Showing papers in "Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology in 2019"

Brand Trust and Brand Loyalty: A Moderation and Mediation Perspective

Abstract: This study aims to empirically test the effect of brand trust on brand commitment and brand loyalty while examining the mediating and moderating roles of brand commitment and brand reputation respectively. To achieve this aim, data is collected from 412 smartphone users in South Korea. The hypotheses advanced to achieve this aim are tested through the structural equations modeling technique. The results of the study reveal that brand trust and brand commitment positively and significantly influence brand loyalty. The study further finds that brand trust is positively and significantly related to brand commitment, while the latter mediates the relationship between brand trust and brand loyalty. Equally, the study finds support for the moderating role of brand reputation on the relationship between brand trust and brand commitment. The study provides managerial and theoretical illuminations into comprehending brand trust, brand commitment, brand reputation, and brand loyalty.

Non-linear Regression Analysis for the Adsorption Kinetics and Equilibrium Isotherm of Phenacetin onto Activated Carbons

Abstract: Activated carbon obtained from ayous sawdust, Cucurbitaceae (egussi) peelings and the mixture of the two were studied for the adsorption of phenacetin. Characterisation of activated carbon by SEM and XRD analysis shows that the mixture of precursors combine the properties of activated carbon obtained separately. The well-knownbatch sorption models– Langmuir (one and two sites), Freudlich, Tempkin, Elovich, Langmuir-Freudlich, Redlich Peterson, Radke-Prausnitz, Fritz Shlunder)—were tested with experimental data for the adsorption of phenacetin to estimate adsorption equilibrium parameters—rate constantsand adsorption capacities. The model with the best fit was identified from extensive statistical analysis of the results of nonlinear regression of the experimental data. Comparison of the statistical errors in parameter estimation between linear and non-linear isotherm models shows that transformation of non-linear isotherm equations to linear forms implicitly alter their error structure. The much smaller size of the various error indicators —Determination Coefficient, R2; Sum of Square Errors, SSE; Chi Test, χ2; Average Relative Errors, ARE—, calculated for the case of non linearization when compared to linearization, indicate the greater accuracy in the application of non linearization. The Langmuir model (one site) gave the best fit and thus the values of adsorption capacity for each activated carbon were calculated from it. Kinetic models show that weak and strong interactions are involved in the adsorption process and that the controlling mechanism may not be limited to intra particle diffusion. The lower value of the boundary layer thickness in the case of activated carbon obtained from the mixture, justified the higher adsorbed quantity of this activated carbon compared to those of activated carbon from each precursor.

Comparative analysis of BIM adoption efforts by developed countries as precedent for new adopter countries.

Abstract: Building information modelling (BIM) adoption is generally assessed through one of two main approaches: 1) statistical evaluation of survey responses from stakeholders operating within a country or market, and 2) the use of macro BIM-adoption models and metrics. The recent paper "Macro-BIM adoption: comparative market analysis" sets the pace for continuous development of comparative market studies. However, precedent is important for continuous learning and adoption to contextualise this evolving field. This study aimed to set a unique precedent throguh comparative analysis of BIM adoption trends in the USA, UK and Australia, in order to set the pace for beginners or early BIM-adopting countries. This study is literature-based, analysed using content analysis. The study revealed the following: 1) A vibrant and evenly-distributed BIM adoption requires government involvement; 2) A government mandate facilitates wide BIM adoption and integrates a country's industry into the wider world; 3) A mandate also facilitates BIM research and training, which lead to a rise in the country's income through providing training and workforce export; 4) The dynamic of diffusion vary at different times, depending on a country's flexibility towards adoption of innovation; 5) The dynamic also changes as the industry's culture and regulation changes. Recommendations are made based on the study findings, especially with regards to the new adopter countries planning to develop a strategy for macro-BIM adoption.

