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1

Uncertainty determination of correlated color temperature for high intensity discharge lamps

A.B. El-Bialy¹, M.M. El-Ganainy² and E.M. El-Moghazy³

 ¹University College for Woman for Art, science and education. Cairo, Egypt

² National Institute for Standards (NIS), Giza, code 11211, Egypt

³ NIS and Ph.D. student in University College of Woman, Giza, code 11211, Egypt.

Email: emoghazy@yahoo.com                Web site: www.nis.sci.eg

Abstract: Color temperature is a description of the color of light sources.  The chromaticity coordinates of the light source lying on the Planckian locus which is called (Commission Internationale de l'Eclariage, referred to as CIE) CIE diagram and the source has color temperature (in Kelvin) equal to the blackbody temperature of the Planckian radiator. For light sources that don't have chromaticity coordinates that fall exactly on the Planckian locus but lie near it. In this case the chromaticity coordinates of such sources can be representing by correlated color temperature (CCT). Uncertainty of Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) or (T_cp) for high intensity discharge lamps (HID) is derived from (u, v) color coordinates. The method of the International organization for standardization (ISO) Guide is applied by Gardner to drive analytical expression for uncertainty in u and v chromaticity coordinates and an uncertainty in CCT for few Kelvins can be achieved. The color temperature standard achieved with the uncertainty of NIS. (11.48 % for mercury lamp,  3.44 % for sodium lamp and 6.4  % for metal halide lamp).

[A.B. El-Bialy, M.M. El-Ganainy and E.M. El-Moghazy, Uncertainty determination of correlated color temperature for high intensity discharge lamps. Nature and Science 2011;9(3):1-6]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net.

doi:10.7537/marsnsj090311.01

 Key words: lamp, correlated color temperature, Uncertainty and luminous flux

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Shell selection of the hermit crab Clibanarius africanus (Aurivillus, 1898) (Decapoda: Diogenidae) in the Lagos lagoon: Aspects of behavioural and bio- ecology of benthos.

Aderonke Lawal-Are, Roland Efe Uwadiae* and Olayemi Ruth Owolabi

                  Department of Marine sciences, University of Lagos, Akoka , Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria

                         *Corresponding author: eferoland@yahoo.com. Tel: +2348063145723

Abstract. Shell selection of Clibanarius africanus was investigated in the intertidal area of the Lagos lagoon, between March and August, 2008 at five study sites. A total of 663 specimens of hermit crab in gastropod shells were collected. Shell occupation of C. africanus was limited to gastropod shells belonging to Pachymelania and Tympanotonus spp. The gastropod shell most inhabited was Pachymelania spp, which accounted for 60.96% of inhabited shells, while about 39% of the shell inhabited belonged to Tympanotonus spp. Shell preferences were characterized by shell length, weight and aperture width. Positive and statistically significant correlations were obtained between morphometric characteristics of C. africanus and those of the shells inhabited, suggesting that fitness of shell to crab dimension constitutes mainly the determinant for C. africanus shell utilization. Spatiotemporal variations in the type of shell occupied were not significant in this study. Analysis of the abundance of C. africanus in the study area indicates that, a relatively higher abundance of C. africanus was observed in site 3, due probably to the favourable environmental conditions provided by large percentage of sand fractions in the sediment. From the data recorded in this study, it may be concluded that shell selection by hermit crabs involves individual preferences related to the shell features that best provide protection, survival and opportunity for the enhancement of behavioural attributes that are necessary for the maximization of bio-ecological relationships.

[Aderonke Lawal-Are, Roland Efe Uwadiae and Olayemi Ruth Owolabi. Shell selection of the hermit crab Clibanarius africanus (Aurivillus, 1898) (Decapoda: Diogenidae) in the Lagos lagoon: Aspects of behavioural and bio- ecology of benthos. Nature and Science 2011;9(3):7-15]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net.

doi:10.7537/marsnsj090311.02

 Key words: Bioecological relationships, shell selection, hermit crabs, Clibanarius africanus

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Meristic, Morphometric Characteristics of Frill-fin goby (Bathygobius  soporator  valenciennes, 1837) from Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria.

Adeboyejo, O. A.

 Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Science, Lagos State University, Lagos-Nigeria.

         adeboyejoakintade@yahoo.co.uk

Abstract: During the period of March 2010 to August 2010, 500 specimens of Bathygobius soporator were collected from Makoko-Iwaya area of Lagos lagoon in mainland area of Lagos state, Nigeria. The number of females were 204 while males numbered 296 giving a sex ratio of 1.45 in favour of males. The size range for males was between 6.0cm and 34.10cm total length (mean = 14.28 + 4.21 TL). However, the body weight measurement for the males ranged from 8.00 – 135.00g. The total length measurement for female was between 6.2cm and 32.5cm (mean = 15.61 + 4.38) and from 8 - 135g body weight (mean = 39.97 + 24.7). A positive correlation existed between length and weight for males ( r = 0.67) and females (0.47). The b values were 4.58 and 3.99 for males and females respectively. The condition factor (K) were (1.15 – 1.20) and (2.00 – 2.30) for male and female respectively. The gonad weight ranged between (0.10 – 4.20) and the GSI ranged between 0.21 – 26.58 (mean = 3.77 + 2.49). The food items of the species in the lagoon were Fish-fry, Worms, Shrimps, Crabs and Bulinous species.

[Adeboyejo, O. A. Meristic, Morphometric Characteristics of Frill-fin goby (Bathygobius  soporator  valenciennes, 1837) from Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria. Nature and Science 2011;9(3):16-23]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net.

doi:10.7537/marsnsj090311.03

 Key words:        fish biology, meristic, morphometric, Lagos lagoon, Gonadosomatic index, and goby

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Identification and detection of a hepatitis C virus antigen in sera of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

 El-Shahat A. Toson^1,*, Tamer E. Mosa ² and Mohamed Maher ¹

 1.  Mansoura University, Chemistry Department (New Damietta), Egypt.

2.  National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt

eatoson@yahoo.com

Abstract: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer death worldwide, accounting for over half a million deaths per year. Several lines of evidence indicate a strong causal association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HCC. The aim of the present study was to identify, purify and partially characterized one of HCV antigens in sera of HCC patients. Also, the possibility of HCV infection play a role in the development of HCC will be tested. Therefore, serum samples of 75 HCC patients and of 25 healthy individuals as a negative control were included in this study. HCV antigen was identified in these samples using western blotting and quantified using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot analysis showed a single immunoreactive band in sera of HCC patients infected with HCV at 27-kDa. In addition, the 27-kDa purified immunoreactive bands were eluted, mixed and characterized using various physicochemical treatments. Briefly, after such treatements the antigen was found to have protein nature. Moreover, ELISA technique was used to quantify the 27-kDa antigen. The cutoff level of ELISA above or below which the tested sera were considered positive or negative was calculated and was found to be 150 ng/L. Based on such cutoff value a total of 61 out of 75 serum samples of HCC patients were positive for HCV antigen using ELISA. However, zero out of 25 serum samples of healthy individuals were positive for HCV antigen. In addition, ELISA showed sensitivity 81% and specificity 100%. The antigen detection method showed positive predictive value 100% and negative predictive value 64%.

[El-Shahat A. Toson, Tamer E. Mosa and Mohamed Maher. Identification and detection of a hepatitis C virus antigen in sera of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Nature and Science 2011;9(3):24-30]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net.

doi:10.7537/marsnsj090311.04

Key words: HCV; Hepatocellular carcinoma ; ELIS

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Overview on Hepatitis B virus

Engy Yousry  Elsayed Ashor

 Department of Internal Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract: Hepatitis B is an infectious illness caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV). The disease has caused epidemics in parts of Asia and Africa, and it is endemic in China. About a third of the world's population, more than 2 billion people have been infected with thehepatitis B virus. This includes 350 million chronic carriers of the virus. This paper offers an overview of hepatitis B virus.

