Showing papers in "Australian journal of basic and applied sciences in 2009"

Virtual Teams: a Literature Review

Abstract: In the competitive market , virtual teams represent a growing response to the need for fasting time-to- market, low-cost and rapid solutions to complex organizational problems. Virtual teams enable organizations to pool the talents and expertise of employees and non-employees by eliminating time and space barriers . Nowadays, companies are heavily investing in virtual team to enhance their performance and competitiveness. Despite virtual teams growing prevalence, relatively little is known about this new form of team. Hence the study offers an extensive literature review with definitions o f virtual teams and a structured analysis of the present body of knowledge of virtual teams. First, we distinguish virtual teams from conventional teams , different types of virtual teams to identify where current knowledge applies. Second, we distinguish what is needed for effective virtual team considering the people, process and technology point of view and underlying characteristics of virtual teams and challenges they entail. Finally, we have identified an d extended 12 key factors that need to be considered, and describes a methodology focused on supporting virtual team working, with a new approach that has not been specifically addressed in the existing literature and some guide line for future research extracted.

Antioxidant activities, total anthocyanins, phenolics and flavonoids contents of some sweetpotato genotypes under stress of different concentrations of sucrose and sorbitol.

Abstract: 2 Abstract: Antioxidant activity, total anthocyanins, phenolics and flavonoids Contents were monitored in a callus induced from stem segment culture of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Abees, the Egyptian orange-fleshed cultivar in addition to four genotypes (199062.1-1999026.1-199015.14- 199004.2) obtained from the International Potato Centre (CIP). In vitro callus culture were grown over period of four weeks in dark on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations of osmotic potential induced by (0.03, 0.1, 0.15 molar) sucrose or sorbitol, MS medium without any sugar used as a control. It was found that the dominant DPPH radical-scavengers of Abees cultivar was due to the presence of anthocyanins and phenolic compounds rather than flavonoids, while at 199062.1 was as a consequence of flavonoids and at 199004.2 was a result of the phenolic compounds. Anthocyanins and flavonoids accumulation stimulated by increasing the sugar concentration up to 0.1 M and 0.15 M respectively using sucrose; however phenolics compounds increased in 0.1 M sorbitol. Radical-scavenging activity contributors varied according to the cultivar and the osmotic potential.

Heavy Metals Contamination in Sediments of the Western Part of Egyptian Mediterranean Sea

Abstract: Concentrations of eight heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in surface sediment from El-Sallum to Sidi-Kreer along western part of Egyptian Mediterranean Coast were determined to evaluate their levels and spatial distribution. The ranges of the measured concentrations in the sediments are as follows: 0.524-0.924 μg/g for Cd, 16.248-34.164 μg/g for Cr, 26.529-33.332 μg/g for Cu, 846.426-1433.933 μg/g for Fe, 32.371-108.915 μg/g for Mn, 31.703-43.592 μg/g for Ni, 20.672-35.624 μg/g for Pb, and 26.267-112.73 μg/g dry weights for Zn. There are no significant correlations among most of these metals, indicating they have different anthropogenic and natural sources. To assess metal concentrations in sediment, Numerical Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs) were applied. The concentrations of Cd, Cr, Pb, and Zn in all sediment samples are lower than the proposed TECs indicated that there are no harmful effects from these metals. On the other hand, concentration of Ni exceeded TEC in all samples while Cu was exceeded the T EC at El-Sallum and Sidi-Barrani indicated that these stations were in potential risk. The metal contamination in the sediments was evaluated by applying Index of geo-accumulation and contamination factor.

Chemical analysis of vermicomposts/vermiwash of different combinations of animal, agro and kitchen wastes.

Abstract: 2 Abstract: In India million tons of livestock excreta, agro and kitchen wastes are produced every year which are serious problems for society. This work to evaluate the potential of an epigeic earthworm Eisenia foetida to convert the different combination of variety of wastes in to rich nutrient vermicomposts/vermiwash and pre and post chemical analysis of feed mixtures. Vermicomposting results in significant decreased in pH, Total organic carbon (TOC), electrical conductivity (EC) and C:N ratio while significant increase in total Kjeldohl nitrogen (TKN) available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium and calcium in vermicomposts/vermiwash. The increased level of plant nutrients in final products in different organic resources demonstrated that the vermicompost/vermiwash of these wastes will be a valuable biofertilizer for sustainable land restoration practices. This study clearly indicates that vermicomposting of animal, agro/kitchen wastes not only produced a valuable vermicompost/vermiwash but also increased level of plant growth supplements in final vermicompost.

Effects of Osmo- and Hydro-priming on Seed Parameters of Grain Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.)