Ultrasonic Technology and Its Applications in Quality Control, Processing and Preservation of Food: A Review

Abstract: Ultrasound is one of the emerging technologies that were developed to minimize processing, maximize quality and ensure the safety of food products. In recent years, ultrasound technology has been used as an alternative processing option to conventional thermal approaches. Although Ultrasonication methods have been used for years in research and diagnostics, major advances have been made in the last decade. The applications for which high power ultrasound can be used range from existing processes that are enhanced by the retrofitting of high power ultrasonic technology, to the development of processes up to now not possible with conventional energy sources. The present paper reviews the generation, principle mechanism, properties, process parameters, applications, merits and demerits and future trends of the ultrasound technology in the food processing.

Optimum Process Parameters for Activated Carbon Production from Rice Husk for Phenol Adsorption

Abstract: Aim: The determination of optimum process parameters in the production of activated carbon from rice husk for the uptake of phenol from aqueous solution was the focus of this work. Study Design: The optimization was designed using response surface methodology. Methodology: Central composite design (CCD) was used to generate the design matrix and analyze the result obtained. Carbonization temperature, percentage acid concentration and carbonization time were the factors considered. Tetraoxophosphoric acid (H3PO4) was employed in the activation process. The surface area was determined using the Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) nitrogen adsorption method. Results: The result indicated the optimum process conditions as carbonization temperature of 575ºC, time of 240 minutes and 45 percentage acid concentration. This gave 96.5% adsorption efficiency of phenol from aqueous solution. There was good agreement between the experimental values and the predicted values. The BET surface area of the activated carbon was 471.1 m2/s. Conclusion: This work has optimized the process conditions for activated carbon production from rice husk for effective adsorption of phenol from wastewater.

The Influence of Social Media on the Domestic Tourist's Travel Motivation Case Study: Kota Tua Jakarta, Indonesia

Abstract: The growth of information and technology has given significant influence on the tourism industry and system, both positive and negative impacts. As of now, through social media, tourists and destinations or tourism attractions may interact with one another, monitor, and give opinions, as well as evaluate every form of service given firsthand, by various internet platforms. One of the heritage site tourism attractions that utilize social media in attracting tourists' interest is Kota Tua. This study aims to identify social media used by the Kota Tua tourism area manager as a media to promote; furthermore, this study compares the performance of each social media platforms. Also, this study examines the influence of social media toward tourist motivation in visiting Kota Tua Jakarta. The approach utilized in this study is quantitative with a descriptive method. Whereas the sampling technique used is incidental sampling with the number of involved respondents of 100 people. Gathered data is then analyzed through linear regression analysis method by using SPPS v.25.0 program. Linear regression analysis is conducted to see if there are any social media influences toward the tourist motivation of visit. This study has found that visitors that come to Kota Tua are mostly high school students, whereas the most frequently used type of social media to access information about Kota Tua is Instagram. The result of data analysis also shows that there is indeed a correlation between social media variable with the tourist motivation of visit to Kota Tua Jakarta. This study is expected to be a reference related to the role of social media for the tourism industry, especially historical heritage attractions. The limitations of this study are respondents who are limited and cannot represent or be generalized as domestic tourists in general (Indonesian scope).

Screening of Chickpea Genotypes for Resistance against Fusarium Wilt

Abstract: Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is one of the world’s major legume crops and suffers substantial damage from wilt disease incited by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri (Padwick) with yield loss over 60 per cent. The screening for new resistance chickpea genotypes against this disease is an alternative approach to avoid indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides. In this study 55 chickpea genotypes were screened against Fusarium wilt. Out of 55 chickpea genotypes studied, only one genotype was found to be resistant and 12 were found to be moderately resistance. Nineteen genotypes showed moderately susceptible. However, nineteen and four genotypes showed susceptible and highly susceptible reaction for wilt disease, respectively.

