bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recycled Materials and their Use in Road - Concrete Recycling as an Aspect of Sustainability
Authors: Tatýrek Václav , Měšťanová Dana
Published: August 2022

The need of returning millions of tons of previously used materials to the production process is already a globally addressed fact. This also applies to building construction, where the construction materials can also be used repeatedly. The use of recycled materials is a crucial tool for sustainable development and reaching a compromise between economic progress and the preservation of the environment. Notable improvement has been recorded in the use of recycled material on road communication. There, the optimal solution is to use the „old surface“ to create a new one – this is advantageous for roads with concrete surfaces, as well as for the ones with bituminous surfaces. Though the effort is to use 100% of the recycled material, there are many cases where it is only possible to use a certain portion of the materials, depending on the type of processing. The remaining volume of milled material is either used to strengthen the subsoil of roads or for service roads. Recycled concrete is suitable as a low-cost alternative of gravel on less stressed structures and places, or as a replacement for quarry stone. The processes of using recycled concrete are actively being studied and improved on in laboratories. However, the portion of recycled concrete affects the consistency of the concrete mix and in order to maintain the required consistency, it is necessary to increase the dosage of mixed-in water, which results in reduced concrete strength. The use of recycled concrete must be assessed for each case according to the grading curve and with the impact on the values of load-bearing capacity, water absorption and frost susceptibility. The economic assessment must also be addressed, with an emphasis on traffic requirements and impact on the environment. The first important step is to offer the investor, architect or supplier a decision-making model which allows one to evaluate the usability of the recycled material, including the consideration of possible risks.
Extraction and Characterization of Natural Calcium Phosphate Materials from Lutjanus johnii and Lutjanus sebae Fish Bone Bio-Wastes
Authors: Bee Soo Ling , Ul-Hamid Anwar , Hamid Zuratul Ain Abdul
Published: August 2022

Fish processing by-products, such as fish bone waste is usually considered as waste and will be disposed without fully utilizing it. Indeed, this by-product can serve as a cheap bio-resource for the production of high-value product, for instance, as an inexpensive source of calcium phosphate material. In this research, Lutjanus johnii and Lutjanus sebae bones were subjected to thermal calcination to yield different calcium phosphate products. XRD, FTIR and HRTEM-SAED results revealed that biphasic HAp/β-TCP mixture was obtained by heat treatment of Lutjanus johnii bone while a single-phase HAp was prepared from Lutjanus sebae bone. In addition, it was shown that both Lutjanus johnii and Lutjanus sebae bones had a merit in producing B-type carbonated composition that is advantageous for biomedical application. EDX result further corroborated the existence of inorganic elements such as Mg, Na and Sr. With their unique composition, the calcined products deriving from Lutjanus johnii and Lutjanus sebae bones can be further employed to form bioceramic scaffolds for bone engineering applications.
Direct Energy Conversion from Metroxylon sagu via Multienzyme Catalysis in Enzymatic Biofuel Cell
Authors: Jamaludin Aliyah , Faizal Che Ku Mohammad
Published: August 2022

Biomass substrates have been used extensively in the production of biofuel by the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) method. Biomass sources from the plant are preferable to produce biofuel because of the high sugar content. Adapting the SSF method, this work reported on the direct energy conversion from Metroxylon sagu via multienzyme catalysis in an enzymatic biofuel cell (EBFC). Metroxylon sagu locally called Sago is an industrial crop mainly found in Mukah, Sarawak. Sago is a type of starch that consists mainly of amylose and amylopectin structures. In this study, the polysaccharides are converted to glucose using alpha-amylase (α-amylase) and glucoamylase (GAmy) enzymes. The factors influencing the multienzyme catalysis, such as the substrate concentration, enzymes loading, pH and time, were varied to obtain the optimized condition for glucose production. The results of the glucose content using a microplate reader indicate that glucose was successfully produced via multienzyme catalysis. The oxidation of glucose employed in the EBFC was confirmed by the cyclic voltammogram (CV) analysis. The performance of EBFC was also assessed based on its maximum power density (MPD) and open circuit voltage (OCV) values. This multienzyme catalysis simplifies the multi-step process involved in converting polysaccharides to glucose.
Numerical Analysis of Steel Elevator Car Frame: Sensitivity to Element Connections
Authors: de Carvalho Bello Claudia Brito , Baraldi Daniele , Boscato Giosuè , Cecchi Antonella , Rebucci Carlo , Trabucco Dario
Published: August 2022

This is a preliminary study to assess the mechanical behavior of an elevator car frame made of steel components, through dynamic identification. Final element models considering different restraint conditions on element nodes are taken into account to evaluate how the whole performance of the structure is affected by local connections.
Characterization of Eggshell Composition at Different Size and Concentration in Fire-Retardant Application
Authors: Muhammad Athifah Fakhirah , Hassan Muhammad Hafiz , Anjang Aslina , Zainol Abidin Mohd Shukur
Published: August 2022

