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Amylase enzyme has extensive usage in different industries and can be obtained from microorganisms (e.g., bacteria) before purification and usage. In the current study, the amylase-producing potential of bacteria isolated from selected dumpsites in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, was investigated. A total of 54 soil samples were obtained from three different dumpsites (Ikhueniro, Eyaen, and Uhumarioge) between August and October 2023. The pour plate method was used to quantify the total number of heterotrophic bacteria, and starch hydrolysis agar was used to assess the organisms' starch-hydrolyzing capacity. The bacterial isolates' capacity to produce amylase was assessed qualitatively using starch agar and quantitatively using colorimetric (3,5-dinitro salicylic acid reagent) techniques, while optimal pH and temperature for amylase production were done by spectrophotometric technique. The bacterial isolates were further identified by their cultural, morphological, biochemical, and 16S rRNA characteristics. A total of 23 different bacterial isolates were identified from the soil samples, out of which 8 were found to hydrolyze starch. Achromobacter anxifer, Providencia alcalifaciens, and Proteus mirabilis were further reported as the highest producer of amylase enzyme, with optimum temperature and pH being 35°C and 6, respectively. The study of amylase-producing bacteria from the soil of waste dump sites reveals a complex and dynamic microbial ecosystem with profound ecological, industrial, and scientific significance. Efforts must, therefore, be made to obtain this enzyme in sufficient amounts and ensure its usage in different industries.

Purpose – This study aims to assess the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) in retail stores to improve supply chain visibility and integration. Design/methodology/approach – This study employed a qualitative methodology with data collected using semi-structured interviews from a sample selected using purposive sampling. The population consists of 48 employees, of which 6 were selected for the sample as they worked directly with IoT and supply chain issues. Participants were from a SPAR franchise store (Samenwerken Profiteren Allen Regalmatig). Findings – Thematic analysis was used to analyse the transcribed data from the interviews. The themes identified include supply chain visibility, supply chain integration and IoT. The findings indicate that the main IoT used is an organisational-wide system, the SIGMA (SPAR Integrated Goods Management Application) system. Other technologies that aid supply chain visibility and integration are geotags, the internet, WhatsApp social media applications, emails and scanners. Practical implications – From the findings, this study recommends that IoT systems should be frequently updated to reflect current trends and that IoT systems should enable the integration of small and medium Enterprises (SMEs) suppliers. Originality/value – The Fourth Industrial Revolution has ushered in new technologies that revolutionise business operations. Among these technologies is the IoT, which has ushered in a new connectivity area. However, there is little research on the use of IoT for supply chain visibility and integration in the South African retail sector. It provides sector-specific insights and recommendations for retailers, which might not be covered in general supply chain management literature.

Background Janus kinase inhibitors are an effective option for achieving sustained remission or low disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) following inadequate response to conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Filgotinib is a Janus kinase 1–preferential inhibitor available in two doses for moderate-to-severe RA. We report the long-term efficacy and safety of filgotinib.Methods In the ongoing long-term extension study FINCH 4 (NCT03025308), patients continue filgotinib 200 mg or 100 mg from FINCH 1, 2 or 3 or receive filgotinib 200 mg or 100 mg de novo. Efficacy assessments up to week 156 include American College of Rheumatology 20% response (ACR20), Disease Activity Score 28 using C-reactive protein of

