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 From each participant, 5 ml of venous blood was withdrawn for malaria parasite and ABO blood grouping tests and 2 ml of saliva was collected for determination of secretor status.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.

11-24

Authors: PRATIMA MISHRA & KAMLA VASHIST

As we all know that today’s adolescents are facing more challenges and opportunities in this age of Google world. To reduce their stress and improve their well-being is very important issue. Emotional intelligence allows us to judge in which situation we are involved and then to behave appropriately within it. Spiritual intelligence allows us to ask if we want to be in this particular situation in the first place. Spiritual Intelligence has a significant influence on the quality of life and success for Adolescents in 21st century which needs to be understood.

29-36

Authors: ANKITA TIWARI, VANDANA GUPTA, SANDEEP K. TIWARI & ARIHANT JAIN

In this paper we prove some common fixed point theorems for compatible mappings of type (A-1) in complete fuzzy metric space our result improves the result of Khan, M.S. [8].

45-56

Authors: REAM ODETALLAH

This paper elaborates a performed case-study on the applied assessments and evaluations in three public schools in Al Ain, UAE. The purpose of schools is to seek for innovative ways to educate young ESL learners with a low English proficiency and how to apply English Language Teaching in other major subjects taught in English. In a mere observation, it has been substantiated that an intense focus on the student’s academic and cultural values play a major role in acquiring the language by implementing different means of teaching strategies to serve the student’s needs. The study also mentions the dilemmas encountered when teaching and interchangeably assessing or evaluating the students, and what are the procedures and instruments needed to reduce any further declines in the student’s learning abilities. Last but not least, accurate, pragmatic applications involve sincere teaching, evaluation and assessment, followed by recovery or developmental plans to elevate and match the student’s learning standards as they proceed throughout the academic year, as well as helping the teachers to design their teaching strategies accordingly for more adequate and achievable outcomes.

61-66

Authors: SADIQ AZAM1, SALMAN SHEHZADA, FARAH SHIREEN, SAJJAD FIDA, HAMAYUN KHATTAK & ZIAULLAH

Medicinal herbal extracts are in vogue for over a century to cure human complications. Crude methanolic leaves extracts of competent herb Trigonella foenum-graecum were assessed for antibacterial, antifungal, free radical scavenging, hemagglutination and phytotoxic bioassay. Antibacterial bioassay was conducted via well diffusion protocol. And from the resulted zone of inhibition it was evinced that crude leaves extract possessed good activity against E.coli (47%), P. mirabilis (52%), B. cereus (60%) and P. aeruginosa (78%). Less antifungal aptitude against T. harizanum (30%) was validated. Rest of bacterial and fungal species was resistant. Less to moderate free radical scavenging capacity was demonstrated. Phytotoxic potentials at highest concentration was estimated i.e. 1000µg/ml (38%), manifesting moderate activity. No hemagglutination capacity was evidenced.

73-78

Authors: ANWAR KADHIM AL-SAFFAR, KADHIM CH. HASAN & MAHA JADOOA NOSHI

The remarkable ability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to adapt and thrive in wide variety of environments is due in part to its extensive genetic versatility, which contributes significantly to its potential pathogenicity. Depending on the environmental conditions and the immune status of the host, P.aeruginosa can be a quiescent colonizer, a case of chronic infections, or highly virulent invader during acute infections. The study is to assess the antibacterial effect of a new special solution made by a mixture of sidr infusion (Ziziphuss spina- Christi (L) var. inermis Boiss) with Hydrogen peroxide. In this study, P.aeruginosa isolates exhibited high resistance rate toward Cefataxime (CTX:30mg), Ceftazidme (Ca:30mg). Gentamicin (CN: 10 mg) and Carbenicillin (Py: 100mg). while Norfloxacin (NOR:10mg), Tobramycin (TOB:10mg) and Amikacin (Ami:30 mg) inbition zone of sensitive isolate in disc diffusion test were determined at (22.16 and 20) mm respectively. We was tested their decontamination using a special antibacterial solution; mixture (sidr leaves aqueous infusion 62.5 g\L with 1.5% Hydrogen peroxide). The mixture inhibition zone of sensitive isolate in well diffusion test was determined at 23mm. we concluded that special (mixture sidr infusion with hydrogen peroxide) antibacterial solution can eradicate P.aeruginosa.

