Nutrient composition of watermelon (Citrullis lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum.&Nakai) and egusi melon (Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad.) seeds

This study investigated the nutrient composition of the seeds of two cultivars of Citrullis lanatus (\u27Rhotmas\u27 and \u27Sugar Baby\u27) and compared it with Citrullus colocynthis. The moisture content, ash, crude fiber, ether extract, crude protein and true protein ranged from 5.43 to 6.82, 2.78 to 3.72, 1.66 to 3.94, 55.7 to 58.7, 19.16 to 25.18 and 10.8 to 13%, respectively. The starch content, total sugar and reducing sugar varied between 143.7 and 172.7, 53.7 and 96.5, 5.6 and 9.5 mg/g, respectively. Iron, copper, zinc, calcium and magnesium ranged from 191 to 211, 20.12 to 35.03, 68.97 to 92.57, 98.79 to 233, and 79.75 to 123.9 mg/kg, respectively. Heavy metals (lead and cadmium) and antinutrients (phytate, oxalate and cyanide) were below deleterious levels. Arginine, glutamic acid and aspartic acids were the most abundant amino acids, whereas lysine was the limiting amino acid. It is concluded that watermelon seeds were better in nutritional value compared to egusi melon seeds and therefore could be regarded as a potential sources of food if exploited

Assessment of Nigerian International Broadcasting by Nigerians in Diaspora

International broadcasting is projecting an image of the country of broadcast to an external audience. The external audience comprise not just foreigners but also citizens of the host country who reside outside that country. The question then is, to what extent are Nigerian international broadcasters satisfying their country’s citizens who reside in the Diaspora? This study sought to find out the assessment of Nigeria’s international broadcasting by her expatriates; that is her citizens living abroad. The survey methodology was employed in this research. The technique was purposive as only the responses of Nigerians who respond in the diaspora were sought. Questionnaire was used as the instrument of data collection. The questionnaire was uploaded online via the survey monkey for Nigerians residing in the Diaspora to respond to. There were 159 respondents but only 150 completely filled their questionnaires; these were analyzed for this research. Findings showed that majority of respondents (66.67) watch Nigerian international broadcasters on weekends, and most people (27%) watch news probably to keep abreast with happenings back home. About a third (37%) of the respondents watch Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) International and 53.3% assessed the programme quality as poor especially the pictures which are adjudged as lacking in professionalism. However, the respondents considered the information received from the stations they watch as credible. It is recommended that there should be improvement in the standard of professionalism of presenters so as to make the programmes more appealing to viewers as presentation is the window to the world. Funding is another crucial issue. When funds are available, programmes will be packaged better and more professionals will be employed to engender more viewership from the Diaspora. Keywords: International broadcasting, external audience, International broadcasters, Expatriate

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Analyses of Energy and Exergy in Thin Layer Drying of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Slices using Centre Shaft Rotary Tray Cabinet (CSRTC) Dryer

This paper presents a simulation of the drying process of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) in a Center Shaft (CS) Rotary Tray Cabinet Dryer using three drying temperatures (50, 60 and 70 °C). ANSYS 14.5 Workbench was used to simulate the dryer model in 2D (2 Dimensional). The detail of the CFD simulation was utilized to investigate the energy and exergy of the dryer. The ANSYS Design Modeler was used to model the 2D representation of the dryer and the meshing was done using ANSYS ICEM. ANSYS Fluent CFD solver was then used to calculate the alternative using the normal turbulence-realizable k-epsilon model in a steady-state system with improved wall temperature treatment. The simulation outcome was used in calculating the dryer's exergy and energy analysis based on the thermal efficiency. It was noted that the simulated temperature from the experiment is greater than that of the experiment. The results indicated that the experimental energy utilization (EU), energy utilization ratio (EUR) and energy efficiency increased from 14.1 to 57.93 J/s, 0.15 to 0.20 and 18.89 to 33.98 percent, while the simulated energy utilization ratio increased from 23.91 to 57.68 J/s, 0.19 to 0.20 and 26.21 to 33.40 percent, respectively, and as the drying air temperature increased from 50 °C to 70 °C. Experimental exergy inflow, outflow, exergy loss and exergy efficiency increased from 4.01 J/s to 6.98 J/s, 1.83 J/s to 1.9 J/s, 3.18 J/s to 5.07 J/s and 21 to 27%, while simulated air temperatures increased from 5.01 J/s to 7.49 J/s, 1.33 J/s to 2.20 J/s, 3.66 J/s to 5.29 J/s and 27 to 29% respectively with respect to the drying air temperature range (50–70 °C). Model equations were derived from the plotted graphs to express the energy and exergy parameters as a function of drying temperature

