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The spectrum of major and emerging mycotoxins in sesame and soybean grains from the six zones of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria was determined using Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A total of 47 samples (24 sesame and 23 soybean were collected from farmers’ stores. Seven regulated mycotoxins in sesame and five in soybean including aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin B2 (AFB2) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) were detected. However, concentrations were generally lower than regulatory limits set in the EU for raw grains with the exception of ochratoxin A (OTA) exhibiting a maximum concentration level of 23.1 µg kg-1 in one of the soybean samples. This is the first report concerning the contamination of sesame and soybean in Abuja, FCT-Nigeria with the emerging mycotoxins addressed by recent European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) opinion papers totalling 10 in number. These include beauvericin (BEA), moniliformin (MON), sterigmatocystin (STE), altertoxin-I (ATX-I), alternariol (AOH), alternariol methylether (AME) though at relatively low µg kg-1 range. This preliminary data indicate that sesame and soybean might be relatively safe commodities in view of the profile of mycotoxins. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1307184

Reflection on case material is traditionally believed to promote better clinical practice; recent neurobiological understandings explain why reflection consolidates learning and allows professional heuristics to develop. Here, we describe a practice in context (PIC) framework that requires reflection on the contextual and decisional aspects of a case and further reflection on potential changes for use in similar cases in the future. We analyze cases using the PIC framework to identify themes related to the use of self to identify potential best practices. The framework is shown to function to promote reflection at all levels of practice; published cases provide "role-modeling" for students, while also creating data for analysis of best practices.

The centralization of household waste disposal represents a significant stride toward achieving ecological viability in rural China. This initiative can substantially alleviate the grassroots government's burden of managing rural household waste. The proliferation and utilization of smartphones, a powerful tool that can expedite and reduce the cost of imparting environmental protection knowledge to producers, is a beacon of hope in the fight against waste. This article, utilizing Probit modeling and micro-survey data from 2126 agricultural households in China, examines the effect of smartphone usage on farmers' participation in centralized household waste disposal. The findings indicate that smartphone usage significantly enhances farmers' engagement in centralized domestic waste disposal, motivating them to participate actively. Notably, this finding persists even after robustness tests. Further heterogeneity analyses indicate that older and low-income populations exhibit a more pronounced level of engagement in centralized household waste disposal. This paper presents these findings and underscores the importance of the proposed policies to enhance farmers' consciousness regarding the environmental implications of smartphone usage. These policies are not just suggestions but urgent and necessary steps towards a more technologically advanced and efficient waste management system, and their implementation is crucial for the future of waste management.

The study investigated the incidence of mycobiota, Aspergillus spp metabolites and aflatoxin biosynthesis precursors in 60 samples of seeds and haulms of improved groundnut genotypes in Nigeria. Culturing of the infected seeds was done using the agar plate method and mycobiota identification was done using conventional cultural and microscopy method. The occurrence of Aspergillus toxins, and aflatoxin biosynthesis precursors were evaluated using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC- MS/MS). Three identified species and four unidentified species of fungi were isolated from the seeds with Aspergillus niger (47.19%) and A. flavus (17.82%) having higher incidence more than others. The seed samples from ICGX 86024 and ICGX 01276 had the highest and lowest fungal incidence respectively. No aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A or fumonisins were detected in the seeds and haulms samples of the improved groundnut despite the incidence of A. flavus. Fifteen fungal metabolites were found including eight Aspergillus metabolites and seven aflatoxin biosynthesis precursors. From our result, STC which is involved in flatoxin biosynthesis pathway was below limit of detection and thus aflatoxin formation in the groundnuts might be interrupted. This report is foremost in elucidating the aflatoxins biosynthesis precursors in seeds and haulms of improved groundnut varieties in Northern Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solvent accessible surface area (SASA) of gamma-chymotrypsin (gamma-CT) decreases in hexane. The SASA increases for hydrophobic residues and decreases for hydrophilic residues. The spherical shape of gamma-CT is unchanged, and the protein shows no denaturation. The location of the essential water molecules and hydration affect its flexibility. Hexane is unable to solvate or diffuse into the core of gamma-CT. The net ion pair interactions and decreased ratio of the protein's surface area to volume stabilize gamma-CT in hexane.