85-90

Authors: K. LALITHA, R. PUSHPAMALA & R. JAMUNA RANI

India is the second largest country in the world with over one billion people of diverse socio-cultural background. The population of the world is increasing in an exponential manner. It has been found that the world population crossed the 5 billion mark in 1987 and by the turn of the century, it is expected to cross the six billion mark. India with a population of 843 million is the second most populous country in the world next to China and 7th in land area. With only 2.4 percent of world’s land area, India is supporting 16 percent of the world’s population.

101-106

Authors: BOLAJI OS, ADEYEBA OA, OJURONGBE O, ODEWALE G & UKAGA CN

Study on water contact activities and socio-cultural factors affecting the transmission of urinary schistosomiasis in rural community of Osun state was carried out. An endemic community located very close to Erinle dam was identified during general epidemiological survey of the state. Direct water contact observations and human water contact activities were made at Erinle dam near Ilie community. Also questionnaire was used for the study. Result showed that knowledge about the disease was very low. Only 500 (30.30%) respondents had knowledge of urinary schistomiasis by the local name “ATOSIAJA”. Water contact activity showed that most of the respondents 600 (36.4%) visited Erinle Dam for domestic purposes. Other purposes were recreation 300 (18.2%) and farming/fishing 100 (6.1%). Attitude and practices towards urinary schistosomiasis was very poor as regards the belief as a curable disease, a preventable disease and gravity of the disease. Also, in the area of personal hygiene, safety measures and treatment; those that believed in no remedy had the highest value of 546 (33.1%). The study on water contact activities either through direct observation or self reporting through questionnaires confirmed observational studies as more valid than interviews of reported water contact in the study area. The study emphasized water contact and socio-cultural factors as important guide to control interventions.

113-122

Authors: S. SIKKANDAR, S. JAYAKUMAR, B. S. ALWAR, S. SRINIVASAN & S. GUNASEKARAN

The present investigation aims to determine the acoustical parameters of gallbladder stones using Pulse-echo-overlap technique to optimize a disintegrator design. The Ultrasonic velocity for different types of gallbladder stones was measured at 5MHz. From the measured values of Ultrasonic velocity (U), the Specific acoustical impedance (Z), Debye’s temperature (θd), Elastic modulus (E) and Acoustical attenuation coefficient (α) were calculated. These measured parameters are helpful for the stone fragmentation by a disintegrator using Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL). The stone fragmentation depends on its mechanical properties such as hardness. It may be used to select an optimal frequency with appropriate intensity required for stone fragmentation. The tightness of molecular binding is determined by calculating the Elastic stiffness constant (C11) which varies among the types of gallbladder stones.

127-136

Authors: PARLINDUNGAN SINAGA, ANDI SUHANDI & LILIASARI

Determining what to teach to pre-service teachers, how to teach it, and what skills they should have, should refer to empirical facts. The research aimed to measure the effectiveness of the design of learning to represent physics concepts in improving the ability of pre-service physics teachers to make translation among representational modes and make multiple representations of physics concepts. This instructional approach design is embedded in the physics subjects with selected topics. Research outcomes showed that the approach had a high significance in improving the ability of making multiple representations of concept and translating among modes of representation for the domains of waves and optics and electromagnetism. The pre-service physics teacher’s abilities in making multiple representations of physics concepts and translating among representational modes improved with average normalized gains in the criteria of low to moderate. Their ability in making multiple representations of physics concepts could be explained for 37% by the ability in making translation among types of representational modes through linear relationship with the formulation of X = 6.77 + 0.33Y. Based on the interview with the pre-service teachers, another factor was found to influence the ability of making multiple representations, namely their ability of understanding physics concepts and the domain of the concepts to be represented.

