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Science Journal

Researcher

Volume 2 - Issue 3 (Cumulated No. 9), March 20, 2010, ISSN 1553-9865

Cover Page, Introduction, Contents, Call for Papers, All papers in one file

Welcome to send your manuscript(s) to: marslandresearcher@gmail.com

CONTENTS

No.	Titles / Authors	page
1	*PLANT REGENERATION THROUGH IN VITRO* SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS IN ASHWAGANDHA (Withania somnifera L. Dunal)** Sharma M M^1,, Ali D J² and Batra A¹ 1. Department of Botany, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302055, India 2. Department of Biotechnology, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jagatpura, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302025, India drmadansharma@gmail.com, zulfikar_da@rediffmail.com, amlabatra@gmail.com Abstract: Somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration from leaf explants of Indian ginseng (Withania somnifera* L. Dunal), a medicinally potent plant species is reported. Embryogenic callus was obtained from leaf explants on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 2, 4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (0.5-5.0 mg l^-1) and N⁶-benzylaminopurine (0.5-5.0 mg l^-1). High frequency of somatic embryo mass induction (10.89 ± 0.78) was noticed on 2, 4-D (0.5 mg l^-1), BAP (1.0 mg l^-1) along with casein hydrolysate (10.0 mg l^-1). This nodulated callus upon regular subculturing on the same medium and hormonal regime showed various typical stages of embryo development i.e. heart shaped, torpedo shaped and cotyledonary stages culminating into germination and maturity. Well-developed cotyledonary stage embryos were germinated on MS medium fortified with BAP (0.5 mg l^-1). Highest percentage of somatic embryo formed shoots on MS medium augmented with BAP (0.5 mg l^-1), but they did not show germination on MS medium without plant growth regulators. The shoots raised from somatic embryos were rooted on MS medium supplemented with indole-3- butyric acid (1.0 mg l^-1). The survival rate after transplantation of plantlets was 55%. Plants produced were morphologically similar to mother plants. The present protocol is an important path for genetic transformation studies in Withania somnifera. [Researcher. 2010; 2(3):1-6]. doi:10.7537/marsrsj020310.01 Key words: Somatic embryogenesis, embryogenic callus, leaf explants, Withania somnifera	Full Text
2	In vitro clonal propagation of Acacia nilotica (L.) - A nitrogen fixing tree Dhabhai K ,Sharma M M and Batra A Department of Botany, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302055, India kshipramicrobiology@gmail.com, drmadansharma@gmail.com, amlabatra@gmail.com Abstract: An efficient regeneration protocol was developed for in vitro propagation of Acacia nilotica (L.), a nitrogen fixing tree, through direct regeneration. In vitro nodal segments cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with NAA (0.6 mg/l) and Kn (1.0 mg/l) for shoot proliferation. NAA was found to be more effective than Kn for shoot multiplication. The highest number of shoots (4.6±0.7) were achieved on MS medium augmented with NAA (0.6 mg/l). However, excised shoots (2-3cm) were rooted on half strength MS medium supplemented with IBA (0.5 mg/l) after 15-20 days of culture. The micropropagated plantlets were hardened and acclimatized. They were successfully transferred to natural conditions with 75% survival rate. [Researcher. 2010; 2(3):7-11].(ISSN: 1553-9865). doi:10.7537/marsrsj020310.02 Keywords: Cytokinin, Auxin, in vitro regeneration	Full Text
3	Land use change in Siby, Mali, 1986-1999and 2002: A Remote Sensing Analysis Lansine Kalifa Keita^a* Liqin Zhang^b Department of Land Resources Management, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China. lansinekeita73@yahoo.fr Abstract: In this paper，it gave a detailed introduction about the classification process of land use in Siby in Mali Using remote sensing and GIS software’s such as ENVI.4.3 and ArcGIS 9.3 three Landsat TM images (1986- 1999 and 2002) of Siby were used for the study. After being geometric corrected subset and enhanced, the images were classified into 5 classes: urban area, Farmland, Water, Forest, and Grassland, using the supervised maximum likelihood classifier. As expected, urban area increased throughout the study period 1986, 1999 and 2002 (1%) (15%) (16 %) respectively. The main objective of this paper is to identify the spatial changes of land uses in the Siby commune using multi-temporal satellite images. The implication of this unprecedented growth in urban land is the resulting environmental and ecological problems associated with unplanned urban growth and development such as loose of grassland, deforestation and increased of farmland. The unsustainable agricultural practices