The concept of a circular economy (CE) is a sustainable development strategy aimed at minimising waste and maximising resource efficiency. This paper explores the transition towards a circular economy in Nigeria, providing an overview of the challenges, opportunities, and future perspectives. Nigeria is rich in natural resources and has significant economic potential. However, the country faces severe environmental, economic, and social challenges that could be met with a circular economy. Although Nigeria has abundant natural resources and great economic potential, it faces many significant environmental, economic, and social challenges that must be addressed to move to a circular economy as a viable solution. The methods used in research are based on a mixed-methods research approach; the study synthesises findings from a comprehensive literature review, case studies of Nigerian businesses adopting CE practices, and insights from a SWOT analysis conducted in consultation with experts. The conclusions of the SWOT analysis, enriched by discussions with experts, form the basis for a set of targeted recommendations. These recommendations are aimed at policymakers, business leaders, and practitioners, outlining strategic actions to overcome the identified barriers and harness the opportunities inherent in a circular economy. This paper contributes to the scholarly discourse on sustainability and serves as a practical guide for other developing countries navigating the transition to a circular economy. It underscores the urgency and feasibility of adopting circular economy principles in Nigeria, highlighting the path towards a more sustainable, efficient, and economically robust future. In the study, prospects for Nigeria to benefit from include increased resource efficiency, job creation, economic diversification, and environmental sustainability if the circular economy approach were applied.

When olive mill wastewater is given directly to nature without being treated, natural waters become coloured, aquatic life is adversely affected, surface and underground waters are polluted, bad odours occur, and soil quality deteriorates. For these reasons, waste water is not allowed to be poured into soil and water without being discharged. This problem has become a problem that needs to be solved for the Mediterranean countries. With this study, acid cracking and chemical treatability studies achieved the conversion of the physicochemical pretreatment process of olive black water to an automation system. With the applied processes, removal efficiencies of 85% for Chemical Oxygen Demand, 99% for suspended solids, 97% for oil grease and 92% for phenol were obtained. Since the mixing processes of the tanks in the chemical additions are long, the heating chamber in the acid cracking process is designed larger than the tanks. Thus, when there is a black water density in the system, the heating tank in this system can be used as a heating and resting tank in sudden densities in this system. This waste separation process includes producing raw materials, protecting natural resources, and increasing sustainability. In particular, separating the phenol material and making it usable have been essential gains.

Diatoms which are classified into centric diatoms and pPennate diatoms play vital role in themarine food chain. Hence, the objective of this paper is to evaluate the abundance, distribution, dynamics and occurrence of Coscinodiscus and Pluerosigma in Atlantic Ocean from Bight of Benin to Bight of Bonny in Nigeria. This study considered the abundance, dynamics and environmental factors influencing the distribution of centric and pennate diatoms in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Guinea (Nigerian). Water samples for diatom analysis and physico-chemical analysis were collected along transect of the Atlantic Ocean (Nigerian) from Twenty (30) oceanic water stations in ten (10) locations from the eight (8) Nigerian coastal states. Eight taxa each of centric and pennate diatoms were found in the Atlantic Ocean. Coscinodiscus radiatus was the most widely distributed and abundant among centric diatom Coscinodiscus while Pleurosigma enlongatum was the most widely distributed species for the pennate diatom Pleurosigma. Coscinodiscus maginatus was least in distribution and abundant for the centric diatom Coscinodiscus while Pleurosigma formosum and Pleurosigma P. formosum v. longissimum were least occurring among the pennate diatom Pleurosigma. Ondo oceanic water was richest in the diversity of Coscinodiscus in Gulf of Guinea while Bayelsa oceanic water was richest in the diversity of Pleurosigma in Gulf of Guinea. Result revealed significant difference in the abundance of centric and pennate diatoms in the Atlantic Ocean. Temperature, pH, total dissolved solids, salinity, alkalinity, total hardness calcium, chloride silicate, sulphate and rainfall were environmental factors controlling the distribution and abundant of pennate and centric diatoms.

