Volume 2 Number 4 (July 2017)

Allocative Efficiency of Resource use on Beekeeping in Chitwan District of Nepal

Agriculture is facing with increasing pollinators decline all over the world affecting the functioning of regulatory and production service of pollination in adverse manner. Study on ways to conserve pollinating agents like bee is crucial in modern intensive agriculture. In this context a study was conducted to estimate the productivity and resource use efficiency of bee keeping in Chitwan district of Nepal. The study used data collected from randomly selected 48 bee keepers using face to face interview technique in the year 2014. Descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, benefit cost analysis and multiple regression analysis using Cob-Douglas form were employed to achieve study objectives. It was found that farmers were rearing honey bee on an average of about 34 hives per farm with annual productivity of bee products equivalent to 36 Kg honey per hive. Gross margin of beekeeping in the research area was found to be NRs. 3111.55 per hive with undiscounted benefit cost ratio of 1.71. Human labour use, expenditure on sugar, drugs and comb foundation and; migration cost were significantly contributing to the productivity of beekeeping and were required to increase their use by 39%, 34% and 74%, respectively to achieve optimum profit. It was suggested to increase the level of all variable inputs through loan, subsidy and insurance to promote beekeeping enterprise in the study area for ensuring optimum profit to farmers and conservation of the most important agent of pollination.

Extraction, chemical composition, use in induced protection and cross-reactive antigens between exopolisaccharides from Tremella fuciformis Berk and Xanthomonas campestris pv. citri (Hasse) Dye

Exopolysaccharides (PS) are the major components on the surface of bacteria and also produced by fungi. These molecules are important in human health, in order to control diabetes as well as protect plants against attacks of foliage diseases. The objective of the present work was to study the partial chemical structure of the carbohydrate, use in control disease in plants and cross-serological relationship (cross-reactive antigens between isolates from fungi (Tremella fuciformis (Tf) and bacteria (Xanthomonas campestris pv. citri (Xcc)). Tf was developed in culture medium containing sorghum seeds during 20 days, and Xcc in the PDA (potato dextrose agar) medium for an 8 days period. The polysaccharide was removed from the culture medium, precipitated with ethanol, and quantified total sugar. By TLC was observed that 2 isolates presented galactose, glucose, mannose, arabinose and xylose in different proportions. Fucose and ribose was not found in the PS from Xcc but present in Tf. In ELISA, antiserum to Xcc revealed an antigenic homologous reaction with the same bacteria and heterologous with Tf. Barley plants pretreated with PS from Tf and later challenged with conidia from B.sorokiniana, demonstrated protection against the pathogen. Results suggested that PS from Tf presented induction of protection. Both PS (antigens) present an identical epitope demonstrated by reaction in Elisa test. The antibody against Xcc was specific for an epitope and bounded to another antigen due to having similar chemical properties.

Ethnobotany Study of Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Respiratory Diseases in the Middle Region of Oum Rbai

The ethnobotanical study carried out in the region of Oum Rbia (Morocco) made it possible to identify the medicinal plants used by the local population and to collect the maximum information on this use. A survey of 1360 people from the region's population noted that 170 people use medicinal plants against respiratory diseases. Women accounted for 55.3% of the workforce versus 44.7% for men; Married people 70% against 28% for singles. The illiteracy rate is high (34.1%). The leaves are the most widely used part of the plant. Infusion and decoction are the most commonly used methods for preparing traditional remedies. The most widely used species in the treatment of respiratory diseases are: Origanun glandulosum, Eucalyptus globulus, Nigella sativa, Mentha pulegium, Lavandula stoechas, Zingiber officinale, Ammodaucus leucotrichus, Ficus carica. In addition, some species have toxicity either because of the ignorance of the necessary dose or because the people treated are affected by other diseases. Thus, the survey made it possible to inventory 66 medicinal species which are divided into 36 plant families; Lamiaceae (21.2%), Myrtaceae (10.6%), Apiaceae (8.8%), Amaryllydaceae (7.7%) and Zingiberaceae (7.1%). These results resulted in a catalog of medicinal plants used in the study area to treat respiratory diseases. It is a local know-how that must be considered as a heritage to be preserved and developed.

Study on Assessment of Physico chemical properties of Industrial wastes

Tesfalem Belay Woldeamanuale

The physicochemical parameters of wastewater collected from five sampling sites were investigated. These parameters were analyzed by standard methods. The pH of the waste water varied from 4.7 to7.66, while the waste water conductivity ranges from 1205.3 to 7130.17 µScm−1. The maximum total dissolved solid was 8100mg/l.and the maximum biological oxygen demand was 2763.35 mg/l. The chemical oxygen demand of the selected samplesites varied widely (772.56–3105.13 mg/l), the nitrate content was found to be maximum in sample W5 (166.00mg/l), and the sulfate content was found to be high in samples W1 andW5 (500and 4875mg/l). The chloride and sulphied contents were maximum at samples of W3 and W5 their concentrations were8543.45 and 10.7mg/l respectively. The physic chemical parameters studied in this work were varied between the samples and almost all parameters studied were higher compared with the permissible limit prescribed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and World Health Organization.

Effect of sulphur supplementation on micronutrients, fatty acids and sulphur use efficiency of soybean seeds

Gurpreet Kaur Gill, Sucheta Sharma

The present study was aimed at finding the influence of different sources and doses of sulphur fertilizers on micronutrient status and oil composition in soybean seeds. Soybean is the major source of edible vegetable oils and high protein seed supplements in the world. Sulphur deficiency causes soybean protein quality to decline and also decreases nitrogen-use efficiency of fertilizers. Soybean is a good source of nutrients which could further be amended with biofortification and use of fertilizers, to meet the nutrient deficiencies. Various limiting factors affect the yield of soybean crop by affecting the yield potential. Sufficient sulphur deficiency is one such limiting factor and have become common all over due to intensive crop systems and higher yielding varieties. Micronutrients play an important role in quality and quantity of soybean yield. Sulphur fertilizers viz gypsum and single super phosphate (SSP) were used at three different doses. Soil analysis have been done to evaluate the fertility status of soil prior to the experiment. Different treatments of sulphur supplementation had significant effect on seed micronutrient accumulation, nitrogen sulphur ratio and fatty acid profile. Sulphur supplementation increased zinc and iron content in mature soybean seeds, however, copper and manganese were found to be least effective. Sulphur supplementation with gypsum @ 20 kgha-1 increased plant height and pods per plant. Increase of oleic acid coincided with the decrease of linoleic acid with sulphur supplementation during both the cropping seasons of study.

Evaluation of the Activity of Insecticides Plants in the Far North Region of Cameroon

Sadou Ismael,Woin Noe, Ghogomu Richard, Mbongaya Samy Eware

This study proposes to assess the activity of insecticide plants in the far North region of Cameroon. The leaves or bark of four local plants (Azadirachtaindica, Boswelliadalzeilii, Khayasenegalensis and Ocimumcanum) were harvested, dried and powdered for the formulation of insecticidal chopsticks at different doses. Toxicity tests have been conducted on adult culicidae mosquitoes by fumigation. They reveal low levels of mortality after 15 minutes of exposure to the smoke of the chopsticks. Remanence due to chopsticks smoke leads to high rates of mortality after 6 and 24 hours of exposure. Mortality rates increase with the dose of each vegetable powder. Lethal doses were calculated 6 hours after exposure for each plant powder. Those of the leaves of Azadirachtaindica proved to be the most efficient thus with the lowest LD50 value of 36.14%. These vegetable powders can be used as natural insecticides instead of chemical insecticides.

Environmental Impacts of the liquid waste from Assalaya Sugar Factory in Rabek Locality, White Nile State, Sudan

The study aimed to assess the environmental health impacts of the liquid waste from Assalaya Sugar Factory, the efficiency of the existing Assalaya effluent treatment plant, the dilution factors available in the White Nile to gather with wastewater environmental impacts. A descriptive cross-sectional focused on the Factory and its neighborhoods. Four hundred and thirty two out of 3931 households were statistically determined as the sample size, the individual samples were picked using multi-stage stratified method 432 households selected as sample size. Data were collected by using structured questionnaires, field observations, laboratory analysis and interviewing the concerned and affected persons. The effluent load discharged from the factory into the Al - jassir canal at the White Nile was analyzed for BOD, COD, pH, PO4, TDS, TSS, Turbidity, Color, and flow rate.The Data were processed by using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 16, Chi-square test, test associations and office excel 2007. The study showed that Eighty one percent of the households used the surplus irrigation canal as a source for water supply. 64% of the respondents suffered from diarrhea, vomiting and allergic diseases, the rather low rate of water consumption and the bad quality of water consumed were reflected adversely on hygiene and consequently increased water related diseases. The study concludes that always or sometime 49.5% of the water collectors were children and used animals and plastic containers for water collection and transportation. The conducted laboratory water analysis revealed that the average concentrations of PO4, COD and BOD of the raw wastewater produced by Assalaya Sugar Factory were 4260, 3800 and 1500 mg/l, respectively, these values were above the WHO recommended concentrations for the disposed treated effluent (2, 250 and 30 mg/L respectively). As to physical analysis; the turbidity on the average was higher (540 NTU) and the color was (854 TCU) also high.

Assessment of Physicochemical parameters and Water Quality Index of Vishwamitri River, Gujarat, India

Akshata Magadum, Tejas Patel, Deepa Gavali

Development and industrialisation exert pressure on the riverine system deteriorating the serenity of the rivers. The present study was carried out in Small River flowing through Vadodara city viz., Vishwamitri River. The study revealed better water quality before its entry into the urban area. Despite of presence of STPs, there is poor water quality affecting the aquatic life and ecology. The paper throws light on pollution aspect and need to develop decentralised treatment system to tackle the river pollution problem.

Breastfeeding Practices of Postnatal Mothers: Exclusivity, Frequency and Duration

Chiejina EN, Anieche JE, Odira CC

Mothers who perceive breastfeeding to be healthier, easier and more convenient breastfeed longer than those who perceive that breastfeeding is restrictive, inconvenient and uncomfortable. This study focused on the breastfeeding practices of postnatal mothers with regard to exclusivity, frequency and duration. It was a cross-sectional research design covering the three levels of health care institutions in the South-East Zone of Nigeria. Convenient sampling method was used to select 299 postnatal mothers who visited infant welfare clinics along with their infants. Three research questions and one null hypothesis guided the study. The instruments used for data collection were questionnaire on patterns of breastfeeding by postnatal mothers (QPBF) and checklist on health status of infants with varied breastfeeding patterns (CHSIVBP). Frequency distribution and percentages were used to answer the research questions while chi-square test was used in testing the null hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The result showed that most of the postnatal mothers practiced EBF for a short period, majority breastfed their infants on demand day and night, and majority also reported that their infants suckle the breast for more than 20minutes. Also breastfeeding patterns of the postnatal mothers was found to differ significantly across the three levels of health care institutions. Childbearing mothers need to be motivated on the need to practice EBF for six month postpartum.

Isolation and Identification of Fungi from fast food restaurants in Langa Bazar

Sewgil Saaduldeen Anwer, Gazang A. Ali, Chra Z.Hamadamin, Hanan Y. Jaafar

A total of (218) samples from Eleven different foods were processed between October 2016 and February 2017 which include (Tomato, Chicken meat, red meat, falafel, potato, bread, eggplant, cabbage, celery, cucumber and onion). Samples were collected from 4 different fast food restaurants inoculated on Potato dextrose agar and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar. Isolated fungus identified morphologically and microscopically in accordance with standard procedures. Results showed that six fungal genera were associated with the selected fast food restaurants. The isolated fungal genera were Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., Mucor sp., Rhizopus sp., Saccharomyces sp., Brettanomyces sp. The number of total colonies in October were 236 and in February were 119 and the number of colonies were higher when cultured on Potato dextrose agar than Sabouraud Dextrose Agar. There was variation in the pattern of occurrence of the fungus in fast foods Aspergillus sp. appears to be the most pathogenic fungi that present in the food samples.

Status of large mammals: case study of gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehi), chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes ellioti) and buffalo (Syncerus caffer), Menchum South, NW Cameroon

Mvo Denis Chuo, Tsi Evaristus Angwafo

This study entitled status of large mammals: case study of gorilla, chimpanzee and buffalo, was carried out in the Black Bush Area of Waindow (BBAW), Menchum South, NW Cameroon from January-March, 2014. The general objective was to determine the status of large mammal’s species and to investigate the presence of gorilla, chimpanzees and buffalo reported by the indigenous people in order to contribute to the conservation of these species in the region. The recce- survey method was used for species inventory whereby direct and indirect observations of bio-indicators of these species and human signs were recorded. From the result, the encounter rates of buffalo and chimpanzee were 0.35 and 0.26 signs per km respectively with no gorilla sign observed. Spatial distribution maps revealed great concentration of these species in the northern zone. Hunting recorded the highest encounter rate of 0.42 signs per km of anthropogenic activities. As such, one could deduce that the pressures exacerbated on these animals due to human activities and encroachment by Nigeria traders, and grazers placed the remaining species under intense threat of disappearing within the study areas. It is therefore necessary to intensify conservation efforts so as to urgently address these species concerns.

In vitro mutagenesis of Cymbidium La bell â€œAnna Belleâ€ by Î³-rays irradiation and oligochitosan interaction

Duong Hoa Xo, Le Quang Luan

The optimum media for multiplication of protocorm like bodies (PLBs) and shoot buds of Cymbidium La bell “Anna Belle” were studied in order to prepare the in vitro samples for irradiation. The values of LD50 (lethal dose of 50% samples) of PLBs, shoot buds and plantlets of tested Cymbidium after cultivation of 4 months were also determined about 35.0, 41.0 and 83.1 Gy, respectively. The addition of oligochitosan played as an very important trigger for promotion on the generation of shoot bud from PLBs after irradiation. The in vitro variations have been generated by γ-rays irradiation of PLBs with doses in range of 20 - 50 Gy. The highest mutant frequency (3.83‰) of C. La bell was found by the irradiation of PLB samples at 30 Gy. The different properties of obtained in vitro variations compared to wild types were found to be chlorophyll, short leaves, long leaves, and violet pericardium variations. The genetic relationships among generated variant lines in M1V4 and wild type were analyzed using RAPD techniques.

The Parity Rate of Indoor-Resting Adult Female Anopheles and Culex Mosquitoes and Their Implication in Disease Transmission in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Female Hostels Awka, South Eastern Nigeria

Umeanaeto P.U., Asogwa A.N., Onyido A.E., Irikannu K.C, Ifeanyichukwu M.O.