This paper explores the thermal characterization of eggshell composition at different sizes and concentrations in glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites as a potential flame retardants material. The eggshell powder (ESP) with different sizes (53 μm and 100 μm) and concentrations (10 wt% and 30 wt% ) was mixed with epoxy and laminated with four layers of 800 gsm E-glass. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) has been performed to analyze the thermal properties of the GFRP laminates. The finding reveals that incorporating the ESP in the GFRP composites material does not affect the epoxy matrix’s thermal properties as all the trails deteriorate between 450 °C to 480 °C. The combination of 100 μm filler size and 30 wt% ESP improved the fire resistance by 4.68% when compared to 53 μm size and 30 wt% ESP. In addition, the increment of filler loading from 10 wt% to 30 wt% of the 100 μm filler size showed an improvement of 10.9%. This concludes the potential of ESP as a fire retardant material.
Interaction Diagram of Steel-Concrete-Steel Sandwich Structure
Authors: Kubát Roman , Bily Petr
Published: August 2022

The article is focused on the description of the modified interaction diagram, which was developed bythe author for a simplified check of steel-concrete-steel sandwich, which is loaded by a combinationof axial forces and bending moments. The method was developed for the needs of a feasibility studyof steel-concrete guard vessel of fast reactor Allegro. In the introduction, there is a short descriptionof steel-concrete-steel sandwich construction altogether with its design problematics, which closelyrelate to the author´s motivation to develop the interaction diagram. Next parts of the article arefocused on the interaction diagram itself. In the theoretical part, there are mostly mentionedconsiderations and assumptions of the calculation, which were inspired by classical reinforcedconcrete principles, and which also consider the requirement for elastic analysis given by the type ofthe designed structure (guard vessel). Then, there is introduced the general process of calculation ofevery single point of the interaction diagram. The article also includes the practical part, where a shortexample of calculation is shown, and in which the interaction diagram for the chosen geometry of thecross-section of steel-concrete-steel sandwich is assembled. Finally, there is a discussion about theusability of the modified interaction diagram for the guard vessel of fast reactor (rotational shell) orother types of structures. There is also presented an alternative method for steel-concrete-steelanalysis, which is then compared with the interaction diagram method.
Diagnostics and Evaluation of Two Atypical Girder Bridges on Railway Line
Authors: Koteš Peter , Kotula Patrik , Odrobinak Jaroslav , Prokop Jozef
Published: August 2022

The paper is focused on diagnostics and calculation of load-carrying capacity of the two atypical girder bridge objects on the railway line between Púchov and Považská Bystrica in Slovakia. These are skewness reinforced concrete (RC) girder bridges with three girders. The non-typicality is given by the fact that the spandrel girders are in the longitudinal direction, but the middle girder is relatively wide and is perpendicular to the clearance (not in the longitudinal direction). The diagnostics was performed on the objects aimed at determining the material and geometric characteristics, which served as a basis for the numerical model. A 3D scanner was also used to determine the geometric dimensions. The load-carrying capacity was subsequently determined on the bridges. The recalculation and diagnostics revealed the fact that bridge structures can still be used, but have to be reconstructed. This is a prime example of reusing in practice, i.e. how the old bridges can be further used, which means a significant saving of CO2 emission that would be produced by demolishing the old bridges and building new ones
Molecular characteristics of hepatitis B virus in children of Huzhou area, China
Authors: Jin Fang , Qian Fuchu , Li Dongli , Yan Chenxin , Zou Weihua
Published: August 2022

Objective: The HBV genotypes and surface gene mutation among children born after universal HBV vaccination program were not been clearly investigated in Huzhou, China. Thus, the present study was to investigate HBV genotypes and surface gene mutation in vaccinated children in this area.

Methods: Serum samples were collected from 58 children who were chronic HBV infected in Huzhou. The surface gene of HBV were amplified and direct sequencing. Then, the mutations were analyzed.

Results: Fifty-six sample were sequenced successfully. The genotype of HBV was genotype B in 45 children and genotype C in 11 children, respectively. Major serotype was adw (42), followed by adr (11) and ayw (3). Sequence analysis showed that 18 amino acid (AA) substitutions sites in major hydrophilic region (MHR) were identified in children (37.5%, 21/56). Most of the substitutions were associated with vaccine immune escape. The genotypes B had a high mutations frequency in the second loop than genotype C. Of note, eight children with low level anti-HBs were still infected with HBV.

Conclusion: The predominant genotype and serotype were B and adw among children in Huzhou. Genotype B, MHR mutations, and low anti-HBs levels might be related to immunization failure, although the large-scare vaccination program remarkably decreased the infection of HBV in children, strengthen immunization is recommend in children with low level anti-HBs.
CIRCRNA CIRCEHBP1 REGULATES THE MATURATION OF MIR-129 TO INCREASE THE CHEMORESISTANCE OF CANCER CELLS TO ADRIAMYCIN IN ACUTE MYELOID LEUKAEMIA
Authors: Li Hong , Bi Kehong , Feng Saran , Wang Yan , Zhu Chuansheng
Published: August 2022

