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The Economic Significance of Speculations in Science

P.C. van den Noort, noort1935@hotmail.com

Abstract: The growth and development of economies can be described as a logistic evolution process, for which we have a mathematical formulation. This shows that without innovation highly developed economies go into recession or even depression. To prevent or repair this we need a stream of inventions, leading to innovations. Those inventions are based on new developments in science. For that we need scientists who are engaged in speculative theories. However, in times of growth there is no need for such people, they even become outsiders or mavericks. Until the phase of growth reaches its end and consequently the economies go into recession. It is very difficult for most people to see what is happening then as they are used to the continuous growth. When the insight comes it is difficult to find new inventive scientists within the good old organization of science. Some mavericks are perhaps present in their own way and hopefully they find their way to new science, new paradigms and inventions. Only then the economies can get out of the depressed state.

[P.C. van den Noort. The Economic Significance of Speculations in Science. Report and Opinion 2011;3(12):1-3]. (ISSN: 1553-9873).

doi:10.7537/marsroj031211.01

Key words: growth, evolution, innovations, recession, depression, outsider, speculation, science, paradigm

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A Review of Existing Challenges between Contemporary Philosophy and Knowledge and Traditional Islamic Thought

Masuneh Alinejad

Assistant of Nassibe College. Tehran.Iran. Alinejad15@yahoo.com

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is introducing traditional Islamic teachings as subjects which are in conflict with various modern sciences in education, knowledge, philosophy, and engineering. This review can lead to a deeper understanding of the real nature of these sciences and the existing conflict between disciplines proposed by traditional Islam and modern world. An introduction to traditional Islamic teachings in any of the specialties, i.e. the fields that do not concern the general public, is required for highlighting the obvious existing conflicts. Both Islamic education and modern sciences cover a wide spectrum of logical space over a historical perspective. Therefore, it is not possible to provide a simple judgment on either one. The only possible way for making sound judgment is to evaluate the principles of both disciplines and highlight their strong points. Samples provided in this paper about Moslem achievements were intended to explain the principles and highlight strong points. This paper does not attempt to account for all Moslem achievements as such an attempt will make several volumes.

[Masuneh Alinejad. A Review of Existing Challenges between Contemporary Philosophy and Knowledge and Traditional Islamic Thought. Report and Opinion 2011;3(12):4-13]. (ISSN: 1553-9873). http://www.sciencepub.net/report

doi:10.7537/marsroj031211.02

Key words: Contemporary Philosophy , Islamic teaching, traditional judgment, achievement.

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COMPARATIVE TOXICITIES OF THREE AGRO-INSECTICIDE FORMULATIONS ON NITRIFYING BACTERIA

Ibiene AA and Okpokwasili GSC

Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, East-West Road, PMB 5323 Choba, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. ibieneaa@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT: The toxicity of three agro-insecticides - Lindane, Diazinon and Carbofuran formulations- on Nitrobacter and Nitrosomonas sp. were investigated. Changes in populations and activities of bacteria isolated from soil samples in the Niger Delta area were monitored following their exposure to different concentrations of the agro-insecticides for four hours. Results of toxicity studies revealed that the median lethal (LC₅₀) and effective (EC₅₀) concentrations of both Nitrobacter and Nitrosomonas sp. generally decreased with increase in exposure time. The LC₅₀ of the three insecticide formulations for both Nitrobacter and Nitrosomonas sp. decreased thus: Carbofuran > Diazinon > Lindane (p<0.05). Four- hour LC₅₀ of 417.00, 478.70, 1085.40 mg/l (Nitrobacter sp.) and 290.20, 259.00, 1018.30 mg/l (Nitrosomonas sp.) were obtained for Lindane, Diazinon and Carbofuran, respectively. However, the EC₅₀ of the three insecticide formulations for both bacteria were not significantly different (p> 0.05). Four- hour EC₅₀ of 53.31, 55.28, 66.00 mg/l (Nitrobacter sp.) and 59.31, 37.59, 51.34 mg/l (Nitrosomonas sp.) were obtained for Lindane, Diazinon and Carbofuran, respectively. The study also revealed that Nitrosomonas sp. was more sensitive to Lindane and Diazinon than Nitrobacter sp. although both bacteria exhibited similar sensitivity Carbofuran. The results suggest that autotrophic transformation by nitrifying bacteria in soil may be hindered following contaminations with these agro-insecticide formulations.