A study on the parity rate of indoor-resting Anopheles and Culex mosquitoes and their implication in disease transmission was carried out in Nnamdi Azikiwe University female hostel between June and July 2016. The mosquitoes were sampled weekly from 24 randomly selected rooms using pyrethrum knock-down collection (P.K.C). A total of 516 mosquitoes comprising of 4 species: Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles funestus, Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex annulioris, were collected during the study period. The mosquitoes were examined for their abdominal gradings/gonotrophic stages and dissected for parity determination. Culex quinquefasciatus (61.43%) constituted the most abundant species followed by Anopheles gambiae (30.04%) and Anopheles funestus (7.56%) and the least being Culex annulioris (0.97%). Results showed that majority of the vector species were fed and parous and variations among the parity rates of the 4 species was significant (P

Comparison between Manual and Automatic Identification of Diatoms of Merja Fouarate (Morocco)

Nouzha Chahboune, Mohamed Mehdi, Allal Douira

The objective of this work is to compare the results of the classical identification of diatoms by optical microscope to the automatic identification of the diatoms. For the first method, we determined the diatoms using an optical microscope and the identification keys. Concerning the second method, we relied on the processing and analysis of the images to automatically recognize a diatom. Our aim is to compare the results of the manual identification of diatoms with the results of the automatic identification of the same sample. The purpose of this comparison is to verify whether the automaticanalysis can give acceptable results in order to replace the manual determination. We used the Image j software for the development of our program and based on the notion of points of interest and the freeman code. The results of the determination of the diatoms by optical microscope which lasted more than one month did not exceed 92% (for 104 species of diatoms 96 species were identified), whereasthe automatic identificationrequires only a few seconds, with much better results (97%).

Operational parameters affecting the removal and recycling of direct blue industrial dye from wastewater using bleached oil mill waste as alternative adsorbent material

In this work the ability of “bleached” oil mill solid waste to reduce the dyestuff content in industrial textile wastewater was studied. Bleaching treatment consists in a preliminary oil mill solid waste management with NaOH and NaClO2 for obtaining cellulosic materials, mainly removing lignin from the waste surface. Thus, a novel bioadsorbent from agricultural residues, named bleached olive pomace (OP), was presented. Direct Blue 78 was studied as a model azoic dye. Experiments were planned to study the effect of different initial conditions on the adsorption processes: oil mill waste amount as grains and as a fine powder (OPP), solution temperature values, initial dye concentration, pH values and electrolytes influence. The results showed that the adsorption process using bleached oil mill waste determined an excellent degree of water color reduction, reaching the best work conditions when pH 2 and OPP were used. The presence of electrostatic interactions was also suggested. The adsorption appeared to be influenced by temperature values showing an endothermic character. Interestingly, to confirm the role of ionic interactions between dye and sorbent at pH 2, fashionable results were obtained. The adsorption process was verified also at pH 6 with 100% of dye removal in presence of both NaCl and Na2SO4 avoiding the aforementioned strong acid conditions. A very important aspect of this work is the recycle of both the dye and the adsorbent, with particular attention to the dye reuse for coloring cotton fabric.

Comparative Study of Zootechnical Performances and Survival Rates in Rainbow Trout Subjected to Two Foods with Different Formulation

Considering its economic and halieutic interest, the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum, on 1792) is one of the species the most appreciated in the world, in particular for the sports fishing. To compare the effects of two food of different formulation, (the one premises(place) used by the center of salmon farming and the other one imported) on some biological parameters of the trout rainbow, an experimental study was realized between 1st Mars and June 15th, 2016 in the National Center of Hydrobiology and Fish farming of Azrou on 2000 fish fry stemming from the same prize of eggs and restarted randomly in 4 rectangular ponds fed with fresh water and fed four times by days during 107 days. The obtained results show good that the best performances of growth in length and in weight, the survival rate and feed efficiency are attributed to the imported food.

Lindane and Endosulfan Sulfate Isomers in Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin, 1791) Oyster Populations in Lagoon Systems from Central Gulf of Mexico

The aim of this study was to determine Lindane and Endosulfan Sulfate isomers in Crassostrea virginica oyster populations (Gmelin, 1791) in the Mandinga and Alvarado lagoon systems located in the central Gulf of Mexico. Samples were taken from the main oyster banks of each lagoon system, during the three representative seasons of the region, wet, dry and north winds. By means of free diving, 30 commercial size oysters (7 ± 3 cm) were collected in four oyster banks or stations of the Mandinga lagoon system, totaling 360 organisms, while in the Alvarado lagoon system there were a total of 90 oysters during the annual cycle. Concentration of lindane and endosulfan sulfate isotopes in C. virginica was performed with a gas chromatograph (Thermo Electron Model Trace GC Ultra 115V, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc©, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México) with an Electron capture detector. Results showed that in the Alvarado Lagoon system mean concentrations of C. virginica oysters for lindane pesticide were 4.11 ± 3.83 ng⋅g-1, whereas for the Mandinga lagoon system, were 8.69 ± 5.15 ng⋅g-1. Endosulfan sulfate showed the highest average concentration in the Mandinga lagoon system with 24.68 ± 1.20 ng ⋅g-1. In addition, the endosulfan sulfate presents differences in its spatial distribution; high concentration levels in the Mandinga lagoon system whereas the lindane heterogeneity at all sampling points in both lagoons. Values of concentrations and relationships between compounds suggest recent contributions that could correspond to the excessive fluctuations of water discharged into the lagoon caused by the atypical rains of the year of sampling. It was concluded that endosulfan sulfate and lindane show concentration in all the points of sampling in both lagoons.

Insecticidal activities of diketopiperazines of Nomuraea rileyi entomopathogenic fungus

Entomopathogenic fungi are fungal organisms extensively used in various parts of the world as biopesticides against insect pests that cause important economic damage. Various secondary metabolites produced by these fungi have many potential biological activities. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the insecticidal activity of extracts and pure compounds from Nomuraea rileyi (Farlow) Samson entomopathogenic fungi against Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera), Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (Diptera) and Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera), three insect pests that generate serious economic losses in the northwest of Argentina. Diketopiperazines were extracted from the culture free supernatant of the media with ethyl acetate. Antifeedant properties were detected in all extracts under dietary choice conditions (300 ug/ g of diet). The maximum antifeedant activity was noted in cycles (Pro-Val) (86.02) and cycle (Pro-Phe) (73.47), while the rest of the extracts and metabolites exhibited varying degrees of moderate or less toxic effects. The maximum oviposition deterrence against C. capitata (55.86%) was recorded with cycle (Pro-Phe) at a 50 µm/cm2 dose. Culture medium extracts supplemented with insect remains and all pure compounds showed repellent action against T. castaneum. The main repellency was observed in phenylacetic acid and cycle (Pro-Val) with RI values of 42 and 41% respectively. The present study would suggest the possible utilization of entomopathogenic fungal metabolites as an effective agent for controlling insect pests that cause important economic losses.

Effect of Knives Type on Some Operational Characteristics fora Locally Assembly Motorized Vibration Cutter Used for Date Palm Fronds Pruning

Abdulrazak A. Jasim, Moayad R. Abbood, Shamil M. Abbood

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of pruning cutting knives for locally assembly motorized vibration cutter on some operational characteristic used for date palm fronds. An implement was fabricated to cut the fronds around the date palm tree trunk. Three types of knife included A,B and Cwas used in this study .One frond cutting time, One palm frond cutting time, cutting level,productivity, noise level, vibration and efficiency was measured in this experiment . Complete block design with three replications was used in this study. Least significant differences (L.S.D) under 0.05 level was used to compeer the mean of treatment. The results showed thatB type gave a lower time in cutting one frond stood 3.11 sec. A type got lowest time of cutting three rows of fronds stood 1.74 min, also gave less differences in surface cutting level andlevel of noising stood 5.66 mm and 78.04 (db) respectively.B type knife got less vibration stood 5.25 m.sec-2. Also it gave the higher amount of productivitystood 8.80 palm /h. A type gave a high efficiency, it got 78.76%.Using manufacturing equipment for cutting date palm frond was successfully done.

Inventaireet caractÃ©risation des bas-fonds dans le bassin versant de lâ€™Oti au BÃ©nin Ã lâ€™aide des images Landsat et ASTER DEM

Kafilatou T. Souberou, K. Euloge Agbossou, Euloge Ogouwale

These last decades, the exploitation of the inlands valleys increased considerably in number and surface because of the fertility of their soils and their hydromorphycharacter. The present article aims to analyze the potential in inlands valleys in the south of the Otibasin pouring. The methodological approach rests on the semiautomatic method that took in account the indications of vegetation (NDVI, NDWI, TWI) and the parameters (slope and accumulation of water) generated from the pictures Landsat OLI and ASTER DEMS. Besides the characterization of the inland valley inventoried has been based on the cutoff phytogeographical, on the biophysical and socioeconomic data of the basin. The achieved analysis multi criteria permitted to estimate the surface of the inlands valleys identified to 359 894,92 ha is 44,79% of the total surface of the south part of the Oti basin pouring. About 28698 flexible inlands valley covering a surface of 53 588,06 ha have been inventoried and represent about 6,67% of the total surface. Also, it is noted that 6,33% of the surface of the inlands valley inventoried by the semiautomatic method, either 42,52% of the potential in flexible inlands valleys are known by the local authorities of the Townships of the departments of the Atacora and the Donga. To the total, three types of inlands valleys came out again after characterization. It is about the inlands valleys of the massive atacoriens (BFMA), the inlands valleys of the wavy peneplain (BFPO) and the inlands valleys of the gourmaplain (BFPG). The exploitation rational of these shallows became unavoidable considering the present necessities and for the future agricultural perspectives.

Bioremediation of Chlorpyrifos Contaminated Soil by Microorganism

Sakshi Jaiswal, Jyoti Kiran Bara, Ritu Soni, Khyati Shrivastava

India is agricultural based country where 70% of the population survives on it. In order to increase the production of field various pesticides are used. Chlorpyrifos (O,O-diethyl O-3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridyl phosphorothioate) is an organophosphate pesticide which is widely used as insecticide for crop protection. But due to its persistent nature into the environment, it is leading to various hazards including neurotoxic effects, cardiovascular diseases and respiratory diseases. Bioremediation is a technology to eliminate chlorpyrifos efficiently from the environment. In bioremediation of chlorpyrifos the potential degradative microorganisms possess opd (organophosphate degrading) gene which hydrolyses the chlorpyrifos and utilizes it as a sole carbon source.Thus the present review discusses about how through bioremediation the pesticide chlorpyrifos can be degraded using potential soil microorganisms.

Study of the bryological flora at the archaeological site of Chellah, Morocco

The Chellah archaeological site in Rabat, listed as a cultural asset since 2012 on UNESCO's World Heritage List, is subject to significant biodeterioration. The aim of this study is to identify the bryophytes that have an important impact on the destruction of the substrate. For this purpose, three prospectionswere carried out in autumn 2014, spring 2015 and winter 2016. The systematic sampling carried out allowed us to identify 20 species of bryophytes belonging to 10 botanical families, of which 4are dominant with 13 species equivalent to 65% of the total. The four families are Pottiaceae, Brachyceciaceae, Funariaceae and Bryaceae; they belong to the class of Muscinae. The liverworts are represented by only 6 species, representing 30% of the total population. Among the 20 species inventoried, 3 are newly observed in the region of Rabat: Entosthodon pulchellus (H. Philib.) Brugués; Dydimodon Fallax Hedw. and Trichostomum crispulum Bruch. When bryophytes settle on substrates, a preliminary soilis initiated to the detriment of the quality of materials and their durability.

Proximate and heavy metals composition of Plantain (Musa paradisiaca L.) fruits harvested from some solid waste dumps in Uyo Metropolis, Nigeria

Iniobong E. Okon, Uduakobong E. Akwaowo

Plantain thrives well in waste dumpsites. These wastes usually contaminate the soil with heavy metals which become absorbed by the plants. The risk of heavy metal toxicity in humans is an issue of serious concern globally. Proximate composition of plantain fruits harvested from three randomly selected waste dumpsites in Uyo metropolis, Nigeria were determined using AOAC standard analytical techniques while their heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, Co, Cd and As) concentrations and that of their rhizosphere soil were analysed with Unicam Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Proximate analyses results revealed that carbohydrate content was higher in the fruits harvested from the control uncontaminated soil sites (91.61%) than in the fruits harvested from dumpsite soils (87.23%; 87.89%; 88.00%). Dumpsite soils had higher heavy metals concentrations than the control soil. Lead (Pb) was the highest occurring heavy metal in all the dumpsite soils. Fruits harvested from the dumpsite soils had higher heavy metals concentrations than those from the control soil. Pb was the only heavy metal whose concentration in the plantain fruits was higher than the WHO/FAO permissible limit. This work has established that the selected dumpsite soils have been contaminated with heavy metals which have been absorbed by the plantain cultivated there. Cultivation and consumption of plantain from these dumpsite soils should be discouraged.

Adaptation to Climate Change and Variability by Gender in Agro-pastoral Communities of Tanzania

Eliya Elias Mtupile, Emma T. Liwenga

Gender division of roles in agro-pastoral societies of semi-arid parts of Tanzania influence the exposure of women and men into various experiences, skills, knowledge, technology and resources, in similar ways to how they are exposed to climate risks and opportunities. This paper examines gender based vulnerability and adaptation strategies to climate change in these communities. The study was undertaken in two villages of Chamwino District in Tanzania. Data collection involved focus group discussions, key informant interviews and household interviews (5%). Rainfall and temperature data for the past 30 years were also analysed. Indicators of climate change and variability were revealed from both climate and social studies. Annual mean rainfall decreased from 700mm in 1980 to 490mm in 2010 while average temperatures were increasing steadily. The findings indicate that recent climatic changes have favoured pest and diseases, which affects crops, livestock and people. Late onset and early end of rain season were also recorded which lengthened the hot season of the year and early drying of water sources. It was further established that, the change in gendered roles affected women and girls more than men and boys because activities related to chores that are women roles were most affected. Responses to climatic stresses also varied by sex because they had been exposed to different skills and experiences. Lack of resources in female headed households increased severity to impacts and hindered their capacity to overcome stresses.

