to ascertain product use and consumer awareness of fungi and mycotoxin contamination. Descriptive statistical analysis of the survey data was performed using R-studio software version 1.4. Results revealed significant differences in consumers' preference for herbs and spices (P= 0.03671). Products consumed in less than one month were significant in predicting preference by customers (P= 0.0207). 65% of the respondents were unaware of mycotoxins in herbs and spices, and 80% had never attended mycotoxin training. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to analyze the samples for AFB1 contamination. Aflatoxin B1 was found in all of the samples and the concentration in spices ranged from 2.17ng/kg to 32.40ng/kg while in herbs the range was from 6.60ng/kg to 27.20 ng/kg.Considering the consumption data collected from our survey, the AFB1 daily intake for spices ranged between 0.83 and 11.78 ng/kg bw/day and in herbs it was between 0.6 and 6.88 ng/kg bw/day. The results indicate a high possible risk of exposure to mycotoxins; thus, more stringent measures must be taken for the prevention of mycobiota contamination in herbs and spices.
Accumulation of 131Iodine in the nasolacrimal sac/duct after radioiodine therapy for papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Usmani Sharjeel , Jain Anjali , Al Riyami Khulood , Abubakar Sofiullah 
Published: March 2023

SPECT/CT is a powerful tool for assessing unexpected concentrations of radioiodine resulting from benign uptake in organs with sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) expression. We report a case of accumulation of 131Iodine in the nasolacrimal sac/duct after radioiodine therapy for papillary thyroid cancer. A whole-body scan was taken 3 days after the administration of 5.5 GBq of 131Iodine. SPECT/CT images localized the focal tracer uptake in the nasolacrimal sac/duct likely due to nasolacrimal duct obstruction secondary to prior radioiodine or iodine therapies. Hybrid SPECT/CT allows precise anatomical localization and help differentiate benign mimics of disease, which can alter patient management.
Keywords: 131Iodine SPECT-CT, thyroid cancer, papillary thyroid cancer, nasolacrimal duct obstruction
The Effects of Internal Security on Educational Challenges and Development in Nigeria
Authors: Bakari Akilu 
Published: March 2023

Purpose: The security trials threatening the Nigerian state in this 21st century have disregarded any definite justification both from the government and private viewpoints. Unexpectedly these challenges are internally generated. Expressions like militant, insurgent and terrorist became a nearby impression in line with the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria where attacks on people, property and government infrastructures are Spartan. The challenge is that some of these groups’ aggressions have rare the peaceful co-existence of the society and the core value of the Nigerian state.
Methodology: This paper explores documentary analysis on the severity of attacks on the Nigerian state from the fourth republic with a key interest on the possibility of these attacks to lead to the balkanization of the country into different nations as suggested by viewers.
Findings: Terrorism is a global phenomenon. It is the use of violence and intimidation to coerce for various reasons. In recent times, the spate of terrorist attacks by various groups seeking political and religious reforms in Nigeria is alarming and has become worrisome as they pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s security. Furthermore, they are gradually destroying public confidence in the nation’s security system. Conditions which support the development and growth of terrorism in Nigeria range from socio-economic factors such as poverty to religion.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The paper argues that terrorism has adverse implications for Nigeria’s security. Socio-economic transformation, security and sensitization and collaboration among security agents among others are advocated as possible solutions to the menace.
Extraction and Characterization of Pectin from Orange (Citrus sinensis), Lemon (Citrus limon) and Tangerine (Citrus tangerina)
Authors: Twinomuhwezi Hannington , Godswill Awuchi Chinaza , Kahunde Daphine 
Published: March 2023

Purpose: The study focused on the extraction and characterization of pectin from orange (Citrus sinensis), lemon (Citrus limon), and tangerine (Citrus tangerina)
Methodology: Pectin was extracted from lemon (Citrus limon), tangerine (Citrus tangerina) and orange (Citrus sinensis) peels. The feasibility of the citrus peel pectin for use in food processing was assessed. Pectin from these citrus fruit peels was extracted under the same extraction conditions. The pectin extraction was carried out using hydrochloric acid (0.05N, pH 2.22; 0.04N, pH 1.54 and 0.03N, pH 1.27).
Findings: Pectin from the acidified fruit peels was extracted at 70 ± 0.5°C for 1 hour at the different pH values. The highest pectin yield from all fruit peels was obtained at pH of 1.27, with lemons having the highest yield followed by oranges and lastly tangerine in the order; 16.61%, 16.01% and 15.23% respectively. Second highest yield was obtained at pH 1.54 in the same order; lemon (15.65%), orange (15.23%) and tangerine (13.87%). The least yield was obtained at a pH of 2.22; lemon (10.52%), oranges (11.01%) and tangerine (9.45%). The average yield was highest in lemon, orange and lastly in tangerine with percentages of 14.36%, 14.08% and 12.82% respectively. Chemical characterization of the citrus peel pectin revealed that the equivalent weight of pectin from all samples was generally low as compared to that of commercial pectin. The average equivalent weight in mg/mL was found to be 150.43, 116.78 and 97.15% for lemon, orange and tangerine respectively. Methoxyl content showed that the pectin obtained for all the samples was high (HM); lemon (11.49%), orange (14.94%) and tangerine (12.02%). Anhydrouronic acid (AUA) values were lemon (76.92%), orange (100.03%) and tangerine (86.38%) which are above the minimum of 65% set by FAO, while the degree of esterification (DE) was high for all; lemon (84.54%), orange (84.68%) and tangerine (78.88%) indicating that all were rapid-setting pectin. The colors of pectin obtained from lemon and orange were pale yellow while that obtained from tangerine was brown.
Unique contribution to theory, practice, and policy: Depending on the AUA, lemon pectin was the purest of all the three samples, followed by tangerine and lastly orange peels. For commercial use of this pectin, lemon pectin is most suitable then tangerine and lastly orange basing on the methoxyl content. It is recommended that for better yields, pectin should be extracted on a dry basis instead of a wet basis.