145-152

Authors: SOMSUVRA DASGUPTA & ASHIS KR. PANIGRAHI

East Kolkata wetlands, an ecologically important Ramsar site in West Bengal, India include a rich floral and faunal diversity and act as kidney of Kolkata through recycling of waste water and sewage water come from Kolkata city through different canals. These sewage fed wetlands are threatened by aquatic pollution, renovation, developmental activities and large scale commercial aquaculture. These wetlands which are famous for fishery activities receive Pollutants like heavy metal, sulphate, oil, grease etc. through effluent of different industries like tannery, electroplating, plastic and dye industries of surroundings and alter the Ecosystem. Here, the organic load of city sewage and industrial effluents are used as nutrients for fish. During Ichthyofaunal survey 23 commonly cultured species and 14 wild fish species are recorded. Now few no. of fishes are in threatened condition due to aquatic pollution and economically less feasible fishes are also declined due to extensive culture of Indian Major Carp. Few indigenous fishes show severe indications of decline over the years. Now, about four fish species are endangered and eleven are vulnerable (CAMP report 2010). Declining ichthyofaunal diversity is destructive to the entire food chain of the wetland as well as the livelihood of fisher folks and the local people.

159-164

Authors: TALAT ARA & A. K. CHOUDHARY

The present study was conducted to establish a simple and effective protocol for plant propagation and conservation and by using shoot tip of Withania somnifera (Dunal). The plant is one of the important medicinal cash crop in many states of India. It is widely used in the treatment of inflammatory conditions, in tumor, tuberculosis, rheumatism and is beneficial to improve rejuvenating effect. In In Vivo condition the germination of seed is very poor. Regeneration protocol for multiple shoots development from shoot tips explants were established. Shoots were initiated directly from shoot tips and maximum of 11.3 ± 0.28 shoots/explants were achieved, in MS medium containing 2 mg BAP/L, AdSo4 50 mg/L and citric acid 1 mg/L. MS media supplemented with 2 mg/L IBA was most suitable for rooting. The rooted plantlets were successfully established in field.

175-178

Authors: SUSHIL KUMAR & SHUBHI TOMAR

Introduction Tobacco is the major cause of preventable premature deaths in world. To prevent these deaths India has enacted a comprehensive tobacco control law known as cigarettes and other tobacco products act (COTPA) in 2003. But still its Enforcement and compliance is a matter of concern. Survey to study the Compliance to the act is an effective tool to measure the status of implementation of the law at various public places. Aims The aim of this study is to assess compliance to smoke free legislation in public places of udupi district, Karnataka. Methodology A cross sectional study was conducted in the month of January 2014 in udupi gram panchayat region of udupi district. The public places including hotels/restaurants/bars/shopping malls, healthcare facilities, government offices, transit stations and educational institutions were surveyed. The tool used for the study was adapted from the guide on ‘Assessing compliance with smoke-free law’ which was developed jointly by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. Results No active smoking was observed in 81.5% of the public places. But display of ‘No Smoking’ signage as per COTPA in public places was observed only in 7.5% of the public places. Health care facilities and educational institutions has maximum compliance with the smoke-free law while transit sites and point of sale places showed the least compliance. Conclusions These findings suggest high level of compliance regarding no active smoking in public places but still a high level of non-compliance to the provisions of signage under COTPA was seen, which calls for a sensitization workshop and advocacy for all the stakeholders.