Background: MiR-129 promotes the chemosensitivity of cancer cells in many cancers. The role of miR-129 in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is unclear. We predicted that premature miR-129 might interact with circEHBP1, a well-characterized oncogene in bladder cancer. We then analyzed the interaction between circEHBP1 and miR-129 in AML.
Methods: Expression of circEHBP1 and miR-129 in AML patients) was determined by RT-qPCR before and after treatment with adriamycin (ADR. Detection of circEHBP1 was performed with cellular fractionation assay in nuclear and cytoplasm samples of AML cells. The direct interaction between circEHBP1 and premature miR-129 was explored with an RNA-RNA pulldown assay. Finally, overexpression assays followed by RT-qPCRs were performed to analyze the role of circEHBP1 in the maturation of miR-129.
Results: Compared to controls, AML patients exhibited increased expression of circEHBP1 and premature miR-129 but decreased mature miR-129. Altered gene expression was more obvious in ADR resistant group than in the sensitive group. CircEHBP1 was detected in both nuclear and cytoplasm and directly interacted with premature miR-129. Overexpression of circEHBP1 increased the level of premature miR-129 but decreased the level of mature miR-129. In AML cells, circEHBP1 suppressed ADR-induced cell apoptosis and suppressed the enhancing effects of miR-129 on cell apoptosis. More importantly, the role of circEHBP1 in regulating cell apoptosis is more obvious in ADR resistance cells.
Conclusion: Therefore, circEHBP1 may suppress the maturation of miR-129 to increase the chemoresistance of cancer cells to ADR in AML.
 
Keywords: acute myeloid leukaemia, circEHBP1, miR-129, adriamycin
The importance of micro-RNA 224-3p in pathogenesis of NonSegmental Vitiligo
Authors: Naguib Rehab M. , Ibrahim Hanan A. , Rashed Laila A. , El-Rifaie Abd-El A.
Published: August 2022

Background

Vitiligo is a skin and less common hair disease characterized by a decline in melanocyte function with a prevalence of 0.5–1% in most populations. Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are single-stranded, noncoding, short RNA molecules, they act as regulators of gene expression and play critical roles in many biological processes such as differentiation, development, and metabolism of the human-body cells.

Aim

This case–control study aimed at detection of the expression of miRNA-224-3p in lesional skin of vitiligo patients as compared with normal-control persons to detect the possible role of miRNA-224-3p in the pathogenesis of vitiligo.

Patients and methods

This study included 30 patients with vitiligo and 30 healthy controls. About 4-mm punch skin biopsy was taken from patients (vitiligo lesion) and controls and it was kept in lysis solution for the stability of the studied parameters and was kept frozen at −80°C till analysis of miRNA-224-3p by quantitative reverse-transcription-PCR.

Results

The level of miRNA-224-3p in lesional skin of vitiligo was significantly higher as compared with normal-control persons.

Conclusion

MiRNA-224-3p may play an important role in pathogenesis of vitiligo, so it can be used as a biomarker to evaluate its progression and effect of therapeutic interventions.
Role of dermoscopy in diagnosing and differentiating seborrheic keratoses
Authors: Rajan Aswath , Shukla Pankaj , Pai Varadraj Vasant
Published: August 2022

Background

Seborrheic keratosis is one of the most common benign epidermal tumors seen in elderly individuals. It has slow growth and presents with a varied degree of pigmentation in skin color closely resembling many other pigmented dermatoses. Dermoscopy, a noninvasive technique, could increase the accuracy of diagnosis and can differentiate it from various closest mimickers and malignancies.

Aim

This study aims to describe the various dermoscopic features of seborrheic keratosis in a series of cases.

Patients and methods

A hospital-based, descriptive study was conducted over 12 months from January 2018 to December 2018 in the Department of Dermatology, a tertiary-care center. A total of 100 patients were selected and evaluated in a prestructured proforma concerning age, sex, site of lesion, number and duration, and associated comorbidities. The lesion is observed on dermoscopy, and the dermoscopic patterns were then documented and analyzed.

Result

Among a total of 100 (32%) cases, the most common age group was between 41 and 50 years with females (52%) outnumbering males (48%). The most common site was the face (38%), and the common morphology was plaque (60%). Sign of Leser-Trélat was observed in five patients of which three were associated with malignancy that includes two lymphomas and one breast carcinoma. The color on dermoscopy was predominant dark brown (43%) and brownish-black (32%). The common element was clod (39%) and combined clod and dots (18%). More than three colors and more than two elements in a single lesion were observed in 15 and 11% of cases, respectively. The dermoscopic clues of seborrheic keratosis with highest to lowest prevalence were cerebriform pattern (76%), sharp demarcation (64%), comedone-like opening (56%), milia-like cyst (54%), mica-like scales (52%), moth-eaten border (46%), jelly sign (40%), fingerprint-like pattern (40%), fat fingers (36%), peripheral globules/network (34%), coral-like structure (26%), papillary structures (26%), irregular globules (12%), irregular opaque brown pigmentation (12%), and yellow-orange areas (3%). The flat seborrheic keratosis predominantly showed an irregular network-like structure, fat fingers, milia-like cyst, and accentuation of two adjacent perifollicular pigmentations forming a double ring-like structure (16%). The raised lesions predominantly showed fissures/ridges (cerebriform pattern), exophytic papillary structures, opaque pigmentation, and a mica-like pattern. Ten lesions were misinterpreted as seborrheic keratosis clinically and on dermoscopy were verruca vulgaris (2/10, 20%), melanocytic nevus (3/10, 30%), and basal cell carcinoma (5/10, 50%), which were confirmed on histopathology.

