bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biogas production from blends of fonio husk and donkey dung via anaerobic digestion for sustainable development
Authors: Harrison Ogala , Ayodeji Rapheal Ige 
Published: January 2022

There is growing public concern over potential impact on environmental quality caused by animal wastes. Anaerobic digestion, a biological conversion process can be used to obtain energy from biologicall wastes. This study explored the production of biogas from co-digestion of fonio hus and donkey dung using anaerobic biological conversion. The digesters were labeled as; digester A â€“Fonio husk only, digester B - donkey dung only, digester C â€“ Fonio husk (300g) and Donkey Dung (200g), digester D â€“ Fonio husk (200g) and donkey dung (300g). Proximate analysis of the substrates before and after digestion were determined such as total solids (TS), volatile solid, carbon content, nitrogen content, ash content, etc., and pH before and after digestion process. The biogas produced during this period was collected by water displacement method and subsequently measured. The results showed that Fonio husk in bio-digesters A and B gave a cumulative average biogas volume of 4972 ml and 5222 ml (week 3) while pig dung in bio-digesters C and D gave a cumulative average biogas volume of 5564 ml and 5978 respectively (week 3) within three weeks of fermentation. The digester is capable of producing 0.007m at average working temperature of 320C. Digester D produces higher volume of biogas as a result of improved nutrient provide by donkey dung as shown in the results obtained from the proximate analysis and has the best neutral pH, there was a reduction in the startup time.Â Â
Phytochemistry and antibacterial activity of the methanol, petroleum ether and aqueous extracts of the leaves, stem bark and roots of bobgunnia fistuloides
Authors: E. Anwani Samuel , B. Etsuyankpa Muhammed , P.I. Ogah Suleman. , K. Mensah Peter 
Published: January 2022

Ethno-medicinally, Bobgunnia fistuloides parts (leaves, bark and roots) have been used by the Nupe communities in Niger State, Nigeria to treat various diseases for decades. The phytochemical and antibacterial activity of the methanol, petroleum ether and aqueous extracts of the leaves, roots and stem bark of Bobgunnia fistuloides were investigated using standard methods. The leaves, roots and stem bark of Bobgunnia fistuloides plant were collected from Binin village, Gbako Local Government Area (LGA) in Niger State Nigeria. The antibacterial activities of the plant extracts were determined using 5 pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoneae, Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli). The result of the phytochemicals, in mg/100 g, revealed the values of 479.73Â±0.20, 465.98Â±0.14, 482.77Â±0.17; 1.71Â±0.06, 25.14Â±0.02, 23.90Â±0.03; 29.09Â±0.20, 36.77Â±0.06, 24.79Â±0.14; 22.40Â±0.02, 25.14Â±0.02, 23.90Â±0.03; 577.29Â±0.24, 586.52Â±0.11, 230.19Â±0.03 respectively for the phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and saponnins contents of the roots; leaves and stem bark of the plant. In this study, the saponnins and phenol contents of the plant parts were relatively higher than the other parameters investigated. The leaves were found to contain more active principles, followed by the roots and stem bark. Based on the antibacterial activities, the result revealed that the respective zones of inhibition of the growths of the test microorganisms, with the exception of the aqueous leaves extract (against Staphylococci aureus; 25.00Â±1.00 mm) recorded highest values for the petroleum ether extracts of the stem bark (32.67Â±0.58, 33.00Â±1.00, 31,67Â±0.58 and 35.10Â±1.00 mm for E. coli, B. subtilis, S. typhii and K. pneumonea respectively). Statistically, Klebsiella pneumoneae (17.13Â±0.00 mm) recorded the highest average zones of inhibition based on the susceptibility of the pathogens to the extracts, followed by Salmonella typhi (16.92Â±1.00mm). The least zone of inhibition (12.00Â±0.50 mm) was recorded for B. subtilis using the stem bark aqueous extract of the plant while the highest value was recorded for the petroleum stem bark extract against K. pneumonea (35.00Â±1.00 mm). The MIC and MBC of the extracts ranged from 12.50 to 100.00 mg/cm3 respectively. The phytochemical components and antibacterial activities of the plant extracts in this study support the therapeutic value and the ethno-medicinal applications of this plant by the Nupe communities of Niger State Nigeria.Â Â Â
Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial evaluation of silver nanoparticles embedded alkyd resin derived from pine seed oil
Authors: Magaji A , Musa H , A Sheshe F , I Alhassan S 
Published: January 2022