Multi-mycotoxin analysis of 72 samples of garlic bulbs sold in Zaria markets was carried out using a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. The results indicated the presence of seven major mycotoxins, including aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), ochratoxin A (OTA), and the fumonisins B1, B2, B3, B4, and B6, at different levels of contamination. AFB1 and OTA were detected in 1 of the 72 samples (1.4%) with median concentrations of 5.48 and 12.3 µg/kg, respectively. FB1 and FB2 were detected in 77% and 100% of the analysed samples, with median concentrations of 401 µg/kg and 491 µg/kg, respectively. The observed levels of AFB1, OTA, FB1, and FB2 were above the EU maximum limit in herbal products. Sterigmatocystin (STC), an AFB1 biosynthetic precursor, was present in all tested samples. The contamination level of mycotoxins and Aspergillus metabolites of marketed garlic in the study area is of public health concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective Compared with other regions in the world, the transmission characteristics of the COVID-19 epidemic in Africa are more obvious, has a unique transmission mode in this region; At the same time, the data related to the COVID-19 epidemic in Africa is characterized by low data quality and incomplete data coverage, which makes the prediction method of COVID-19 epidemic suitable for other regions unable to achieve good results in Africa. In order to solve the above problems, this paper proposes a prediction method that nests the in-depth learning method in the mechanism model. From the experimental results, it can better solve the above problems and better adapt to the transmission characteristics of the COVID-19 epidemic in African countries. Methods Based on the SIRV model, the COVID-19 transmission rate and trend from September 2021 to January 2022 of the top 15 African countries (South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Zambia, Algeria, Botswana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Uganda, and Ghana) in the accumulative number of COVID-19 confirmed cases was fitted by using the data from Worldometer. Non-autoregressive (NAR), Long-short term memory (LSTM), Autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models, Gaussian and polynomial functions were used to predict the transmission rate β in the next 7, 14, and 21 days. Then, the predicted transmission rate βs were substituted into the SIRV model to predict the number of the COVID-19 active cases. The error analysis was conducted using root-mean-square error (RMSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). Results The fitting curves of the 7, 14, and 21 days were consistent with and higher than the original curves of daily active cases (DAC). The MAPE between the fitted and original 7-day DAC was only 1.15% and increased with the longer of predict days. Both the predicted β and DAC of the next 7, 14, and 21 days by NAR and LSTM nested models were closer to the real ones than other three ones. The minimum RMSEs for the predicted number of COVID-19 active cases in the next 7, 14, and 21 days were 12,974, 14,152, and 12,211 people, respectively when the order of magnitude for was 106, with the minimum MAPE being 1.79%, 1.97%, and 1.64%, respectively. Conclusion Nesting the SIRV model with NAR, LSTM, ARIMA methods etc. through functionalizing β respectively could obtain more accurate fitting and predicting results than these models/methods alone for the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Africa in which nesting with NAR had the highest accuracy for the 14-day and 21-day predictions. The nested model was of high significance for early understanding of the COVID-19 disease burden and preparedness for the response.

The study investigates through hygrothermal modelling the effect of different boundary conditions and varying measured vapour diffusion resistivity values on the hygrothermal performance of five pliable membranes. Previously, this research quantified the variable water vapour diffusion resistivity properties of five different pliable building membranes. The membranes were assessed under varying humidity conditions using the gravimetric wet and dry cup test method. The varying humidity conditions better represent the boundary conditions experienced by materials in the building envelope. The pliable membranes include two permeable, two impermeable, and one variable products, which are commonly used to provide air and vapour control layers in the construction of framed external wall systems. This article focusses on the transient hygrothermal modelling of each of these membranes as a component of a typical timber-framed, clay brick veneer external wall system. The simulations were completed for three different climate types, namely, hot and humid, temperate, and cool-temperate with snow, and with a northern and western orientation. The results from hygrothermal and bio-hygrothermal simulations highlighted different responses subject to climate type and orientation. These results show that there are significant differences in simulated moisture and mould growth risk between the results of pliable membranes with single vapour resistance factor value and pliable membranes with multipoint vapour resistance factor values.