Abstract Background This case report is applicable to the field of ophthalmology because there is a paucity of medical literature related to the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of uveal effusion syndrome. This is an urgent concern because there are severe complications associated with this disease, including non-rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, angle closure glaucoma, and possible blindness. This report will fill clinical knowledge gaps using a patient example. Case presentation A 68-year-old white male with multiple cardiovascular risk factors initially presented to the Eye Institute Urgent Care Clinic with new onset visual symptoms, including eye pain, eye lid swelling, redness, and tearing of his left eye. He had experienced a foreign body sensation in the left eye and bilateral floaters weeks prior to his presentation. The patient was examined, and vision was 20/30 in both eyes, and intraocular pressure was 46 in the right eye and 36 in the left eye. After initial assessment, including compression gonioscopy, intermittent angle closure glaucoma was suspected. He received oral diamox 500 mg, one drop of alphagan in both eyes, one drop of latanoprost in both eyes, one drop of dorzolamide in both eyes, and one drop of 2% pilocarpine in both eyes. There was only slight response in intraocular pressure. Owing to the bilateral angle closure, he underwent laser peripheral iridotomy to decrease intraocular pressure and open the angle that was found closed on gonioscopy. The patient was discharged on oral and topical glaucoma drops and scheduled for the glaucoma clinic. When he presented for follow-up in the glaucoma clinic, he was evaluated and noted to have bilateral narrow angles and intraocular pressure in the mid-twenties. A brightness scan (B-scan) was performed and was noted to have bilateral choroidal effusions, confirmed by Optos fundus photos. He was started on prednisone at 60 mg once per day (QD) with taper, continuation of oral and topical glaucoma medications, and a retina evaluation. Evaluation with a retina specialist showed resolving choroidal effusion in the left eye. He continued the prednisone taper as well as glaucoma drops as prescribed. Follow-up in the glaucoma clinic revealed a grade 3 open angle. He continued the prednisone taper, cosopt twice per day in both eyes, and discontinued brimonidine. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that was performed showed results that were remarkable. No hemorrhage or mass was present. Follow-up with the retina specialist found that the choroidal effusions had resolved completely. Conclusion This case report emphasizes the value in early detection, keen diagnostic evaluation, and cross-collaboration between multiple ophthalmology specialists to optimize healthcare outcomes for patients with uveal effusion syndrome.

Background: The use of herbal medicine has increased globally due to people's dissatisfaction with conventional medicine, family traditions, poverty, and prior positive experiences. Since the last decade, the general public has become increasingly interested in herbal products from several medicinal plants. This study sought to evaluate the microbial contamination of liquid herbal drinks sold in Benin City, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Fifty different herbal medicines were purchased from three different locations in the study area. The 50 herbal medicines were centrifuged and the sediment was used for culture, biochemical, and antibiotic tests for the identification of isolated microorganisms and the assessment of the total viable bacterial count. Results: In comparison to regulated herbal preparations (4%), a percentage (36%) of unregulated herbal preparations contained viable bacteria. The most common bacterium found in unlicensed herbal medicines was Klebsiella pneumonia (10%). The percentage of regulated and unregulated herbal preparations that had microbiological contamination that was above the permissible limit (>10 colony-forming unit/ml) was 2% and 26%, respectively. Conclusions: Numerous unlicensed herbal treatments in Benin City have microbial contamination over the World Health Organization-permitted limit for aerobic and coliform bacteria. The regulatory bodies should step up their efforts to make sure that all herbal medicines marketed in the nation are legally registered and created in compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practice standards.

Lessertia frutescens (synonym Sutherlandia frutescens) is an important South African medicinal plant used traditionally to treat different human pathologies and is considered an adaptogenic plant. This study sought to isolate compounds from the plant and determine their protective potentials using SH-SY5Y cells and MPP+ (1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium) to mimic Parkinson’s disease. The phytochemical analysis of a 70% aqueous methanolic extract of L. frutescens leaves resulted in the isolation and identification of 11 pure compounds (1–11), among which compounds 1 and 2 were identified as new metabolites. The new compounds were characterised using IR, UV, NMR, and HRESIMS and were given the trivial names lessertiosides A (1) and B (2). Additionally, the flavonoids 8-methoxyvestitol (7) and mucronulatol (8) were isolated for the first time from the plant. The biological actions show that the isolated compounds had negligible toxicity on SH-SY5Y cells and improved cell viability in the cells exposed to MPP+. Furthermore, as a mechanism of action, the compounds could sustain cellular ATP generation and prevent MPP+-induced apoptotic cell death. Our findings provide evidence for the neuroprotective properties of compounds isolated from L. frutescens in MPP+-induced neuronal damage for the first time and create an avenue for these compounds to be further investigated to elucidate their molecular targets.

