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Abstract Large-scale flank collapses are one of the main hazards associated with the evolution of volcanic islands. Precisely dating such events is critical to evaluate the frequency of destabilization episodes and further assess the triggering mechanism(s) associated with internal and/or external factors, such as volcano dynamics, regional tectonics, and global paleoclimatic changes. Here, we constrain the age of a pumice-rich pyroclastic deposit exposed on the eastern flank of Flores Island (Azores), which we interpret as a co-blast deposit generated by a major flank collapse that destroyed the whole western flank of the former volcanic edifice. Twelve single-grain 40Ar/39Ar analyses, performed on 250–500 µm anorthoclase feldspars (mean K/Ca close to 5) with our high-sensitivity multi-collector NGX mass spectrometer, provide a robust weighted mean age of 1.32 ± 0.01 Ma for this eruption. This new age is consistent with previous K/Ar data bracketing the flank collapse between 1.30 ± 0.04 and 1.18 ± 0.09 Ma, and indicates that this event occurred at the end of the main construction phase of the volcano. The explosion produced pumice-rich layers preceded by a lahar as attested by a polygenetic mudflow deposit underlying the dated deposit. From the geochemistry of lavas erupted just before and after the collapse, we speculate upon the possible role of magmatic processes on flank destabilization. We propose a first hypothesis where differentiation in a shallow magma reservoir could have favored edifice inflation, ground shaking, and flank failure, triggering a decompression-induced violent eruption. Overall, our study shows that high-sensitivity mass spectrometers have now reached analytical performances allowing to measure precisely and accurately ages on relatively small and moderately K-rich single feldspars, which is of the utmost importance for dating heterogeneous blasts and tephra deposits that may have been induced by large-scale flank collapses during the late Quaternary.

Abstract Tuta absoluta (the tomato pinworm) is an invasive insect pest with a highly damaging effect on tomatoes causing between 80 and 100% yield losses if left uncontrolled. Resistance to chemical pesticides have been reported in some T. absoluta populations. Insect microbiome plays an important role in the behavior, physiology, and survivability of their host. In a bid to explore and develop an alternative control method, the associated microbiome of this insect was studied. In this study, we unraveled the bacterial biota of T. absoluta larvae and adults by sequencing and analyzing the 16S rRNA V3-V4 gene regions using Illumina NovaSeq PE250. Out of 2,092,015 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) recovered from 30 samples (15 larvae and 15 adults), 1,268,810 and 823,205 ASVs were obtained from the larvae and adults, respectively. A total of 433 bacterial genera were shared between the adults and larval samples while 264 and 139 genera were unique to the larvae and adults, respectively. Amplicon metagenomic analyses of the sequences showed the dominance of the phylum Proteobacteria in the adult samples while Firmicutes and Proteobacteria dominated in the larval samples. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) comparison revealed the genera Pseudomonas, Delftia and Ralstonia to be differentially enriched in the adult samples while Enterococcus, Enterobacter, Lactococcus, Klebsiella and Wiessella were differentially abundant in the larvae. The diversity indices showed that the bacterial communities were not different between the insect samples collected from different geographical regions. However, the bacterial communities significantly differed based on the sample type between larvae and adults. A co-occurrence network of significantly correlated taxa revealed a strong interaction between the microbial communities. The functional analysis of the microbiome using FAPROTAX showed that denitrification, arsenite oxidation, methylotrophy and methanotrophy as the active functional groups of the adult and larvae microbiomes. Our results have revealed the core taxonomic, functional, and interacting microbiota of T. absoluta and these indicate that the larvae and adults harbor a similar but transitory set of bacteria. The results provide a novel insight and a basis for exploring microbiome-based biocontrol strategy for this invasive insect pest as well as the ecological significance of some of the identified microbiota is discussed.

Abstract Background Investigation of the association between leg axis alignment and biochemical MRI in young professional soccer players in order to identify a potential influence of the leg axis on cartilage regions at risk. Methods Sixteen professional soccer players (21 ± 3 years) underwent static and dynamic leg axis analysis via radiation free DIERS formetric 4 D as well as 3-T MRI examination of both knees. Quantitative T2* mapping of the knee cartilage was performed and T2* values were evaluated as 144 regions of interest. Subgroup analysis was performed in players with severe varus alignment (> 6°). Results Analysis of the leg axis geometry revealed a mean static alignment of 6.6° ± 2.5 varus and a mean dynamic alignment of 5.1° ± 2.6 varus. Quantitative T2* mapping showed significantly increased T2* values in the superficial cartilage layer compared to the deeper region (p

According to a 2019 United Nations report, of all the known species, up to 1 million face extinction globally. Despite being considered a pressing global risk with several international efforts to protect and to restore, biodiversity loss and the degradation of ecosystems continue at an alarming rate. In December 2022, the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) saw the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, where four overarching international goals for biodiversity and 23 targets were set. While this is a positive step towards addressing the drivers of biodiversity loss, we will need not just public and political will but also more effective methods to integrate and use scientific information to reach the goals and targets outlined. To facilitate this, scientists and research institutions need to establish alternative and new approaches to transform the way science is conducted, communicated, and integrated into the policymaking process. This will require the scientific community to become proficient at working in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary teams, establishing connectivity across scientific disciplines and engaging in the policymaking process to ensure that the best available scientific evidence is not only comprehensible to decision-makers but also timely and relevant. This commentary details how scientists can embrace transformative change within and outside of their own communities to increase the impact of their research and help reach global targets that benefit society.

Features of the functional state of the enteropancreatic hormonal system in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus© Fatima O. Ushanova1*, Tatiana Y. Demidova1, Tatiana N. Korotkova21Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia2Federal Research Centre of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety, Moscow, RussiaBACKGROUND: The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is growing rapidly, along with which the typical portrait of a pregnant woman with this disease is changing. Frequent detection of GDM in the early stages of pregnancy causes a high interest in the study of new mechanisms of its development.AIM: Evaluation of the state of the incretin response based on the analysis of the secretion of GLP-1, glucagon, insulin and c-peptide in pregnant women with different periods of GDM development.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-center prospective comparative uncontrolled study that included pregnant women with GSD, divided into 2 groups depending on the duration of the disease: group 1 — pregnant women who were diagnosed at

The Computer Numerical Control (CNC) of a Lathe Machine helps in shaping hard materials like metal and wood, while rotating on two axes and the amount of materials removed per unit time during the production process provides the material removal rate (MRR). Hence, the objective of this paper was to optimize the Material Removal Rate in a Computer Numerical Control Lathe Machine in Turning AISI 1040 Steel while focusing on cutting parameters such as depth of cut, cutting speed, and feed rate. Employing a central composite design with twenty experimental runs, ANOVA analysis revealed cutting speed (F-value: 80.40) as the most influential parameter on MRR. Initially, Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) predicted MRR, yielding optimal parameters: depth of cut (0.25 mm), cutting speed (250 m/min), feed rate (0.20 mm/rev), resulting in MRR of 27.88 mm3/min. Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimization surpassed ANN, yielding higher MRR (29.07442 mm3/min) with optimal parameters: depth of cut (0.65 mm), cutting speed (221.09 m/min), and feed rate (0.21 mm/rev). Confirmatory tests validated predictions. This study provides insights into enhancing CNC turning efficiency and productivity.