Conclusion

The study emphasizes the use of dermoscopy in seborrheic keratosis to improve the clinical accuracy of diagnosis and also to differentiate from its common mimickers.
Liquid-liquid phase equilibria for the ternary (neopentyl glycol + sodium formate + water) system
Authors: Yanli Zhang , Dongguang Li
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT. Liquid–liquid equilibrium data and the phase diagrams were measured for the ternary (neopentyl glycol + sodium formate + water) system at various temperatures of 303.15, 313.15 and 323.15 K. The effect of temperature on the conjugate phase and the tie-line length of the investigated system have been studied. The results showed that the length of the tie-line increases and the two-phase area was slightly increased by decreasing temperature. The fitting parameters of the Pirdashti and Merchuk equations were obtained with the temperature dependence expressed in the linear form, respectively. Compared with the Pirdashti equation, the binodal curves were satisfactorily described using the Merchuk equation at T = (303.15, 313.15 and 323.15) K, and the critical points at different temperatures were estimated by extrapolation. Furthermore, the Hand, Othmer-Tobias and Bachman models were used for the correlation of the phase behavior of the studied system. According to the reported correlation coefficients values, it was found that the measured tie-line data have acceptable consistency and the better fitness was with Othmer-Tobias equation.  

 

KEY WORDS: Liquid–liquid equilibrium, Neopentyl glycol, Phase diagram, Merchuk

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2022, 36(4), 915-922.                                                           

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v36i4.16
Analytical methods for the quantification of ritonavir in pharmaceuticals, a comparative evaluation
Authors: Akbel Erten
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT. Ritonavir is an antiretroviral medication used to treat AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)/HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). This article describes the development and validation of spectrophotometric and liquid chromatographic techniques for ritonavir quantification in pharmaceutical formulations. Liquid chromatographic analyzes were carried out using a C18 column and a mobile phase consisted of 20 mM KH2PO4 (pH = 3.0) and acetonitrile (45:55, v/v), with a flow rate of 1.2 mL min-1 and UV detection at 235 nm. For the spectrophotometric analyses, ethanol was employed as a solvent, The UV spectra of the standard and sample solution were scanned between 200 and 800 nm, and λmax was determined as 235 nm. Analytical techniques have been validated in accordance with the processes outlined in the ICH (International Council for Harmonization) recommendations. The results showed that the analytical procedures were linear, accurate, precise, and robust. The recovery values of the methods are within the standard norms (98-102%). Following that, a statistical comparison of analytical techniques was carried out, and the findings revealed no significant difference. Consequently, the developed analytical techniques might be used quality control analysis of ritonavir in pharmaceuticals.

 

KEY WORDS: Ritonavir, Analysis, Method, Validation, Spectrophotometer, HPLC

 

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2022, 36(4), 737-747.                                                               

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v36i4.2
Preparation, spectroscopic and thermal studies on the zinc(II), cadmium(II), tin(II), lead(II) and antimony(III) creatinine complexes
Authors: A.O. Younes Ayman , Mohammed Alsuhaibani Amnah , S. Refat Moamen
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT. Zinc(II), cadmium(II), tin(II), lead(II) and antimony(III) complexes of creatinine with the composition of [M(creat)2Xn].xH2O, (X = Cl or NO3; n = 2-6) were prepared. The complexes were characterized by analytical and spectral methods. The analysis of FT-IR and Raman spectra helps to understand the coordination properties of the creatinine ligand and to determine the probable structure of the complexes. The shift in the resonances of cyclic NH proton in the 1H NMR when compared to the ligand indicated that cyclic nitrogen coordinates. Conductivity measurements in DMSO suggested that the complexes are non-electrolytes. Thermal decomposition behavior of the complexes was also discussed.

 

KEY WORDS: Creatinine, TGA/DTA, Metal complexation, Raman spectroscopy

 

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2022, 36(4), 831-842.                                                             

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v36i4.9
Effects of supplementation of different indigenous species of browses to Arsi-Bale yearling goats on feed intake, growth performance, and helminthes loads
Authors: Sisay Amsalu , Negesse Tegene , Nurfeta Ajebu
Published: August 2022

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of browse tree leaves meals on growth performance and parasite load of naturally parasitized yearling goats. Thirty-six Arsi-Bale yearling bucks which were naturally parasitized with helminths were randomly allocated to one of the following feeding treatments; T1 = Chloris gayana grass hay ad lib + 100g concentrate, T2 = T1 + dried 100g of Acacia tortilis leaves, T3 = T1 + dried 100g of Acacia seyal leaves, T4 = T1 + dried 100g of Acacia senegal leaves, T5 = T1 + dried 100g of Millettia ferruginea leaves and T6 = T1 + dried 100g of Vernonia amygadalina leaves. Goats were fed on corresponding diets for 70 days. Fecal egg count and body weight changes were recorded every 14 days. Higher feed conversion efficiency was observed in goats supplemented with dried browse tree leaves of Acacia seyal (T3), Millettia ferruginea (T5), and Vernonia amygadalina (T6). All supplemented goats had significantly (p<0.05) lower fecal egg count (FEC) at day 70 and grew significantly (p<0.05) faster than the control group. Goats supplemented with dried browse tree leaves of Acacia seyal, Millettia ferruginea, and Vernonia amygadalina grew faster than goats supplemented with other dried browse tree leaves. A rapid and significant reduction of FEC was observed in goats supplemented with Millettia ferruginea starting from day 14 and the lowest (p<0.05) value was attained at day 70 after treatment. Similarly, goats supplemented with Vernonia amygadalina showed an accelerated reduction of FEC starting from day 28 and attained the lowest (p<0.05) value at day 70 after treatment. Goats supplemented with Millettia ferruginea (T5) and Vernonia amygadalina (T6) had the lowest (p<0.05) FEC at all times after supplementation and grew faster than the other groups. The rapid and accelerated reduction of FECs and fastest growth rate observed in goats supplemented with Millettia ferruginea and Vernonia amygadalina indicated that these browse tree leaves could be effective to control helminths parasite and improve the growth performance of parasitized goats.
Prevalence and economic connotation of bovine and caprine hydatidosis at Abergele International Export Slaughterhouse, Mekele, Tigray Region
Authors: Tadesse Abebayehu , Negash Nebyat
Published: August 2022