Management of True Vaginal Prolapse in Bitch

Ankit Kumar Ahuja, Shivkumar, Ashwani Kumar Singh, Shahbaz Singh Dhindsa

True vaginal prolapse is a rare condition in bitch. It occurs majorly following parturition or during estrogen risei.e during estrous phase of the cycle. A two year old Grey Hound female was presented with true vaginal prolapse. The prolapse mass was largeandhyperemic. By reducing the size and with bilateral pressure we reposed the mass in. Modified Buhner sutures were applied. Hormonal therapy using HCG were given for four days. The bitch recovered eventually.

Squalene Extraction: Biological Sources and Extraction Methods

Teresa Rosales-Garcia, Cristian Jimenez-Martinez, Gloria Davila-Ortiz

Squalene is a terpenoid with great importance in cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical industry; it was originally isolated from shark liver oil but is easily found in animals, vegetables and microorganisms. Nowadaysis shark fishing is prohibited in some countries, that is the main reason to use renewable sources forsqualene extraction to protect marine life, since last decade, squalene is extracted from different sources and methods to achieve best yields at lower possible cost. Traditional extraction methods usually involve organic solvents as hexane which left residues on the extracted matrix, that can limit material use for human consumptionafter extraction. Separation and purification stages after extraction can elevate operations cost, one of the most interesting technology to obtain squalene from biological matrix is supercritical fluid extraction with CO2as solvent because of economic, safe and easy removal characteristics.

Photosynthetic Pigments Content of Trapa Natans Specie in Skadar Lake

Albana Temali, Arjana Ylli (Kraja)

Skadar lake is the largest lake in th Balkan Peninsula. The total area is 5500 m². Terretorialy the lake belong to Montenegro and to Albania. Both the sides of lake is a big development of acquatic vegetation, including a large variety of habitats and biological communities. The most important associations are Potameto-Najadetum, Trapetum natantis, Myriophyllo-Nupharetum, Nymphoideum peltata. These associations include lake shore macrophytes Najas, Vallisneria, Potamogeton, floating macrophytes Nuphar luteum, Trapa natans, Numphaea alba. Emersed water macrophytes are developed on both sides of lake predominantly in the eastern part of lake (Kamice Shegan) which go as far as 3 meter deep such Ceratophyllum, Najas marina, Najas minor, Vallisneria.Trapeum natantisi is largely widespread community in the Skadar lake. Waternuts develops wide population and communities in the inner and deeper part of the floating macrophyta zones. Plant samples were collected on the both sides of the lake. For Trapa natans specie is determined the content of photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids. Photosynthetic pigments were extracted with 80% acetone and their concentrations are expressed in mg/g dry absolutely leaf .Their measurement is made in the bands f 663, 645.470, of spectriphotometer. Trapa natans was found in the eastern shore and in western shore of Skadar lake. The highest values of chlorophyll a an b in the species Trapa natans was found in September 2014.

Bioremediating Effect of Glomus Hoi and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa on the Organic Content and Heavy Metals of Soil Polluted with Oil Refinery Effluent using Amaranthus Cruentus as a Test Plant

Salami Abiodun Olusola, Owasoyo Dickson Oladele, Adebayo Princewill Orinami

This study analyzed the degrading effect of Glomus hoi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa on the organic content and heavy metals of oil refinery effluent polluted soil using Amaranthus cruentus as the test plant. This study was carried out to determine if agricultural activities can be improved using any or both of the micoorganisms. Eight different treatment layouts were used with three replicates for each level of pollution in the treatment layout. Ninety six (96) pots, each containing three kilograms of soil from both sterilized and unsterilized soil were used for the study. Fifty (50) grams of soil inoculum from propagated Arbuscular mycorrhiza was inoculated to a set of twenty four (24) experimental pots containing both sterilized and unsterilized soil before A. cruentus seedlings were transplanted to them. Another set of twenty four (24) pots containing both sterilized and unsterilized soil were injected with thirty (30) mL of P. aeruginosa inoculum solution before transplanting A. cruentus seedlings to them. The third set of twenty four (24) pots received dual inoculation of both fifty (50) grams of soil inoculum containing G. hoi and thirty (30) mL of P. aeruginosa inoculum solution before A. cruentus were transplanted to them. The residual twenty four (24) pots served as the control. Thereafter, pot preparation was arranged in the screenhouse in a randomized block design. The A. cruentus seedlings were raised in nursery for a period of two weeks before they were transplanted to the pots, seedlings were left for 3 days to overcome transplanting shock before contaminating the soil with refinery effluent at various concentrations of 0%, 2%, 4% and 6% v/w. The seedlings were allowed to grow for eight weeks before the termination of the experiment. The pre planting analysis of soil showed that heavy metals analyses (zinc and iron) of sterilized soil had a lower concentration to the unsterilized. The soil pH ranged from 6.3 to 6.8. It also revealed that organic matter and organic carbon content ranged from 0.8% to 1.3% and 0.4% to 1.7%. However, after the experiment, it was discovered in this study that treatments without any microorganism inoculation in sterilized and unsterilized soil had a higher level of % organic carbon and % organic matter content compared to the other treatments that were inoculated with one or two micro-organisms across all the levels of effluent concentration. Heavy metals of soil in all the soil samples were found to increase as the petrochemical effluent increased in concentration. The results obtained were analyzed using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) and other descriptive statistics. This study opined that the combined use of G. hoi and P. aeruginosa was more effective in improving the organic contentand the reduce heavy metals of oil refinery effluent polluted soil than when either is used singly.

Relational Analysis of Profile of Beneficiaries of Farm Ponds and its Socio Economic Impact

DV Supe, RP Kadam, GS Pawar

The present investigation was conducted in Parbhani district of Marathwada region in Maharashtra State. The main objective of the study was relationship between profile of beneficiaries of farm ponds and its impact. The data were collected through personal interview with the help of interview schedule by contacting 80 beneficiaries. The result revealed that majority (75.00%) of the beneficiaries having middle farming experience, followed by 26.25 per cent of the beneficiaries were educated up to secondary school level, while 50.00 per cent of the beneficiaries were having semi-medium land holding .whereas 75.00 per cent of the beneficiaries having medium area under irrigation, While 80.00 per cent of the beneficiaries having medium family size. It was also found that 87.50 per cent of the beneficiaries having medium social participation, whereas 52.50 per cent of the beneficiaries having medium level of extension contact, and 52.50 per cent of the beneficiaries having medium level of economic motivation, followed by 63.75 per cent of the beneficiaries having medium risk preferences. Also the result showed that farming experience, education, land holding, area under irrigation, family size social participation, extension contact, economic motivation and risk preferences were found to be positively and significantly related with impact in technological change (i.e) crop production, cropping pattern and soil conservation structure of farm pond. Also the result showed that relationship of profile of beneficiaries with economic change in employment generation only economic motivation was positive and non-significant, followed by relationship of profile of beneficiaries with social change in material possession and implement possession i.e. economic motivation was non-significant also social participation was non-significant in change in education family member.

Short Term Effect of Crop Residue and Different Nitrogen Levels on Grain yield of Wheat under Rice-Wheat System

Narayan Khatri, Dev Raj Chalise, Nabin Rawal

Crop residues are very important source of plant nutrients and recycling of crop residues with inorganic fertilizer increases the yield of rice and wheat in rice-wheat system. The objective of the study was to determine the production and productivity of wheat as affected by management of crop residues and different nitrogen levels. The field experiments were carried out in 2014 and 2015 at National Wheat Research Program, Bhairahawa, Nepal and the field was laid out in split plot design: two crop residue levels (with and without residues) as whole plot and seven nitrogen levels (0, 25, 50, 75,100, 125, 150 kg/ha) as sub-plot which were replicated three times. Significant difference was observed with crop residues incorporation in biological yield with the value of 5538 kg/ha as compared to without residue incorporation (4167 kg/ha) in 2014. Similar result was observed in 2015 as highest significant biological yield of 6629 kg/ha was recorded from residue incorporation plot. On the other hand, application of nitrogen @ 150 kg/ha resulted to significantly highest grain yield of 2593 and 3073 kg/ha in both years (2014 and 2015) respectively. The overall conclusion is that an improved crop residue management with appropriate dose of chemical fertilizer increases the grain yield of wheat in short term basis.

Property Development and Land Use Planning Regulations in Nigeria

Several land use planning regulations have been enacted in Nigeria over the years to control property development so as to ensure sustainable human environment. Despite the existence of these regulations, property development is still being carried out in ways that constitute environmental challenges in cities. With samples drawn from Abia State, this study examined the level of compliance of property development with planning regulations in Nigeria. The study was based mainly on primary data which were collected through direct observation, questionnaires, and through measurement of geometric variables of the buildings and their immediate outdoor spaces. Cluster and simple random sampling techniques were used to proportionately select buildings and respondents that were surveyed. Data collected were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Specifically, the t - test for paired samples was used to test the hypotheses of the study. Findings show that the level of compliance of buildings to planning regulations is not significant, with mean compliance rate being less than 20%. It also reveals that there is significant difference in the level of compliance to planning regulations between buildings constructed in the urban areas (with mean compliance rate of 14.5%), and those constructed in suburban/ rural areas (with mean compliance rate of 42%). Certain factors were found to be responsible for the low level of compliance among which are low level of physical planning and inadequate funding for planning authorities. The researchers therefore recommend that government should embark on the preparation of up-to-date land use plans for various towns and villages; implement the autonomy of the town planning authorities; and create the enabling environment for effective development control across the country.

Development of Indices for Effectiveness of Renewable Energy Technologies Impacting Change in Quality of Life of Rural Residents

Supriya, Sushma Goel, Pradeep Chandra Pant

The history of economic development is on the cost of ecology rather than the sustaining environment and development. The countries that became centrally located in the stream of economic exchanges among people around the world impacted the environment in the long run. Newspapers and editorials include environmental horror stories almost on a daily basis and demand better management of natural resources (Jangu, 2014). But who is listening? The environment is not just lush green trees, threated plant and animal species. It is the entity on which humans primarily exist, and agricultural and industrial development depends. Development on the cost of the environment can never be sustainable rather it would take us to a point causing enormous ecological losses and human sufferings primarily because of the present rate of development in developing countries. In order to contribute to the overall development in India, access to modern energy and cleaner fuel for rural households is important. The Brundtland Commission in its 1987 report ‘Our Common Future’ coined the most quoted definition of the term sustainable development, i.e., development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs (Mathur and Goswami, 2016). Sustainable production and consumption of resources helps to satisfy necessities of life such as nutritious food, good health, clean water and sanitation, clean energy, education, employment creating sustainable communities while combating climate change. Having a negative energy balance for decades, India is forced to purchase energy from other countries to fulfil the needs of the entire country. Hence, energy access is an important component of poverty alleviation and an indispensable element of sustainable human development. Government of India has initiated numerous development programmes focussing on providing sustainable energy solutions to rural communities often deprived of clean and uninterrupted energy supply for their daily energy requirements. The study entitled ‘Renewable Energy Options among Rural Households’ was conducted in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh states. The outcomes of the study provide a roadmap for future programmes promoting the use of clean, efficient and modern energy technologies, to be implemented more effectively. Findings would further benefit the primary and secondary key stakeholders involved in research and development, formulation of policies and regulations, promoting sale and purchase and provide financial assistance to future energy programmes meant to popularize the use of Renewable Energy Technologies.

Change detection analysis of Cropland using Geospatial technique -A case Study of Narsinghpur District

Upadhyay Renu, Nema R.K., Awasthi M.K., Tiwari Y.K.

Access to accurate and up-to-date information on the extent and distribution of individual crop types, associated with land use changes and practices, has significant value in intensively agricultural regions. Explicit information of croplands can be useful for sustainable water resources, land and agriculture planning and management. Remote sensing, has been proven to be a more cost-effective alternative to the traditional statistically-based ground surveys for crop coverage areas that are costly and provide insufficient information. Satellite images along with ground surveys can provide the necessary information of spatial coverage and spectral responses of croplands for sustainable agricultural management. This study strives to differentiate different crop types and agricultural practices to achieve a higher detailed crop map of the Narsinghpur district.

Comparative Alterations in the Compositional Profile of Selected Root and Vegetable Peels Subjected to Three Pretreatments for Enhanced Saccharification

Mithra. M. G, Padmaja. G

Lignocellulosic feedstocks have gained worldwide interest as alternative biofuel source in the context of squeezing petroleum resources, enhanced environmental pollution from greenhouse gases and resulting climate change. The potential of agricultural processing residues such as root and vegetable peels (beet root, greater yam, pumpkin and vegetable banana) for bioethanol production was investigated through an understanding of their compositional profile and efficacy of three pretreatments in altering their composition and reducing biomass recalcitrance. Starch was the major polysaccharide in the residues (range: 25-37%), followed by cellulose (18-22%) and hemicellulose (15-20%). While dilute sulfuric acid (DSA; 121°C ; 0.102 MPa) hydrolyzed starch and hemicellulose to a high extent, steam pretreatment of moist residues (40 % and 50 % MC) at 100 °C also facilitated hemicellulose and starch solubilization. On the contrary, lime pretreatment retained most of the cellulose, hemicellulose and starch in the pretreated residues. Delignification was the highest (28- 37%) in steam pretreated residues, with minimal effect in DSA and lime pretreatments, necessitating lignin binding surfactants during saccharification in the latter. Reducing sugar content in pretreated liquors and Pretreatment Efficiency (%) were the highest (40-45 g L-1 and 57-64% respectively) in the DSA pretreatment. The study showed that as the pretreated liquor DSA and steam pretreatment was rich in fermentable sugars, whole slurry saccharification would be beneficial for maximizing the bioethanol yield.

Coping Strategies of Diabetic Yam Farming Households in Benue State, Nigeria

Teran A. D, Tsue P. T

This study engaged the Multinomial Logistic Model (MLN) to determine factors influencing te choice of coping strategies of diabetic yam farming households in Benue State, Nigeria. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 340 yam farming households with emphasis on 2015 farming season. Primary data were obtained using a well structured and pretested questionnaire. The results of analysis shows that the most frequently used coping strategies were special diets such as millet, cocoyam, locust bean, groundnut, fruits and vegetables accounting for 39%, constant intake of drugs like metformin, biguarnide, sulphorylureas and insulin 25%, hired labour, 23.2%, routine exercise, 12.6%, while hawking was 0.3%. The choice of constant drug was -0.012, while the choice of hawking was significantly (p < 0.05) and negatively affected by education as a coping strategy. The marginal effect of education on constant drug was -0.012, while the choice of hawking was significantly (p < 0.05) and positively affected by the age as a coping strategy. The marginal effect of age on hawking was 0.04. It is recommended that government at Federal, State and Local levels with partners in progress should consider critical ways of managing diabetes by emphasizing healthy lifestyles such as ceasation of smoking, moderate alcohol intake, regular medical check-up and improvement of the socio-economic status of the diabetic farm households through good road network, steady supply of electricity which will better the quality of life of the farm households.