The use of remote sensing is particularly important in identifying burned areas due to its extensive spatial coverage and the provision of information at different times. Today, Modis fire products are widely used for this purpose. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the capability of Modis MOD14, MOD14A2 (Terra), and MYD14, MYD14A2 (Aqua) fire detector products and to identify fire areas in Golestan state. First, a point map of all the images was generated, then to evaluate the accuracy of the fire products, the prepared point map for the products was compared with terrestrial reality data. If the location of each of the reported fires is consistent with the fires identified by the products, that location was correctly identified as the fire. Landsat images were used as a ground accuracy map to evaluate the accuracy of Modis images. The results showed that six regions identified by level 2 fire products and eight regions were detected by level 3 fire products were identified. The results show the accuracy of the images with a coefficient of R ^ 2 of 0.94 and a coefficient of RMSE of 426.12 ha. The studies conducted in this study show that to improve the performance of the text fire detection algorithm, this algorithm is proposed for the forests of Golestan province and following the conditions and characteristics of the fire area, its intensity, and area. Be developed to provide better results.

Abstract Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) in Indonesia from the perspective of human rights, Islam, and Pancasila. Research is qualitative using the method of literature study (library research). LGBT based on a religious point of view, especially Islam and Pancasila are declared forbidden and contrary culture. But, the state is in ambiguity in determining policy. The State of Indonesia faces a dilemma between Pancasila and Islam with the consistency and spirit of human rights enforcement in Indonesia since the Reformation Era. This manifestation of ambiguity appears to be the lack of clear regulation of LGBT. This gives rise to discriminatory attitudes towards LGBT people both psychologically, physically socially, culturally, and economically. This study recommends that the state should take a bold stance in determining the point of view of LGBT. LGBT citizens should still be treated equally. The absence of regulation against LGBT is a manifestation of discrimination by the state. The state should give its perspective on LGBT in Indonesia. ------------- Abstrak Tujuan dari artikel ini ialah untuk mengkaji tentang eksistensi Lesbian, Gay, Biseksual, dan Transgender (LGBT) di Indonesia dari perspektif hak asasi manusia, Islam, dan Pancasila. Penelitian bersifat kualitatif dengan menggunakan metode kajian literatur (library research). LGBT jika dipandang dari sudut agama khususnya Islam dan Pancasila jelas dinyatakan terlarang dan bertentangan dengan budaya Indonesia. Tapi, negara dalam keambiguan dalam menentukan kebijakan. Negara Indonesia menghadapi dilema antara Pancasila dan Islam dengan konsistensi dan semangat penegakan HAM di Indonesia sejak Era Reformasi. Manifestasi keambiguan ini tampak pada ketiadaan regulasi yang jelas terhadap LGBT. Hal ini menimbulkan sikap diskrimnasi terhadap kalangan LGBT baik secara psikis, fisik secara sosial, budaya, dan ekonomi. Rekomendasi dari kajian ini ialah negara harus berani mengambil sikap dalam menentukan sudut pandang terhadap LGBT. LGBT sebagai warga negara harus tetap diperlakukan sama. Ketiadaan regulasi terhadap kalangan LGBT merupakan manifestasi diskriminasi oleh negara. Negara harus memberikan sudut pandangnya sendiri terhadap LGBT di Indonesia

Researchers and policymakers are concerned about the substantial and increasing yield gap between sub-Saharan Africa and the rest of the world. High-yielding improved varieties are widely perceived as a means to close this gap. This study combines impact evaluation and production analysis techniques, which mitigate estimation biases stemming from observed and unobserved heterogeneity, to estimate the effects of improved varieties on maize productivity using a unique, recent, and nationally representative household survey. A linear endogenous treatment–effect model based on a matched sample obtained from propensity score matching indicated that the improved maize varieties increased yield by 38.7%. Simultaneously, selectivity-corrected and stochastic metafrontier approaches show that the yield advantage of improved varieties is mainly due to technological change; however, the technical efficiency of improved varieties is similar to those of traditional varieties.