Abstract: The influence of priming treatments and subsequent accelerated aging on seed parameters of grain sorghum was investigated. Seeds of sorghum were treated by osmo-priming (polyethylene glycol 6000 solution with osmotic potential -1.5 MPa) and hydro-priming for different time (12, 24 and 36 hours). Both osmo- and hydro-priming improved the percentage and mean emergence time (MET) of seeds at sub- optimal temperature of 15 C. Seed treatment for 12 and 24 hours had a ° positive statistically significant effect on percentage and speed emergence. Nevertheless priming for 36 hours failed to improve emergence percentage and mean emergence time (MET). After receiving accelerated aging, osmo- and hydro - primed seeds showed a lower emergence percentage and longer mean emergence time (MET) than their non - aged counterparts. Moreover, treated seeds subjected to accelerated aging showed lower emergence responses than aged control seeds, which was particularly clear for hydro - primed seeds.

Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of leaves essential oil of Laurus nobilis from Morocco.

Abstract: The extraction of essential oils of leaves of Laurus nobilis is obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) for determining their chemical composition and identification of their chemotypes. Their antibacterial activity was studied in vitro on tree bacterial strains: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus intermedius and Klebsiella pneumonia. The essential oil yields of the studies were 1.86%. The major component was 1,8-cineole (52.43%), other predominant components were a-terpinyl acetate (8.96%), sabinene (6.13%), Limonene (5.25%), a- pinene (3.72%), linalool (3.14%), terpinene-4-ol (2.56%), a-terpinene (2.12%), â-pinene (1.98%), a- terpineol (1.56%), bornyl acetate (1.89%), a-phellandrene (1.28%), myrcene (1.13%), camphene (1.05%), p-cymene (0.94%), o-terpinene (0.98%) and eugenol (0.56%). The chemical compositions revealed that this leaves had compositions similar to those of other Laurus nobilis essential oils analyzed in other countries. The bacterial strains tested were found to be sensitive to essential oils studied and showed a very effective bactericidal activity with minimum inhibitory concentrations (M IC) ranging from 0.01 to 1 mg/ ml.

Effects of Soil and Foliar Applications of Humic Substances on Dry Weight and Mineral Nutrients Uptake of Wheat under Calcareous Soil Conditions

Abstract: A greenhouse research was conducted to determine the effects of soil and foliar applications of humic substances on dry matter and some nutrient elements' uptake of wheat grown under 3 calcareous soil conditions. Agricultural lime was used to obtain five CaCO doses (0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 %). The solid humus was applied to the soil at 0, 1 and 2 g kg doses one month before planting -1 and the liquid humic acid sprayed on the leaves at 0, 0.1 and 0.2 % doses at 20 and 35 days after th t h seedling emergence. Although the increasing lime levels negatively affected the growth and mineral elements uptake of wheat, application of the soil humus limited this decrease especially under 20 % and 40 % doses of lime. The highest dry weight and nutrients uptake were obtained from 1 g kg -1 humus treatment. Foliar application of the Humic acid had statistically significant effect on Mg, Fe and Mn uptake. humic acid raised the dry weight and N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn uptake of plants at non limed pots and the amounts were found high at 0.1 % dose of humic acid. The second dose (0.2 %) was found much more effective on dry weight and nitrogen uptake at high lime conditions. the presence of significant quantities of free excess lime (CaCO or MgCO ) are common in arid and semi-arid climates affecting over 600 million ha soils of the world (Leytem and Mikkelsen, 2005). These types of soils are also spread in Mediterranean areas and 58.62 % of the soils in Turkey comprising lime more than 5 % (Eyupoglu, 1999). These soils are also important for production of f ield crops, especially 9.4 million ha wheat sowing areas in Turkey. Micronutrients deficiency is one of the most important abiotic stresses in plants grown on calcareous soils (Xudan, 1986; Kulikova, et al., 2002). In addition, increased nitrogen (N) losses as ammonia and reduced solubility of phosphorus (P) occur in these types of soils. Thus, negatively affects the soil fertility. It has known that fertility of soils is also related to soil organic matter content. Humic substances (humic and fulvic acids) are the major components of soil organic matter and the term of "humus" is widely accepted as synonymous for the soil organic matter (Chen and Aviad, 1990). The humic substances in the soil have multiple effects that can greatly benefit plant growth (Lobartini, et al.,1997; Tan, 1998; Nardi, et al.,2002;

Effects of ohmic heating on lipase activity, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of rice bran.

Abstract: The study aimed to investigate the effect of stabilisation using ohmic heating (OMH) on lipase activity, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of rice bran. The moisture content of rice bran samples was adjusted to 20, 30 and 40 %. Alternative current electricity (50Hz), with three levels of electrical field strengths (EFS) of 75,150 and 225 Vcm were applied, in order to stabilise the rice -1 bran. Lipase activity, free fatty acid (FFA), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) of stabilised rice bran during storage at 4°C were investigated. The influence of OMH on the concentration of phenolic compound, a-tocopherol, a-oryzanol and the antioxidant activity of samples were also evaluated. The results indicated that OMH was an effective method for stabilisation of rice bran with moisture addition. According to this study, the EFS at 150-225 Vcm and MC of rice bran -1 30-40 % were the optimum conditions to retard the increasing of FFA content, lipase activity and lipid oxidation during storage. Moreover, the stabilised rice bran using OMH yielded the highest levels of phenolic compound, a-tocopherol, a-oryzanol, and antioxidant activity.