First record of the Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844) from the coast off Sur, Sultanate of Oman

Shama Zaki, Juma Al-Mamary, Abdul Aziz Al-Marzouqi, Lubna Al-Kharusi

A single specimen of the Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis was caught on 11 May 2017 in a long-line operated about 40 nautical miles off the coast of Sur atconfluent of Sea of Oman and Arabian Sea coast of Oman. This first record of its occurrence indicates the extension of distributional range of the species to the Arabian Sea coast of Oman.

The Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture and Health Sectors in Tanzania: A review

Fredrick Ojija, Siri Abihudi, Beatus Mwendwa, Cecilia M. Leweri, Kafula Chisanga

The impact of climate change in Tanzania is dynamic and differs among regions as they are impacted in different ways. While other regions experience normal rainfall and temperature patterns, others have continued to experience temperature extremes, severe droughts, decline in crops production coupled with food insecurity, extreme weather episodes of heavy rainfall associated with floods, loss of lives and infectious disease outbreaks. Despite the effects of climate change being recognized in the country, awareness is limited among local people, in particular the vulnerable communities. Thus, this review aims to raise awareness by giving a broader picture of impacts of climate change on agriculture and health sector. It reveals that in many parts of Tanzania, agriculture and health sectors may continue to suffer from the effects of climate change aggregated with limited awareness among communities. It is expected, that outbreaks of infectious diseases including malaria and cholera may increase as they correlate positively with high temperatures and rainfall. As a result, health problems and deaths of people, and reduced crops production will continue. Therefore, it is recommended that, the best way to overcome climate change is to invest effectively on the irrigation agriculture; and the health sector’s budget should be enough to improve health care services and prepare for outbreaks of climate change sensitive diseases. Most importantly, provision of climate change awareness to the vulnerable communities must be seriously considered. About 50 peer-reviewed articles, government and international reports published between 2000 and 2017 were reviewed.

A case of Dystocia due to Fetal Ascites in Murrah Buffalo

Ankit Kumar Ahuja, Pooja Dogra, Shivkumar, Shahbaz Singh Dhindsa, Harpreet Singh

Dystocia in buffalo due to fetal causes is not common. However there are reports suggesting dystocia due to dropsical condition of fetus. Present case reports one of the fetal dropsical conditions in buffalo. In this case we report a successful management of dystocia due to fetal ascites in Murrah buffalo by incising the fetal abdomen to take out the fluid from peritoneum.

Study of the quality of fruits of the Hylocereusundatus (Haw) Britton & Rose and Hylocereusmegalanthus(K. Schum ex Vaupel) Ralf Baue (Red and Yellow Pitahaya) during the maturationperiod

In this work, the organoleptic and sensorial characteristics were determined, as well as the maturation pattern of the yellow and red pitahaya fruits grown in Ecuador. Several fruit quality indexes were evaluated for 15 days from the moment of harvest, such as: weight loss, dry matter, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, exocarp coloration and maturity relationship and related damages by attack of biotic agents. The results indicated that in storage conditions with a temperature of 25 ± 1 ° C, the red pitahaya presents a gradual loss of fruit quality up to nine days; after this period serious fungal damage to the fruit that affects its commercial quality begins. The yellow pitahaya has a time of storage that can reach up to 15 days, although the fruit looks externally dehydrated and aged; however internally the fruit maintains its quality for consumption. It presents organosensitive standards of quality and resistance to microbiological agents superior to those of the red pitahaya. Due to the behavior of the fruit in the various variables evaluated in this study, strong evidences are presented that suggest to consider it as a species of non-climacteric respiration.

Human Wildlife Conflicts to communities surrounding Mikumi National Parks in Tanzania: A case of selected villages

Gabriel Mayengo, Fadhili Bwagalilo, Venance E. Kalumanga

Human wildlife interaction is not a new phenomenon, it has existed since the beginning of humankind, it is evidenced by the fact that, many national parks are surrounded by human residents. The interaction between human and wildlife is of different nature depending on the culture of the surrounding human as well as wildlife community. For decade’s human wildlife conflicts has been a great conservation challenge due to increased human population, international trade and change of policies. The challenge is more significant in a sense that it negatively affects both human and wildlife sustainability. Therefore a study was conducted to villages surrounding Mikumi national Park to assess reasons for conflicts between human and wildlife and account how communities prevent wild animals to destructs their agriculture products. Three villages were selected for study (Doma, Maharaka and Mkata, all villages surrounds Mikumi National Park Ecosystems. Different methodology includes: - Field observation, Household survey, Field interview, In-depth interview and Ethnography study were used. However descriptive analysis and non parametric test were performed by using SPSS 16 versions and Kruskal-wallis test respectively to compute mean, standard error, percentages and differences of wildlife consumption. Results suggests that, there is a gradual increase of human-wildlife conflicts which lead to loss of people’s lives, as well as their livelihoods such as farms and farms product. Statistically results depicted that the average size of the farm affected at Doma, Maharaka and Mkata villages were 3.8 ± 0.1, 2.0 ± 0.1 and 2.2 ± 0.1 acres respectively, while at Mkata village 32 goats, 24 sheep and 76 cattle were reported to be killed by wild carnivores. In other way conflicts may result to poaching activities which may threaten the existence of huge herbivores such as Elephants and Rhinoceros. Apart from that, conflicts may lead to poor performances of tourism industry in the country. Research recommends that more efforts should be taken by the government and other stakeholders to prevent conflicts around all national parks so as to create good and conducive environment for human being life and wildlife in order to allow good performance of tourism industry for economic development of the country.

Ecosystem Carbon Storage and Partitioning in Chato Afromontane Forest: Its Climate Change Mitigation and Economic Potential

Birhanu Iticha

Forests trap carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, store in the form of carbon (C) and regulate climate change. In this study, C storage and climate change mitigation potential of Chato Afromontane forest was assessed from measurement of the major pools including the aboveground biomass, belowground biomass, dead tree biomass, plant litter and soil organic carbon (SOC). The result showed that biomass accumulation was comparatively larger for natural forest than plantations due to maturity, intactness and species diversity. The total C storage capacity of the forest ranged from 107.12 Mg ha-1 for acacia plantation to 453.21 Mg ha-1 for the intact natural forest. The mean C storage capacity by major pools ranged from 1.36 Mg ha-1 for the dead tree C to 157.95 Mg ha-1 for the aboveground C pool. The forest ecosystem accumulated a total of nearly 6371.30 Gg C in the vegetation plus soil to a depth of 60 cm. Conservation of the sacred forest will have an imperative implication to net positive C addition and regulation of climate change.

Proximate analysis and in-vitro gas production of predominant forages in Afe Babalola University rangeland as feed resources for ruminant production

F. O. Bamigboye, O. Oluwarinde

In Nigeria, the major feed resource for ruminant production is the natural grazeland. However, most forage found on such lands cannot absolutely support ruminant production. Therefore, there is need to ascertain the nutritive values of predominant forages in Afe Babalola University before setting up a ruminant farm. Wet season forages: grasses, legumes, forbes and tresses were sampled and analysed for proximate composition and in-vitro gas production using standard techniques. It was found that crude protein ranged between 12.2 and 27.3% in Terminalia catappa and Leucaena leucocephala respectively. The ash content varied from 6.0-22.0% in Andropogon gayanus and Asclepias syriaca respectively. Crude fibre of the forages was between 12.5 and 28.0% in L. leucocephala and Centrosema pubescens respectively. Gas production was measured for 24hrs at 3hr intervals. At mid-fermentation, gas production ranged between 4.0 and 13.3ml/200mgDM (T. catappa and A. syriaca respectively). While at termination, it was from 9.0 - 22.67ml/200mgDM in T. catappa and A. syriaca respectively. Significant differences (P

Study of Intake, Growth and Nutrient Utilization of Growing Bulls Fed Forages as Sole Diets

Biplob Kumer Roy, Khan Shahidul Huque, Nani Gopal Das

The study was conducted to rank Napier, jumbo, maize and rice straw on the basis of their yield, production cost, nutritional value and productivity of native growing bulls. Thirty native bulls (Bos indicus) of 135 (+28/-28) kg live weight (LW) were randomly allocated to five treatments in a completely randomized design and fed silage of maize (Zea mays; Hybrid, PG-1000), jumbo (Sorghum bicolor; Hybrid Sugar graze), Napier (Pennisetum perpureum; hybrid) and urea molasses straw of whole straw (UMS-WS) and UMS of stover (UMS-S) for a period of 90 days. The dry matter (DM) intake of Napier, jumbo, maize, UMS-WS and UMS-S was 2.08, 1.79, 2.01, 1.92 and 2.08 % LW, respectively which differed significantly (P

Immobilization of two endoglucanases from different sources

Cellulases are a important family of hydrolytic enzymes which catalyze the bond of cellulose and other related cello-oligosaccharide derivates. Industrial applications require enzymes highly stable and economically viable in terms of reusability. These costs can be reduced by immobilizing the cellulases, offering a potential solution through enzyme recycling and easy recovery. The covalent immobilization of enzymes is reported here: one is commercial cellulase from Aspergillus niger and other one is recombinant enzyme, named CelStrep it because was isolated from a new cellulolytic strain, Streptomyces sp. G12,. The optimal pH for binding is 4.6 for both cellulases and the optimal enzyme concentrations are 1 mg/mL and 5 mg/mL respectively. The support for immobilization is a poliacrylic matrix. Experiments carried out in this work show positive results of enzyme immobilization in terms of efficiency and stability and confirm the economic and biotechnical advantages of enzyme immobilization for a wide range of industrial applications.

Rapid and sensitive methods for detection of Allorhizobium vitis, causal agent of grapevine crown gall

A rapid method and sensitive methods for extraction of bacterial DNA from pure culture and directly from plant materiel were compared in polymerase chain reaction with specific primers VCF3/VCR3 to see the reliable method that can used in the detection of tumorigenic strain of Allorhizobium vitis causal agent of grapevine crown gall. From the three tested methods of DNA extraction from pure culture, the alkaline method is the most effective technique for the extraction presenting a high sensitivity with a detection threshold equal to 5.104 CFU/ml. Five different protocols for extracting bacterial DNA from plant tissues of infected tomato, based on the use of an extraction buffer, were tested to see its usefulness in detecting pathogenic strain of A. vitisS4. Two protocols based on the use of Triton X-100 and Tween 20 were efficient for detecting A. vitis S4 directly from tomato tumors with a sensitivity of 103 CFU/ml for the both protocols. Consequently, these protocols were proposed as specific protocols for the detection of tumorigenic strain of A. vitis from symptomatic and asymptomatic plants.

Economic profile of two species of Genus der Euterpe, producers of aÃ§aÃ fruits, from the ParÃ¡ and Amazonas States - Brazil

This study deals with an analysis of the production of the two assaih species (Euterpe precatoria Martius & Euterpe Oleracea) occurring in the states of Amazonas and Pará, respectively. In subject to delineate the economic behavior of two açaí pulp producing species, estimates were made based on temporal observations of the secondary data of produced amounts, prices practiced and respect analyses of growth market. The study made it possible to understand the market dynamics of the açaí economic activity from both species of the genus Euterpe. Analyzing data on the quantities produced and several studies on management, production and commercialization, it was possible to trace the apparent profile of the market structure of açaí fruit, where it was verified the strategic importance of investing in plantations of Euterpe precatoria species, because this species besides having higher anthocyanin contents, has its fruit production in the off-season months of E. oleracea. The harvest in alternate periods, adjust the annual supply and, certainly, will contribute to reduce the variation in prices. Over this perspective, was can perceive the social, political, technological, cultural, market and environmental transformations that need to be implemented and taken into account so that this activity may be able to follow an expansion of its demand and in an environment of perfect competition, find its point of balance, within the formats of the economic sustainability.

Economic and Environmental Evaluation of Nitrogen Fertilizer Taxation: A Review

Flavio Gazzani

Nitrogen fertilizers is an essential input into modern agriculture, however the use of large amounts of this mineral fertilizers caused in the last three decades enormous environmental impacts such as eutrophication of waters and soils, loss of biodiversity, drinking water pollution and human health risks. The agri-environmental policy plays a crucial role to internalize pollution externalities from agriculture production and ensuring food production and food price remain affordable even to those with lowest income. To date, regulatory instruments, such as the Nitrate Directive in EU applied to reduce and manage nitrogen pollution run-off showed scarce results in terms of environmental protection and in many countries such as Ireland and Spain created evident loss of incomes and impose high costs on small to medium farmers to respect nitrogen fertilizers limits. Meanwhile in other countries economic instruments such as nitrogen taxation reach better results in terms of agriculture emissions reductions and environmental impacts due to their flexibility. This review aims to document the current state of the knowledge of nitrogen taxation and gather experience from other countries for reducing nitrogen emissions assessing their effects on farmers’ income productivity, food price stability and environmental outcomes.

Removal from wastewater and recycling of azo textile dyes by alginate-chitosan beads

Paola Semeraro, Paola Fini, Marinella Dâ€™Addabbo, Vito Rizzi, Pinalysa Cosma

Alginate-chitosan beads were used as adsorbent to remove two azo anionic textile dyes, Direct Blue 78 and Direct Yellow 106, from aqueous solutions. Batch mode experiments of dyes adsorption were performed and the effects of various parameters such as contact time, adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration, pH and temperature were examined. Successively, the dyes have been desorbed from the adsorbent and were recycled to dye a cotton fabric. The maximum efficiencies in dye removal, performed at pH 6, 298 K and with 0.5 g of adsorbent, were found to be about 97% for Direct Blue 78 and about 86% for Direct Yellow 106, respectively. The adsorption isotherms fitted the Freundlich’s model, the adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second order model and experimental data indicated an exothermic adsorption process. Moreover, the dyes desorption experiments from the alginate-chitosan beads demonstrated that about 50% of dyes were released in distilled water at high temperature (368 K) and the colored solutions obtained were so reused in dyeing tests. The results demonstrated that the alginate-chitosan beads are very efficient systems able not only to remove dyes from wastewater, but also to recycle and reuse them in further dyeing processes.

