RANCANG BANGUN ALAT MONITORING SUHU DAN KELEMBABAN TANAH BERBASIS LORA END DEVICE

Kondisi lahan pertanian seperti suhu dan kelembaban tanah sangat penting untuk dimonitoring agar pertumbuhan tanaman menjadi lebih baik sehingga akan meningkatkan kualitas dan kuantitas hasil produksi. LoRa merupakan teknologi wireless yang memiliki jangkauan luas, sehingga cocok diterapkan sebagai media transmisi data monitoring kondisi lahan pertanian di Indonesia yang dikenal dengan negara agraris karena luasnya lahan pertanian. Pada kasus ini peneliti berhasil mengimplementasikan teknologi LoRa untuk dimanfaatkan sebagai media transmisi data monitoring suhu dan kelembaban tanah dengan modul end device RFM95W. Sensor suhu mampu mengakuisisi data dengan akurasi 96.96% dan sensor kelembaban tanah mampu mengakuisisi data dengan akurasi 90.91%. Perubahan parameter transmisi LoRa untuk data monitoring berakibat pada perubahan hasil performasinya. Pada pengujian dengan variasi Bandwidth (BW) dari 31,25 kHz, 62,50 kHz, 125 khz, 250 kHz, dan 500 kHz pada jarak 100m, nilai SNR dan RSSI terbaik diperoleh BW 31,25 kHz dengan nilai 5,35 dB dan -82,50 dBm. Sedangkan ToA terbaik diperoleh BW 500 kHz dengan nilai 28,30 ms. Pada pengujian dengan variasi Coding Rate (CR) dari CR 4/5, 4/6, 4/7, dan 4/8 pada jarak 100m, nilai SNR dan RSSI terbaik diperoleh CR 4/8 dengan nilai 3,85 dB dan -80,20 dBm. Sedangkan ToA terbaik diperoleh CR 4/5 dengan nilai 112,60 ms. Pada pengujian dengan variasi Spreading Factor (SF) dari SF7, SF9, dan SF12, semakin tinggi nilai SF yang pakai maka area jangkauan komunikasi data akan semakin luas. Konfigurasi SF7 dan SF9 hanya mampu menjangkau jarak 300m, sedangkan SF12 mampu menjangkau jarak 500m

Prevalence of hepatitis B in the blood donors of NW. F.P and FATA regions and the current scenario of HBV infection in Pakistan

Hepatitis B is a fatal liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. In this study, blood donors from various districts of the North-western frontier province and the federally administered tribal area (FATA) of Pakistan were tested for HBsAg and HBV DNA by ICT (Immuno-chromatographic test), ELISA and RTPCR. Out of the 7148 blood donors, 244 (3.41%) were positive for HBsAg by ICT, 147 (2.05%) by ELISA while 132 (1.85%) were positive by PCR. Our data indicates that the incidence of hepatitis B has decreased in these regions in recent times.Key words: HBV, HBsAg, Pakistan

AZF micro-deletion in azoospermia and severe oligospermia: Molecular & histopathological study in Duhok Province

Y chromosome micro-deletion (YCM) is a group of genetic diseases caused by missing gene (s) in specific regions of the Y chromosome. Many individuals with YCM show no manifestations and lead normal life. On the other hand, YCM is known to exist in a significant number of infertile males. Forty adult patients suffering from severe oligospermia and azoospermia were enrolled in the present study. Seminal fluid analyses were performed, and a blood sample was obtained for hormonal analysis and DNA extraction. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) profiles were measured and those who are azoospermic with normal FSH levels were subjected to testicular biopsy. The results revealed that 23 patients were azoospermic while 17 patients were severe oligospermic. It is also shown that ten azoospermic patients had normal serum gonadotrophin levels thus they were directed for testicular biopsy. Histopathological examination of testicular biopsy showed that four patients had obstructive azoospermia while the remaining six suffered maturation arrest. DNA was extracted according to the standard proteinase K/phenol-chloroform method in the medical biotechnology laboratory/Scientific Research Center/University of Duhok. Multiplex PCR was performed for genes located in the azoospermia factor (AZF) regions (AZFa, AZFb, and AZFc) to detect any possible micro-deletions. Y chromosome micro-deletions were determined in 26 patients out of a total of 40 patients. Micro-deletions in the AZFc sub-region appeared in 16 out of 26 patients (61.5 %), and 10 (38.5 %) sample showed AZFb, however, AZFa micro-deletion was not detected in any of the patients. In conclusion, it has been found that Y chromosome micro-deletions in the AZF region can be a determining factor for male infertility and the resultant manifestations

Caracterización de aceites de semillas de diferentes variedades de sandía [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.)] procedentes del Pakistán