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by reducing 0.1mmol silver Nitrate salt with 5ml of neem leaf extract, in an environmental friendly process. The nanoparticles were tested to have strong zones of inhibition on the antibacterial and antifungal isolates; E. Coli, staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus fumigatus, and mucor species used. UV-visible spectrophotometric analysis was carried out on both the silver nitrate salt and silver nanoparticles, which show bathochromic shift from 221nm (AgNO3) to 440nm (AgNPs). Pine seed oil was condensed to alkyd resin via two step reactions; alcoholysis and esterification reactions respectively, and was characterized by FTIR, acid value and viscometric measurement. Antimicrobial evaluation was carried out on the pine seed oil with its alkyd resin. Pine alkyd resin was used in the formulation of paints with percentage Pigment Volume Concentrations (%PVC) 4 and 5% respectively, and is classified as automotive clearcoat. Chemical resistance, scratch resistance, light fastness, and drying schedule tests were conducted on the paints and are found to exhibit good properties which are similar to commercial paints. Antimicrobial evaluation of the paints incorporated with silver nanoparticles revealed more inhibition zones than those without silver nanoparticles.Â Â
Analysis of Herbicides Residues of Farmland Soil Samples in Some Selected Villages from Pankshin Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: M Gudam T. , A Shibdawa M. , Y Chindo I. , W Lungfa C. 
Published: January 2022

Most recently, there has been an increase in the use of herbicides to control weeds by farmers in Pankshin Local Government Area (LGA), Plateau State. The use of herbicides in farming activities has significantly provided more hope and assurance for sustainable food security in most countries of the world as bumper harvest have always been recorded.in its usage however the residues of the herbicides after successive accumulation by the years could be a threat to humans and other non-target organisms after they have performed their primary roles. From an interview with the farmers it was discovered that glyphosate, paraquat dichloride and 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid are mostly used within the study area which are hazardous and should be handled with utmost care. Soil samples were obtained from Bumnan, Bwarak, Larpya and control. The samples were pretreated and subjected to the following analysis: Extractions, crystallization and recrystallization with the aid of acetone, dichloromethane, hexane and methanol as solvents. Physicochemical properties of the soil samples were determined and the following range of results were obtained: pH 5.2-5.3, % organic matter 4.02-8.23, EC 10-50 ÂµS/cm, residual moisture 0.5-3.0% and CEC 16.52-29.63cmolKg-1. GC analysis was carried out on the crystals and extracts to determine the herbicides concentrations and the following results were obtained in mg/kg: Bumnan â€“ 0.005 and 0.026, Bwarak- 0.004 and 0.008, Larpya- 0.015 and 0.033 and control 0.002 and 0.007 concentrations of 4, 4- bipyridine and 2,4-diphynoxyacetic acid respectively.Â Â
Physico-chemical and combustion analyses of bio-briquettes from biochar produced from pyrolysis of groundnut shell
Authors: Ayodeji Rapheal Ige , Cosmos Moki Elinge , Muhammad Aliyu , Mohammed Gwani , Gusau Hassan Lawal , Umar BirninYauri Abubakar 
Published: January 2022

The initiative of using biomass as a preference source of energy is vindicated by its availability, abundance, easy accessibility and its eco-friendly nature. This therefore calls for the conversion of agricultural wastes to usable form. This study is aimed to investigate the physicochemical and combustion properties of briquettes obtained from pyrolyzed biochar of groundnut shell. The groundnut shell biochar briquette bonded with cassava starch as binder were molded and analyzed. Proximate analysis, ultimate analyses, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Calorific values, density and compressive strength, among other properties, were determined for the fabricated briquettes. A high heating value of 45.20 MJ/Kg was recorded for groundnut shell biochar briquette compared to 25.20 MJ/Kg of raw groundnut shell briquette. While the ash contents of 5.12 % and 6.40 % were recorded for raw groundnut shell briquette and groundnut shell biochar briquette respectively. It took groundnut shell biochar briquette approximately 10 minutes to boil 1000 cm3 of water, while raw groundnut shell briquette boiled same quantity of water in 20 minutes. The finding of this study shows that the biochar obtained from the pyrolysis of groundnut shell is suitable for fuel briquette production.Â Â
A new strategy to destroy cancer cells using osmium dioxide (OsO2) and osmium tetroxide (OsO4) nanoparticles and magnetic fields under synchrotron and synchrocyclotron radiations
Authors: Heidari Alireza , Hotz Margaret , MacDonald Nancy , Peterson Victoria , Caissutti Angela , Besana Elizabeth , Esposito Jennifer , Schmitt Katrina , Chan Ling-Yu , Sherwood Francesca , Hendrson Maria , Kimmel Jimmy 
Published: January 2022

