Effect of Compost Made from Decomposing Cocoa Pod and Animal Dung on the Yield of Maize Crop

Ondo State has the largest production of cocoa in Nigeria, cocoa pod on most cocoa plantation in the state are usually left as an environmental nuisance on the cocoa plantation. Effect of compost made from decomposing cocoa pod and animal dung on the yield of maize crop were investigated for nine weeks. Cocoa pods were decomposed using animal dung (poultry droppings, pig and cow dung) in ratio 3:1 of cocoa pod to each of the animal dung. Cocoa pod and poultry droppings mixture has the highest bacterial, fungal and yeast population of 2.6 x106 – 2.9 x 106 (cfu/ml), 8.4 x105 – 9.2 x 105 (sfu/ml) and 4.0 x104 – 12.0 x 104 (cfu/ml). It also had the highest moisture content (88.81%) and temperature (350C) among the composting materials. Fifteen bacteria and thirteen fungi were isolated during the decomposition; common microorganisms that occur throughout decomposition were Bacillus sp, Pseudomonas sp, Escherichia coli, Staphylococus aureus, Serratia Sp, Fusarium sp, Mucor sp, Tricoderma sp, Aspergillus sp, Cladosporum sp and Neurospora sp. The pH of decomposing samples ranged from 6.10 to 7.81 at the initial stage of decomposition and pH of 7.79-9.07 at maturity of the compost. Poultry cocoa compost has the highest NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) content of 1.345, 7.955 and 23.016 (mg/kg) respectively. Experimental setup was carried out in the field and in the screen house which the cocoa pod compost and NPK fertilizer was use to plant yellow and white maize. The compost fertilizer had a better better output than the NPK fertilizer. Height-350cm, grithy-8cm, cob-15 (big and strong) colour of maize plant (deep green leaves) while height-320cm, grith -4cm, cob-10 (small and colour of maize plant (greenish yellow leaves) for the cocoa compost and NPK fertilizer respectively were at the field Cocoa pod and poultry droppings mixture has the highest of the yellow and white maize (136cm and 126cm) respectively while the NPK sample has the lowest height of 55cm and 50 cm respectively of yellow and white maize

DIRECT NUMERICAL METHOD FOR GENERALIZED OPTIMAL CONTROL PROBLEMS CONSTRAINED WITH ORDINARY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

In this paper, we considered general class of continuous optimal control problem governed by Nth-orderordinary differential equations, in which the state and control variables are and column vectors respectivelywith corresponding matrix coefficients of dimension n×n, n×r. We adopt direct numerical method where the continuous optimal control problem is converted to a nonlinear programming problem via Augmented Langrangian which makes it amenable to optimization techniques (Conjugate Gradient Method). The result is compared with an existing method (exterior penalty method) and found to be more accurat

Peripheral blood monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio at study enrollment predicts efficacy of the RTS,S malaria vaccine: analysis of pooled phase II clinical trial data.

BACKGROUND: RTS,S is the most advanced candidate malaria vaccine but it is only partially protective and the causes of inter-individual variation in efficacy are poorly understood. Here, we investigated whether peripheral blood monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratios (ML ratio), previously shown to correlate with clinical malaria risk, could account for differences in RTS,S efficacy among phase II trial participants in Africa. METHODS: Of 11 geographical sites where RTS,S has been evaluated, pre-vaccination ML ratios were only available for trial participants in Kilifi, Kenya (N = 421) and Lambarene, Gabon (N = 189). Using time to first clinical malaria episode as the primary endpoint we evaluated the effect of accounting for ML ratio on RTS,S vaccine efficacy against clinical malaria by Cox regression modeling. RESULTS: The unadjusted efficacy of RTS,S in this combined dataset was 47% (95% confidence interval (CI) 26% to 62%, P <0.001). However, RTS,S efficacy decreased with increasing ML ratio, ranging from 67% (95% CI 64% to 70%) at an ML ratio of 0.1 to 5% (95% CI -3% to 13%) at an ML ratio of 0.6. The statistical interaction between RTS,S vaccination and ML ratio was still evident after adjustment for covariates associated with clinical malaria risk in this dataset. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that stratification of study participants by ML ratio, easily measured from full differential blood counts before vaccination, might help identify children who are highly protected and those that are refractory to protection with the RTS,S vaccine. Identifying causes of low vaccine efficacy among individuals with high ML ratio could inform strategies to improve overall RTS,S vaccine efficacy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.Gov numbers NCT00380393 and NCT00436007

The Wound Healing Effects of Aqueous Leave Extracts of Azadirachta Indica on Wistar Rats.

