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Comparative condition factor of two Penaeid  shrimps, Peneaus notialis (Pink shrimp) and Peneaus monodon (Tiger shrimp)  in a coastal state, Lagos, South West Nigeria

Ajani E. Gloria¹,  Bello O. Beatrice¹,  Osowo Olufemi²

¹ Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, Bar Beach, Victoria Island Lagos, Nigeria.

² Centre for Environmental and Science Education, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria

olugee232000@yahoo.co.uk

Abstract: Comparative  condition factor of two Penaeid  shrimps, Peneaus notialis (Pink shrimp) and Peneaus monodon (Tiger shrimp)  in a coastal state, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria were studied. The condition factor is an indices used to investigate the state of wellbeing of fish, was used to assess the state of wellbeing of these Penaeid shrimps in Lagos Nigeria. During the study it was discovered that there was a total difference in the total number Peneaus notialis and Peneaus monodon sampled, this was due to the fact that the former is a local and indeginous species while the latter is an exotic species that invaded the Nigerian coastal waters . The  highest mean condition factor ‘K’ of P. notialis (0.99) while that of P. monodon  (1.05). The value for P.mondon were greater than 1 and implied that they were in good physiological state of wellbeing during the period of study.

[Ajani E. Gloria,  Bello O. Beatrice,  Osowo Olufem. Comparative condition factor of two Penaeid shrimps, Peneaus notialis (Pink shrimp) and Peneaus monodon (Tiger shrimp)  in a coastal state, Lagos, South West Nigeria. Nat Sci J 2013;11(4):1-3]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 1. doi:10.7537/marsnsj110413.01

Keywords: condition factor; Penaeid shrimps; coastal state; wellbeing.

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The Use of Earthworm Cast as a Casing Material, Time of Application and Substrate size on Yield of Pleurotus tuberregium. (Fr.) Singer, a Nigerian Mushroom

 Idowu Olufunmilayo Omowumi¹ and Kadiri, Mukaila²

¹Vegetable Programme, National Horticultural Research Institute, Idi-Ishin,G Ibadan

²Dept. of Biological Sciences, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

funmilayoidowu@yahoo.com; mukailakadiri@yahoo.co.uk

Abstract: The possibility of using earth worn cast as casing material in the fructification of a popular edible mushroom (Pleurotus tuberregium) from Nigeria was investigated. Chemical characteristics of the earthworm cast was done. Time of casing application was varied from 1^st -  6th week after spawning, and the effect of substrate size on sclerotia yield was also investigated. The result showed that all the cased substrates produced both sclerotia and fruit bodies except those cased at 3^rd week after spawning on which only fruit bodies were produced while the uncased produced only the sclerotia. The highest fruit body yield (118.00g) was obtained where casing was applied at 3^rd week after spawning. Biological efficiency (62.10%) and sclerotia yield (141.45g) were highest at 1^st week of casing application and least on the control. Mean fruit size (48.84g), pileus width (18.35cm), stipe length (16.90cm) and girth (4.75cm) were significantly highest (p< 0.05) at 4^th week of casing layer application and least in others. Significant increase in sclerotia yield was also observed with increase in growth substrate size at p<0.05. These findings suggest that for direct fruit body production of P. tuberregium, casing material should be applied preferably at 3 - 4 weeks after spawning and that earth worm casts can be used as casing material as readymade casing materials such as peat moss and vermiculite are not available in Nigeria for now and that increase substrate size also results into increased sclerotia yield of these mushroom.

[Idowu OO and Kadiri M. The Use of Earthworm Cast as a Casing Material, Time of Application and Substrate size on Yield of P. tuberregium. (Fr.) Singer, a Nigerian Mushroom. Nat Sci J 2013;11(4):4-8]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 2. doi:10.7537/marsnsj110413.02

Key words: Spawn preparation, cultivation, sclerotium, substrate weight.

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Competitive Position of Egyptian Grapes Exports in World Market
 

 Abed El Aziz M. A¹, Hammam N. M. A.² and Elsebai M. N. M.³

¹ Department of Agricultural Economics, National Research Centre

² Department of Marketing, Research Institute of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Research Centre.

³ Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University.

Abstract: This work was carried out in order to identify the most important factors affecting the competitiveness of Egyptian grapes in major import markets .The features of the current situation for exports of Egyptian grapes, and the geographical distribution of exports, and imports from it was investigated .In addition market share, price and competitive position, and the rate of market penetration to determine the competitive position of Egyptian grape exports in the world market were investigated. The results recommended the Importance of increasing the quantity exported to Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United States of America, where those markets are increasing demand for it. Moreover, it is essential to Increase the quantity exported to the British and Dutch markets, where market share is for Egypt in the markets is about 6.6%, 3.2%, respectively, despite having a comparative advantage price to Egypt in both markets. On the other hand, to reduce the quantity exported to Germany and Belgium, where these markets have lower demand for Egyptian grapes. [Abed El Aziz M. A, Hammam N. M. A. and Elsebai M. N. M. Competitive Position of Egyptian Grapes Exports in World Market. Nat Sci 2013;11(4):9-19]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 3. doi:10.7537/marsnsj110413.03

Keywords: Piece Wise Linear Regressions, Market Share, Price Relative, Market Penetration Rate, Competitiveness, Foreign Demand.