Conflict resolution is needed by society, especially in Indonesia, which has a diverse culture; it is inherent in the culture. Conflict resolution based on local wisdom is needed to create peace in society because it always strives to produce decisions that are win-win solutions. This research examines the importance and role of local wisdom as a form of conflict resolution in society and examines the role of the Pengituai Kuta in Pakpak culture as a conflict resolution method. This research is qualitative research with a case study approach conducted in Matanari Hamlet, Ujung Teran Village, Dairi Regency, North Sumatra. The data collection techniques used were semi-structured interviews, observation, and literature study. The subject of information in this study consisted of three people, namely one member of Pengituai Kuta Matanari (JM) and the Head of Matanari Hamlet (PP), and Cultural Practitioner or Humanist Pakpak (LB). According to Miles and Huberman’s model, the data is processed, which includes the collection, reduction, presentation, and conclusion. This finding shows that the Pengituai Kuta has an essential and influential role in resolving horizontal conflicts in Matanari Hamlet. The local wisdom of the Indonesian people already has conflict resolution systems and methods. In Pakpak culture, Pengituai Kuta refers to representatives of community leaders who are considered experienced and exemplary. Every conflict is resolved by deliberation-consensus (runggu) in an open, egalitarian, and full of brotherhood.

Introduction The field of the history of literature is the genealogy of the culture of thought. Literary biography (Tadhkirah), as the first generation of the history of Persian literature, reflects the rise and fall of culture, literature, the acceptance of tradition and traditionalism, and the mirror of literary flow that can show the process of evolution and degradation-imitation in the literature. Tadhkirah contributes to the development of literary research, the introduction of literary traditions, indigenous language and literature, and national identity. However, despite the advantages of the Tadhkirah, there are flaws such as superficiality, celibacy, prostration, succinct writing, and chanting that have found their way into a number of Tadhkirahs. The history of literature needs to have a pathological look within itself in order to achieve growth and maturity. Pathology means identifying the negative aspects and purifying Tadhkirah. The pathology of Tadhkirah requires the use of ‘critical thinking’ to avoid illusory traditions and expositors and to acquaint the reader with the situational context of the creation of the text. Critical thinking provides us with the tools for the purposeful, accurate, and scientific evaluation of Tadhkirah. Methodology This descriptive-analytical study was done using the library method.It aimed to use a pathology approach in the field of history and literature in order to show the strengths and weaknesses of such studies inductively. Discussion The most basic tool for recognizing Tadhkirah is through using a critical approach. The pathology of Tadhkirah reveals some shortcomings and inadequacies. Therefore, it is necessary to look critically at the study of tradition, developments, and the decline of imitation to understand why in a historical period literary works were profound while in another period they became weak. Literary criticism mediates between the writer of the literary work and the ordinary reader by presenting the subtleties of literary works to the general public and streamlining the evolution of literary tastes. Criticizing Tadhkirah can identify stylistic, rhetorical, sociological, and psychological aspects in the production of science and knowledge. Results and Conclusions Tadhkirahs and histories of literature are a reflection of the culture and thought of a nation, the ups and downs of literature and culture. They can play a role in the analysis and understanding of literary texts. These works can well show the two opposites (evolution versus degeneration-imitation) in the context of the dynamics and statics of forms and themes. Tadhkirahs play a role in the expansion of literary studies, the acquisition of methods and criteria in literary historiography, the explanation of critical discourse and approaches, the cognition of study of literary trends and reflection of historical-literary events, the recognition of literary traditions, national identity and the interpretation of traditions, the description of aesthetic taste and the method of critique of literary predecessors, introducing native literature and ethnic, local and regional languages​. But ambiguity, superficial generalization, haste, ignorance, exaggeration, rhetoric, love and hate, avoidance of firm and justified views have penetrated Tadhkirah. It is necessary to turn to critical thinking and pathology of such research. Using critical thinking in the study and analysis of Tadhkirah could lead to avoiding false imitation, and perverted literary traditions for pragmatism, destiny, passivity, perversion, bigotry, and contention against promotion and improvement, restoring data functions and improving the level of information of in the expansion of historical information in Tadhkirahs literary, attention to the level of perceptions and expectations in today's readers of the Tadhkirah and the contemporary researchers with the situational context of the creation of the text of the Tadhkirah and the perceptions and expectations of the traditional memoirist, improving the level of depth and value of the reader today than the correct and accurate analysis of the writer of Tadhkirah in recognizing the evolution of the past and encouraging the reader to avoid love and hate, intentions and narrow-mindedness, helping to the typology, classification and periodization of literary trends by combining critical thinking with attitudes towards literary genres and forms, elevation of the level of literary theorizing and accurate and correct analysis of literary texts and mull over ethnic, racial, religious, ideological and political limitations, etc.

