bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extract Clove Leaves Were Used to Test the Effectiveness of Hand Washing Soap. Aedes Aegypti Mosquito Larvae Syzygium Aromaticum L Exterminator
Authors: Budiman Budiman , Nur Rismawati
Published: July 2023

The best method for getting rid of mosquito larvae is to employ biological pesticides derived from plants, such as Syzygium aromaticum L.'s clove leaf extract. Aedes aegypti larvae can be killed by a clove leaf extract containing eugenol, saponins, flavonoids, and tannins. Insect repellent hand soap prepared from Syzygium aromaticum L clove leaf extract is being tested to see how well it works against Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae. This study uses an experimental design with a post-test and a control group, including three treatment and three control groups. A sample of 20 larvae was taken from each group and the control three times. So that there were 280 Aedes aegypti larvae in the sample, 60, 80, and 100 mL of hand soap prepared from Syzygium aromaticum L. clove leaf extract were used, respectively. Within 24 hours, observations were taken, and the number of larvae perished each hour was recorded. The outcomes demonstrated that the amount of Aedes aegypti larvae mortality in the treatment of 60 mL, 80 mL, and 100 mL was extremely effective, being able to kill 100 percent with three repetitions in one hour, non-treatment (negative control) 0 percent larvae mortality in time of 24 hours, and the control treatment of hand washing soap without clove leaf extract was less effective, it could only kill 50 percent within 24 am, while the control treatment with clove was more effective. The mortality of mosquito larvae is significantly influenced by the concentration of hand soap made from clove leaf extract Syzygium aromaticum L, which occurs extremely quickly. To promote public awareness and comprehension of natural larvae exterminators, there is a need to educate people about the risks of DHF and how to prevent it with natural components. The findings of this study are anticipated to be used in the future to improve health conditions.
STUDENT LEARNING STYLE OF MATHEMATICS EDUCATION BASED ON GENDER
Authors: Farman Farman
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to identify and describe the learning modalities of students in mathematics education based on gender. This research is a type of quantitative research that uses a descriptive design. The research was conducted at the Mathematics Education Study Program, USN Kolaka. The population in this study were all students of the mathematics education class 2018, totalling 40 students. The sampling technique in this study used non-probability sampling in the form of saturated sampling. The instrument used in this study was a questionnaire containing statements used to obtain research information about visual (V), auditory (A), read/write (R), and kinesthetic (K) learning modalities, which are called VARK. The data analysis technique in this study used descriptive analysis based on the trend analysis of learning modalities. This trend data is then described in the form of tables and graphs. The results showed that the 2018 USN Kolaka Mathematics Education Study Program students' learning styles had a multimodal preference. Male students have a preference for multimodal learning style in bimodal (AR and AK) as 5 (41.66%) of 12 students. On the other hand, female students tend towards a multimodal learning style in bimodal (AR), as much as 6 (21.4%) of 28 students.
REMEDIATION POTENTIALS OF WHEAT-BRAN AND WOOD-CHIPS ON EFFLUENT CONTAMINATED SOILS FROM PAINT INDUSTRIES IN ABA, ABIA STATE NIGERIA
Authors: CHUKWUMA OKAFOR UGOCHUKWU , UCHENNA ORJI MICHAEL
Published: July 2023

The remediation potentials of wheat bran and wood chips as Bulking-agents on paint effluent-Polluted Soils was evaluated. Different concentrations of bulking agents (10%, 30%, and 50%) were introduced into soils polluted with effluents and the physicochemical and microbiological properties of the soils were monitored for a period of 24 weeks. The Mean Heterotrophic Count (THC) of the Bacterial and fungal Isolates from the Paint effluents indicates that the effluents from sample F showed the highest bacterial count of 6.66±2.51 x 104cfu/ml, while sample B exhibited the least bacterial counts of 1.7±2.00x104 cfu/ml. Sample B showed the highest fungal count of 7.5±0.21 x104 cfu/ml while sample E showed the least count of 5.7±12.10x104 cfu/ml. The microorganisms isolated from the paint industry effluents include species of Staphylococcus, Klebsiella, Bacillus, Rhizobium, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Mucor, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium funiculosum and Geotrichum. Bacterial and fungal counts shows wood chips contain of 3.20x104cfu/g and 1.58x104cfu/g respectively while Wheat bran contains 3.47x104cfu/g and 1.77x104cfu/grespectively. Fungal isolates from the bulking agents include Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Rhodotorula species, Rhizopus species, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Penicillum notatum. The Bacterial and fungal counts of the paint-effluent polluted soil mixed with bulking agents over a 6-month remediation period increased progressively from the 1st week to the week 8, after which there was a decline from week 9 down. The polluted soil without amendment presented a slight increase in microbial growth. Higher microbial growth rates were manifested by the 50% amended option, followed by 30%, 10% and then the control. The Total Heterotrophic Bacteria isolated from the polluted soil amended with bulking agents include Pseudomonas putida, Serratia spp., Flavobacterium spp., Micrococcus spp., Bacillus spp., Klebsiella spp. and Arthrobacter spp. The Mean Physicochemical properties of the paint-effluent polluted soil mixed with bulking agents over the 24 weeks remediation reveals the pH ranges from 6.60±0.10 to 7.54±0.09 for the paint effluent polluted soil amended with a combination of the bulking agents. The concentrations of zinc, total nitrogen, total organic carbon and electrical conductivity levels had significant statistical difference across the samples through the period of remediation at p< 0.05. Germination test reveals growth of the bean seeds (Vicia faba) after 6 days of planting but significantly in the 50% treatment samples. The study however, demonstrates that paint effluent polluted soils treated with combination of bulking agents mainly at 50% amendment concentration reduces the toxicity of pollutants and increase the percentage of germination.
FACTORS INFLUENCING ENROLMENT OF CHILDREN IN EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT (ECD) CENTRES. LESSONS FROM ST TERESA ECD CENTER IN LILONGWE CITY
Authors: SEMU IREEN , CHIMPHERO LAMECH , NAMONDWE ZIOLIRE , NYIRENDA LLOYD
Published: July 2023