The study examines the bane of legal tender redesign policies on economic growth in Nigeria. It employed a causal-comparative research design for the study. The data were collected for ten (10) years, spanning from 2013 to 2022, with quarterly observations specifically chosen to capture the recent challenges posed to the Nigerian economy during the period of redesigning the legal tender. The data was sourced from the National Bureau of Statistics (2023) report. The statistical method used included normality testing, descriptive statistics, and OLS regression analysis to test the research hypotheses. Data analysis was conducted using E-views 10.0 statistical software. The finding revealed that Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests indicated a normal distribution, except for the inflation rate and GDP. The study's findings led to the rejection of all hypotheses, including INFR (t: 0.368060; p=0.7150>0.05), CPS (t: -0.696308; p=0.4907>0.05), and COB (t: 1.972444; p=0.0563≥0.05). As a result, the study concludes that the redesign of legal tender is only one aspect of economic policy. This suggests that redesigning legal tender notes with key national celebrations or anniversaries to boost feelings of patriotism and unity encourages positive mawkishness that promotes economic growth.

Abstract This study investigated various qualitative and quantitative indices of antimicrobial use (AMU) in companion animals (CAs) at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH-A) and its annex (VTH- B) from 2019 to 2021. For 694 documented animals, antimicrobial administrations (AADs) were 5, 278 times, of which 98.8% (5217) and 1.2% (61) were in dogs and cats respectively. At the VTH- A, oxytetracycline (1185 times, 22.5%) was mostly administered in dogs and metronidazole (26 times, 0.5%) in cats. Similarly, at VTH- B, oxytetracycline was administered 895 times (17.0%) in dogs while amoxicillin was given 7 times (0.1%) in cats. The prescription diversity (PD) was estimated at 0.73 and 0.82 in VTH-A and VTH-B respectively. The quantity of antimicrobials (AMs) used was 10.1 kg (A, 6.2 kg and B, 3.9 kg). Oxytetracycline administrations and quantity of metronidazole (P

Abstract Background Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and, according to the Global Burden of Disease estimates in 2015, was the fastest growing neurological disorder globally with respect to associated prevalence, disability, and deaths. Information regarding the awareness, diagnosis, phenotypic characteristics, epidemiology, prevalence, risk factors, treatment, economic impact and lived experiences of people with PD from the African perspective is relatively sparse in contrast to the developed world, and much remains to be learned from, and about, the continent. Methods Transforming Parkinson’s Care in Africa (TraPCAf) is a multi-faceted, mixed-methods, multi-national research grant. The study design includes multiple sub-studies, combining observational (qualitative and quantitative) approaches for the epidemiological, clinical, risk factor and lived experience components, as appropriate, and interventional methods (clinical trial component). The aim of TraPCAf is to describe and gain a better understanding of the current situation of PD in Africa. The countries included in this National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Global Health Research Group (Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania) represent diverse African geographies and genetic profiles, with differing resources, healthcare systems, health and social protection schemes, and policies. The research team is composed of experts in the field with vast experience in PD, jointly led by a UK-based and Africa-based investigator. Discussion Despite the increasing prevalence of PD globally, robust data on the disease from Africa are lacking. Existing data point towards the poor awareness of PD and other neurological disorders on the continent and subsequent challenges with stigma, and limited access to affordable services and medication. This multi-site study will be the first of its kind in Africa. The data collected across the proposed sub-studies will provide novel and conclusive insights into the situation of PD. The selected country sites will allow for useful comparisons and make results relevant to other low- and middle-income countries. This grant is timely, as global recognition of PD and the public health challenge it poses builds. The work will contribute to broader initiatives, including the World Health Organization’s Intersectoral global action plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders. Trial registration https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN77014546 .

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major cause of death in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). This study assessed TB burden and its predictors among PLWHA receiving care at the State Specialist Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted among PLWHA screened clinically for TB from February 2009 till December 2019. Information collected included their socio-demographic characteristics, other variables, TB signs and symptoms, and CD4 count. PLWHA with at least one TB symptom or sign underwent laboratory diagnosis. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: A total of 4057 PLWHA were screened clinically for TB during the study period. They were 982 (24.2%) males and 3075 (75.8%) females. Six hundred and ninety-eight (33.4%) were diagnosed with TB. On logistic regression analysis, predictors of TB included being female (AOR=3.53, 95%CI=2.72-4.59, p

Cultivation of Pleurotus species, an Oyster mushroom is now becoming well known due to its taste, medicinal and nutritional values. It is capable of degrading agricultural wastes efficiently and even grows at different temperature ranges. Relatively, Pleurotus species has shorter life span and the fruiting bodies are rarely attacked by pests and diseases unlike the other edible mushrooms. Therefore, the aim of this research is to access the influence of mineral constituents of five local wood wastes (Anogeissus leiocarpa, Pouteria altissima, Vitellaria paradoxa, Cordia milleni and Triplochiton scleroxylon) in Ibadan metropolis on the growth, fruiting body yield and proximate analysis of cultivated oyster mushroom (P. sajor-caju). Data of Carbon/Nitrogen ratio (11.10 – 11.60) found reveal composition of Magnesium (0.035 mg), Potassium (0.053 mEq/l), Manganese (0.0013 mg), Copper (0.00050 g/m3), Iron (0.00275 mol/L), Phosphorus (0.027 mmol/L), Organic carbon (32.10 mg/L C), Organic matter (55.3 t/ha) and total nitrogen (2.77 mg/L) contributed greatly to the high crude protein, fats and ash contents of mushroom cultivated on T. Scleroxylon. However, insignificant contents of sodium (0.2 mg), Calcium (0.2 mmol/L) and Magnesium (0.013 mg) in Pouteria altissima led to the general inadequate performance of (P. sajor-caju) in yields. The fresh mean weight of (P. sajor-caju) was from 8.00 g – 27.53 g. The heaviest weight was obtained from T. scleroxylon followed by V. paradoxa, C. milleni, while Anogeissus leiocarpa gave the lightest weight. Hence, T. scleroxylon will be suggested for cultivating P. sajor-caju because of its positive impact on the yield, crude fibre, and protein content of the experimented mushroom.

The objective of this paper was to investigate the Cutting Speed, Feed Rate and Depth of Cut to predict Tool wear during Turning of AISI 1040 Medium Carbon Steel Blanks using Artificial Neural Network Approach. The significance of the cutting parameters was investigated using the Analysis of Variance and results revealed the feed rate as the most influential factor, followed by the interaction of cutting speed and depth of cut. The Artificial Neural Network model exhibited notable correlation coefficients (R) in training (0.81301), validation (0.99932), and test (0.99922) datasets, with an overall coefficient of 0.86662, affirming the model's efficacy in predicting tool wear. The minimum predicted tool wear (0.1007mm) was observed at a 0.50mm depth of cut, cutting speed of 200m/min, and feed rate of 0.15mm/rev, demonstrating a close alignment with the observed data. The ANN predictions effectively capture the intricate relationship between tool wear and process parameters, substantiated by high correlation coefficients.

