Physicochemical Analysis of a Soil near Microbiology Laboratory at The University of Ilorin, Main Campus

In this study the physico-chemical analysis of a soil near microbiology laboratory at the University of Ilorin, main campus was carried out. The objectives of the study were to determine the soil parameters such as pH, moisture content, organic matter content, water holding capacity, temperature and soil texture in consideration of the soil’s suitability for microbial growth and plant development. Six soil samples were collected with interval of two weeks between two samples. pH range value was 7.10 to 7.82, the range of water holding capacity was from 0.28 ml per gram to 0.53 ml per gram of soil. The organic matter content of the soil samples ranged from 3.42% to 4.70%. The moisture content was discovered to range from 2.10% to 5.23%. The texture was discovered to be loamy sand with average composition of 89% sand, 7% silt and 4% clay. Keywords: soil texture, Organic Matter Content, Water Holding Capacity, Moisture content, Sand, Silt, Cla

Host Suitability of Crops under Yam Intercrop to Root-knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita Race 2) in South-Western Nigeria

Twelve crops commonly grown in association with yam in South-Western Nigeria were evaluated for resistance to root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White 1919) Chitwood 1949, race 2 infection using the quantitative modification by Sasser et al. (1984) of host suitability designations of Canto-Saenz (1983) for plants infected with root-knot nematode in 1998 and 1999 planting seasons. Observations, based on gall indices and recovery of the juvenile larvae from the roots and soil indicated that Abelmoschus esculentus, Corchorus olitoris cv Angbadu and Sphenostylis stenocarpa cv Nsukka Brown were highly susceptible, while Arachis hypogaea cv UGA 4, Cajanus cajan cv Cita-2, Cucumis melo cv Bara To139, Manihot esculenta cv TMS 30572, Sorghum bicolor and Zea mays cv DMR-LSR-Y were hyper-susceptible to Meloidogyne incognita race 2 with reproductive factor and gall index of ≤1 and ≥2 respectively. Crotalaria juncea, Mucuna cochinchinensis and Stylosanthes gracilis were resistant to Meloidogyne incognita race 2 with reproductive factor and gall index of ≤1, ≤2 and ≥2 respectively. These intercrops if planted on yam mounds will play a prominent role in altering the populations of root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita race 2

Novel optimal temperature profile for acidification process of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus in yoghurt fermentation using artificial neural network and genetic algorithm

The acidification behavior of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus for yoghurt production was investigated along temperature profiles within the optimal window of 38-44 degrees C. For the optimal acidification temperature profile search, an optimization engine module built on a modular artificial neural network (ANN) and genetic algorithm (GA) was used. Fourteen batches of yoghurt fermentations were evaluated using different temperature profiles in order to train and validate the ANN sub-module. The ANN captured the nonlinear relationship between temperature profiles and acidification patterns on training data after 150 epochs. This served as an evaluation function for the GA. The acidification slope of the temperature profile was the performance index. The GA sub-module iteratively evolved better temperature profiles across generations using GA operations. The stopping criterion was met after 11 generations. The optimal profile showed an acidification slope of 0.06117 compared to an initial value of 0.0127 and at a set point sequence of 43, 38, 44, 43, and 39 degrees C. Laboratory evaluation of three replicates of the GA suggested optimum profile of 43, 38, 44, 43, and 39 degrees C gave an average slope of 0.04132. The optimization engine used (to be published elsewhere) could effectively search for optimal profiles of different physico-chemical parameters of fermentation processes

On-Orbit Results of Photoelectron Current Measurement System in Low Earth Orbit on HORYU-IV Satellite

On-orbit photoelectron current experiment is one of the missions carried out with the less resource available from a HORYU-IV satellite, for measuring the current from metallic and insulator surfaces from air mass zero (AMO) spectrum. This is with the view to determined photoelectron potential of materials widely used in spacecraft in space. HORYU-IV also known as Arc Event Generator and Investigator satellite (AEGIS) is among HORYU satellite series of Kyushu Institute of Technology, which was launched on February 17, 2016 as a piggy-back on-board H-IIA rocket. The measurement system consists of current-voltage amplifier circuits for Au, Kapton and Black Kapton samples with varying gains and other discrete components. We present the analysis of the telemetry data obtained after the launch; validate the effectiveness of the design and verification processes. The results show that the current measured from Black kapton sample surface had 1.80 nA and 2.70 nA, corresponds to 69.1ᵒ and 75.1ᵒ minimum and maximum elevation angles respectively. This paper described the on-orbit result of PEC and its verification through ground tests

