Government Policies and Food Security in Sudan (1970-2007): Incentives, Efficiencies and Comparative Advantage for Sorghum Producing in Mechanised Rain-fed Subsector | Author : Salah M. Elawad ; Elrashied E. Elkhiedir ; Mahmoud A. Amassaib ; Ahmed M. El Naim | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :This study aimed to analysis the impacts of government policies on food security in Sudan (1970-2007). The incentives, efficiencies and comparative advantage for sorghum producing in mechanized rain-fed subsector were analyzed using the Policy Analysis Matrix. The calculations of private and social profitability provided information to identify the impacts of policies on sorghum production. The period of the analysis divided into five sub-periods to represent the different economic situations in the Sudan. The results were summarized within a sub-period by using moving average of intervals. The results found that the government intervention policies were incentive producers in the sub-periods within the range of 1985-2007. Therefore, the country was economically had a competitiveness in producing sorghum (DRC was positive and less than one and range from 0.4464 to 0.6570. The exception made for sub-period of 1992/94-2000/02 where the DRC was more than one. Moreover, the policies distortions taxed producers by 31.6% and 29.1% in sub-periods within the range of 1970-1985 and subsidized them by 335%, 95% and 74% in sub-periods within the range of 1985-2007.
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| Aspects of the Microbiology of Fermented African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus | Author : Fola Mathews Omolara O. ; Nicholas Eteobong ; Kolawole Daniels Aghogho O. | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Microbial analysis was carried out to determine the quality of fish sauce prepared using the African catfish Clarias gariepinus. The samples were prepared in three jars namely: Treatment A, B and C. Treatment A was prepared with a salt concentration of 10% and was incubated at a temperature of 40°C, (accelerated fermentation process), Treatment B was prepared without the addition of salt and was also incubated at a temperature of 40% (Putrefaction indicator) while Treatment C was prepared with a salt concentration of 25% without incubation (Traditional method of fermentation). The three jars were tightly sealed and left to ferment for 28days in a cool and dry environment. The microbial and proximate values of each treatment was analyzed weekly. The strains isolated in the three jars belonged to twelve genera of microorganisms which are Bacillus, Staphylococcus, streptococcus, Clostridium, Lactobacillus, Micrococcus, Aeromonas, Pleismonas, Moraxella, Aspergillus, Rhizopus and Penicillium with Bacillus having a predominant occurence of 47.05%. Treatment B had the highest number of microbial counts of public health significance, while the microbial counts in Treatments A and C had microbial counts that were safe for human consumption. There was a concomitant decrease in pH values of Treatment A and C while treatment B increased steadily. It was concluded that the microbial counts were within the level of consumption.
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| An Introductory Study of Fish Biodiversity and Fishing Practices in the Betna River of Southwestern Bangladesh | Author : Tonmoy Chakroborty ; Md. Mizanur Rahman | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :The present research was conducted as a preliminary study to assess the status of fish biodiversity and the existing fishing practices of the Betna River of Satkhira district in southwestern Bangladesh. The study was carried out for a period of twelve months from January to December 2014 on the basis of primary observations, questionnaire interviews with fishers, focus group discussions (FGD) with river bank community members and cross-check interviews with key informants. The study revealed that a total of forty-six (46) species of fish and shell fish belonging to twenty one (21) common groups were identified in the catches of the Betna River. The highest and lowest fisheries species were recorded as shrimp (17.05%) and mullet (1.77%), respectively. The other dominant species were snakehead fish (13.27%), Indian major carps (10.94%), small prawn (9.85%), spiny eel (5.50%), and catfish (5.9%). In addition, the fishers of the Betna River were categorized into three groups namely professional, seasonal, and subsistence fisherman and they used seven (7) types of fishing gears for catching fish. The resources of the river are facing emerging threats due to pollution, hay siltation and over exploitation. So, proper management is urgently needed to conserve the ichthyofaunal diversity of the river.