Effects of long-term salinity on growth and performance of two pistachio (Pistacia L.) rootstocks.

Abstract: Salinization is one of the most important problems that restrict cultivation of crops in arid and semi-arid regions; Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) is one of the most important trees that grown in these restricts. In this greenhouse study, the effects of salinity on growth of 2 pistachio rootstocks 'Badami' and 'Ghazvini' evaluated. Seedlings of these cultivars were grown in 25×30cm plastic bags containing 4.5kg soil. Salinity was imposed, by adding salt (NaCl) to the pots at 6 leaf stage (about 1 month after planting) to obtain concentration of 0, 800, 1600, and 3200 mg NaCl kg-1 soil. Plants irrigated with 7 days intervals. Ninety days after salt treatment, pistachio seedlings were harvested and length of shoots and roots, number of leaves, relative water content, plant biomass, chlorophyll content, photosynthesis rate, reducing sugar concentration, and proline content of leaves were measured. Salinity decreased shoots and roots growth, number of leaves per plant, plant biomass, net photosynthesis rate, and chlorophyll content in comparison with the control. These parameters had higher value in the 'Ghazvini' rootstock than in the 'Badami' rootstock. The concentrations of reducing sugars in the leaves of the both rootstock improved with increasing salinity concentration up to 3200. Free proline content in the leaves of pistachio cultivars also increased with the increased salnity level. Proline content and reducing sugars in 'Ghazvini' rootstock was much higher than 'Badami'. Data obtained in present study emphasised that 'Ghazvini' rootstock is more tolerant to salinity than 'Badami'.

Insecticidal Effect of Cucurbitacin E Glycoside Isolated from Citrullus colocynthis Against Aphis craccivora

Abstract: Citrullus Colocynthis fruits were extracted by different solvents (n-hexane, methylene chloride, Chloroform and ethanol). Each extract was tested against Aphis craccivora. The highest 50 insecticidal effect (LC 11003 ppm) was obtained from the ethanol extract. The residue remaining after evaporation of ethanol extract was re-extracted by different solvents with increasing polarity. Each fraction was tested against Aphis craccivora . The butanol extract showed the maximum insecticidal effect. HPLC analysis of this fraction showed presence of six compounds, the most abundant of them was that having retention time (Rt.) 4.8 min. (69.3%). This compound was purified by using florisil column stepwise eluted with different mixtures of methanol: chloroform. Mass analysis of the isolated and purified compound showed the molecular ion peak at m/z 719. The 38 55 13 elemental analysis (C, H and N) suggesting the molecular formula to be C H O . I.R., proton and C NMR analysis identified this compound as 2-O-â-D-glucopyranosylcucurbitacin E. 13

Effect of Acetylsalicylic Acid, Indole-3- Bytric Acid and Gibberellic Acid on Plant Growth and Yield of Pea (Pisum Sativum L.)

Abstract: 1 Abstract: Pots experiment were conducted during the two successive seasons of 2007 and 2008 to investigate the effect of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) at 10 and 20 ppm, indole-3-bytric acid (IBA) at 3 50and 100 PPM and gibberellic acid (GA ) at 50 and 100 PPM on pea (Pisum sativum L.) cv Prgress mog. Growth regulators were applied as foliar spray at 25 and 35 days after sowing. Three samples were taken at 21, 45 and 70days after sowing coinciding with vegetative stage, flowering and harvest respectively. Application of ASA and IBA enhanced plant growth as indicated by plant height, number of leaves, fresh and dry weights in both seasons. Significant increase in 1000 seeds weight and pod parameters (length of pod, pods number / plant, seeds number / pod, pods fresh and dry weights) was 3 recorded by ASA and IBA at harvest comparing with control and GA treated plants. These positive effects of ASA and IBA were correlated with significant increase in total chlorophylls in leaves, total soluble proteins, praline, phenol, total soluble carbohydrates and sugars in seeds. Analysis of endogenous phytohormones in seeds at harvest revealed reduction in ABA concentration and an 33 increase in zeatin riboside and GA concentration in GA treated plants. W hile plants treated with ASA and IBA showed an opposite trend.