The wound healing effect of the aqueous leave extracts of Azadirachta indica (neem tree)was investigated on adult male wistar rats. The aim of this study is to scientifically determine if the aqueous leave extracts of Azadirachta indica has wound healing abilities. Twenty male wistar rats (two groups of 10 control and 10 experimental rats)of average weight 150-200g were used for this study. A 2cm by 2cm2 area of wound was made at the dorsolateral aspect of the rats and an aqueous leave extract of Azadirachta indica was applied on the wound of experimental rats while normal saline was used on the control rats. All animals had their wound dressed every three days, wound dimension measured and morphometry assessed. Wound biopsy was collected by random selection in each group on day 9 and on the day of complete reepithelialization. Tissue processing was done using paraffin wax method. Slides were stained with haematoxilin and eosin for histological assessment of fibroblast, neovascularization, granulation and end scar tissue profile. Results showed significant wound contraction at day 6 (p&lt;0.05).The mean percentage wound contraction for experimental rats was 72.34± 2.49 while the control group was 62.39± 7.94. Mean percentage wound contraction for experimental group at day 9 was 92.20± 6.66 while that of the control group was 85.19± 7.84. The mean of the percentage wound contraction on day 9 was insignificant (p&gt;0.05). The extracts of   Azadirachta indica significantly increased (p&lt;0.05) the day of complete wound closure in experimental group compared to control group. Aqueous leave extracts of Azadirachta indica promotes wound healing activity through increased inflammatory response and neovascularization. KEY  WORDS: Azadirachta indica, wistar rats, wound healing

The Discriminant Formula for the Determination of Sex of Adults in A Nigerian Population (Using Pelvic Radiographs)

Identification of sex in human skeletal remains is an important component and frequently the starting point of many forensic anthropological investigations. This study was carried out to document the determination of sex by discriminant formula using the pelvic radiographs of Nigerian adults. Measurements were carried out on the pelvis. Pelvic radiographs of 500 adult Nigerians of known sex, age range 18-75 years (comprising 250 males and 250 females) were measured in the antero-posterior position using a digital vernier calliper. The data was analysed using z-test. The results showed that the mean values for the Ischial length and Pubic length in males were 86.82±8.25mm and 76.41±8.91mm respectively while in females the Ischial length and Pubic length were 80.62±7.66mm and 84.58±8.80mm respectively. 4% males and 19% females were identified for ischial length and 15% males and 42% females were identified for pubic length. The mean value for pelvic height in males and females were 236.70±12.51mm and 223.02±12.18mm respectively, the demarking points identified 29% males and 32% females, while the mean value for midpubic width in males and females were 25.94± 4.54mm and 30.09± 3.67mm respectively, the demarking points identified 40% and 65% females. The mean values for ischiopubic and pelvic height/midpubic width were statistically significant (P&lt;0.05). The mean values of the pelvic height/midpubic index were 9.35 ± 1.38 in males and 7.49 ± 0.82 in females. The demarking points identified 72% males and 75% females. While the mean values of the ischiopubic index in males and females were 88.46±9.26 in males and 114.67±99.28 in females, the demarking points identified 56% males and 84% females. It was observed that the males had higher pelvic height and ischial length than females, while the females had longer pubic length and mid pubic width which contributed to the females having wider pelvis. The accurate determination of sex and race are important tools to forensic Scientists and physical anthropologists. Keywords: Pelvis, Radiographs, Sex determination, Nigerian population

Prevalence of malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency in Nigerian preschool children subsisting on high intakes of carotenes

The prevalence of malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency was determined in 204 preschool children of both sexes aged 3–57 months. The children were recruited from 2 rural communities of Atakumosa Local Government Area of Osun State in South West Nigeria. Dietary vitamin A intake was estimated from frequency of consumption of locally available vitamin A containing food items. Vitamin A status of the children was assessed from concentration of retinol in plasma. Nutritional status was assessed from height and weight compared with international reference standards. The results indicate widespread malnutrition among the children. The prevalence of stunting (low height for age) was 60.8% while prevalence of wasting (low weight for height) was 7.4% and of underweight (low weight for age) 27.5%. Dietary vitamin A intake appeared to be adequate in the children. Intake of vitamin A is predominantly from plant sources. At least 43% of the children consumed the carotene rich red palm oil 6 or more times per week in contrast to less than 1% who consumed eggs or milk for 6 or more times per week. Vitamin A deficiency was low in the children. Only 11.3% of the children had plasma retinol concentration <0.70µmol/L. The results indicate that childhood malnutrition of public health magnitude can coexist with adequate dietary vitamin A intakes or vitamin A status