[Engy Yousry  Elsayed Ashor. Overview on Hepatitis B virus. Nature and Science 2011;9(3):31-36]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net.

doi:10.7537/marsnsj090311.05

 Keywords: Hepatitis B; infectious illness; epidemics; virus

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Extraction Of Molybdenum (Vi) With 4-Adipoyl And 4-Sebacoyl Derivatives Of Bis (1-Phenyl-3-Methylpyrazolone-5) In Acid Media

 Kalagbor, A. Ihesinachi ¹*_, Uzoukwu, B. Augustus² and Chukwu, U. John²

 1. Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Rivers State Polytechnic, Bori, P.M.B. 20, Bori, Rivers State, Nigeria.

ksinachi@yahoo.com

2.      Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B 5323, Choba, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

uzoukwupob331@yahoo.co.uk, lydiuche@yahoo.com

Abstract: Liquid – liquid extraction of Molybdenum (VI) ions from various aqueous medium have been carried out using chloroform solution of 4-adipoylbis (1-phenyl-3-methylpyrazolone-5), H₂Adp and 4-sebacoylbis (1-phenyl-3-methylpyrazolone-5), H₂SP in acid media (HCl, H₂SO₄ and HNO₃) in the presence and absence of butanol as a synergist.  The degree of extraction of Mo (VI) using H₂Adp was found to be in the range of 82 – 95% for HCl concentrations of 10^-3M to 10^-1M and 90 – 97% for HNO₃ (10^-3M to 10^-1M) while H₂SO₄ concentrations gave 70% extraction. On the other hand, the degree of extraction of Mo(VI) using H₂SP was comparatively lower in all acid media.  Under all acid conditions studied, H₂Adp was found to be a better extractant for Mo(VI) than H₂SP, while optimal extraction was better in HCl followed by HNO₃ and least in H₂SO₄ concentrations. However, introduction of butanol into the organic phase resulted in enhanced extraction of Mo(VI) to above 98% using both ligands in all three acid media for both H₂Adp and H₂SP. Statistical treatment using slope analysis show that the extracted specie is M_OO₂(SP)_(o) and M_OO₂(Adp)_(o).

[Kalagbor, A. Ihesinachi _, Uzoukwu, B. Augustus and Chukwu, U. John. Extraction Of Molybdenum (Vi) With 4-Adipoyl And 4-Sebacoyl Derivatives Of Bis (1-Phenyl-3-Methylpyrazolone-5) In Acid Media. Nature and Science 2011;9(3):37-]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net.

doi:10.7537/marsnsj090311.06

Keywords: Liquid – liquid extraction, chloroform, Molybdenum (VI), acid media

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Comparative Response of Different Varieties of Maize (Zea mays L) to NPK 15:15:15 Compound Fertilizer and Poultry Droppings Applications

Okaka Victor,  Alleh Eric, Ogedegbe Felix,  Ayodele Emmanuel

Department of Crop Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria

E-mail: vbokaka@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT: Two similar field experiments were conducted during the early cropping seasons of 2007 and 2008 in the Teaching and Research Farm of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, to evaluate DMSR and TZSR improved varieties as well as a popular local maize for agronomic performance and yield responses to NPK 15:15:15 compound fertilizer and poultry droppings. The three varieties were fertilized with 100,200 and 300kg/ha NPK as well as 6t/ha poultry droppings and a control in a 3 × 5 factorial arrangement  fitted into a randomized complete block design replicated three times. The three varieties differed significantly (P<0.05) in most of the vegetative parameters monitored including plant height, number of leaves and leaf area, in the order of the local > TZSR >DMSR. The positive and significant (P<0.05) response of the vegetative and yield parameters to fertilizer application mostly to 300kg/ha NPK, then poultry droppings and 200kg/ha NPK in that descending order, was independent of variety. The DMSR, the TZSR and the local variety produced tassels and silks in 63 and 73 days, in 66 and76 days, and in 72 and 83 days respectively. The three varieties had similar shelling percentage values (68.5-69.9%). The improved varieties: DMSR and TZSR varieties did not differ significantly, out yielded the local by 18.9% and 10.8% respectively and were found to be adapted to this ecological zone. The DMSR was highest yielding with a 100grain weight of 32.0grams and total grain yield of 4.4t/ha.

[Okaka Victor,  Alleh Eric, Ogedegbe Felix,  Ayodele Emmanuel. Comparative Response of Different Varieties of Maize (Zea mays L) to NPK 15:15:15 Compound Fertilizer and Poultry Droppings Applications. Nature and Science 2011;9(3):43-48]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net.

doi:10.7537/marsnsj090311.07

 Key words: improved varieties; popular local; NPK; Poultry droppings; adapted; ecological zone

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Phytosanitary Protection in Horticultural Seed Production: A Bridge to National Seed Demand

Ihejirika, Gabriel Onyenegecha, Ibeawuchi, Izuchukwu Innocent, Obiefuna, Julius Chiedozie and Ofor, Marian Onomerhievurhoyen

