Joint microwave and infrared studies for soil moisture determination

The feasibility of using a combined microwave-thermal infrared system to determine soil moisture content is addressed. Of particular concern are bare soils. The theoretical basis for microwave emission from soils and the transport of heat and moisture in soils is presented. Also, a description is given of the results of two field experiments held during vernal months in the San Joaquin Valley of California

Orange-fleshed Sweetpotato on the home grownschool feeding menu in Nigeria

Sweetpotato for health and wealth in Nigeria and Jumpstarting OFSP in West Africa for diversified markets are two projects that focus on development of the value chain for health and wealth of the rural households in Nigeria, working in Osun and Kwara states. Out of search for OFSP demand at the formal sector, inclusion in the school feeding menu was conceived. The flyer presents the stages of inception, advocacy and sensitization that resulted in the inclusion of OFSP in the School Feeding Program in Osun State, as well as the achievements made between June 2014 and July 2015, and plans for scaling up

Elucidating the inhibition behaviour of Pterocarpussantalinoides leaves extract on mild steel corrosion in H2SO4 solution–GC-MS, FTIR, SEM, Experimental and computational approach

The drift towards the application of green inhibitors to mitigate acid corrosion of steel continues to encourage research into developing highly effective inhibitors derived from crude extracts of plant parts. The study investigates the inhibition behaviour of ethanol extract of Pterocarpussantalinoides (PS) against the corrosion of mild steel in 0.25 M H2SO4. Weight loss measurements showed that 1000 mg/l PS protected the steel with 88 % efficiency after 24 h immersion, which decreased to 47 % after 120 h immersion. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization measurements confirmed that PS extract is a mixed-type inhibitor and its adsorption lowers the double layer capacitance and rate of charge transfer at the steel-solution interface. The phenomenon blocks the steel surface damage based on SEM characterization. GC-MS and FTIR characterizations confirm that PS extract contain four major abundant phytoconstituents namely; benzeneacetaldehyde (BA), 2(5H)-furanone (FUR), ethyl 9,12,15-octadecatrienoate (EOD) and linoleic acid ethyl ester (LAEE). Molecular dynamic simulation (MDS) technique confirmed that individual molecules that formed the major parts of the extract contributed effectively in corrosion inhibition process in the order of EOD > LEAA > BA > FUR 

In silico identification of the potential natural inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Guanine-N7 methyltransferase

This study aims at computationally identifying the potential natural inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 Guanine-N7 methyltransferase binding at the active sit

Effects of State of Boar on Nutrients Digestibility, Nitrogen Balance, Backfat Measurements, Cut-up Parts and Organ Weights of Finishing Pigs

A study was conducted to determine the nutrients digestibility, backfat composition, cut-up parts and organ weights of intact and castrated finishing pigs. Forty eight Large White male pigs with initial average weight of 36.82±0.45 kg were randomly assigned to two treatments with each treatment consisting of three replicates of eight pigs each. Twenty four of the experimental animals were castrated while the remaining twenty four were left intact. Four pigs per replicate were selected and housed in metabolic cages to determine nutrient digestibility and carcass evaluation was performed when the pigs in each experimental group attained an average weight of 70 kg in order to verify the backfat composition, cut-up parts and organ weights. The experiment was arranged in a Completely Randomised Design. Dry matter intake, excreted faeces/dry matter intake, dry matter digestibility, crude protein digestibility, nitrogen intake, absorption and retention were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by state of boar. Castrated boars had higher mean values in these parameters except in excreted faeces/dry matter. Intact boars had higher significant (P<0.05) mean values in liver (1.98%), kidney (0.20%) and heart (0.22%) weights in comparison with the corresponding values (1.57, 0.12 and 0.12%, respectively) recorded for castrated boars. Subcutaneous fat depth and fat free index were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by state of boars. Intact boar recorded better value (49.07) for fat free index when compared to 43.46 obtained by the castrated boar. It was concluded that state of boar had effect on nutrient digestibilities, organ weights (liver, kidney and heart weights) and backfat deposits (subcutaneous fat depth and fat free index) of finishing pigs

Can energy self‑sufficiency be achieved? Case study of Warmińsko‑Mazurskie Voivodeship (Poland)

An analysis was carried out to show whether the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship (Poland) could become energy selfsufficient. The technical potential of electricity and heat from renewable sources has been calculated. The calculated values are 6.93 TWh/year of electricity and 15.84 PJ/year of heat—these amounts would ensure the energy independence of the Voivodeship. The Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship is an example of transformation towards “green” energy, it shows that such transformation is also possible in Poland even in short term. This would reduce air pollution as well as limit the import of energy resources. It is very important, it allows us to think with optimism and implement Poland’s energy transformation towards renewable energy (RE). Additionally, a SWOT analysis of each type of RE in the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship was presented. The SWOT analysis makes it possible to identify the strengths, weaknesses, prospects and threats for RE in the Voivodeship and the whole country. It has been found that there is a great interest of investors in RE in the Voivodeship, there is usually a great public support for new energy sources, and the biggest barriers are high investment costs and complicated law in Poland

The influence of alcohol industry-sponsored “Gulder Ultimate Search” reality television series on the drinking behaviors of Nigerian youths

Background: Alcohol consumption among youths and its related problems are increasing in Nigeria. Whilst one of the reasons for this is due to the marketing activities of the transnational alcohol corporations, there are no written national alcohol control policies that regulate alcohol marketing in Nigeria. Methods: This article draws on in-depth interviews with 31 Nigerian university students (aged 19–23 years) to explore the extent to which the “Gulder Ultimate Search” (GUS) reality television show influences alcohol consumption amongst GUS contestants, television audiences and those who participate in GUS promotional activities. Results: The results show that GUS was very popular amongst students and their knowledge of the reality show was high, to the extent that they were able to identify the particular alcohol company that sponsors the reality television program, the number of contestants that compete for the prizes in each season, and what can be won by the contestants or television viewers. GUS influences the drinking behaviors of contestants because one of the criteria for participation is to present 10 or more recently used “cans” of “Gulder beer” during the screening exercise. GUS also appears to influence the drinking behaviors of television viewers and those who participate in promotions due to product placement, direct advertisements and promotional activities that accompany the “Fan-Based Edition” aspect of GUS. Conclusion: Overall, GUS is a disguised marketing strategy to promote brand awareness, and to increase sales and consumption. Alcohol control policies that regulate event sponsorship and promote public health should be implemented in Nigeria