Determination of alcohols in hand sanitisers : are off-the-shelf hand sanitisers what they claim to be?

Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 – the causative agent of COVID-19 – can be prevented through nonpharmaceutical interventions such as observing proper hand hygiene using alcohol-based hand rubs/sanitisers (ABHRs) as recommended by the WHO and local health authorities. However, this recommendation has led to high demand for ABHRs and proliferation of sub-standard products, which do not contain the recommended amount of alcohol. Fifty products of different origins and formulations obtained off-the-shelf and in public places in and around Pretoria (South Africa) were analysed for their alcohol content using gas chromatography. Ethanol was the most common alcohol used in the products, followed by isopropanol. Only 21 (42%) of the products analysed contained at least 70% alcohol; of these only 14 (28%) met the WHO recommended 80±5% alcohol content to have a virucidal effect on SARS-CoV-2. Of the 41 commercial off-the-shelf products analysed, 27 (66%) contained less than 70% alcohol in comparison to 13% of homemade products. Only 18% of gel products contained 70% alcohol, compared with 47% for liquid-based products. Most of the products did not contain the appropriate or correct declaration as recommended by the South African National Standards (SANS 289 and 490). The proliferation of substandard ABHRs is of great public health concern and calls for stricter regulations and enforcement in order to protect consumers, their rights and well-being during and post the COVID-19 pandemic period. However, in the interim, formulation of ABHRs using the WHO guidelines should be mandatory, as such formulations, when made correctly, do have the required virucidal effect against SARS-CoV-2. SIGNIFICANCE : • Commercial, off-the-shelf and public hand sanitisers were analysed to determine whether they contained enough alcohol to be efficacious virucides as recommended by the WHO. • The majority of the products analysed were substandard, did not contain the recommended amount of alcohols and were not labelled correctly according to local and international standards. • Homemade products conformed to a greater degree to the WHO standards for alcohol-based hand sanitisers. It is evident from these results that there is a need to monitor the manufacture of off-theshelf products to ensure compliance and to assure consumers that products offer the required protection against SARS-CoV-2.South African National Research Foundation, Alexander von Humboldt Foundationhttp://www.sajs.co.zahj2021Zoology and Entomolog

Termite raiding by the Ponerine ant Pachycondyla analis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) : behavioural and chemical ecology

The ant Pachycondyla analis (formerly Megaponera foetens, commonly known as the Matabele ant) is a widespread ponerine in sub-Saharan Africa. It feeds solely on termites of economic importance belonging to the sub-family Macrotermitinae. These termites are captured during organised raids on their nests and galleries. Previous studies mostly concentrated on certain aspects of the raiding behaviour and trail laying pheromones in this species. Thus the detailed raiding behaviour and chemically-mediated communication between P. analis and its prey are virtually unknown. The aim of this study was to undertake detailed behavioural studies on termite raiding behaviour of P. analis, and to investigate whether P. analis uses olfactory cues for intra-specific communication during termite raids, and for detecting its prey. Termite raiding behaviour of P. analis was monitored at Mpala, a Kenyan savannah for six months (April to September, 2007). During this period, raids were found to occur mainly in the mornings and evenings, with late night raids occurring during dry periods. P. analis at Mpala mainly nests under rocks and in deserted termite mounds. Microtermes and Odontotermes were the main preyed termite genera, and ant raiding behaviour was synchronised with termite prey behaviour, and was influenced by foraging costs, prey defences and rewards. Olfactometric assays showed that P. analis workers used olfactory cues in their intra-specific chemical communication, with workers responding more to volatiles of individuals of the same size class (major to major and minor to minor) than between groups. Major workers discriminated more between the volatiles of the two groups than minor workers. GC-MS analysis of volatiles from major and minor workers revealed a cocktail of 48 compounds, majority of which were hydrocarbons. Volatile compounds were colony specific and quantitative analysis showed that major and minor workers alone released 2.5 fold more volatiles than the mixed stages. This suggests that ants have the innate ability to regulate the levels of the colony odour which they make up for with higher release levels when separated from each other. Using a Mandible Opening Response (MOR) bioassay, ants were able to distinguish between nestmates and non-nestmates based on cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles. This suggests that P. analis uses CHCs as short range contact recognition cues within the nest in traditional nest protection and during raids on termite species. GC-MS analyses revealed hydrocarbons of chain lengths in the range C8-C31 in the CHC profiles, comprising mainly alkanes, alkenes and methyl-branched alkanes. The CHCs were colony and individual worker specific. Nestmate recognition in P. analis may be encoded in the alkenes and methyl-branched alkanes. Dual choice olfactometric assays revealed that P. analis uses olfactory cues in locating potential termite sources with an average of 65% of workers choosing odours against the blank (clean air). When termite odours were offered to both major and minor workers, their choices were biased towards the termite odours, with minor workers attracted more to the odours than were major workers. Although ants responded to odours from the soil obtained for the termite gallery, overall, odours from termites inside their galleries were the most attractive to ants. These results suggest that the combined odours from both the termites and gallery components (in particular soil), serves as an effective nest location cue for the ants. Comparative GC-MS analyses showed that the composition of the volatiles from the gallery soil was richer than that released by the termites. Consistent with previous studies, the volatiles of the gallery soil were found to contain hydrocarbons, naphthalene and derivatives of this compound. In conclusion, these studies have revealed the rich diversity of chemical communication cues used by this ant species for nestmate recognition and for prey location during raids in search for its food source.Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2010.Zoology and Entomologyunrestricte