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Determination Of Lead, Cadmium And Cobalt In Nigeen Lake Kashmir

N. A. Khan, M. Y. Khan, I. A. Raja  and A. A. Bhat.

1. Department of Chemistry, Degree College Bemina, India

2,3. Department of Chemistry, S. P. College Srinagar, India

4. Department of Zoology University of Kashmir Srinagar, India

E-mail: showkat80ahmad@gmail.com

ABSTRACT: The Dal Lake is famous throughout the World for its beauty and unique physiochemical characters. But due to increase in population Dal Lake directly as well as indirectly has been inflenced.The present study was undertaken to study the concentration of some metals in the Lake. The mean value of Lead observed was 0.087mg/l, Where as cadmium was 0.053 mg/l, and cobalt was 0.194 mg/l. Due to various anthropogenic activities and increase in pollution the water of the Lake has deteriorated. Hence the current work has been undertaken to investigate the presence of metals in the lake. [N.A. Khan, M.Y. Khan, I. A. Raja  and A. A. Bhat. Determination Of Lead, Cadmium And Cobalt In Nigeen Lake Kashmir. Nat Sci J 2013;11(4):20-21]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 4. doi:10.7537/marsnsj110413.04

Key words: Dal lake, water, Lead, cadmium, cobalt.

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Water Chemistry Of Famous Dal Lake Kashmir

N.A. Khan, M.Y. Khan,  I. A. Raja   And A. A. Bhat

Department of Chemistry, Degree College Bemina, India

Department of Chemistry, S.P.College Srinagar, India

Department of Zoology University of Kashmir Srinagar, India

E-mail: showkat80ahmad@gmail.com

Abstract: During the present study stress has been made to observe the pressure and causes of eutrophication to the famous Dal Lake Kashmir. Dal Lake is facing tremendous change in the physicochemical parameters like oxygen, carbon dioxide, alkalinity, pH, etc. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the tropic status of Dal Lake Kashmir on the basis of physicochemical parameters criterion. the urban valley lake (Dal) operating under tremendous anthropogenic pressures pumping heavy load of autochthonus and allochthonus material leads to its rapid tropic evolution in the form of eutrophication.

[N.A. Khan, M.Y. Khan,  I. A. Raja   And A. A. Bhat. Water Chemistry Of Famous Dal Lake Kashmir. Nat Sci J 2013;11(4):22-23]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 5. doi:10.7537/marsnsj110413.05

Key words: Trophic status, catchments, anthropogenic, autochthonus, allochthonus, eutrophication.

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Efficiency Of Sewage Treatment Plant, Laam, Nishat, Srinagar, Jammu And Kashmir, India

M. Mehdi  and S. K. Rafiq

 P.G Department of Environment S.P. Post Graduate College, Srinagar, 190001, Jammu & Kashmir, India.

Hydrobiology Research Lab. S.P. Post Graduate College, Srinagar, 190001, Jammu & Kashmir, India.

Abstract: The current study was undertaken at Sewage treatment plant (STP) Laam, Nishat, Srinagar situated between 33°25´ to 34°50´ N & 74°75´E geographical coordinates at the shores of world famous Dal lake. Comparative analyses were undertaken for raw sewage entering the STP and treated sewage discharged into the Dal Lake at aforesaid site. The parameters which were analyzed during the study included Temperature, pH, Electrical conductance, Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), Chemical oxygen demand (COD), Chloride (Cl¯), Sodium, Potassium, Total dissolved solids (TDS), Total suspended solids(TSS), Totalsolids (TS), Nitrogen (as nitrate-nitrogen and ammonical-nitrogen), and ortho-phosphate. It was observed that the concentration of TS, TSS, TDS, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca⁺, Mg⁺, Am. Nitrogen, Orto-phosphate, BOD and COD  was reduced by 59%, 66%, 50%, 33%, 73%, 30%, 66%, 49%, 60%, 77% and 74%  while as that of  Cl, NO₃^-, and  dissolved oxygen increased by 67%, 51% and 99% respectively  after  treatment at STP.

[M. Mehdi  and S. K. Rafiq. Efficiency Of Sewage Treatment Plant, Laam, Nishat, Srinagar, Jammu And Kashmir, India. Nat Sci J 2013;11(4):24-29]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 6. doi:10.7537/marsnsj110413.06

Key Words: Sewage treatment plant, Dal lake, Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), Chemical oxygen demand (COD).

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Microbiological Analysis of some Packaged Fruit Juices sold in Port Hacourt Metropolis, Nigeria

Odu Ngozi Nma and Adeniji Adeniran Ola

1. Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, East-West Road, P.M.B. 5323, Choba, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria;

2. Microbiology Technology, School of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Choba, East-West road, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Ngozi.odu@uniport.edu.ng