Malawi has seen an increase in the number of Early Childhood Development (ECD) activities since 1950. With time, the country has seen high growth of ECD centres and communities and churches have opened their centres as well. One such church is Roman Catholic which has opened St. Teresa ECD Center in Lilongwe under Teresian Sisters. However, the centre which has almost every infrastructure been poorly patronized. This study was therefore conducted to assess factors leading to the low enrolment of children at this centre. The study used mixed methods where both qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analyzed using SPSS and qualitative data was manually analyzed by grouping them into themes to establish common trends. Quantitative data was collected from parents with children enrolled in pre-school and parents with children not enrolled in pre-school. While qualitative data was collected from caregivers, school management committee  members and other stakeholders. The results show that 41% of the parents do not send their children because they cannot afford to pay the fees. While 24% showed a lack of interest in their children attending                        ECD activities. Over 40% indicated that they could not afford to send their children because they do not have food to give their children as they to the Centre. It can be concluded that the low enrolment in ECD   Centres around these areas is because of a larger lack of interest for parents to send their children. In addition, many parents in this area have a perception of free things hence they were not ready to invest cash for their children.
SOIL QUALITY OF AGRICULTURAL LANDS: A STUDY IN LORALAI DISTRICT, BALOCHISTAN, PAKISTAN
Authors: YOUNAS MUHAMMAD , GUL SHAMIM , SHAHEEN UMBREEN , REHMAN SHAHID UR , NAWAZ MUHAMMAD , ZIAD TARIQ , SHAHEEN GHAZALA , ISMAIL TARIQ
Published: July 2023

Loralai is the district of Balochistan, Pakistan. Climate of this region is arid and farmers rely on rainfall and groundwater irrigation. In this study, seven orchards, seven croplands, two farms under tree-based intercropping were sampled for soil organic matter (SOM) and soil macrofauna. These farms have diverse management history and are of various ages since under agricultural practices. The soil organic matter in upper soil layer (0-10 cm depth) of orchards was 30% higher (18.9 ± 6.3 g kg-1 soil) than croplands (13.2 ± 2.9 g kg-1 soil; P < 0.05). The highest concentration of SOM was found in the soil of diversified tree-based intercropping field (26.07±1.35 g kg-1 soil) with the history of 10 years of conservation agriculture (shallow tillage with organic and inorganic fertilizer input) and crop rotation with no fallow period. The total number of macrofauna and number of species of macrofauna was also found higher in diversified tree-based intercropping system. In general, number of soil fauna was higher in the orchards (5.25 ± 3.3 per site sampled) than croplands (2 ± 0.81 per site sampled). This study demonstrates that diversified agro-ecosystem under conservation agriculture in this arid region enhanced concentration of SOM and number and species of soil macrofauna.
SOIL LOSS ESTIMATION BY USING GIS AND RUSLE APPROACHES IN SOUTH ETHIOPIA, NORTHERN-BILATE (BOYO LAKE AREA) WATERSHED
Authors: DESALEGN ALEM TESFAY , HELSEBO TESFAYE LETEBO , BIKIKO SAMUEL SHIBESHI
Published: July 2023

Soil erosion in Ethiopia exacerbates land degradation, desertification, the decline in productivity, and drought and affects farmers' livelihoods. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate annual soil loss in southern Ethiopia, North-Bilate watershed. For this purpose, the land-based ETM image was divided into seven classes using Erda's Imagine 10.5. Soil, topography, and precipitation data were also obtained from various sources and analyzed in Arc GIS 10.8. Accordingly, five factors (soil erosivity, erodibility, topography, cover management, and support practice) were calculated in ArcGIS 10.8 using the RUSLE model to estimate annual soil loss. As a result, 537035.13 ha (96.1%) and 16521.21 ha (3.1%) of the watershed showed very little and little water erosion, respectively. As can be seen, about 99% of the watershed area had a lower (0.64.73 t/ha/year) risk of soil erosion, while the remaining 1% of the watershed area had a moderate to extreme soil erosion state; which remove a large amount (64.73 1500 t/ha/year) of a clay soil from the riverbanks and muddy areas, mainly from upstream of the Bilate River (the largest in the watershed); due to the maximum slope length and steepness and the rapid flow of water. In conclusion, areas with higher rainfall intensity, active human intervention, lots of sandy soil content, sloppy topography, and thinner soil depth are collectively degraded and prone to erosion. Therefore, such vulnerable areas should mitigate their risk by using organized soil and water conservation techniques to conserve the watershed's total land resources. Physical measures such as terracing and dams should be implemented. In addition, to preserve and increase the biodiversity of the study area, the planting of various types of native vegetation and plantation tree species should be carried out with a viable afforestation and reforestation program.
A REVIEW ON THE EFFECT OF SEASONS AND POLLUTION ON PLANKTON DIVERSITY IN INDIAN FRESHWATERS
Authors: RAHIM SAMIYA ABDUL , RADHIKA R. , MATHEW SOJOMON
Published: July 2023