Alleviation of Salinity Effects by Poultry Manure and Gibberellin Application on growth and Peroxidase activity in pepper

Duraid Kamil Abass AlTaey

Capsicum is one of the most widely consumed vegetables and is also used as a spice for its pungency. Many species of Capsicum are being cultivated worldwide. Capsicum is considered as a commercial crop for their economic value. However, the yield of the crop suffers severely due to salt stress, Soil salinity reduces water availability of plant roots via negative (low) osmosis potential, as well as decrease of germination dynamics of plant seeds by ionic toxicity of Na and Cl , Significant differences in fruit-set, yield, photo synthetic rates, stomata conductance, total chlorophyll content, proline, In general, salinity affects almost every aspect of the physiology and biochemistry of plants. The aim of this study was to determine the salt tolerance of pepper (Capsicum annuum L) under salinity stress by saline irrigation water, Poultry and gibberellins applications were used to alleviated the negative effects on growth parameters and yield of Pepper under salinity stress. The water salinity levels led to a significant elevation in the values of electrical conductivity of the soil with the peroxidase activity, and Sodium and proline contents in leaves, while resulting in decrease in growth parameters and leave contents of ( NPK),The poultry and gibberellins applications increased the growth parameters ( Dry weight of shoot and root &fruit weight) and (NPK) contents in leaves with slight dropping of peroxidase activity in leaves while a clear dropping of sodium and proline contents in leave. That possible to mitigation the negative affect of salt stress by some application like exogenous hormones and Decomposed organic matter to solve the disruption of endohormons and lack of available nutrients under salt stress, and elevation of osmotic stress in soil solution in roots area. The GA & poultry application improved the growth and it has increased the Pepper tolerance to the abiotic stress which was exerted by saline irrigation water.

Growth of Wheat Genotypes Influenced by Heat Stress

Pronay Bala, Sripati Sikder

Effect of heat stress on growth of eight wheat genotypes was evaluated. Total dry matter (TDM), leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR) were lower at the initial stage of growth and increased with plant age and all the genotypes showed higher values at normal growing condition compared to late and very late growing condition in both the years. Growth attributes such as LAR for all the genotypes declined throughout the advancement of growth stages in each growing conditions of both years. The HT genotypes showed higher values of TDM, LAI, CGR and LAD compared to MHS and HS genotypes in both the years.

The Content of Agar Seaweed Gracilaria verrucosa Fertilized with Vermicompost

Andi Rahmad Rahim

The economic value of seaweed G. verrucosa depends on the content of the agar it has. Cultivation Gracilaria verrucosa generally use inorganic fertilizers that are not environmentally friendly, inorganic fertilizer is not a wise step considering the recent increase in consumers who want a product that is free of pesticide residues. The purpose of this study was to analyze the optimal dose of vermicompost fertilizer to produce high quality of agar rendement, viscosity and gel strength seaweed Gracilaria verrucosa. From the result of the research, it was found that the quality of agar rendement, viscosity and gel strength were normal and homogeneous distribution (p>0,05). Then the ANOVA test showed that the fertilizer treatment gave a significant effect on the quality of agar rendement and viscosity (p 0,05). The highest level of viscosity and rendement of Gracilaria verrucosa seaweed was found in treatment A and the lowest in treatment F (control). The highest level quality of agar gel strength Gracilaria verrucosa was found in treatment F compared with other treatment.

A New Low Cost Biosorbent for a Cationic Dye Treatment

The aim of our study consists to investigate the adsorption of Methylene Blue from aqueous solution by a new biosorbent prepared from Papaya seed. Adsorption behavior of the cationic dye was analyzed by variation of solution pH, contact time, adsorbent dose, and temperature. Adsorption isotherms were studied according to the Langmuir and Freundlich Model, and adsorption kinetics according to pseudo first and second order. Results show that the maximum adsorption is obtained at ambient temperature with the yield of 98.82% and was reached in first 20min (pH = 10, adsorbent dose of 100 mg in 50 mL). The Langmuir isotherm shows a correlation coefficient of 99.4% higher than 95.4%obtained for Freundlich model and the adsorption kinetic model follow a pseudo-second order with a maximum adsorption capacity of 52.28 mg/g.

Proximate and Microbial Profile of Couscous Yoghurt Produced from Soya Milk

Kargbo Samuella, Kargbo Kabba

This study investigated the effect of milk type and mixture ratio on the proximate composition and microbial profile counts of couscous yoghurt. Yoghurts were first made from cow milk (CM), soya milk (SM) and equal mixture of both types of milk at ratio 50:50. Couscous was then mixed with yoghurts from cow milk (CMCY); soya milk (SMCY) and cow-soya milk (CSCY) at ratios of 90:10, 80:20 and 70:30 (yoghurt: couscous), w/w for the three respectively. The experiment was designed based on 2 factors (milk type and mixing ratio) at 3 levels, each resulting in a total of 9 treatments. Cow milk yoghurt without couscous was used as the control. Proximate compositions were determined using standard methods. Total viable microbial counts of samples were also determined. There were significant differences (p

Microbial Effect of Refuse Dump on the Composition of Leafy Vegetables Grown in the Vicinity of Dump Site Along River Benue, Mubi Road, Yola

Enock Dashu

Microbial quality of vegetables grown in the vicinity of dumpsite along river Benue basin Yola Adamawa state was investigated to determine the effect of the wastes. A total of twenty samples were studied, from each of vegetable, soil and water at different distances 50, 100 and 200m from the dumpsite. Microbial analysis showed that total bacterial, mold and yeast, and coliform bacteria counts exceeded the 1,000 CFU/100ml guideline for water used in fresh produce. The result shows that total bacterial count was found to be significantly higher in the soil ranging from 4.3 x 105 – 4.78 x 106 followed by irrigation water ranging from 1.0 x 104 – 3.66 x 106 and the least was the vegetable ranging from 1.0 x104 – 9.0 x 104. Coliform bacteria count was found to be higher in the irrigation water ranging from 2.0 x 104 – 1.2 x 105 followed by the vegetables ranging from 1.0 x 104 – 2.0 x 104 and no growth of coliform was found in the soil. Mold and yeast was found to be significantly higher in the soil ranging from1.0 x 104 – TNC and was absent in the vegetables and water respectively. The higher level of microorganism observed in the dump site vegetables compared with the control vegetables show that refuse dump contribute to the microbial load in the study site. This implies that the microbial quality of vegetables may pose a health risk to the people who consume them if not properly prepared.

Increased Potential of Protein Content of Waxy Corn

Edy, Sudirman N., Baktiar I.

The purpose of this research is to gain a potentially waxy corn strains of high protein content. Specific targets to be achieved in this study are promising lines of F1 that have potentially sticky and high protein content. The method used is cross-pollinated plant breeding methods, the hybridization between maize Variety of Srikandi Putih (♀) and the Local Waxy Corn (♂). Characters F1 compared to corn Variety of Srikandi Putih and the Local Waxy Corn. The results showed that character of plant height, number of leaves, and leaf area are higher in Srikandi Putih Variety compared to Local Waxy Corn but age flowering male and female Local Waxy Corn faster than Srikandi Putih Variety. Character length of ear, diameter of ear, weight of 100 seeds, seed weight plant-1 and protein content higher in Srikandi Putih compared to Local Waxy Corn. F1 values on all observation characteristic of plant height, leaf number, leaf area, male and female flowering age, ear length, ear diameter, weight of 100 seeds, seed weight plant-1 and protein content were generally among the values of Srikandi Putih Variety and Local Waxy Corn.

Study on Toxic Impact of Sugar Factory Effluent on the Gill of the Fresh Water Fish Rasbora Daniconius

V. B. Kakade

The fresh water fish Rasbora daniconius were exposed to two sublethal concentration of sugar factory effluent for 4 weeks studied. The concentration were record 1/5(2.2%) and 1/10(1.1%) of the 96 hrs LC 5O values of sugar factory effluent. The gills of R. daniconius showed the curling and degeneration and breaking of epithelium cells of the secondary gill lamellae, destruction of blood cells, blood capillaries and nuclei were the prominent features of the gill.

Egg quality characteristics of pullet chickens fed Neem (AzdirachtaIndica) leaf meal (NLM) managed under two housing systems

Kargbo K., Kanu S

A study was carried out with 180 dominant black strain pullet birds to evaluate the effect of neem and housing types on egg quality characteristics of pullets at point of lay. The birds were randomly assigned to two housing types (deep litter with run and deep litter housing) of 6 treatment groups comprising of 30 birds and 3 replicates of 10 birds each. The experiment was arranged in a 2 x 3 factorial layout in a completely randomized design. Diets containing neem leaf meal (NLM) at 0, 0.5 and 1.0% was administered to birds. Data were collected egg external and internal characteristic at point of lay. Highest egg weight (45.53 g) was obtained in birds fed 0.5% NLM. Bright yellow yolks were obtained from birds managed on deep litter housing with run. It was concluded that up to 1.0% NLM could be included in the diets of laying pullets to trigger early egg production and improve egg yolk colour.

A report on Tuberculosis in Monkeys (Macaca mulatta): A case study at Chittagong Zoo

Simian tuberculosis is one of the most important bacterial diseases of captive monkey in Bangladesh. A prevalence study to characterize Mycobacterium infecting tuberculous monkeys in captive managemental systems in Chittagong Zoo was carried out. In the present study, 14 rhesus monkeys which were newly arrived in the zoo and kept in the quarantine were used for the tuberculin skin testing (TST) to determine the prevalence of tuberculosis. An overall of 28.57% (4/14) was recorded by the TST. There were also marked differences in the prevalence of the disease within different age groups. In the tested positive animals, one was died within two days and showed tubercle in the lung and other organs in the post-mortem examination. The lung sample was collected for Zeihl-Neelsen revealed red colored tubercule bacilli.The above examination confirmed that, the macaques were suffering from tuberculosis.

Effect of dose and timing of application of different plant growth regulators on lodging and grain yield of a Scottish landrace of barley (Bere) in Orkney, Scotland

S.S.M. Shah, X. Chang, P. Martin

The effects of dose and the timing of the application of three different types of plant growth regulators on lodging and grain yield of a landrace of barley (Bere) were investigated. Results indicated that the application of full dose of plant growth regulators at Zadoks growth stage 31 had improved lodging resistance by reducing the stem length. Amongst plant growth regulators Upgrade caused the highest reduction in stem length and lodging index compared with other plant growth regulators while Adjust was the least effective plant growth regulator. The results indicated that Upgrade was less effective in lodging control at the higher nitrogen level (90 kg ha-1). Although this plant growth regulator improved lodging resistance, grain yield was not enhanced in any of the trials. This outcome was due to a delayed lodging and/or absence of severe lodging in the control plots. Further investigations on the effect of timing of lodging incidence on grain yield would be useful extension of the present study. A separate trial investigating the effectiveness of Upgrade in lodging control under a range of nitrogen levels is recommended.

Effect of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, plant growth regulator and artificial lodging on grain yield and grain quality of a landrace of barley

S.S.M. Shah, X. Chang, P. Martin

Landraces of different crops are still preferred due to their stable yields under low inputs and adverse climatic conditions to which most modern varieties are not adapted. In the UK, a landrace of barley called Bere is currently grown in extreme climatic conditions of Orkney to which most of the modern varieties are not adapted. Although this landrace is probably the oldest barley under cultivation in the UK, very little research has been conducted. In this paper the effects of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, plant growth regulator and artificial lodging on grain yield and quality of Bere were investigated in the Orkney’s short growing season. Higher nitrogen application resulted in a higher lodging incidence but grain yield was not reduced by the severity of lodging. The artificial lodging applied at Zadoks growth stage 77 resulted in the greatest yield losses which indicated that control measures may be required to avoid lodging at this critical growth stage. Phosphorous and potassium had no significant effect on lodging resistance. Whilst plant growth regulator improved lodging resistance it was less effective in controlling lodging at the highest nitrogen level (90 kg ha-1). The trials indicated that higher level of N caused marginal increase in grain yield when nitrogen level was raised from 45 kg to 90 kg ha-1. This tended to suggest the use of medium N-level (45 kg N ha-1) for producing Bere. Plant growth regulator increased lodging resistance but had an inconsistent effect on grain yield. This study recommended the use of plant growth regulator as a means of easing harvesting rather than for enhancing yield and quality. The study concluded that phosphorous and potassium could be used to improve disease resistance and grain yield but not for lodging control.

Characteristics of Nutraceutical Yoghurt Mousse Fortified with Chia Seeds

Neamah R.Attalla, Enas A. El-Hussieny

Fortification yoghurt mousse with Chia seeds as a novel neutraceutical dairy product was studied. Chia seeds were added with the ratios (1,2and 3% to yoghurt mousse and compared with yoghurt mousse with 1.25% gelatin as control. The physicochemical and functional properties for Yoghurt mousse were evaluated. Fortification of 3% chia seed can be recommended for production novel dairy products with high neutraceutical properties and high acceptable sensory properties. Evaluation the preventive role of chia on lipids in normal and isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction was studied in rats. Chia at two doses (3% as one serving and 6% as double serving concentrated ratio in yoghurt mousse) was orally administered to rats for a period of 28 days. Isoproterenol (5 mg/kg) was injected intrapreitoneal to male wistar rats at last 7 days. ISO-treated rats also showed a significant increase (p < 0.001) in the levels of triglycerides, and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) level in plasma with subsequent decrease (P

Recent Developments in Goat Farming and Perspectives for a Sustainable Production in Western Africa

Dehouegnon Jerry Agossou, Tatiana Dominica Dougba, Nazan Koluman

The West African region has a great diversity of indigenous goat breeds that are well adapted to such environmental conditions. West African goat population was estimated to be around 150 million heads in 2014, representing 14.82% of the world goat population. Goats play an important role in the socio-economic, environmental and religious life of the farming communities in terms of income, payment of dowry and supplying food for the local population. The traditional keeping system based on natural rangeland use as feed resources and free roaming is the most common system in the regions. Although goat industries have significantly increased these last decades, they are subjected to a variety of factors limiting their development. For a sustainable development with the goals of meeting the increasing demand for goat products, a wide intensification of goat production policies should be implemented.