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| Assessment of Fruit Consumption and Marketing Chains in Aleta Chuko District of Southern Ethiopia | Author : Zemenu Kerie Terefe ; Demelash Mulualem ; Yitna Tesfaye | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :The aim of this study was to assess ways of utilization and marketing chains of fruits in Aleta Chuko district of Southern Ethiopia. The area of study was purposively selected considering the availability of fruits at any season. Then four sites (kebeles) were randomly selected to conduct this study. A total of 250 farm households who produce fruit were selected. To collect the required information’s, a structured questionnaire were prepared and dispatched through data collectors. All the collected data were subjected to SPSS version 20 for analysis. The results showed that high production percentage of pineapple (95%) followed by avocado (76.2%) and papaya (66.3%) were noticed. Although there was such production amount, the percentage of household consumption level for pineapple, avocado and papaya was 28.6, 37.5 and 28.7 respectively. Moreover, the percentage amounts sold to market for pineapple, avocado and papaya were 71.4, 53.8 and 68.5 respectively. Most of the households (61.4%) did report that they sell their fruits to nearby markets whereas 36.7% did sell at their own farm gate. Most of the households responded that 5 to 10% of postharvest fruit losses occurred during transportation. The causes of such losses were reported as the type of transport used for fruit marketing as a major factor which accounts for 48.6% in addition to type of packaging material (31%) and distance to market (18.6%).
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| Sex Ratio of Purple Lagoon Crabs Goniopsis Pelii (Herklots, 1851) from the Lagos Lagoon ? Nigeria | Author : Nicholas Eteobong ; Fola Mathews Omolara. O. ; Kolawole Daniels Aghogho. O. | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :The sex ratio of the mangrove crab, Goniopsis pelii was studied in Lagos lagoon southwest Nigeria, from February to July 2012. The crab species was sorted in sexes. The research is to provide a base line data on the percentage of male and female species of Goniopsis pelii. The product of the investigation shows that the number of females was found to be more abundant than the males in the study which implies that the lagoon is a breeding ground for crabs. The highest number of female crabs was proof for the month of May (39) followed by April and July (37), then February (36), June (34) and March (24). While the male was most profuse for the month March (36) followed by June (26), then February (24), April and July (23) and May (21). The sex ratio was high despite the polluted nature of the site. The calculated Chi-square (X2) test shows that female Goniopsis pelii were significantly more abundant than the male (P = 0.05). The total number of male crabs is 169 while the female crabs are 191. The ratio for the male to female Goniopsis pelii is 1:1.
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| Hepatitis B Virus and Immunity | Author : Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi ; Obeagu Getrude Uzoma | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Hepatitis B is one of the most common infectious diseases of the liver in the world and a major public health problem. The predominant routes of transmission vary according to the endemicity of HBV infection. In areas of high endemicity, perinatal transmission is the main rout of transmission, where as in areas of low endemicity, sexual contact amongst high-risk adults is predominant. All three coat proteins of HBV contain HBsAg, which is highly immunogenic and induces anti-HBs. The stability of HBV does not always coincide with that of HBsAg. Exposure to ether, acid (pH 2.4 for at least 6 hrs) and heat (98°C for 1 min; 60°C for 10 hrs) does not destroy immunogenicity or antigenicity. Antigenicity and probably infectivity are destroyed after exposure of HBsAg to 0.25% sodium hypochlorite for 3 minutes. Infectivity is lost after autoclaving at 121°C for 20 min or dry heat treatment at 160°C for 1hr. HBV occurs worldwide. The highest rates of HBsAg carrier rates are found in developing countries with primitive or limited medical facilities .In areas of Africa and Asia, widespread infection may occur in infancy and childhood. The overall HBsAg carrier rates may be 10 to 15%.The prevalence is lowest in countries with the highest standards of living, such as Great Britain, Canada, United States, Scandinavia, and some other European Nations. During HBV infection, the host immune response causes both hepatocellular damage and viral clearance. Innate immunity generally plays a role immediately after infection to limit the spread of the pathogen and initiate efficient development of an adaptive immune response. Innate immune response during the early phases of viral infections are mainly characterized by the production of type 1 interferon (IFN) a-/ß cytokines and the activation of natural killer (NK) cells.
