Studies of Protein Solution Properties Using Osmotic Pressure Measurements

Examination of the protein crystallization process involves investigation of the liquid and solid state and a protein's properties in these states. Liquid state studies such as protein self association in solution by light scattering methods or other methods have been used to examine a protein Is properties and therefore its crystallization process and conditions. Likewise can osmotic pressure data be used to examine protein properties and various published osmotic pressure studies were examined by us to correlate osmotic pressure to protein solution properties. The solution behavior of serum albumin, alpha - chymotrypsin, beta - lactoglobulin and ovalbumin was examined over a range of temperatures, pH values and different salt types and concentrations. Using virial expansion and a local composition model the non ideal solution behavior in form of the activity coefficients (thermodynamic) was described for the systems. This protein activity coefficient data was related to a protein's solubility behavior and this process and the results will be presented

IKYURYAN (COVENANT MAKING) AMONG THE TIV AS A RELIGIO-CULTURAL APPROACH TO CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN BENUE STATE

Conflict resolution in Tivland, Benue State has proved intractable leading to the destruction of lives and properties. The study “Ikyuryan (covenant making) among the Tiv as a religio-cultural Approach to Conflict Resolution in Benue State” explores the use of an alternative and complimentary approach to conflict resolution. As a qualitative research the study draws data from both primary and secondary sources. Random sampling was used and eighty five (85) respondents were selected for oral interview. Historical and descriptive methods of data analysis were employed. Deploying the theoretical framework of Karl Marx dialectical materialism, the study avers that, Ikyuryan (covenant making) as one of the religio-cultural approaches to conflict resolution has rarely been explored. Despite the limitations of Ikyuryan (covenant making), a comparative analysis indicates the striking and overriding legitimacy of Ikyuryan due to its flexibility, sense of ownership and result oriented nature in context of Tiv culture. It also revealed that, Ikyuryan (covenant making) which is a traditional approach to conflict resolution among the Tiv inspite of the western influence considered alien has not outlived its usefulness even when adapted to modern realities. The study therefore recommends the adoption of the Ikyuryan (covenant making), a traditional practice because of its flexibility as a home-grown approach to alternative dispute mechanism in order to achieve a more effective and long lasting peace among the Tiv of Benue State.SEL

Contributory factors to the 2003 Darfur Conflict in Sudan and African Union (AU) Intervention Strategies

There is no gainsaying the obvious that certain existential factors contributed immensely to the conflict in Darfur region of Sudan. This paper therefore is designed to interrogate into these factors with a view to establishing the extent they contributed to the escalation of the conflict. Using the theory of Relative Deprivation as a framework, the paper opines that structural inequality among the citizens and the different divides that make up the state of Sudan as well as the agitation of the perceived marginalized people of Darfur for inclusion in the political and economic gains of the country as the major causes of the conflict. The activities of the Sudanese government that used the janjaweed militias on the people instead reeling out policies for de-escalating the conflict was also a point of focus. The paper however commended the activities of the African Union especially her intervention that helped in de-escalating the conflict despite being hampered by poor funding and sophiscated military hardware. The paper however recommended for a more sincere political will on the part of the Sudanese to resolve the Darfur conflict and that the African Union should make more frantic effort aimed at providing its standby force with the necessary logistics to not only deal with the conflict in Darfur but in other troubled spot within the continent taking cognizance of the precarious nature of Africa

Consistency and timeliness of intrapartum care interventions as predictors of intrapartum stillbirth in public health facilities of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a case-control study

Introduction: approximately one-third of the global stillbirth burden occurs during intrapartum period. Intrapartum stillbirths occurring in the health facilities imply that a foetus was alive on admission to labour and had greater chances of survival with optimum obstetric care. Active monitoring and follow-up by skilled birth attendants becomes critical to determine the progress of labour and to decide any emergency obstetrical care actions. Timely monitoring of labour progress indicators including fetal heart rate (FHR), uterine contraction maternal vital signs, vaginal examination (VE) are vital in reducing intrapartum stillbirth. Methods: a case-control study was conducted using primary data from chart review of medical records of women who experienced intrapartum stillbirth in 20 public health centres and 3 public hospitals of Addis Ababa between July 1st, 2010 to June 30th, 2015. Data were collected from charts of all cases of intrapartum stillbirths meeting the inclusion criteria and randomly selected charts of controls from each public health facility in 2:1 control to case ratio. Results: over 90% of both cases and controls received FHR monitoring care albeit the timing was substandard. More women in the live birth group than intrapartum stillbirth group received timely care related to uterine contraction (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.77 - 3.30) and blood pressure monitoring (aOR 1.41, 95% CI 1.09 - 1.81). 1.2% and 0.3% of women in the intrapartum stillbirth and livebirth groups developed eclampsia respectively. Conclusion: substandard timing and application of labour monitoring interventions including FHR, uterine contraction can predict intrapartum stillbirth in public health facilities