Diversity of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in rhizosphere of upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties in Southwest Nigeria

Article Details: Received: 2020-02-05      |      Accepted: 2020-05-07      |      Available online: 2020-06-30https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2020.23.02.42-48 Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have the potential to increase crop productivity and play a key role in the functioning and sustainability of most agroecosystems. However, limited information is available on the divervisity of AMF associated with upland rice varieties in Southwest Nigeria. Field survey was conducted to investigate colonization and diversity of AMF in 13 upland rice varieties commonly grown in Southwest Nigeria. Root and soil samples were collected from rice fields in 2012. The results showed natural root colonization of all the rice varieties by AMF with highest root colonization in ITA 157and Ofada. The spore densities retrieved from the different rhizospheres were relatively high, varying from 13 spores in UORW 111 to 174 spores in Ofada with a mean of 67.6 spores per 20 g dry soil. Glomus was observed to be the most abundant AMF genus. Funneliformis mosseae was the most frequently occurring AMF species (96.2%) with relative density (RD) of 32.2%, followed by Glomus intraradices, Claroideoglomus etunicatum, and Glomus clareium. This study showed that AMF naturally colonized the roots of these rice varieties and diversity of different AMF genera in rice rhizosphere. This study will help draw attention to natural colonization of AMF in rice producing areas of Nigeria that can influence future possibility of using inocula of the dominant AMF species in upland rice cultivation.Keywords: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, community structure, diversity, upland rice, spore densityReferences ADEYEMI, N.O. et al. (2020). Effect of commercial arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculant on growth and yield of soybean under controlled and natural field conditions. Journal of Plant Nutrition, 43(4), 487–499, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/019041 67.2019.1685101 ADEYEMI, N.O. et al. (2019). Identification and relative abundance of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with oil-seed crops and maize (Zea mays L.) in derived savannah of Nigeria. Acta fytotechn zootechn, 22(3), 84–89. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2019.22.03.84-89 ADEYEMI, N. et al. (2017). Yield and yield attributes responses of soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) to elevated CO2 and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation in the humid transitory rainforest. Notulae Scientia Biologicae, 9(2), 233–241. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15835/nsb9210002 BARBER, N.A. et al. (2013). Linking agricultural practices, mycorrhizal fungi, and traits mediating plant-insect interactions. Ecol Appl, 23(7), 1519–1530.BŁASZKOWSKI, J. (2012) Glomeromycota. Kraków: W. Szafer Institute of Botany, Polish Academy of Sciences. BOUYOUCOS, G.H. (1951). A recalibration of the hydrometer method for testing mechanical analysis of soils. Agronomy Journal, 43,434–438.BRUNDRETT, M.C. and TEDERSOO, L. (2018) Evolutionary history of mycorrhizal symbioses and global host plant diversity. New Phytol, 220,1108–1115. CAMPOS-SORIANO, L. et al. (2010). Activation of basal defense mechanisms of rice plants by Glomus intraradices does not affect the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis. New Phytol, 188(2), 597–614. CHEN, M. et al. (2018) Beneficial services of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi – from ecology to application. Frontiers in Plant Science, 9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2018.01270DAVISON, J. et al. (2015). Global assessment of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus diversity reveals very low endemism. Science, 349, 970–973. DE ANDRADE-JÚNIOR, J.A. et al. (2018) Fixação de carbono em sistemas agroecológicos na região do Vale do São Patrício, Goiás. Científica – Multidiscip J, 5, 85–98. DE MOURA, J.B. et al. (2018) Taxa de colonização micorrízica sob diferentes sistemas de cultivo no cerrado em cana-deaçúcar. Diálogos & Ciência, 2, 60–66. GIANINAZZI, S. et al. (2010). Agroecology: The key role of arbuscular mycorrhizas in ecosystem services. Mycorrhiza, 20(8), 519–530. INVAM (2018). International culture collection of (vesicular) arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Morgantown: West Virginia University. HAZARD, C. et al. (2013). The role of local environment and  geographical distance in determining community composition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi at the landscape scale. The ISME Journal, 7, 498–508. JIANG, Y.N. et al. (2017). Plants transfer lipids to sustain colonization by mutualistic mycorrhizal and parasitic fungi. Science, 356, 1172–1175. JOHNSON, N.C. (2010). Resource stoichiometry elucidates the structure and function of arbuscular mycorrhizas across scales. New Phytol, 185(3), 631–647. LEKBERG, Y. and KOIDE, R.T. (2005). Is plant performance limited by abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi? A metaanalysis of studies published between 1988 and 2003. New Phytol, 168(1). LIN, X. et al. (2012). Long-term balanced fertilization decreases arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal diversity in an arable soil in north China revealed by 454 pyrosequencing. Environmental Science & Technology, 46, 5764–5771. LUGINBUEHL, L.H. et al. (2017). Fatty acids in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are synthesized by the host plant. Science, 356, 1175–1178. LUMINI, E. et al. (2011). Different farming and water regimes in Italian rice fields affect arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal soil communities. Ecol Appl, 21(5), 1696–1707.OEHL, F. et al. (2010). Soil type and land use intensity determine the composition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 42, 724–738. OEHL, F. et al. (2017) Diversity and biogeography of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in agricultural soils. Biol Fertil Soils, (53), 777–797. PEYRET-GUZZON, M. et al. (2016). Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities and Rhizophagus irregularis populations shift in response to short term ploughing and fertilisation in a buffer strip. Mycorrhiza, 26, 33–46. PHILLIPS, J.M. and HAYMAN, D.S. (1970). Improved procedures for clearing roots and staining parasitic and vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi for rapid assessment of infection. Trans Br Mycol Soc., 55,158–IN18. PIVATO, B. et al. (2007). Medicago species affect the community composition of arbuscular myccorhizal fungi associated with roots. New Phytologist 176, 197–210. RILLIG, M.C. and MUMMEY, D.L. (2006). Mycorrhizas and soil structure. New Phytol, 171(1), 41–53. SILVA-FLORES, P. et al. (2019) Factors affecting arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi spore density in the Chilean Mediterraneantype ecosystem. J Soil Sci Plant Nutr, 19, 42–50. SMITH, S.E. and READ, D.J. (2008). Mycorrhizal symbiosis. 3rd ed., New York: Academic Press. SNOECK, D. et al. (2010). Temporal changes in VAM fungi in the cocoa agroforestry systems of central Cameroon. Agroforestry Syst., 78, 323–328. SOUZA, B.R. et al. (2016) Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi as indicative of soil quality in conservation systems in the region of vale do São Patrício, Goiás. Int J Curr Res, 8, 43307–43311.VALLINO, et al. (2014). Rice flooding negatively impacts root branching and arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization, but not fungal viability. Plant Cell Environ, 37(3), 557–572. VAN Der HEIJDEN, M.G. et al. (2015) Mycorrhizal ecology and evolution: the past, the present, and the future. New Phytol 205, 1406–1423. VENTURA, M.V.A, et al. (2018) Influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the establishment of pre-broken sugar cane. Poljoprivreda i Sumarstvo, 64,149–157. WALKLEY, A., and BLACK, I.A. (1934). An examination of Degtjareff method for determining soil organic matter and proposed modification of the chromic acid in soil analysis.1. Experimental soil science, 79, 459–465. WANG, Y.T. et al. (2015). Community dynamics of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in high-input and intensively irrigated rice cultivation systems. Appl Environ Microbiol, 81(8), 2958–2965. ZHANG, S.J. et al. (2015). Is resource allocation and grain yield of rice altered by inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi? J Plant Ecol, 8(4), 436–448