Stability of Wheat Genotypes under Different Environments and Their Evaluation under Sowing Dates and Nitrogen Fertilizer Levels

Abstract: 2 Abstract: The current study aimed at assessing the heat tolerance of t welve wheat genotypes under six environmental conditions (two locations and three years). W heat genotypes were sown in two locations (Sohag and Assiut, Egypt) at two dates: November (favorable) and December (heat stress) during winter seasons of 2005/2006, 2006/2007 and 2007/2008. The combined analysis of variance showed that the flag leaf area, days to heading, plant height, spike length, 1000-kernel weight, biomass and grain yield were significantly influenced by years, locations, sowing dates, nitrogen fertilizer levels and genotypes. The results showed that sowing at the favorable date using 100kg/fed Nitrogen fertilizer increased all studied traits. The stability analysis revealed that four and three genotypes were high and intermediate yielding and stable for yield, respectively. The temperatures were decreased up to 2.50 to 6.39 o C at sowing late date than at the favorable sowing date. However among wheat genotypes a wide variation was found in response to heat tolerance. The results indicated that the 1000-kernel weight and grain yield traits are stable under heat stress. Some wheat genotypes conferred productive and adaptive advantages where they expressed high yield and yield stability when compared to other genotypes. This study indicated that higher 1000-kernel weight and days to heading are the two important traits which could be considered as potential selection criteria for yield under heat stress.

The Chemical Constituent and Vegetative and Yielding Characteristics of Fennel Plants Treated with Organic and Bio-fertilizer Instead of Mineral Fertilizer

Abstract: This experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Assiut branch to investigate the possibility of organic and bio-fertilizers utilization instead of mineral fertilizers and the subsequent effects on vegetative growth, yielding, volatile and crude oils as well as the secondary metabolites on fennel plants. The obtained results indicated that vegetative growth, yield, essential oil and crude oil were augmented when application of different mineral and organic fertilizers. The interaction between recommended NPK x bio-fertilizer treatment and the combined of 40 m organic manure and bio-fertilizer treatment were the most effective on previous 3

Antioxidant Defense System in Heat Shocked Wheat Plants Previously Treated with Arginine or Putrescine.

Abstract: 2 Abstract: Two pot experiments were carried out in the screen of National Research Centre during two successive seasons 20/11/2002/2003 - 2003/2004 to alleviate the harmful effects of high temperature stress (35 C ± 2) on wheat cultivar (Giza 168) by the application of arginine or putrescine o (0.0, 1.25 and 2.5 mM). Wheat plants are grown normally and sprayed with arginine or putrescine at 30 DAS and left to grow. At 40 DAS (double ridge stage), the plants are exposed to high temperature stress (35 C ± 2) for 4 or 8 hrs while the control plants left at 20 C ± 2. The plant o o samples were harvested at 48 hrs after the exposure to high temperature. The induced changes in the enzyme activities, lipid peroxidation, nucleic acid contents and protein electrophoretic pattern in the treated wheat plants were determined., The activities of POX, PPO and IAA - oxidase enzymes were increased significantly in wheat plants exposed to high temperature, while, SOD and CAT activities were decreased compared to the values of plants exposed to high temperature stress. Arginine or putrescine treated plants prior to high temperature exposure showed significant reductions in the activities of POX, PPO and IAA - oxidase enzymes and significant increases in SOD and CAT activities than those of the corresponding plants exposed to high temperature stress alone. Exposure of wheat plants to high temperature (4 or 8 hrs) increased significantly the MDA contents in the wheat shoots as a result of lipid peroxidation. Arginine or putrescine treatments induced significant reduction in these contents. DNA contents of wheat plants exposed to high temperature decreased significantly. Such effect was much more pronounced in response to 8 hrs. In the meantime, RNA contents exhibited significant increases over the control. The application of either arginine or Put on wheat plants increased significantly both DNA and RNA contents over the plants exposed to the high temperature stress or the control plants. The changes in the protein electrophoretic pattern of the exposed wheat plants to 4 or 8 h of high temperature exhibited an increase in the number of protein bands as compared to the control. The appearance of new proteins in wheat shoots subjected to the high temperature stress are at molecular weights 111, 90, 70, 45, 32, 24 and 8 KDa. All these proteins are known to be heat shock proteins. Exposing wheat plants to high temperature after arginine or Put treatments exhibited slight increases in the number of bands compared to the plants exposed to the high temperature stress alone. Arginine or Put treatment promotes the synthesis of a new protein bands at M wt 80.9 K Da under normal and high temperature stress. The magnitude of such responses was more pronounced in case of 2.5 mM treatments of either substance.

Immobilization of a Thermostable á-amylase on Calcium Alginate Beads from Bacillus Subtilis KIBGE-HAR

Abstract: 2 Abstract: Alpha-amylase from B. Subtilis KIBGE-HAR was partially purified by 40 % ammonium sulfate upto 7 folds and then immobilized by entrapment in calcium-alginate beads. The catalytic properties of the immobilized a-amylase were compared with that of the free enzyme. The optimum pH of the free enzyme was 7.0 while that of immobilized enzyme was pH 7.5. The optimum temperature for free and immobilized enzyme was 60c and 70c respectively. The activity yield of the immobilized enzyme was 65 %. A substrate maximum for immobilized enzyme was changed from 2 % to 3%. Incubation time for enzyme-substrate reaction was remained same i.e. 5 minutes for the free and immobilized a-amylase.