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| Isolation of the Pathogenic Organism of Bacterial Blight of Psidium guajava and the Antibacterial Effects of Aqueous Ethanolic Leaf Extracts of Ocimum gratissimum, Cymbopogon citratus, Vernonia amygdalina and Annona muricata on the Pathogen | Author : Eneh Frank Uchenna ; Okeke Chidi Benjamin ; Igbokwe Gabriel Ejike ; Nwachukwu Godslove Pephel ; Okpala Chukwuemeka Obumneme | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :The research work was aimed at isolation, characterization and identification of pathogenic organism responsible for the infection of guavas (Psidiumguajava) referred to as bacterial blight of guava and also the antibacterial potency of ethanolic leaf extracts of Vernoniaamygdalina, Ocimumgratissimum, Cymbopogoncitratus and Annonamuricata were screened against bacterial blight isolate (Erwiniapsidii) using agar disk diffusion method. The leaf extracts were screened for antibacterial activities at 200mg/ml concentration. Antibacterial efficacy of extracts against the bacterial isolate was indicated by the appearance of clear zones of inhibition around the disks. The extracts of Vernoniaamygdalina and Ocimumgratissimum showed inhibitory activities against the bacteria isolate with zones of inhibition of 13mm and 9mm respectively while extracts of C.citratus and A.muricata showed no zone of inhibition. Result of the antagonistic activity of the extracts compared favourably with the activity of standard fumigant. The minimum inhibitory concentration of V.amygdalina and O.gratissimum were 25mg/ml and 50mg/ml respectively and not determined in C.citratus and A.muricata.
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| Documentation of Medicinal Plants at the Village Kholabaria of Natore District, Bangladesh | Author : Rajia Sultana ; A. H. M. Mahbubur Rahman | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :The present study was carried out on medicinal uses of plants by the local people at the village Kholabaria of Natore district, Bangladesh. The study was conducted during February 2016 to March 2017. The information about medicinal uses of rural people was collected through interview. A total of 124 plant species under 112 genera and 59 families have been documented which were used for the treatment of 114 categories ailments. These medicinal plants were used by the rural people for the treatment of various diseases like diabetes, bronchitis, high blood pressure, asthma, passing of semen, gonorrhea, skin disease, jaundice, headache, diarrhea, cough, cancer, dysentery, scabies, menstrual disorder, fever, toothache, burning wounds, stomachache, piles, gout, rheumatism, abortion, vomiting, ulcer, anemia, ring worm, tuberculosis, arthritis, heart disease, birth control, diuretic, hypertension, paralysis, constipation, baldness, sore, dyspepsia, chicken pox, pain, eczema, cholera, indigestion, tonic, women nervous and general debility, tetanus, liver disorders, sexual disease in male, worms, wound and injury, menstruation, cold, kidney disease, eye inflammation, boils, high cholesterol, urinary tract infections, sunburns, hepatitis, hair fall and others. The results of the study revealed that the local peoples had rich knowledge of medicinal plants and were using the plants for their primary healthcare. Therefore, it would be important to document the traditional knowledge of medicinal plants for further healing purpose.
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| Comparative Study of Nutritive Properties and Some Toxic Minerals in Locally Prepared Wheat (Tritian Aestivum) and Plaintain Flours (Musa Paradisiacal) Consumed in Ekiti State | Author : Ojo O. I. ; Ajayi M. G. ; Olunloyo B. E. | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Comparative evaluation of some nutritive properties and minerals was carried out on locally prepared wheat and plantain flours. The proximate analysis shows that highest percentage in the moisture content; crude fat, crude fibre and crude protein contents were recorded in wheat flour as 12.20, 1.94, 2.03 and 11.96 all in percentage respectively. Highest values for ash and carbohydrate content were observed in plantain flour as 2.92% and 83.70% respectively. The mineral analysis shows that highest level (mg/kg) of zinc (39.5), Cadmium (0.20) and lead (0.22) were observed in wheat, while highest level of copper (3.51) was recorded in plantain flour. Cadmium and lead values were less than the detection limit in the plantain flour.