 Department of Crop Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, P.M.B. 1526 Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria,  ihegab@yahoo.com

Abstract: The problem of quantifying seed losses and their effect on agricultural production and food availability is of primary importance to meet national seed demand. Through that, rational control measures can be developed and applied and resources can be better allocated as well. Seeds being living things, respire by absorbing oxygen and giving off carbon dioxide and water vapour, producing heat at the same time and these phenomena play a major role in its preservation as if not properly taken care off, could cause the seeds to stick together, coagulate as a mass, creating blockage in the store. Seed deterioration is due to a number of interrelated factors like physical e.g. temperature, humidity, water; Biological like microflora (mould, bacteria , fungi, yeast etc) or arthropods (insect, mites); Vertebrates (rodents, birds) or technical (conditions, methods, duration of storage) as well as state of seeds (broken, impurities, residues etc). Infestation in the field, during transportation, storage premises, sacks and containers as well as putting contaminated seeds in store and unhygienic store are inimical to phytosanitary protection and cause losses in seed viability. A reduction in these losses would lead to production of high quality and quantitatively valued seeds to meet national seed derived.

[Ihejirika, Gabriel Onyenegecha, Ibeawuchi, Izuchukwu Innocent, Obiefuna, Julius Chiedozie and Ofor, Marian Onomerhievurhoyen. Phytosanitary Protection in Horticultural Seed Production: A Bridge to National Seed Demand. Nature and Science 2011;9(3):49-52]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net.

doi:10.7537/marsnsj090311.08

 Keywords: Phytosanitary, protection, horticultural, seed, national demand

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On the Chromosomes of two Cyprinid Fishes of the Subfamily Schizothoracinae from Kashmir.

 ¹Farooq Ahmad Ganai, ²Abdul Rahman Yousuf, ³Narinder Kumar Tripathi, ⁴Ummer Rashid Zargar.

1.        Research Scholar, Limnology and Fisheries Laboratory, Centre of Research for Development, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal Srinagar-190 006 (India). Email: farooqmd84@gmail.com

2.        Dean Academic Affairs, Dean Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal Srinagar-190 006 (India). Email: aryousuf1951@gmail.com.

3.        Dean Students Welfare, University of Jammu. email: narindertripathi@gmail.com

4.        Research scholar, Centre of Research for Development. email: uzssummer2@gmail.com.

Corresponding author: Farooq Ahmad Ganai. Email: farooqmd84@gmail.com 

Abstract: Karyotypic study of two Schizothorax species viz. Schizothorax plagiostomus and Schizothorax curvifrons belonging to family Cyprinidae, from River Jhelum Kashmir, was carried out. Conventional KCl-acetomethanol air-drying protocol was followed for the chromosomal preparation. The diploid chromosome number in S.plagiostomus was 96 with a chromosomal formula of 24m+18Sm+54t and fundamental number (NF) =138. Diploid chromosome number in S.curvifrons was 94 with Karyotypic formula 26m+20Sm+20St=28t and fundamental arm number (NF) =140. The evolutionary significance of polyploidy and the role of chromosomal rearrangements was discussed. Both these fishes are new to cytological literature.

[Farooq Ahmad Ganai, Abdul Rahman Yousuf, Narinder Kumar Tripathi, Ummer Rashid Zargar. On the Chromosomes of two Cyprinid Fishes of the Subfamily Schizothoracinae from Kashmir. Nature and Science 2011;9(3):53-61]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net. 

doi:10.7537/marsnsj090311.09

Key words: Schizothorax plagiostomus, Schizothorax curvifrons, River Jhelum, Karyotype

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Biotechnological potential of bacterial flora from Cheend juice: Alcoholic beverage from Bastar, India

Shukla P*, Vishwakarma, P and Gawri S 

G.D. Rungta College of Science and Technology, Bhilai 490024, Chhattisgarh, India

prashant19782000@gmail.com

Abstract: Cheend is an alcoholic beverage of tribal people of Bastar region of Chhattisgarh State in India. It is extracted from Phoenix dactylefera. From a sample of Cheend juice seven different bacteria were isolated which were of four genera: four of Bacillus, one each of Paenibacillus, Micrococcus and Streptococcus. All the seven bacteria produced ethanol, PHA and EPS in varying capacity.

