Assessment of consumer acceptance of kilishi of African carp (Labeo coubie Rueppell) and Elephant snout (Hyperopisus bebe occidentalis, Guenther)

This study was carried out to assess consumers' acceptance of kilishi prepared from Labeo coubie and Hyperopisus bebe occidentalis in Sokoto. The organoleptic properties (texture, odour, taste and flavour) of kilishi in its fresh form and under storage for 16 weeks were determined. The mean scores for the organoleptic assessment (6.90 and 7.19 for kilishi of Labeo and Hyperopisus respectively) showed that fish kilishi was highly acceptable. Hyperopisus kilishi recorded slightly higher mean scores for the tested organoleptic properties. The declining pattern of the sensory assessment scores with length of storage indicated that the optimum storage period under the room temperature for kilishi made from the experimental fish species in the study area was 6-8 weeks. Further research on appropriate storage methods is desirable. However, preparation of fish kilishi could be explored as alternative preservation technique to reduce fish spoilage especially during the glut in supply and to diversify fish product

A Database Interface for Complex Objects

We describe a formal design for a logical query language using psi-terms as data structures to interact effectively and efficiently with a relational database. The structure of psi-terms provides an adequate representation for so-called complex objects. They generalize conventional terms used in logic programming: they are typed attributed structures, ordered thanks to a subtype ordering. Unification of psi-terms is an effective means for integrating multiple inheritance and partial information into a deduction process. We define a compact database representation for psi-terms, representing part of the subtyping relation in the database as well. We describe a retrieval algorithm based on an abstract interpretation of the psi-term unification process and prove its formal correctness. This algorithm is efficient in that it incrementally retrieves only additional facts that are actually needed by a query, and never retrieves the same fact twice

Synthesis and characterization of (Pani/n-si)solar cell

AbstractPolyaniline(PAni) doped with formic acid was synthesis by chemical polymerization method using ammonium persulphate as oxidizing agent. Polyaniline /n-silicon hetrojunction have been fabricated by spin coating of polyaniline onto n-type silicon substrates. I-V characteristic of these junction diode show rectifying behavior with rectifying ratio of about 100. The I-V characteristics of PAni/n-Si junction were measured at room temperature (303K) and after annulling at 363K. They are found to exhibit quality factors of 1.83 and 1.32, saturation current of 5x10-6A and 5x10-4A, and barrier heights of 0.73eV and 0.61eV respectively. The photovoltaic properties of this hybrid solar cell were studied in the dark and under illumination investigated hybrid and was found to deliver short circuit current density Jsc =45μA/cm2, open circuit voltage Voc = 400mV, and solar cell efficiency η =0.3% under AM 1.5 simulated solar light with the intensity of 100mW/cm2

Bacterial contamination of Nigerian currency notes circulating within selected markets in Kaduna Metropolis

A study was carried out with the aim to assess the bacterial contamination of Nigerian currency notes circulating within selected markets in Kaduna Metropolis. A total of 80 samples of Nigerian currency notes of different denominations were randomly collected from Sabo, Kakuri, Kawo, Dattawa, U/rimi, Kasuwar Sati, Nassarawa, Chechenia, Kasuwar barci and Kasuwar Laraba markets in sterilized polythene bags  The mean bacterial counts of the different currency notes were determined using standard microbiological methods. The types of bacteria associated with the currency notes and their frequency of occurrence were also determined using standard methods. The result of the study showed that lower denomination currencies had  higher microbial loads, 22.65×104 ± 0.22×104 CFU/g for N100, 26.55×104 ± 0.45×104 CFU/g for N50, 20.95×104 ± 0.26×104 CFU/g for N20, 21.75×104 ± 0.35×104 CFU/g for N10 and 21.75×104  ± 0.12×104 CFU/g for N5 which were mostly obtained from Kakuri, Sabo, Nasarawa, and U/Rimi markets The species of bacteria isolated from the currencies were Staphylococcus aureus (52.2%), Escherichia coli (31.3%), Salmonella species (11.9%), and Proteus species (4.5%). Staphylococcus aureus was the most predominant bacteria isolated. This study revealed that currency notes collected from the markets within Kaduna Metropolis, were highly contaminated with different pathogenic bacteria thus, calls for public awareness on the potential risks associated with poor handling of currency notes at all levels. Key words: Bacterial contamination, currency notes, selected markets, Kaduna Metropolis &nbsp