In recent decades there have been new readings of holy Quran by Muslim women including authors known as “Islamic feminists”. This group of women such as Amina Wadud, Azizah Al-Hibri, Asma Barlas and Sadia sheikh are significantly influenced in their applied methodology by Fazlur Rahman’s interpretive theory. Rahman bases his Qur’anic hermeneutics on a theory of prophecy and revelation and also an understanding of history. He invites us to make distinction between normal Islam and historical Islam and calls for separating religious Ideals from religion’s contingencies for the sake of presenting Islam to the modern world. According to him, any reconstruction of Islamic thought primarily needs a comprehensive study of the Quran for its ethical worldview. He is concerned with reviving Ijtihad and defines it according to his own “two-way movement”. His methodological influence is obvious in the works of so-called “Islamic feminism” authors, then analysis and critique of his interpretive theory is in fact an analysis and critique of their readings. This paper takes “analytical research” and “dialectical criticism” as its methodical approaches and finally concludes that Rahman’s interpretive theory, though having new inspirations and hermeneutic inventions, cannot work as a well-found theological-methodological base for alternative interpretations, without creating new problematic faults.

The study concerned here examined students' perceptions of death penalty existence for corruptors. Corruption is a significant problem that captures the attention of the wider public. Corruption has a vast, systematic, and complex impact so that it could be classified as an extraordinary crime. Despite that classification, it turns out that the public considers corruptors’ punishment in Indonesia still too light and has not met the public’s expectations regarding justice. The people still feel the disparity in a penalty for corruption. The public believes capital punishment to a punishment option that could cause a deterrent effect. The majority of the public wants corruptors to be sentenced to death, but there is opposition to the death penalty on the grounds of upholding human rights. This study was conducted by students of the Pendidikan Pancasila dan Kewarganegaraan (PPKn) or Department of Pancasila and Citizenship, Faculty of Social Sciences, Universitas Negeri Medan. It is found in the study that students agree on the death penalty for corruptors, that they do not see human rights as an excuse for rejecting the death penalty. Moreover, the death penalty is to be viewed as a breakthrough in combating corruption in Indonesia.

This article aims to study how the existance and function of political education in Indonesian mass media since Reformation Era.The method used in this article is an inductive approach with library research data collection techniques.This study found that mass media played an important role in political education in Indonesia. The mass media in democracy stateare not only as an information provider, but also as medium of political change of society. The mass media tied to the political system itself. But this study also found the root of the problem of political education in Indonesia was the existence of inequality in the structure of media control in Indonesia so that the media tended to experience deviations and political alignments in reporting. Here we need a reflective moment of political education in the mass media. However, Reformation wave in 1998 was not very encouraging in the development of political education in the mass media. The presence of online media and extensive internet networks was expected to be an alternative to political education but collided with the low level of public literacy. This media alignment cannot be eliminated but can only be minimized by strengthening political education in other sectors such as family, school and society. Even so, mass media still has a significant role in political education but requires a high level of literacy prerequisites.