along with many other physical, socio-economic and political factors have been the driving forces to a series of land degradation problems. The main objective of this paper is to identify the spatial changes of land uses in the Siby commune using multi-temporal satellite images. Statistical analysis bivariate correlation is used to establish the correlation between land use type populations, income .Human use of land has altered the structure and functioning of ecosystems. Human activities override natural changes of ecosystems caused by climate variations of the past few thousand years. Agriculture, forestry, and other land-management practices have modified entire landscapes and altered plant and animal communities of many ecosystems throughout the world .The most spatially and economically important human uses of land globally include cultivation in various forms, livestock grazing, settlement and construction, reserves and protected lands, and timber extraction .The pattern of land use can give us insight in the factors that have caused the land cover to change. A better understanding of the determining factors of land-use change is of crucial importance to the study of global environmental change. [Researcher. 2010; 2(3):12-21].(ISSN: 1553-9865). doi:10.7537/marsrsj020310.03 Key Words: Remote Sensing, classification, Land use change	Full Text
4	Assessment of Aquifer Characteristics in Relation to Rural Water Supply in Part of Northern Nigeria Isaac Oladejo Olaniyan¹, Jonah Chukwuemeka Agunwamba² and Joel O. Ademiluyi³ 1. Department of Agricultural Engineering, Kaduna Polytechnic, Nigeria dejoolaniyan@yahoo.com 2. Department of Civil Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka jcagunwamba@yahoo.com 3. Department of Civil Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka doyenacademy@yahoo.com Abstract. Data obtained from 91 successfully drilled and producing boreholes in the crystalline basement complex area of northern Nigeria were outlined and assessed statistically. Groundwater in exploitable quantities sufficient for rural water supply was found to occur in the study area in three forms: the river alluvium, the Newer basalts, and the weathered zone of the Basement Complex which is the most extensive, and oftentimes poorly aquiferous. The aquifer generally has low yield with an average yield of 45.77 l/min (or 65.91m³/day) of water, while higher yields only occur in fractured zones. From statistical evaluation, it was inferred that yield and specific capacity (or productivity) of aquifers are not related to regolith thickness and saturated thickness at the borehole points. Poor negative correlation coefficients and weak negative linear relationships were consistently obtained between pairs of parameters. The study suggests that regolith and saturated thicknesses do not play significant role as much as hydraulic characteristics of weathered zone in aquifer productivity. [Researcher. 2010; 2(3):22-27]. (ISSN: 1553-9865). doi:10.7537/marsrsj020310.04 Keywords: aquifer, hydraulic parameters, statistical analysis, regolith	Full Text
5	HIV INFECTION AMONG MALE PRISON INMATES IN ABUJA,NIGERIA. HIV INFECTION AMONG PRISON INMATES. MUHAMMAD T¹, ¹AUWAL USMAN, DR MM BABA²AND IB THILZA³ ¹DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY, NATIONAL HOSPITAL ABUJA, NIGERIA. ²DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI. ³DEPARTMENT OF VETERINARY MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI. tallem@ng.afro.who.int ABSTRACT:* The Prison population is at risk of HIV infection even though they are most often neglected risk group in the area of prevention and management. The seroprevalence of Human Immunodefiency Virus [HIV] infection among male inmates in Kuje prison, Abuja- Nigeria was determined. Two hundred sera specimens from the prison inmates were tested using 3 different test kits. Of 200 samples tested 12 [6%] had HIV-1 antibodies. The highest prevalence of HIV antibodies was found in the age group of 10-20 years [7.1%]. This was followed by the age group of 21-30 years [6.8%] while the least [4.0%] was observed among those aged 41-50 years. HIV among inmates particularly the young was high. Preventive and management measures should always be extended to inmates of Nigerian prisons. Prisoners should continuously be educated about HIV pandemic and methods of prevention. [Researcher. 2010; 2(3):28-30].(ISSN: 1553-9865). doi:10.7537/marsrsj020310.05 Key words: HIV, Prevalence, Inmates, Abuja, Nigeria	Full Text