Abstract: Fifteen (15) samples of packaged fruit juices which include pineapple, orange, and apple juice were analyzed for there microbial content using standard microbiological techniques. The fruit juices were purchased from street hawkers in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria. Total heterotrophic bacteria count of some of the packaged fruit juice samples ranged from 3.5x10² to 7.1x10³ CFU/ml (for orange juice), 4.2x10² to 6.6x10⁴ CFU/ml (for apple juice), and 3.0x10² to 9.0x10⁴ CFU/ml (for pineapple juice). Total fungi count of some of the packaged fruit juice samples ranged from 1.5x10² to 2.5x10² CFU/ml (for orange juice), 2.0x10² to 4.2x10² CFU/ml (for apple juice) and 0.0x10² to 2.2x10² CFU/ml (for pineapple juice). Bacteria isolates obtained from the packaged fruit juices include; Micrococcus sp. (26.7%), Flavobacterium sp. (13.3%), Bacillus sp. (57.1%), Lactobacillus sp. (13.3%). The results also showed that of the fungi isolates obtained from packaged fruit juice, Penicillum sp. (57.1%) was predominant over Saccharomyces sp (42.9%). No coliform bacteria were observed in all packaged fruit juice samples. None of the fruit juice samples showed any growth of Salmonella, Shigella and Vibrio species. With the number of isolated bacteria and fungi from the different packaged fruit juice sold in Port Harcourt, it can be concluded that different bacterial and fungal species occur within fruits and materials used for the production of the juice as well as poor sanitation, extraction, raw material contaminations (often from insect damage), lack of both proper heat sterilization and adequate quality control during processing of fruit juice. Some of the fungal isolates especially Penicillium sp. have the potential to induce rot on fresh fruits which might have a remarkable effect on the value of the fruit especially in the food industry as well as on human health. [Odu NN and Adeniji AO. Microbiological Analysis of some Packaged Fruit Juices sold in Port Hacourt Metropolis, Nigeria. Nat Sci 2013;11(4):30-40]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 7. doi:10.7537/marsnsj110413.07

Keywords: Packaged fruit juice, microbial content, total heterotrophic bacterial count, fungal count, public health risk.

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Factors Affecting the Determination of Wages of Auditors and their Relative Importance (A case study of Sudan)

Dr Mohamed Almoutaz Almojtaba Ibrahim 1 Dr Abdelaziz Mahmoud Abdelmageed 2

^1. Department of Accounting and Auditing University, Taif - Saudi Arabia- University, Nileen –Sudan

^2. Department Accounting and Auditing University, Taif - Saudi Arabia- University, Science and Technology–Sudan

almoutazanab@yahoo.com

Abstract: The aim of this research is to identify the relative importance of the factors that determine the wages of the auditor in Sudanese companies. The importance of auditing is to serve of the various sections within and outside the company. Consequently, the auditor's wages affect the quality of service provided by auditing offices. In the absence of clear and fair principles governing the profession, and competition between audit offices, the importance is emerged to identify those factors affecting wage determination and their relative importance.  To be fair, there are principles and guidelines in determining the wages of the auditor. The influencing factors that determine the wages of the Auditor fall into three groups including group factors associated with the company under review, and the range of factors relevant to the profession, and the factors associated with the time required for the review process. Through the analysis of the results, the time, profession and the company were respectively of great importance in determining wages, where the time required to accomplish the work and the date of providing the work by the company to the auditor and the number of staff of is the most important considerations in determining those wages. In this light, we should support the Sudanese Union of accountants and professional Council Secretariat to activate the approved controls and give auditing greater role in academic studies in general and the auditor's profession and ethics in particular.

 [Mohamed Almoutaz Almojtaba Ibrahim, Abdelaziz Mahmoud Abdelmageed. Factors Affecting the Determinationof Wages of Auditors and their Relative Importance (A case study of Sudan) Nat Sci 2013;11(4):41-50]. (16347_ns_20130210). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 8. doi:10.7537/marsnsj110413.08

Keywords: Auditor wages, Factors influencing the wage determination, relative importance

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Food  Groups Consumption and  Macro and Micro-Nutrients  Intake  among  Primary School Students in  Torosk Village of Sabzevar

Kooshki A ¹, Hassan Pour K ², Hiteh  M ³,  Rivandi  M ⁴

^1. Traditional and Complementary Medicine Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran

^2..Asistan professor, Department of pediatrics,  Sabzevar University of Medical Science, Sabzevar, Iran

^3.Master science in research, Sabzevar University of Medical Science, Sabzevar, Iran

^4.Master science in Organic Chemistry, Bureau of Education,  Sabzevar, Iran

akooshki.nutr@yahoo.com

Abstract:  Assessment of dietary intakes among different groups and population is important for improving the health status. This study  determines food group and  nutrients intake among  Primary School Students in  Torosk Village of Sabzevar. This cross - sectional study was conducted on elementary students in Torosk village, sampling method was census. A validated semi quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used. Student's  diets were analyzed by Nutritionist IV software . Collected data was analyzed by  SPSS software and descriptive statistical tests. 78 primary school students in Torosk village were participated  that 42 (53.8%) female and 36 (46.2%) were male. Age range 7-12 years, mean age 10.01 ±1.46  years, mean weight and height were 23.27 ± 4.41 kg and 124.64 ± 8.41 cm, respectively. Calcium, zinc, vitamin D and  C intake lower than the Recommended  Dietary Allowance(RDA) (P <0.05).This study showed that Students  had lower amount of some micronutrients.

 [kooshki A, Hassan pour K, Hiteh M, Rivandi. M. Food  Groups Consumption and  Macro and Micro-Nutrients  Intake  among  Primary School Students in  Torosk Village of Sabzevar. Nat Sci J 2013;11(4):50-52]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 9. doi:10.7537/marsnsj110413.09

Keywords: Student, food groups, nutrients, Torosk, Iran.