In the current research, a new strategy to destroy cancer cells using Osmium Dioxide (OsO2) and Osmium Tetroxide (OsO4) nanoparticles and magnetic fields under synchrotron and synchrocyclotron radiations is investigated. The calculation of thickness and optical constants of Osmium Dioxide (OsO2) and Osmium Tetroxide (OsO4) a new strategy to destroy cancer cells using Osmium Dioxide (OsO2) and Osmium Tetroxide (OsO4) nanoparticles and magnetic fields under synchrotron and synchrocyclotron radiations produced using solâ€“gel method over glassy medium through a single reflection spectrum is presented. To obtain an appropriate fit for reflection spectrum, the classic Drudeâ€“Lorentz model for parametric diâ€“electric function is used. The best fitting parameters are determined to simulate the reflection spectrum using Lovenbergâ€“Marquardt optimization method. The simulated reflectivity from the derived optical constants and thickness are in good agreement with experimental results.Â Â Â A new strategy to destroy cancer cells using Osmium Dioxide (OsO2) and Osmium Tetroxide (OsO4) nanoparticles and magnetic fields under synchrotron and synchrocyclotron radiationsÂ Â
Growing concerns of emissions from the burning of biomass residues have led to a demand for more efficient technologies to mitigate the effect of excess residues. The moisture content of the biomass used decreased from 8.1% to 5.5% after the torrefaction
Authors: E. Eseyin Anthonia , Uzoeshi Tochukwu , R. Gungshik John , R. Gungshik John , E. Ankwai Godwin , E. Ankwai Godwin , Ibrahim Mohammed , Ibrahim Mohammed 
Published: January 2022

Growing concerns of emissions from the burning of biomass residues have led to a demand for more efficient technologies to mitigate the effect of excess residues. The moisture content of the biomass used decreased from 8.1% to 5.5% after the torrefaction process. Results of the % volatile content indicated a significant reduction from 70.05% to 12.4%. The ash content increased from 5.25% to 10.7%, the percentage amount of fixed carbon increased significantly, from 16.6% to 71.4%. % C increased from 46.51% to 65.15%, while % O reduced significantly from 47.44% to 29.57%. There was a slight increase in % N, with a reduction in % H. Torrefied corn stalks were applied to soil samples, using three different application rates (1%, 3% and 5% w/w). The addition of torrefied corn stalks led to increase in soil pH across all 3 treated samples. Electrical conductivity values increased from the control value of 1.87 to as high as 4.05. There were also positive improvements in the cation exchange capacity and water holding capacity of all treated soil samples. Treatment of soil with torrefied biomass improved soil quality significantly, with the potential of fostering food security.Â Â
Carbon performance, carbon disclosure, and economic performance: the mediating role of carbon (media) legitimacy in the UK
Authors: Rohani Alireza , Jabbour Mirna , Abdel-Kader Magdy 
Published: January 2022

There has been a continuous and controversial debate about the relationship between carbon performance, carbon disclosure, and economic performance. This study investigates whether corporate economic performance is influenced by carbon performance and disclosure and whether carbon (media) legitimacy mediates such relationships. This study provides a broader understanding of the relationship between carbon performance, disclosure, and economic performance by investigating the mediating role of carbon (media) legitimacy, and offers further evidence from the UK context. Based on a balanced panel data of 95 UK firms between 2009 and 2014 (amounting to 475 observations in total) and using path analysis, we find that improving the companyâ€™s carbon performance is not financed by shareholders, and carbon (media) legitimacy as an intangible asset enhances the economic performance of the firm. We also find that while carbon disclosure does not directly improve economic performance, it indirectly does so via carbon (media) legitimacy. Finally, the results show while carbon performance is not reflected in carbon (media) legitimacy, carbon disclosure as a legitimizing tool strongly enhances carbon (media) legitimacy. Overall, our results suggest that voluntary carbon disclosure, regardless of the firmâ€™s underlying carbon performance, is an effective tool to manage corporate (media) legitimacy, and subsequently improve economic performance. Thus, voluntary carbon disclosure in the UK may hinder future improvements in a firmâ€™s carbon performance.Â Â Â
Facies Analysis, Sedimentology and Petrographic studies of the Eocene Ameki Formation, SE Nigeria
Authors: C.K Ndeze , A.U Okoro , K. A. Haruna , C.G Kalu , O.O Afolayan , O.O Afolayan 
Published: January 2022

