The symptom and genetic diversity of cassava brown streak viruses infecting cassava in East Africa

The genetic and symptom diversity of six virus isolates causing cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) in the endemic (Kenya, Mozambique, and Tanzania) and the recently affected epidemic areas (Uganda) of eastern Africa was studied. Five cassava varieties; Albert, Colombian, Ebwanateraka, TMS60444 (all susceptible) and Kiroba (tolerant) were graft inoculated with each isolate. Based on a number of parameters including the severity of leaf and root symptoms, and the extent of virus transmission by grafting, the viruses were classified as either severe or relatively mild. These results were further confirmed by the mechanical inoculation of 13 herbaceous hosts in which the virulent isolates caused plant death in Nicotiana clevelandii and N. benthamiana whereas the milder isolates did not. Phylogenetic analysis of complete coat protein gene sequences of these isolates together with sequences obtained from 14 other field-collected samples from Kenya and Zanzibar, and reference sequences grouped them into two distinct clusters, representing the two species of cassava brown streak viruses. Put together, these results did not suggest the association of a hypervirulent form of the virus with the current CBSD epidemic in Uganda. Identification of the severe and milder isolates, however, has further implications for disease management and quarantine requirements

Influence of Leadership and Employee Benefits to the Quality of Employees in Production

The purpose of this study is analysing leadership has positive effect to the quality of employee in production at PDAM of Surakarta and employee benefit has positive effect to the quality of employee in production at PDAM of Surakarta. This research is quantitative, by taking samples at PDAM of Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia. The study population and sample as many as 400 employees were taken by 40 employees. The technique of collecting data using questionnaires. The data analysis technique used is multiple linear regression analysis. The results obtained showed that: Leadership has positive effect to the quality of employee in production at PDAM of Surakarta and employee benefit has positive effect to the quality of employee in production at PDAM of Surakarta

The Relationship Between Some Physical Measurements and Flexibility of Handball Goalkeepers

This study aims to examine the relationship between selected physical measurements and the flexibility of handball goalkeepers, as flexibility plays a crucial role in improving reaction speed, agility, and overall performance in defending the goal. A descriptive correlational method was applied, involving [insert number] male handball goalkeepers from [insert location/club/university if available]. Anthropometric measurements such as height, weight, arm span, and leg length were taken, along with standardized flexibility tests. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation to identify associations between physical characteristics and flexibility levels. The results indicated that certain physical measurements, particularly arm span and leg length, showed a significant positive correlation with flexibility, while body weight demonstrated a negative relationship. Height was found to have a moderate influence but not statistically significant. Overall, the findings suggest that body proportions, especially limb length, contribute substantially to flexibility and performance effectiveness in goalkeeping. In conclusion, physical measurements play an important role in determining flexibility levels among handball goalkeepers. Coaches and trainers are encouraged to consider anthropometric profiles during athlete selection and training design, alongside flexibility-enhancing exercises, to maximize goalkeeper performance

Physico-chemical analysis and sensory evaluation of bread produced using different indigenous yeast isolates

This study carried out the physico-chemical analysis and sensory evaluation of bread produced using different indigenous yeast isolates in order to offer an insight into the overall quality of the bread. Four (4) different yeast species were isolated from sweet orange, pineapple and palm wine. The yeasts were characterized and identified using the API 20C AUX kit. Each of the yeast isolates were used to ferment wheat flour dough. The specific volume, proximate analysis were carried out before baking. Commercial yeast served as positive control. The heavy metal analysis of the baked bread was investigated. The sensory evaluation of the baked bread was carried out with nine (9) point hedonic scale using ten (10) selected penalists. The yeasts were identified as Rhodotorula mucilagnosa, Rhodotorula minuta, Candida colliculosa and Candid krusei and the results of the physical properties obtained, showed that the bread sample CS2B had the highest specific volume (3.60cm3/g) while the negative control had the lowest value (2.03cm3/g). The proximate analysis of the bread samples revealed that the moisture content ranged from (0.2959-24.1), protein (3.325-5.425), fat (4.165-6.80), fibre (1.49-3.50), ash (1.331-3.1029), carbohydrate (43.325-89.112) and energy (256.20- 407.2298). The bread sample PW7B had the highest value of moisture (24.10), protein (4.90) and fat (7.45) while AC1B had the highest value of carbohydrate (89.11) and energy (407.23). No trace of lead and arsenic were found in all the bread samples, the value of iron, copper and calcium recorded falls within the permissible limit of FAO/WHO. The analysis showed that there was no significant difference (P>0.05) between the yeast isolates used to produce the bread and the perception of the different qualities of the bread. Generally, the bread samples were within the regulatory specifications of standard organisation of Nigeria (SON) and all the bread samples produced were generally accepted by the consumers in relation to their organoleptic properties. Fruits are excellent source of yeasts with dough fermenting abilities and bread of acceptable quality can be produced from these yeast isolates. The high proximate values of the bread samples recorded confirmed that they are capable of meeting most nutritional provisions as a staple food.Keywords: Yeast isolates, bread, physico-chemical analysis, sensory qualit