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Equilibrium and kinetic studies of Methylene blue onto activated carbon prepared form Crescentia cujete fruit shell

* Mr. Jerald Antony Joseph, ** Dr. N. Xavier

* Research scholar, Department of Chemistry, St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli-620002, Tamilnadu, India, Phone number: 9994495295, jeraldanto77@gamail.com

 ** Associate Professor,  Department of Chemistry, St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli-620002, Tamilnadu, India

Abstract: The activated carbon prepared from agricultural waste has been investigated as an alternative to the expensive methods employed in the removal of dye form wastewater. The objective of current study is to explore the potential use of activated carbon prepared from the Thiruvottukai (Crescentia cujete) fruit shell for the removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution. The parameters studied include agitation time, initial dye concentration, carbon dose. The kinetic data were well modeled using pseudo first order and second order with isotherm studies. The adsorption–equilibrium was represented with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms.

[Jerald Antony Joseph, N. Xavier. Equilibrium and kinetic studies of Methylene blue onto activated carbon prepared form Crescentia cujete fruit shell. Nat Sci J 2013;11(4):53-58]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 10. doi:10.7537/marsnsj110413.10

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Emissions from Private Power Generating Equipment in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Precious N. Ede, Ikechi B. Oriji

Institute of Geosciences and Space Technology, Rivers State University of Science and Technology

Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. preciousnwobidiede@gmail.com

Abstract: Incessant power outages have made Nigerians to be one of the highest users of private power generators in the world. This study evaluates emissions from generators in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, with a view to determine the implications of their widespread use. The study used the US EPA NONROAD 2005 model with some modifications suited to the study environment. Primary data and other model inputs were obtained from appropriately designed questionnaire that were administered in the study area. Wherever necessary, these were augmented with interviews and sales data from major dealers in generators in the city of Port Harcourt. The total emissions from the model output were 26.1 tons of THC, 362.79 tons of NO_x, 138.33 tons of CO, 23.49 tons of PM₁₀ and 44800.65 tons of CO₂ per year for diesel generators; and 1096.2 tons of THC, 70.47 tons of NO_x, 20,175.3 tons of CO, 93.96 tons of PM₁₀ and 34,718.22 tons of CO₂ per year for gasoline generators. Assuming a steady growth in the economy, and if contributions from other sources are introduced into the calculation, the air quality of the city will get worse. Environmental managers in the country should begin to consider inventorying every emission source and stipulate standards as long-time measures. City managers should also provide guidance to residents on placement criteria for private power plants so that they do not endanger the lives of their household members and that of their neighbours.

[Ede PN, Oriji IB. Emissions from Private Power Generating Equipment in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Nat Sci 2013;11(4):59-64]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 11. doi:10.7537/marsnsj110413.11

Keywords: Emission modelling; non-road equipment; NONROAD 2005, generating sets, Port Harcourt.

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Trace Metals concentration in patients with falciparum Malaria by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

Saira Baloch^1*, Bikha Ram Devrajani¹ Marya Baloch² and  Mohsin Ali Baloch³

*¹Medical Research Centre (MRC)

Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences (LUMHS), Jamshoro, Pakistan.

² Institut Sciences Chimiques de Rennes, UMR 6226 CNRS Université de Rennes, France.

³Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan.

^*E-mail: saira_dr01@yahoo.com, saira.baloch@lumhs.edu.pk

Abstract: Background: Falciparum Malaria is the most severe type of malaria. Patients with Falciparum Malaria may not be apparently seriously ill but may develop serious complications. Methods: For the determination of trace metals thirty intravenous blood samples each from referred malarial patients and healthy control subjects were collected and immediately centrifuged to obtain the supernatant liquid, serum for analysis. Trace Metal were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy using air-acetylene flame (AAS, Model Varian A-20). Results: Serum Fe, and zinc concentrations were found to be significantly lower and Cu and Mg concentrations were significantly higher in patients as compared with the control subjects. Conclusion: In this study the trace metal content of copper, iron, magnesium and zinc in vary in falciparum malarial patients as compared to the control subjects. It may suggest that the decreased concentrations of iron and zinc can be maintained by giving as supplement of these metals in therapy.

[Saira Baloch, Bikha Ram Devrajani Marya Baloch and Mohsin Ali Baloch. Trace Metals concentration in patients with falciparum Malaria by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Nat Sci 2013;11(4):65-67]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 12. doi:10.7537/marsnsj110413.12

Keywords: Copper; iron; zinc; magnesium, falciparum malaria.

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Housewife's Awareness of Global Climate Changes and its Relationship with Behavioral Practices Associated with Some Resources in the Home Environment

Zeinab Salah Mahmoud Youssif

Department of Home Economics, Faculty of Specific Education – Menoufia University