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2017 to April 2018 to investigate the prevalence and economic significance of bovine and caprine hydatidosis at Abergelle international export slaughterhouse, Mekele, Tigray region. This study has been carried out based on antemortem and postmortem examinations. Among the 940 cattle and goats examined, 104 (11.06%) were found to be positive for hydatid cyst. Whereas, from 520 slaughtered cattle and 420 goats, 86 (16.54%) and18 (4.29%) were positive for hydatid cyst, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in the prevalence of hydatidosis in cattle with different body condition scores (55.34% in poor and 6.25% in good body condition). The same holds true for goats (14.28% in poor body condition and 0.97% in good body condition score). But the variation was not significant concerning the age and origin of the animals. From examined organs, 55 (10.57%) of the lung, and 31 (5.96%) of the liver of cattle were positive. However, in goats, 13 (3.09%) lungs and 5 (1.19%) livers were positive for the cyst. The cyst viability and fertility test indicated that 28 (32.56%) cysts were fertile in cattle while 53 (61.28%) were infertile and 5 (5.81%) were calcified. Of these 28 fertile cysts in cattle, 8 (28.57%) were viable and 20 (71.43%) were non-viable. In goats, 13 (72.2%) were fertile, 4 (22.2%) were infertile and 1 (5.6%) was calcified. Of these 13 fertile cysts in goats, 8(61.54%) were viable and 5(38.5%) were non-viable. The annual economic loss estimated for bovine and caprine hydatidosis was 2,101,540.2 and 65,897.9 ETB, respectively. The annual financial loss recorded altogether by hydatidosis of cattle and goats at Abergelle International Export Slaughterhouse was estimated to be 2,167,438.1 ETB. In conclusion, hydatidosis is a major cause of organ and carcass condemnation and financial loss at the Abergelle export slaughterhouse. The prevalence of hydatidosis was high in cattle compared to goats and in both species; the lung was the most frequently affected organ by hydatid cyst followed by the liver.
Mycofloral Diversity and Molecular Characterization of Species Isolated from Farmer-Saved Rice Seeds in the Irrigated Rice Production Districts of the Coastal Savannah Zones of Ghana
Authors: Honger J. , Oppong C. , Amoatey C.
Published: August 2022

Irrigated rice production is the major type of rice production in the Coastal Savannah Zone of Ghana, where farmers rely on their saved seeds for production. A study was carried out to determine the types of storage fungi resident on farmer saved seeds and their distribution in five major rice production areas of the Coastal Savannah Zone. The blotter method was used to isolate fungal species after which they were identified using cultural and morphological features complemented by sequence analysis of the entire Internal Transcribed Spacer (18S-ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) region of isolates. Eleven fungal species namely, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Curvularia lunata, Curvularia geniculata, Fusarium equiseti, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Rhizopus oryzae and Trichoderma sp. belonging to 8 different genera were isolated and identified on the rice seeds. Curvularia lunata, with a percentage occurrence of 63.9% was the most prevalent fungal species, while Trichoderma sp. (1.3%) was the least prevalent fungal species from the study area. The high infection rate of seeds by Curvularia species may lead to high incidence and severity of Curvularia leaf spot disease in the study area.
Observations on some Fairy Ring Forming Lepiota Mushrooms (Basidiomycota; Agaricales) in Ghana
Authors: Odamtten G. T. , Wiafe-Kwagyan M. , Kortei N. K.
Published: August 2022

Mushrooms are mostly saprophytic and grow in soil, on dead wood or are found on grass, lawns, pitches and golf courses. There are about 400 species of Lepiota typically gilled; some are edible and other forming fairy rings in the field. Two Lepiota species were studied in the Greater Accra Region during the rainy season (May-July) of 2016-2018. Their morphological development, anatomy and ring-forming capacity during the 3yr cycle. Lepiota procera (Pers) Grays is edible and is typically without volva. The fairy ring was made up of 6 - 9 mushrooms in circle along the periphery of the circle with slight shift in the positions of the fruiting body. period. L. procera emerged directly from the soil without any change in the topography or color of soil in about 28 days. The second Lepiota sp. is not edible and completed morphological development in 2 - 3 weeks and formed full to semi-circle fairy rings. There was a distinct greening of grass (Chrysopogon aciculatus) along the periphery of the ring. These findings underscore the fact that fairy ring formation is not mystical but a natural phenomenon among the Basidiomycota. This is the first reported account of fairy ring formation in Ghana.
Anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant bioactivities of the methanolic extract of Alafia zambesiaca (stem-bark)
Authors: Tahir Ramatu , Menshah John Kenneth , Jibira Yakubu
Published: August 2022