[Shukla P, Vishwakarma, P and Gawri S. Biotechnological potential of bacterial flora from Cheend juice: Alcoholic beverage from Bastar, India. Nature and Science 2011;9(3):62-66]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net.

doi:10.7537/marsnsj090311.10

Key words: Bacteria; ethanol; PHA; EPS; Cheend

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Serum Trace Element Levels In Sickle Cell Disease Patients In An Urban City In Nigeria

^*1Idonije B.O, ²Iribhogbe O.I, ³Okogun G.R.A 

¹Department of Chemical Pathology, ²Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and ³Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Medicine, Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma.

*oignis@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT: Assessment of serum trace element levels was carried out in a total of eighty (80) subjects comprising of forty (40) sickle cell disease patients attending the sickle cell centre, Benin City and forty (40) age and sex matched apparently healthy control subjects. Blood samples collected from participants were analyzed for trace elements using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The mean serum level of magnesium, zinc, manganese, copper, selenium and chromium in sickle cell disease patients were 11.03±1.77mg/L, 120.85±10.29µg/dL, 68.30±3.63µg/dL, 68.54±10.49µg/L, 60.98±7.29µg/L and 62.90±5.97µg/L respectively. Serum magnesium, zinc and selenium levels were significantly lower (p<0.05) while serum manganese levels were significantly higher (p<0.05) in sickle cell disease patients when compared with apparently healthy control. Serum trace metal levels was not age or sex dependent, as similar pattern of serum trace metals was observed in both male and female sickle cell disease patients. Conclusively, assessment of trace element levels is vital in the management of sickle cell disease. Supplementation with deficient trace elements may reduce the severity of symptoms and complications associated with sickle cell disease, thereby improving the chances of survival in sickle cell disease.

[Idonije B.O, Iribhogbe O.I, Okogun G.R.A. Serum Trace Element Levels In Sickle Cell Disease Patients In An Urban City In Nigeria. Nature and Science 2011;9(3):67-71]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net.

doi:10.7537/marsnsj090311.11

Key Words: Sickle cell disease, Serum Trace Metals, Oxidative Stress.

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Rice Husk Extract is Potentially Effective as a Phytopesticide against Root-/Soil-borne Fungal Pathogens of Cowpea

A.S. Killani^{1, 2}, R.C. Abaidoo ^1* and A.K. Akintokun ²

 1.International Institute of Tropical Agriculture PMB 5320, Ibadan,Oyo State, Nigeria

2. Department of Microbiology, College of Natural Sciences, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

E mail: killani405@yahoo.com, skillani@cgiar.org; rabaidoo@cgiar.org  ron_akintokun@yahoo.com

Abstact: Phytopesticide produced from rice husk extract (RHE) was evaluated, in the laboratory and in the glasshouse as a potential biocontrol agent for controlling root- and soil-borne fungal pathogens isolated from  field-grown cowpea in the northern Guinea savanna of Nigeria. The pathogenicity test was carried out in the glasshouse on the fungal species isolated from infected plants in cowpea field trials conducted in 2006 and 2007 cropping seasons. Five root- and soil-borne fungal pathogens: Fusarium verticilloides, F.equiseti, F.solani, F. oxysporum and Rhizoctonia solani, were the major highly virulent fungal pathogens which caused severe problems including damping off, root rot, reduction in nodulation, vascular wilt/discoloration, chlorosis, necrotic lesions, leaf blight, complete defoliation, seedling mortality, and death in cowpea. Plants from the glasshouse experiments (on the microbial antagonism study) were examined for disease incidence and severity symptoms. In–vitro and in–vivo studies revealed that RHE significantly (P<0.05) inhibited all the five fungal pathogens at 1.5% concentration. However, at 1% concentration of RHE did not inhibit mycelia radial growths of F. verticilloides, F. equiseti and F. oxysporum after 7 days incubation in-vitro. The RHE was phytotoxic on cowpea seedlings at 2% concentration. The RHE can thus be regarded as a potential bioprotectant as an alternative to chemical pesticides which are known to be environmentally unsafe for the management of common root- and soil–borne fungal pathogens of cowpea.