omarrodeen@yahoo.com

Abstract: The present research mainly aims at studying housewife's awareness of global climate changes and its relationship with behavioral practices associated with some resources in the home environment. The research tools included the Family General Data Form (FGDF), Global Climate Changes Awareness Questionnaire (GCCAQ) (information and knowledge - attitudes), and Behavioral Practices Associated with Some Resources in the Home Environment Questionnaire (BPQ) (power and house appliances resource- water resource- house wastes resource- house decorative plants resource). The research tools were applied to a purposeful intentional sample consisting of 344 housewives having one son/ daughter at least not less than five years old from the working and non-working housewives both rural and urban in Menoufia Governorate and from different socio-economic levels. The study findings showed that there are statistically significant differences between the average scores of the rural and urban housewives in the global climate changes awareness in favour of the urban housewives at significant level 0.001 whereas there are no statistically significant differences between the rural and urban housewives in the overall behavioral practices associated with some resources in the home environment, but there are statistically significant differences in some aspects of the (BPQ) which are the behavioral practices associated with the water resource in favour of the rural housewives at significant level 0.001 and in house wastes resource and house decorative plants resource in favour of the urban housewives at significant level 0.01 and 0.001 respectively. There are statistically significant differences between the average scores of the working housewives and the non-working housewives in both global climate changes awareness and behavioral practices associated with some resources in the home environment in all its aspects in favour of the working housewives at significant level 0.001. There is also a negative statistically significant relationship between the housewife's age, the marriage years and the family size and both global climate changes awareness and behavioral practices associated with some resources in the home environment at significant level 0.01 whereas there is a positive statistically significant relationship between the education level of the husband and wife and the family income and both climate changes awareness and behavioral practices associated with some resources in the home environment at significant level 0.01. There is positive statistically significant relationship between the climate changes awareness and behavioral practices associated with some resources in the home environment with all its aspects at significant level 0.01. The results also showed the difference in percentage the independent variables (the housewife's awareness of global climate changes and some socio-economic level variables) contribute to the explanation of the dependent variable occurrence (housewife's behavioral practices associated with some resources in the home environment). The global climate changes is considered one of the most important variables affecting the housewife's behavioral practices associated with some resources in the home environment in addition to the housing environment, housewife's work, her age, family size and family income. The most important recommendations include intensification of program presentation that aim at making the housewife's aware of global climate changes through holding forums, lectures or through all the aural, readable and visual information media stressing the importance of using an easy, simplified style avoiding the specialized scientific terminology so that the housewife can understand the issue and take part in avoiding or decreasing its occurrence and solving it and making her family members aware of the importance of environment and its safeguarding.

[Zeinab Salah Mahmoud Youssif. Housewife's Awareness of Global Climate Changes and its Relationship with Behavioral Practices Associated with Some Resources in the Home Environment. Nat Sci 2013;11(4): 68-85]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 13. doi:10.7537/marsnsj110413.13

Keywords: Awareness- Global Climate Changes- Behavioral Practices- Home Environment- Home Environment Resources.

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Establishing Basic Standards of Nursing care protocol at Neonatal Intensive care unit.

Sabah Mohamed El sayed¹, Yomn Y. Sabry², Hamed M. sharkawy³, Ebtisam M. elsayed¹ and Thanaa Ali¹

Faculty of Nursing,¹ Tanta and² Alexandria University,³Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University

Abstract: The advancements in intensive care in recent decades have enabled better survival of full spectrum of newborns. The management of neonates at NICU is based on various modalities of support and application of fundamental principles of neonatal care. The aim of this study was to establish basic standards of care for nurses working at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The subjects of the present study consisted of 70 nurses working in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and responsible for providing direct care for newborn. Two tools were used to collect data:. Knowledge assessment sheet and observation checklist to assess nurses' knowledge and actual performance of nurses providing direct care for neonates in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit before, immediately, and after three months from the standard application. The results. showed that, before the standard application the total scores of knowledge for nurses were good (3o %) and poor with percentages of 63%. It was improved immediate, and after three months later of the standard application. There was significant difference in nurses' performance before, immediate, and after three months of the standard application. Conclusion: it can be concluded that all the nursing activities presented in the initial standard as basic nursing responsibilities was enhanced. Recommendations: The developed standards should be translated into Arabic and disseminated to the managers of health organizations.

[Sabah Mohamed El sayed, Yomn Y. Sabry, Hamed M. sharkawy, Ebtisam M. elsayed and Thanaa Ali. Establishing Basic Standards of Nursing care protocol at Neonatal Intensive care unit. Nat Sci 2013; 11(4): 86-92]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 14. doi:10.7537/marsnsj110413.14

Keywords: Basic Standards of Nursing care Neonatal- Intensive care unit.

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Production and Quality Assessment of “Ori-ese” (a fermented sorghum based food in Nigeria)

Adebayo-Tayo Bukola Christianah¹. Needum Gladys Ebu²

¹ Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan. Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria

² Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Uyo. Uyo Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

E-mail: bukola_tayo@yahoo.com

Abstract:  “Ori-ese” – a fermented sorghum based food was produced, the microbiological and physicochemical quality was investigated. The microbial isolate during steeping and slurry fermentation consisted of lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus cellobiosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus dextranicum, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactococcus lactis, subsp cremoris, Leuconostoc messenteroidis and Pediococcus acidulactis), coliforms (Escherichia coli and Enterobacter  aerogenes), other bacteria (Proteus spp, Corynebacterium sp, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis), molds species belonging to two genera (Aspergillus and Penicillium) and yeast were mainly species of Saccharomyces and Candida. Both lactic acid bacteria (2.1x 10⁵  – 3.3x10⁸  cfu/g) and yeast (5.0x10⁵  – 4.5x10⁶ cfu/g) populations increased with fermentation time and reached  the peak during fermentation of slurry (3.9x10⁷ – 9.0x10⁸ cfu/g) which resulted in total elimination of coliform and moulds. There was an increased in lactic acid production during steeping and slurry fermentation which ranged from 13.65 – 72.64mg and 72.64 – 101.69mg and a concomitant reduction in pH which ranged from 5.3 – 4.2 and 4.2 – 3.0 during steeping and slurry fermentation respectively. The crude protein, crude fiber, crude fat of “ori-ese” was found to be higher than that of sorghum grains. Remarkable increase was observed in Ca, K, Na and P and reduction in Fe content was observed

[Adebayo-Tayo Bukola Christianah, Needum Gladys Ebu. Production and Quality Assessment of “Ori-ese” (a fermented sorghum based food in Nigeria). Nat Sci 2013;11(4):93-97].(ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 15. doi:10.7537/marsnsj110413.15

Keywords:  “Ori-ese”, fermented Sorghum bicolor, L. plantarum,  coliform,  proximate, Uyo.