185-192

Authors: MRUNALINI PARASA, ZAREENA SHAIK, SHAIK MASTAN SAHEB & NAGENDRA NATH VEMURI

Background Assessment of Stroke volume variation (SVV) using minimally invasive devices in mechanically ventilated patients has been in use for several years to guide fluid administration. This study was designed to assess the utility of SVV derived from arterial pulse contour analysis, using FloTrac/Vigileo system to predict fluid status in patients scheduled for brain surgery. Method We studied 60 adult patients undergoing brain surgery. After a 5min period of stable hemodynamic parameters post-intubation, each patient received successive volume loading steps(VLS), of 200ml lactated Ringer's solution (LR), until the increase in SV(stroke volume) was <10%. Blood pressure(BP), Heart rate(HR), SV and SVV were measured before and after each VLS. We measured the optimal preload augmentation required for each patient by the number of VLS after which SV increase was<10%. Results There was a statistically significant difference in base line BP and SVV but not in HR between responsive and nonresponsive patients to first VLS. Except for HR, all the measured hemodynamic variables before first VLS showed significant correlation with change in SV after the first VLS. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed a larger area under the curve(AUC) of 0.758 for SVV compared to other measured variables. The median number of VLS administered were 2 per patient equating to a mean ±SD of 368±176 ml of crystalloid as the optimal preoperative infusion volume. Conclusions SVV obtained with 3rd generation Vigileo device is a better predictor of preload responsiveness when compared to BP and HR.

7-16

Authors: OJEWOLE, FOLUSO1 & THOMPSON, CESARINA2

Background: Critical thinking skills in nursing are important, as they are central to providing competent quality care. The need for the development of appropriate critical thinking skills by nursing students is also supported by the standards of practice for nurses as determined by various state nursing boards. Critical thinking dispositions are requisite for thinking critically and for developing sound critical thinking skills. Although in Nigeria, students scores on nursing board examinations and academic tests are above average, feedback from clinical instructors and alumni supervisors suggest that graduates are lacking in these skills as they begin their professional practice. Purpose: This study investigated the critical thinking dispositions of undergraduate nursing students at various levels of education and to assess their levels of education and on critical thinking dispositions scores. Materials and Methods: This is a causal-comparative study. Using a convenience and purposive sampling, 509 undergraduate nursing students completed the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory Scale (CCTDI). Findings: The mean and standard deviation of participants age was 19.8 and ± 1.4 respectively. Majority of the students were in their fourth year and third year in the nursing program. Students demonstrated a weak positive overall disposition to critical thinking, with evidence of disposition not increasing significantly overtime. The subgroup means of the 7 trait sub-scores revealed a very homogeneous group with truth-seeking as lowest and inquisitiveness as highest with an overall mean score of 284.52 and SD of ±25.98. Statistically significant differences were found between participants scores for truth-seeking, inquisitiveness, analyticity, confidence in reasoning, and overall CCTDI. Conclusions: Findings revealed that baccalaureate nursing students on average demonstrated an inclination toward not being open to new ideas and are weak in clarifying or seeking understanding of situation. It is therefore recommended that nursing education should integrate teaching and learning activities that can enhance truth-seeking, ensuring students function as the creators of their own knowledge, and faculty becoming eager to learn how to train critical thinkers, exerting the mental effort needed to apply it.

31-40

Authors: ENWELU, I. A1, ASOGWA, N. P2, NWALIEJI, H. U3 & EZEANO, C. I4

The study assessed constraints to cocoyam consumption in selected communities in Enugu State, Nigeria. A total of 80 cocoyam consumers were interviewed for the purpose of eliciting information. Cocoyam consumers were of low economic status with a greater proportion (38.7%) of them earning between #0.00 to #9,999.00 per month. About 63.0% of the respondent consumed 6 – 10 kg of cocoyam chips (Achicha) while 11 – 15 kg and 16 – 20 kg were consumed by 6.3% and 2.5% of the respondents, respectively. Only about 5% and 1.2% of the respondents made use of 1 – 5kg and 6 – 10kg of cocoyam flour respectively per month. In the communities, respondents expressed both positive and negative attitudes towards cocoyam but more of positive attitude than negative attitude. The major constraints to consumption of cocoyam are traceable to scarcity of the products which are caused among other factors by low research interest to boost production and increase disease outbreaks as a result of climate change. Some strategies suggested that could promote consumption of cocoyam were improving the storability of cocoyam to ensure its availability ( = 3.67) and subsidizing the production of cocoyam ( = 3.64). The study concluded among other things that cocoyam was culturally accepted and not regarded as poor man’s food in the communities.