In this work, the main goal was to examine the REE concentration and distribution pattern in soil from Umuahia, Abia State, Southeast, Nigeria, in a clay mining site compared with a non-contaminated site approximately 3 km away. The REE were determined by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) at IPEN, Brazil. The main mineralogy of the samples was determined by XRD. The following REE were determined: Ce, Eu, La, Lu, Nd, Sm, Tb and Yb. Soil samples from the mining area present quartz and kaolinite as their main constituents, with REE concentrations comparable with that of the Upper Continental Crust and the North American Shale Composite. The calculated Geoaccumulation index (IGeo) indicate that REE have natural origin and ∑LREEN/∑HREEN ratio show an enrichment of the light over heavy REE, in samples of the clay mining area.

Abstract Mining environmental liabilities generate environmental pollution. The objective of the present study was to determine the yield of white clover (Trifolium repens) and orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata) cultivated in mining environmental passives adding black earth and compost as a substrate in the Buenaventura Julcani Huancavelica Company. The treatments were the combinations: 4: 3.1: 3.1: 3:1.1 kg of RP: RP, TN: RP, C: RP, TN, C respectively. They were distributed in four treatments with twelve experimental units for each species of leguminous and gramineous grass, we worked according to the completely randomized design (DCA) with a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement, the experimental unit being a treatment with twelve repetitions. The variables evaluated were: germination percentage (TG) and stem survival percentage (TST). For the statistical analysis, the SPSS software was used.

This study assessed non-timber forest products utilization and its contribution to household income among farmers in Quan’ Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used in the selection of 150 respondents for the study. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were used to achieve the objectives of the study. Findings from the study revealed the mean age of the farmers to be 40years. About 71% of the respondents were males with greater number (89%) of them married. Majority (58%) of the respondents had primary education as their highest level of education. Findings from the study also revealed that 82% of the respondents had farming as their major occupation having average farm sizes of 1.6hectares. All (100%) interviewed farmers agreed that they collect variety of NTFPs throughout the year for their daily subsistence and income generation. Income from NTFPs contributed the second largest share of household income with a share of 27.0% after income from agriculture (51.0%). Firewood (100%), charcoal (39.0%), fruit nuts (37.0%), bush meat (27.0%), bamboo (26%), medicinal herbs (22%), honey (11%), fodder (67%), mushroom (7%) etc. were the major NTFPs extracted and utilized in the study area. The result of multiple regression revealed that gender (0.944), household size (0.432), educational status (-0.385), farmland size (-0.581) and non-farm income (-0.024) were significant determinant of income from NTFPs. The study recommended that, in recognition of substantial contribution of income from NTFPs to household income, stakeholders and policymakers should consider the NTFP sector in forest conservation measures that could meet the needs of forest-dependent communities.

Formaldehyde is the key chemical substance used by morticians to prevent known post-mortem changes. Hence, the objective of this paper is to evaluate some pulmonary functions among morticians in Teaching and General Hospitals exposed to formaldehyde in Benin City, Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. Results revealed significant increase in respiratory rate and significant decrease in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75 percent (FEF2575) among morticians of the Teaching hospital and General hospital when compared to the control while those of the General hospital morticians were found to be lower than those of the Teaching hospital morticians. It was therefore concluded that exposure to formaldehyde has deleterious effects on the respiratory health of morticians especially those in the General hospital hence, there is an urgent need to seek ways of reducing formaldehyde air levels in our mortuaries especially the General hospital mortuary in order to protect the respiratory health of the morticians.

Abstract Citrus farming is one of the main activities that contributed to the Brazilian trade balance, with citrus seedling being the most important input in the formation of orchards to guarantee high productivity and fruit quality, which fundamentally depends on the chosen genetics. The present study aimed to analyze the existence of epigenetic variability in ‘Valencia’ orange plants on rootstocks, associated or not with HLB, through the quantification of the global methylation of its genome, in order to support works on genetic improvement and crop production. For this purpose, this work was carried out in greenhouse in a completely randomized experimental design, with 5 treatments and 6 replicates per treatment, each seedling being considered a replicate, namely: T1 = “Valencia” orange grafted onto “Rangpur” lemon, inoculated with HLB; T2 = “Valencia” orange grafted onto “Swingle” citrumelo, inoculated with HLB; T3 = “Valencia” orange grafted onto “Rangpur” lemon, without HLB inoculation ; T4 = “Valencia” orange grafted onto “Swingle” citrumelo, without HLB inoculation ; T5 = “Valencia” orange in free standing. The DNA was extracted from leaves and the ELISA test (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) was carried out, based on the use of receptors sensitive to 5-mC., to measure the relative quantification of global methylation between genomic orange DNAs . Since the control treatment (T5) consists of “Valencia” orange in free standing, it could be inferred that both the normal grafting technique in the seedling formation process and the inoculation of buds infected with HLB are external factors capable of changing the methylation pattern in the evaluated plants, including the DNA demethylation process, causing an adaptive response in association with the expression of genes previously silenced by genome methylation.

One of the key components of this research has been the mapping of Antarctic bed topography and ice thickness parameters that are crucial for modelling ice flow and hence for predicting future ice loss and the ensuing sea level rise. Supported by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), the Bedmap3 Action Group aims not only to produce new gridded maps of ice thickness and bed topography for the international scientific community, but also to standardize and make available all the geophysical survey data points used in producing the Bedmap gridded products. Here, we document the survey data used in the latest iteration, Bedmap3, incorporating and adding to all of the datasets previously used for Bedmap1 and Bedmap2, including ice bed, surface and thickness point data from all Antarctic geophysical campaigns since the 1950s. More specifically, we describe the processes used to standardize and make these and future surveys and gridded datasets accessible under the Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) data principles. With the goals of making the gridding process reproducible and allowing scientists to re-use the data freely for their own analysis, we introduce the new SCAR Bedmap Data Portal (https://bedmap.scar.org, last access: 1 March 2023) created to provide unprecedented open access to these important datasets through a web-map interface. We believe that this data release will be a valuable asset to Antarctic research and will greatly extend the life cycle of the data held within it. Data are available from the UK Polar Data Centre: https://data.bas.ac.uk (last access: 5 May 2023​​​​​​​). See the Data availability section for the complete list of datasets.

Conservation and documentation, which encompasses multidimensional and complex processes and objects with a scope ranging from works of art to monuments, from monuments to settlements and even cities, and from physical assets (tangible heritage) to intangible heritage, and with a content that has evolved in the 20th century, is directly related to systematic studies and approaches in the documentation and understanding of cultural heritage. However, most of the documentation studies focus on the physical context of cultural heritage. Although studies to understand the social and cultural context have begun to increase considerably, research and practices to integrate the data obtained with the physical context and to create a knowledge management by integrating with the physical context are not yet at a sufficient level. For this reason, this study focuses on defining the necessary tools that will form the basis for decision-making processes by using integrated methods in the documentation phase, based on the fact that the meaning, memories and narratives obtained through spatial experience and senses arising from human communication with their immediate environment directly support the conservation of space by enabling societies to build their existence, identity and future. The study presents a process consisting of field research and fieldwork in which tangible data collected from cultural heritage sites and intangible data arising from the relationship of users with the place are collected. In the field study, purpose-oriented data were collected through in-depth interviews with users, transferred to Geographic Information Systems and presented with the parameters determined. As a result, the findings obtained have enabled the integrated documentation and presentation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage values and the production of information to be used in conservation decision-making processes.