Detailed sedimentology and petrographic studies of outcrop sections of the Eocene Ameki formation exposed in the Northern depobelts of the Niger Delta was done to, characterize the sediment facies, determine the depositional environment and also to development a depositional model for the study area. Three facies associations were have been identified in the study area based on lithology, primary sedimentary structures, fossil content, geometry, lateral and vertical succession of beds and the nature of bedding contacts,and they include; brackish swamp, braided fluvial channels and Tidal creek environments. Results from polished section study showed the percentage distribution of the maceral groups as Huminite = 58.25%, Liptinite = 34.35%, Inertinite = 7.5%. The lignites are mainly Duroclarite in nature, deposited in swamp vegetation with preserved cell structures in a slightly oxic to anoxic condition. Furthermore results from petrographic studies of representative sandstone samples showed that the predominant mineral is quartz with a greater number of them showing Monocrystalline features, while the feldspars are mostly of the plagioclase type. Ternary diagram plots for the sandstones suggest a subarkose to lithic subarkose, and Arkose to lithicarkose for the sandstones, a mixed provenance of plutonic, metamorphic and recycled sedimentary sources which are consistent with humid climatic conditions.Â Â Â Â
Solving 2nd Order Nonlinear Differential Equations Using Piecewise Analytic Method (Pendulum Equations)
Authors: Abassy Tamer Ahmed 
Published: January 2022

In this paper, piecewise analytic method (PAM) is used for solving highly nonlinear 2nd Â order differential equation (pendulum equations) which is a big problem for engineers and scientists. PAM is used for showing the nonlinear dynamics of the solution with and without linearizion. The error and accuracy of the solution are controlled easily according to our needs.
Factors associated with hemodialysis adequacy among end stage renal disease patients on maintenance hemodialysis in Rwanda
Authors: Ndahayo Didace , Bimenyimana Gapira Emmanuel , Mbabazi Theos , Chironda Geldine 
Published: January 2022

The aim of this study was to assess the factors associated with dialysis adequacy in ESRD patients on maintenance hemodialysis in Rwanda. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. A sample size of 66 hemodialysis patients was selected using purposive sampling strategy. An interview scheduled guide was used to collect data. Dialysis adequacy was calculated using kt/v Daugirdas & Schneditz formula. The mean hemodialysis adequacy was 1.26Â± 0.34. Most participants [41(62%)] had optimal hemodialysis adequacy of equal or greater than to 1.2, 19 (29%) had near optimal hemodialysis adequacy (0.8 - 1.2 kt/v) and only 6 (9%) had less than optimal hemodialysis adequacy (kt/v <0.8). Factors associated with hemodialysis adequacy were hospital settings (p = .010), age (p = .007), BMI (p =.004) and blood pressure level ((p = .018). Moreover, mode of transport and type of drinking water was significantly associated with hemodialysis adequacy (p = 0.032 and 0.030 respectively). In conclusion, the level of hemodialysis adequacy was low in 38% of ESRD patients with associated factors predominantly demographics. Therefore, further research inquiry is needed on additional factors which include technical aspects to establish their association with hemodialysis adequacy.Â Â
Community liquid waste management system in Gili air tourism area and its management strategy based on a SWOT analysis
Authors: Edy Swandayani Rosaina , Pahriana Sulastri Meilinda 
Published: January 2022