55-60

Authors: ARTA LUGAJ1 & KRISTAQ BËRXHOL2

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a zoonotic vector-born viral disease with a case fatality rate of 2-50% in human. CCHFV is classified within the Nairovirus genus in the Bunyaviridae family. Its causative agent is a negative-sense, single-stranded (ss) RNA genome containing S (small), M (medium), and L (large) segments which encode for the nucleocapsid protein (NP), the envelope glycoproteins G1 and G2 and RNA-dependent polymerase, respectively. The virus can be transmitted mainly through direct contact with blood or tissues from infected livestock or through bites of Hyalomma ticks. The aim of this study was to examine the distribution of CCHFV among cattle of 10 regions in Albania respectively in (Has, Kavaje, Kukes, Berat, Kolonje, Pogradec, Rreshen, Korce (Bulgarec/Qatrom) and Gjirokastra). The data taken from this study indicates for the presence of CCHFV Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus in the country. The serums were conserved in -20°C and tested with immunological methods using indirect ELISA assay in Friedrich-Loeffler Institute (FLI), Greifswald Germany. Through this technique it was possible to identified IgG antibodies in infected serum samples. From these results we had an indication about the presence of IgG antibodies in 15 blood samples from 337 cattle in total. These results can clearly proved the presence of CCHFV in livestock in Albania.

73-88

Authors: NADIA GHOUNANE

This research paper sheds light on the dark side of Algerian culture in relation to language use through investigating linguistic taboos and euphemistic usage. It shows that the attitudes of Algerian speakers are linked to certain socio-cultural and psychological factors including the social norms of the society, the social upbringing of its individuals and the social environment in which they get in contact in addition to their identity construction and other parameters. It also shows that Algerian people have developed a rich vocabulary which includes euphemistic substitutions. These substitutions are the results of societal, psychological and cultural pressures. In fact, euphemisms and linguistic taboos represent a wealth vocabulary of Algerian dialects and, henceforth, they provide a fertile soil for researchers in dialectology and sociolinguistics, although not much scholarly ink has been spilled on by Algerian investigators in this field of research. To these ends, we have relied on many research instruments including a questionnaire and an interview. Thus, the outcomes of this study show that the percentages of both taboos and euphemistic usage are nearly equal, although statistical analysis of the questionnaire reveals that the respondent’s attitudes towards taboos are highly positive. The results also show that Algerian people try to discuss taboo topics in single sex groups depending on their age and gender. Lastly, these research findings prove that sex has remained as the most tabooed topic, whereas death is also handled with care in Algerian society.

97-102

Authors: ASHIS KUMAR PANIGRAHI1 & AVIJIT BAKSHI2

A profilistic study on the socio-economic status of the fishermen community of the river-side villages of River Churni was conducted during 2012. A total sample of respondents was 240 families and only the main earning member was considered as respondents. Pre-tested interview schedule was used for the collection of information after conducting a preliminary survey to construct a clear idea about the status of fishermen on river side areas. The result of the study revealed that most of the responded were belonging to the Hindu community (58.75%) besides Muslims (37.91%) and others. About 50.83% of total respondents were found to belong under the age group above 19yrs and below 40 yrs. About 36.25% were belonging to the Scheduled caste category. Illiteracy was found one of the major problems of the studied area as about 34.16% respondents were found to be illiterate. Though major occupation was fishing but many of the respondents affirmed about presence of their part time works (viz., rickshaw pulling, contract labouring etc) in their lively hood to increase the income a little bit. On further interrogations it was confirmed that smoking, chewing of beetle nut, consumption of alcoholic liquor, addiction to tobacco leaves and other injurious habits were very common in the fishermen community. Using of very simple equipments or gears for fishing were found among the fishermen. Monthly income of most of the families (49.16%) was found between Rs. 2500 to Rs. 5000. The investigation revealed that the basic problem of the socio-economic degradation is due to the increasing pollution in to and gradual decrease in the productivity of the river. The study was also confirmed that general socio-economic status of the fishermen community of the river side areas could be improved by the proper interference of government and planned development of infrastructural condition related to fishing.