Functional properties and storage stability of optimized cereal-based complementary foods

The functional properties and good quality of food materials are important factors that determine the suitability for complementary foods for children. This study evaluated the functional properties and storage stability of cereal-based and legume- based complementary food (CF). Nutri-survey (2007) was used to optimize and generate six composite blends designated F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, and F6 from yellow maize (Zea mays), wheat (Triticum aestivum), millet (Pennisetumglaucum), groundnut (Arachis hypogea), soyabeans (Glycine max), and Moringa oleifera. Freshly prepared samples were subjected to analysis of functional properties. During storage, the composite blends were subjected to sensory evaluation, microbial count, moisture content, peroxide value and free fatty acid determination at 15-day intervals for a period of 60 days. Data obtained were analyzed by ANOVA and results expressed as mean and standard error of mean. Results of functional properties revealed that bulk density ranged from (0.63-0.81 g/cm3), water absorption capacity (86-90%), swelling index (0.33-1.34 cm3/g), reconstitution index (2.20-3.20) and pH (6.52-6.69). The organoleptic properties and keeping quality of the formulated complementary foods were not significantly different (P> 0.05) at baseline and end line. Therefore, this study provides a basis for the development of acceptable complementary foods with optimal functional properties and storage stability

Legislation and legal frame work for sustainable edible insects use in Nigeria

Insects are vital source of protein, and have many advantages as food and feed, when compared to livestock. They are relatively easy to rear and require only small portion of land (mini livestock), uses less water and feed resources, thus saving agricultural land for growing crops and ensuring less emission of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. However, lack of clear legislation guiding the rearing, consumption and commercialization of edible insects in most countries Nigeria inclusive, hinder the development of edible insects to levels that their potentials could be harnessed for the benefits of the environment, sustainable development and integration as part of a climate smart and or nutrition sensitive agriculture. Here we showed the diversity of edible insects in Nigeria, motivated for enacting legislation on their uses and suggested a pathway to develop the sector by boasting consumer confidence, upscaling, marketing strategies and exports in a sustainable way.The National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa’s Incentive Funding for Rated Researchers; Y-rated Researchers; the DST/NRF SARChI in Mathematical Models and Methods in Bioengineering and Biosciences and Alexander von Humboldt’s Georg Foster HERMES Experienced Research Fellowship.https://www.springer.com/journal/42690hj2022Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI)Zoology and Entomolog

An overview of neural networks use in anomaly intrusion detection systems

With the increasing number of computers being connected to the Internet, security of an information system has never been more urgent. Because no system can be absolutely secure, the timely and accurate detection of intrusions is necessary. This is the reason of an entire area of research, called Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS). Anomaly systems detect intrusions by searching for an abnormal system activity. But the main problem of anomaly detection IDS is that; it is very difficult to build, because of the difficulty in defining what is normal and what is abnormal. Neural network with its ability of learning has become one of the most promising techniques to solve this problem. This paper presents an overview of neural networks and their use in building anomaly intrusion systems

Mandibular glands secrete 24-methylenecholesterol into honey bee (Apis mellifera) food jelly

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT : The data that support the findings of this study (ng amounts of substances as evaluated by gas chromatography) are available in the methods and appendix of this article.Honey bee (Apis mellifera) workers feed their larvae with food jelly that is secreted by specialized glands in their heads – the hypopharyngeal and the mandibular glands. Food jelly contains all the nutrients the larvae need to develop into adult honey bees, including essential dietary sterols. The main sterol in food jelly, 24-methylenecholesterol (24MC), is pollen-derived and delivered in food jelly to the larvae in a complex with two proteins, major royal jelly protein 1 (MRJP1) and apisim. Whereas the proteins are synthesized in the hypopharyngeal glands, the sterol-secreting gland has not been identified. We here identified the mandibular glands as sterol-secreting gland for food jelly production by direct detection of the four main honey bee sterols (24MC, campesterol, β-sitosterol and isofucosterol). Furthermore, 24MC seems to be specifically enriched in the mandibular glands, thereby ensuring that food jelly contains the amounts of 24MC necessary for complex formation with MRJP1 and apisimin.https://www.elsevier.com/locate/ibmbam2024Zoology and EntomologySDG-15:Life on lan

Differences in the suitability of published honey bee (Apis mellifera) reference genes between the African subspecies Apis mellifera scutellata and European derived Apis mellifera