TOXICITY EVALUATION OF CRANKCASE OIL IN RATS

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of crankcase oil on the cellular and func-tional integrity of rat skin. Thirty (30) rats were randomly grouped into six viz groups A–F. Group A (base-line control) received 2 ml of distilled water. 2.5 %, 5.0 %, 7.5 %, and 10.0 % v/v of the crankcase oil were prepared using unused oil as solvent and 2 ml of the concentra-tions were topically administered to groups C–F respectively for seven consecutive days. Group B served as positive control and received 2 ml of the unused oil. The rats were sacri-ficed 24 hours after the last administration, and blood and part of the skin were collected. Al-kaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde level in the blood and skin samples collected were evaluated. Elemental analysis of the crankcase oil was also carried out. The result revealed high lead, iron and chromium levels. Blood lead concentration of rats was significantly (P<0.05) high after seven days of administration. ALP level in skin and serum increased significantly (P<0.05) with the concentration of crankcase oil. There was a significant decrease (P<0.05) in skin ACP activity while it increased significantly (P<0.05) in the serum. Similar results were observed in the SOD levels of the serum and the skin. The level increased significantly (P<0.05) in groups D–F when compared with controls. The MDA concentration of both serum and skin were signif-icantly (P<0.05) elevated. This suggests toxic potential of used lubricating oil and its potential predisposition to cance