This study examines the impact of digital financial services (DFS) on savings development in Nigeria, from 2009 to 2021, using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) method. A phenomenon in the annals of Nigeria’s financial system, is the funding-gap to meeting her development needs, evidenced in rising interest rates, increasing budget deficit, failure of national development plans, etc, which this study attributes to lack of digital savings facilities. The findings revealed that in the long-run, automated teller machine (ATM) has positive effect on total savings (TS) while web transfer (WT), mobile transfer (MT), and point of sales (POS) have negative long[1]run effect on TS. It implies that, in the long-run, ATM may develop savings potency of the saver, perhaps by technological instinct and capacity. The study upholds the technology acceptance theory, that digital technology may develop savings in Nigeria. Based on these findings, the Central Bank of Nigeria needs to create an enabling environment and policies to encourage the innovation of more digital savings platforms to diversify and increase savings. Financial institutions should design user[1]friendly interfaces that could facilitate savings and educate bank service consumers about the benefits of using ATM savings platform. Fiscal incentives should be provided to boost savings via ATM. Further studies on savings development are suggested to apply different methods to test the potency of all digital platforms.

The Pennsylvanian unconformity, which is a detrital surface, separates the beds of the Permian-aged strata from the Lower Paleozoic in the Central Basin Platform. Seismic data interpretation indicates that the unconformity is an angular unconformity, overlying multiple normal faults, and accompanied with a thrust fault which maximizes the region's structural complexity. Additionally, the Pennsylvanian angular unconformity creates pinch-outs between the beds above and below. We computed the spectral decomposition and reflector convergence attributes and analyzed them to characterize the angular unconformity and faults. The spectral decomposition attribute divides the broadband seismic data into different spectral bands to resolve thin beds and show thickness variations. In contrast, the reflector convergence attribute highlights the location and direction of the pinch-outs as they dip south at angles between 2° and 6°. After reviewing findings from RGB blending of the spectrally decomposed frequencies along the Pennsylvanian unconformity, we observed channel-like features and multiple linear bands in addition to the faults and pinch-outs. It can be inferred that the identified linear bands could be the result of different lithologies associated with the tilting of the beds, and the faults may possibly influence hydrocarbon migration or act as a flow barrier to entrap hydrocarbon accumulation. The identification of this angular unconformity and the associated features in the study area are vital for the following reasons: 1) the unconformity surface represents a natural stratigraphic boundary; 2) the stratigraphic pinch-outs act as fluid flow connectivity boundaries; 3) the areal extent of compartmentalized reservoirs' boundaries created by the angular unconformity are better defined; and 4) fault displacements are better understood when planning well locations as faults can be flow barriers, or permeability conduits, depending on facies heterogeneity and/or seal effectiveness of a fault, which can affect hydrocarbon production. The methodology utilized in this study is a further step in the characterization of reservoirs and can be used to expand our knowledge and obtain more information about the Goldsmith Field.

Purpose – Qualitative research that involves the use of human participants calls for the need to protect those participants to give their honest view during data collection. This is an important part of every primary data collection in qualitative studies using interviews. This paper aims to investigate all available ethical considerations that need to be observed by the researcher when conducting primary data collection through interview and to explore the theories that underpin the ethics in qualitative studies. Design/methodology/approach – This paper systemically reviewed existing qualitative data on ethics and gathered information that were analysed and presented on the topic area. Findings – The findings show that ethical considerations deal with the various approaches adopted by the researcher to make the participants feel safe to participate in any given researcher. During an interview process in qualitative research, the findings show that anonymity, voluntary participation, privacy, confidentiality, option to opt out and avoiding misuse of findings are ethical considerations that must be observed by the researcher. The outcome of the investigation also shows that deontology and utilitarianism, rights and virtue are the main theories that underpin ethical considerations in research. Originality/value – The rights of the research participants need to be respected in qualitative research to assist in gathering accurate information to achieve the objectives of study. This and other ethical principles such as anonymity, privacy, confidentiality, voluntary participation and option to opt out guide the researcher to systematically adhere to data collection approaches that yield valid results in qualitative data collection using interviews.