Indoor environmental conditions of selected shopping malls in Nigeria: A comparative study of microclimatic conditions, noise levels, and microbial burdens

oai:repository.uel.ac.uk:8x3x4The activities of people and equipment used within shopping malls are major factors that contribute to air pollution and increased sound levels, thereby affecting indoor environmental quality and the well-being of mall operators. This study assessed indoor environmental quality through microbial characterization and measurement of environmental conditions present in selected shopping malls. Investigations were conducted at three shopping malls in Ibadan selected through convenience sampling technique. Environmental parameters such as noise level, relative humidity, temperature, PM₂.₅ levels, total volatile organic compound (TVOC) levels, microbial characterization, and quantity were determined. Microclimatic parameters (temperature and relative humidity) were measured using a 4-in-1 Precision Gold N09AQ multi-tester. Culturable airborne microbes were collected using the settle plate technique. PM₂.₅ and TVOC levels were measured using a Thermo Scientific MIE pDR-1500 PM monitor and sf200-TVOC meter respectively. Two bacteria species and five fungi species were isolated across the malls. The noise levels ranged from 61.27 to 81.20 dB. The mean temperatures (highest mean of 33.44 ± 1.42 °C), PM₂.₅ (highest mean of 114.06 ± 25.64 μg/m³), and TVOC (highest mean of 55.21 ± 8.28 ppm) concentrations were higher than the permissible limits stipulated by the WHO guidelines and NESREA standard limits across all the selected malls. A positive correlation was found to exist between particulate matter and TVOC (r = 0.174, p = 0.004). The total bacteria count was generally high with the highest mean of 1965.33 ± 368.56 CFU/m³, while the total fungi count was generally low with the highest mean of 579.82 ± 51.55 CFU/m³. Bacillus spp. and Candida spp. were found to the consistent from all sample points across the three malls. The bacteria isolated are Gram-positive bacteria associated with human skin which suggests a high rate of indoor pollution from humans. In conclusion, this research has demonstrated the necessity to monitor noise levels and indoor air quality in malls. Also, there is need for government policies to improve indoor air quality which must be enforced and regulated, especially within shopping malls

Cumulative dyslipidemia with arterial stiffness and carotid IMT progression in asymptomatic adolescents: A simulated intervention longitudinal study using temporal inverse allocation model

Background and aimsWe aimed to examine the longitudinal associations of total cholesterol (TC), non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non–HDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) with carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) progression.MethodsWe studied 1779, 15-year-old participants from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, UK birth cohort, followed up for 9 years. Fasting TC, non–HDL-C, HDL-C, triglyceride, and LDL-C were measured at 15, 17, and 24 years and age-categorized as normal, elevated, and dyslipidemia based on National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute lipid guidelines. cfPWV and cIMT were measured at 17 and 24 years. Associations were examined using linear mixed-effect models. To simulate the treatment of dyslipidemia we conducted temporal inverse allocation model analyses.ResultsAmong 1779 [49.9% female] participants, mean lipid levels and proportions at elevated or dyslipidemia categories increased from ages 15 through 24 years. Persistently elevated TC: effect estimate 0.026 mm; [95% CI 0.004 to 0.049; p = 0.024], elevated non–HDL-C, and elevated LDL-C were cumulatively associated with cIMT progression. Persistent borderline-low HDL-C: −0.027 mm; [-0.050 to −0.005; p = 0.019] and very-low HDL-C −0.035 mm; [-0.057 to −0.013; p = 0.002] levels were associated with cIMT progression. A temporal inverse allocation of elevated and dyslipidemic levels with normal lipid levels at age 17 years attenuated the associations of cumulative elevated TC, non–HDL-C, LDL-C, and low HDL-C with cIMT progression. Cumulative elevated lipids or dyslipidemia were not associated with cfPWV progression.ConclusionsLate adolescence is key to preventing, halting, and reversing dyslipidemic-related preclinical atherosclerosis progression, warranting universal lipid screening in the general pediatric population.</p

Predicting post one-year durability of glucose-lowering monotherapies in patients with newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus – A MASTERMIND precision medicine approach (UKPDS 87)