Price volatility spillovers among major wheat markets in the world

This research determined price volatility spillovers among major wheat markets in the world using time series data (1966–2018) from six major wheat producing countries. The data were sourced from FAO and UNCTAD databanks and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression, unit root test and GARCH models. The findings showed that there is low and high persistence in the wheat prices of Canada and USA; and, Australia and India, respectively. Thus, it was established that the prices in the former markets were characterized by short memory; the effect of shock is temporary as the prices return to the attractor level within a short period. However, bad news has a pronounced effect on the prices of the latter markets and it takes a longer period for the price series to normalize. On the other hand, the French and Chinese price series exhibited an explosive pattern; the price series have infinite memory and the effect of innovation is permanent as price series will not normalize. Therefore, it can be concluded that the future trade of wheat is useful for the market prices that are persistent as their price trends are tailored towards rational expectation rather than naïve expectation. However, for the market prices that are explosive, the market participants should focus on rational market expectation as a trade barometer

Price volatility spillovers among major wheat markets in the world

This research determined price volatility spillovers among major wheat markets in the world using time series data (1966–2018) from six major wheat producing countries. The data were sourced from FAO and UNCTAD databanks and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression, unit root test and GARCH models. The findings showed that there is low and high persistence in the wheat prices of Canada and USA; and, Australia and India, respectively. Thus, it was established that the prices in the former markets were characterized by short memory; the effect of shock is temporary as the prices return to the attractor level within a short period. However, bad news has a pronounced effect on the prices of the latter markets and it takes a longer period for the price series to normalize. On the other hand, the French and Chinese price series exhibited an explosive pattern; the price series have infinite memory and the effect of innovation is permanent as price series will not normalize. Therefore, it can be concluded that the future trade of wheat is useful for the market prices that are persistent as their price trends are tailored towards rational expectation rather than naïve expectation. However, for the market prices that are explosive, the market participants should focus on rational market expectation as a trade barometer

Mechanization and Extension Services in the Era of Buharinomics: Myth or Momentum?

The Buhari administration (2015–2023) in Nigeria introduced a suite of agricultural reform policies aimed at revitalizing the sector, with particular emphasis on mechanization and extension services. This paper critically reviews the implementation and outcomes of these policies within the framework of “Buharinomics”—the economic philosophy associated with President Muhammadu Buhari, assessing whether these initiatives constituted genuine developmental momentum or were largely rhetorical. Drawing on policy documents, national agricultural transformation plans, budgetary allocations, and empirical studies, the paper investigates the scope, scale, and impact of government-led mechanization drives and the revitalization of agricultural extension systems. While the era witnessed policy pronouncements and some structural investments—such as partnerships with foreign equipment suppliers and the deployment of extension agents—implementation gaps, inadequate funding, and bureaucratic inertia limited the overall effectiveness of these programs. The analysis suggests that despite notable initiatives like the Green Imperative Program and the National Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services Strategy, many promises remained under-delivered, reflecting a disconnect between ambition and execution. The paper concludes that while there was clear policy intent, the Buhari era's achievements in mechanization and extension were more myth than sustained momentum, necessitating a rethinking of institutional frameworks and accountability mechanisms in future interventions. Keywords: Agriculture, Advisory services, Policy, Nigeri

Effect of Some Medicinal Plants as Feed Additives on Growth Performance, Blood Constituents and Carcass Characteristics of Broilers