6	*INCIDENCE OF SCHISTOSOMIASIS IN PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO S. haematobium* IN MAIDUGURI** MUSA BAMAIYI JOSEPH¹ BENJAMIN GAJI¹ MUHAMMAD T², MM BABA³, AND IB THILZA⁴, ¹DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI ²DEPARTMENT OF VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY AND PARASITOLOGY UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI. ³DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI. ⁴DEPARTMENT OF VETERINARY MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI. tallem@ng.afro.who.int ABSTRACT:* The total of 744 urine samples were collected within three weeks in the month of September 2004 in sterile universal containers from pupils from 10 different primary schools in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and were examined microscopically at the UMTH diagnostic Laboratory unit. The overall incidence of S. haematobium was 110(14.5%). 115(15.5%) had haematuria but had no schistosomiasis. The incidence of S. haematobium infections with negative haematuria (no blood in urine) was 21(2.8%). The Maimusari, Shehu Sanda 1 and Maiduguri primary Schools recorded the highest number of schistosomiasis incidences (table i and iii). Incidence according to age was 40(15.0%), higest within the group 12-15 years with total number 267 (table ii). Incidence according to sex was higher in the males (517) than females (227), which were 85 (16.4%) and 25 (11%) positive respectively, and gave a difference of 60 (5.4%). The result of this study agrees with the work of (Robert and Cirillo, 2002). The problems of lack of pure and portable water supply in schools and homes in Maiduguri, makes the Children at high risk of exposure to schistosomiasis and implications of this disease in the children affects socioeconomic development of the country (Nnoruka, 2000). [Researcher. 2010; 2(3):31-36]. (ISSN: 1553-9865). doi:10.7537/marsrsj020310.06 Key words: incidence, Schistosomiasis, primary shool pupils, Maiduguri	Full Text
7	ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES OF LEAF OF VITEX DONIANA AND CAJANUS CAJAN ON SOME BACTERIA Ejikeme Nwachukwu* Henrietta O. Uzoeto Department of Microbiology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P. M. B. 7267, Umuahia, Nigeria. Corresponding author, Email drejik@yahoo.com ABSTRACT:* Antimicrobial activities of acetone, ethanol, methanol, hot and cold water extracts of leaves of Vitex doniana and Cajanus cajan on Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus were investigated. V. doniana and C. cajan contain alkaloid, tannins, saponins, carbohydrates and proteins at varying levels. Antimicrobial activity was particularly high in acetone extracts of V. doniana against S. typhi (19.71mm), followed by methanol extracts of V. doniana against E. coli (14.61mm) and ethanol extracts of V. doniana against S. typhi (13.66mm). Ethanol, methanol and acetone extracts of C. cajan inhibited growth of E. coli to 11.90 mm, 11.69 mm and 10.2 mm respectively. P. aeruginosa was generally resistant to all the extracts accept acetone extract of V. doniana. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts was determined. MIC for acetone extracts of C. cajan against E. coli was 0.78mg/ml. The kinetic of kill of individual cells by addition of extract to culture broth indicated decrease in the number of the viable counts during the period of monitoring. Analysis of variance showed that there was no significant difference (p=0.05) between the antimicrobial activity of standard antibiotic gentamicin and acetone extract of V. doniana or C. cajan on the isolates. This result suggests that the acetone extracts of V. doniana and C. cajan have antimicrobial properties which can be pharmaceutically exploited. [Researcher. 2010; 2(3):37-47]. (ISSN: 1553-9865). doi:10.7537/marsrsj020310.07 Key words: Antibacterial activity, plant extracts, phytochemicals	Full Text
8	Microsructural Analysis of Zinc-Clay Cermet Resistors O.A. Babalola, A.B. Alabi and T. Akomolafe. Physics Department, University of Ilorin, Nigeria. babalolaOA@gmail.com Abstract:* Cermet rods of dimensions of 65mm ´ 6.5 mm ´ 3.2 mm were produced by a mould using a compaction method with a pressure of (6.35 ± 0.02) ´ 10⁸ N/m². The cermets were produced with zinc powder content of 10 % and 70 % (vol.). The rods were subjected to varying annealing temperatures ranging from 300 ^oC to 1000 ^oC using an electric furnace for a time duration of one hour. Microstructural changes due to cermets composition and annealing temperatures were done using x-ray diffraction (XRD), x-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical micrographs. The changes in physical structures and chemical compositions responsible for the changes observed in electrical resistivity of the cermets were also investigated. [Researcher. 2010; 2(3):48-55]. (ISSN: 1553-9865). doi:10.7537/marsrsj020310.08 Keywords: Cermet; Microstructure; Clay; Resistors	Full Text