Effect of Using Dried Fenugreek Seeds as Natural Feed Additives on Growth Performance, Feed Utilization, Whole-body Composition and Entropathogenic Aeromonas Hydrophila-challinge of Monsex Nile Tilapia O. Niloticus (L) Fingerlings.

Abstract: 3 - Abstract: The present study was conducted to evaluate the use of Fenugreek Seeds meal (FKSM), as natural feed additives, in diets for fingerlings monsex N ile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (9.80±23 g). Four diets are isonitrogenous (30% crude protein),and isocaloric (4.40 kcal / g diet) were categorized into four groups contain 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 % of FKSM. The effect of FKSM on growth performance, feed utilization and entropathogenic Aeromonas hydrophila-challinge of monxes Nile tolapia O. niloticus (L) fingerlings (L.) were evaluated. Diets were fed to triplicate groups of monosex Nile tilapia at a rate of 4 % of live body weight. The feed was offered twice daily; six days a week for 90 days. Results showed that fish fed diets containing 1 % FKSM had significantly higher (P<0.05) growth performance (body weight, weight gain, gain % specific growth rate (SGR). The lowest fish growth was obtained at control diet.Survival rate of Nile tilapia fed all the experiments ranged from 93.33 % to 100 % without significantly difference among them. Feed intake (FI), Feed efficiency ratio (FER), protein efficiency ratio (PER), apparent protein utilization (APU), and energy utilization (EU) increased significantly, while feed conversion ratio (FCR) decreased significantly in diet containing 1 % FKSM. While FCR increased significantly for control diet. There were no significant difference were observed in dry matter, protein, lipid, or ash content of Ni le tilapia fed diets containing various levels of FKSM. The highest reduction in feed cost compared with control diet showed to produce one kg fish gain of treatment containing 1 % Fenugreek. Results in somatic indices measurements for Nile tilapia of K-factor, LS-index and VS-index similar or little lower than those of fish fed the control diet The results of fish challenge against A. hydrophila for 10 days, mortality not observed in fish fed diet containing different level of fenugreek.While mortality percentage in fish fed control diet was 89 %. The samples were analyzed for haematology and serum biochemistry. Hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells ( RBCs) count, haematocrite ( PCV) ,serum total protein and globulin significantly (P < 0.05) increase with increase fenugreek in the dietary levels but, no significant difference in the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity and glucose was observed among the groups after feeding in all trails relative to fed control, whereas, fish fed on 0.5% exhibited significantly increase and the highest values of albumin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea and creatinine. Total lipids and A/G ratio of fish fed on diet exhibited significantly decrease lower values than control.

Partial purification and characterization of five α-amylases from a wheat local variety (Balady) during germination.

Abstract: A local Saudi Arabian wheat (Triticum aestivum) variety (Balady) showed high levels of amylolytic activities at different stages of germination. The activity of α-amylase increased from day 0 to day 6 of germination, where it exhibited its highest level (2300 units/g seeds), followed by decrease of activity till day 16. Chromatography of 6 days old wheat seedlings of germination on DEAE-Sepharose column showed five forms of α-amylase activities (α-amylases AI, AII, AIII, AIV and AV). The apparent Km values of isoenzymes for hydrolyzing starch were 1.42 mg, 2.0 mg, 1.1 mg, 2.5 mg and 1.7 mg, respectively. α-amylases AI, AII, AIII, AIV and AV were found to have sharp and broad pH optima of 5.5, 5.5-6.5, 5.0-6.0, 5.0-6.0 and 7.0, respectively. The temperature optima of wheat amylases are the same at 50°C. Thermal stability study showed that α-amylases AI, AIV and AV were stable up to 50°C after incubation for 15 min, while α-amylases AII and AIII were stable up to40°C. The affinity between substrate and enzyme was detected only for glycogen and starch compared with other carbohydrates tested, where glycogen had more affinity than starch. 2+ Various metal ions such as Ca2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Hg2+, Zn, Ni, Hgand Cd2+ at 2 mM were tested for amylase activation/inhibition effect. Ca2+ is found to has activating effect as indicated by increased activity for all isoenzymes except of AII which is inhibited. In conclusion, these α-amylases from wheat have interesting characteristics such as low km value, broad pH optimum, high optimum temperature, high affinity toward starch and glycogen and activation by some metal as calcium. Therefore, these characterization meet the prerequisites need for food industry.

Detection of adulteration and identification of cat's, dog's, donkey's and horse's meat using species-specific PCR and PCR-RFLP techniques.