Biotechnology: An Advanced Tool for Crop Improvement

Abstract: Plant breeding is mainly concerned with genetic improvement of crops through hybridization, screening and selection of advance lines. The conventional methods give advance varieties with desirable traits but take consume more time (6 to 12 years) to achieve. Biotechnology tools makes breeding methods more advance by reducing the time to get improved varieties. Other than conventional methods varietal advancement can be achieved by applying plant tissue culture, transgenic approaches and molecular breeding methods. Crop improvement by using biotechnology approaches is mostly concerned with protoplast fusion to get somatic hybrids, gene transfer to get genetically modified organisms and use of DNA markers to select trait of interests. Variety with improved biotic and abiotic stress resistance can be developed in less time and more accuracy using recent biotechnological approaches. Several advance tools are being utilized for that purpose including, nanotechnology, bioinformatics tools offers new era of genomics assisted molecular breeding. Next Generation Sequencing and high throughput genotyping approaches are increasing efficiency and output of biotechnological tools in agriculture. Current review focused on overview of biotechnological tools being applied for crop improvement.

Study on Genetic Variability in Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp]

Abstract: Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] also known as a black-eyed pea or Southern pea, belongs to Fabaceae family is rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals and phosphorus. It is mainly grown for grain, pulse cum vegetable and fodder purposes. Twenty-seven genotypes of cowpea were sown in RBD with three replications and observations regarding eighteen characters were recorded at the vegetable farm, RPCAU, Pusa, Samastipur during zaid-2017. Analysis of variance shows that there was a significant difference among genotypes recorded among all the eighteen quantitative characters indicates the diverse genetic nature of base population. The coefficient of phenotypic variation was slightly greater than those of genotypic variation for almost all the character shows that the existing variation is mainly governed by the genotypic factor and there is little influence of environment in the expression of the character. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for characters like pod yield per plant, plant height, pod yield (q/ha), number of pods per plant and number of nodes on the main stem shown that the direct selection will be more effective. Genetic divergence using D2 analysis was also carried out for all the twenty-seven genotypes and were grouped into six clusters. Cluster I was largest including of eleven genotypes whereas cluster VI was smallest consisting only one genotype. Inter-cluster D2 values ranged from 606.11 to 1837.92. The high value of D2 distance help breeder in selection of the parental line for initiating any hybridization programme.

Review on Pharmacological Profile of Medicinal Vine: Tinospora cordifolia

Abstract: Tinospora is highly distributed in the tropical and subtropical region of India. This climbing deciduous shrub widely reported in China, Bangladesh and Srilanka. The plant is rich in many phytoconstituents that are useful in drug designing. It is highly used against cancer, tumour suppression, and act as an anti-allergic compound. It is commonly known as gudhuchi, belongs to the family Menispermeaceae. Tinospora is most valuable herb known for its medicinal properties from Vedic periods and cures various diseases such as malaria, asthma and urinary disorders. The genus Tinospora consists of many classes of chemicals such as alkaloids, diterpenoids lactones, steroids, aliphatic compounds and polysaccharides. It is the best remedy for both children as well as adults against respiratory tract diseases. The plant shows various antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-neoplastic and hepatoprotective properties. In this review article medicinal property, chemical constituents and full description have been explored.

Micronutrient Biofortification in Pulses: An Agricultural Approach

Abstract: Micronutrients are important growth promoting elements not only for crops but also for human being. More than two billion of the global populations are malnourished. For developing countries like India, micronutrient malnutrition among the people of every age is very common. The impact is highly seen in poor and landless rural people who can’t afford diverse foods or supplements in their diets with needed nutrients. To alleviate this micronutrient deficiency, biofortification has come to the surface as a potent option. Biofortification of crops can increase the level of micronutrients in final food products. Pulses are the cheapest sources of proteins, vitamins and micronutrients and can be supplied to the people through daily diet. Pulses are irrefutable contender for Biofortification since it is easily available to the each and every group of people. This paper focuses on the role of micronutrients on human health and various mechanisms to get nutrient rich staple food along with main emphasis on biofortification.

