Antimicrobial activity of leaf extracts of Commiphora africana

Commiphora africana has been used traditionally for generations in many parts of the world to treat a wide range of ailments. It has been reported to have bioactive compounds and has been recognized for its medicinal importance. The antimicrobial activity as well as the phytohemical screening of the aqueous, ethanol and petroleum ether crude extracts of Commiphora africana against clinical isolates of Candida albicans, Epidermophyton floccosum, Staphylocoocus aureus and Escherichia coli were evaluated using agar well diffusion method. The results obtained from the phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and tannins. The crude leaf extracts at 400μg/ml, had high antifungal activity against Candida albicans (24mm), Epidermophyton floccosum (23mm) and Staphylocoocus aureus (18mm). Escherichia coli resisted to all the extracts except for petroleum ether where it showed 10mm zone of inhibition. Clotrimozole and Ciprofloxacin were used as positive control and were active against ame isolates at 25μg/ml with zones 30mm and 19mm respectively. In conclusion, the study revealed that the crude leaf extracts of Commiphora africana had antimicrobial activity and can serve as a potential source of natural bioactive compounds for the treatment of fungal infections.Keywords: Commiphora africana, extracts, antimicrobial activity, phytochemicals, clinicalisolates, bacteria, fungi

Antibacterial activity of Nigella sativa seed extracts

The development and alarming increase of bacterial resistance to existing antimicrobial agents has become a real challenge and a serious problem facing patients suffering from various infections worldwide. This study was designed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of black seed extracts against bacterial isolates (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The powdered seeds were extracted using percolation technique with methanol and petroleum ether. Agar well diffusion method was used to test the antibacterial activity. Methanolic extracts at 100mg/ml had a remarkable activity against S. aureus (19mm) and P. aeruginosa (12mm). Also the petroleum ether extract had the same activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa (10mm). This implies that methanolic and petroleum ether extracts of N. sativa were found to be active against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. While E. coli showed resistance to the extracts at all concentrations. Our study shows that species, strains and concentrations of N. sativa extracts are some of the factors that may influence the sensitivity of tested organisms.Keywords: Antibacterial activity, Nigella sativa, Black seed extract, Agar well diffusion, Bacterial isolate

Clinical symptoms and outcomes among hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Ondo State, Southwestern Nigeria

Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel strain of coronavirus, which is the cause of the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, ravaging many countries of the world. The objective of this study is to assess the symptomatology and case management outcome of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Ondo State, Southwestern Nigeria.Methodology: This was a longitudinal study carried out on randomly selected patients with COVID-19, confirmed by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR), admitted to the Infectious Disease Hospital, Akure, from March to July 2020. Clinical and outcome data obtained from the patients were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0 software, and variables were compared using the Chi square (χ²) test and Odds ratio (OR).Results: A total of 215 hospitalized COVID-19 patients were randomly recruited, with 103 males and 112 females (M:F ratio of 1:1.1), and mean age of 37.24 ± 16.83 years. The most common symptoms were shortness of breath (22.8%), cough (18.6%), fatigue (17.2%), runny nose (16.7%), fever (16.3%), and sneezing (14.0%). Mortality rate among the patients was 4.7% (10/215). Statistical analysis showed that fever [χ² = 8.75, OR 2.17 (95% CI: 0.29-16.63), p=0.003] and sneezing [χ²=11.35, OR 2.75 (95% CI: 0.34-18.27), p=0.001] were clinical presentations with significant impact on the final outcome of the patients.Conclusion: This study showed that the most common symptoms in hospitalized COVID-19 patients were shortness of breath, cough, running nose, fever and sneezing, which underscores the importance of monitoring of patients for these symptoms. Keywords: COVID-19; symptoms; management; hospitalized; outcome; Nigeria   French Title: Symptômes cliniques et résultats chez les patients hospitalisés COVID-19 dans l'État d'Ondo, dans le sud-ouest du Nigéria Contexte: Le coronavirus-2 du syndrome respiratoire aigu sévère (SRAS-CoV-2) est une nouvelle souche de coronavirus, qui est à l'origine de la pandémie actuelle de coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), ravageant de nombreux pays du monde. L'objectif de cette étude est d'évaluer les résultats de la symptomatologie et de la prise en charge des cas de patients hospitalisés COVID-19 dans l'État d'Ondo, dans le sud-ouest du Nigéria. Méthodologie: Il s'agissait d'une étude longitudinale réalisée sur des patients sélectionnés au hasard atteints de COVID-19, confirmée par réaction en chaîne par transcriptase-polymérase inverse en temps réel (rRT-PCR), admis à l'hôpital des maladies infectieuses d'Akure de mars à juillet 2020. Les données cliniques et les résultats obtenus des patients ont été analysés à l'aide du logiciel Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0, et les variables ont été comparées à l'aide du test du Chi carré (χ²) et du rapport de cotes (OR). Résultats: Un total de 215 patients hospitalisés COVID-19 ont été recrutés au hasard, avec 103 hommes et 112 femmes (rapport H: F de 1: 1,1), et un âge moyen de 37,24±16,83 ans. Les symptômes les plus courants étaient l'essoufflement (22,8%), la toux (18,6%), la fatigue (17,2%), l'écoulement nasal (16,7%), la fièvre (16,3%) et les éternuements (14,0%). Le taux de mortalité parmi les patients était de 4,7% (10/215). L'analyse statistique a montré que la fièvre [χ²=8,75, OR 2,17 (IC à 95%: 0,29 à 16,63), p=0,003] et les éternuements [χ²=11,35, OR 2,75 (IC à 95%: 0,34 à 18,27), p=0,001] étaient présentations cliniques avec un impact significatif sur le résultat final des patients. Conclusion: Cette étude a montré que les symptômes les plus courants chez les patients hospitalisés sous COVID-19 étaient l'essoufflement, la toux, le nez qui coule, la fièvre et les éternuements, ce qui souligne l'importance de la surveillance des patients pour ces symptômes. Mots clés: COVID-19; symptômes; la gestion; hospitalisé; résultat; Nigeri