111-116

Authors: AKANSHA MAURYA, SADHVI GAUTAM & MADHU GAUTAM

The densities, viscosities and ultrasound velocity of Pyridine with ethanol and n-propanol at 303K have been measured experimentally. The acoustic and thermodynamic parameters viz isentropic compressibility, intermolecular free length, specific acoustic impedance, molar & available volume, viscosity and their excess values have been computed at different composition of both components. The deviation of experimental form ideal values explained in terms of molecular interaction of binary non-aqueous system. The specific molecular interaction have been concluded in the above binary systems.

11-18

Authors: K. V. Shivakumar, R. Devendra, M. V. Muniswamappa, G. K. Halesh & M. Mahadevamurthy

Bidens pilosa L. is an annual weed in many cropping systems where it reduces crop yield up to 9 to 48 percent because of its fast growth and competitive ability. This weed is commonly found in gardens, cultivated areas, waste lands and along road sides. The reproductive biology of weed has an implication on controlling practices that minimize the populations on agricultural fields. With this background the study was conducted to know the biology of weed seed production under the canopy of plantation crops. Heavy growth is observed during July to September in South India. A wide variation in plant height, Number of branches, biomass, seed production potential were observed. There was no definite pattern in seed production between seed rain episodes and branches of weed but significant differences were observed in the growth parameters Viz. number of seeds produced from different branches. The time interval between seed rain episodes significantly varies from 4 to15 days and 37 to 73 days taken to complete entire seed rain episode varies among population. Test weight of seeds collected during seed rain episodes had significantly high (1.64g) between early and (1.08g) at later stage of seed rain episode. There is a positive significant correlation between the growth parameters and the seed yield was observed.

25-28

Authors: Ananthnag K & Bharathi B

The study was conducted in the Eastern Dry Zone (EDZ) of Karnataka state during the year 2013 to know the achievement motivation of farmers practicing organic farming and to document their difficulties. The findings show that 43.12 percent of the respondents had high level of achievement motivation and 34.38 percent of respondents had medium level of achievement motivation. The major difficulties expressed by the farmers relating to organic farming were, recommended Bio-control practices are of high cost and not effective in controlling pests, scarcity of FYM and other organic manures, lack of market information and market access, non availability of recommended package of practice and laborious process involved in application of organic practices, difficulties in getting the organic manures compared to the chemical fertilizers, which can be bought easily, insufficient training, non-availability of skilled labours, lack of minimum support price for the organic products, non availability of required quantity of Neem seed kernel, farmers were not sure whether all the nutrients with the required quantities can be made available by the organic materials.

33-38

Authors: Bharathi B, Ananthnag K & G. N. Nagaraja

Consumer behaviour refers to the actions of consumers in the market place and the underlying motives for those actions. There has been a growing awareness of the fragility of the environment. Marketers saw increasing consumer interest in the environment as a marketing opportunity to target organically grown produce concerned consumers. Hence, this study conducted on the behavioral aspect of the consumer. Organic foods are made according to certain production standards. The Government of India has set up a NIOF. The formulate rules, regulations, and certification of organic farm products in conformity with international standards. All this arguments leads the marketers to find answer, to whether their socio economic studies helps the residents to buy organic food products and whether the attitude about organic food product is positive and influences to buy organic food products and in order to know the above queries, the present study has been carried out during 2012 in Bangalore Karnataka. An empirical study entitled “Buying Behaviour of Urban Residents towards Organic Food Products” has been carried out. The study was carried out in Bangalore City with the sample size of 200 household respondents who are familiar with Organic Food Products by adopting multistage sampling technique. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics.

49-56

Authors: Sangeeta Nagaich & Preeti Sharma

It was well documented that the educational condition of women has improved in the past few decades but their work participation rate is still low. Here, the paper tried to see reasons behind this difference. There are many determinants of work participation rate but we limit this paper to education. The paper is based on the hypothesis of increasing women work participation rate with increase in Literacy rate. The correlation matrix between Work participation and literacy rate improvement does not show significant relation. In addition, it was found that women with primary education are actively engaged in agricultural sector. Finally, the paper Concludes with some general observations and suggestions.