Formen und Dynamiken politscher Gewalt in den Philippinen

Obwohl die Philippinen gemeinhin als die älteste Demokratie Südostasiens gelten, dominieren in der Politik immer noch mächtige Familien, die gegen Kritiker ihrer Macht notfalls zum Mittel der Gewalt greifen. In den letzten Jahren sind mehrere hundert extralegale Tötungen dokumentiert. Starke politische Führer tolerieren auch die mehrhundert­fachen Morde von Kriminellen durch selbsternannte Wächter der herrschenden Ordnung. Als dritte Form wird politische Gewalt in der Konkurrenz zwischen verschiedenen Elitefamilien insbesondere auf der lokalen Ebene im ländlichen Raum analysiert. Alle drei Formen der Gewalt sind politisch, als sie der sozialen Kontrolle devianter Gruppen dienen, den Zugang zu Herrschaftspositionen beschränken und die faktischen Herrschaftsverhältnisse gegenüber der Bevölkerung symbolisieren. Allen Gewaltformen gemein ist, dass der Staat sie weder verhindern kann, noch im Regelfall die Täter ermittelt und bestraft. Der Blick auf die Details der Gewaltphänomene macht sichtbar, dass die offensichtliche Schwäche des Staates eine notwendige Bedingung der Aufrechterhaltung der klientelistischen Herrschaft durch „politische Familien“ und „Strongmen“ bildet. Die Schwäche des Staates ist in diesem Sinn funktional im Sinn der Aufrechterhaltung der Herrschaft der Wenigen über die Vielen. Der politischen Gewalt in den Philippinen durch Demokratisierung, etwa in Form von stärkerer Dezentralisierung entgegenzuwirken, erscheint nicht erfolgversprechend. Die Reformvorschläge im Report sind auf gezielte Veränderungen des institutionellen Rahmens politischen Handelns gerichtet. Es werden Reformen im Bereich des Polizei- und des Wahlrechts sowie die Abschaffung spezifischer staatlicher Finanzmittel empfohlen, die zentral für die Stabilisierung von Patronagesystemen im ländlichen Raum sind

Learning needs analysis to guide teaching evidence-based medicine: knowledge and beliefs amongst trainees from various specialities

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>We undertook a needs assessment exercise using questionnaire survey of junior doctors' knowledge and beliefs concerning evidence-based medicine (EBM) and critical literature appraisal, as this is a core competence in postgraduate medical education.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We surveyed 317 junior doctors in various specialities in the UK West Midlands Deanery. Using validated questionnaires we compared the needs of different trainee groups. Results overall were internally consistent (Cronbach's alpha 0.929).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Respondents' generally felt that they had poor training in EBM (Mean score 2.2, possible range 1 – 6) and that they needed more education (Mean score 5.3, possible range 1–6). Male trainees felt more confident at evaluating statistical tests than females (p = 0.002). Female trainees considered patient choice above the evidence more often than males (p = 0.038). Trainees from surgical speciality felt more confident at assessing research evidence (p = 0.009) whereas those from medical speciality felt more confident at evaluating statistical tests (p = 0.038) than other specialities. However, non-surgical specialities tended to believe that EBM had little impact on practice (p = 0.029). Respondents who had been qualified for 11 years or over felt overall more confident in their knowledge relating to EBM than those who had been qualified less than 10 years. In particular, they felt more confident at being able to assess study designs (p = < 0.001) and the general worth of research papers (p = < 0.001). Trainees with prior research experience were less likely to find original work confusing (p = 0.003) and felt more confident that they can assess research evidence (p = < 0.001) compared to those without previous research experience. Trainees without previous research experience felt that clinical judgement was more important than evidence (p = < 0.001).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>There is a perceived deficit in postgraduate doctors' EBM knowledge and critical appraisal skills. Learning needs vary according to gender, place of basic medical qualification, time since graduation, prior research experience and speciality. EBM training curricular development should take into account the findings of our needs assessment study.</p

The Canadian Perinatal Network: A National Network Focused on Threatened Preterm Birth at 22 to 28 Weeks\u27 Gestation