Seven-Year Efficacy of RTS,S/AS01 Malaria Vaccine among Young African Children

Background The RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine candidate is being evaluated for implementation. Methods We conducted 7 years follow-up of children who were randomized at age 5 to 17 months to receive three doses of either the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine or control vaccine (rabies). The endpoint was clinical malaria (temperature ≥37.5°C and infection with Plasmodium falciparum of ≥2500 parasites per µl). Each child’s malaria exposure was estimated using the prevalence of malaria among residents within a 2km radius of their homestead. Vaccine efficacy was defined as 1 minus the hazard ratio (HR) or incidence rate ratios (IRR) of the RTS,S/AS01 vaccinated versus rabies vaccinated groups. Results We identified 1002 clinical malaria episodes among 223 children randomized to RTS,S/AS01 and 992 clinical malaria episodes among 224 children randomized to control vaccination over seven years follow-up. Intention-to-treat vaccine efficacy (VE) was 4.4% (95%CI: -17 to 21.9, p value=0.67) and per-protocol VE was 7.0% (95%CI -14.5 to 24.6%, p=0.5) by negative binomial regression. VE waned over time (p=0.006 for the interaction between vaccination and time), including negative efficacy during the fifth year among children at higher malaria parasite exposure (-43.5%, 95%CI: -100.3 to -2.8, p value=0.033 by intention-to-treat and -56.8%, 95%CI -118.7 to -12.3, p=0.008 per-protocol). Conclusion A 3-dose vaccination with RTS,S/AS01 is initially protective against clinical malaria, but this is offset by rebound in later years in areas with higher malaria parasite exposure. Further data are needed on longer-term outcomes following four-dose vaccinations. </p

Community perceptions of a malaria vaccine in the Kintampo districts of Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Malaria remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa despite tools currently available for its control. Making malaria vaccine available for routine use will be a major hallmark, but its acceptance by community members and health professionals within the health system could pose considerable challenge as has been found with the introduction of polio vaccinations in parts of West Africa. Some of these challenges may not be expected since decisions people make are many a time driven by a complex myriad of perceptions. This paper reports knowledge and perceptions of community members in the Kintampo area of Ghana where malaria vaccine trials have been ongoing as part of the drive for the first-ever licensed malaria vaccine in the near future. METHODS: Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in the data collection processes. Women and men whose children were or were not involved in the malaria vaccine trial were invited to participate in focus group discussions (FGDs). Respondents, made up of heads of religious groupings in the study area, health care providers, traditional healers and traditional birth attendants, were also invited to participate in in-depth interviews (IDIs). A cross-sectional survey was conducted in communities where the malaria vaccine trial (Mal 047RTS,S) was carried out. In total, 12 FGDs, 15 IDIs and 466 household head interviews were conducted. RESULTS: Knowledge about vaccines was widespread among participants. Respondents would like their children to be vaccinated against all childhood illnesses including malaria. Knowledge of the long existing routine vaccines was relatively high among respondents compared to hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenza type B vaccines that were introduced more recently in 2002. There was no clear religious belief or sociocultural practice that will serve as a possible barrier to the acceptance of a malaria vaccine. CONCLUSION: With the assumption that a malaria vaccine will be as efficacious as other EPI vaccines, community members in Central Ghana will accept and prefer malaria vaccine to malaria drugs as a malaria control tool. Beliefs and cultural practices as barriers to the acceptance of malaria vaccine were virtually unknown in the communities surveyed

Multivariate statistical data analysis of cell‐free protein synthesis toward monitoring and control

From Wiley via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: received 2020-09-14, rev-recd 2021-01-28, accepted 2021-03-06, pub-electronic 2021-03-23, pub-print 2021-06Article version: VoRPublication status: PublishedFunder: UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC); Id: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100000266; Grant(s): EP/P006485/1Abstract: The optimization and control of cell free protein synthesis (CFPS) presents an ongoing challenge due to the complex synergies and nonlinearities that cannot be fully explained in first principle models. This article explores the use of multivariate statistical tools for analyzing data sets collected from the CFPS of Cereulide monoclonal antibodies. During the collection of these data sets, several of the process parameters were modified to investigate their effect on the end‐point product (yield). Through the application of principal component analysis and partial least squares (PLS), important correlations in the process could be identified. For example, yield had a positive correlation with pH and NH3 and a negative correlation with CO2 and dissolved oxygen. It was also found that PLS was able to provide a long‐term prediction of product yield. The presented work illustrates that multivariate statistical techniques provide important insights that can help support the operation and control of CFPS processes