9	PERFORMANCE OF SMALL-SCALE FISH FARM OPERATORS IN RESOURCE- USE IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA OGUOMA, N.N.O; OHAJIANYA, D.O and F.O NWOSU Department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, P.M.B 1526, Owerri Im State, Nigeria. e-mail: nnooguoma@yahoo.com Abstract: The study estimated the earnings performance and resource-use efficiency of small-holder fish farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. The proportionate and simple random sampling techniques were combined in a multistage sampling in selecting the respondents. Data were collected on output and input use in production and analyzed using descriptive statistics, net income model, the ANOVA and the stochastic translog frontier production function models. . Result showed that fish enterprise is a profitable venture; that the level of profit did not significantly differ between the different agricultural zones in the area. Farmers were found to be inefficient in their use of resources in fish production. The significant factors that positively influenced the economic efficiency of fish production were expenditure on fingerlings, fertilizer, labour, water, feed and capital. The interaction of these variables also significantly influenced the performance of fish output in the area. It was recommended, among others, that financial institutions should be encouraged to improve on the volume and terms of loans extended to the operators to enable them expand their scale of operations and take advantage of the huge profit opportunities in fish production in the are; that the quality of fingerlings and their availability be improved upon in order to reduce their costs and increase their contribution to fish output. [Researcher. 2010; 2(3):56-65]. (ISSN: 1553-9865). doi:10.7537/marsrsj020310.09 Keywords: earnings performance; economic efficiency; fish production; quality of fingerlings	Full Text
10	Quality Prediction of Carry-Over Soybean Seed N. Indrakumar Singh^and J.S. Chauhan Department of Seed Science & Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, HNB Garhwal University (A central university), Srinagar Garhwal, (Uk) - 246 174 (India). indrasst08@gmail.com Abstract:* Seed quality is essential for maximum yield establishment and optimum stand potential. Seed should only be considered for planting if it is free of weed-seed contaminants and has a high germination rate. The investigation evaluated the physical and physiological seed quality of soybean seeds (Glycine max L. Merr. Cv. PS-1092), collected from different local farm storage of Uttarakhand (India). Results showed that seed Sample D recorded the highest purity percent and imbibition with minimum days taken for seedling emergence, seed Sample B recorded the maximum germination percent, PLS value and highest seedling length. The standard germination index of the seed Sample B significantly related with seedling length, dry weight and purity percent values. High emergence percent at the first reading by seed Sample D indicated seed coats were more permeable to moisture. Thus, results can be concluded that seed Sample D was found best for use as a planting material in the onset season. But it can be suggested that the rest three seed samples can also be used as a planting material, although it may have some effect on seed productivity, as these experimental results were observed within the standard value. [Researcher. 2010; 2(3):66-69]. (ISSN: 1553-9865). doi:10.7537/marsrsj020310.10 Key Words: Carry-over seed, Emergence, germination, imbibition, purity, vigour	Full Text
11	PERFORMANCE, INTERNAL EGG CHARACTERISTICS AND HAEMATOLOGY OF LAYING BIRDS FED SAFZYME^®SUPPLEMENTED SOYBEANHULL DIET. ¹ Iheshiulor, O.O.M, 1 Esonu, B.O; 1 Udedibie,C.A; 1 Chukwuka,O.K and ¹Ayo-Enwerem, C.M. ¹Department of Animal Science & Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, P.M.B. 1526, Imo State, Nigeria ²Department of Animal Production, Imo Polytechnic, Owerri. E-mail: osky02@yahoo.com Abstract:* A twelve-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of safzyme® (a cellulolytic enzyme) supplementation on performance, internal egg characteristics and haematology of laying birds fed soybean hull diets. Three experimental layer diets were formulated incorporating soybean hull meal at 0% (without safzyme® supplementation), 30% (without safzyme® supplementation) and 30% (with safzyme® supplementation). Thirty six Harco layers, 5 months into lay were divided into three treatment groups and randomly assigned to three treatment diets in a completely randomized design. Data were collected on feed intake, body weight gain, hen-day production, egg size and weight, internal indices of eggs, internal organ characteristics and haematological indices. Results from performance studies revealed that supplementing soybean hull diet with/without safzyme® significantly (P<0.05) affected performance, egg quality indices, carcass characteristics and haematology compared to the control. Also, hens fed soybean hull diet with/ without safzyme® supplementation had increased weight of gizzard and increased feed intake (P<0.05). The results of this trial suggest that 30% dietary level of soybean hull meal with/without safzyme® supplementation could be used in laying birds diets without any deleterious effects on birds. [Report and Opinion 2010;2(3):70-74]. (ISSN: 1553-9873). doi:10.7537/marsrsj020310.11 Keywords: soybean hull meal, safzyme®, nutritive value, laying birds	Full Text