Rice has become the most rapidly growing staple food crop in Nigeria. Despite the country favorable rice production ecology, there is still a huge gap between domestic rice production and consumption patterns. This study uses a two-step stochastic metafrontier model to estimate the performance of rice farms from 2010 to 2019, considering the differences between the North and South rice farms. The results indicate heterogeneity in production technology across farms located in different regions, and that both regions have low technical efficiency. However, Nigeria’s South rice farms were ranked better based on managerial issues rather than technological gaps. To attain self-sufficiency in rice production as proposed in its national plan, there is room for improvement of technical efficiency and output production at current production levels in the country’s rice farms.

The duo of better insulated and more air-tight envelopes without appropriate consideration of water vapour diffusion and envelope moisture management has often demonstrated an increased potential of moisture accumulation, interstitial condensation, and mould growth within the building envelope. To inform a resilient, energy efficient, and healthy building design, long-term transient hygrothermal modelling are required. Since 2008, concern has been raised to the Australian building regulators regarding the need to establish the vapour diffusion properties of construction materials, in order to develop a hygrothermal regulatory framework. This paper discusses the results from laboratory testing of the vapour diffusion properties of two common reflective pliable membranes, and one smart pliable membrane. The two reflective pliable membranes are often used within the exterior walls of Australian buildings. The smart pliable membrane is a relatively new, internationally available product. The three membranes were tested as per ISO 12,572 at 23 °C and 50% RH. To establish if the vapour resistivity properties were constant, under different relative humidity conditions, the membranes were further tested at 23 °C and relative humidity values of 35%, 65%, and 80%. The results of the three pliable membranes show that the vapour resistivity properties varied in a non-linear (dynamic) manner subject to relative humidity. In conclusion, this research demonstrates that regardless of the class, each of the tested membrane types behaved differently under varying relative humidity and pressure gradients within the testing laboratory.

Hygrothermal modelling is increasingly used to inform building envelope design. A key input for these calculations is the material’s vapour diffusion properties. Respecting a growing international concern, this research has questioned the appropriateness of the current test method to establish construction material for vapour diffusion properties. This article reports on the empirical measurement of the vapour diffusion properties of two vapour-permeable building membranes commonly used in Australia residential systems when subjected to variable relative humidity conditions. The method involved completing dry cup and wet cup standard tests as specified in ISO 12572, (23 °C and 50% relative humidity RH). Further tests were then conducted as temperature remained at 23 °C but the relative humidity changed to 35%, 65% and 80%, respectively, in order to know if the diffusion properties are the same or change with varying relative humidity. The results from the wet cup and dry cup tests under different relative humidity conditions were non-linear and different. These results indicate vapour-permeable membranes behave differently when exposed to different relative humidity conditions. In conclusion, this research demonstrates that the current vapour resistivity test method is inadequate, hence the need to establish more detailed diffusion resistivity properties in different humidity ranges that represent conditions experienced within a building’s external envelope.

Foodborne diseases are the world's main problem in a society nowadays; many phytochemicals are of great interest to scientists. Herbal medicines can be used to treat many infectious diseases. In our study, we focus on screening of antibacterial activity of the lemon (Citrus limon) and orange (Citrus sinesis) peels against various pathogens. Bioactive compounds have been found in variety of citrus fruits that have favorable impact on human health. The major component; flavonoids have been found in the peels of citrus fruits in large amount. Citrus peel has a rich amount of flavonoid and other poly methylated flavonoids (exceptional to some plants). These antibacterial compounds exhibit antibacterial activity and have wide application in both food and pharmaceuticals industries. The citrus peel extracts show effective antimicrobial activity. The antagonistic activity of selected citrus peel extracts was determined by agar well diffusion; against test organisms i.e. Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Bacillus subtilis isolated from food products. Effectiveness of peel extracts are measured in terms of inhibitory zones in millimeter. The methanol extract of lemon peel displayed zone of inhibition in between 5mm to 8mm and methanol extract of orange peel displayed zone of inhibition about 10mm and 11mm. It was observed that lemon peel extract has maximum antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis (8mm) and minimum antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhi (5mm) whereas orange peel extract has maximum antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis (11mm) and minimum antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhi (10mm). Both Citrus peels extract showed considerable antibacterial activity against all tested foodborne pathogens. Our main focus was the use of herbal treatments against various infections which overcome the emergence of upcoming superbugs.