The objective of this study was to assess correlation between dimensions of ball phantom and distortion rate of panoramic radiography in dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) system using appropriate standard methods. The results revealed that only two measurement (2.99%) out of 67 measurements exceeded the recommended threshold value for distortion rate. There was no correlation between the ball diameter and the distortion produced. However, a low positive correlation was observed between the distortion rate and the ratio of the horizontal to the vertical diameter of the ball images. Also, the matlab code, presented results which are closer to the acceptable limit than the Romexis software. Patient positioning should be carefully and correctly considered to prevent and to bring the image distortion rate to its barest minimum for proper diagnosis in dental CBCT. For proper diagnosis and treatment planning, this distortion must be accounted for during clinical applications.

Introduction: Unmanaged Diabetes Mellitus (DM) usually results to tissue wastage because of mitochondrial dysfunction. Adverse effects of some drugs used in the management of DM necessitates the search for alternative therapy from plant origin with less or no side effects. Ocimum gratissimum (L.) (OG) has been folklorically used in the management of DM. However, the mechanism used by this plant is not fully understood. This study was designed to investigate the effects of chloroform fraction of OG leaf (CFOG) in the reversal of tissue wastage in DM via inhibition of mitochondrial-mediated cell death in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male Wistar rats.Methods: Air-dried OG leaves were extracted with methanol and partitioned successively between n-hexane, chloroform, ethylacetate and methanol to obtain their fractions while CFOG was further used because of its activity. Diabetes was induced in fifteen male Wistar rats, previously fed with high fat diet (28 days), via a single intraperitoneal administration of STZ (35 mg/kg). Diabetes was confirmed after 72 h. Another five fed rats were used as the normal control, treated with corn oil (group 1). The diabetic animals were grouped (n = 5) and treated for 28 days as follows: group 2 (diabetic control: DC) received corn oil (10 mL/kg), groups 3 and 4 were administered 400 mg/kg CFOG and 5 mg/kg glibenclamide, respectively. Body weight and Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) were determined while Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and beta cell (HOMA-β), and pancreatic tissue regenerating potential by CFOG were assessed. Activity-guided purification and characterization of the most active principle in CFOG was done using chromatographic and NMR techniques. The animals were sacrificed after 28 days, blood samples were collected and serum was obtained. Liver mitochondria were isolated and mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) was investigated by spectrophotometry.Results: CFOG reversed diabetic-induced mPT pore opening, inhibited ATPase activity and lipid peroxidation. CFOG reduced HOMA-IR but enhanced HOMA-β and caused regeneration of pancreatic cells relative to DC. Lupanol was a major metabolite of CFOG.Discussion: Normoglycemic effect of CFOG, coupled with reversal of mPT, reduced HOMA-IR and improved HOMA-β showed the probable antidiabetic mechanism and tissue regenerating potentials of OG.

Faujasite, a molecular sieve zeolite Y aluminosilicate mineral, has excellent catalytic strength and is employed in various industries. The study therefore, seek to synthesize a faujasite zeolite with a hydrothermal treatment of local clay alumina and rice husk silica using central composite design (CCD) of experiment in response surface methodology (RSM) in a 1000ml 2-neck flat bottom flask on a constant temperature magnetic stirrer at 120oC for 6 hours. SiO2, Al2O3, and NaOH were coded at three levels at various masses and Si/Al mole ratios. A significant model with an F-value of 142.27 and a Predicted R2 of 0.9558 was developed using statistically optimized hydrothermal synthesis. 3.07g NaOH, 10.50g SiO2, and 2.61g Al2O3 were needed to synthesize FAU zeolite with Si/Al mole ratio > 2. At 1095.8cm-1 in IR spectrum, silicone (Si – O – Si) was the most abundant functional group in the zeolite. EDS and XRD revealed a faujasite zeolite-Y with 85.60wt% Si and 17.50wt% Al. Octahedral modified zeolite Y crystals were seen in SEM topography. At low relative pressures (P/P0 < 0.056), BET showed significant N2 absorption, indicating micropores. The zeolite's BET study indicated a specific surface area of 1750.0m2/g and a pore diameter of 1.847nm. Transesterification of high-free fatty acid triglycerides can be catalyzed by microporous faujasite zeolite.

This study describes the removal of total iron, cadmium, lead, copper, manganese, arsenic, mercury silver and zinc from domestic wastewater disposed of via sewers, using Beneficiated Kaolin Clay (BKC), BKC/Ag, BKC/ZnO and BKC/Ag/ZnO nanocomposite adsorbents produced by blending Silver Oxide (Ag) and Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles with kaolin clay. High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM) results showed that the produced adsorbents were polycrystalline in nature, while the interplanar spacing and average crystalline sizes are 1.775 – 4.712 nm and 26. 834 – 40.258 nm respectively, according to X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD) analysis. The Dispersive X – Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis indicated that SiO2/Al2O3 ratios for BKC/Ag, BKC/ZnO and BKC/Ag/ZnO nanocomposites adsorbents were 1.5170, 1.4818 and 1.5231 respectively. Brunauer – Emmett – Teller (BET) analysis showed that the desorption average pore sizes fell in the mesopore widths of 13.8994 – 16.9233 nm and surface areas of 1.0545 - 14.5126 m2.g-1. The removal efficiencies of the produced adsorbents followed this trend: BKC/Ag/ZnO > BKC/Ag > BKC/ZnO > BKC. These adsorbents were excellent in the removal of total iron, cadmium, lead, copper, manganese, arsenic, mercury silver and zinc pollutants from domestic wastewater, and hence, recommended for large scale production.