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Microbiological and nutritional assessment of burukutu and pito (indigenously fermented alcoholic beverages in West Africa) during storage

Fadahunsi, I. F.¹, Ogunbanwo, S.T¹ Fawole, A. O.²

¹Department of Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

 ²Department of Biology, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Nigeria

sanmifadahunsi@yahoo.com

Abstract: Spoilage of both fermented and unfermented food products during storage is caused by microorganisms and this is achieved with the aid of extracellular enzymes they produced, which breakdown the food product into new substances resulting into changes in their organoleptic properties. This renders it unacceptable and unsafe to the consumers hence causing economical loss to the producer. Studies were therefore conducted to investigate the microbiology, physicochemical properties, enzyme activities and proximate analysis of both fresh and stored samples of Burukutu and Pito for seven days at ambient temperature. The result obtained revealed that thirty nine isolates were obtained from both fresh and stored samples. The bacterial isolates were identified as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas fragilis, Bacillus megaterium, and Lactobacillus brevis, while the yeast and fungal isolates were identified as Torulopsis sp, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candid krusei and Aspergillus niger The pH decreased from 3.48 to 3.08 and from 3.09 to 2.99 at day 0 to day 7 in Burukutu and Pito samples respectively while the Total Titrable Acidity (TTA) increased from 1.55 to 1.87 and 1.35 to 1.63 in Burukutu and Pito respectively. The alcoholic content decreased from 2.3% to1.4% and from 0.9% to 0.5% in the fresh burukutu and pito samples respectively during storage. However, the proximate analysis revealed that parameters such as % crude fiber, ash, protein and carbohydrate decreased significantly (P<0.05 ) in the stored samples while the % moisture content increased from 97.35 to 98.02 and 98.56 to 97.66 from day 0 to 7 day for both Burukutu and Pito respectively. The enzyme activities showed that the amylase and proteinase enzymes increased from day 0 to day 3 and later decreased on day 7 for both Burukutu and Pito samples. The fresh samples of the alcoholic beverages were accorded better acceptability in all tested sensory parameters than the stored samples by the consumers.

[Fadahunsi I F, Ogunbanwo, ST, Fawole AO. Microbiological and nutritional assessment of burukutu and pito (indigenously fermented alcoholic beverages in West Africa) during storage. Nat Sci 2013;11(4):98-103]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 16. doi:10.7537/marsnsj110413.16

Key words: Burukutu, Pito, Microbial load, Enzyme assay, Proximate analysis, sensory evaluation.

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Interferon Antibody in Predicting the Response to Interferon Therapy in HCV Patients

Mousa A. Hussein¹, Naser K. Elhamshary² and Mosaad M.Ibrahim³

Departments of Internal Medicine¹, Tropical Medicine² and Medical Biochemistry

The International Islamic Center for Population Studies and Research-ART unit³, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Egypt.

elfaroklab@yahoo.com; ahmed.nasser2257@yahoo.com

Abstract: Introduction: Different mechanisms have been proposed for the failure of interferon (IFN) therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C, for example, the presence of IFN-neutralizing antibodies. So the present study was performed to see the frequency of formation of interferon antibodies and other factors in patients receiving alpha interferon and evaluate their role in treatment response. Methods: the study included 100 patients with chronic Hepatitis C receiving pegylated interferon alpha 2a and ribavirin in Al-Obour Insurance outclinic (kafr elsheikh governorate), from January 2009 to April 2012. Sera were collected from all patients before and after 12 weeks from the start of interferon therapy and analyzed for interferon antibody. Results: After 3 months of treatment 68 patients were respond to interferon therapy proofed by negative PCR for HCV RNA, most of them were males (41/27, 60.3%) and younger ages (group I), while 32 patients still had positive PCR for HCV, they were older ages and more females (group II). Antibody levels of over 20 U/ml should be taken as technical cut off values. Majority of the cases (72) had antibody levels of less than 20 U/ml, 7 of them non-responder. (18) cases having values ranging between (20-50 U/ml), 15 of them non-responder. Only (10) cases had values over 50 U/ml, all of them non-responder to IFN therapy. Serum levels of interferon-Ab were significantly higher in group II when compared to group I. Before treatment BMI, levels of viremia stages of liver fibrosis and activity were significantly higher in group II than group I.  After 3 months of treatment serum levels of interferon-Ab become above the cutoff levels of significantly and very highly significantly elevated (58.5±5.8 U/ml) more than group I (18.5±5.1 U/ml), which still below the detection limit of its levels, also WBC were significantly decreased in group I when compared to group II. Increases virological response were associated with low serum levels of interferon-Ab, male sex, younger patients, low BMI, high leucocytes count before treatment that become low during treatment, low grade of fibrosis and activity and low Viremia, but not associated with serum cholesterol. Logistic regression analysis confirmed that the most predictors of virological response in patients with HCV under interferon therapy were low serum levels of interferon-Ab, younger ages, male sex, BMI, WBC, metaver score and viremia. Conclusions: Interferon antibodies are formed in a variable percentage of cases receiving interferon that may be affect interferon therapy. Low levels of interferon-Ab before treatment that increased during treatment are a predictive for virological response. Serial antibody levels may be done to see if they remain stationary or increase with the continuation of the therapy.