Micropropagation of pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Var. Smooth cayenne) in temporary immersion bioreactor system (TIPS)

Pineapple is an important edible fruit in the family Bromeliaceae popularly grown in the tropical and subtropical countries. Commercial prodution of pineapple requires large volume of planting materials which could not easily be obtained using conventional method of propagation. A protocol for mass propagation of pineapple (Ananas comosus L. var.smooth cayenne) using temporary immersion bioreactor system has been developed.The protocol involves four immersion cycles in Murashinge and Skoog (MS) media fortified with 1mg/L or 2mg/L 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) with or without 0.25g/L activated charcoal (AC). The highest multiplication rate (120 -130 plants/bottle) was obtained when media was fortified with 1mg/l or 2mg/L BAP alone. The presence of activated charcoal (AC) promoted root morphogenesis, resulting in significant increase in roots formation in BAP suplemented media. A combination of BAP with AC significantly increased the number of competent plants(20 – 30 plants/bottle) after four weeks of culture in temporary immersion system. The system is recommended for rapid and efficient micropropagation of pineapple

Micropropagation of banana (Musa spp) using temporary immersion bioreactor system

Banana is an important crop in the tropics which possess the potential for commercial production in Nigeria. Large scale production requires large volume of planting materials which may be difficult to obtain using conventional methods of propagation. Temporary immersion bioreactor system (TIBs) is a cost effective method for micropropagation of plants. The present study was carried out to develop an efficient method for rapid multiplication of banana using temporary immersion bioreactor system (TIBs). Banana microshoots were regenerated from young suckers obtained from field grown plants using conventional plant tissue culture. Microshoots of 2cm length were used as explants for multiplication in temporary immersion bioreactor system. Ten (10) explants were cultured in bioreactor bottles containing Murashinge and Skoog (MS) liquid media supplemented with different concentrations of 6-bezylaminopurine (BAP) with or without 250mg/L Activated Charcoal (AC). Results showed that explants cultured in media supplemented with 2 mg/L or 1mg/L BAP without AC gave the highest shoot multiplication rate of 900% and 800%, respectively compared to hormone free media. Production of competent plants (plants ready for ex vitro establisment) were however, influenced by the presence of AC and the highest percentage of competent plants (80%) were produced when media was fortified with 1mg/L BAP+ 250mg AC. Regenerated plants were successfully established in the field and were morphologically normal and fertile

Structural Integrity of A 2-Storey Building Using None Destructive Testing Method

The paper assessed the condition of the existing two-storey building of six classrooms in Government Girls Day Secondary School, Gumel, Jigawa State. The method of Non Destructive Testing (NDT) using a rebound hammer was adopted. Five structural elements(slabs, beams, columns, staircases and foundations) were assessed. The cumulative average strength of the five structural elements was 32.7 RN. Results revealed that despite signs of physical defects on the building such as cracks, exposed column reinforcement bars, etc. it was still considered safe for use. The study recommended that to prevent the building from deteriorating further, periodic structural assessment and good maintenance practice should be carried out. This is to prolong the life span of the building and prevent any threat to the building users and third parties. Keywords: Non-destructive test, Rebound hammer, structural integrity, structural component

Efektivitas Ujian Akhir Dengan Menggunakan Android/Gadget Untuk Melakukan Tes Pada Siswa Kelas X Di Smk Negeri Jenawi

