IMPACT : International Journal of Research in Applied, Natural and Social Sciences

17-24

Authors: CHRISTOPHER IGBENEGHU & JAPHET MADU OLISEKODIAKA

This study examined 158 malaria and 182 control subjects in order to determine the associations between ABO blood group, secretor status and malaria infection. From each participant, 5 ml of venous blood was withdrawn for malaria parasite and ABO blood grouping tests and 2 ml of saliva was collected for determination of secretor status. The results showed that the distributions of ABO blood groups among malaria subjects (O 47.5%; A 24.7%; B 21.5% and AB 6.3%) and controls (O 50.6%; A 23.6%; B 20.3% and 5.5%) were not significantly different (ᵡ2 = 0.36, df = 3, p = 0.945). Malaria among secretors (43.5%) was significantly less than among non-secretors (56.4%) (ᵡ2 = 4.02, df = 1, p = 0.045). Secretors varied significantly among ABO blood groups (ᵡ2 = 16.10, df = 3, p = 0.001). Group O secretors (86.2%) were significantly more than non-group O secretors (68.2%) (ᵡ2=15.61, df = 3, p<0.0001) and group O secretors who had malaria (34.7%) were significantly less than non-group O secretors (54.2%) (ᵡ2 = 10.05, df = 1, p = 0.002). Malaria among this study population was associated with non-secretion of ABH substances but not ABO blood group and least associated with Group O secretors.

37-44

Authors: C. H. LEE, J. HASSAN, M. HASHIM, R. S. AZIZ & N. MOHD SAIDEN

The doping mechanism of neodymium ion on barium titanate could be promising a new material for applications in miniature microwave technology and mobile communication systems. Microstructural of Ba6-3xNd8+2xTi18O54, with x=0.15 ceramics at different sintering temperatures were investigated. The samples were prepared by the magnetic stirring method and sintered at a temperature range from 600C to 1300C. Sintering effects on the crystallite structure and surface morphology were studied and characterized by XRD and FESEM. The transformation of majority of the phase in the system from barium titanate to barium neodymium titanate was confirmed by XRD pattern due to change in sintering temperature. The change in sample densities was determined using Archimede’s method. Two activation energies of grain growth were observed by using estimated diffusion process. The activation energies were 0.0698 and 0.3348 eV for low sintering and high sintering temperatures respectively.

49-60

Authors: ISLEM SAADAOUI, HAYET ILAHI, CHRISTOPHER R. BRYANT & HICHEM REJEB

Belonging to the Tunisian dorsal mountains, Bouchebka has a typical landscape of the west-central region of Tunisia. It is distinguished by the importance of the forest area which covers 92 % of the area of the region and the importance of rugged relief. Bouchebka forests part of the great mass of Aleppo pines, located on the plateau between the DjebelChambi and Tébessa mountains cover an area of 19,700 ha. Its mountainous terrain, smoothness and exceptional abundance of sources are the cause of its physical and natural characteristics. The purpose of this research was to reveal the importance of the study area for ecological plans and to help realize its true potential as a multifunctional landscape area. To achieve our goals, analytical research tools based on several interdisciplinary analyses, in particular the cartographic interpretation and delineation of natural and landscape zoning were developed. The obtained results reflect the importance of this territory from the perspective of natural and landscape resources and the necessity of the state intervention and civil society to become engaged for the preservation of this natural heritage.

69-74

Authors: PATIL S. S, THAKUR V. R & GHORADE I. B

The fresh water ecosystem occupies a very small area in comparison to marine ecosystem. Now a day’s degradation of these fresh water resources due to water pollution has become a serious problem for entire world. The effect of heavy metal on fresh water ecosystem has become global concern. These metals are persistent and once released the environment for a prolonged period. These heavy metals are well known pollutants, which are often encountered in many ponds, Lakes, rivers and dams of India and the most important aquatic fauna being subjected to stress caused by these heavy metals. Hence the present study is aimed to investigate some of the important heavy metals contents such as Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Zinc (Zn) and Fluoride (F) of the Jaikwadi dam during the year 2012-2013.