 [Mousa A. Hussein, Naser K. Elhamshary and Mosaad M. Ibrahim. Interferon Antibody in Predicting the Response to Interferon Therapy in HCV Patients. Nat Sci 2013;11(4):104-109]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 17. doi:10.7537/marsnsj110413.17

Keyword: Interferon Antibody, Predicting, Response, Interferon, Therapy, HCV Patients.

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Extraction of lycopene with cell wall degrading enzymes from tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill) fruits deteriorated by Aspergillus niger

Ajayi, A.A¹, Adedeji, O.M¹, Olasehinde, G.I., ¹ Ayanda, O.O.¹, and Adejuwon, A.O.²

1. Department of Biological Sciences, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State.

2. Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Information Technology and Applied Sciences, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria.

adesola.ajayi@ymail.com

Abstract: Lycopene is the carotenoid which gives tomatoes and other red fruits their characteristic colour. It is one of the most powerful antioxidants and singlet oxygen quenching agents. It has been found to be of great medical importance with various anticancer effects and its ability to ameliorate several other medical conditions. Freshly ripe tomato fruits of the Roma vf variety and the Ibadan local variety were allowed to deteriorate after infection with a 96-hr-old culture of Aspergillus niger. Extraction of cell wall degrading enzymes produced during the deterioration process was carried out ten days after the incubation of the tomato fruits. The crude enzymes were precipitated using ammonium sulphate precipitation technique and employed in the extraction of lycopene from tomato peels. The yield of lycopene was 45.25mg/kg and 45.86mg/kg for enzymes extracted from the Roma vf and the Ibadan local varieties of tomato fruits respectively. This study established an improvement in lycopene extraction with crude preparation of cell wall degrading enzymes and compared the yield from the two enzymes obtained from the two most commonly available varieties of tomato fruits in Nigerian markets.

[Ajayi A.A. Adedeji O.M. Olasehinde G.I. Ayanda, O.O. Adejuwon A.O. Extraction of lycopene with cell wall degrading enzymes from tomato (Lycopersicon  esculentum Mill) fruits deteriorated by Aspergillus niger. Nat Sci 2013;11(4):110-113]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 18. doi:10.7537/marsnsj110413.18

Keywords: Lycopene; Aspergillus niger; Tomato peels; cell wall degrading enzymes.

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Total lipid contents and fatty acid composition from liver and muscle tissues of Cynoglossus macrolepidotus in the Persian Gulf

Abdolhossein Rustaiyan¹, Keivandokht Samiee², Maryam Mohsenifar ³

^1. Department of Chemistry, Science & Research branch, Islamic Azad University, P.O. Box 14515-775, Tehran, Iran

^2. Faculty of Biological Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

^3. Department of Marine Sciences and Technology, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

arustaiyan@yahoo.it

Abstract: In this research, the liver and muscle tissues of Cynoglossus macrolepidotus from Bushehr Coastal Zone in Persian Gulf, Iran in Jan 2013 were separately extracted for their lipid content and fatty acids composition using the method of Blight & Dyer (1959). The compounds were determined by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC- MS). The components detected in the liver and muscle tissues, including saturated fatty acids Myristic acid, Palmitic acid and Stearic acid, monounsaturated fatty acid Oleic acid, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and two methyl esters of fatty acids including Octadecanoic acid, methyl ester and Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester. The results showed that the dominant fatty acids in liver and muscle tissues were Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Palmitic acid.

[Rustaiyan A, Samiee K, Mohsenifar M. Total lipid contents and fatty acid composition from liver and muscle tissues of Cynoglossus macrolepidotus in the Persian Gulf. Nat Sci 2013;11(4):114-117]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 19. doi:10.7537/marsnsj110413.19

Keywords: Lipid content, fatty acids, liver, muscle, Cynoglossus macrolepidotus, Persian Gulf.

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Insecticidal Activity of Pyridalyl, Spinosad Alone and Combined with Vegetable Oils on Growth Development and Reproductive Performance of Callosobruchusuchus maculates (F.)

Manal, A.A.Abd El-Razik¹; M.H.Rashwan¹ and Lobna, T. M. Zidan²

¹Pesticides Dep., Fac.Agriculture Minufiya Univ, Shebin EL-Kom Egypt

²Central, Agric.Pest.Lab.Res.Center, Dokky-Giza, Egypt

dr.lobna_zidan94@yahoo.com

Abstract: The variations in efficacy of pyridalyl or /and spinosad either alone or combined with three vegetable oils (corn, sunflower and sesame) at mixing ratios of 99/1, 95/5 and 90/10(insecticide /oil) were evaluated on growth development and reproductive performance of cowpea beetle Callosobruchus maculates (F.). The results showed that the activity of pyridalyl or/and spinosad either alone or combined with the three vegetable oils was significantly increased, particularly at the highest concentration tested (1000_ppm) , and that spinosad  in combination with the three oils and in particular with sesame oil was significantly more effective in reducing number of deposited eggs, and F1 emerged adults whereas pyridalyl /corn and pyridalyl/ sunflower combinations were more effective than corresponding mixtures of spinosad in suppressing Hatchability percent. On the other hand spinosad/ oil combinations increased remarkably the duration of development period more then pyridalyl oil combinations. As for testing oils separately, sesame oil was more effective in reducing % hatchability and cowpea seeds weight loss %. while corn and sunflower oils significantly increased the duration of development period .However spinosad alone reduced each of number of deposited eggs and number of F1emerged adults more than pyridalyl. In general, using spinosad in mixtures with vegetable oils particularly at 100,500 and1000 _ppm is quite effective, yielding minimum negligible weight loss in treated cowpea seeds.