Potential of genomic approaches in conservation of plant and animal biodiversity in Africa: A review

In Africa, status of biodiversity conservation of many plants and animals is questionable as this is considered to be caused by limited and lack of authentic information concerning genetic diversity. This has led to a considerable compromise of conservation decisions in Africa. As a result, lack of reliable information continues to cause a great effect on the long-term security of species of plants and animals. Current advancement in genomics has proved to play a vital role in conservation of plant and animal biodiversity. It produces genetic data that helps researchers to understand the interaction between ecosystem and organisms, also among organisms themselves. The information extracted from plants and animals via genomics techniques can be used to develop good approaches for biodiversity conservation. Despite its usefulness, there is a limited awareness on the application of potential genomics in plants and animals conservation in many developing countries, especially in Africa. The aim of this review is to raise awareness and catalyse the application of genomics techniques in rejuvenation and conservation of plants and animals in Africa. Precisely, the paper addresses the efficacy of potential genomics in plants and animals conservation; and seeks to show how Africa can benefit from genomics technology. About 62 peer-reviewed articles were reviewed. This current review has shown that genomics helps to identify good genes for fitness, and develops tools to monitor and conserve plants and animals biodiversity. The review recommends that regardless of the limitation of genomics application in biodiversity conservation in Africa, African researchers must consider using this technology for better conservation of plants and animals biodiversity.

Isolation, Identification and Characterization of Keratin degrading microorganisms from Poultry soil and their Feather degradation Potential

Suchitra Godbole, Jayashri Pattan, Sonal Gaikwad, Tripti Jha

Keratinolytic microorganisms have a great importance in poultry waste degradation and its bioconversion to compost or animal feed. The aim of this study was to isolate keratin degrading bacteria and fungi from poultry farm soil, and to study their ability to degrade chicken feathers. The poultry farm soil samples were added in basal medium with feathers as a source of carbon and nitrogen. Five bacterial cultures were isolated. Bacteria were grown in basal media with feathers meal and showed feather degrading capacity. Bacterial strains were identified as Aeromicrobium spp., Exiguobacter spp., Marinococcus spp. and Bacillus spp. 1 & Bacillus spp 2.These bacteria showed keratinolytic enzyme activity in the cell free culture supernatants. The highest biodegradation of feathers was obtained using Aeromicrobium (KD1-72.55%), among the isolated cultures. Two fungal cultures (F1 and F2) were also isolated by Hair Bait Technique, out of which F1 showed good keratinolytic activity. The good ability of selected microorganisms to degrade feathers can be utilized for their potential biotechnological application in processing of feather waste from poultry industry.

Present Management of Common-pool Resource:Sinnakalapu Lagoon in Alayadivembu Pradeshiya Sabha, Ampara District, Sri Lanka

Thanigasalam Shahirajh, Udeni Edirisinghe

In order to rectify common problems associated with common pool resource management different types of effective and efficient common pool resource management systems have been developed by experts though seldom published.Sinnakalapu lagoon is a brackish water ecosystem with low salinity and managed as a common pool resource of the five villages in Alayadivembu Pradeshiya Sabha. Flora and fauna present include35fin-fish species, four shrimp species, twelvebird species and a significant number of aquatic plants. These identified and biodiversity status of identified flora and fauna of Sinnakalapu was described under two-time periods before tsunami, (1990-2004) and after tsunami, (2005-2017).Ecological importance of Sinnakalapu is described based on biological, chemical and physical features of Sinnakalapu ecosystem. Mean annual income per year by fisheries resources in Sinnakalapu wasestimated. Based on this the economic value of Sinnakalapu was described. Mismanagement practices leading to the loss of biodiversity were identified and their impacts were analyzed. Numbers of fin-fishes, shrimps, insects, birds and aquatic plant species have reduced and some of the species have got extinct. Conservation and suitable management systems for sustainable management were identified concurring with the environmental policies and laws in Sri Lanka.

Evaluation of Maize Top Cross Hybrids for Grain Yield and Associated Traits in Three Agro-Ecological Zones in Ghana

Emmanuel G. Vah, Ndebeh J., Akromah R., Obeng- Antwi K.

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important food crop in Ghana, but its productivity in farmers‟ fields throughout the country is generally low. The low grain yields can be attributed partly to the use of traditional low-yielding open-pollinated varieties. In an attempt to increase maize productivity, 39 top cross hybrids were developed using 21 inbred lines and 3 open-pollinated varieties. The trial was set up in a randomized complete block design with two replications in three locations in southern Ghana. The overall objective of the study was to investigate traits which influence yields in top cross hybrids and to ascertain the yield potential of the hybrids in three agro-ecological zones in Ghana. The Genotypes were evaluated to determine agronomic performances and correlations between yield and yield component traits were calculated to assess the degrees of associations. Highly significant variations (p

Spatio Temporal Land Use Land Cover Change Mapping of Malete Elemere: Implication on Development Planning of Emerging Communities

The use of Ecosystem and Biodiversity mapping, land use land cover change detection has been advocated in preparation of developmental master plan in towns and cities. Noticeable changes have been observed within Malete Elemere community since the establishment of Kwara State University Malete, yet its spatial pattern and socio ecological implication have not been investigated. This work seek to determine and produce land cover land use change map of Malete Elemere over the last 10 years and post 15 year periods through change detection techniques so as to evaluate the impact of the establishment of Kwara State university on the settlement spatial development. Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) satellite images of 2005, 2010 and 2015 of the study area were acquired from USGS at spatial resolution of 30 m. Radiometric correction were applied to all the images using radiance modules in Idrisi32 with radiance spectral value set at DN 0 (Lmin) and 255 (Lmax). An unsupervised classification was carried out on the composite images of bands 4,3,2,1 for all the selected years to identify possible maximum spectral reflectance classes, this was followed by supervised classification using training sample from the field survey from which image to image spatio-temporal changes statistics were extracted. To generate a prediction of LULC changes for 2025, Cellular Automata-Markovian transition estimator (CA-Markov) in Idrisi32 was used. Various Kappa statistics was used to evaluate the performance of prediction with an average K statistics of above 0.83 recorded. The result shows that built up area gained an astronomical increase (180%) between 2005 and 2015 while forest lost significantly (34%) within the same periods, with most of the gains occurring in 2010 and 2015 after the establishment of KWASU. By 2025, two Major growth pole centres will emerge along Malete Elemere Axis and one minor in Jenkunu Omoni Axis which will exert a great stress on infrastructural facilities and may create a chaotic condition if left unattended to.

Investigation of the proteolytic activity of liver trematodes in goats of Khizi-Khachmaz zone of Azerbaijan

Topchiyeva Sh.A., Namazova Ð.Ð., Mammadova S.M.

The article presents experimental data on the detection of proteolytic activity of liver trematodes in the goats of Khizi-Khachmaz zone of Azerbaijan in different seasons of the year. Determination of the enzymatic activity was carried out spectrophotometrically using a Folin reagent on a Specol 1500 spectrophotometer (Analitik Jena). The maximum peak of intensity of proteolytic activity of trematodes isolated from goat liver was detected. The maximum value of the enzyme activity was reached in March equal to 170 μg of tyrosine per gram of wet weight of the helminth, and the minimum in June reaching 70 μg of tyrosine per gram of wet weight of the helminth.

Study of the Activity of Phospholipase A2 in Venom of the Transcaucasian Macrovipera Lebetina Obtusa

Shafiga Topchiyeva, Elmar Babayev, Huseyn Abiyev

The activity of phospholipase A2 in the venom of the Transcaucasian Macrovipera lebetina obtusa, collected from viperas inhabiting in different regions of Azerbaijan in terms of pollution, was studied. The lowest (30,2 IU / mg) was detected in the venom of Viperas collected in Sabirabad district, Karatuga village and the highest was detected in the venom of Viperas collected in Baku, s. Bina (38,5IU / mg). As a result of experimental studies it follows that the activity of phospholipase in the venom collected in the vicinity of the Sabirabad district Karatuga village and Agsu district Garagoyunlu village, Gobustan district Childag village, Bina and Sumgait is 30.2 ± 1.1 IU / mg, 32.6 ± 0.9 IU / mg, 34.5 ± 0.8 IU / mg, 38.5 ± 0.2 IU / mg and 36.1 ± 0 , 8 IU / mg, respectively. Thus, the activity of phospholipase A2 in the venom of the Transcaucasian Viperas Macrovipera lebetina obtusa collected from snakes inhabiting different in the degree of contamination of the regions of Azerbaijan was studied. The results of the experimental data can be used to determine the biological activity of the venom samples, including, for identification and standardization of the venom of the vipera.

Cress Seed (Lepidium sativum) Role in the healthy Processed Spread Cheese and Its Anti-Diabetic Activity

Eman F. Mohamed, Aya M. Hussein

The present study dealt with utilization of cress seeds (Lepidium sativum) in the manufacture of processed spread cheese, instead of emulsifying salt. Cress seed have also health promoting properties especially lowering glucose ratios. Cress seeds powder were prepared and added with the ingredients during manufacture of processed spread cheese at levels of six ratios (0.05, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5 and 5.5%) compared with control (3% commercial emulsifying salt). The chemical, physical, microbiology and organoleptic properties of resultant samples were evaluated. Data revealed that processed spread cheese sample fortified with 3.5% cress seeds was the best either when fresh or during storage (8±2ºC for 3 months) and they had acceptable properties. Microstructure of processed cheese spread samples were also conducted. From nutritional view, processed cheese spread samples fortified with 3.5% cress seeds were used for feeding Adult male albino rats to study their effect on plasma glucose level. Obtained data indicated that the glucose level in plasma was significantly decreased (P

Mosquitosâ€™ species of Diyala province, Iraq

Raad Hammodi Hasson

In the present study; the electrical mosquito’s killer collection method was used for adult mosquitoes. Two different stations for fixing electricalmosquito’s killer were chosen in the study area of veterinary college of medicine of Diyala University,Baquba, Al-muradia. Total number of 553 insects collected ; total number of mosquitoes n = 70 ;Two genera Anopheles n=21 and Culex n= 49 adults were recorded with no significance difference P-Value = 0.565; Three spp. were identified and classified as followsCx. (Cux.) pipiens Linnaeus 1758 , An. (Cel.) stephensi Liston 1901 and An. (Ano.) sacharovi Favre 1903. There was significant difference p=0.010 between monthly distribution in favor of March 2017 , were the total number of the insects (n=507)and the number of mosquitoes(n=64 ) , and lowest number were in January and February (n=0)reported ; Results revealed alsono significant difference p=0.248 between the monthly total number of mosquitoes and other insects and monthly total number of mosquitoes; Mosquitoes were captured indoors more Anopheles than outdoors; Culex recorded in November, December and March, while anopheline reported in March only in time of study. Our present study entomological data calls the health authority to conduct further survey for Mosquito species in the province to its great role as vector of malaria.

Adoption of Urea Deep Placement Recommended Practices among Rice Farmers in Niger State, Nigeria

Ajibola B.O., Fatoki P.

This study assessed the factors influencing adoption of UDP recommended practices by rice farmers in Niger State, Nigeria. A total of 86 rice farmers were selected for the study using multi-stage sampling procedure. Structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics and multiple regressions were used for data analysis. Results revealed that majority (60.5%) of the rice farmers were male and the respondents’ mean age was 49 years. The mean household size was 7 people whileless than half (48.9%) of the respondents had no formal education. The average farm size cultivated by the rice farmers was 0.8ha and all (100.0%) the respondents had no access to credit facilitates2015/2016 cropping season.The significant variables were sex, education, rice farming experience, farm size, paddy output, training and complexity. Constraints hindering adoption of UDP recommended practices were lack of credit facilities, labourious nature of line transplanting and USG application as well as limited USG supply, time spent on application of USG, inadequate training and health status of the rice farmers. It was recommended that government should ensure that credit facilities are made available and accessible to rice farmers in the study area. Also, trainings on UDP recommended practices should be a focal point for the government, non-governmental organizations and private sector actors to deal with the inadequate knowledge of UDP recommended practices among the rice farmers.

Socio-Economic Determinants of Entrepreneurship Decision among Yam Agribusiness Entrepreneurs in Benue State, Nigeria.

A.M. Okeke, J. Onwumere

The socio-economic determinants of entrepreneurship decision among yam agribusiness entrepreneurs in Benue State of Nigeria were examined. The specific objective was to identify and analyse the determinants of entrepreneurship decision among yam agribusiness entrepreneurs. Data were collected from 288 yam agribusiness entrepreneurs in six local government areas and 24 wards using a multi-stage sampling technique. Structured interview schedule was used to collect the data. Data collected were analysed using logit model. The finding indicates that age, educational status, years of experience, profit motive, financial independence, place to retire, and household entrepreneurial history significantly influence entrepreneurship decision of yam agribusiness entrepreneurs. It was recommended that workshops aimed at educating yam entrepreneurs on yam processing equipment and various processed forms of yams be encouraged; campaigns geared towards promoting the financial benefits of these various food forms from yam be encouraged; and credit facilities should be made available and accessible to these yam entrepreneurs to enable them adopt and utilize these yam processing equipments.

Statistical optimization of Î±-amylase production by Escherichia coliusing extruded bean as nitrogen and carbon source

Response surface methodology based on mixture design was employed for statistical optimization of medium components for the growth and production of α-amylase by Escherichia coli pAC92. The combined effects of media constituents (peptone, yeast extract and extruded beans) were analyzed using a cubic model, which was developed by3-factor simplex lattice mixture design in predicting the optimum yield of growth and α-amylase activity. Results evidenced that extruded common bean was more effective as a nutrient source for E.colipAC92 growth. On the other hand, the completely substituted medium with extruded common bean resulted in 68% of increase in the growth of Escherichia coli pAC92. In addition, the culture medium containing 0.5% of extruded bean and 0.5% of peptone reached a α-amylase activity of 44.59 U. The optimal medium composition was determined by a numerical method based on desirability function, by which the optimal composition for maximum optical density and enzyme activity was found using 0.5% peptone and 0.5% extruded common bean as media constituents. Therefore, these results evidenced that extruded common bean can be successfully used as substitute of peptone and yeast extract in culture media for production of α-amylase byE.colipAC92.

Assessment of the Benefits of National Fadama III Agricultural Project among Participants through her Activities (Indicators) in Bayelsa State

Ominikari Abraham G., Kuforiji Olusegun A., Eshiet Abasiama A.