87-96

Authors: ADEGBEHINGBE KEHINDE TOPE

This study investigated the microbial safety of sundried okra fruits from markets in some Akoko towns of Ondo State, Nigeria. The pH of the dried market samples fell between 5.22 and 6.16 while the water activity was between 0.513 and 0.572. Significant differences were also observed in their viscosity. Samples from Ipe-Akoko and the control had the highest and the lowest moisture contents respectively while the lowest and highest crude ash contents were from the same samples. Crude protein contents of the dried samples ranged from 16. 56% to 21.53% while the fresh sample contained 23.03%. Little significant differences were observed in the crude fibre contents of the market samples. The control sample contained 0.73% crude fat contents while the market samples ranged between 2.76% and 4.35%. The carbohydrate contents showed little significant differences among each other but significantly different from the fresh sample. Bacteria isolated from the samples were Bacillus subtilis. Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus cereus, Clostridium spp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli. Klebsiella pneumuniae, Streptococcus faecalis, Enterobacter aerogenes and Lactobacillus plantarum while the fungi include Rhizopus stolonifer, Aspergillus niger, A. fumigatus, A. flavus, Penicillium, Mucor pusillus and Candida crusei. The total bacterial and the fungal loads of the dry samples ranged from 4.42 log sfu/g to 6.65 log cfu/g, and 3.22 log cfu/g and 4.83 log cfu/g while coliform counts and lactic acid bacterial counts fell between 0.91 log cfu/g and 3.74 log cfu/g, and between 2.72 log cfu/g and 3.6 log cfu/g. This study suggested that dried okra is nutritious but proper hygienic conditions moist be maintained during processing or using controlled drying methods and should be cooked to avoid the risk of ingesting pathogenic microorganisms.

107-110

Authors: JALILA MASARAT, K. BORANA & NAHILA SUJAAD

The freshwater cat fish Clarias gariepinus at different duration (0.08 mg/l HgCl2 for 15, 30, 45 and 60 days) of exposure of mercuric chloride observed. The exposure of mercuric chloride in fish Clarias gariepinus resulted in marked degenerative changes in the ovary.

119-130

Authors: HUSSAIN SOROUR & HANY EL-MESERY

Onion slices (Allium cepa L.) weighing 100 g with a moisture content of 7.3 g water/g dry matter were dried using microwave and infrared radiation methods to a moisture content of 7% (wet basis). Three different output power levels of 200, 300 and 400 W were used for microwave drying, whereas the infrared drying treatment involved three intensity levels that were 3000, 4000 and 5000 W/m2, a drying air temperature of 35 oC and air velocity of 0.5 m/s. A comparison of the drying kinetics, data revealed that microwave drying was more effective in shortening drying time when compared with infrared drying. Results also revealed that microwave dried onion slices were lighter in color and had higher rehydration ratios meanwhile, onion slices were darker in color and had lower rehydration ratios when infrared drying method was employed. To evaluate the drying kinetics of onion slices, experimental data obtained in this study were fitted with four models i.e. Newton, Henderson & Pabis, Page and modified Page models. The goodness of fit for each model was evaluated using coefficient of determination (R2) and chi-square (χ2) of these drying models, with the Page model yielding the best fit (R2 = 0.998, χ2 = 0.00016).

143-152

Authors: VELEDIN ÇAKO, ERIOLA ZHURI, FATBARDHA BABANI & THEODHOR KARAJA

Narta Lagoon, one of the largest and most important coastal ecosystems of Albania, is situated on the south-eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, northwestern part of Vlora district. Turbidity which expresses the degree to which light is scattered and absorbed by molecules and particles, is a measure of the degree of the water transparency losing by the presence of suspended particulates including sediments and phytoplankton. Water turbidity is measured in FTU (Formazin Turbidity Units) applying a turbidimeter, type HANNA HI 93703-11. Water transparency that indicates the level of biological activity can be measured easily using a Secchi disc (Horizontal black disc). Horizontal Secchi disk was applied to measure the Secchi distance in Narta lagoon as a shallow one. The distance at which the disc disappears is recorded as the measure of water visibility. Turbidity parameters are measured every two weeks over a sampling period from July to November 2011, at each of four selected sites differentiated by sea-lagoon water communication. Turbidity and transparency values of the sites varied noticeably exhibiting spatial differences by station as well as changes over the sampling period. The observed variations can be explain by the communication sea-lagoon, fresh water supply as well as by the pollution near the urban areas. Analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) detected significant sites effect at Narta ecosystem (P < 0.01). Water transparency recorded as Secchi distance and turbidity measured in FTU were strongly correlated taken in consideration all selected sites over the sampling period. The relationship between these parameters can be expressed by an inverse power trendline, R2 = 0.95. Classification of Hakanson and Carlson related to the Secchi distance measurements as bioindicator of algal abundance allowed to characterize the selected sites of Narta lagoon by different level of trophic state.

157-160

Authors: N. V. N. LAKSHMI

Anantapur district is having the second lowest rainfall in the country, but with rich wild green biodiversity and traditional knowledge A wide range of wild species are used as edible plants. This traditional knowledge passed through generations, helps the rural people to maintain food security in their households. Majority of inhabitants take wild greens as a potential sources of alternative food to meet their essential nutritional requirements. Wild leaf vegetables are non cultivated, inexpensive source of food to maintain good health in the drought conditions. Hence it is very important to document the wild edible biodiversity. This unexplored information is very significant to exploit new food resources for future use.