The present work aimed to study the effect of feeding broiler chicks on diets containing different levels of fenugreek, anise and curcuma seeds powder, as natural feed additive on productive performance, carcass characteristics, some blood constituents and economic feed efficiency. One hundred and forty, one-day old (Ross 38) unsexed broiler chicks were obtained from local commercial source, weighed and randomly distributed to 7 equal groups, each of 20. The birds were fed with two basal diets (starter and finisher diets). The experimental diets were as follows: basal control diet without any feed additives (G1), basal diets supplemented with 0.2 and 0.5% fenugreek (G2 and G3 respectively), basal diets supplemented with 0.3 and 0.6% anise seeds (G4 and G5 respectively), and lastly basal diets supplemented with 0.3 and 0.5% curcuma (G6 and G7 respectively). During the experiment the body weight and feed intake were measured and consequently, weight gain and feed conversion ratio were calculated. At the end of the experiment, three birds from each group were slaughtered for blood sampling and serum extraction then. Finally, economical evaluation of the diets was calculated. The results showed that, dietary inclusion of fenugreek, anise and curcuma, had significant (P <0.05) improvement in the live body weight, total weight gain and feed conversion ratio, While, the feed intake was not affected by the dietary inclusion of them. Some blood constituents were affected with these additions. The relative economic feed efficiency was increased by dietary inclusion of the three additives

Growth differentiation factor 9 gene variants in Sudanese desert sheep ecotypes

Certain variants in the growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) gene have major effects on the ovulation rate in sheep. The aim of this study was to analyse GDF9 variability in the Sudanese desert sheep ecotypes Ashgar, Dubasi and Watish, and to test identified variants for association with litter size. For this purpose, ewes of these ecotypes with litter size records for at least two litters were sampled. The complete GDF9 exon 2 was sequenced in a total of 28 ewes. An additional variant in exon 1 (c260G>A) was genotyped by restriction-length polymorphism analysis in 97 ewes. Differences in genotype and allele frequencies of polymorphic positions between two groups differing in litter size (only a single lamb versus more than a single lamb) were tested for significance using Fisher's exact test. GDF9 exon 2 variants c.477G>A and c.721G>A and exon 1 variant c.260G>A were found to be polymorphic in all three sheep ecotypes. Exon 2 variants c.471C>T and c.978 A>G were polymorphic in at least one ecotype. No significant associations were observed between allele and genotype frequencies of identified variants and litter size. This suggests that GDF9 variants influencing ovulation are absent in these Sudanese sheep ecotypes, and therefore cannot be used to increase litter size within this population of sheep.Keywords: Ashgar, Dubasi, fecundity, litter size, ovine fertility, Watis

The in vitro and in vivo biological activities of antifungal compounds isolated from Loxostylis alata A.Spreng. ex Rchb. leaf extracts