Plankton diversity serve as a good bio indicator of the overall health status of the water body.  In most of the studies, the plankton diversity was found to be higher during pre monsoon and post monsoon seasons with comparison to monsoon season. These fluctuations are dependent on various environmental factors like pH, light, temperature, turbidity, salinity, dissolved oxygen content etc. Plenty of sunlight, temperature and clear water in pre monsoon and post monsoon seasons are significant reasons for plankton abundance. Monsoon season is characterized by inflow of water, nutrients, silt, and the resultant turbid waters will in turn prevent light penetration and affect the productivity of the aquatic ecosystem. During monsoon season, nutrients were washed off to the water bodies resulting in the diversity of planktons. In the review, it was noted that some planktons are sensitive whereas others are tolerant to environmental stress. Phytoplankton belonging to Cyanophyceae, Euglenophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Bacillariophyceae and Myxophyceae are predominantly seen on polluted waters indicating organic load and eutrophication, whereas zooplanktons like rotifers, copepods and calanoids are abundantly seen in most studies.  This review deals with the studies done on plankton diversity with respect to degradation of water quality in freshwater bodies of India.
THE INTERNATIONAL EVENT “DAYS OF MOUNTAIN WATER”, TETEVEN, BULGARIA, MICROBIOLOGICAL AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL RESEARCH OF MOUNTAIN SPRING WATER
Authors: IGNATOV IGNAT , IGNATOV ALEXANDER I. , ANGELCHEVA MARIANA , ANGUSHEV IVAN
Published: July 2023

In Bulgaria there are the following mountains – Stara Planina (Balkan), Rila, Pirin, Rodope etc. The name of the Balkan Peninsula is from the old name of the mountain Stara Planina – Balkan. In Bulagria there are 139 peaks more than 2000 m above sea level. The biggest peak in Balkan Peninsula is Mousala (2925 m). Teteven municipally has big part of Stara planina mountain with the highest peak Vezhen (2198 m).

The event “Days of mountain water” is one of a kind in Bulgaria. It takes place on 11th June and lasts for several days in the Municipality of Teteven, Bulgaria. Its beginning dates from 2010, and it is a joint undertaking between Ignat Ignatov, Scientific Research Center of Medical Biophysics and Municipality of Teteven, Bulgaria.

The event is connected with research of microbiological and physicochemical parameters of mountain spring waters from Municipality of Teteven, Bulgaria. The applied spectral method is „NES“. The analyses show the optimum quantity among the minerals of Calcium (Са2+), Magnesium (Mg2+), Potassium (K+), Sodium (Nа+), Manganese (Mn2+) and Zinc (Zn2+) that provide the right balance in the human body for health and longevity.

Considered is the history of the event and what is achieved by the organizers. The emphasis is on the main objectives set out by the event, and the accomplished tasks for its successful delivering. Representatives of 15 states have participated in it – Bulgaria, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Russia, USA, France, Israel, Czech Republic, Denmark, Turkey, Greece, Hungary and Serbia.

 A survey was conducted regarding the event “Days of mountain water” in the Facebook group “Teteven Balkan”. 66 people responded on a random basis. The aim of the survey was the people to estimate how useful stay in Teteven municipality is.

In the present article are listed in more detail the natural assets of municipal area of Teteven, located in “Fore-Balkan” in the central part of Stara planina Balkan range. The possibilities are shown for development of tourism in the region, its particular characteristics and specific features. Analyzed are the water resources, the mountain water as a factor for health and longevity. The information helps for development of tourism in the region. Described are the springs and fountains of mountain water in Teteven and its surrounding municipal areas. It is conducted quantitative and qualitative analysis of the chemical and physical parameters of the springs. On six of the springs are placed information signs about the chemical composition, physical parameters and properties relating to health.
THE EFFECTS OF LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL AND GALLIC ACID PRE-TREATMENT ON THE NEUROCOGNITIVE ASSESSMENT OF POST-STROKE WISTAR RATS
Authors: FELLA CHEBBAH , AMINA DJOUINI , LATIFA AIDAOUI , NARIMENE LAHMANES , CHAHIRA RETEM , CHAIMA SMILI , ABDELMADJID BAIRI
Published: July 2023

Stroke is a multifactorial, fatal and often disabling neurodegenerative disease in which neurons are degenerated leading to cognitive and muscular problems, there is no curative treatment for this disease; the drugs available on the market offer symptomatic relief with some improvement of daily functions. Thus, phytochemicals with multifactorial efficacy may be promising substances for the treatment of cerebral ischemia and its recurrences that would have been prevented by various plants and plant products. The aim of our study is to evaluate the effect of lavender oil and gallic acid administered orally at doses of 200 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, respectively, prior to stroke induction by middle cerebral artery occlusion in Wistar rats. The aim is to evaluate their effects on post-stroke sequelae, such as anxiety, exploration and memory (spatial and working), which were quantified and compared between: the control, non- pretreated stroke and pretreated stroke batches. The results indicate a better cognitive-motor recovery on an anxious and exploratory level in the rats pretreated with GA and LEO, while memory capacities are superior in the latter compared to the non-pretreated stroke group. These findings reveal and support the neuroprotective effect of gallic acid and lavender essential oil taken separately or in combination.
INFLUENCE OF Beauveria bassiana INFECTION ON RESPIRATORY AND REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS OF SILKWORM Bombyx mori L
Authors: BEGUM SYEDA FAKRUNNISA , SAVITHRI G.
Published: July 2023

The mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori is highly susceptible to diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa. The most virulent and contagious disease is muscardine, which is caused by Beauveria bassiana. The present study is focused to understand the modulations in the oxygen consumption, fecundity, hatching percentage, unfertile eggs and dead egg percentage of silkworms i.e., in bivoltine double hybrid (CSR 2 X CSR 27 and CSR6 X CSR26) infected with Beauveria bassiana. The daily oxygen consumption of healthy batch showed a steady increase in the oxygen consumption from first day (0.615 ml of O2/hr/gm wet weight) to fifth day (0.827 ml of O2/hr/gm wet weight) in the control batch. It is higher on the second day (0.671 ml of O2/hr/gm wet weight) in the infected batch with gradual decline till the sixth day of the fifth instar (0.598 ml of O2/hr/gm wet weight) compared to healthy silkworms. Significant reduction in the number of eggs (595) and hatching percentage (75.8%) was recorded in inoculated silk moths compared to number of eggs laid (695) and hatching percentage (99.1%) in control. Significantly high percentage of unfertilized eggs (16.8%) and dead egg percentage (4.37%) was noticed in the experimental animals compared to unfertilized egg percentage (0.14%) and dead egg percentage (0.72%) in control. So, it is necessary to prevent the disease occurrence, especially during silkworm seed rearing to obtain quality commercial silkworm seed necessary for the progress of the industry. Therefore, there is a dire need to carry out research in basic and applied aspects to develop strategies to control the disease.
PARASITIC PROFILE OF FIVE SPECIES OF TERRESTRIAL Achatina SNAIL IN CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA: PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS
Authors: MBAH JENAVINE ONYINYE , OSONDU-ANYANWU CHINYERE , IMALELE EDEMA ENOGIOMWAN
Published: July 2023

A total of 760 snails of the genera Achatina, belonging to five species (Achatina achatina, Achatina belteata, Achatina degneri, Achatina fulica and Achatina marginata) were sampled between January and August 2021, from six communities located in six Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the Central Senatorial District, Cross River State. A. achatina was the most abundant species collected (32.89%) while A. degneri was the least collected (11.19%). A greater number of Achatina snails were collected in the wet season than in the dry season with no observed dominance of any of the species. Overall, 319 (42%) snails were infected with parasites. A. fulica had the highest prevalence of parasitic infection (50.50%) while A. marginata had the least parasitic infection (28%). Snail species sampled in Boki LGA had the highest prevalence of parasitic infection (56.25%), while Obubra LGA recorded the least prevalence (21.28%). Mean intensity of Angiostrongylus spp. in A. achatina was 4.780 (4.56 – 5.00; 95% CI), while Strongyloides spp. was 4.667 (4.11-5.22; 95%CI). Testing parasite species diversity in the snail species assessed using diversity indices, A. balteata recorded the highest values for Shannon-Wiener (1.653) and Margalef’s indices (1.995), and also for species dominance using the Simpson index (0.22). Public health education and provision of adequate toilet facilities are recommended for control of snail-borne parasites.
A PRELIMINARY SURVEY OF HUMAN MORPHOGENETIC TRAITS WITH SIMPLE INHERITANCE PATTERNS IN GRADUATE STUDENTS OF SKR AND SKR GOVERNMENT COLLEGE FOR WOMEN, KADAPA, ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA
Authors: DEVI P. SACHI , VANKARA ANU PRASANNA
Published: July 2023

Many factors such as gene flow, genetic drift, migration, natural selection and temporal variation are responsible for the genetic variation in humans. The present pilot study was conducted to screen a random population of 194 female Indian graduate students for 13 different morphogenetic traits i.e., tongue rolling, tongue folding, polydactyly, hitchhiker's thumb, bent little finger, widow's peak, cleft chin, dimpled cheeks, mid-phalangeal hair, earlobe attachment, crossing of arms, right handedness and arched foot through questionnaires and datasheets. The prevalence of these morphogenetic traits was observed as dominant  traits such as tongue rolling ability (75.3%) and tongue folding ability (96.4%), single-jointed hitchhiker’s thumb (76.3%), straight little finger (93.3%), free ear lobe (62.4%), arched foot (88.7%), right   handedness (99%), right arm crossing over left arm (99.5%) etc. are expressed more recurrently in the population. However, recessive characters like absence of polydactyly (97.9%), absence of dimples (87.6%), absence of widow’s peak (77.8%), round chin (87.1%), absence of mid-phalangeal hair (77.1%), etc. are expressed more commonly in the population. We analyzed whether a trait is dominant or recessive. The survey result shows a disparity of this argument, it shows that some typical dominant character was not expressed but the expression of recessive character was prevalent as in the case of widow’s peak (absent), smooth chin, crossing of arms (right over left), Hitchhiker’s thumb (absent), absence of dimple, etc, all of which are    recessive traits. Outcomes of this study can be suitable for many types of anthropological, medicolegal and population genetics studies.
EFFECT OF LEAD NITRATE ON HAEMOCYTE MORPHOLOGY OF FRESHWATER PRAWN, Macrobrachium dayanum (CRUSTACEA-DECAPODA)
Authors: TIWARI KUNWER JI , LODHI HARNAM SINGH , MISHRA ANAND , AHMAD AMAN , LODHI SAMIKSHA , SHUKLA SANJIVE
Published: July 2023