[Ibiene AA and Okpokwasili GSC. COMPARATIVE TOXICITIES OF THREE AGRO-INSECTICIDE FORMULATIONS ON NITRIFYING BACTERIA. Report and Opinion 2011;3(12):14-17]. (ISSN: 1553-9873). http://www.sciencepub.net/report

doi:10.7537/marsroj031211.03

Keywords: Lindane, Diazinon, Carbofuran, Nitrobacter, Nitrosomonas, Toxicity

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Determinant of Educational Inequality among Ruural Households in Nigeria

Awoniyi Olabisi Alaba¹, Omonona B.T² and Falusi A.O²

¹Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension Bowen University, Iwo

²Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State

bisiexcel@yahoo.com

Abstract: This study profiled the level of disparity in access to educational attainment among rural households in Nigeria and determining factors. The study used the National 2006 Core Welfare Indicator Survey data. Two-stage cluster sampling technique was employed in selection of 77,400 respondents of which 59,567 were rural. The data were analyzed using Generalized Entropy and Ordered Probit Regression. Result shows that educational attainment inequality among households with low educational attainment is 0.1635, across the mean 0.4093 and 0.6164 among households with high educational attainment. Increase in sanitation, asset base, house-ownership and condition indices increased probability of households having high educational attainment by 0.004, 0.003 and 0.029. In contrast, household size and age of household head reduced it by 0.002 and 0.001. Disparity in educational attainment exists among Nigerian households and it’s more prominent in the North. Therefore, for the country to achieve Millennium Development Goal on Education there is the need to sensitize households in this region on importance of education in human capital development. Efforts should be ensured that household members live in a clean and conducive environment and household asset base should be enhanced since they increase the probability of households to have high educational attainment. Birth control measures should also be put in place since high household size reduces probability of having high educational attainment. This study was therefore able to profile educational inequality instead of measuring inequality among conventional monetary indicators. Furthermore, generalized entropy was used to measure inequality rather than the conventional gini index.

[Awoniyi Olabisi Alaba, Omonona B.T. and Falusi A.O. Determinant of Educational Inequality among Ruural Households in Nigeria. Report and Opinion 2011;3(12):18-24]. (ISSN: 1553-9873). http://www.sciencepub.net/report

doi:10.7537/marsroj031211.04

Keywords: Educational attainment, Generalized entropy, Inequality

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A Study on Morphometrics of a Hill-Stream Fish Garra Lamta (Hamilton-Buchanan) of Kumaun Himalaya.

Bhanu Pratap Singh Kanwal* and Sunder Singh Pathani

Department of Zoology, Kumaun University, S.S.J. Campus, Almora 263 601 (UK)

Email: bhanukanwal83@gmail.com +91-9411366761

Abstract: Present study reveals morpho-metristic characters of 240 field identified fish Garra lamta. This study was carried upon sexually differentiated 116 female and 124 male freshly collected specimens. The correlation coefficient recorded from 0.740835172 to 0.986026035, 0.618585583 to 0.986026035 and 0.48667378 to 0.902649191 with total length, standard length and head length separately. A regression coefficient was recorded from 0.094274887 to 0.842924842, 0.109731895 to 1.153421151 and 0.045163369 to 2.6229 for the same. The analysis of variance (F) was recorded from 1.082499213 to 24.186 at degree of freedom (sample size F_1-238 combined population) with in the variables of body parts of male and female fish. The positive correlation confirms that all the measurement of the external body parts of the fish have a linear association with total length, standard length and head length and the regression coefficient satisfied the sympatric growth (b<3) in the population of Garra lamta of Kumaun Himalaya. The ANOVA reveals the morphological differentiation, vary between the sexes in the fish.

[Bhanu Pratap Singh Kanwal and Sunder Singh Pathani. A Study on Morphometrics of a Hill-Stream Fish Garra Lamta (Hamilton-Buchanan) of Kumaun Himalaya. Report and Opinion 2011;3(12):25-31]. (ISSN: 1553-9873). http://www.sciencepub.net/report

doi:10.7537/marsroj031211.05

Key word: Hillstream fish, Morphometry, Garra lamta, Sympatric growth.

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Saccharomyces cerevisiae modulates Aflatoxin-induced toxicity in male Albino mice

Tawfek, N.S.^a; Abdel-Aziz, K.B.^b; Farag, I.M. ^b; Nada, S.A^.c; Farouk, T.^a, Amra, H.^d and Darwish, H.R.^b

^a Zoology Dept., faculty of Science, Al-Minia Uni., Egypt. ^b Cell Biology Dept., National Research Centre, El- Tahrir Street, Dokki, Cairo 12622, Egypt., ^c Pharmacology Dept. National Research Centre, El-Tahrir Street, Dokki, Cairo 12622, Egypt., ^d Food Toxicology and Contaminants Dept., National Research Centre, El-Tahrir Street, Dokki, Cairo 12622, Egypt.