DATA AVAILABILITY AND BENEFIT-SHARING STATEMENT : Data values (Cq & RNA amounts) are shared in Figures 1-3.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is a method widely used to determine changes and differences in gene expression. As target gene expression is most often quantified relative to the expression of reference genes, the validation of suitable reference genes is of critical importance. In practice, however, such validation might not be thoroughly conducted if the same species and the same tissue or body parts are used for qPCR experiments. Here we show, that qPCR reference genes published for workers of European honey bee (Apis mellifera) subspecies fail to be stably expressed in workers of the African subspecies Apis mellifera scutellata. This is the case even when the sampled workers are in the same life stage, the same organ was dissected and the same reagents were used. Thus, reference genes need to be thoroughly re-tested before they can be used as suitable references even when the only thing that changes is the subspecies used.Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung and the National Research Foundation South Africa.http://www.wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/mechj2024Zoology and EntomologyNon

A Review of Strategies to Prevent On-Site Construction Waste

One of the most important concerns that improves building profitability is the implementation of a positive approach to minimize construction waste. This paper will discuss the roots of construction waste, current waste reduction strategies, and lastly the possible use of waste management. Furthermore, the key environmental priority for this issue should be to control and mitigate construction waste generation. The purpose of this study is to provide prevention measures, and the rising tide of public awareness is all conspiring to modify the face of waste management. Clients, contractors, suppliers, and designers Architects & Engineers all have opportunities and duties to reduce construction waste. The outcomes of this study will assist academics in furthering their research into important management strategies for reducing on-site building waste

Non-host plant odors influence the tritrophic interaction between tomato, its foliar herbivore Tuta absoluta and mirid predator Nesidiocoris tenuis

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT : The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/Supplementary Material. Further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding authors.The tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta is a destructive invasive pest of cultivated tomato and other Solanaceae plants, with yield losses of 80-100%. Mirid predators are key natural enemies of T. absoluta, but they also feed on host plants in the absence of their prey. Management of T. absoluta is a challenge due to its high biotic potential, resistance to many insecticides and the absence of sufficiently adapted auxiliary fauna in its new dispersion zones. Olfaction plays an important role in the tritrophic interaction between tomato, its herbivore pest T. absoluta and its mirid predators, which can be influenced by non-host plant odors. However, how non-host odours shape this interaction is poorly understood. Previously, we had demonstrated belowground crop protection properties of certain Asteraceae plants against the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita, pest of tomato and other Solanaceae plants. Additionally, Asteraceae plants impact negatively on feeding behavior of above-ground pests of Solanaceae plants, including the greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) and green peach aphid (Myzus persicae). Here, we tested the hypothesis that foliar volatiles from some of these non-host Asteraceae plants can influence the tomato-T. absoluta-mirid predator tritrophic interaction. In olfactometer assays, T. absoluta females were attracted to volatiles of the Solanaceae host plants tomato and giant nightshade but avoided volatiles of the Asteraceae plants, blackjack and marigold, and the positive control, wild tomato, when tested alone or in combination with the host plants. Coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that host and non-host plants varied in their emission of volatiles, mainly monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Random forest analysis combined with behavioral assays identified monoterpenes as the host plant attractive blend to T. absoluta and its mirid predator, with sesquiterpenes identified as the non-host plant repellent blend against T. absoluta. Contrastingly, the mirid predator was indifferent to the non-host plant repellent sesquiterpenes. Our findings indicate that terpenes influence the tomato-T. absoluta-mirid predator tritrophic interaction. Further, our results emphasize the importance of studying crop protection from a holistic approach to identify companion crops that serve multi-functional roles.African Union (Contract number AURG-II-2-123-2018); the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida); the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC); the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; and the Government of the Republic of Kenya. The first Author (BA) was sponsored by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)-In-Region Postgraduate Scholarship through the African Regional Postgraduate Programme in Insect Science (ARPPIS).http://www.frontiersin.org/Plant_Scienceam2024Zoology and EntomologySDG-15:Life on lan

Thermal regulatory mechanisms of termites from two different savannah ecosystems

Termites are known for their abilities to regulate the conditions within their nests through the mounds that they build or the location of the built mound which assist in keeping the internal temperature within the requirement of the colony. These mechanisms to regulate vary between species, with some species adapting passive behaviours such as nest site selection and nest structures that permit passive heating or cooling. Here we studied seven species of mound building termites from five genera in two different savannah (Sahel and Sudan) and determined some of their passive thermal control strategies. Seven species of termites; Amitermes sp., Cubitermes oculatus, Macrotermes bellicosus, M. subhyalinus, Odontotermes sp., Trinervitermes sp. A and Trinervitermes sp. B were identified from the two savannah, We found no significant difference in internal mound temperatures between the species. In both savannah types most of the termites built their nest under the shade. We discuss the adaptive implications of building mounds under the shades as seen in species of M. bellicosus, M. subhyalinus and Odontotermes sp. Or those building mounds with unique shapes as seen in C. oculatus with mushroom shaped mounds for their role in thermal regulation within the nest and how this represents a response to environmental conditions.The University of Pretoria, The South African National Research Foundation (NRF) Incentive Funding for Rated Researchers (IFRR) to CWWP and Y-Rated Research Grant and Thuthuka (Rating Track) to AAY. IPA was supported by a University of Pretoria Postgraduate Bursary and the Nigerian Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).http://www.elsevier.com/locate/jtherbio2020-10-01hj2019Zoology and Entomolog