The article deals with philosophic and religious study of the heritage of Mutazili Ibrāhīm ibn Sayyār al-Naẓẓām (d. about 845), a prominent scholar of Baṣran School of Kalām (Arab-Jewish Rational Theology). The study is based on two newly discovered treatises: A Study in Arguments by Mutazili thinker ʾAbū al-Ḥusayn al-Baṣrī (d. 1085; published by S. Schmidtke and W. Madelung in 2006) and an outstanding encyclopedical work The Commentary on ‘Sources of Questions and Answers’ (pt. IV) by Zaydi philosopher and publicist al-Ḥākim al-Ǧiššamī (d. 1101; published by F. Nofal in 2021). The author specifies a number of provisions of the doctrine of the medieval Arab thinker, known to specialists for the late doxographic works of the classical era (10-17 A.) to complement his fundamental study published in 2015. The first part of the issue represents the bibliographical history of sources the study is based on. The second part is devoted to the most important elements of al-Naẓẓām’s physical and theological doctrines. In particular, there is theoretical substantiation of the thesis of absolute divine justice developed by him. Additionally, details of his reasoning about being are revealed, a new passage is published, explaining the al-Naẓẓām theory of the leap — the first Arab physical theory, opposed to autochthonous Muslim atomism. Furthermore, for the first time in the history of world oriental studies, the doctrine of al-Naẓẓām about cognition and sensory perception is being reconstructed. The nature of existence, according to al-Naẓẓām, is determined by a separate attribute created by God and merged with sustainable thing (ʻayn). On the other side, all phenomena of created being are available to the person due to the sense of the soul which examines existed things simultaneously and forcefully. Therefore, he believed that perceptive and discursive types of knowledge can be mutually convertible or created by the human or God. Particular attention in the article is paid to the physical and anthropological views of the philosopher. The author concludes: al-Naẓẓām rejected an abstract paradigm of his predecessors (al-ʿAllāf's, in particular) and tried to construct a totally physic-based anthropology, pronounced in material union between the slim substance of the soul and the rough substance of the body — two necessary elements of human being. The connection between early Muslim philosophical schools is also considered: the given material enables us to discuss real relations between al-Naẓẓām’s theories and Ghaylanite doctrine, as well as assume its influence on al-Fārābī and al-Naǧǧār ontological and gnoseological teachings.

Abstract Two-dimensional (2D) triangular lattice antiferromagnets (2D-TLA) often manifest intriguing physical and technological properties, due to the strong interplay between lattice geometry and electronic properties. The recently synthesized 2-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide LiCrTe $$_2$$ 2 , being a 2D-TLA, enriched the range of materials which can present such properties. In this work, muon spin rotation ( $$\mu ^+$$ μ + SR) and neutron powder diffraction (NPD) have been utilized to reveal the true magnetic nature and ground state of LiCrTe $$_2$$ 2 . From high-resolution NPD the magnetic spin order at base-temperature is not, as previously suggested, helical, but rather collinear antiferromagnetic (AFM) with ferromagnetic (FM) spin coupling within the ab-plane and AFM coupling along the c-axis. The value if the ordered magnetic Cr moment is established as $$\mu _{\textrm{Cr}}= 2.36~\mu _{\textrm{B}}$$ μ Cr = 2.36 μ B . From detailed $$\mu ^+$$ μ + SR measurements we observe an AFM ordering temperature $$T_{\textrm{N}}\approx 125$$ T N ≈ 125 K. This value is remarkably higher than the one previously reported by magnetic bulk measurements. From $$\mu ^+$$ μ + SR we are able to extract the magnetic order parameter, whose critical exponent allows us to categorize LiCrTe $$_2$$ 2 in the 3D Heisenberg AFM universality class. Finally, by combining our magnetic studies with high-resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD), we find a clear coupling between the nuclear and magnetic spin lattices. This suggests the possibility for a strong magnon–phonon coupling, similar to what has been previously observed in the closely related compound LiCrO $$_2$$ 2 .

Abstract Instead of typical household trash, the heavy metal complexes, organic chemicals, and other poisons produced by huge enterprises threaten water systems across the world. In order to protect our drinking water from pollution, we must keep a close eye on the situation. Nanotechnology, specifically two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, is used in certain wastewater treatment systems. Graphene, g-C3N4, MoS2, and MXene are just a few examples of emerging 2D nanomaterials that exhibit an extraordinary ratio of surface (m3), providing material consumption, time consumption, and treatment technique for cleaning and observing water. In this post, we'll talk about the ways in which 2D nanomaterials may be tuned to perform certain functions, namely how they can be used for water management. The following is a quick overview of nanostructured materials and its possible use in water management: Also discussed in length are the applications of 2D nanomaterials in water purification, including pollutant adsorption, filtration, disinfection, and photocatalysis. Fluorescence sensors, colorimetric, electrochemical, and field-effect transistors are only some of the devices being studied for their potential use in monitoring water quality using 2D nanomaterials. Utilizing 2D content has its benefits and pitfalls when used to water management. New developments in this fast-expanding business will boost water treatment quality and accessibility in response to rising awareness of the need of clean, fresh water among future generations.

Abstract One of the new waters, and environmentally friendly agriculture initiatives in Peru is to encourage the utilization of agricultural waste, because low agricultural output is a threat to food security there. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of harvest residues on the basidiocarp production of the fungus Pleurotus Ostreatus, in Acobamba-Huancavelica. The trial had a completely randomized design, and the treatments included T1, barley stubbles; T2, wheat stubbles; T3, pea stubbles; T4, broad bean stubbles; and T5, quinoa stubbles. The research was quantitative in nature, taking the form of an experiment with an applied, explanatory level of design. The recorded data was tabulated and analyzed with analysis of variance, as well as Tukey's test (α:0.05), for which the statistical software Infostat was used. The results are presented in tables and graphs for a better interpretation. As main results, it was obtained that the time (colonization), diameter (stem, pileus), length (stem) and weight (basidiocarps), present statistical differences between treatments showing significant enhancement in all parameters. Despite a numerical difference, a Tukey average comparison test revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between the averages for the variable time for fungus colonisation, suggesting that the treatment T5 in which quinoa substrate showed the greatest average. Treatment T4 in which broad bean stubbles were used gave the most low-average. In conclusion, increment in all parámeters were noted in all treatment of Pleurotus basidiocarps ostreatus under Acobamba conditions.

Clay mineral has become increasingly relevant for industrial application due to its environmentally friendly properties, low cost, and relative abundance. Several solid mineral deposits could be found in Edo State of Nigeria. This study therefore, examined the physicochemical characteristics of clay mineral from Ikpeshi in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria using various standard techniques. Results obtained reveal that the sample was kaolinite with SiO2 45.116wt%, and Al2O 20.39wt% as the most predominant elements. Wavenumbers of 909.47043cm-1 to 998.92654cm-1 with bold peaks revealed the presence of SiO4-4. The study revealed that the clay from Ikpeshi has kaolinite characteristics and strong thermal stability suitable for lining furnace kilns.

Abstract The 2030 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations include a strong emphasis on ending hunger worldwide. According to the 2019 Global Food Security Index, while 88% of countries claim there is sufficient food supply in their country, the sad reality is that 1 in 3 countries is facing insufficient availability of food supply, which means that in those countries, more than 10% of the population is malnourished. Since nutrition is crucial to leading a healthy life and satisfying food security needs, several governments have turned to national nutrition surveys to gauge the extent of malnutrition in their populations. Plants are able to grow, develop, and store nutrients by photosynthesis, which convert light into chemical energy through cell redox regulatory networks. A photosynthesis system's electron flow may be adjusted to accommodate varying light and environmental circumstances. Many techniques exist for controlling the flow of electrons emitted during light processes in order to save or waste energy. The two protein molecules TROL and flavoenzyme ferredoxin (oxidoreductase+NADP) (FNR) interact dynamically to form an excellent molecular switch capable of splitting electrons from the photosystem. The TROL-FNR bifurcation may be limited by either generating NADPH or preventing reactive oxygen species from propagating. TROL-based genome editing is an experimental method for enhancing plant stress and defensive responses, efficiency, and ultimately agricultural production.