Hr_darwish@yahoo.com

Abstract: Aflatoxins are unavoidable food contaminant and reducing their toxicity in vivo is of major interest. The potential of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc) was evaluated for reducing the AFs-induced toxicity in mice. Four experimental groups were used, each comprising 30 mice; control group, Sc-treated group (4 × 10⁸ CFU), AFs-treated group (0.7 mg/kg b.w.), and a group given Sc two hours before AFs intoxication. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), uric acid and creatinine were measured in mice serum. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured in homogenates of liver and kidney; as well as histopathological investigations of liver and kidney. Results revealed the following: control and Sc fed mice had similar constant weight increase; mice fed only AFB1 showed weight decrease; finally, Sc improved weight gain. Also, results showed that AFs significantly elevated the serum ALT, AST, uric acid and creatinine levels. The levels of non-enzymatic antioxidant (GSH) as well as enzymatic antioxidant (SOD) activity were significantly decreased in both liver and kidney of AFs-treated mice in comparison with control. Histopatholigical examinations showed a severe damage in liver and kidney tissues of AFs-treated mice. Mice received Sc before AFs gavage, showed a significant amelioration in serum biochemical parameters and improvement in liver and kidney tissues architecture. In along with, a significant amelioration in LPO in liver and kidney by increasing the contents of GSH and activities of SOD antioxidant have been occurred compared to control. In conclusion, Sc was found to be safe and successful agent counteracting the AF toxicity and protected against the toxicity induced by AFs.

[Tawfek, N.S.; Abdel-Aziz, K.B.; Farag, I.M.; Nada, S.A.; Farouk, T., Amra, H. and Darwish, H.R. Saccharomyces cerevisiae modulates Aflatoxin-induced toxicity in male Albino mice. Report and Opinion 2011;3(12):32-43]. (ISSN: 1553-9873). http://www.sciencepub.net/report.

doi:10.7537/marsroj031211.06

Keywords: Aflatoxin; toxicity; Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc); non-enzymatic antioxidant (GSH)

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THE PREVALENCE OF DERMATOPHYTES AMONG ALMAJIRI (DISCIPLES) IN BAUCHI STATE

Lynn Maori*

Department of Microbiology, General Hospital Zambuk, Gombe State

e‐mail: fly2lynn@yahoo.com. G-mail: lynnmaori09@gmail.com

 *To whom all correspondence should be addressed 

ABSTRACT: The prevalence of Ringworm Infection among the Almajiri (Disciple) children in Shira LGA, Bauchi State. This work was carried out in June – July, 2011. A total of 120 samples were collected and cultured for bacterial isolates. Out of the 120 samples collected 61 (51%) were positive to dermatophysis and 59 (49%) were negative to it. Skin scrapings were collected and examined microscopically, cultured onto Sabouraud dextrose agar and incubated at room temperature. The resultant colonies were identified. M. auduinii had the highest incidence with 38 (62.3%), M. canis 22 (36%) and M. distortum 1 (1.6%).

[Lynn Maori. THE PREVALENCE OF DERMATOPHYTES AMONG ALMAJIRI (DISCIPLES) IN BAUCHI STATE. Report and Opinion 2011;3(12):44-49]. (ISSN: 1553-9873). http://www.sciencepub.net/report.

doi:10.7537/marsroj031211.07

Key words: Dermatophytes, Microsporum canis, Microsporum auduinii, Microsporum distortum, Onchomycosis,

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Respiratory Health Hazards due to Exposure to Radon and Free Silica Among Egyptian Ceramics Workers

Mokhtar Madkour­¹, Nadia Badawy­², Mahmoud Serri³, Safia Beshir², Hisham Aziz^2*, Mohamed Safaa El Din⁴ and Weam Shaheen²