Abstract: PCR and PCR-RFLP methods for identification of cat's, dog's, donkey's and horse's meat were developed. DNA from a very small amount of muscles (0.05 g) was extracted to amplify species-specific DNA sequences in cat, dog and horse, in addition to mitochondrial D NA segment (cytochrome-b gene) in both donkey and horse. PCR product size of the species-specific region was 672-, 808- and 221-bp in cat, dog and horse, respectively. Using the same horse-specific primer, the same PCR amplification size (221-bp) in donkey was obtained. For discrimination between donkey's and horse's meat, the mitochondrial DNA segment (cytochrome-b gene) was amplified. Restriction analysis of PCR-RFLP of the mitochondrial cytochrome-b segment (359- bp) showed difference between donkey's and horse's meat. Where, restriction enzyme AluI yielded three fragments in horse's meat; 189-, 96- and 74-bp, whereas no fragments were obtained in donkey's meat. The use of these species-specific primers allowed a direct and rapid identification and detection of adulteration of cat's, dog's, donkey's and horse's meat even after homogenizing.

Phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial activity of Scoparia dulcis and Nymphaea lotus.

Abstract: Two medicinal plants, Scoparia dulcis (Scrophulariaceae) and Nymphaea lotus (Nympaeaceae) were studied to verify their medicinal claims by the Nupes in Nigeria. The crude aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the medicinal plants were tested against Stapylococcus aureus, Microsporum canis, Candida albicans, Salmonella typhi, Streptococcus species, Escherichia coli and Proteus vulgaris. Ethanolic extracts of Scoparia dulcis and Nymphaea lotus produced greater zones of inhibitions on Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species while aqueous extracts produced zones of inhibition on Staphylococcus aureus from both plants. The ethanolic extracts of Scoparia dulcis produced zones of inhibition on Microsporum canis and Candida albicans while ethanolic extract of Nymphaea lotus produced zones of inhibition on Candida albicans. Escherichia coli, Samonella typhi and Proteus vulgaris were the most resistant. Bioactive agents like Saponins, glycoside and carbohydrate were detected in Scoparia dulcis, while saponins, tannins and alkaloids were found in Nymphaea lotus. The interest in the scientific investigation of these medicinal plants from Nupe land, Niigeria is based on the claims of their effective use for the treatment of many diseases. Therefore, research into the effects of these local medicinal plants is expected to enhance the use of these plants against diseases caused by the test pathogens. However, most of these plants used in folk medicine have not been screened for their antimicrobial activity. Therefore, basic phytochemical investigation of these extracts for their major phytoconstituents is also vital. In the present study, the ethanolic and aqueous extracts from Scoparia dulcis and Nymphaea lotus plants were screened for phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species, Candida albicans, Microsporum canis, Proteus Vulgaris and Salmonella typhi.

The effect of mixing on methane production in a semi-commercial closed digester tank treating palm oil mill effluent.

Abstract: The performance of a semi-commercial closed digester tank treating palm oil mill effluent(POME) was studied at four different mixing regimes i.e natural mixing (NM), minimal horizontalmixing (MHM), minimal horizontal and vertical mixing (MHVM) and vigorous mixing (VM). Thechemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency recorded satisfactory result at higher than 90%when subjected to the first three mixing regimes but reduced to the lowest of 85% when VM wasapplied. In the NM, MHM and MHVM experiments, the maximum total volatile fatty acids (VFA)concentration in the digester was recorded below the critical level of 1000 mg L. The MHM gave -1 the highest methane productivity at 1.4 m m d in comparison to NM at 1.0 m m dand MHVM 3-3-13-3-1 at 1.1 m m d. This indicates minimal mixing was required to provide good contact between 3-3-1 substrate and microorganisms inside the digester and to release the entrapped biogas at the bottom of the digester. The VM on the other hand was discovered to inhibit the methane production process asmethane was not produced at the end of the experiment and total VFA concentration was alsorecorded high at 3700 mg L. The high total VFA concentration in the system may have disrupted -1 the syntrophic relationship between acidogens and methanogens and inhibited the methanogenesis.

Vegetation-soil relationships in the Wadi Al-Hayat Area of the Libyan Sahara

Abstract: 2 Abstract: W adis are unique intrazonal landscapes in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. These wadis are undergoing rapid physical and socio-economic changes. The present study assesses the plant communities and soil factors that govern species distribution and richness of the W adi Al-Hayat in the south-western area of Libya. Cluster analysis and Bray-Curtis ordination were used to classify and ordinate the vegetation in relation to soil factors. These analyses resulted in the recognition of seven vegetation groups that linked to a specific habitat. Acacia tortilis subsp. raddiana occupied the wadi channels, Phragmites australis-Typha domingensis inhabited the swamps, Juncus acutus-Imperata cylindrica represented the wet saline flats, Alhagi graecorum-Tamarix nilotica had the widest distribution and represented the dry saline flats, Nitraria retusa-Tamarix nilotica occupied the sand sheets, Traganum nudatum-Zygophyllum album and Calligonum polygnoides-Stipagrostis plumosa inhabited the stabilized and partially stabilized sand dunes, respectively. Cumulative variance detected for the three axes of the Bray-Curtis variance-regression ordination was substantial (77.3%). The first axis was positively correlated with soil salinity, moisture content, organic matter and altitude. The second axis represented mainly a soil texture; it was positively correlated with fine fractions, and negatively with gravel percentage. The third axis was negatively correlated to human disturbance (grazing and cutting intensities). These findings should guide conservation efforts to maintain species diversity at the study area.