IntroductionPhysical and non-physical processes that occur in nature may influence biological processes, such as dissemination of infectious diseases. However, such processes may be hard to detect when they are complex systems. Because complexity is a dynamic and non-linear interaction among numerous elements and structural levels in which specific effects are not necessarily linked to any one specific element, cause-effect connections are rarely or poorly observed.MethodsTo test this hypothesis, the complex and dynamic properties of geo-biological data were explored with high-resolution epidemiological data collected in the 2001 Uruguayan foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) epizootic that mainly affected cattle. County-level data on cases, farm density, road density, river density, and the ratio of road (or river) length/county perimeter were analyzed with an open-ended procedure that identified geographical clustering in the first 11 epidemic weeks. Two questions were asked: (i) do geo-referenced epidemiologic data display complex properties? and (ii) can such properties facilitate or prevent disease dissemination?ResultsEmergent patterns were detected when complex data structures were analyzed, which were not observed when variables were assessed individually. Complex properties–including data circularity–were demonstrated. The emergent patterns helped identify 11 counties as ‘disseminators’ or ‘facilitators’ (F) and 264 counties as ‘barriers’ (B) of epidemic spread. In the early epidemic phase, F and B counties differed in terms of road density and FMD case density. Focusing on non-biological, geographical data, a second analysis indicated that complex relationships may identify B-like counties even before epidemics occur.DiscussionGeographical barriers and/or promoters of disease dispersal may precede the introduction of emerging pathogens. If corroborated, the analysis of geo-referenced complexity may support anticipatory epidemiological policies.

The effect of periodic exposure to formaldehyde in the Anatomy laboratory on some liver function indices in fifteen male wistar rats divided into three groups of A,B and C with 5 animals in each group were investigated. Group A served as control with nil exposure while groups B and C were the test groups with 5 months exposure on non-dissection days and dissection days respectively. Formaldehyde air level was measured both at experimental and control sites. Some liver function indices measured include Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Statistical analysis was done using Graph Pad Prism version 5.0. Results were presented as Mean ± SEM. Analysis of Variance was used to compare the means of test and control values while post hoc test was done using Student Newman Keul’s test and a P-value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results revealed significant increase in formaldehyde air level in the dissection hall. There was observable increase in ALT, AST and ALP but they were not significant. It was therefore concluded that periodic exposure to formaldehyde may not have any harmful effect on liver function in wistar rats.

INTRODUCTION: Enormously high-dose procedures such as computed tomography requires pediatrics-specific protocols due to high tissue radio-sensitivity and higher lifetime attributable cancer risks. It’s not known if radiographers in Nigeria consider this fact at all times. This work aimed to survey head computed tomography dose in Nigeria for evidence of pediatric- specific practice. METHODS: The census of CT scanners was undertaken prospectively across the country from June 2019 to September 2021, while the dose survey was undertaken retrospectively in 14 facilities distributed evenly across the geopolitical zones between February to September 2021. Data on computed tomography installations were supplied by radiographers spread across the country. A dose survey involving 490 and 700 pediatrics and adult patients emanated from fourteen of those facilities. Doses were extracted from on-screen volumetric CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose- length product (DLP) in non-contrast investigations. RESULTS: There were 209 CT scanners installed in Nigeria as of September 2021, with a triennial growth rate of 12.4% (n = 26). Monthly patient throughput for all CT requests was ≤ 41,412 with pediatric cases accounting for 10.4 % (n = 4,311). Mean head dose for pediatrics and adults with CTDIvol (41/58 mGy) and DLP (922/1198 mGy-cm) appeared different prima facie. However, a paired - sample t-test gave statistically significant difference in the CTDIvol (p = 0.001), but not with DLP (p = 0.055). CONCLUSION: The installation of CT scanners is on the increase in Nigeria. Pediatric and adult CT dose had minimal differences. Given the higher lifetime attributable cancer risks for pediatrics, this should be worrisome. This calls for pediatric- specific protocol design and enforcement by relevant regulatory agencies, as well as meticulous optimization of protection from radiation by radiation practitioners.

The study and forecast of climatic phenomena have progressed over time, but the huge knowledge with information gathered has aided in comprehending and anticipating weather changes. The goal of this research was to look at some specific meteorological characteristics and forecast air temperature over a number of stations in Osun State, Nigeria. Monthly rainfall, relative humidity, air temperature, air pressure, wind speed and direction for four stations were gathered from the HelioClim website archives and used in this study. For each variable, descriptive statistics were calculated. The normality of the data was determined using the Shapiro-Wilks test. The data was tested for stationarity using the Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) test, and different types of Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models were fitted. According to the statistics, the highest average temperature was observed in March ( ). The months of June, July, August, and September had the highest mean relative humidity ( ), pressure ( ), wind speed ( ), wind direction ( ), and rainfall ( ). In January, the coefficient of variation (COV) for temperature was larger than in other months. In June, January, and December, relative humidity (RH), air pressure, rainfall, and wind speed and direction were all higher. The air temperature stationarity was tested using the Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) test, which revealed (p>0.05) but became stationary after the first difference (p

Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) which fall under the class of latent variable models have received widespread attention in many fields of applications. HMMs were initially developed and applied within the context of speech recognition. The theoretical framework underpinning the formalism of HMMs has also evolved over time and has found an exalted place in the theory of stochastic processes. The three problems HMMs are used to resolve were discussed alongside their solutions in this paper. An application to criminal intelligence in unraveling the culprit in a situation involving theft was also carried out and results obtained indicated that the HMMs approach offered a similar result with that of the well-established Dynamic Programming approach.

The effect of formaldehyde exposure on some indices of cardiovascular function among medical students in a tertiary institution in Edo State, Nigeria was studied by measuring selected anthropometric parameters using standard methods for150 subjects recruited and divided into three groups A, B, and C with 50 subjects in each group.Results obtained and presented as mean ± sem revealed that the anthropometric parameters measured ranged from (20.16±0.36 – 21.10±0.24, yrs.) for Age; (58.84±1.53 – 61.24±1.67, kg) for weight; (1.69±0.01 – 1.71±0.01, m) for height; (89.26±1.02 – 90.56±0.80, cm) for chest circumference; (20.31±0.43 – 21.44±0.45, kg/m2) for BMI and (1.64±0.02 – 1.71±0.02, m2) for BSA respectively. The data showed significant increases in pulse rate, diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure among group B medical students. It was therefore concluded that prolonged exposure to formaldehyde could affect the cardiovascular health of medical students.

This study assessed the ecological and tree diversity status of watershed area of Dandi local government area in Kebbi state using systematic sampling technique. Three transects of 300 m long were laid at 100 m intervals. On each transect, six sample plots of size 50 m x 50 m (0.25ha) were alternately laid at 50 m intervals. A total of 18 sample plots will be used for the study. Diameters at breast height (Dbh) of all the trees found in the plot with Dbh ≥ 5cm will be measured. Fourteen tree species belonging to 10 genera and 8 families were identified. Borassus aethiopum of the family Arecaceae was the most abundant species in the area with a relative density (RD) and diversity index (DI) of 0.296 and 0.08728 respectively. This was followed by Cocos nucifera in the Arecaceae family also, with RD and DI of 0.192 and 0.03662 respectively. Daniella oliveri of the family Fabaceae was the least represented species with RD and DI of 0.0018 and 0.00002 respectively. The overall tree species richness in the area was 0.0052.