 1. Chest Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University ,Cairo, Egypt

 2. Environmental and Occupational Medicine Department, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt

 3. Medical Science Department, Institute of Environmental Studies and Research, Cairo, Egypt

 4. Radiation Safety Department, National Centre for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Control, Cairo, Egypt

myazizhma@yahoo.com*, safiabeshir123@yahoo.com, weamshaheen@gmail.com

Abstract: This study aimed at determining the respiratory hazards among ceramics workers exposed to silica and radon dusts. The environmental studies included measuring of respirable dust, total dust and percent of silica content. Samples from the raw materials used (talc, clay, kaolin, limestone, and feldspar) were collected and tested for activity concentration of ²³⁸U - series, ²³²Th - series and ⁴⁰K. This study included 150 male exposed ceramics workers and 80 male individuals as controls. The subjects were subjected to questionnaire sheet; clinical examination; plain chest X-rays; ventilatory function tests and laboratory tests. The results revealed that respiratory symptoms were more frequent among the exposed workers than the control group. There were no statistical significant differences between the two groups as regards FEV₁% and FEV₁/FVC % while FVC and VC parameters were statistically significant lower among the exposed workers than the control group. The mean percentage of the free silica was (5.2% ± 1.01) and radon progeny level was (5.67 ± 1.97 Pci/L). Tests of Radium (²²⁶Ra) series, Thorium (²³²Th) series and Potassium (⁴⁰K) in some raw materials showed that Feldspar represented the highest levels compared with the other raw materials. Also, the results revealed that abnormal changes in chest x-rays and decline in ventilatory functions were statistically significant among workers exposed to high free silica (more than 5%) and to radon progeny level (more than 4 Pci/L) than those exposed to free silica (less than 5%) and to radon progeny level (less than 4 Pci/L).

[Mokhtar Madkour, Nadia Badawy­, Mahmoud Serri, Safia Beshir, Hisham Aziz. Respiratory Health Hazards due to Exposure to Radon and Free Silica Among Egyptian Ceramics Workers. Report and Opinion 2011;3(12):50-58]. (ISSN: 1553-9873). http://www.sciencepub.net/report

doi:10.7537/marsroj031211.08

Key Words: Ceramics industry –Silica dust – Radon progeny–Pneumoconiosis-ventilatory function tests

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Feasibility Study of Industrial Unit for Preparation and Recycling of Marble and Granite Wastes

Hebatalrahman, A

Consultant in materials sciences and materials applications, Egypt

hebatalrahman11@yahoo.com, hebatalrahman@naseej.com

Abstract: In these work, Industrial unit for treatment of marble and granite wastes by physical methods was designed. It treats both wet and dry wastes. After treatment, wastes are used as filler or reinforcement for composite materials industries. Metal molds are used in manufacturing for good surface finish and dimension stability. The molds have heaters and gas cooling system. Heating and cooling rates depends on the properties required in the final products. Final products have different shapes, properties, dimensions, thicknesses, lengths and colors. The unit treats the wastes of the natural marble and granite with all of their types and preparing them in a physical way in order to preserve their characteristics and keep them valid as products. The general characteristics of the product were tested, the objectives of recycling process of marble and granite were established, market analysis and competition factors were studied, the manpower and expected job opportunities were evaluated. The economical feasibility study for the case study in Egypt was done, capital cost, working costs, operation costs, direct and indirect costs were calculated. Expected risks and crisis are evaluated. Results depends on the case study were taken into account. General conclusions and recommendations are mentioned.

[Hebatalrahman, A. Feasibility Study of Industrial Unit for Preparation and Recycling of Marble and Granite Wastes. Report and Opinion 2011;3(12):59-67]. (ISSN: 1553-9873). http://www.sciencepub.net/report

doi:10.7537/marsroj031211.09

 Key words: feasibility study, wastes, marble, granite , recycling, preparation

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Philosophy of Love As Viewed by Ibn Arabi An Overview

Farzaneh Farahanipour

The professor of Valiasr college

ffarahanipour@yahoo.com

Abstract: Love is an important human trait. Philosophers and scholars from historic past have had analytical views of love. This trait has attracted attention because of its effects on human beings - the effects that influence human lives and behaviors. In spite of long historical discussions about love, the literature on love is minuscule when considering love's mythical, mysterious, and symbolic effects on human lives. Love is a fundamental issue in mysticism. Love has enjoyed a deeply precise discussion in Islamic mysticism. It is possible to claim that love is a single issue that has been discussed the most by Islamic mystics and all mystical schools. This paper offers the lexical meaning of love, continues with a comprehensive discussion of love as viewed by mystics, and explains types of love. This paper looks into most notably views of Ibn Arabi (died 638 HD, 1240 AD) who was the founder of theoretical mysticism. The paper attempts to present the spiritual love as the real love by exploring different thoughts presented on this abstract subject intermixed with doubts and lust.

[Farzaneh Farahanipour. Philosophy of Love As Viewed by Ibn Arabi An Overview. Report and Opinion 2011;3(12):68-73]. (ISSN: 1553-9873). http://www.sciencepub.net/report

doi:10.7537/marsroj031211.10

Keywords: Love, affection , real love ,figurative love, Ibn Arabi

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