Lead (Pb), a non-essential “Grey listed” heavy metal is a serious threat to aquatic flora and fauna. The haematological, nephrological, histopathological and neurological effects of lead are well known in vertebrates. Present study aims to investigate effect of lead on morphology of haemocytes, a important component of immune system of freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium dayanum. Prawns, collected at “Gulala-Ghat” from river Gomti, Lucknow, subjected to acute and sub-acute concentrations of lead nitrate (116.46 mg/l, 96h LC50; 29.12 mg/l, 25% of 96h LC50) showed morphological changes in haemocytes after 24, 48, 72 and 96h in acute exposure and after 10, 20 and 30 days in sub-acute exposure. The chief morphological changes like surface blebbing, vacuolization, cytoplasmic darkening, fragmentation of nuclear material, cone formation, nuclear pycnosis and breaking of plasma membrane were noticed after acute exposure (116.46 mg/litre). Black granular depositions, nuclear pycnosis and fragmentation of nuclear material; pseudopodial projections, blackening of the plasma membrane, achromatia were observed after sub-acute exposure (29.12 mg/litre). These changes were pronounced in prohaemocytes, granulocytes, plasmatocytes and spindle cells. The severity of morphological changes was dose- and duration-dependent. The present study found a positive correlation between heavy metal lead exposure and morphological changes in haemocyte morphology leading to severe immune dysfunction in freshwater prawn M. dayanum. This parameter can be used as bio-marker in health monitoring of prawns as well as environmental monitoring without sacrificing the animal.
ICHTHYOFAUNA FROM FRESHWATER OF KUMARAKOM REGION OF VEMBANAD LAKE, KOTTAYAM, KERALA, SOUTH INDIA - WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO POST FLOOD
Authors: MATHEW SOJOMON , RADHIKA R. , RAHIM SAMIYA ABDUL , MARIA E. G. NISHA , RAJU ASHA
Published: July 2023

The present study was carried out to better understand the variety of Ichthyofauna in the Kumarakom region of Vembanad Lake. Kumarakom is a popular tourist spot near Kottayam. Kumarakom is an area with abundant indigenous fishery resources and high level of biodiversity. The current study was carried out to identify the fishes of the Kumarakom region of Vembanad Lake following the flood condition for a period of 5 months (September 2019 to January 2020) at 15-day intervals and compared to ichthyofauna of preflood. During the survey, 15 fresh water species were identified.During post-flood conditions, the fish diversity in the Kumarakom Region of Vembanad Lake decreased.
CHARACTERIZATION OF LOCAL CATTLE HUSBANDRY PRACTICES IN HADIYA ZONE, SOUTHERN REGION OF ETHIOPIA
Authors: LOMBEBO WONDIMU AYELE
Published: July 2023

This study was conducted to characterize cattle husbandry practices in Hadiya zone, southern Ethiopia. Three districts were purposively selected. A total of 180 households were selected randomly. Six focus group discussions with key informants were held. There were significant (p<0.05) differences across the districts in livestock number per households. Cattle are the dominant livestock species, mainly used for milk and draught power. The mean cattle holding per household were 10.87±1.16, 6.8±.40 and 15.22±1.70 in Shashogo, Misha and Soro districts respectively. The most popular farming system in the areas was mixed crop-livestock production. Local female and male cattle reached sexual maturity in 49.0 and 44.7 months in Shashogo, 52.7 and 48.8 months in Misha, and 50.1 and 46.8 months in Soro districts, respectively. Local female cattle in the research area had an average age at first calving of 53.2 months in Shashogo, 59.1 months in Misha, and 54.3 months in Soro districts. In the districts, natural mating was the most common and common method of mating. Cattle production was hampered by a lack of feed and water, illnesses, repeated draughts, infrastructure, and other factors such as land scarcity, poor capital, and a lack of agricultural extension.
BIRD ASSEMBLY AND FOOD CATEGORIES IN THE SATPURA FOREST RESERVE, KHANDWA DISTRICT
Authors: GOKHALE SUDARSHAN , GOKHALE GOLDEN , SHRIVASTAV C. S.
Published: July 2023

The core plan of the present observation was to study the avian species centralized on feeding habit as core subject of investigation at Satpura forest reserve, Khandwa District (M.P.). Four sites were selected for this study as Site A-Nagchoon, Site B-Nahalda, Site C-Hapla-Deepla and Site D-Junapani. Several species were observed on basis of different food in the present study. On the foundation of feeding habit Overall 196 Birds species were observed. The birds are divided in Piscivorous, Omnivorous, Nectivorous, Granivorous, Insectivorous, Frugivorous and Carnivorous with the numbers as 16, 44, 06, 18, 65, 15 and 32 respectively.
BREEDING PRACTICE, TRAIT PREFERENCES AND FLOCK STRUCTURE OF LOCAL SHEEP IN SELECTED DISTRICTS OF HADIYA ZONE, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA: INPUT TO DESIGN COMMUNITY-BASED BREEDING APPROACHES
Authors: HEMACHA SELAMU ABRAHAM , ABATE MULUGETA KEBAMO , ABOSE DEGINAT HAILEMESKEL , SHAMEBO BEREKET TAGESSE , WORKU TESFAYE WOLDE , KUKORE WONDIMU TAMRAT
Published: July 2023