Selenium and nano-selenium ameliorations in two breeds of broiler chickens exposed to heat stress

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of synthesized nano-selenium (NS) and commercial inorganic selenium (Se) on immunity, behaviour, and performance of Arbor (AB) and Ross (RB) broilers that were exposed to heat stress of 40 °C for 6 - 8 hours daily over 38 days. Two hundred and ten one-day-old broilers of two breeds were supplemented with 0.5 mL/L of NS or Se in their drinking water. Two hundred sera, 200 intestinal swabs, and 1000 internal organ and tissue samples were collected. Weight gain, performance index, behavioral indices, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, serum total protein, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and serum creatinine concentrations increased (P <0.01) in RB compared with AB when supplemented with NS. Meanwhile, NS supplementation decreased (P <0.01) water intake and the logarithmic bacterial counts of the intestine and breast in RB and AB, respectively. Histopathology revealed mild leukocytic infiltration and mild vacuolar degeneration in hepatocytes, and focal leukocytic infiltration, mild congestion, and cytoplasmic vacuolation in the myocardium of RB. Photomicrographs showed a mild lymphoid depletion in the spleen, while histopathology of the bursa of Fabricius revealed a normal follicular epithelium and normal lymphoid follicles with mild inter-follicular fibrosis in RB that were supplied with NS as opposed to AB, which expressed more severe pathological affections from heat stress. Thus, NS was more effective than Se in allowing broilers to respond to heat stress.Keywords: behaviour, immunity, growth traits, tissue architectur

A preliminary study on whether HbA1c levels can predict visual dependence for spatial orientation in asymptomatic Type 2 diabetic patients

Introduction: Diabetes-induced vestibular dysfunction has been commonly reported, and asymptomatic patients with type 2 diabetes display higher degrees of perceptual visual dependence for spatial orientation than healthy controls. This study aims to assess whether HbA1c can predict such visual dependence in the diabetic patients. Methods and Materials: Diabetic patients were divided into 2 groups: 22 subjects with “good” (HbA1c < 7%) and 25 with “poor” (HbA1c ≥ 7%) glycemic control. Otolithic vestibular function was tested using the computerized rod-and-frame test (CRFT) and results for the two diabetic groups were compared to 29 healthy controls. Results: When the frame was tilted, the diabetic group with “good” glycemic control had largest positioning errors, with a significant difference only in comparison to the control group. The “good” glycemic group exhibited larger degree of asymmetry under titled frame condition. Although HbA1c was not associated with vestibular asymmetry in any diabetic group, it was significantly associated with visual dependence in the “good” glycemic group. During frame tilts, 10 diabetic patients had positioning errors above the reference range of 3.3°, 8 of which belonged to the “good” glycemic diabetic group. Conclusions: Diabetes disease processes may affect vestibular symmetry during visuo-vestibular conflicts, even in asymptomatic diabetics within the recommended glycemic range. The weak correlations between HbA1c and CRFT parameters may indicate that HbA1c cannot fully predict visual dependence or asymmetry on the CRFT in patients with diabetes, and different glycemic disorders may affect vestibular dependent spatial orientation in diabetic patients

EFFECT OF COMPOST AND SOME NATURAL GROWTH PROMOTING ON CHAMOMILE

A field experiment was carried out during the two successive growing seasons of 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 at the Nursery of Ornamental Plants, Faculty of Agriculture, Minia University to study the effect of compost (0.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 ton/fed) and foliar spray with ascorbic and salicylic acids, each at 50, 100 and 200 ppm, on growth, productivity of flowers and essential oil of chamomile(Matricaria chamomilla, L.) plants. Results indicated that vegetative growth traits (plant height and number of branches/plant), flowers fresh and dry weights/plant, essential oil (%) and yield/plant as well as photosynthetic pigments were significantly improved as a result of applied compost at the three levels with the highest values were obtained with 7.5 ton/fed treatment. Also, all concentrations of ascorbic and salicylic acids led to significant increases in all previous characters of vegetative growth, flowers and essential oil productivity compared to control. The combination treatment of compost (7.5 ton/fed) with salicylic acid (200 ppm) was superior than the other interaction treatments