[Manal, A.A.Abd El-Razik; M.H.Rashwan and Lobna, T. M. Zidan Insecticidal Activity of Pyridalyl, Spinosad Alone and Combined with Vegetable Oils on Growth Development and Reproductive Performance of Callosobruchusuchus maculates (F.). Nat Sci 2013;11(4):118-127]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net. 20. doi:10.7537/marsnsj110413.20

Keywords: Spinosad, pyridalyl, vegetable oils, mixtures, F1 emergence, oviposition egg hatchability, Callosobruchus maculatus.

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Characterization of Ground Water Quality for Irrigation in Tehsil and District Layyah, Punjab Pakistan

Muhammad Ashraf ¹, Muhammad Nasir², Muhammad Bilal Khan³ , Farah Umar¹

¹ Soil and Water Testing Laboratory Layyah, Punjab Pakistan

² Soil and Water Testing Laboratory Multan, Punjab Pakistan

³ Soil Fertility, Muzaffar Garh, Punjab Pakistan

bilalkhan_arid@yahoo.com

Abstract: Water quality assesment through analysis is pre requisite for its better utilization by crops as it is essential for the maintainance of turgidity, absorption of nutrients and metabolic process of plants. Direct use of unfit irrigation water not only causes severe salinity/sodicity problems in soil but also depress plant growth to alarming level depending upon the extent of dissolved salts. A total of 296 advisory water samples were received/collected from tehsil Layyah during previous three years (2009-10 to 2011-12) , analyzed and categorized according to the suitability criteria of water quality evaluation. Out of 296 water samples, 114(38%) water samples were fit, 79(27%) were marginally fit and 103(35%) were found unfit for irrigation purposes. The analysis data showed that, 95 unfit water samples had electrical conductivity higher than permissible limit (i.e. >1250 µS cm^-1), 12 samples were found with high SAR (i.e. >10 (m mol L^-1)^0.5), and 47 samples had high RSC (i.e. >2.5 me L^-1). It can be inferred from data that quality of available ground water in most of the cases is suitable for sustainable crop production and soil health. Guidelines to use these water for irrigation purposes should be based on the soil texture for its best utiliztion and avoid any harmful effects on soil health. The farmers can use marginal and unfit water for salt tolerant crops (wheat, sorghum and barley) and fruit (Guava) trees etc. It is also recommended that on degraded soils, the poor quality irrigation water may be used to grow Eucalyptus and Acacia for timber and fuel, and Atriplex spp. for grazing purposes. Adoption of bio-saline agriculture, addition of farmyard manure/green manure, sheep, goat and fish farming might add to the farmer’s income under these condition.  

[Ashraf M, Khan M.B, Umar F. Characterization of Ground Water Quality for Irrigation in Tehsil and District Layyah, Punjab Pakistan. Nat Sci 2013;11(4):128-132]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature.  21. doi:10.7537/marsnsj110413.21

Keywords: Groundwater quality, Water analysis, EC, SAR, RSC, Layyah district.

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Effect of Ensemble Size on the Spectra of the Deformed Random Matrix Ensemble

Ashraf A. Abul-Magd¹, Adel Y. Abul-Magd¹,  M.Y. Hassaan²

¹Faculty of Engineering Science, Sinai University, El-Arish, Egypt

²Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Nasr City, Egypt

ash_gh82@yahoo.com

Abstract: Random matrix theory (RMT) models the Hamiltonian of a chaotic system by an ensemble of N-dimensional random matrices, where N→¥, conditioned by general symmetry constraints. Some models are introduced to apply RMT to mixed systems. In this paper, we use the deformed random matrices ensemble (DRME) as models of mixed systems, in which the diagonal and off-diagonal matrix elements have different variances. The transition between integrable and chaotic systems is studied numerically by varying the ratio of the variances of the diagonal and off-diagonal matrix elements. Analytical formulae are available for the spacing distributions of 2×2 random-matrix ensembles. We evaluate the spacing distribution P(s) for DRME of different dimensions. We also compare our result with the formula of mixed system that obtained by 2×2 random-matrix models. These formulae agree with the spacing distributions of large chaotic systems but fail for regular systems. On the other hand, the spacing distribution is Gaussian for the case of N=2 while it is exponential for large N. The purpose of this paper is to find, for mixed systems, the effective size of the ensemble where the spectral characteristics converge to those of the infinitely large ones. We show that the convergence of P(s) for mixed systems occurs around N»100. Naturally, convergence occurs at smaller values of N for more chaotic mixed systems and vice versa.

[Abul-Magd AA, Abul-Magd AY, Hassaan MY. Effect of Ensemble Size on the Spectra of the Deformed Random Matrix Ensemble. Nat Sci 2013;11(4):133-136]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 22. doi:10.7537/marsnsj110413.22

Keywords: Random matrices; Spacing distribution.

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