63-70

Authors: Stela Ruci, Denada Kasemi & Sajmir Beqiraj

The present study aims to assess and analyze the species composition, abundance and environmental state of the macro zoobenthic community of the rocky areas along the Adriatic coast of Albania. Benthic samples have been taken during July – August 2011 in four rocky coastal areas, where 140 taxa of macro zoobenthos have been recorded in total. The groups with the highest presence and abundance were mollusks of the families Patellidae, Trochidae, Cerithiidae, Muricidae, Risoiidae and Vermetidae, crustaceans of the families Balanidae, Gamaridae, Grapsidae and Mayidae, as well as the polychaetes Serpulidae. Five species have been reported for the first time for Albania: the gastropods Trimusculus mammillaris and Vexillum savignyi, the bivalves Acesta excavata and Musculista senhousia, and the sponge Hexadella racovitzai. Two alien mollusk species for the Mediterranean have been recorded: Rapana venosa and Musculista senhousia. From a preliminary assessment, the benthic community in the studied area seems to have a relatively low stability and unfavorable environmental state. The species composition and abundance of benthic macro invertebrates in this area are under the influence of the exposal of the coast, algal cover and environmental impact.

77-80

Authors: Shikha Jaggi & Abhay Singh Yadav

In the present study, the distribution of ABO and Rh (D) blood groups has been investigated in four endogamous groups of Haryana (Mallah, Banjara, Kumhar and Saini). In ABO blood group system, the frequency of A allele ranged from 0.040-0.286, that of B allele ranged from 0.322-0.368 and of O allele ranged from 0.354-0.604 whereas the frequency of D allele varied from 0.421-0.900. The frequency of different alleles falls well within the range of other castes of Haryana.

89-92

Authors: Deependra Yadav, S. P. Singh & Sarvesh Singh

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of foliar application of potassium compounds viz., KNO3, K2SO4, KH2PO4 and KCl on fruit retention, yield and physico-chemical attributes of Banarasi Karaka ber. The concentrations of potassium compounds were 1% and 2%. The highest fruit retention, fruit yield/tree, fruit size, weight, pulp/stone ratio, TSS and ascorbic acid were noted at 2% K2SO4 with the lowest acid content.

101-110

Authors: Miniar Ben Ammar Sghari & Sami Hammami

In this paper we examine the role of medical technology in growth of health care expenditure. In recent years, many industrialized countries have been confronted with rising healthcare expenditures. We take a panel cointegration approach in order to explore the possibility of estimating impacts of medical technology. Our empirical analysis is based on 14 developed countries_ France, Allemagne, Italie, Japon, Mexique, Noverge, Espagne, Suisse, Royaume-Uni, Etat-Unis, Turquie, Austria, Germany and Prologne for the period 1980–2012. We find that medical technology exert a statistically significant positive effect on health care expenditure.

117-124

Authors: Muhammad Kamran Taj, Wei Yunlin, Zohra Samreen, Imran Taj, Taj Muhammad Hassani & Ji Xiu Ling

The chemical signal molecules called autoinducers are produced and released by the quorum sensing bacteria to levels dominating the increasing cell-population density. The attainment of minimal threshold stimulatory concentration of an autoinducer leads to an alteration in gene expression. Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria are capable of using quorum sensing communication circuits for regulating a diverse array of physiological activities. These activities include symbiosis, competence, virulence, conjugation, antibiotic production, sporulation, motility and biofilm formation. The Gram-negative bacteria use acylated homoserine lactones as autoinducers, while Gram-positive bacteria use processed oligo-peptides to communicate. In the field of quorum sensing revealed, cell to cell communication via autoinducers both within and between bacterial species. The establishment of enormous data in this field suggests autoinducers acquiring specific responses from host organisms. Despite the difference in chemical signals, signal relay mechanisms and the target genes controlled by the bacterial quorum sensing systems, the ability to communicate with one another allows bacteria to coordinate the gene expression as well as the behaviour of the entire community. This process presumably confers upon the bacteria some of the qualities of higher organisms. The evolution of quorum sensing systems in bacteria thus could have been one of the early steps in the development of multicellularity.