169-176

Authors: JENNIFER ADLINE & ANCHANA DEVI

Moringaoleifera is commonly known as “Drumstick”. It is the most popular tropical crop. All its parts were used especially for their pharmacological, nutritional and water purification properties. The seeds of Moringa tree is used as a natural flocculant which is considered to be a natural alternative in purification of water. The pure cultures of bacterial strains were isolated from various sources. The isolated organisms were characterized by biochemical tests. The organisms were sub cultured in nutrient broth for further use. Moringaoleifera leaves were collected fresh and air dried. The leaves were grounded into fine powder. The leaves were soaked in three different solvents such as water, ethanol and chloroform, kept overnight and filtered out using whatmann filter paper no.2. The phytochemical analysis were carried out. Antimicrobial assay were done with aqueous, ethanol, chloroform extract at different concentrations. The zone of inhibition were observed and tabulated.

189-194

Authors: MACHENG BOIPONO, TSOMELE GOITSEONE TSOMELE & RAMMOLAI MOGADIME

The study interrogated the implementation of a performance management system in Gaborone secondary schools in Botswana which the aim of suggesting factors that could contribute to its successful implementation. The study adopted a qualitative approach using one on one interviews and observations for data collection targeting members of the staff development committee in the thirteen (13) junior secondary schools in Gaborone. Snowball sampling was used to select participants and in all, thirty four (34) teachers were interviewed. Before coding, the data collected was subjected to interpretive validity by sharing interpretations with participants. To ensure intra researcher reliability, data was coded twice realizing a high consistency between the two codings. The coded data was then divided into meaningful units. Relationships between units were extracted to come up with meaningful conclusive themes that described success factor for implementation of PMS in Gaborone secondary schools. The study revealed that design and implementation, effective communication and feedback, motivation and clear assessment strategy are essential for the success of PMS.

211-216

Authors: ADIL O. BAHATHIQ & BAHAELDIN ELKHAIR ELAWAD

This was a cross-sectional anthropometric study carried out among female students at intermediate and secondary schools at Makkah Al-Mukarramah district. The main aim of this study was to determine the age of onset of menarche among these students and the relation of menarcheal age to anthropometric measurements represented by weight, height, and body mass index. The study revolving around 200 female students within the age range of 12 to 16 years. The study procedure consisted of collecting the data by way of anthropometric parameters and interview questionnaire. In this study the mean age at menarche was found to be 12.1 ± 1.1 year. The study revealed that menarche occurred at an earlier age in comparison to the last three decades worldwide. This is actually consistent with similar studies done recently. This earlier menarcheal age among the participants in our study may be justified by improvement in living conditions and prosperity of socio-economic status at Makkah AL-Mukarramah district.

223-230

Authors: SARMISHTA DEY, P. B. MAZUMDER & S. B. PAUL

Tea is the oldest, most popular, non alcoholic caffeine containing beverage, in the world. The presence of heavy metal even in trace amount causes adverse effect both in quality and quantitative production. The accumulation of heavy metal causes health issues also. In the present work we have studied the effect of chlorophyll content which is an important photosynthetic parameter with the high concentration of copper stress with respect to the days of the treatment in two different cultivars viz. TV-23, TV-17 in hydroponically system. Both shoot and root weight decreased progressively with increasing Cu concentration for Camellia sinensis. Negative linear relationships were observed between total Chlorophyll contents and Cu concentration. With the increase in the concentration of Cu even at trace level causes deleterious effect in the metabolism of plant especially photosynthetic activity which caused remarkable breakdown in the photosynthetic parameters. A significant decrease of chlorophyll started for both the cultivars was observed at concentrations above 300µM. From this study, we found the photosynthetic activity of TV-17 is more sensitive to Cu stress than that of TV-23.

241-246

Authors: HARIHAR SOLANKI, K. BORANA & T. ZAFAR

In the present ichthyofaunal study, a total of 29 fish species belonging to 10 families, 7 orders and 15 genera were recorded during Jan., 2013 to Dec., 2013 from the Wainganga River at Balaghat of Madhya Pradesh. On the basis of percentage composition and species richness, order Cypriniformes was dominant (18 species) followed by Ophiocephaliformes (4 species), Clupeiformes and Mastacembeliformes (2 species) and Beloniformes, Perciformes and Siluriformes (1 species each).