At present, the large quantity of wastes generated by the ceramic industry is not reused in any significant quantity. Research has shown the feasibility of incorporating these wastes into concrete production. This will benefit both the ceramic and concrete industries. However, not much research data is available on the use of ceramic wastes as fine aggregate material compared to their use as coarse aggregate material. Moreover, there are presently no models for predicting the properties of ceramic waste aggregate concretes. In this study, a modified regression theory based on Taylor’s series was adopted to formulate mathematical model for predicting compressive strength of concrete into which Recycled Ceramic Tile (RCT) is incorporated as fine aggregate. Preliminary tests on RCT indicate that it is a suitable fine aggregate material for concrete production. It has also been established that addition of RCT improves compressive strength of concrete and reduces concrete’s workability. The formulated model is a function of the mix proportions of its constituents and its predicted responses are in good agreement with experimentally observed data. The model has been tested using student’s t-test and analysis of variance and has been confirmed to be adequate and hence is validated.

Abstract Soil is the base of any ecosystem since it conserves nutrients and water for plant roots including agriculture and plantations. In dry and semi-arid places across the world, including the UAE, sandy soils are common. Their fertility is extremely low, and production is hampered by a number of agronomic challenges. Soil conditioner sources like bentonite and chicken manure might be used to improve the poor sandy soil attributes and hence boost soil productivity. From November 2019 to March 2020, an experiment was conducted to investigate the growth rates of Bougainvillea following bentonite and chicken manure amendments to sandy soil taken from Lehbab, Dubai. Bougainvillea was evaluated for its plant height (cm), max length of primary branch (cm), the number of leaves per plant, number of secondary branches, shoot weight (g), root length (cm), root weight (g), root/shoot ratio, chlorophyll contents, and chlorophyll a* and b*. In this experiment, a complete randomized design (CRD) with five treatments was used (10 replications per treatment). According to the findings, bentonite and chicken manure additions considerably influence the productive properties of sandy soil, as indicated by Bougainvillea growth. Additionally, the research suggests that Bougainvillea may be efficiently planted with 10% bentonite and 15% chicken manure applied to sandy soil, resulting in the healthiest plants compared to other amendments.

This study aims to investigate the effect of aggregate size on the fire resistance of concrete. The binder for this investigation was 42.5R CEM II/A-L Portland limestone cement, and the crushed granite sizes were 20mm, 12.5mm, and a blend (20 mm + 12.5 mm). The concrete was designed with a mix ratio of 1:2:4 (batching by weight) and 0.55w/c. The workability of the concrete was determined using the slump method. The concrete specimens were cured for 7, 14, and 28 days by immersion and later exposed to heat temperatures of 26.8 °C (Room temperature), 60 °C, 120 °C, 180 °C, and 240 °C. The compressive strength of normal concrete (without heating) had the optimum with concrete produced with blended aggregate size and conversely the least with 20mm aggregate size concrete. When subjected to heat, the optimal performance noted for the influence of aggregate size on fire resistance was also with concrete produced with combined blend (20 mm + 12.5 mm) sizes. The p-value (Prob > F) for the whole model test is less than 0.05, indicating that there is a significant relationship between the grain size, temperature, and strength loss. The use of blended sizes of 12.5 mm and 20 mm is therefore recommended for concrete works and especially when fire resistance is a requirement.

Hydrothermal gasification also known as supercritical water gasification (SCWG) has been considered a promising approach for converting wet biomass such as sugarcane bagasse into high-quality syngas. This study presents the thermodynamic modeling of the hydrothermal gasification of sugarcane bagasse using Aspen Plus. The effects of process parameters on the composition and yield of product gases were also investigated. It was found that the effect of temperature and biomass concentration were significant in the production of hydrogen-rich gas, while less impact was observed with pressure. The hydrogen gas (H2) produced with the highest mole fraction (56.70 mol%) and yield (103.26 kmol/kg) was obtained at 750 °C and low biomass concentration of 10 wt%, while the lowest yield (1.52 kmol/kg) and mole fraction (2.45 mol%) of H2 were obtained at 450 °C and high biomass concentration of 50 wt%. Findings from this study also showed that the highest net calorific value (17.55MJ/kg) was reached at 450˚C and 50 wt% of biomass concentration. This study will help to consolidate research on hydrothermal gasification of sugarcane bagasse and optimization of experimental processes. This study would also serve as an important benchmark in the utilization of biomass as a clean energy source for future projects.

The greatest problem of most tree species is to have good planting material or seedlings, and one of the means to achieve this is by fertilization of the seedlings. This study was aimed at determining the influence of organic and inorganic and organomineral fertilizers on the early growth response of Persea Americana in interaction with soils collected under four forest plantations of Terminalia superba, Gmelina arborea, Tectona grandis and natural forest using standard methods. Plant height, stem diameter and number of leaves were assessed at two weeks intervals starting from two weeks after transplanting while plant dry matter yield was determined at the end of the experiment. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) while means were separated using Duncan’s multiple Range test at 5% level of probability. Results showed that at 4, 6 and 10 WAT, there was a significant increase in plant height at interaction of S1 and T4 (Terminalia superba Ikija and FRIN compost @ 50 kg N/ha) with the highest height of 50.33cm while the control had the least height of 19.22cm. Also, at 16 WAP, the interaction of S2 and T5 gave the biggest stem diameter of 10.50mm, while the S1and T5 gave the smallest diameter of 2.14mm. S4 performed better than the other the soils from other sources while the effect of the amendment on the leaves showed that T3 gave the best leaves dry matter yield of 10.19g. It was concluded that the combination of S4 and T5 was found to be the best soil type and treatment for growth of Persea Americana. However, T5 and T3 are recommended as the best fertilizer to grow Persea americana with soils under the selected plantations as shown in this study.

Wood biomass felling for fuel negatively impacted on the structuring and functioning of ecosystem worldwide. Consequently, increasing soil erosion, reduction in soil moisture, content, fertility, and decline vegetation cover. The study area comprised four districts: Leme, Rimi, Jama’a and Tilden Fulani in Toro LGA, Bauchi State, purposively chosen because of their high fuel wood activity. Charcoal producers were sampled, using stratified sampling methods while traditional leadership and the department of Forestry officials were purposefully sampled for their involvement in fuelwood and forest management of the area. Fifty (50) fuel wood and charcoal producers were chosen per district. A total of two hundred (200) sampled respondents and four each of the traditional leaders and forestry officials in the four districts were investigated. Apparent collapse of traditional governance system correlated with fuelwood exploitation (especially for charcoal production) and remained a threat to sustainability of forest and forest products management. Poverty was the main driver to resource destruction, as only 34% were employed.67%, 71% and 59% indicated impact on environment, temperature, and erosion due to charcoal production.Charcoal producers obtained the trees and logs for charcoal production from the natural forest and 88% of them use life trees, cutting above 40cm above the ground level. This method of harvesting from the forest inhibits replenishment commensurate with the rate of extraction. The study showed that poverty, unemployment, ignorance and lack of education have great and direct negative impact on the environment as global warming, ozone layer depletion and climate change are evident.