The present study was designed to identify breeding practices, trait preference and flock composition of local sheep in Duna and Misha districts of Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia. A total of 180 respondents were interviewed using structured questionnaire to collect desired data. Group discussions were held in each district to articulate rank of traits of interest. Index values and descriptive statistics were employed to describe collected data. Mating practice was mostly uncontrolled (83%) and aims of sheep production were revenue generation, asset building and meat production with index values of 0.54, 0.36 and 0.10, respectively. Body size was ranked as primary selection criteria for ewe and ram with index values of 0.35 and 0.33, respectively. Considering/giving more weight for mothering ability could make a better genetic advantage due to its good correlation with growth and pre-weaning lamb survival. Therefore, designing breeding program ought to be based on full involvement local farmers.
ANTI-LEISHMANIAL ACTIVITY INVESTIGATION OF SOME NEW QUINAZOLINONE DERIVATIVES
Authors: FEROCHE ALEMU TADESSE , AWOKE DAGMAWIT , HAILU ASRAT
Published: July 2023

In this study, some new 3-aryl, 2-substituted quinazoline-4 (3H) - one derivatives were synthesized using a three-step synthetic route. They were obtained in a good yield (59.5-85%) by applying different chemical reaction like cyclization and condensation reaction. The chemical structure of the final compounds was also verified by spectroscopic methods (IR, 1HNMR) and elemental microanalysis. The synthesized compounds (IVa, IVb, IVc, IVd, IVe and IVf) were screened for their in vitro anti-leishmanial activity against L. aethiopica isolate (CL/039/09). All tested compounds (IVa (0.03766 µg/ml), IVb (0.00538 µg/ml, IVc (0.00412 µg/ml, IVd (0.00110 µg/ml), IVe (0.03017 µg/ml) and IVf (0.03894 µg/ml)) showed excellent potency that is much better than the standard drug, amphotericin B (IC50 = 0.04359 ug/ml).

The results of acute toxicity indicated that all test compounds (IVa, IVb, IVc, IVd, IVe and IVf) proved to be non-toxic and well tolerated by the experimental animals up to 300 mg/kg in oral and 140 mg/kg in parental studies.
EFFECTS OF COAL MINING ON FISHES OF MEGHALAYA, INDIA: A REVIEW
Authors: NATH PRIYAM , DEKA ADITY , TALUKDAR MANOJ
Published: July 2023

Coal mining activities generate huge quantity of effluent containing tremendous amount of several metals, nitrate, sulphate, dissolved, and suspended solids as well as other harmful pollutants. These toxic effluents are regularly being released into the neighbouring ponds, lakes and rivers. Significant discharge of untreated coal mining effluent into the aquatic environment contributes to a variety of toxic effects on aquatic fauna including fish. Coal mining activities specifically in the region of Meghalaya located in North-east India is posing severe threats to the aquatic biota. The purpose of the paper is to pay special emphasis on the fish fauna that lives in this region that has large effluents of acid mine drainage. Many authors have previously described the different histopathological changes in a fish that suffer from severe toxicity of acid mine drainage. This study has been prepared taking into account the various works of different authors and is thus a review of their work. The whole aim of the study is to give a general idea that acid mine drainage from coal mines has tremendous impact on the fish fauna and may completely wipe out the population that thrives therein in the long run.
Chenopodium album Linn.: A REVIEW ON VARIOUS PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES
Authors: DAS ANGANA , BORTHAKUR MRIDUL KR.
Published: July 2023

Chenopodium album is widely distributed across the globe and is not only being used in the traditional system of medicine but also in modern medicine. Traditionally, the plant has been used as a hepatoprotective, sedative, diuretic, blood purifier, antiscorbutic laxative and as an anthelmintic against round and hookworms. It is also claimed that the leaves of this plant has a long traditional use in the treatment of digestive, peptic ulcer and hepatic disorder. A comprehensive account on various pharmacological activities like Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Anti-diabetic, Antipruritic, Antinociceptive, Anti-inflammatory, Anthelmintic and Hepatoprotective activities of C. album reported are discussed in this review to explore its immense medicinal properties.
SHORT-TERM EFFECT OF Naja naja SHED SKIN EXTRACT ON HISTOPATHOLOGY OF TESTIS, EPIDIDYMIS AND VAS DEFERENS OF SWISS ALBINO MICE
Authors: GHOSH RAJARSHI , DAS SOUBHIK , MITRA DEEPSHIKHA , BHATTACHARJEE PRADIP , DASGUPTA SUBIR CHANDRA
Published: July 2023

Ancient literature reveals that snake shed skin had been frequently used to treat several diseases like glaucoma, hernia, psoriasis, hemorrhoids, etc. Previously, it was reported that Naja naja shed skin extract causes temporary cessation of the estrous cycle and altered female reproductive hormones in rodents, and the probable bioactive molecule behind such alterations was also identified. Based on this information, the present study was designed to establish the effect of Naja naja shed skin extract on the male reproductive system of Swiss albino mice. The extract was prepared with physiological saline and was injected intraperitoneally in the male mice for 7 consecutive days @ 10 mg kg-1 body weight. The short-term histopathological studies were performed by Haematoxylin and Eosin staining and the sperm morphology was analyzed by using bright-field microscopy. The snake skin extract markedly changed the gross histological architecture of the seminiferous tubules including disorganization of germinal epithelial cells, accumulation of exfoliated cells in the lumen, tailless sperm in the epididymis, disorganized basal cells in vas deferens as well as marked alteration of sperm morphology. The present work with snake shed skin strongly indicates that it is not simply a biological waste, but it might be a treasure house of many bioactive compounds.
INDOOR AIR QUALITY FUELLING INDIA’S COVID-19 INFECTION
Authors: KUMAR SURAJ , JHA AJAY NATH
Published: July 2023