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Elsevier via the DOI in this record Aims: Predicting likely durability of glucose-lowering therapies for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) could help inform individualised therapeutic choices. Methods: We used data from UKPDS patients with newly-diagnosed T2D randomised to first-line glucose-lowering monotherapy with chlorpropamide–glibenclamide–basal insulin or metformin. In 2339 participants who achieved one-year HbA1c values <7.5% (<59 mmol/mol)–we assessed relationships between one-year characteristics and time to monotherapy-failure (HbA1c ≥ 7.5% or requiring second-line therapy). Model validation was performed using bootstrap sampling. Results: Follow-up was median (IQR) 11.0 (8.0–14.0) years. Monotherapy-failure occurred in 72%–82%–75% and 79% for those randomised to chlorpropamide–glibenclamide–basal insulin or metformin respectively–after median 4.5 (3.0–6.6)–3.7 (2.6–5.6)–4.2 (2.7–6.5) and 3.8 (2.6– 5.2) years. Time-to-monotherapy-failure was predicted primarily by HbA1c and BMI values–with other risk factors varying by type of monotherapy–with predictions to within ±2.5 years for 55%–60%–56% and 57% of the chlorpropamide–glibenclamide–basal insulin and metformin monotherapy cohorts respectively. Conclusions: Post one-year glycaemic durability can be predicted robustly in individuals with newly-diagnosed T2D who achieve HbA1c values < 7.5% one year after commencing traditional monotherapies. Such information could be used to help guide glycaemic management for individual patients.Medical Research Council (MRC

Antibiogram nekih bakterija porodice Enterobacteriaceae izdvojenih iz pilića u slobodnom sustava držanja u Abeokuti u Nigeriji.

Antimicrobial resistance in bacteria from the family Enterobacteriaceae is an important indicator of the emergence of resistant bacterial strains in the community. This study investigated the antimicrobial susceptibility of commensal Enterobacteriaceae from free-range chickens to antimicrobial agents using the broth microdilution. In all, 184 isolates (including 104 Escherichia coli, 44 Klebsiella spp, 20 Salmonella spp. and 16 Enterobacter aerogenes) were resistant to ampicillin (89.7%), chloramphenicol (73.9%), ciprofloxacin (33.2%), enrofloxacin (60.3%), neomycin (70.7%), norfloxacin (45.7%), streptomycin (78.8%) and tetracycline (73.4%). Escherichia coli was resistant to ampicillin (92.3%), chloramphenicol (73.1%), ciprofloxacin (34.6%), enrofloxacin (61.5%), neomycin (76.9%), norfloxacin (46.2%), streptomycin (80.8%) and tetracycline (76.9%). The rate of resistance in Klebsiella spp. was ampicillin (90.9%), chloramphenicol (72.7%), ciprofloxacin (54.5%), enrofloxacin (90.9%), neomycin (63.6%), norfloxacin (63.6%), streptomycin (81.8%) and tetracycline (81.8%). Salmonella spp. showed resistance to ampicillin (80.0%), chloramphenicol (80.0%), enrofloxacin (20.0%), neomycin (80.0%), norfloxacin (20.0%), streptomycin (80.0%) and tetracycline (35.0%) but were completely susceptible to ciprofloxacin. Enterobacter aerogenes was resistant to ampicillin (81.3%), chloramphenicol (75.0%), ciprofloxacin (6.3%), enrofloxacin (18.8%), neomycin (37.5%), norfloxacin (25.0%), streptomycin (56.3%) and tetracycline (75.0%). Overall, 147 (79.9%) out of 184 isolates demonstrated multidrug resistance to at least three unrelated antimicrobial agents. The high rate of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial isolates from free-range birds may have major implications for human and animal health with adverse economic implications.Otpornost bakterija porodice Enterobacteriaceae na antimikrobne lijekove važan je pokazatelj pojave otpornih sojeva u populaciji. U ovom je radu mikrodilucijskim postupkom bila istražena osjetljivost na antimikrobne lijekove bakterija porodice Enterobacteriaceae izdvojenih iz pilića u slobodnom sustavu držanja. Od 184 izolata (104 izolata bakterije Escherichia coli, 44 Klebsiella spp., 20 Salmonella spp. i 16 Enterobacter aerogenes) na ampicilin je bilo otporno 89,7% izolata, na klormafenikol 73,9%, ciprofloksacin 33,2%, enrofloksacin 60,3%, neomicin 70,7%, norfloksacin 45,7%, streptomicin 78,8% i tetraciklin 73,4%. Izolati bakterije Escherichia coli bili su otporni na ampicilin (92,3%), kloramfenikol (73,1%), ciprofloksacin (34,6%), enrofloksacin (61,5%), neomicin (76,9%), norfloksacin (46,2%), streptomicin (80,8%) i tetraciklin (76,9%). Stopa otpornosti bakterija roda Klebsiella bila je za ampicilin 90,9%, kloramfenikol 72,7%, ciprofloksacin 54,5%, enrofloksacin 90,9%, neomicin 63,6%, norfloksacin 63,6%, streptomicin 81,8% i tetraciklin 81,8%. Izolati Salmonella spp. pokazivali su otpornost na ampicilin (80,0%), kloramfenikol (80,0%), enrofloksacin (20,0%), neomicin (80,0%), norfloksacin (20,0%), streptomicin (80,0%) i tetraciklin (35,0%), ali su u potpunosti bili osjetljivi na ciprofl oksacin. Izolati Enterobacter aerogenes su bili otporni na ampicilin (81,3%), kloramfenikol (75,0%), ciprofloksacin (6,3%), enrofloksacin (18,8%), neomicin (37,5%), norfloksacin (25,0%), streptomicin (56,3%) i tetraciklin (75,0%). Sveukupno je 147 (79,9%) od 184 izolata pokazivalo višestruku otpornost na najmanje tri nesrodna antimikrobna lijeka. Veliki postotak bakterijskih izolata iz slobodno držanih pilića na antimikrobne lijekove može biti od znatne važnosti za ljudsko i životinjsko zdravlje s nepovoljnim gospodarskim učinkom