12	Effect Of Cocoa Pod Ash And Poultry Manure Combinations On Soil And Plant Nutrient Contents And Performance Of Maize – Screenhouse Experiment Adeleye, E.O and Ayeni L.S. Department of Agricultural Science, Adeyemi College of Education, PMB 520, Ondo, Ondo State, Nigeria. Email: leye_sam@yahoo.com ABSTRACT: A Screenhouse experiment was conducted in 2005 and 2006 on single application of cocoa pod ash (0. 5 and 10t ha ^-1), poultry manure (0, 5 and 10t ha ^-1) and their residual effects on soil chemical properties, nutrient content and yield components of maize in Southwest Nigeria. There were nine treatment combinations replicated three times in a completely randomized design. After treatments application in 2005, the pot soil were left without treatments application in 2006 to determine their residual effects. Compared with control, cocoa pod ash and poultry manure applied significantly increased (p<0.05) soil OM, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn. In 2005, when cocoa pod ash was combined with poultry manure at the rate of 10 t ha-1 each, increases in OM, P, Fe, Zn and Mn were lower than when 5tha ^-1 of cocoa pod ash was combined with 10tha ^-1poultry manure. 10 t ha-1 of cocoa pod ash reduced soil Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn compared with 10t ha ^-1 poultry manure.Poultry manure at all rates significantly (P < 0.05) increased tissue N, P, K, Ca and Mg compared with control. Cocoa pod ash increased tissue N. K, Ca, Mg Zn, and Mn in 2005 and increased K, Zn, and Fe in 2006. Cocoa pod ash combined with poultry manure increased plant N, P, K, Ca and Mg compared with control. All the treatment combinations significantly (P < 0.05) increased plant height, stover, dry root matter and grain yield. The increases in yield in 2005 were 11% (C₀P₅), 61% (C₀P₁₀), 32% (C₅P₀) 64% (C₅P₅), 68% (C₅P₁₀), 9% (C₁₀P₅), and 57% (C₁₀P₁₀) while the increases in 2006 were 44% (C₀P₅), 98% (C₀P₁₀), 9% (C₅P₀), 34% (C₀P₀), 17% (C₅P₅), 99% (C₅P₁₀) 53% (C₀P₅) and 94% (C₀P₁₀). [Researcher. 2010;2(3):75-80]. (ISSN: 1553-9865). doi:10.7537/marsrsj020310.12 Key Words: integration, soil nutrients, nutrient uptake, maize yield	Full Text
13	Effects of extracts from lichen Ramalina pacifica against clinically infectious bacteria Joy Hoskeri. H¹, V. Krishna¹ and C. Amruthavalli² 1. P.G. Department of Studies and Research in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Kuvempu University, Shankaraghatta – 577 451, Karnataka, India. 2. Bioinformatics Division, Centre for Information Science and Technology, University of Mysore, Mysore, Karnataka, India. E.mail: joybioinfo@gmail.com Abstract Bactericidal activity of crude extracts from lichen Ramalina pacifica were screened against 20 clinical pathogenic strains isolated from different infectious sources which belong to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi, Echerichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. The minimal inhibitory concentration of petroleum ether extract and ethanol extract was determined against AmericanTypeCellCulture and MicrobialTypeCellCulture strains. Both the extracts exhibited predominant antibacterial activity against all the multi-resistant strains isolated from infected patient’s sample with significant zone of inhibition at MIC=100μg/100μL. The bactericidal activity was assessed comparatively with the reference ATCC strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa- ATCC-20852; Staphylococcus aureus- ATCC 29737), (Salmonella typhi – ATCC-19430), (Salmonella paratyphi – ATCC-9150), (E. coli – ATCC-25922) and MTCC strains (Klebsiella pneumoniae – MTCC-618) respectively. Ciproflaxin at the concentration 50μg/100μL was used as standard. Ethanolic extract exhibited significant zone of inhibition against the clinical strains of S. aureus (16.67±1.05mm) and E. coli (17.00±1.24mm) isolated form the abscess and hospital effluent respectively. The results were promising and supported the traditional use of lichens for the treatment of respiratory infections, urinary tract infections and pneumonia. [Researcher. 2010;2(3):81-85]. (ISSN: 1553-9865). doi:10.7537/marsrsj020310.13 Keywords: Bactericidal activity, clinical isolates, AmericanTypeCellCulture, MicrobialTypeCellCulture, Minimal inhibitory concentrations, and Sensitive radial diffusion technique	Full Text