This paper reports the physicochemical characteristics of the seed oils from different varieties of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) cultivated in Pakistan, namely Sugar Baby, Q-F-12, D-W-H-21 and Red Circle-1885. The oil and crude protein contents from watermelon seeds, within the range of 28.25 to 35.65% and 20.50 to 35.00%, respectively, varied significantly (p < 0.05) among the varieties tested. The levels of moisture, ash, and crude fiber in the seeds tested were found to be 2.16-3.24%, 1.95-3.42% and 4.29-6.60%, respectively. The physicohemical characteristics of the extracted oils were: free fatty acid contents (1.17-2.10% as oleic acid), iodine value (97.10-116.32 g of I2 100g-1 of oil), saponification index (190.20-205.57 mg KOH g-1 of oil), unsaponifiable matter (0.54-0.82%) and color (1.12-4.30 R + 12.20-33.40 Y). The oils revealed a reasonable oxidative parameter range as depicted by the determinations of specific extinction at 232 and 270 nm (2.90-4.40 and 2.05- 3.09, respectively), p-anisidine value (5.60-7.70) and peroxide value (2.90-5.06 meqO2 kg-1 of oil). Linoleic acid was the major fatty acid found in all the seed oils with contributions of 45.30-51.80% of the total fatty acids (FA). Other fatty acids detected were known to be oleic acid (20.2- 23.5%), palmitic acid (15.1-16.9%) and stearic acid (11.5- 14.4%). The contents of α- and δ-tocopherol in the oils accounted for 120.6-195.6 and 9.1-58.3 mg kg-1, respectively. The physicochemical attributes of the watermelon seed oils showed a wider variation among the varieties tested. The results of the present study indicate that the seeds of the tested watermelon varieties from Pakistan are a potential source of high-linoleic oil and thus can be explored for commercial use and value addition.Se presentan las características físico-químicas de aceites de diferentes variedades de semillas de sandías (Citrullus lanatus) cultivadas en Pakistán: Sugar Baby, QF-12, DWH-21 y Círculo rojo-1885. El aceite y el contenido de proteína cruda de las semillas de sandía están dentro de los rangos: 28,25-35,65% y 20,50-35,00%, respectivamente y varian significativamente (p < 0,05) entre las variedades ensayadas. Los niveles de humedad, fibra cruda y cenizas en las semillas se encontró entre 2.16-3.24%, 1.95-3.42% y 4.29-6.60%, respectivamente. Las características fisico-químicas estudiadas de los aceites extraídos fueron: contenido de ácidos grasos libres (1.17-2.10% de ácido oleico), índice de yodo (97,10-116,32 g de I2 100 g-1 de aceite), índice de saponificación (190,20-205,57 mg de KOH g-1 de aceite), insaponificable (0,54-0.82%) y color (1.12-4.30 de I + 12.20- 33.40 y). Los aceites presentaron unos rangos de los parámetros de oxidación razonables, como se muestra en las determinaciones de la extinción específica a 232 y 270 nm (2.90-4.40 y 2.05-3.09 respectivamente), valores de p-anisidina (5.60-7.70) e índice de peróxidos (2,90-5,06 meqO2 kg-1 de aceite). El ácido linoleico es el principal ácido graso que se encuentra en todos los aceites de las semillas, con una contribución del 45.30-51.80% del total de ácidos grasos. Otros ácidos grasos determinados fueron oleico, 20,2-23,5%, palmítico, 15,1-16,9%) y esteárico, 11,5-14,4%. El contenido de α- y δ-tocoferol en los aceites fué de 120,6-195,6 y 9,1- 58,3 mg kg-1, respectivamente. Los atributos físico-químicos de los aceites de semillas de sandía variaron significativamente entre las variedades ensayadas. Los resultados del presente estudio indican que las semillas de las variedades de sandía ensayadas procedentes de Pakistán son una fuente potencial aceites con alto contenido en ácido linoleico y, por lo tanto, se puede explorar para usos comerciales y productos con valor añadido

Kinetic and thermodynamic study of oxidative degradation of acid yellow 17 dye by Fenton-like process: Effect of HCO3−, CO32−, Cl− and SO42− on dye degradation

We report here the degradation of AY-17 dye using Fenton-like process (H2O2/Fe3+). The maximum degradation (83%) of AY17 dye is achieved at pH 3 in 60 min, with optimum concentrations of AY 17 (0.06 mM), H2O2 (0.9 mM), and Fe2+ (0.06 mM). The scavenging effects of HCO3−, CO32−, Cl− and SO42− on dye degradation are also examined. The activation energy (Ea), activation enthalpy (rH*), and activation entropy (rS*) are calculated for the dye degradation using pseudo-first-order kinetics at various temperature.               KEY WORDS: Acid Yellow 17, H2O2/Fe3+, Fenton-like process, Oxidative degradation, Scavenging effects Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2019, 33(2), 243-254.DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v33i2.