The main aim of this study was to find a plant extract or isolated compound that could be used to combat aspergillosis in animals. Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the most common pathogenic fungal species in humans and animals. A. fumigatus is also an economically important fungus in the poultry industry. Current treatment of the disease is hampered by drug resistance of the organism to conventional antifungals and also its widespread toxicity to the animals. Seven tree species that had good antifungal activity against Cryptococcus neoformans in the Phytomedicine Programme database were selected for further work. These tree species were: Combretum vendae A.E. van Wyk (Combretaceae), Commiphora harveyi (Engl.) Engl. (Burseraceae), Khaya anthotheca (Welm.) C.DC (Meliaceae), Kirkia wilmsii Engl. (Kirkiaceae), Loxostylis alata A. Spreng. ex Rchb. (Anacardiaceae), Ochna natalitia (Meisn.) Walp. (Ochnaceae) and Protorhus longifolia (Bernh. Ex C. Krauss) Engl. (Anacardiaceae). The antimicrobial activity of leaf extracts of the selected plant species were determined against four important nosocomial bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and five important animal fungi (Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Microsporum canis and Sporothrix schenckii) using a serial microplate dilution method. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC), of an acetone extract of Loxostylis alata was the lowest against Aspergillus fumigatus with an MIC value of 0.05 mg/ml. The number of antifungal compounds in extracts was determined by bioautography. The acetone extract of L. alata had the most active zones (10). The antioxidant, antiplatelet and cytotoxic effects of the seven plant species were evaluated using established in vitro assays. All the extracts had comparably low toxicity except for the extract of C. harveyi that had high haemagluttination assay titre value, which indicates toxicity. The extracts of P. longifolia, K. wilmsii, O. natalitia, L. alata, C. harveyi and C. vendae contained antioxidant compounds in the qualitative assay using DPPH. In the quantification of antioxidation using ABTS, only the extracts of P. longifolia, L. alata, and C. vendae had substantial antioxidant activity with respective TEAC value of 1.39, 1.94 and 2.08. Similarly, in the quantitative DPPH assay, L. alata. (EC50, 3.58 ± 0.23 μg/ml) and K. wilmsii (EC50, 3.57 ± 0.41 μg/ml) did not differ significantly (p ≤ 0.05) from the positive control (L-ascorbic acid). K. anthotheca had a much lower antioxidant activity (EC50 176.40 ± 26.56 μg/ml), and differed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) from all the other extracts and control. In addition, the extract of C. vendae and C. harveyi had significant (p ≤ 0.05) antiplatelet activity and did not differ from the control (aspirin) with EC50 of 0.06 ± 0.01 μg/ml, 0.19 ± 0.00 μg/ml, respectively. Lower EC50 values in the antioxidant and antiplatelet studies are indicative of superior activity of the plant extract against oxidation and platelet aggregation. Based on the results obtained L. alata was selected for further examination. To simplify the isolation of the antifungal compounds from the L. alata fractions the acetone extract was first separated into six different fractions based on polarity in a mild solvent-solvent fractionation process. The fractions were aqueous methanol, butanol, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, hexane and water fractions. The antimicrobial activities of the fractions as well as other relevant pharmacological tests on the different fractions were carried out. The number of antimicrobial compounds present in the aqueous methanol (AM), butanol (BT), carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), chloroform (CC), hexane and water fractions was determined by bioautography. The CCl4 extract was active against six out of the 9 microbial strains used and was particularly active against S. aureus, E. faecalis, A. fumigatus, C. albicans, C. neoformans and M. canis with MIC of 0.04, 0.04, 0.1, 0.1, 0.06 and 0.03 mg/ml, respectively. Microsporum canis was the most sensitive organism with the lowest average MIC of 0.16 mg/ml. Qualitative antioxidation using DPPH and quantitative assay using both ABTS and DPPH radicals revealed the presence of several antioxidant compounds in the AM, BT and water fractions of Loxostylis alata. This supported the usefulness of L. alata in treating fungal diseases, as aspergillosis and most fungal infections are associated with immune depression of the host. Antioxidants may reverse several conditions associated with immune deficiencies, resulting in increased levels of interleukin-2, elevated numbers of total lymphocytes and T-cell subsets. Loxostylis alata is used in southern African traditional medicine to control labour pain and to boost the immune system. Extracts and compounds isolated from leaves of Loxostylis alata were therefore also evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory (cyclooxygenase-1 and -2) activities and evaluated for their potential toxic effects using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and Salmonella typhimurium tester strains TA98 and TA100. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using a serial microdilution assay. The bacterial strains used were Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC29213), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922). The fungal strains used were Cryptococcus neoformans, Sporothrix schenckii, Aspergillus fumigatus, Microsporum canis and Candida albicans. A bioassay guided fractionation of the crude extract yielded two antimicrobial compounds namely, Lupeol and μ-sitosterol Lupeol had the most pronounced zone of inhibition against S. aureus and A. fumigatus., When MICs of the 2 compounds were determined, only lupeol had relatively good activity with MICs values ≤ 100 μg/ml against 8 out of 10 of the tested pathogens. However, β-sitosterol had activity against only S. aureus and E. coli with MICs values of 90 and 110 μg/ml, respectively. In addition β-sitosterol had selective inhibition of COX-1 (IC50 = 55.3 ± 2) None of the compounds isolated were toxic in the Salmonella typhimurium/microsome assay and MTT cytotoxicity test. The isolation of these two compounds is reported for the first time from Loxostylis alata. It was disappointing that the two antifungal compounds isolated from L. alata had such a low activity against Aspergillus fumigatus. This inhibits the development of a single compound that can be used therapeutically. Because the crude extract had very good activity we decided to investigate the safety and potential use of this extract in target animal species. At a dose of 300 mg/kg, the chicks had some signs of intoxication, but not at a dose of 200 mg/kg. Aspergillosis was induced experimentally, in broiler chicks. The degree of infection was assessed by comparing degree and severity of clinical signs, lesion scores and fungal re-isolation from treated chicks with those from infected chicks not treated with the extract. The extract at a dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg reduced significantly (p ≤ 0.05) the lesions due to aspergillosis and the amount of Aspergillus fumigatus isolated from infected chicks in an excellent dose related response.. The crude extract of L. alata leaves was as active as the commercially used ketoconazole against avian aspergillosis. It appears likely that the crude acetone extract could be produced at a much lower cost than ketoconazole or other chemical antimicrobial products. If these results can be confirmed in larger studies and if the crude extract does not have a negative effect on the production of the poultry the crude extract of L. alata may prove to be a viable and cost effective alternative to using current antimicrobial products. This study proves that it may be worthwhile to invest human and financial resources in searching for plant related products than can increase animal health and productivity. CopyrightThesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2009.Paraclinical Sciencesunrestricte