135-142

Authors: M. Ravi Babu & Asghar Eimani

Human Resource Management used to be considered as other conventional administrative jobs. But over a period of time, it has evolved as a strategic function to improve working environment, plan out human resources needs and strike a balance between the organization and employers in order to increase organizational productivity and meet organizational goals. Not to exaggerate but in today’s highly competitive world it has gradually become one of the most important functions of an organization. HR is a product of the human relations movement of the early 20th century, when researchers began documenting ways of creating business value through the strategic management of the workforce. The function was initially dominated by transactional work, such as payroll and benefits administration, but due to globalization, company consolidation, technological advancement, and further research, HR now focuses on strategic initiatives like mergers and acquisitions, talent management, succession planning, industrial and labor relations, and diversity and inclusion. This paper considers some of the key issues and challenges in human resource management in the Indian Context.

151-156

Authors: C. Gobalakrishnan & K. Shunmuga Priya

Dual carrier is always posing many problems to the concern individuals. The amount and nature of problem depends upon how the individual tackle the situation in a successful manner. The same type also arises in the life of the married girls students too. In their life they are facing many problems but basically two problems are major. The first one is they have to look after their family and the second one is they have to concentrate on their studies. The present paper deals about the problems face by married girl students in their daily life. The data were collected from 80 respondents by using snow-ball sampling method and the educational institutions were located in and around Salem city in Tamil Nadu.

163-168

Authors: Mumtaz Ansari, Vivek Srivastava, Nitish Ranjan Acharya & M. Rajgopal Acharya

Background: Traditionally, repair of an inguinal hernia has been by an open method, but laparoscopic techniques have recently been introduced and are increasing in popularity. This study aimed to compare early and late outcomes following laparoscopic and open repair of inguinal hernia. Methods: After institutional review board approval, a retrospective review was performed with the charts of 97 patients who had undergone surgical repair of inguinal hernias from January 2007 through August 2010, and the data for 73 patients who met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. Surgical variables and clinical outcomes were compared using Student’s t test, the Mann–Whitney U test, chi-square, and Fisher’s exact test as appropriate. Early-outcome criteria studied include in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, complications (infection, bleeding, injury to an organ, and urinary retention), and readmission. Late outcome was assessed by the need for a further inguinal hernia repair. Results: Out of 73 patients 45 patients had undergone open mesh repair and 28 patients had undergone laparoscopic mesh repair for inguinal hernias. Postoperative complications were experienced by 20 patients in the open group and 6 patients in laparoscopic group. In the laparoscopic group, 18 patients underwent total extra peritoneal (TEP) repair, and 10 patients had trans abdominal pre peritoneal (TAPP) repair. Postoperative complications were experienced by 4 patients in the TEP group and 2 patients in the TAPP group (p = 0.44). Reoperation rates were higher following laparoscopic repair for primary inguinal hernias as compared to recurrent inguinal hernias. Conclusions: This retrospective review showed that following laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, reoperation rates are higher than with open surgery following repair of primary unilateral or bilateral hernia but not recurrent inguinal hernia. Both procedures were comparable in terms of intra- and postoperative complications.

177-186

Authors: Denada Kasemi, Stela Ruci & Sajmir Beqiraj

This paper represents a comparative study on species composition, quantitative characteristics, seasonal variations and stability of macrozoobenthic populations between Jonufra and Radhima coasts in Vlora Bay. Sampling has been carried out during 2007 - 2009, focusing on the supralittoral, mediolittoral and upper part of infralittoral. A total of 103 species has been found in both investigated sites. It is worthy to note the presence of 33 endangered species in national scale and 2 endangered species in regional scale (Lithophaga lithophaga and Paracentrotus lividus). The macrozoobenthic community in the studied area has showed a low stability. Characteristics of macrozoobenthic populations in both sites are mainly related to the macroalgal cover and substrate typology.