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| Socio-Psychology of Rapping in Criminological Nexus | Author : Md. Kamruzzaman ; Sumona Sharmin ; Md. Abdul Hakim | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Rapping is a heinous crime increasing day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute and second by second in the world. The purpose of the study is to explore the socio-psychological etiology of rapping. The study population has been selected from the charge sheet of fourteen cases of victims and ten cases of rapist under trial in Tangail district Judge Court in a developing country Bangladesh by name. Semi structured in-depth interviewing method was used to collect data. Findings divulged that most of the victims were known to the rapist lied in the Muslim community. The identified causes were of rapping were gender inequalities, patriarchy, power, dominant behavior over women and low social status of the victims. Psychologically, the men committing this crime were mentally panicked. The government, civil societies and conscious people should take effective measures to raise consensus in this connection.
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| In vitro Antibacterial Evaluation of Fresh Garlic Juice (Allium sativum L.) Cultivated in Sudan | Author : Emad Mohamed Abdallah | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Garlic pulp is a very important spice with many therapeutic properties, well known all over the world. The Sudanese garlic has strong odour compared to other imported varieties and studies on it are scant. The in vitro antibacterial investigation using disc-diffusion method revealed that garlic has effective antibacterial activity against most tested bacteria and it was a competitor to the antibiotic (Chloramphenicol). However, its efficacy was much higher against the gram-positive bacteria. The highest susceptible gram-positive bacteria was Staphylococcus epidermidis (27.5±4.5mm), followed by Staphylococcus saprophyticus (20.5±0.5), Staphylococcus aureus (20.5±0.5mm), Bacillus cereus (18.5±0.5mm) and Streptococcus pneumonia (15.0±1.0mm), respectively. While, the most susceptible gram-negative bacteria was Escherichia coli (14.0±0.0mm) and Shigella flexsneri (14.0±1.0mm), followed by Proteus vulgaris (12.5±0.5mm), and Klebsiella pneumonia (10.0±1.0mm), respectively. Only Pseudomonas aeruginosa did not show any susceptibility toward garlic juice. The use of fresh garlic pulp in the daily dietary habits, particularly in developing countries, unhygienic areas and rural cantons, may lead to minimizing the probability of spread of bacterial diseases in these areas.
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| Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Weaned Rabbit Fed Alchornea Cordieolia Leal Meal | Author : Ebegbulem V. N. ; Dauda A. ; Udoudo M. J. | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Thirty six (36) weaned rabbits between the ages of 4-6 weeks were fed graded levels of Alchornea cordifolia leaf meal (ACLM) at different inclusion levels in the diet with the aim of evaluating the effect of ACLM on growth performance and carcass characteristics of rabbits. Animal were assigned to the test diets using a completely randomized block design (CRBD). Nine (9) rabbits were randomly allotted to each dietary treatment T1 T2 T3 T4 (diet formulated contain 0%, 5%, 10% and 15%) respectively with three (3) rabbits serving as a replicate after balancing for body weight. All conventional management practices were followed. The experiment lasted for eight (8) weeks. Parameters measured for growth performance are; final body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, total weight gain and for carcass characteristics are; live weight, dressed weight, dressed percent relative weight of major cut (head, neck, shoulder, rack, back cut loin and thigh). The result obtained from this study showed that growth performance of rabbits fed ACLM showed no significance difference (P>0.05). The results of carcass characteristics of rabbits fed ACLM showed Significant differences (P<0.05) in the mean live weight, dressed weight, dressed percent, neck, shoulder and loin. The highest value for live weight, dressed weight, dressed percent, shoulder and neck are observed in T1 (0% ACLM). The study concluded that inclusion level of 5-10% of ACLM is good for optimum performance.
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