Bibliographic Control of Publications: The Impact on African Countries

The African continent is full of oral and written culture being published and preserved by her people, not only for posterity but also for academics, students, and the larger bibliographic communities. That information is generated on the face of African continent on daily bases is not in doubt as printing and publishing have flourished the continent, thus becoming the order of the day. Libraries and information centers are expected to acquire and ensure bibliographic recording and make available on request all that is written, printed and published. Bibliographic control has become a major determinant of book accessibility and utilization and a key factor in information search, delivery and dissemination. The bibliographic control project is very important, fundamental, and indispensable in Africa. Fourie and Burger (2007) have observed that countries like South Africa have put forward efforts currently unmatchable by any African country. The fact that a book is recorded in the library, internet, or the information centre is enough to give hope to the needful potential user that it may be possible to access and use it. Information materials like books, journals, manuscripts, theses, dissertations, magazines, newspapers and a host of others are written, printed, and published on African continent. As time goes on, precise bibliographic information about these materials begin to disappear from the minds of many but on the other hand, some researchers may seek them with tears to access and utilize them; thus, the importance of bibliographic control and that of the library services become glaringly indispensable. To facilitate accessibility, the bibliographic compilation must be in a particular pertain which must be systematic to accommodate essential bibliographic elements which could enable a potential user to decide to trace it when in need. This calls for a pattern of effective recording and arrangement which result from systematic listing of the records of human communication. One current type of bibliography, according to World Book Encyclopedia (2002) presents a systematic description of books as well as listing them, summarizing what each book is about as well as its currency, binding, publisher and its value

Zeitpolitik als feministisches Politikfeld

Die Ressource Zeit ist ungleich zwischen den Geschlechtern verteilt. Dies kann als eine der zentralen Ungerechtigkeiten innerhalb der Gesellschaft aufgefasst werden. Welche Rolle können Geschlechteraspekte in der Zeitpolitik spielen

Investigation of Ductile Fracture of Nanostructured Al-6082 Material

In this paper we are going to investigate the ductile fracture in cold forming of nanostructured Al - 6082 alloy material during axi-symmetric collar (flanged) tests and cylindrical upsetting tests by using eight types of fracture criteria. The material of specimens were taken out of ECAP was made by one, four, and eight passes (route C) in three perpendicular axes. The material has ultrafine grain size and an anisotropic behaviour. A simple yield criterion and material law are used to describe the plastic deformation of the nanostructured material. The collar tests and cylindrical upsetting tests produced typical ductile fractures in all types of specimens

Modelling of protein solution properties

The research pursued in this work concentrates on modelling two protein solution properties: activity coefficients and solubility. While modelling protein solubility was the prime objective activity coefficients were considered first as deviation from ideal solution behaviour was expected to occur for protein containing systems. Activity coefficients of protein related compounds, amino acids and peptides, were studied first hypothesising that these compounds represent proteins and because activity coefficient data is documented for those compounds but not for proteins. The predictive UNIFAC model was studied but failed, which led to examination of the related UNIQUAC model. The objective of the work was the creation of a model base, which was achieved. This model base was then utilised for protein containing systems. Protein activity coefficient data was made available and could be successfully modelled using the established framework. Furthermore, the activity coefficient data was examined over different pH and temperature ranges, salt types and concentrations. A qualitative comparison of the data to protein solubility results of other researchers was pursued and used to confirm the model approach. Having demonstrated that protein solubility was qualitatively represented through protein activity coefficients a quantitative solubility approach was addressed next. For two protein systems the solubility behaviour was modelled successfully as a function of salt concentration and temperature. Findings of other researchers were integrated into the discussion of the model results while also the calculated protein activity coefficients were examined and a qualitative confirmation of the model was achieved. The models used in this study for the description of two protein solution properties, when applied to six different proteins over various pH and temperature ranges, salt types and concentrations showed qualitative and quantitative success. They should find application to many other protein systems

Apple based agroforestry in Dendi Woreda, Oromiya Region: Income contribution and determinants for adoption

A study was conducted to evaluate and compare households’ income from apple based agroforestry system and identify factors that influence its adoption by smallholder farmers in Dendi Woreda, Oromia region. Two kebeles’ were purposefully selected and from which 250 households were randomly taken, where 33 were adopters of the technology and the remaining 217 were non-adopters. To obtain the necessary information, both primary and secondary data were collected and focus group iscussion was conducted. The result revealed that farmers predominantly carry out various livelihood activities such as production of grain crops, livestock, vegetables, and apple fruit. In agri-horticulture agroforestry approach apple trees were integrated with vegetables at homesteads by adopters. The mean gross income of adopters from apple fruit was 58,234.85ETB ha-1 yr-1. Adopters’ mean annual gross income from vegetable + apple fruit was 344,602.3ETB ha-1 yr-1 and mean annual gross income of non-adopters from vegetable was 219,932.9ETB ha-1 yr-1. The income obtained from apple contributed 17 per cent to the income of the agri-horticulture system. Non-adopters annual net income from vegetables was 191,645.13ETB ha-1yr-1 and adopters’ annual net income from vegetable + apple was 312,378.79ETB ha-1 yr-1. The agri-horticulture system contributed 1.63 times higher net revenue for adopters in addition to its nutritional value. However, adoption of apple based agroforestry system was significantly influenced by different factor such as age (+), formal education levels (+), livestock holding (+), distance from market to home (+), sex (-) and total land holding (-). In order to maximize the benefits from the system land users are advised to follow integration of apple fruit trees in their food production activities incorporating their own farm resources to minimize input costs. Policy makers are also expected to advocate the systems performance in the study area and beyond.Keywords: Agri-horticulture system; Apple tree adoption; Household incom

Agriculture: Environmental Problems and Directions

Review of Iowa\u27s water quality situation has both good news and bad news components. The good news is that since passage of the 1972 federal Clean Water Act, commendable progress has been made in reducing the discharge of municipal and industrial waste pollutants into Iowa\u27s waters. The progress made in reducing pollution from these point sources is attributable to a number of factors, including the enactment of effective laws and regulations, development and implementation of improved waste management practices, and voluntary and enforced compliance