Characterization of seed oils from different varieties of watermelon [<i>Citrullus lanatus</i> (Thunb.)] from Pakistan

This paper reports the physicochemical characteristics of the seed oils from different varieties of watermelon (<i>Citrullus lanatus</i>) cultivated in Pakistan, namely Sugar Baby, Q-F-12, D-W-H-21 and Red Circle-1885. The oil and crude protein contents from watermelon seeds, within the range of 28.25 to 35.65% and 20.50 to 35.00%, respectively, varied significantly (<i>p</i> < 0.05) among the varieties tested. The levels of moisture, ash, and crude fiber in the seeds tested were found to be 2.16-3.24%, 1.95-3.42% and 4.29-6.60%, respectively. The physicohemical characteristics of the extracted oils were: free fatty acid contents (1.17-2.10% as oleic acid), iodine value (97.10-116.32 g of I2 100g^-1 of oil), saponification index (190.20-205.57 mg KOH g^-1 of oil), unsaponifiable matter (0.54-0.82%) and color (1.12-4.30 R + 12.20-33.40 Y). The oils revealed a reasonable oxidative parameter range as depicted by the determinations of specific extinction at 232 and 270 nm (2.90-4.40 and 2.05- 3.09, respectively), <i>p</i>-anisidine value (5.60-7.70) and peroxide value (2.90-5.06 meqO₂ kg^-1 of oil). Linoleic acid was the major fatty acid found in all the seed oils with contributions of 45.30-51.80% of the total fatty acids (FA). Other fatty acids detected were known to be oleic acid (20.2- 23.5%), palmitic acid (15.1-16.9%) and stearic acid (11.5- 14.4%). The contents of α- and δ-tocopherol in the oils accounted for 120.6-195.6 and 9.1-58.3 mg kg^-1, respectively. The physicochemical attributes of the watermelon seed oils showed a wider variation among the varieties tested. The results of the present study indicate that the seeds of the tested watermelon varieties from Pakistan are a potential source of high-linoleic oil and thus can be explored for commercial use and value addition.<br><br>Se presentan las características físico-químicas de aceites de diferentes variedades de semillas de sandías (Citrullus lanatus) cultivadas en Pakistán: Sugar Baby, QF-12, DWH-21 y Círculo rojo-1885. El aceite y el contenido de proteína cruda de las semillas de sandía están dentro de los rangos: 28,25-35,65% y 20,50-35,00%, respectivamente y varian significativamente (p < 0,05) entre las variedades ensayadas. Los niveles de humedad, fibra cruda y cenizas en las semillas se encontró entre 2.16-3.24%, 1.95-3.42% y 4.29-6.60%, respectivamente. Las características fisico-químicas estudiadas de los aceites extraídos fueron: contenido de ácidos grasos libres (1.17-2.10% de ácido oleico), índice de yodo (97,10-116,32 g de I2 100 g^-1 de aceite), índice de saponificación (190,20-205,57 mg de KOH g^-1 de aceite), insaponificable (0,54-0.82%) y color (1.12-4.30 de I + 12.20- 33.40 y). Los aceites presentaron unos rangos de los parámetros de oxidación razonables, como se muestra en las determinaciones de la extinción específica a 232 y 270 nm (2.90-4.40 y 2.05-3.09 respectivamente), valores de <i>p</i>-anisidina (5.60-7.70) e índice de peróxidos (2,90-5,06 meqO₂ kg^-1 de aceite). El ácido linoleico es el principal ácido graso que se encuentra en todos los aceites de las semillas, con una contribución del 45.30-51.80% del total de ácidos grasos. Otros ácidos grasos determinados fueron oleico, 20,2-23,5%, palmítico, 15,1-16,9%) y esteárico, 11,5-14,4%. El contenido de α- y δ-tocoferol en los aceites fué de 120,6-195,6 y 9,1- 58,3 mg kg^-1, respectivamente. Los atributos físico-químicos de los aceites de semillas de sandía variaron significativamente entre las variedades ensayadas. Los resultados del presente estudio indican que las semillas de las variedades de sandía ensayadas procedentes de Pakistán son una fuente potencial aceites con alto contenido en ácido linoleico y, por lo tanto, se puede explorar para usos comerciales y productos con valor añadido

Biological and integrated control of the root rot caused by Armillaria mellea

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:DXN019151 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

The effect of carrier substrate, dose rate and time of application on biocontrol efficacy of fungal antagonists against Armillaria root rot of strawberry plants.