Alafia zambesiaca is a medicinal plant used widely in Ghana for the treatment of gastric/peptic ulcers. The objective of this study was to comparatively assess the effect of the methanolic and the diethylether extracts of the plant phytochemicals on three bioactivities indicative of gastric/peptic ulcers etiology. Using standard laboratory assays involving broth dilution, carrageenan-induced foot swelling of 7-day old chicks and DPPH radical scavenging, this study compared and contrasted the antimicrobial, the antioxidant and the anti-inflammatory bioactivities of the methanolic extract with that of the diethyl ether extract of the stem-bark of Alafia zambesiaca. Phytochemical analyses proffered mechanistic explanations for the differing solvent-specific extract bioactivities by reporting the presence of tannins, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides and triterpenoids in the methanolic extract and by demonstrating that saponin is the only detectable phytochemical in the diethylether extract. The methanolic extract was comparatively the more potent anti-oxidant in vitro as demonstrated by its relatively higher anti-oxidant capacity, its comparatively higher total phenolic content and its disproportionately lower IC50’s in the DPPH and H2O2 antioxidant assays. Consistently for each of the panel of four bacterial and two fungal pathogenic microbial cell lines, the methanolic extract showed higher anti-microbial activity recording, in each case, MICs that were quantitatively lower than that of the diethylether extract. In vivo anti-inflammatory activity using the carrageenan induced chick feet edema method indicated the methanolic extract’s evocation of a dose-dependent reduction in foot edema and the diethyl ether extract’s lack of display of measurable anti-inflammatory activity. Taken together, the more polar methanolic extract contains quantitatively more phytochemicals that have qualitatively more potent bioactivities and this observation gives credence to the use of aqueous stem-bark extracts of Alafia zambesiaca for the ethnomedicinal management of gastric ulcers. Alafia zambesiaca mediates its anti-ulcer effects in gastric mucosa possibly through polar phytochemical-triggered suppressive effects on microbial proliferation, via polar phytochemical-evoked mitigation of concurrent cellular oxidative stress and through polar phytochemical-modulation of inhibitory effects on cellular inflammatory events.
Evaluation des performances de l’embouche ovine paysanne dans la commune de Korsimoro au Burkina Faso
Authors: Kabore Michel , Sanon Hadja Oumou , Kiema André , Nianogo Aimé Joseph , Gnanda Isidore B.
Published: August 2022

L’alimentation du bétail constitue de nos jours un défi majeur, en raison de l’insuffisance des fourrages et des mauvaises pratiques d’alimentation. Cette étude a été conduite dans la région du Centre-nord du pays en vue d’améliorer l’embouche ovine paysanne. Pour cela, 110 béliers de 48 emboucheurs ont été répartis en quatre lots et alimentés selon le type d’aliments dont disposait l’emboucheur. Les rations ont été formulées sur la base des résidus de cultures améliorées et/ou locales, et des aliments concentrés. Les résultats ont montré que les rations 2, 3 et 4 incorporant le fourrage amélioré et/ou des SPAI, avec des indices de consommation (IC) variant entre 13 et 14 étaient significativement plus performantes que la ration 1 composée uniquement de fourrage de culture de variété locale (IC = 35,87). Les GMQ des béliers des lots 2, 3 et 4 (97,67 g/j ; 110,33 g/j ; 120,50 g/j) ont été significativement (P < 0,05) supérieurs à ceux du lot 1 (45 g/j). Les facteurs ration, race et genre ont plus ou moins influencé les performances pondérales des ovins et les marges brutes des emboucheurs. L’adoption des cultures fourragères et des techniques d’alimentation pourront révolutionner cette activité dans la zone.

Livestock feeding is a major challenge today, due to insufficient fodder and poor feeding practices. This study was conducted in the North central region of the country to improve peasant sheep fattening practices. For this, 110 rams from 48 farmers were divided into four groups and fed according to the type of feeds available to the fattener. The rations were formulated on the basis of crops residues of improved and/or local varieties and concentrate feeds. The results showed that rations 2, 3 and 4 incorporating the improved forage and/or and concentrated feed, with feed conversion ratios (FCR) ranging from 13 to 14, performed significantly better than ration 1 composed of local forage only (FCR = 35.87). The Average Daily Earning (ADG) of rams in groups 2, 3 and 4 (97.67 g/d; 110.33 g/d; 120.50 g/d) were significantly higher than those of group 1 (45 g/d). Ration, breed and gender factors influenced more or less sheep weight performance and gross profits of the fatteners. The adoption of fodders crops and feeding techniques could revolutionize this activity in the area. Average daily earnings.
Perception paysanne de l’écologie des espèces ligneuses fourragères et médicinales (ELFM) de la régénération naturelle assistée (RNA) suivant un gradient agro-écologique du centre-sud du Niger
Authors: Zounon Christian Serge Félix , Moussa Massaoudou , Abasse Tougiani , Hamadou Issa , Rabiou Habou , Katkore Boubakar , Tidjani Didier , Ambouta Jean-Marie Karimou
Published: August 2022