Removal of Hexavalent Chromium from Aqueous Solution Using Unmodified Saw Dust: Batch and Column Studies

Abstract: The effects of contact time at three initial concentrations and temperature in batch process and the effects of three initial concentrations and three bed heights in column process were used to evaluate the potentials of unmodified saw dust, a low cost adsorbent in removing Cr(VI) with highly mutagenic and carcinogenic properties from aqueous solution. The material characterized using point of zero charge, FTIR and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed that it has good adsorbent properties. Nearly 99% of Cr(VI) was removed in two minutes attaining equilibrium in five minutes for all the initial concentrations tested in batch operation. Langmuir and DubininRadushkevich (D-R) isotherms best fitted the adsorption with maximum adsorption capacities of over 196 mg/g. Adsorption on unmodified saw dust can be physical, ion exchange and chemical depending on the initial concentration and the process is spontaneous and endothermic. The Original Research Article Tsamo et al.; CJAST, 32(3): 1-16, 2019; Article no.CJAST.46153 2 removal efficiency increases with increasing bed height but decreases with increase initial concentration, however, adsorption capacity increases with increase in initial concentration but decreases with increase bed height for column operation. Thomas kinetic model best described the column adsorption over other tested model. Unmodified saw dust can effectively remove Cr(VI) from wastewater in batch and column operations.

Advances in Packaging of Litchi Fruit to Maintain the Quality

Abstract: Litchi is distinctly a delicate, delicious summer delight, juicy, flavoured and attractive bright red colour fruit having good source of minerals and vitamins. India and China account for about 91 percent of the world’s litchi production but it is mainly marketed locally. Despite its wide popularity and demand in domestic and international market, transporting the fruit to distant markets has remained a challenge due to its highly perishable nature. Postharvest interventions therefore become indispensable to preserve litchi fruit quality for longer duration. One among such interventions is packaging that directly influences transpiration losses and respiratory metabolism in litchi fruit. Packaging plays the all important roles of containment, protection, convenience, and communication. Previously, gunny bags, bamboo basket, wooden boxes were used for packaging, but are now being rapidly replaced by corrugated fibre board (CFB) boxes for the versatility they bring. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) of litchi in combination with postharvest treatments offers promising solutions to preserve litchi fruit quality. Intelligent packaging through use of sensors, wireless sensor networks, radio-frequency identification device (RFID) etc show the way ahead for future packaging solutions. Nonetheless, innovation in litchi packaging will require careful considerations of all factors that lead to quick fruit deterioration and generation of waste.

Reinforcement of Plaster of Paris (POP) for Suspended Ceilings Applications Using Kenaf Bast Fibre

Abstract: Natural fibers as Green-Engineering materials have been used since the dawn of civilization by mankind for various engineering applications and material reinforcement. It has also been extensively used in packaging, building and construction industries (hard board, partition boards, particle board, pulp and paper, textile and geotextile applications). This research and development paper demonstrated and domesticated the applicability of kenaf bast fibre for Plaster of Paris (Pop) Reinforcement. Plaster of Paris is a brittle material with a low capacity for deformation under mechanical load (as a result of tensile stresses and chemical reactions in the material, which leads to cracking and instability). Kenaf plant as a natural fiber was naturally retted and modified using Control System Tank Retting (CSTR) method and modified with 10% Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) for 30 minutes. Extracted fibers were chopped and randomly distributed for Plaster of Paris (POP) Reinforcement. The properties of the modified material showed a significant increase in tensile strength and purity. The reinforced material was stable and the field trials of material indicated a good potential reinforcement for Plaster of Paris for suspended ceiling application at a reduced cost.

Characteristics of Waste Pickers in Nakuru and Thika Municipal Dumpsites in Kenya.