The study assessed the benefits of national fadama III agricultural project among participants through her activities in bayelsa state. Objective one (1) assessed the benefits of National Fadama III agricultural project through her activities, while objective two (2) Identified problems encountered by the participants in the cause of participation in the study area. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 150 farmers that participated, and 150 staff from the delivery agency. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire. Both objectives were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency count, percentage, and mean (X ̅). The finding showed that Farmers did not benefit commendably from Fadama III Project. No access to Fadama project personnel’s when the need arise, lack of fund, non-regular training, poor communication channel and delays in being attended to by the delivery agency were the top constraints faced by farmers in National Fadama III Project. The study therefore recommended that National Fadama III Project should be properly funded and its activities should be reorganized to be of great benefit to the farmers, the study recommends that proper training in all the activities should be made available for effective participation, empower the participants to improve their income level, and to move them away from poverty by improving their standard of living.

Changes in the Mineralisation of Nutrients and Sunflower Biomass in Soil Irrigated with Water from Oil Exploration in a Semi-Arid Environment

Wastewater from oil fields may be an option for irrigation, especially in regions which have low rainfall with high variability. The aim was to evaluate the composition and decomposition of shoot biomass from sunflower plants irrigated with water from oil wells,which had been subjected to filtering (FPW) and reverse osmosis (OPW), using groundwater (UGW) as a reference.Two tests were then carried out to evaluate decomposition of the residue. In the first test, residues produced with FPW, OPW and UGWwere incubated in soil and irrigated with groundwater (UGW). In the second test, residues from plants irrigated with UGW were also incubated,but irrigated with FPW, OPW and UGW. Significant differences were seen in the levels of Na, Mg and lignin in the residues with the use of FPW, showing greater levels for Na, and lower levels for Mg and lignin. The loss in biomass of the incubated residues was not significant in either test; this was not seen in the Mg e Nwith smaller losses than the biomass, or theNa, K e S with greater losses, especially when produced with FPW and OPW respectively. In the residue produced with UGW, differences were identified for Ca and Na, with the order of losses for type of water being UGW=FPW> OPW and OPW=UGW>FPW respectively. Irrigation using water from oil extraction alters the chemical characteristics of the soil and the composition of cultivated plants at a level sufficient to influence the rate of decomposition of the organic residue.

In vitro Propagation of Malaysian Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Variety through Low Cost Tissue Culture Media

Huzaimah Mahdi, Rebicca Edward

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a perennial woody plant belongs to Euphorbiaceae family and listed as one of the most important source of carbohydrates around the world. In Malaysia, Cassava is an important industrial crop for starch processing and food industries. Hence, an in vitro propagation technique is needed to produce these highly demand industrial crop. In this study, the Malaysian cassava variety which was Putih variety was cultured onto low cost tissue culture media by using nodal explants. The low cost media were tested using locally available ingredients which were 2 ml/L Maxigreen50 liquid fertilizer as the substitute to MS salt, 3%(w/v) table sugar as the substitute to sucrose, agar-agar strip (14 g/L), corn flour (20 g/L), and tapioca flour (20 g/L) as the substitute to Phytagel powder. The low cost media were supplemented with young coconut water of Matag variety at the concentration of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mL/L. The results showed that the best low cost media for the induction of shoot multiplication, height and number of leaves was the low cost media supplemented with 2 mL/L Maxigreen50 liquid fertilizer, 14 g/L agar-agar strip + 20 g/L corn flour, and 100 mL coconut water for cassava Putih variety.

Assessment of Factors that Influence Participants Level of Participation in Fadama III Agricultural Project in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Ominikari Abraham G., Onumadu Francis N., Gideon Nnamerenwa

The study assessed factors that influenced participant’s level of participation of fadama III agricultural project in bayelsa state. Objectives were the participant’s socioeconomic characteristics, and the factors that influenced participant’s level of participation. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 150 farmers that participated, and 150 staff from the delivery agency. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire. Objective one was analyzed using descriptive statistics, while inferential statistics such as ordinary least square (OLS) regression analysis was used. The finding showed that farmers were averagely 42.6 years old, 54.7% of the farmers were females while 45.4% were males, 72.1% of the farmers were married. The farmers farm averagely 0.9 hectares and had averagely 7 persons per household. The farmers were literate, experienced in farming with mean monthly estimated income from Fadama of N44, 133.83. Extension visit to farmers was low with 38.7 percent being the largest proportion of the entire sampled farmers. Age of respondents, food security status, household size, and income level, and poverty status, leadership propensity, farming experience, educational level and distance to Fadama III training centre influenced participant’s level of participation in Fadama III agricultural project in Bayelsa state. The study concludes that agricultural and rural development projects such as fadama III are fundamental to nation building and the agricultural sector is what can fast track the challenges faced by rural dwellers in terms of agricultural development in most of the developing countries. The study recommends that funds meant for agricultural projects be properly disbursed to farmers to enable them participate actively as farmer’s income level motivate them to participate in agricultural and rural development projects.

Imposing Criminal Liability on Government officials for Haze in South Kalimantan, Indonesia

Mustajillah Riswan Erfa, Suci Rabella

The background of this research is based on the Haze that happens almost every year in South Kalimantan. Society are questioning the Government’s Responsibility of this annual disaster in South Kalimantan. The purpose of this research is to analyze the reasons underlying the possibility to Impose Criminal Liability for Haze in South Kalimantan to the Government Officials, and to describe the form of criminal liability of the Government as environmental policy stakeholders on haze in South Kalimantan. This research is a normative legal research using statute approach and conceptual approach. The results of this study are: First, as a legal/law subject, the Government of South Kalimantan Province also has rights and obligations. Therefore, the Government is classified as a legal/law subject that can also be asked for its criminal liability. In addition, the negligence of the Government in South Kalimantan related to Haze could be criminalized based on the criminalization theory. Second, according to the Act Number 32/2009 on the Environmental Protection and Management, it has not been regulated about criminal sanction for the negligent government which resulted a repeated environmental pollution that harms the society. Thus, if then formulated in the Act Number 32/2009 on Environmental Protection and Management, then a criminal act that can be imposed is a material crime committed by the Government in the form of an impure passive criminal action with imprisonment and fine as sanction.

Analysis of Physical and Chemical Composition of Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) Peels

Oyebola O. Olabinjo, Agboola S. Ogunlowo, Olabode O. Ajayi, Ayoola P. Olalusi

Sweet orange is one of the most common fruits in the World. The waste generated from the fruits needs to be put into a beneficial use. In this study some physical and chemical properties of the primary waste of sweet orange was investigated. The result showed sweet orange rinds (peels) as the major waste and contains 45-50% of the total mass of sweet orange fruits. The chemical analysis showed sweet orange rinds to be rich in protein of 7.15% and crude fibre of 12.79% which can be used as ingredients in processed food. These uses will promote sustainable disposal of orange rinds.

Traditional Techniques of oil extraction from Kapok (Ceiba pentandra Gaertn.), Mahogany (Khaya senegalensis) and Neem (Azadirach indica A. Juss.) Seeds from the Far-North Region of cameroon

An investigation was carried out in four localities of the Far-North of Cameroon (Maroua, Mokolo, Kaele and Yagoua in order to improve endogenous methods of oil extraction from kapok (Ceiba pentandra Gaertn.), mahogany (Hhaya senegalensis) and neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) seed. The questionnaire administered to 75 traditional producers permitted us to note that extraction of oil from kapok is scarce. The traditional extraction processes from these oilseeds vary. But two principal techniques are predominant: the kneading process and the heated paste process. Husking, pounding and extraction make up the bottleneck. The yields are low, averagely six pans (of 1L capacity) are used to obtain one litre of oil. Amelioration of these methods through the introduction of grinders and pressers will not only help reduce strenuousness, but also increase the capacity to treat the yields and oil quality.

Local uses of kapok (Ceiba pentandra Gaertn.) Tree from the Northern Part of Cameroon

An investigation was carried out in the Adamawa, North and Far-North Regions, in order to gather information about the actual uses of Ceiba pentandra Gaertn. a fruit tree widely domesticated by the population in this part of Cameroon. Data were collected from a sample of 300 persons from different localities of these regions. The results showed that almost all parts of Ceiba are used in curing many diseases such as sexually transmitted illnesses (syphilis, gonococci), fever and skin or eyes infections. Men use these trees as antibiotic or aphrodisiac. Generally, leaves (55%), roots and bark (28%) are the most used part of the tree. Oil was extracted from the seeds. The fact that the local population masters the know-how of the methods of extracting traditional oil needs to be exploited. These results are important data for the valorization of this tree in Cameroon.

Microbial and Physicochemical Qualities of River Owena Sediments

Ayo O. E, Arotupin D. J

Microbial quality, physicochemical parameters and heavy metals determination of sediment samples from River Owena, Oriade local government area, Owena, Nigeria. For period of dry and wet seasons. The pH of the sediment samples ranged from 6.44 to 8.00±0.01, organic matter ranged from 17.15 to 35.31%; water holding capacity ranged from 0.323 to 1.779±0.01 ml/g; composition of sand: clay: silt were 75:12:13 %, 33:17:50 %, 62:18:20 % and 50:20:30 %; 82:2:16 %, 48:22:30 %, 32:25:43 % and 43:27:30 % wet and dry seasons respectively indicated more of loamy sand, clay loam, silt clay and loam. Mean concentrations of heavy metals measured in the sediment samples included iron, zinc, manganese, lead, chromium, cadmium, nickel and copper, iron had highest values of 1.89 to 4.1±0.01 mg/kg and cadmium lowest values of 0.01 to 0.12±0.01 mg/kg. A total of fifteen bacterial species were isolated from River Owena sediments, which included Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Salmonella enteritidis, Bacillus subtilis, Serratia marcescens, Shigella sonnei, Bacillus cereus, Micrococcus luteus, Micrococcus varians, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris and Erwinia amylovora. A total of ten fungal species were isolated, which included Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium chrysogenum, Cladosporium herbarum, Mucor mucedo, Mucor plumbeus, Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizopus stolonifer and Rhizopus oryzae. The total bacterial count of the sediment ranged from 4.1 x103 to 3.02 x 103 cfu/g while the total fungal count of the sediment ranged from 4 x 103 to 7.6 x 103 cfu/g. However, the pollution level due to the presence of some pathogenic microorganisms which are of public health significance, but it could be improved upon with appropriate treatment and sanitation.

Microbial and Physicochemical Qualities of River Owena Water: An Important Source of Domestic Water in Owena Metropolis

Ayo O. E, Arotupin D. J

Microbial quality, physicochemical parameters and heavy metals determination of water samples from River Owena, Oriade local government area, Owena, Nigeria. For period of dry and wet seasons. The pH of water ranged from 6.72 to 7.52±0.01, dissolved oxygen ranged from 5.95 to 7.63±0.01 mg/l, biological oxygen demand ranged from 3.20 to 11.47±0.01 mg/l. Other physicochemical parameters measured for the water included alkalinity, turbidity total solids, suspended solids, dissolved solid, total hardness, calcium hardness, magnesium hardness, temperature and conductivity which were of higher values during dry season compared to wet season. The MPN index ranged from 7 to1100 cfu/100 ml, mean concentrations of heavy metals in water such as iron, zinc, manganese, lead, chromium, cadmium, nickel and copper, iron had the highest values of 1.1 to 3.3±0.01 mg/l and cadmium had lowest values of 0.01 to 0.06±0.01 mg/l. A total of ten bacterial species were isolated from River Owena water, which included Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Salmonella enteritidis, Micrococcus luteus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris and Shigella sonnei. A total of eight fungal species were isolated from water of River Owena, which included Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, Cladosporium herbarum, Mucor mucedo, M. plumbeus, Fusarium oxysporum and Rhizopus oryzae. The total bacterial count of the water ranged from 2.2 x 103 to 2.25 x 103 ±0.01 cfu/ml. The total fungal count of the water ranged from 6 x 103 to 1.22 x 103±0.01 sfu/ml. However, the quality of the water from this river did not conform to the drinking standard of world health organization (1984) hence poor due to the presence of some pathogenic microorganisms and heavy metals which are of public health significance, but it could be improved upon with appropriate treatment.

Determination of Slope of Enugu for Erosion Models

G.I. Okolotu, P.C. Eze, C.N. Eze.

Slope in soil erosion models (soil loss equations) refer to slope components known as the LS factor. Generating the LS values poses the largest problem in using the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE). This work gives the practical solution to slope determination using two methods; the direct field measurement and the topomap techniques. From direct field measurement technique, slope was ascertained by excavation of the study area and measurement of the selected vertical distance (rise) over a selected horizontal distance (run), which was used for the determination of the slope length and gradient (angle) using the general slope equations. Using the topomap method, point A and B were identified on the map sheet, the elevations of point A and B were obtained from the contour lines while the distance of the two points were obtained from the map using a meter rule and the map scale. The values of their elevations (rise) over their distances (run) were used to compute slope length which was useful in obtaining slope angle. Either way, the values of L and S were multiplied together to generate a single value known as the LS factor which is applicable in the Universal soil loss equation and other erosion models to be developed in the area in future years. These models can be used to calculate and predict soil erosion occurrence in the study area; Enugu State of Nigeria. Slope management techniques to minimize erosion were also prescribed as a prevention strategy rather than remediation of eroded soil.

Material Losses and Garri Recovery Rate during the Processing of Varieties of Cassava into Garri

E.A. Udom, P.C. Eze, C. N. Eze

Materials losses and garri yield during garri processing on different cassava varieties; TMS/92/0057, TMS/30572, TME/419 and Vitamin A: 01/1368 were conducted. The results showed that there were variations within the different processing unit as well as the cassava varieties during garri processing. Losses were recorded highest at grating, dewatering and fermentation processes with the values of 9kg from TMS/92/0057 recording the highest loss, 8.5kg from Vitamin A: 01/1368, 7.7kg from TMS/30572 and 7kg from TME/419. On roasting processes, TMS/30572 had 3.2kg loss, Vitamin A: 01/1368, had 2.5kg loss, while TME/419 and TMS/92/0057 had 2kg loss respectively. Material losses at peeling showed that Vitamin A: 01/1368 recorded 4.5kg loss being the highest, TMS/92/0057 and TME/419 recorded 3kg loss each, while TMS/30572 recorded 2.5kg loss. Sifting losses indicated that vitamin A: 01/1368 and TME/419 had 1kg loss each, whereas TMS/30572 had 0.8kg loss and TMS/92/0057 had 0.5kg loss. Overall material loss for each cassava variety based on fresh weight of 20kg and maturity age of 14 weeks was determined, which vitamin A: 01/1368 recorded the highest loss of 16.5kg, TMS/92/0057 had 14.5kg loss, TMS/30572 had 14.2kg loss and TME/419 recorded 13kg loss. The total garri yield from each variety was also determined with TME/419 having 7kg yield, TMS/30572 had 5.8kg yield, TMS/92/0057 had 5.5kg yield and Vitamin A: 01/1368 recorded 3.5kg yield. Percentage losses from the tested varieties showed that vitamin A: 01/1368 had the highest percentage of 82.5% loss, TMS/92/0057 had 72.5% loss, TMS/30572 had 71% loss and TME/419 recorded 65% loss. Percentage yield of garri was also determined on the cassava varieties, this showed that TME/419 had 35% yield being the maximum, TMS/30572 had 29% yield, TMS/92/0057 had 27.5% yield and Vitamin A: 01/1368 recorded 17.5% yield.