Effect of surgical removal of foreign body from goat's rumen with special reference to the prevalence of foreign body in goats in Southern Darfur.

Abstract: Foreign body prevalence in the rumen of living and slaughtered desert goats, together with the prevalence of foreign body in the other species of goats in Nyala town was investigated in the current study. Also, the impact of surgical removal of foreign body from the rumen of desert goats on some physiological parameters was investigated. The percentages of goats harbouring foreign body either in live or slaughtered animals were found to be 87% and 84% respectively, while the prevalence of foreign body in Nyala town was found to be 81% and 85% in the years 2006 and 2007, respectively. Surgical removal of the foreign body resulted in no significant change (P # 0.05) in respiratory rate, heart rate and body weight. After removal of foreign body significant decrease (P#0.05) in rectal temperature and significant increase (P#0.05) in haemoglobin concentration (Hb) was also observed. It is concluded that, surgical removal of the foreign body did improve the health of the animals under investigation.

Role of Jasmonic Acid and Abscisic Acid Treatments in Alleviating the Adverse Effects of Drought Stress and Regulating Trypsin Inhibitor Production in Soybean Plant.

Abstract: Jasmonic acid and abscisic acid are important intracellular regulators mediating diverse developmental processes, such as seed germination, leaf abscission and senescence. In addition, they are essential mediators in triggering some plant responses to abiotic stresses including drought, salinity and cold. How hormones interact to coordinate these responses which are referred to as signalling crosstalk is an area receives intense interest from plant physiologists. The aim of the present work is to study the possible roles of treatments with jasmonic acid (100μM), abscisic acid (100 μM) and their combination (100 μM JA + 100 μM ABA) on alleviating the harmful effects of drought stress on endogenous phytohormones, polyamines, total soluble protein and protein banding pattern of soybean plant (Glycine max L cv. Giza 22). An additional point of interest was to detect the change in trypsin protease inhibitor production in response to treatment with different concentrations of jasmonic acid and abscisic acid using ELISA technique. W e found that both jasmonic acid and abscisic acid ameliorate the adverse effects of drought stress on soybean plant, but treatment with jasmonic acid was more efficient. W e also revealed that production of trypsin inhibitor in soybean plant could take place via a JA- or ABA-depending signalling pathway.

Antioxidant activity of extract and semi- purified fractions of marine red macroalga, Gracilaria verrucosa.

Abstract: The ethanol and its successive extracts of the marine red macroalga, Gracilaria verrucosa, were measured for antioxidant activity, using the a,a-diphenyl-â-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging assay system, and compared with those of the positive controls of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and Butylated hydroxylanisole (BHA). The crude ethanolic extract was further fractionated to afford four fractions (PE, EA, BuOH and W ater fractions), of which the pet.ether (PE) and ethyl acetate- soluble (EA) fraction exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity in the assay system. The EA fraction was further separated into eleven subfractions, designated as EA1-EA11, by silica gel column chromatography. In most cases, EA3 and EA4 were found to possess the strongest antioxidant activity. The total phenolic contents and reducing powers of the extract, fractions, and subfractions were also determined. Significant associations between the antioxidant potency and the total phenolic content, as well as between the antioxidant potency and the reducing power, were found for the tested fractions and subfractions.

Essential oil, growth and yield of onion (Allium cepa L.) in response to foliar application of some micronutrients.

Abstract: The experiments were conducted under sandy soil conditions to study the effects of foliar application of Fe, Zn and Mn on essential oil, growth and yield of onion plants (Allium cepa L.). Plants were sprayed with two concentrations of each of Fe, Zn and Mn (chelated form). Essential oil, growth characters and yield were measured in response to the applications of these micronutrients. The results revealed that essential oil, growth and yield of onion plants significantly increased by the application of Fe, Zn and Mn compared to control plants. The results showed that the high concentration of Fe and the low concentrations of both Zn and Mn had the best effects compared to the other concentrations. The effects of Fe, Zn and Mn on essential oil, growth and yield of onion plants are discussed.

Microbiological and physicochemical properties of raw milk used for processing pasteurized milk in blue nile dairy company (Sudan).

Abstract: 3 Abstract: An analysis of raw milk samples and pasteurized milk, after processing and before packaging demonstrated an association between the properties of the raw milk used and the pasteurized milk produced. Raw milk used provided by Blue Nile Dairy and Kordi farms. Raw milk from both farms was usually mixed and standardized (3- 3.2% fat) and pasteurized using High Temperature Short Time (HTST) pasteurizer. Raw and pasteurized milk were analyzed for chemical, physical and microbial properties. The result of raw milk for protein, lactose, sold not fat, ash, Density, freezing point, titratable acidity, and pH revealed significant variation (P 0.05) affected by source. The mean values of microbiological results indicated that the log of cfu/ml of total bacterial counts (TBC), coliform counts, thermoduric bacterial counts and psychrotrophic counts were 4.755±0.007 and 1.294±0.021, 4.106±0.008 and 0.214±0.047, 2.980±0.014 and 0.621±0.049, 0.814±0.014 and 0.360±0.073 in raw milk samples and pasteurized milk at processing, respectively. The present study recommended that quality assurance programs should be started to ensure good quality milk and milk products.