Just as the smell gets diluted by ventilation, the dangerous concentration of the virus can also get reduced by ensuring appropriate amount of outdoor air flows in. In closed and stale space droplets and aerosol gets quickly concentrated and greatly increases the risk of transmission of virus in that area. Visit to any nearby shopping malls, newly furnished coaching classes, modern residential buildings, government offices, hotels, restaurants and even hospitals shows that they are nothing but an assortment of closed and unventilated spaces. These closed space acts as Super spreader of the virus. Peak test positive rate of 22.6% per hundred test is observed during the month of May, which is a result of high humidity particulate matter concentration temperature CO2 concentration.
INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE OF CATTLE KEEPING IN HADIYA ZONE, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA
Authors: AYELE WONDIMU , SHIBESHI SAMUEL , ABREHAM SELAMU
Published: July 2023

This study was conducted to assess Indigenous Knowledge of Cattle Keeping in Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Three districts (Shashogo, Misha and Soro) were purposively selected from each category. A total of 90 households owning cattle with 10 extension workers were selected randomly. There was significant (p<0.05) difference across the districts in livestock number per households. Hadiya people keep large size of herd considering it as a wealth, cultural and social security (mainly in Soro district).The motive behind the society is to secure the cultural title of ‘Tibima/Abegaz/Garad and Kumima’ which is attained in ascending order after achieving the first stage/title “Tibima/Garad” of possession of at least 100 cattle and the second, ’Kuma’’ title in which single individual can own more than 1000 cattle. The highest percent 91.7% of respondents in Shashogo and Soro, 85% of respondents in Misha keep cattle primarily for milk. The respondents revealed that cattle keepers, who dwell in low land areas, have the practices of allowing their cattle to scavenge and graze in early morning. This practice is locally named as ‘Waare’imma or waarechchaa’. The results of this study indicated that there is unexploited indigenous knowledge of cattle keeping in Hadiya Zone.
BIRD DIVERSITY IN AN AGROFORESTRY SYSTEM IN VERACRUZ, MEXICO
Authors: FERNÁNDEZ-POPO MACARIO , CANCHÉ JUAN M. PECH , ACOSTA PATRICIA CERVANTES , FUENTES JORGE LUIS CHAGOYA , MANCERA BELISARIO DOMÍNGUEZ , BELTRÁN ANTONIO HERNÁNDEZ
Published: July 2023

The present study investigated the variety and abundance of migratory and resident birds in the confined agroforestry system of an educational farm, from July-October 2019, identifying each specimen with a metal band. With the aid of Howell & Webb’s specialized guide for birds of México and Northern Central America, a presence/absence analysis was carried out, along with first-order Chao 2, Chao 1, ICE and Jackknife species richness estimators; the difference between months observed was represented by a species accumulation curve, and data was evaluated with the Estimates (V.9.1) software. 540 specimens from 66 species, 44 genera, 19 familiae, and 6 orders were captured. The family Parulidae was the most abundant, as was the order Passeriformes; the greatest presence of species was recorded in September and October, with a predominance of 5 specific species. There were 15 recaptures of individuals from 11 species; one was recognized as endemic, 26 migratory species, 1 summer migratory species, 13 transient species, 24 resident species, and 2 species outside their normal distribution area. 3 species are listed in the NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010 standard, two are classified as “Subject to special protection” (Pr): Limnothlypis swainsonii and Passerina ciris, and one is classified as “Endangered” (A): Geothlypis tolmiei. Two of the represented bird species, Bubulcus ibis and Fulica americana, have been reported as carriers of the West Nile virus, a pathogen that has been recognized as the origin of a zoonosis that affects house animals and humans.
ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF TRASH FISH Odonus niger LIVER OIL IN COMPARISON WITH COD LIVER OIL
Authors: GIRUBA KARISAMY GOWRI , DHARSINI USHA RANI SARDHAR GOKULA , IMMANUEL GRASIAN
Published: July 2023

The present study was undertaken to compare the in vitro antioxidant properties of marine trash fish Odonus niger liver oil and commercially available cod liver oil. For this O. niger fishes were collected and the oil was extracted from the liver mass by following Bligh and Dyer method and it was purified. Further the antioxidant potential of various concentrations (12.5 to 200µg/ml) of the extracted oil was performed through different standard antioxidant assays, simultaneously the same concentrations of commercial cod liver oil were also performed. The antioxidant potential of both oils was compared with appropriate standards like ascorbic acid, gallic acid and quercetin in the respective assays. The different assays performed were hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (23.24%), total antioxidant activity (43.06%), DPPH radical scavenging activity (60.06%), reducing power effect (68.22%), lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity (53.10%) and ferrous ions chelating activity (75%) respectively for O. niger at the highest concentration of 200μg/ml. All the above activities showed that O. niger liver oil possessed better antioxidant potential, especially at higher concentration (200 µg/ml) than the tested commercial cod liver oil.
4 - Popular Culture, Subaltern Agency, and People’s Power: The 2007 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections and Democracy in Sierra Leone
Authors: Ibrahim Abdoullah
Published: July 2023

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8 - The Political Imagination of State Reform: Reflections on the Making of Political Community after Apartheid in South Africa
Authors: Suren Pillay
Published: July 2023

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The Social Geography of the Spread and Impact of HIV/Aids in Uganda
Authors: Dr. Edward Kirumira  , Japheth Kwiringira
Published: July 2023