Objective: The Canadian Perinatal Network (CPN) maintains an ongoing national database focused on threatened very preterm birth. The objective of the network is to facilitate between-hospital comparisons and other research that will lead to reductions in the burden of illness associated with very preterm birth. Methods: Women were included in the database if they were admitted to a participating tertiary perinatal unit at 22+0 to 28+6 weeks\u27 gestation with one or more conditions most commonly responsible for very preterm birth, including spontaneous preterm labour with contractions, incompetent cervix, prolapsing membranes, preterm prelabour rupture of membranes, gestational hypertension, intrauterine growth restriction, or antepartum hemorrhage. Data were collected by review of maternal and infant charts, entered directly into standardized electronic data forms and uploaded to the CPN via a secure network. Results: Between 2005 and 2009, the CPN enrolled 2524 women from 14 hospitals including those with preterm labour and contractions (27.4%), short cervix without contractions (16.3%), prolapsing membranes (9.4%), antepartum hemorrhage (26.0%), and preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (23 0%) The mean gestational age at enrolment was 25.9 ± 1.9 weeks and the mean gestation age at delivery was 29.9 ± 5.1 weeks; 57.0% delivered at \u3c 29 weeks and 75.4% at \u3c 34 weeks. Complication rates were high and included serious maternal complications (26 7%), stillbirth (8.2%), neonatal death (16.3%), neonatal intensive care unit admission (60 7%), and serious neonatal morbidity (35 0%). Conclusion: This national dataset contains detailed information about women at risk of very preterm birth. It is available to clinicians and researchers who are working with one or more CPN collaborators and who are interested in studies relating processes of care to maternal or perinatal outcomes

Identification of Multiple HPV Types on Spermatozoa from Human Sperm Donors

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) may cause sexually transmitted disease. High-risk types of HPV are involved in the development of cervical cell dysplasia, whereas low-risk types may cause genital condyloma. Despite the association between HPV and cancer, donor sperm need not be tested for HPV according to European regulations. Consequently, the potential health risk of HPV transmission by donor bank sperm has not been elucidated, nor is it known how HPV is associated with sperm. The presence of 35 types of HPV was examined on DNA from semen samples of 188 Danish sperm donors using a sensitive HPV array. To examine whether HPV was associated with the sperm, in situ hybridization were performed with HPV-6, HPV-16 and -18, and HPV-31-specific probes. The prevalence of HPV-positive sperm donors was 16.0% and in 66.7% of these individuals high-risk types of HPV were detected. In 5.3% of sperm donors, two or more HPV types were detected. Among all identified HPV types, 61.9% were high-risk types. In situ hybridization experiments identified HPV genomes particularly protruding from the equatorial segment and the tail of the sperm. Semen samples from more than one in seven healthy Danish donors contain HPV, most of them of high-risk types binding to the equatorial segment of the sperm cell. Most HPV-positive sperm showed decreased staining with DAPI, indicative of reduced content of DNA. Our data demonstrate that oncogenic HPV types are frequent in men

The growth of a culture of evidence-based obstetrics in South Africa: a qualitative case study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>While the past two decades have seen a shift towards evidence-based obstetrics and midwifery, the process through which a culture of evidence-based practice develops and is sustained within particular fields of clinical practice has not been well documented, particularly in LMICs (low- and middle-income countries). Forming part of a broader qualitative study of evidence-based policy making, this paper describes the development of a culture of evidence-based practice amongst maternal health policy makers and senior academic obstetricians in South Africa</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A qualitative case-study approach was used. This included a literature review, a policy document review, a timeline of key events and the collection and analysis of 15 interviews with policy makers and academic clinicians involved in these policy processes and sampled using a purposive approach. The data was analysed thematically.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The concept of evidence-based medicine became embedded in South African academic obstetrics at a very early stage in relation to the development of the concept internationally. The diffusion of this concept into local academic obstetrics was facilitated by contact and exchange between local academic obstetricians, opinion leaders in international research and structures promoting evidence-based practice. Furthermore the growing acceptance of the concept was stimulated locally through the use of existing professional networks and meetings to share ideas and the contribution of local researchers to building the evidence base for obstetrics both locally and internationally. As a testimony to the extent of the diffusion of evidence-based medicine, South Africa has strongly evidence-based policies for maternal health.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This case study shows that the combined efforts of local and international researchers can create a culture of evidence-based medicine within one country. It also shows that doing so required time and perseverance from international researchers combined with a readiness by local researchers to receive and actively promote the practice.</p