Natural Extracts and Their Chemical Constituents in Relation to Toxicity Against Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) and Aphid (Aphis craccivora)

Abstract: Experiments were carried out to determine the toxicity of leaf extracts of Mentha microphylla (Mint) and Citrullus colocynthis (Colothyn) either as crude extracts or as formulations. The efficacy of crude and formulation were tested against nymphes of whitefly, Bemisia tabaci and 50os aphid, Aphis craccivora. LC of crude for Colothyn for first, second, third and pupae were 594.47, 50 558.00, 4437.90 and 4979.86 ppm respectively, while LC of formulation were 303.57, 430.77, 368.27 50os and 917.78 ppm respectively. For crude Mint LC were 309.53, 504.20, 653.89 and 1443.91 ppm 50os respectively. But for formulation LC were 170.70, 178.69, 288.21 and 947.79 ppm respectively. 50os Also the previous plant extracts were tested against Aphis craccivora LC of crude and formulation 50 for Colothyn was 621.94 and 123.68 ppm respectively. LC of mint was 509.29 and 392.54 ppm for crude and formulation respectively. Generally, results obtained indicated that the formulated plant extracts are more toxic than crude extracts. The differences in chemical composition of the crude leaf extracts that may explain the observed differences in mortality. The study indicated that major chemical compounds were (phemanthrene ester, hexadecanoic acid methyl ester and octadecanoic acid methyl ester).GC/MS analysis revealed that the chemical components of the extracts explained the observed mortality which could reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides. Further study is needed to investigate performance of plant extracts components as new insecticides.

Impact of tannery and textile effluent on the chemical characteristics of Challawa River, Kano State, Nigeria.

Abstract: The impact of effluent from tanneries and textile on the chemical characteristics of Challawa River was carried out for a periods of one year. Water samples were collected on quarterly basis beginning from the months of June to September, 2007 (Rainy season), November, 2007 - February, 2008 (Harmattan period) and March - May, 2008 (Dry season) to reflect the seasonal 18 factors. Water samples from these areas were collected and designated S to S for the determinations of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC), Dissolved oxygen (DO) total dissolved solid (TDS), anions and trace element. These parameters were determined using standard procedures. The concentrations of BOD (40.20±42.65 to 33.91 ±678.36mg/l.), COD (158.00 ±3439.11 to 15.41 ±210.33mg/l), %TOC (0.21 to 5.54 %) were higher than the WHO limits for the protection of fish and other aquatic life. The concentrations of heavy metals in the water and sediment samples were higher than the WHO guideline values for the protection of aquatic life. This is expected owing to its location close to tanneries and textile industries. Results of Analysis of variance (ANOVA) results revealed that BOD, COD, DO, TOC, TDS, nitrate, nitrite, sulphate, phosphate, heavy metals and chloride were significantly different among 13 the sampling points and seasons with exception of point S -S where the was no marked seasonal 5 variations. Point S which is the control point (upstream) recorded the lowest concentrations for all the parameters studied. The relationship between %TOC with BOD and COD; TDS with BOD and COD were also observed. The Pearson linear correlation analysis showed that the mean concentrations of heavy metals in the water and sediment samples revealed significantly positive correlated values. Base on the above results, the study underscores the need for immediate remediation programs to control the discharged of tanneries and textile effluent into Challawa River.

Determination of Chlorinated Organic Pesticide Residues in Water, Sediments, and Fish from Private Fish Farms at Abbassa and Sahl Al-Husainia, Shakia Governorate

Abstract: 2 Abstract: Monitoring of chlorinated organic pesticides represents a great task due to their long lasting effect i n the environment. A great d eal o f d omestic, agricultural, and industrial w astes a re thrown in Bahr E l-Bakar d rainage canal. This d rain finally pours its water in Manzala Lake, n orth of E gypt, where e xtensive f ishing ac tivities exist. The toxicity of these pe sticides on human a nd ot her living things encourages scientists to examine their levels in the environment elements (water and sediment). Fish is considered an important s ource of fo od to a great p ortion of p opulations. A s th eses a quatic organisms accum ulates t oxic substances in t heir organs, determination of these toxic pest icides in fi sh samples is largely important. As large as a total of 400 ng/L of chlorinated organic pesticides in water samples and 364 ng/g in sedim ent samples w ere estimated. Whereas, the co ncentration of these compounds i n fi sh sam ples i s as high as 137 ng/g.