This study aims to define the effectiveness of the final exam by using android / gedget in conducting tests on class X students at SMK Negeri Jenawi. This research is a qualitative research using a case study design. The subjects of this study were the Principal, Deputy Principal of the School of Facilities and Infrastructure, Subject Teachers, and Grade X Students at SMK Negeri Jenawi. Data collection methods by interview, observation, and documentation. The data validity test used source and technique triagulation. Data analysis using an interactive model, namely data reduction, data presentation, and making conclusions. The results showed the following: (1) Implementation of the final exam using android / gadget to perform tests; (a) The purpose and backround of implementing the final exam using an Android / gadget, (b) a response to teachers who do not understand the Internet (2) Preparations made: Deputy Head of School Facilities, Principals, Subject Teachers, and Students (3) The final exam process using android / gadget to do the test; (a) Difficulty in Carrying Out the Final Examination, (b) Constraints in Preparing Questions, (c) Constraints faced by the Teacher, (d) Inhibiting Factors for Final Examinations Using Andorid / Gadgets, (e) Solutions to Overcome Network and Supervision Constraints. (4) Changes from implementation of the final exam using android / gadget to perform the test; (a) Positive Impact of the Final Examination Using Android / Gadgets, (b) Final Examination Results Using Android / Gadeget, (c) Differences in the Final Examination Using Android / Gadgets Using Paper

Pengaruh Good Corporate Governance Terhadap Kinerja Perusahaan Perbankan (Studi Kasus pada Bank Konvensional yang Terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia Periode 2016-2018)

Progress in the economy experienced by Indonesia is one of the concrete examples of economic development in the world. In the banking world, a very rapid development and a high level of complexity can affect the performance of a bank. The bank is an industry that in its business activities relies on public trust so that the soundness of the bank needs to be maintained. However, the weak implementation of corporate governance is the main trigger for various financial scandals. The occurrence of various banking cases that often occur in Indonesia makes many parties begin to think that the implementation of corporate governance is a necessity in the business world as a barometer of a company's performance. Thus, the purpose of this study is to determine the effect of corporate governance components such as the size of the independent board of commissioners, board of directors, audit committee, and institutional ownership on banking performance in Indonesia. The population in this study are publicly listed companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2016-2018, as many as 44 banking companies. The sampling method uses purposive sampling technique, which is the technique of determining the sample with certain considerations or characteristics. The analytical tool in this study uses multiple linear regression analysis. The results of this study that the size of the board of directors had a significant positive effect on the financial performance of banking companies with a sig value of 0.003 0.05. Meanwhile, the size of the audit committee and institutional ownership did not have a positive effect on the financial performance of banking companies

MODEL PENDIDIKAN KEWIRAUSAHAAN BAGI REMAJA PUTUS SEKOLAH DALAM MENGURANGI KEMISKINAN DAN PENGANGGURAN

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui model pendidikan kewirausahaan yang cocok untuk Remaja Putus Sekolah (RPS) di tingkat Sekolah Menengah Pertama dan Sekolah Menengah Atas atau sederajat. Lokasi penelitian ini adalah RPS di Kabupaten Gunungkidul, Bantul, Kulon Progo, Sleman, dan Kotamadya Yogyakarta. Data penelitian diperoleh melalui angket, wawancara, dan observasi langsung, kemudian dianalisis dengan menggunakan teknik deskriptif kualitatif. Berdasarkan hasil uji coba model yang dilakukan kepada para RPS, model in-on-in sangat cocok untuk digunakan. In-1 atau in-service education and training (inset 1) merupakan pelaksanaan pelatihan secara teori dan praktek. On atau on the job education and training (onjet) merupakan implementasi model dengan membentuk Kelompok Usaha Mikro. In-2 atau in-service job education and training (injet 2) merupakan langkah sosialisasi model, pemberian stimulus modal dalam bentuk peralatan dasar, dan pelaksanaan monev atas rintisan KUM yang dikelola peserta pelatihan

The usage of building information modelling (BIM) in Malaysia's architecture industry

Over the last few decades, the architecture field have seen tremendous developments in skills level, work processes and professional culture with the adoption of computer software technologies. Investment in technology has always been to increase effectiveness and overall performance in the design and construction process that results in a return of investment. Today, more and more digital technologies have been developed and created to accommodate the high demands of the market over the years, including Building Information Modelling (BIM). This research paper aims to look into the insight of how architect firms in Malaysia are coping up with the adoption of BIM in the country. This research was originally conducted in 2013-14 and has seen its preliminary findings published over the years. However, this paper uncovers the sequential parts of the research that has yet to be published. The main data collecting instrument used was a nationwide survey that was conducted on all the architectural firms in Malaysia and the findings was used as a foundation for subsequent research phases on the subject matter. From the findings, it is revealed that BIM-based practice is still at an infancy level and that the industry and government bodies need to put on greater effort and produce better strategies to make BIM an industry standard technology