L’utilisation des organes des arbres dans l’alimentation et la santé animale prend de l’ampleur dans les terroirs villageois du centre-sud du Niger. Ces services écosystémiques sont souvent assurés par les espèces ligneuses de la régénération naturelle assistée (RNA). L’objectif de cette étude était d’appréhender les connaissances locales sur la distribution et l’utilisation des espèces ligneuses fourragères et médicinales (ELFM) dans les zones agro-écologiques. La méthode des enquêtes ethnobotaniques a été utilisée à l’aide d’un échantillon de 78 répondants, repartis en 25 en zone pastorale, 26 en zone agropastorale et 27 en zone agricole. Les résultats ont permis d’identifier une liste floristique des espèces ligneuses fourragères (ELF) repartie en 17 espèces en zone pastorale, 22 en zone agro-pastorale et 33 en zone agricole. Aussi, 8 espèces ligneuses médicinales (ELM) sont utilisées pour soigner 5 pathologies animales en zone agricole, 5 pour traiter 3 pathologies en zone pastorale et 3 pour soigner 3 pathologies en zone agro-pastorale. Ces résultats peuvent être utilisés dans la promotion de la RNA, en entretenant les ELFM importantes pour le bien-être des populations locales.

The use of tree organs for food and animal health is increasing in village lands in south-central Niger. These ecosystem services are often provided by woody species of farmer managed natural regeneration (FMNR). The objective of this study was to understand local knowledge on the distribution and use of woody fodder and medicinal species (WFMS) in agro-ecological zones. The ethnobotanical survey method was used with a sample of 78 respondents, divided into 25 in pastoral zones, 26 in agropastoral zones and 27 in agricultural zones. The results identified a floristic list of woody fodder species (WFS) divided into 17 species in the pastoral zone, 22 in the agro-pastoral zone and 33 in the agricultural zone. Also, 8 medicinal woody species (MWS) are used to treat 5 animal diseases in the agricultural zone, 5 to treat 3 diseases in the pastoral zone and 3 to treat 3 diseases in the agro-pastoral zone. These results can be used in the promotion of FMNR, by maintaining the WFMS important for the welfare of local populations.
Reference values of the physico-chemical parameters of the water streams of Tai national Park (Côte d'Ivoire)
Authors: Kamelan Tanoh Marius , Diomande Abou , Yao Koffi Marcellin , Berte Siaka , Kouamelan Essetci Paul
Published: August 2022

water in West Africa is based on European standards which are inadequate. This study was carried out in order to determine the threshold values of physico-chemical parameters for the monitoring of water quality in tropical forest rivers in West Africa. Thus, physico-chemical parameters were measured in 324 surface waters collected in three typical rivers of Taï National Park (Côte d’Ivoire) from May 2016 to April 2017. Subsequently, the sampling stations were categorised as natural, transitional and impacted based on a principal component analysis (PCA). The results confirmed the typology of sampling stations reported in the literature. Based on best professional judgment (BPJ) and trisection methods, the reference values for Tai National Park are Temperature: 25.10-25.33°C; pH: 6.86 - 7.04; DO: 6.33 - 6.40 mg/L; EC: 37. 13 - 38.20 μS/cm; TSD: 27.50 - 29.03 mg/L; NO2- : 0.005 - 0.009 mg/L; NO3- : 0.450 - 0.625 mg/L; PO42- : 0.053 - 0.054 mg/L; TP: 0.123 - 0.134 mg/L; FCl: 0.03 - 0.04 mg/L; TCl: 0.04 - 0.05 mg/L. These data could be used as threshold values for monitoring rivers and rainforest wetlands in West Africa.
Caractérisation de la flore ligneuse du Parc Forestier et Zoologique de Hann à Dakar (Sénégal)
Authors: Manga Malamine , Diouf Ndongo , Dieng Birane , Ngom Ablaye , Sidybe Mamadou , Camara Abdou Aziz , Diouf Jules , Gueye Bachirou , Mbaye Mame Samba , Noba Kandioura
Published: August 2022

Le Parc Hann est un patrimoine de biodiversité du Sénégal et présente une diversité floristique assez intéressante pour la population. Cependant, il existe très peu de données scientifiques sur cette flore. Cette étude a été réalisée dans le but de caractériser la flore ligneuse du Parc de Hann et d’établir les spectres taxonomique, biologique et chorologique. Les données ont été collectées de Décembre 2017 à Avril 2018 à la suite d’un inventaire itinérant. Les travaux ont permis de répertorier 121 espèces ligneuses réparties dans 100 genres et 38 familles. Parmi ces espèces, 8 n’ont pas été citées dans la flore du Sénégal et 11 étaient partiellement protégées par le code forestier du Sénégal. Les résultats ont montré que la flore du Parc est constituée de 99% d’Angiospermes. La famille des Fabaceae est la plus représentée avec 23,14% des espèces recensées. En outre, l’analyse du spectre biologique a montré que la flore est dominée par les mésophanérophytes (46,28%) suivi des microphanérophytes (37,19%). La flore est dominée par les espèces afrotropicales (42,98%) et les espèces pantropicales (23,14%). La caractérisation de la flore ligneuse du Parc de Hann a permis de comprendre que la gestion de la biodiversité urbaine doit être faite de manière permanente avec un contrôle régulier du cadre de vie.