[A.S. Killani, R.C. Abaidoo and A.K. Akintokun. Rice Husk Extract is Potentially Effective as a Phytopesticide against Root-/Soil-borne Fungal Pathogens of Cowpea. Nature and Science 2011;9(3):72-79]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net. 

doi:10.7537/marsnsj090311.12

Keywords: Phytopesticides; pathogenicity; bioprotectant; antagonism; fungal pathogens

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Spatial distribution and habitat preferences of selected large mammalian species in the Nech Sar National Park (NSNP), Ethiopia

Aramde Fetene¹, Girma Mengesha² and Tsegaye Bekele³

¹Debre Markos University, Department of Natural Resources Management, P.O Box 269 email: aramdefetene@yahoo.com

²Wondo Genet College of Forestry & Natural resource, Department of wildlife & Ecotourism Management, P.O. Box 128, Shshemene, Ethiopia

³Associate Professor, Hawasa University, Planning and Programming Office, P.O. Box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia, e-mail:bekele57@yahoo.com (corresponding author)

ABSTRACT. A study on spatial distribution and habitat preferences of five large mammal species was conducted in the Nech Sar National Park (NSNP) for one year from January 2007-January 2008. The spatial distribution and habitat preference information is useful to propose appropriate patrol strategy for the management and conservation of the species with regard to attracting tourist and management of the park. The objective of this study was to determine the spatial distribution and habitat preference of five large mammals (Defassa waterbuck, Swayne’s Hartebeest, Greater Kudu, Lesser Kudu and Black and White Colobus). For the purpose of this study, the park was divided in to three management zones and nine patrolling teams composed of six individuals were involved in the data collection.  Each individual was assigned to a certain management zone to monitor the status and distribution of large mammals and the impact of human activities on the Park on daily basis. The patrolling team was equipped with Garmin Etrix Venture GPS receiver and Communication Radio and point sampling technique was used to collect the necessary information. The data was summarized and all spatial data were recorded and analyzed using GIS Software (DNRgarmin and ArcGIS9.1). DNRgarmin was used to transfer data from GPS receiver to computer. ArcGIS9.1 was used to analyze the spatial distribution of the wild animals, habitat association and human activities.  Comparison of the mean on the observation of different wild animals in the NSNP was carried out using SPSS17. The results of the study showed that there were a total of 3340 observations of the five large mammals on 29013 km track movements in the NSNP. Observation in this sense does not mean the number of individuals, but the frequency of wild animals seen during the inspection. In this regard, Greater Kudu has shown a significant wider distribution in the three zones of NSNP (P>0.05), with high ecological amplitude and high tolerance range to different habitat factors. The other four large mammals were concentrated in a particular association of different habitats. Herds of Swayne’s Hartebeest were restricted only to the Nech Sar Plain, Lesser Kudu, to west of the plain, on the mountain near to the hot spring, Defassa waterbuck on a hill of wooded grasslands near to Kulfo river and, the Black and white Colobus  in the riverine forests of Kulfo and Sermele river valleys. Large numbers of peoples were observed in the Arba Minch forest and Lake Chamo collecting fuel wood and harvesting fish, respectively. The results of the study are important tools for the park managers, researchers and tourists, since it revealed clear species spatial distributions and habitat preferences.

[Aramde Fetene, Girma Mengesha and Tsegaye Bekele. Spatial distribution and habitat preferences of selected large mammalian species in the Nech Sar National Park (NSNP), Ethiopia. Nature and Science 2011;9(3):80-90]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net.

doi:10.7537/marsnsj090311.13

Key words:  habitat preferences, large mammals, monitoring, Nech Sar National Park, spatial distribution

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Acute Toxicity Of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Juveniles Exposed To Aqueous And Ethanolic Extracts Of Ipomoea aquatica Leaf

*Simeon O. Ayoola¹, Kuton M.P¹, Idowu A.A² and Adelekun, A.B¹

¹Department of Marine Sciences, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria

²Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

*Email:soaayoola@yahoo.com, sayoola@unilag.edu.ng, Tel: +234(80)34650102

ABSTRACT: The differential acute toxicity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Ipomoea aquatica leaf on Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus were carried out under laboratory conditions.  The LC₅₀ after 96hr of exposure for aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Ipomoea aquatica were 2.659g/L and 0.196g/L respectively. These values showed that ethanolic extract of Ipomoea aquatica was more toxic than its aqueous extract. Signs of agitated behaviours, respiratory distress and abnormal nervous behaviors including eventual deaths were observed in exposed fish. Control fish neither died nor exhibited any unusual behaviour. The randomized analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that there were significant differences (P<0.05) in the quantal response (mortality) of O. niloticus to aqueous and ethanolic extracts of I. aquatica at 24hrs, 48hrs, 72hrs and 96hrs of exposure period. It was investigated that leaf of Ipomoea aquatica has piscicidal property and can be put into use in the control and management of fish ponds to eradicate predators by farmers.