The Schlumberger vertical electrical sounding method was used to detect aquifer levels in Abraka, Obiaruku and Umutu communities in Delta State respectively. The study recorded the aquifer level in Obiaruku to be between 26m to 34m. In Abraka the aquifer level lied between 20m to about 30m while in Umutu, it was between 50m to 100m. Borehole data showed that portable drinking water lies between 20m to 100m and could easily be assessed in these areas.

The advent of spray drones for agrochemical applications calls for continuous exploration of potentially affordable and sustainable liquid biofertilizers. Thus, we evaluated the effects of earthworm urine foliar spray on the growth performance (height, number of leaves, leaf area, stem girth) and stomata opening of Amaranthus hybridus (Green amaranth). Earthworm urine was obtained by placing 500 g of Libyodrilus violaceus in one litre of earthworm saline, for one hour. Amaranthus hybridus seeds were planted into 90 pots, divided into three treatment groups of 30 pots each. Upon germination, the first group was sprayed with earthworm urine, the second and third groups with saline water and ordinary water, respectively. Earthworm urine significantly (p < 0.05) increased all the measured growth parameters, and stimulated the opening of stomata, relative to saline water and ordinary water. This result is a strong indication that earthworm urine contains hormones that boost plant growth, and is potentially suitable for use as a liquid biofertilizer, for increased production of Amaranthus hybridus and related vegetables.

Resumo Desenvolveu-se uma placa cerâmica porosa utilizando resíduo de vidro e lama de cal e simulou-se a aplicação em fachada ventilada. O resíduo de vidro foi usado como substituto total (100%) do feldspato. A lama de cal foi usada como material porogênico. Foi realizado um planejamento experimental com variações de 20% a 40% de lama de cal e temperatura de queima entre 860 e 1020 °C. As placas obtidas foram submetidas a testes de tensão da ruptura à flexão e porosidade total. Na melhor condição experimental, a placa contendo 40% de lama de cal queimada a 1020 °C apresentou tensão de ruptura à flexão de 7,25 MPa, porosidade total de 37,5% e absorção de água de 21,8%. No ensaio de desempenho quanto ao isolamento térmico das placas, esta amostra apresentou melhor desempenho térmico em relação à amostra comercial avaliada.

Abstract The grain characteristics, electrical conductivity, hardness, and bulk density of Cu–3Si–(0.1—1 wt%)Zn alloys system fabricated by gravity casting technique were investigated experimentally using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The study established the optimal alloy composition and the significance of zinc addition on the tested properties using response surface optimal design (RSOD). The cooled alloy samples underwent normalizing heat treatment at 900 °C for 0.5 h. The average grains size and grains distribution were analyzed using the linear intercept method (ImageJ). The microstructure examination revealed a change in grain characteristics (morphology and size) of the parent alloy by addition of 0.1 wt% zinc. The average grains size of the parent alloy decreased from 12 µm to 7.0 µm after 0.1 wt% zinc addition. This change in grain characteristics led to an increase in the hardness of the parent alloy by 42.2%, after adding 0.1 wt% zinc. The electrical conductivity of the parent alloy decreased from 46.3%IACS to 45.3%IACS, while the density was increased by 8.4% after adding 0.1 wt% zinc. The statistical data confirmed the significance of the change in properties. The result of optimization revealed Cu–3Si–0.233Zn as the optimal alloy composition with optimal properties. The Cu–3Si–xZn alloy demonstrated excellent properties suitable for the fabrication of electrical and automobile components.

Abstract Assessing the body condition of wild animals is necessary to monitor the health of the population and is critical to defining a framework for conservation actions. Body condition indices (BCIs) are a non-invasive and relatively simple means to assess the health of individual animals, useful for addressing a wide variety of ecological, behavioral, and management questions. The Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) is an endangered subspecies of the West Indian manatee, facing a wide variety of threats from mostly human-related origins. Our objective was to define specific BCIs for the subspecies that, coupled with additional health, genetic and demographic information, can be valuable to guide management decisions. Biometric measurements of 380 wild Antillean manatees captured in seven different locations within their range of distribution were obtained. From this information, we developed three BCIs (BCI1 = UG/SL, BCI2 = W/SL3, BCI3 = W/(SL*UG2)). Linear models and two-way ANCOVA tests showed significant differences of the BCIs among sexes and locations. Although our three BCIs are suitable for Antillean manatees, BCI1 is more practical as it does not require information about weight, which can be a metric logistically difficult to collect under particular circumstances. BCI1 was significantly different among environments, revealing that the phenotypic plasticity of the subspecies have originated at least two ecotypes—coastal marine and riverine—of Antillean manatees.

Introduction. Blood glucose monitoring is critical in maintaining glycemic control in women with GDM and in reducing adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. One of the tools that can help achieve optimal glycemic control during pregnancy is continuous glucose monitoring, which empowers clinicians to assess the characteristics of daily glycemic variability.The aim. Compare biweekly glycemic profiles and glycemic variability in pregnant women with GDM and in healthy pregnant women using the FreeStyle Libre flash glycemic monitoring system.Materials and methods. Analysis of the glycemic profile of 49 pregnant women aged 33.2 ± 6.1 years. The average gestational age of the women included in the study was 12.6 ± 6.4 weeks. Pregnant women were divided into 2 groups: 37 pregnant women with GDM and 12 healthy pregnant women. Each group underwent two-week glucose profile monitoring using the FreeStyle Libre continuous monitoring system. Statistical analysis was carried out using Microsoft Office Excel 2016, STATISTICA 10 programs (developed by StatSoft.Inc), EasyGV, version 9.Results. The average glycemic level in the groups was 4.724 ± 0.37 mmol/L vs 4.24 ± 0.34 mmol/L, respectively (p˂0.001). Comparative analysis of GV parameters in groups of pregnant women with and without GDM: SD – 0.908 vs 0.7213 (p˂0.05); LI – 1.5 vs 0.8 (p˂0.05); HBGI – 0.503 vs 0.42 (p˂0.05); J-index – 10.343 vs 7.9870 (p˂0.001); MOOD – 0.956 vs 0.7992 (p˂0.05); MAGE – 2.326 vs 1.8042 (p˂0.05); ADDR – 2.216 vs 0.4210 (p˂0.05); MAG – 4.612 vs 2.6163 (p˂0.001), respectively. The CONGA index did not show a statistically significant difference in both groups: 3.95 vs 3.7 (p = 0.5).Conclusions. Flash-glycemic monitoring can be used to obtain more detailed information about the glycemic profile, especially when it is difficult to assess the degree of GDM compensation. Continuous glucose monitoring can facilitate the optimization of glycemic control and provide a basis for treatment decisions.