Isolation and identification of the genera Acetobacter and Gluconobacter in coconut toddy (mnazi)

This study investigated the occurrence and identified the dominant spoilage genera of acetic acid bacteria in coconut wine (mnazi), by plating the dilution series previously pre-enriched in a basalmedium onto GYP agar, followed by physiological and biochemical tests. Both Acetobacter and Gluconobacter strains were Gram variable, oxidase negative and catalase positive. All Acetobacterstrains over-oxidized ethanol to acetic acid and finally to CO2 and H2O, while Gluconobacter were unable to oxidize acetic acid to CO2 and H2O. Acetobacter and Gluconobacter alike showed positivegrowth at 25, 30 and 40°C and also at pH 7.0 and 4.5, while there was no growth at 45°C, pH 2.5 and 8.5. Acetobacter strains oxidized both lactate and acetate while Gluconobacter oxidized lactate only. Bothgenera were unable to liquefy gelatin. Acetobacter showed negative growth at 15°C and also in peptone medium, while Gluconobacter showed positive growth both in peptone medium and at 15°C. Bothgenera were able to ferment arabinose, xylose, ribose, glucose, galactose, mannose and melibiose and unable to ferment amylagdine, cellibiose, esculine, lactose, maltose, mannitol, melezitose, Nagluconate, raffinose, rhamnose and salicine. The Acetobacter and Gluconobacter strains isolated in this study were found to be responsible for the spoilage of mnazi

AGEs Secreted by Bacteria Are Involved in the Inflammatory Response

Advanced Glycated End Products (AGEs) are formed by non-enzymatic protein glycation and are implicated in several physiological aspects including cell aging and diseases. Recent data indicate that bacteria – although short lived – produce, metabolize and accumulate AGEs. Here we show that Escherichia coli cells secret AGEs by the energy-dependent efflux pump systems. Moreover, we show that in the presence of these AGEs there is an upshift of pro-inflammatory cytokins by mammalian cells. Thus, we propose that secretion of AGEs by bacteria is a novel avenue of bacterial-induced inflammation which is potentially important in the pathophysiology of bacterial infections. Moreover, the sensing of AGEs by the host cells may constitute a warning system for the presence of bacteria

Effects of biofertilizer containing N-fixer, P and K solubilizers and AM fungi on maize growth: A greenhouse trial.

An in vitro study was undertaken to evaluate the compatibility of indigenous plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) with commonly used inorganic and organic sources of fertilizers in tea plantations. The nitrogenous, phosphatic and potash fertilizers used for this study were urea, rock phosphate and muriate of potash, respectively. The organic sources of fertilizers neem cake, composted coir pith and vermicompost were also used. PGPRs such as nitrogen fixer; Azospirillum lipoferum, Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB); Pseudomonas putida, Potassium Solubilizing Bacteria (KSB); Burkholderia cepacia and Pseudomonas putida were used for compatibility study. Results were indicated that PGPRs preferred the coir pith and they proved their higher colony establishment in the formulation except Azospirillum spp. that preferred vermicompost for their establishment. The optimum dose of neem cake powder

Educational Level and Major Constraints Faced by Farmers and Tappers in Production and Marketing of Coconut-based Products