Since the first identification of HIV/Aids in Uganda in 1981, at Kasensero and Rukunyi locations of Rakai District on the shores of Lake Victoria, the government of Uganda has demonstrated an open and supportive response to the epidemic. The Uganda Aids Control Programme (ACP) was established in 1986 with a mandate to control the spread of HIV and to assist people and families infected and affected by HIV/Aids. In 1991 the Ugandan government adopted a multi-sectoral approach to fighting HIV/Aids by establishing the Uganda Aids Commission (UAC). Despite these efforts HIV/Aids has continued to seriously affect Uganda. At the beginning of 1998 an estimated 800,000 people out of a population of 17 million were HIV-positive. This included at least 25,000 children. By 2002 approximately two million out of a population of twenty-two million were thought to be infected. Most are between 15 and 35 years old, Thus the epidemic affects the most productive age group and greatly hinders development. Uganda has a mainly young population with a tremendous dependency burden. The economy is based on labour-intensive agriculture with the agrarian sector contributing 54 percent of GDP and accounting for 90 percent of exports (MFPED 1998). The terrible irony of Aids is that HIV infection is concentrated in the countries that are least able to cope with the sickness, death and loss of productivity it brings. Close to 90 percent of all people with HIV live in sub-Saharan Africa and other developing countries. Yet these countries account for a mere eight percent of global economic production. Moreover the gap between rich and poor countries with regard to HIV/Aids is increasing. Investment in HIV prevention and access to expensive life-prolonging drugs are cutting new infection rates and progression to Aids in industrialised countries, but in the developing world infection rates are still on the rise, and drugs to slow the progression from HIV to Aids are largely unavailable. In Uganda the rural labour force is expected to fall by two million by the year 2010 due to Aids (Stover 1990). The loss of so much of the economically most active population, along with their skills and experience, further increases the de ple left behind are unable to contribute meaningfully to economic activity.
5 - Homage to Archie Mafeje
Authors: Samir Amin
Published: July 2023

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8 - Against Alterity – The Pursuit of Endogeneity: Breaking Bread with Archie Mafeje
Authors: Jimi O. Adesina
Published: July 2023

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13 - Honouring a Giant
Authors: Ebrima Sall
Published: July 2023

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30 - Concerning Archie Mafeje’s Reinvention of Anthropology and Africa
Authors: Sally Falk Moore
Published: July 2023

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6 - Africa-Asia Connection in the Global Context: The Pursuit of Solidarity for Peace and Social Progress
Authors: N’Dri T. Assié-Lumumba
Published: July 2023

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2 - Funding Higher Education in Africa: State, Trends and Perspectives
Authors: Damtew Teferra
Published: July 2023

This article discusses and analyzes the state of funding higher education in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The article, based on nine case study countries, examines the cost of higher education, current and potential funding sources and policy discourses that shaped funding trends in the region. The study further explores policies, trends and factors that hindered, as well as promoted, funding the sector in SSA and the role of external players in doing so. It also articulates poorly tapped and potential sources of funding for the higher education system. It concludes by providing some policy recommendations, taking into account the mounting challenges of expansion which are pushing the cost of higher education to unsustainable levels.
8 - Transformative Autonomy: Mixed Notes from Teachers to Higher Education
Authors: Nel Willy
Published: July 2023

Transformative autonomy is ‘the form of autonomy in which school role players, such as teachers, have the urge to be involved with fellow role players in education development initiatives towards social transformation which contributes to democracy’ (Nel 2014: 790). This theoretical construct was formulated to narrow the gap between teaching practice and societal concerns since it recognizes that teachers do have a certain degree of au- tonomy over their professional practice but also a responsibility towards the evolving South African democracy. In an effort to test the veracity of transformative autonomy as a theoretical construct data was gathered from three sets of participants: twenty-six postgraduate students, thirteen rural primary school teachers and thirty-one conference delegates. Some key findings are that participants generally acknowledged their control over curriculum aspects and some degree of control over matters of discipline. A curious finding is the appearance of discipline as an aspect over which some participants felt they have control and other participants felt they had no control. These findings, and others, are discussed in the context of transformative autonomy. One of the main conclusions is that these par- ticipants display an intuitive understanding of their autonomy as teachers but that they still do not have a clear idea of how to link their expertise to societal transformation. It is lastly concluded that the issue of autonomy has epistemological implications insofar as the condition of knowledge production, reproduction and dissemination is concerned, all of which impact on teachers’ intellectual integrity. Higher education, therefore, is alerted to its responsibility in teacher training.
9 - Assessing the Cognitive Domain through MCQs: Critical to Quality Assurance in Higher Education
Authors: Kanji Zeenatkhanu , Dhamani Khairunnisa Aziz
Published: July 2023

While establishing assessment methods as a critical element of quality assurance, one must not lose sight of the intent to measure both expected learning outcomes and intended programme objectives. The achievement of quality assessment is rooted in ensuring that the content and approaches to delivery produce graduates and programmes which are high quality. One of the most common strategies to assessing higher order cognitive domain is via Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). In this paper we will reflect on a quality assurance effort to ensure that this strategy was appropriate (doing the right thing), necessary (for the right reasons) and sufficient (achieving the desired results) in meeting the requirements. An exemplar of a continuing professional development approach to the constructing, measuring and evaluation of MCQs is provided, which emphasised the imperative of both faculty (peer) and organisational commitment to the process and achieving the desired product of competent and successful graduates.