261-268

Authors: JUFRI JACOB & INDAH SUSILOWATI

This study is aimed to know about the application of good governance principles as an effort to empower micro small enterprise as stated in Republic of Indonesia Presidential Regulation number 54 year 2010. In addition, it also aims to understand the worthiness level and formulate empowerment strategy for small micro enterprise as supplier of public procurement. The result shows that average compliance level of Regional Working Unit (SKPD) in the research area is high, reaching 81.93 %. This compliance level consists of 82.25% efficiency, 84.25% effectiveness, 80.21% transparency, 83.44% openness, 81.91% competitiveness, 79.15% fairness/nondiscriminatory and 81.82% accountability. Analyzing 50 small micro enterprise respondent shows low result. By means of 24 worthiness variable values that must be fulfilled by small micro enterprise to qualify as supplier for government goods and services like stated in Republic of Indonesia Presidential Regulation number 54 year 2010, only 7 variables exhibit more than 50% worthiness score. While the other 17 variables show below 50% worthiness score. By means of Focus Group Discussion, micro small enterprise empowerment strategy can be done through 6 aspects. They are Business Aspect, Technology & Information Aspect, Human Resource Aspect, Lobbying Aspect, Stakeholder Role Aspect and Micro Small Enterprise Worthiness Aspect.

273-288

Authors: NWEKE, I. A & NNABUDE P. C

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of cultivation and fallow on the Organic Carbon (OC), Total Nitrogen (TN), and available phosphorous (P) concentration in aggregate fractions of four soils. The four soils used for the study are; Entisol, Ultisol and two Inceptisols, all collected from four different locations in Nsukka area of Southeastern, Nigeria. The land use types considered were Fallow and Cultivated. The soils collected from 0-25 cm depth were separated into five aggregate fractions, 5-2 mm, 2-1mm, 1-0.5 mm, 0.5-0.25 mm and < 0.25 mm, and changes in their OC; TN and P concentrations due to cultivation were determined for both dry and wet sieved fractions. The result of the study showed that the OC concentration among the soils were in the order Entisol at Nsukka (ENsk) > Ultisol at Nsukka (UNsk) > Inceptisol at Eha-Amufu (IEh) > Inceptisol at Ikem (Iik). The total N concentration in dry sieved samples of ENsk was higher compared with those of similar fractions of UNsk, IEh and Iik, while wet sieved samples showed no consistence in the decrease of the TN concentration of the aggregate sizes. The total N concentration in both dry and wet sieved samples of UNsk increased progressively as the aggregate sizes decreased, while the highest TN in IEh was obtained in 0.5-0.25 mm aggregate size of dry sieved of fallow soil and wet sieved of cultivated soil. The lowest concentrations of TN in Iik was obtained in 1-0.5mm aggregate size for the dry sieved samples of fallow soil, and no particular change in the TN concentration of 1-0.5mm and 0.5-0.25mm size of cultivated soil. The wet sieved samples of the same soil showed that the highest concentration of TN was obtained in 0.5-0.25mm size in fallow soil and 17.3% decrease in < 0.25mm fraction relative to the 0.5-0.25mm fraction in cultivated soil. The TN concentration obtained in two Inceptisol in both dry and wet sieved samples of fallow and cultivated soil was low compared to the ones obtained from ENsk and UNsk. There was no uniform trend or pattern of available Phosphorous distribution in the aggregate fractions of dry and wet sieved samples. From the result of this study it can be deduced that the concentration of OC, TN and P of dry aggregate and wet aggregate fractions differ substantially even though their diameters are same. Hence their loss during fertility erosion will have differing impacts on the residual soil.

299-308

Authors: MURTAZA MUSTAFA, M. IFTIKHAR, M. IKRAM LATIF & RAJESH K. MUNAIDY

Brain abscess a potentially fatal disease, in the early days diagnosed only before autopsy. Brain abscesses in human are quite uncommon, certain underlying brain pathologies serve as a nidus for abscess. Classification of brain abscess on the basis of the likely entry point of infection. Most patients are presented with: Headache (70%), nausea and vomiting (50%), seizure (25-35%), nuchal rigidity and papilledema (25%), focal neurologic deficit (50%) and fever (45% to 50%). Mortality has ranged from 8% to 25%, poor diagnostic factors included, and underlying disease. Recent advances in the diagnosis and introduction of CT and, MRI scanning have reduced the mortality, Etiologic agents of brain abscess include: Streptococci, S.aureus, Bacteriodes, enteric gram bacilli, Pseudomonas spp., H.influenzae, S.pneumoniae, L.monocytogenes, fungi and protozoa. Diagnosis of brain abscess is a multidisciplinary include: Neuroradiologist, a neurosurgeon, and infectious disease specialist. CT and MRI scanning, image directed stereotactic aspiration and craniotomy are necessary in most cases. Empiric antimicrobial therapy should be initiated on diagnosis include: Vancomycin, third generation cephalosporin, clindamycin, trimethoprim-sulfamerthoxazolemeropenem, metronidazole, fluroquinolone, and fluconazole.