Kenya like other tropical countries has a coastal belt that is suitable for the growth and production of coconut and oil palms. More than 80% of the small-scale farmers in the coastal region derive their livelihood directly or indirectly from the coconut tree. This study, which was conducted between June 2002 and April 2003, sought information on the educational level and the major constraints faced by coconut tree farmers and tappers. Both stratified and area-sampling methods were employed using two questionnaires; one for the tappers and the other one for the farmers. A total of 9,155 coconut tree farmers and 2,812 mnazi tappers from six geographical districts in the Kenyan coastal province were interviewed. On average, 32.5% of the 9,155 farmers interviewed were found to be illiterate, while 42.0 % had primary school level of education. Only 11.2% had secondary school education while only 2.1% had college or university certificate. Out of the tapers interviewed, 40.3 % were found to be illiterate while 53.1% had primary school certificate. Only a few had secondary school education (4.5%) and less than 0.4% had tertiary level of education. The major constraints faced by the farmers in all the six districts were: lack of market (28.6%), low/fluctuation of prices (20.3%), pests and diseases (12.4%), poor transport/infrastructure (9.4%) and lack of credit/loans (7.7%). The major constraints faced by the tappers in all the five districts were: lack of market or poor marketing (31.1%), police and/or provincial administration harassment (20.8%), low/fluctuation of prices (15.7%), poor storage/preservation facilities (8.7%) and risk of falling due to snake-bites/strong winds/slippery trees (5.7%). The study identified all the major constraints that attributed to the amorphous marketing structures and lack of processing industries. The findings when well utilized could act as major catalysts in the process of revitalizing the coconut industry in the coastal region of Kenya.Keywords:coconut; tapper; farmer; constraints; educational levelJAGST Vol 5 (1), 200

The prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes in small ruminants in semi-arid Turkana district iof Kenya

No Abstract. Bulletin of Animal Health and Production in Africa Vol. 52 (2) 2004: pp. 85-9

Effectiveness of incinerators in the management of medical wastes in hospitals within Eldoret municipality

Introduction and Objectives Medical waste incinerators release into the air a host of pollutants that have serious adverse consequences on public health and the environment. This study aimed at determining the effectiveness of incinerators in Eldoret municipality in the management of medical wastes in relation to its maintenance and operation with an aim of giving recommendations towards reducing environmental pollution caused by emission of toxic pollutants and safeguarding the health of the incinerator operators as well as the surrounding communities.Methodology A cross sectional study was carried out at three health facilities in Eldoret Municipality namely Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital blood Bank Transfusion Centre, Elgon View and Eldoret hospitals. Questionnaires, researcher observation and laboratory investigations of ash samples were used in data collection. The questionnaires were administered to all the personnel operating the incinerators. The ash samples collected were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy.Results The results showed that the incinerators were operated in substandard conditions due to breakdown of the ignition starter, lack of pollution control equipment, and a low combustion temperature. Laboratory investigation of the ash showed that the levels of the heavy metals tested were high compared to the national and international standards. Forty percent (40%) of the interviewees were aware of the health risks they were exposed to and used protective clothing and equipment.Conclusions This study showed that the incinerators investigated are maintained and operated in substandard conditions. The ashes produced contain a wide range of toxic pollutants, including concentrated levels of a number of heavy metals. This poses serious environmental health and occupational safety hazard.Keywords: Incinerator, Medical wastes, Eldore

In Hulsmann, S.; Jampani, Mahesh (Eds.). A nexus approach for sustainable development: integrated resources management in resilient cities and multifunctional land-use systems. Cham, Switzerland: Springer

Large cities in developing countries are facing the challenge of rapid urban population growth, which results in increasing waste generation. In Nairobi, the solid waste situation is characterized by low coverage of collection, pollution from uncontrolled dumping, inefficient public services, unregulated and uncoordinated private sector operators and lack of key solid waste management infrastructure. About 3,121 tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) is generated daily, of which about 850 tons are collected and the remaining is burnt or dumped in unauthorized sites or landfilled in the Dandora dumpsite causing health and environmental problems. The recovery of nutrients from the organic content of MSW for reuse in agriculture has the potential to address the dual challenge of waste management and soil nutrient depletion. This study assessed the economic and environmental impact of decentralized composting business model in Nairobi based on a comparison with the baseline scenario using an indicator expressed in tons CO2 equivalent. The cost–benefit analysis was based on data collected from existing compost plants in Kenya. To assess the sensitivity of the results to variation in input variables, a simulation model was developed using the Monte Carlo method. The decentralized composting business model resulted in a net GHG emission saving of 1.21 tons CO2-eq/ton of compost, being both financially and economically feasible with more than 70% chance of economic success. Assessing the economic and environmental impact is an important tool for decision making and to ensure that the business model results in desired benefits to society