Lombok island is one of the international tourism destinations because of its topography and natural beauty which has its own charm for both domestic and foreign tourists. One of the famous marine tourism destinations on the island of Lombok is Gili Air. Most of the waste problems in Gili Air are domestic liquid waste, both from community waste and tourism business waste. This study is a descriptive exploratory study by exploring and describing the liquid waste management system by the community, hotel managers and restaurants in the tourism area of Gili Air. The observations were made in residential areas, hotels and restaurants on Gili Air. The determination of sampling areas and resource persons is determined by purposive sampling. Data were collected by conducting a survey at the research location through direct observation and interviews with informants. SWOT analysis were used to determine a liquid waste management strategy in Gili Air. Based on the study conducted in Gili Air, which includes residential areas, hotels and restaurants, the liquid waste management system is carried out individually using a septic-tank, land use management for wastewater with a septic tank placed at the side / back of the house and a waste management strategy can be implemented by establishing a communal and environmentally friendly waste management facility in the form of a Waste Final Disposal Plant (IPAL) for liquid waste.Â Â
Oral hygiene and dietary choices of 8-11year-old children with respect to the evidence-based oral health messages (diet and tooth brushing) in 3rd and 4th class children in primary schools in cork, Ireland, and their relationship to BMI taking account
Authors: Mohamed Ahmed , Mairead Harding Dr. , Janas Harrington Dr. 
Published: January 2022

Background: Dental caries and obesity are growing public health conditions over the word. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of being overweight and obese amongst 8-11-year-old children in Cork city and county, and whether there is an association with oral hygiene practices, dietary choices, and BMI.Methods: This is a cross-sectional analysis using secondary data. Data came from the Cork Childrenâ€™s Lifestyle Study (CCLaS); were analysed using logistic regression and controlling for potential confounder for 1061 children aged 8-11 years.Result: This study included 1,061 children, 58% of the sample were boys at median age 9 years (8-11 years). There was an association between BMI and toothbrushing (P >0.005). The relationship between BMI and diet frequency (breakfast, dinner meals and favorite snack) was statistically significant. Regarding diet quality, Junk food was only found statistically significant associated with BMI. While the relationship between BMI and diet quantity, several variables were found statistically significant associated with BMI include (Sum) Kcal-all-foods, total sugar from all include all beverages per day, and fibreaoac.Conclusion: The data from CCLaS suggested that the negative association between BMI and toothbrushing frequency in children aged 8 to 11 years-old requires further study. Dietary choices, especially sweets have an important role in being overweight and suffering obesity as indicated in this study and sugars are the principle etiological cause of dental caries. Therefore, strategies should be developed on a multidisciplinary level with a common risk factor approach.Â Â
Prediction of the moisture ratio of Atama (Heinsia Crinita) leaves using artificial neural network (ANN)
Authors: Ekwere Inyang Uwem , James Bassey Victor 
Published: January 2022

In this work, an artificial neural network (ANN) model was used to predict the moisture ratio of atama (Heinsia crinita) dried under different drying temperatures of 40 0C, 50 0C, 60 0C, and 70 0C using a laboratory dry oven. The experimental data collected (140 data points in all) which was partitioned into three sets: training (70%), validation (15%), and testing (15%) were modeled using artificial neural network (ANN), an Artificial Intelligence approach. The ANN model architecture of ANN (3 â€“ 4 - 1) used in this work was selected by trial-and-error approach. The input layer had three (3) inputs (drying rate, temperature, time), the hidden layer had four (4) neurons, and the output layer had one (1) output (moisture ratio). Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) algorithm was used for training the network, and TANSIG and Purelin transfer/activation functions were used for the hidden layer and output layer, respectively. The model had a learning rate of 0.7, and the number of epochs was set at 1000. The results obtained showed that the ANN methodology could precisely predict experimental data with high correlation coefficient (R-Squared) value of 0.9995 â€“ 0.9977 and low mean square error (RMSE) of 0.00052568, as the artificial neural network model more accurately predict the drying parameter (moisture ratio). The sensitivity analysis performed shows that temperature has the greatest impact on the moisture ratio of atama. From the finding, the ANN technology which is embedded in the neural toolbox of MATLAB mathematical software is indeed a tool of choice when it comes to the prediction of parameters of non-linear and complex processes like drying. The unique modelling technique and the model it evolved represent a huge step in the trajectory of achieving full automation of moisture ratio estimation which will increase the utilization of atama as well as other vegetables to curb the unending events of food spoilage currently plaguing the global food and agriculture industry.Â Â Â