The Impact of Drought: A Study Based on Anuradhapra District in Sri Lanka

Kaleel.MIM, Nijamir.K

Anuradhapura District being one of the paddy providers in Sri Lanka highly affected due to the drought disaster. The trend and cause for the drought should be identified for future remedial measures. Thus this study is conducted based on the following objective. The primary objective is that ‘identifying the impact of drought in Anuradhapura District’ and the secondary objective are ‘finding the direct and indirect factors causing drought and the influence of drought in agriculture in the study area and proposing suggestions to lessen the impact of drought in the study area. To attain these objectives data from 1900 to 2014 were collected. All the data were analysed and the trend of drought, condition of drought and the impact of drought were identified. Many suggestions have been provided in the suggestion part.

Effect of Seed Priming on Seed Germination and Vigour in Fresh and Aged Seeds of Cucumber.

Pratima Pandey , K Bhanuprakash, Umesh

Seed priming (seed invigouration) has gained a lot of importance in recent times as it emerged as a most promising area of seed quality enhancement technique. Priming is a pre-sowing treatment, that involves exposure of seeds to a low external water potential that limits hydration,(controlled hydration of seed) to a level that permits pre-germinative metabolic activity to proceed, but prevents actual emergence of the radical. Fresh seeds of cucumber was artificially aged as per ISTA standards to obtain low vigour seed lots. Both high vigour (unaged) and low vigour (aged) seeds were subjected to seed priming with various chemicals (water, KH2PO4, ,K2HPO4,oxalic acid,gibberellic acid,KNO3,calcium chloride, salicylic acid) and results were compared to identify the best priming treatments. Changes in physiological ( per cent germination, total seedling length, total seedling dry weight, seedling vigour index I and II). In cucumber seed priming improved seed germination and vigour significantly over unprimed. The response of low vigour (aged) seeds to seed priming was much higher when compared to high vigour (unaged) seeds. In cucumber, among various priming chemicals tested, seed priming with KH2PO4 10-3M, K2HPO410-3M, KNO3 0.5% were found best as there was 8, 8 and 8 % more germination in high vigour seeds and 15, 15 & 10 % higher germination in low vigour seeds over unprimed (control).Priming with these chemicals also showed better germination per cent in both high and low vigour seeds, over hydropriming, in both the crops. Besides germination, marked increase in vigour as evident from seedling vigour index I and II was noticed due to seed priming in both the crops when compared to unprimed. In cucumber, there was 56 and 53 % higher SVI in less vigour seeds due to priming with KH2PO4 10-3M and K2HPO410-3M,respectively,compared to unprimed, with respect to SVII, the values were 73 and 62 % more due to priming with KH2PO4 10-3M and K2HPO410-3M, respectively, compared to unprimed in cucumber. Priming with chemicals appears beneficial as there was high per cent vigour when compared to priming with water (hydropriming). In cucumber, priming with KH2PO4 10-3M increased SVI by 39 and 36.7 % and SVII by 35 and 26.6 % over hydropriming.

Effect of the use of Potassium Fertilizer on the Resistance and Growth of Tomato to Bacterial Wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum

Anis Rosyidah , Indiyah Murwani , Bambang Siswadi

The research aims to study the effect of sources and doses of potassium fertilizer on the resistance and growth of tomato to bacterial wilt caused by Ralstoniasolanacearum. We conduct experiment in a screen house in Faculty of Agriculture, Islamic University Malang. The research is conducted experimentally using completely randomized block design (RAK) arranged in factorial with three repetition. There are six combinations of treatment. Factor I: source of potassium fertilizer, consists of two levels: KCl and K2SO4. Factor II:dose of K2O, consists of three levels: 50 kg ha-1, 100 kg ha-1 and 200 kg ha-1. The inoculation of Ralstonia solanacearum is conducted a week after transplanting. There is significant effect on the use of different sources and doses of potassium fertilizer. As whole, the use of potassium fertilizer originated from K2SO4 is better than that of KCl and the magnitude of the increase depends on dose applied. The best result indicates by treatment of the use of K2SO4 with dose of 200 kg ha-1 K2O that able to extend the incubation period of 6,27 days, decrease the attack level of 73,15%, increase the uptake of potassium and leaf chlorophyll of 4,58% and 7,17%, respectively,and increase root lignin of 3%, whereas total phenol is decreased of 27,27% compare to the use of KCl in the same dose.

Use of Nanotechnology in Food Industry: A review

Dibyaranjan Samal

Food science is emerging in a fast way with collaboration of nanotechnology. The food market demands technologies, which are essential to keep market leadership in the food processing industry to produce fresh authentic, convenient and flavorful food products and nanotechnology is the answer to it. Nano particles are used as nano inside as additives and nano outside as packaging. The packaged food products are proving more health beneficial and hygiene with the help of nanotechnology. Nano particles are using as food additives makes food to stay away from microbial contamination hence lengthening the lifespan. Nanoscale food additives may for example be used to influence product shelf life, texture, flavor, nutrient composition, or even detect food pathogens and provide functions as food quality indicators. Nanotechnology providesa vast range of opportunities for the development of new products and applications in food system. Functional foods, nutraceuticals, bioactives, pharmafoods, etc. are very recentexample of it. Lowering of the cost of food additives is a milestone of using nano food additives.

Volume 2 Number 4 (July 2017)

Allocative Efficiency of Resource use on Beekeeping in Chitwan District of Nepal

Extraction, chemical composition, use in induced protection and cross-reactive antigens between exopolisaccharides from Tremella fuciformis Berk and Xanthomonas campestris pv. citri (Hasse) Dye

Ethnobotany Study of Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Respiratory Diseases in the Middle Region of Oum Rbai

Study on Assessment of Physico chemical properties of Industrial wastes

Effect of sulphur supplementation on micronutrients, fatty acids and sulphur use efficiency of soybean seeds

Evaluation of the Activity of Insecticides Plants in the Far North Region of Cameroon

Environmental Impacts of the liquid waste from Assalaya Sugar Factory in Rabek Locality, White Nile State, Sudan

Assessment of Physicochemical parameters and Water Quality Index of Vishwamitri River, Gujarat, India

Breastfeeding Practices of Postnatal Mothers: Exclusivity, Frequency and Duration

Isolation and Identification of Fungi from fast food restaurants in Langa Bazar

Status of large mammals: case study of gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehi), chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes ellioti) and buffalo (Syncerus caffer), Menchum South, NW Cameroon

In vitro mutagenesis of Cymbidium La bell â€œAnna Belleâ€ by Î³-rays irradiation and oligochitosan interaction

The Parity Rate of Indoor-Resting Adult Female Anopheles and Culex Mosquitoes and Their Implication in Disease Transmission in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Female Hostels Awka, South Eastern Nigeria

Comparison between Manual and Automatic Identification of Diatoms of Merja Fouarate (Morocco)

Operational parameters affecting the removal and recycling of direct blue industrial dye from wastewater using bleached oil mill waste as alternative adsorbent material

Comparative Study of Zootechnical Performances and Survival Rates in Rainbow Trout Subjected to Two Foods with Different Formulation

Lindane and Endosulfan Sulfate Isomers in Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin, 1791) Oyster Populations in Lagoon Systems from Central Gulf of Mexico

Insecticidal activities of diketopiperazines of Nomuraea rileyi entomopathogenic fungus

Effect of Knives Type on Some Operational Characteristics fora Locally Assembly Motorized Vibration Cutter Used for Date Palm Fronds Pruning

Inventaireet caractÃ©risation des bas-fonds dans le bassin versant de lâ€™Oti au BÃ©nin Ã lâ€™aide des images Landsat et ASTER DEM

Bioremediation of Chlorpyrifos Contaminated Soil by Microorganism

Study of the bryological flora at the archaeological site of Chellah, Morocco

Proximate and heavy metals composition of Plantain (Musa paradisiaca L.) fruits harvested from some solid waste dumps in Uyo Metropolis, Nigeria

Adaptation to Climate Change and Variability by Gender in Agro-pastoral Communities of Tanzania

Management of True Vaginal Prolapse in Bitch

Squalene Extraction: Biological Sources and Extraction Methods

Photosynthetic Pigments Content of Trapa Natans Specie in Skadar Lake

Bioremediating Effect of Glomus Hoi and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa on the Organic Content and Heavy Metals of Soil Polluted with Oil Refinery Effluent using Amaranthus Cruentus as a Test Plant

Relational Analysis of Profile of Beneficiaries of Farm Ponds and its Socio Economic Impact

Short Term Effect of Crop Residue and Different Nitrogen Levels on Grain yield of Wheat under Rice-Wheat System

Property Development and Land Use Planning Regulations in Nigeria

Development of Indices for Effectiveness of Renewable Energy Technologies Impacting Change in Quality of Life of Rural Residents

Change detection analysis of Cropland using Geospatial technique -A case Study of Narsinghpur District

Comparative Alterations in the Compositional Profile of Selected Root and Vegetable Peels Subjected to Three Pretreatments for Enhanced Saccharification

Coping Strategies of Diabetic Yam Farming Households in Benue State, Nigeria

First record of the Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844) from the coast off Sur, Sultanate of Oman

The Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture and Health Sectors in Tanzania: A review

A case of Dystocia due to Fetal Ascites in Murrah Buffalo

Study of the quality of fruits of the Hylocereusundatus (Haw) Britton & Rose and Hylocereusmegalanthus(K. Schum ex Vaupel) Ralf Baue (Red and Yellow Pitahaya) during the maturationperiod

Human Wildlife Conflicts to communities surrounding Mikumi National Parks in Tanzania: A case of selected villages

Ecosystem Carbon Storage and Partitioning in Chato Afromontane Forest: Its Climate Change Mitigation and Economic Potential

Proximate analysis and in-vitro gas production of predominant forages in Afe Babalola University rangeland as feed resources for ruminant production

Study of Intake, Growth and Nutrient Utilization of Growing Bulls Fed Forages as Sole Diets

Immobilization of two endoglucanases from different sources

Rapid and sensitive methods for detection of Allorhizobium vitis, causal agent of grapevine crown gall

Economic profile of two species of Genus der Euterpe, producers of aÃ§aÃ­ fruits, from the ParÃ¡ and Amazonas States - Brazil

Economic and Environmental Evaluation of Nitrogen Fertilizer Taxation: A Review

Removal from wastewater and recycling of azo textile dyes by alginate-chitosan beads

Alleviation of Salinity Effects by Poultry Manure and Gibberellin Application on growth and Peroxidase activity in pepper

Growth of Wheat Genotypes Influenced by Heat Stress

The Content of Agar Seaweed Gracilaria verrucosa Fertilized with Vermicompost

A New Low Cost Biosorbent for a Cationic Dye Treatment

Proximate and Microbial Profile of Couscous Yoghurt Produced from Soya Milk

Microbial Effect of Refuse Dump on the Composition of Leafy Vegetables Grown in the Vicinity of Dump Site Along River Benue, Mubi Road, Yola

Increased Potential of Protein Content of Waxy Corn

Study on Toxic Impact of Sugar Factory Effluent on the Gill of the Fresh Water Fish Rasbora Daniconius

Egg quality characteristics of pullet chickens fed Neem (AzdirachtaIndica) leaf meal (NLM) managed under two housing systems

A report on Tuberculosis in Monkeys (Macaca mulatta): A case study at Chittagong Zoo

Effect of dose and timing of application of different plant growth regulators on lodging and grain yield of a Scottish landrace of barley (Bere) in Orkney, Scotland

Effect of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, plant growth regulator and artificial lodging on grain yield and grain quality of a landrace of barley

Characteristics of Nutraceutical Yoghurt Mousse Fortified with Chia Seeds

Recent Developments in Goat Farming and Perspectives for a Sustainable Production in Western Africa

Potential of genomic approaches in conservation of plant and animal biodiversity in Africa: A review

Isolation, Identification and Characterization of Keratin degrading microorganisms from Poultry soil and their Feather degradation Potential

Present Management of Common-pool Resource:Sinnakalapu Lagoon in Alayadivembu Pradeshiya Sabha, Ampara District, Sri Lanka

Evaluation of Maize Top Cross Hybrids for Grain Yield and Associated Traits in Three Agro-Ecological Zones in Ghana

Spatio Temporal Land Use Land Cover Change Mapping of Malete Elemere: Implication on Development Planning of Emerging Communities

Investigation of the proteolytic activity of liver trematodes in goats of Khizi-Khachmaz zone of Azerbaijan

Study of the Activity of Phospholipase A2 in Venom of the Transcaucasian Macrovipera Lebetina Obtusa

Cress Seed (Lepidium sativum) Role in the healthy Processed Spread Cheese and Its Anti-Diabetic Activity

Mosquitosâ€™ species of Diyala province, Iraq

Adoption of Urea Deep Placement Recommended Practices among Rice Farmers in Niger State, Nigeria

Socio-Economic Determinants of Entrepreneurship Decision among Yam Agribusiness Entrepreneurs in Benue State, Nigeria.

Statistical optimization of Î±-amylase production by Escherichia coliusing extruded bean as nitrogen and carbon source

Assessment of the Benefits of National Fadama III Agricultural Project among Participants through her Activities (Indicators) in Bayelsa State

Changes in the Mineralisation of Nutrients and Sunflower Biomass in Soil Irrigated with Water from Oil Exploration in a Semi-Arid Environment

In vitro Propagation of Malaysian Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Variety through Low Cost Tissue Culture Media

Assessment of Factors that Influence Participants Level of Participation in Fadama III Agricultural Project in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Imposing Criminal Liability on Government officials for Haze in South Kalimantan, Indonesia

In vitro mutagenesis of Cymbidium La bell â€œAnna Belleâ€ by Î³-rays irradiation and oligochitosan interaction

Economic profile of two species of Genus der Euterpe, producers of aÃ§aÃ fruits, from the ParÃ¡ and Amazonas States - Brazil