[Simeon O. Ayoola, Kuton M.P, Idowu A.A and Adelekun, A.B. Acute Toxicity Of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Juveniles Exposed To Aqueous And Ethanolic Extracts Of Ipomoea aquatica Leaf. Nature and Science 2011;9(3):91-99]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net.

doi:10.7537/marsnsj090311.14

 Keywords: Acute toxicity, Ipomoea aquatica, Oreochromis niloticus

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Effect of Benzyladenine Foliar Sprays on Offsets Production and Root Growth of Aloe Barbadensis Miller.

Saeid hazrati¹, zeinalabedin tahmasebi Sarvestani*¹, arman beyraghdar², faraz mojab³ and Seyyed jaber hosseini¹

Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran¹

Department of Horticulture, Faculty of agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran²

Department of Pharmacognosy, Shaheed Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran ³

saeid.hazrati@yahoo.com; tahmaseb@modares.ac.ir

 Abstract: Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is one of the most important medicinal plants and used world wide in drug and cosmetic industry. In order to determine the effect of different BA levels on offset production and root growth of Aloe vera, an experiment was conducted; the experimental design was RCBD with four replications placed in greenhouse condition. Treatments were included four different BA levels (0, 500, 1000, 1500 mg.L^-1). At the end of growth period, some characteristics such as offset number, offset leaf number, offset height; number of flowering stems, root length, root volume and root fresh and dry weight were measured. Resulted  showed that Increasing hormone concentration cause increase offset number and decreased the root growth, so that the highest offset number was at 1500 mg.L^-1 which was 95.36% more than our control treatment. Thus BA spraying can be used as an appropriate way to increase offset production in Aloe vera, which has low offset production rate.

[Saeid hazrati, zeinalabedin tahmasebi Sarvestani, arman beyraghdar, faraz mojab and Seyyed jaber hosseini. Effect Of Benzyladenine Foliar Sprays On Offsets Production and Root Growth Of Aloe Barbadensis Miller. Nature and Science 2011;9(3):100-104]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net.  

doi:10.7537/marsnsj090311.15

Keywords: Aloe barbadensis Miller, Benzyl Adenine, Offset, Root

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Antimicrobial proteins and oil seeds from pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata).

A. B. Abd EI-Aziz and H.H. Abd EI-Kalek.

 Microbiology Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology,  Atomic Energy Authority, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt. abdelazizamany@gmail.com

Abstract: The nutritive value and biological activity of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) seeds cultivated in Egypt were evaluated. Chemical analysis of fiber, protein, ash, carbohydrates, and fatty acids present in the non irradiated and irradiated seeds was conducted. The results show that the values for the indices are within recommended levels for edible oils. Seeds were found to be rich in oil (44.45±2.83 %).  The oil contains an appreciable amount of unsaturated fatty acids (71.10±4.32 %) and found to be a rich source of linoleic acid (52.64±0.90 %).Gamma irradiation of pumpkin increased significantly (P<0.05) the yield of free fatty acid, acid value and peroxide value of extracts. Results showed decreases in the iodine value after irradiation at doses up to 10kGy. The antimicrobial effect of irradiated and unirradiated pumpkin oil seeds was studied. Gamma radiation up to 10kGys don’t affect on the antimicrobial activity of pumpkin oil. Three different proteins were extracted from the pumpkin rinds, seeds, and pulp. All the extracted proteins were screened for their antimicrobial activity against the tested microbial isolates. The total protein and antimicrobial effect of all extractions were decreased at gamma irradiation doses used.

[A. B. Abd EI-Aziz and H.H. Abd EI-Kalek. Antimicrobial proteins and oil seeds from pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata). Nature and Science 2011;9(3):105-119]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net. 

doi:10.7537/marsnsj090311.16

Key words: pumpkin seed, Pumpkin seed oil, Oil Quality, fatty acid, Antimicrobial, Antibacterial protein

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