Background: It has been known for centuries that plants and plant-derived chemicals are useful in treating diseases, with Aloe vera being one of the biologically active plants. A significant role is played by the C-reactive protein (CRP) in many inflammatory conditions, while leukocytes play an integral role in the response of the immune system to infectious diseases. Objectives: This study explored the potential anti-inflammatory effects of Aloe vera methanolic extract on the total white blood cell (TWBC) count and CRP levels in Wistar rats received formalin. Methods: A total of 25 Wistar rats were divided into five groups (A to E), with group A serving as the control and the other groups receiving formalin to induce inflammation, followed by increasing doses of Aloe vera extract. The CRP level was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit, and the TWBC count was determined using a Sysmex haematology autoanalyzer. Results: Research findings showed that 200 mg of Aloe vera methanolic extract effectively reduced the CRP level (0.056±0.0027) (P=0.04), while 600 mg of the extract significantly increased the TWBC count (13.920±4.757) (P=0.03). Conclusion: These findings suggest that Aloe vera extract may be an effective natural supplement for improving the immune system function and reducing inflammation in the body. However, further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms for these effects and to determine the optimal doses and potential side effects.

Rotavirus is responsible for the most severe dehydrating diarrhea among young children due to gastroenteritis. In this study, we aimed to ascertain the occurrence of childhood gastroenteritis caused by Rotavirus among infants and young children who are younger than 5 years of age in Ilorin, Kwara State and determined the risk factors posing the challenges to be susceptible to diarrhea associated with rotavirus in Ilorin, Kwara State. Diarrhea stool samples were collected from children who passed watery stools, who met predetermined inclusion criteria and who presented at the study hospitals Viz: General Hospital and Specialist Hospital Alagbado and Children Specialist Hospital, Igboro. All within Kwara State either on outpatient care basis or those admitted into the pediatric ward. Sample of stool habouring rotavirus antigens was detected by commercial Rotavirus IgM ELISA kit to target recent infections among the participants. Out of three hundred (300) stool samples that were collected from children suffering from acute diarrhea, a total number of eighty-six (86) were found to be Rotavirus positive (28.7 %) and two hundred and fourteen (214) were found to be negative (71.3%). The age group 3-5 years, showed the highest prevalence rate which is in line with some research findings that attribute this age range with certain feeding habits and cultural practices, predisposing them to gastroenteritis. It is therefore advised that parents and guardian alike should ensure that special care is given to children, with emphasis on their feeding habits and sanitation.

Soil nutrients consist of minerals such as Ca, Mg, K and Na ions among others which are essential to plant growth. Soils can become deficient in these nutrients on account of pollution, flooding and over cultivation. The soil condition can be ameliorated by addition of clay minerals which are rich in aforementioned cations. The mineralogy of the clay mineral was investigated using X-ray Diffractometer (XRD) and the effect of pH variation on the release of exchangeable cations of the clay mineral deposit were investigated by varying the pH of the solution in which the clay mineral was immersed whereas the amount of the cations released were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer(AAS) and Flame Emission Spectrophotometer. Three clay minerals clinochlore, kaolinite and illite were detected. The quantity of cations released from the clay mineral varied with pH; and the pH at which the maximum quantity of the cations were released were pH4 for K+ ions(4.63±0.38cmol/kg), pH7 Ca2+ (12.09±0.96 cmol/kg) and Mg2+(3.48±0.08 cmol/kg) ions and pH8 for Na+(7.81±0.58 cmol/kg) ions respectively for site 1. This trend was observed in the three sites that were studied. This study has revealed that different pH conditions are required if this mixed clay mineral is to be employed in the remediation of nutrient deficiency in any soil in respect of a particular mineral.

Conclusion: Leaf extract from Moringa oleifera reduces blood sugar and lessens the damage caused by hyperglycemia in the pancreas and liver.