Nutritional and Antinutritional Composition of Sclerocarya birrea Peels

The peels of Sclerocarya birrea were evaluated for its nutritional and antinutritional composition. The results show that the moisture, ash, crude protein, crude lipid, crude fibre, available carbohydrate and energy value were 67.5

Acute and Subchronic Toxicity Studies of Sclerocarya birrea Peels Extract in Rats

Sclerocarya birrea fruits are widely eaten in developing countries especially in rural areas where they serve as nutritional supplements. However, they may also contain phyto-toxins which may affect the normal functioning of the body. Acute toxicity study was performed by a single oral administration of a dose of 3000 mg/kg body weight. Sub chronic toxicity evaluation was conducted by oral feeding of the rats with the peels extract daily at doses of 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 mg/kg body weight for 28 days. The results of acute toxicity show no mortality and general behaviour changes. The lethal dosage (LD50) was greater than 3000 mg/kg body weight. Rats fed with 1000, 2000 and 3000mg/kg body weight of the extract have higher body weights throughout the period of treatment but not significantly (p&gt;0.05) different from the control group. Rats fed with 4000mg/kg body weight have significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower body weight throughout the period of treatment. Significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher serum total proteins, albumin, bilirubin, transaminases, creatinine, urea, uric acid and electrolytes were recorded in rats fed with 3000 to 4000 mg/kg body weight of the extract, suggesting liver and kidney toxicities. Therefore, the peels extract of S. birrea may be relatively toxic at doses of 3000 and 4000 mg/kg body weight. Further studies are required for isolation and characterization of the toxic compounds

Synthesis and properties of polyelectrolyte multilayered microcapsules reinforced smart coatings

The present research work focuses on the synthesis, characterization and properties of novel polyelectrolyte multilayered microcapsules used as smart additives in organic coatings for corrosion protection of steel parts. Urea formaldehyde microcapsules encapsulated with linalyl acetate (UFMCs), sensitive to mechanical stimulus, were synthesized by in situ emulsion polymerization technique. In the next step, dodecylamine, working as a pH stimulus corrosion inhibitor, was loaded into layers of polyelectrolyte molecules, polyethylenimine (PEI) and sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK). These were applied layer-by-layer over the microcapsules to form inhibitor containing multilayered urea formaldehyde microcapsules (MLUFMCs). In the next step, MLUFMCs (5.0 wt%) and UFMCs (5.0 wt%) were thoroughly dispersed into the epoxy resin and coated on cleaned steel. A comparison of the structural, thermal and anticorrosive properties indicates that coatings modified with multilayered capsules (PMLSCs) demonstrate good thermal stability, improved self-healing characteristics and higher corrosion resistance compared to the coating modified with urea formaldehyde microcapsules. The improved properties of PMLSCs can be attributed to efficient release of the encapsulated self-healing agent and corrosion inhibitor from the MLUFMCs. Therefore, epoxy coatings modified with the novel multilayered capsules may be attractive for corrosion protection of steel parts used in oil and gas and related industries. - 2019, The Author(s).Open Access funding provided by the Qatar National Library. This publication was made possible by NPRP Grant 9–080-2-039 from Qatar National Research Fund (a member of the Qatar Foundation). Statements made herein are solely the responsibility of the authors. R. A. Shakoor would like to acknowledge the financial support of QU internal grant-QUCG-CAM-2018/2019-3 and the Core Labs, QEERI for their SEM and TEM imaging. M.F. Mon-temor thanks Fundac¸ão para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) for financial support under the projects PEst-OE/QUI/UI0100/2013.Scopu