Located in the capital city of Senegal, the Hann Park plays an important role in phytodiversity conservation in a context of global changes. Therefore, knowledge of floristic composition and phytosociology are key factors for a better phytodiversity. This study was conducted to characterize the woody flora of Hann Park and establish the taxonomic, biological and chorological spectra. The data were collected from December 2017 to April 2018 following a roving inventory. The work allowed to list 121 woody species distributed in 100 genera and 38 families. Of these species, 8 were not cited in the Senegalese flora and 11 were partially protected by the Senegalese forestry code. The family with the highest species richness was Fabaceae with 23.14% of the flora. The overall analysis of the biological spectrum showed a large dominance of mesophanerophytes (48.28%) followed by microphanerophytes (37.19%). Moreover, the chorological analysis revealed that afrotropical (42.98%) and pantropical species (23.14%) were the most important. The present study allowed pointing out the flora structure of woody flora in the Hann Park which is necessary for improving management of phytodiversity.
Energy optimization of industrial drive at Sanjivani sugar factory
Authors: Pardeshi Dipesh B. , Maurya Shraddha , Rasal Renuka S. , Narayane Dhanshri A.
Published: August 2022

India's power sector is facing an actuate problem of meeting the growing demand of electricity. Improving energy efficiency by employing energy efficient devices would be the better alternative for meeting apart of the new demand. The use of energy efficient motor instead of standard induction motor in agricultural and industrial sector. It will result into substantial saving in electrical energy over a standard motor. The effort taken introduced in this paper analyze use of additional energy in different norm in a cycle plant in addition energize the utilization of energy productive motor over standard Induction Motor with boundary like motor input power (kVA), energy consumed (kWh), apparent power, power factor and efficiency (kW).
A historiographical review of contending perspectives on the establishment of marketing boards in colonial Nigeria
Authors: Iweze Daniel Olisa
Published: August 2022

The paper analyses the contending debates on the establishment of marketing boards in colonial Nigeria. It analyses their operations within the purview of colonialist and nationalist perspectives. The paper contends that the British established the boards to protect its imperial and economic interests rather than the price stabilization policy they were primarily created for. It submits that the marketing boards were monopoly institutions the British used to cushion the internal contradictions in its post-Second World War economy. It argues that the paltry infrastructural facilities provided by the British administration were not meant to stimulate development but accidental fallouts of colonialism
Homosexuality and the church: Examining the moral implications of the stand of the church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) against homosexuality
Authors: Okwuosa Ikechukwu Kenneth
Published: August 2022

The Church of Nigeria Anglican communion maintains a strong opposition to homosexuality with members of the church who are found to be homosexuals facing dismissal and ostracism. This work employed a qualitative research design reviewing relevant literature to examine the moral implications of the stand of the church on homosexuality as it affects the church and its members. The position of the church on homosexuality could lead homosexual members of the church to develop psychological problems that could lead to suicide, they could also be secretive about the way they feel thereby leading to many secret homosexuals within the Church and they could resent the church and religion in general. The Church is right in its condemnation of homosexuality but must rethink its stand on homosexuality. The overwhelming grace of God in Christ Jesus demands that the church views the homosexual as a sinner like other sinners who need help to turn away from their sins. The need to maintain a balance is therefore recommended.
Spectral Analysis of Translation-Invariant Mechanical Systems with Application to Structural Vibrations and Stability
Authors: Banichuk Nikolay V. , Barsuk Alexander A. , Ivanova Svetlana Yu. , Tuovinen Tero T.
Published: August 2022

The paper considers the problems and the methods of spectral analysis of elastic structural systems. The presented consideration focuses on the translation-invariant spectral formulations. Some periodic representations and the spectral decomposition are derived. In the context of general analysis of translation-invariant systems, the particular problems of structural vibration and stability are solved in analytical form.
The American Effect on Physical Education and Sports in Turkey during the Early Republican Period
Authors: Korkmaz Sevda
Published: August 2022

The establishment of the new Turkish state was accompanied by a new governmental system, modernization efforts, and reforms in all fields of life. Education, acknowledged as a phenomenon that prepares new generations for the future, became one of the main concerns among the republican reform programs. The lack of specialists to implement new educational programs required inviting professionals of the relevant fields from abroad, and the first to arrive was the American educational scientist John Dewey, only 9 months after the establishment of the republic. Thus, Turkish-American relations, which had begun with commercial and missionary activities during the Ottoman period, entered a new era. Dewey, who emphasized both mental and physical aspects of education as a whole, fostered the emergence of many new services in physical education and sports thanks to his reports. In addition to Dewey’s work, other American reports presented information and suggestions for physical education. The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), which played an essential role in the spread of recreational sports activities, launched many new sports branches and endeavors. This study addresses the effects of those reports and American experts’ suggestions, observations, and approaches for physical education and sports in Turkey.