SARS-CoV-2 shedding in human stool has been suggested as a probable route for faeco-oral transmission of the virus due to the availing evidence on the infectivity and pathogenicity of similar highly infectious respiratory viruses. Determining association of SARS-CoV-2 shedding in stools and presenting clinical status might be useful for prediction of the viral transmission spectrum and disease outcome. This study involved a descriptive cross-sectional survey of 91 consenting hospitalized, confirmed COVID-19 patients in Infectious Disease Isolation Centre, Oyo State, Nigeria. Socio-demographic characteristics and other ancillary data were collected from patient's hospital records with the aid of a structured investigator administered questionnaire. The laboratory detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the stool of patients was performed using RT-PCR method. 27 (29.7%) of the 91 COVID-19 patients shed SARS-CoV-2 in their stools. The frequency of male (38.3%) patients shedding the virus in stools was higher than female (12.9%) patients (P = 0.012). Higher proportion of patients who had symptoms (41.2%) at admission shed the virus in their stool (P

Glycyrrhiza glabra L. is a plant commonly utilized in herbal medicine and stands out as one of the more extensively researched medicinal plants globally. It has been documented with respect to several pharmacological activities, notably, neuroprotective effects, among others. However, the neuroprotective activity of pure phenolic compounds has not been reported yet. The chromatographic of a methanolic extract yielded twenty-two compounds, viz.: naringenin 4′-O-glucoside (1), 3′,4′,7-trihydroxyflavanone (butin) (2), liquiritin (3), liquiritin apioside (4), abyssinone (5), glabrol (6), isoliquiritin (7), neoisoliquiritin (8), isoliquiritin apioside (9), licuraside (10). 3’[O], 4’-(2,2-dimethylpyrano)-3,7-dihydroxyflavanone (11), glabrocoumarin (12), glabrene (13), isomedicarpin (14), 7-hydroxy-4′-methoxyflavone (formononetin) (15), ononin (16), glycyroside (17), (3S)-7,4′-dihydroxy-2′-methoxyisoflavan (18), glabridin (19), neoliquiritin (20), 3,11-dioxooleana-1,12-dien-29-oic acid (21), and 3-oxo-18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (22). The results of the neuroprotection evaluation showed that G. glabra total extract (TE) and compounds 1, 7, 11, 16, and 20 protected SH-SY5Y cells by inhibiting the depletion of ATP and elevated caspase 3/7 activities induced by MPP+. Indeed, this study reports for the first time the structure and activity of compound 11 and the neuroprotective activity of some phenolic constituents from G. glabra.

Nigeria loses thousands of its populace annually to cancer. Probable upsurge in the atmospheric concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been suggested as a contributor to this menace. This baseline study has evaluated the concentrations of the 16 priority PAHs in urban and rural communities, Southern Nigeria to establish a nexus. Air samples were collected monthly for a period of 12 months from 10 sampling locations using passive samplers (polyurethane foams (PUF) disk). Results obtained revealed an average ambient air concentrations (∑16PAH) of 0.817 ± 0.33 µg/m3for the urban, 0.087 ± 0.05 µg/m3 for the rural and 0.011 ± 0.01 µg/m3 for the control site. Remarkably, the obtained urban and rural benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) mean concentrations, mainly from incessant combustion of unsorted municipal solid wastes and bush burning were outrageous (63 ng/m3 and 9 ng/m3 respectively), indicative of a significant cancer health hazard and a possible overlooked source of the global BaP burden. The Total Toxicity Equivalent Concentration (TTEC) were found to vary from 0.000063 – 0.417 µg/m3 with BaP once more reporting the highest toxicity value of 0.314 µg/m3. However, the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) values obtained, ranged from 7.8 × 10−8 to 5 × 10−5 which were within the acceptable limits. The Health Impact Assessment (HIA) reported symptoms suggestive of exposure to PAHs, with neurological and respiratory symptoms being the most prevalent by 31.4 - 61.4 % of the respondents. Spatial and temporal variations in the obtained PAH data were found to be significant (p