In a glasshouse experiment using potted strawberry plants (cv. Cambridge Favourite) as hosts, the effect of selected fungal antagonists grown on 25 or 50 g of mushroom compost containing autoclaved mycelia of Agaricus bisporus, or wheat bran was evaluated against Armillaria mellea. Another glasshouse experiment tested the effect of application time of the antagonists in relation to inoculations with the pathogen. A significant interaction was found between the antagonists, substrates and dose rates. All the plants treated with Chaetomium olivaceum isolate Co on 50 g wheat bran survived until the end of the experiment which lasted 482 days, while none of them survived when this antagonist was added to the roots of the plants on 25 g wheat bran or 25 or 50 g mushroom compost. Dactylium dendroides isolate SP had a similar effect, although with a lower host survival rate of 33.3%. Trichoderma hamatum isolate Tham 1 and T. harzianum isolate Th23 protected 33.3% of the plants when added on 50 g and none when added on 25 g of either substrate, while 66.7% of the plants treated with T. harzianum isolate Th2 on 25 g, or T viride isolate TO on 50 g wheat bran, survived. Application of the antagonists on mushroom compost initially resulted in development of more leaves and healthier plants, but this effect was not sustained. Eventually, plants treated with the antagonists on wheat bran had significantly more leaves and higher health scores. The plants treated with isolate Th2 and inoculated with Armillaria at the same time had a survival rate of 66.7% for the duration of the experiment (475 days), while none of them survived that long when the antagonist and pathogen were applied with an interval of 85 days in either sequence. C. olivaceum isolate Co showed a protective effect only, as 66.7% of the plants survived when they were treated with the antagonist 85 days before inoculation with the pathogen, while none of them survived when the antagonist and pathogen were applied together or the infection preceded protection

Antagonistic activities of selected fungal isolates against Armillaria mellea

The antagonistic activities of six selected fungal isolates against Armilloria mellea were studied on two different concentrations of three media, on fungicides-amended malt extract agar (MEA) medium, and in glasshouse pots filled with John Innes No.2 compost and natural field soil. Trichoderma hamatum isolate Tham1 was found the most effective in reducing Armillaria growths on both the low and high concentrations of malt extract, potato dextrose and V-8 juice in MEA, potato dextrose agar (PDA) and V-8 juice agar (VJA), respectively, followed by T. harzianum isolate Th2 and T. viride isolate Tv3. Neither dose rate (200 or 2000 mg l(-1)) of fenpropidin allowed any growth of Armillaria on MEA, while that of the antagonists was also completely inhibited or greatly restricted. However, both dose rates of fosetyl-A1 allowed the growth of Armillaria and almost all the antagonists. Data on colony diameters of Armillaria showed Tham1 as the most effective antagonist along with Th2, Th23 and Tv3. Tham1 was also found the most effective in protecting hazel billets from colonization by Armillaria, followed by Th2 and Th23. Compared with 7.1 colonized billets in the inoculated controls, only 1.3, 2.6 and 2.7 billets (out of ten) were colonized, respectively, when protected with these antagonists. The results indicate that the Trichoderma isolates are able to maintain their antagonistic effects on A. mellea under a variety of nutritional, chemical and edaphic regimes. More investigations are needed to develop a system of control for the disease with these potential antagonists

Comparisons between the in vitro and in vivo efficacies of potential fungal antagonists of Armillaria mellea

Seventeen fungal isolates were tested in vitro as potential antagonists of two isolates of the root rot pathogen, Armillaria mellea. Some of the isolates were also added on mushroom composts with living mycelia to the roots of Armillaria-inoculated potted strawberry plants in the glasshouse to find out if they had the same degree of efficacy against the disease. Dactylium dendroides isolate SP was the most effective in reducing mycelial growth of A. mellea isolate 1 (Am1), followed by Trichoderma harzianum isolate Th2 and T. viride isolate Tv4. Th2, Th22, Tv3 and SP grew extensively over Am1 colonies, disintegrating the rhizomorphs. Isolate Tham1 of T hamatum was the most effective in reducing mycelial growth of A. mellea isolate 2 (Am2), followed by Tv3. Th12, Th22, Tv1, Tv3 and SP inhibited the initiation and growth of rhizomorphs of Am2. Regeneration tests showed that both Am1 and Am2 attacked by Trichoderma isolates and SP were no longer viable. Th23 and SP were almost as effective in vivo as in vitro. But isolate Co of Chaetomium olivaceum, which was ineffective in vitro, was found effective in vivo. Conversely, Th2, which exhibited good antagonistic activity in vitro, performed poorly in vivo. These results show that the in vitro and in vivo efficacies of potential antagonists may not necessarily be closely correlated. Hence, there is a danger that potentially effective isolates may be discarded if decisions are made only on the basis of preliminary screening tests carried out under laboratory conditions