Biomacromolecules in Recent Phosphate-Shelled Brachiopods: Identification and Characterization of Chitin Matrix

Abstract: Phosphate-shelled brachiopods differ in filter-feeding lifestyle, with Lingula anatina an active infaunal burrower, and Discinisca tenuis a shallow marine epibenthic animal. The shells of these animals are built of organophosphatic constituents, the organic fibres/sheets reinforced with calcium phosphate to provide a sophisticated ultrastructural robustness. This investigation examined the nature of the organic fibres in order to improve understanding of how living organisms produce hierarchically structured biomaterials. Unlike powdered samples commonly used in previous studies, organic fibres were isolated for the first time and the shell fractions were purified, in order to study the content and nature of the biopolymer fibres. Biochemical methods including Calcofluor staining revealed a chitin matrix. Ultrastructural analysis, thermal gravimetric analysis, and spectroscopic analyses show that the core polysaccharide framework is composed of layers of β-chitin sheets and/or fibrils that are coated with a fibrous organic matrix. There is more chitin matrix in the L. anatina shells (26.6 wt.%) compared to the D. tenuis shells (12.9 wt.%). Taken together, the data show that the chitin matrix contributes to increased skeletal strength, making L. anatina highly adapted for life as an active burrower. In comparison, D. tenuis contains less chitin and lives as attached epibenthos in a shallow marine environment. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] First spectroscopic evidence of β-chitin sheets in recent organophosphatic brachiopods. © 2021, The Author(s).OBAA is grateful to Uppsala University for support through the VR Project number 2018-03390. The research for this paper was supported by the Swedish Research Council (VR Project no. 2018-03390 to LEH, GAB and SCG), by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (41720104002, 41621003 and 41890844 to NWU members), and by a Zhongjian Yang Scholarship to LEH from the Department of Geology, Northwest University, Xi’an. GAB’s research is also funded by a 1000 Talent Shaanxi Province Fellowship at Northwest University, Xi’an

Challenges and opportunities in the design and construction of a GIS-based emission inventory infrastructure for the Niger Delta region of Nigeria

© 2017, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. Environmental monitoring in middle- and low-income countries is hampered by many factors which include enactment and enforcement of legislations; deficiencies in environmental data reporting and documentation; inconsistent, incomplete and unverifiable data; a lack of access to data; and technical expertise. This paper describes the processes undertaken and the major challenges encountered in the construction of the first Niger Delta Emission Inventory (NDEI) for criteria air pollutants and CO2 released from the anthropogenic activities in the region. This study focused on using publicly available government and research data. The NDEI has been designed to provide a Geographic Information System-based component of an air quality and carbon management framework. The NDEI infrastructure was designed and constructed at 1-, 10- and 20-km grid resolutions for point, line and area sources using industry standard processes and emission factors derived from activities similar to those in the Niger Delta. Due to inadequate, incomplete, potentially inaccurate and unavailable data, the infrastructure was populated with data based on a series of best possible assumptions for key emission sources. This produces outputs with variable levels of certainty, which also highlights the critical challenges in the estimation of emissions from a developing country. However, the infrastructure is functional and has the ability to produce spatially resolved emission estimates