Abstract: Dumpsite waste picking is prevalent in many developing countries of which Kenya is one. Waste pickers play an important role in waste recycling by recovering and providing materials to the waste recycling industry. Aim: The purpose of the study was to characterise the demographic and socio-economic factors of waste pickers in Nakuru and Thika municipal dumpsites. Study Design: The research design was a cross-sectional social survey and the sample size was 167. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the largest dumpsite in Nakuru and Thika towns found in Nakuru and Kiambu counties respectively. Methodology: The data was collected by use of structured questionnaire. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Analysis was by frequency tables, χ2 test and t-test at 95% level of confidence. Results: The results show that there was parity by gender in Nakuru but in Thika the proportion of females was much higher than that of males. There was significant association between age and site of operation with waste pickers in Thika being on average younger than in Nakuru (χ = 12.605, d.f. = 3, p = 0.006). Waste pickers in Thika had on average attained a higher level of education than in Nakuru (χ2 = 12.352, d.f. = 3, p = 0.006). Most of the waste pickers (96%) only picked from exclusively from the dumpsite. Waste pickers in Thika spent an average of 10.26±0.23 hours daily in waste picking which was significantly higher (t=-3.709, n=160, p<.001) than at Nakuru (8.97±0.27 hours). The mean number of years of waste picking in Thika was significantly less than in Nakuru (t=4.627, d.f.=158, p<.001). Conclusion: In conclusion, waste pickers play an important role in waste recycling, with waste picking supporting hundreds of waste pickers in the study area, who are important in integrated waste management and need to be understood, appreciated and supported.

Current and Future Prospects of Plant Breeding with CRISPR/Cas

Abstract: Innovative plant breeding technology is an absolute necessity to enhance agriculture production in order to have an ambition of feeding nutritious food to the ever-increasing population. Current advances in CRISPR/Cas genome editing technology have led to effective targeted changes in most plants that promise to accelerate crop improvement. Here we discussed the discovery of CRISPR/Cas technology, associated manipulations for plant genome editing and its potential applications in the plant breeding. We emphasized mainly on the most essential applications of CRISPR/Cas genome editing in crop improvement, such as crop trait improvement (yield and biotic/abiotic stress tolerance), developments in optimizing gene regulation, strategies for generating virus resistance in plants, and the use of high throughput mutant libraries. Finally, the challenges and opportunities for plant breeding in precision agriculture and its bright future discussed.

Extraction of Cellulose Nanocrystals (NCC) from Cotton Waste and Morphology of NCC Obtained with Different Alkali Neutralization

Abstract: The extraction of cellulose nanocrystals (NCC) from cotton textile waste, constituted by 70% long fibers and 30% cotton linter, was performed through the action of sulfuric acid followed by solution neutralization with two different alkalis, namely ammonia and sodium bicarbonate, which yielded microcellulose (MCC), then centrifuged to NCC. The action of the two alkalis was compared as for fiber repeatability and morphology, and the results obtained using ammonia were considered more suitable for possible introduction of NCC for the repair of historical paper artifacts. This evidence was obtained by applying optical/polarized light microscopy observation and dynamic light scattering (DLS) results.

Effect of Crop Residues Management on Soil Properties and Crop Productivity of Rice-wheat System in Inceptisols of Seemanchal Region of Bihar

Abstract: A field experiment was carried out at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Katihar, Bihar in jurisdiction of Bihar Agricultural University Sabour, Bhagalpur during 2014 to 2018 with the objective to find out suitable crop residue management option under rice- wheat cropping system in Inceptisols of Seemanchal area of Bihar. The results after four years clearly indicates that the crop residue management practices involving incorporation of residues improved favorably and significantly the soil properties such as bulk density, infiltration rate, mean weight diameter, aggregate stability, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, bacterial and fungal population, enzyme dehydrogenase and phosphatase activity in the soil and increased the grain yields of rice and wheat crop in the system over removal or burning of crop residue practices. Due to increased availability of readily decomposable organic matter in the form of crop residue and freshly incorporated green manure, the microbial population increased dramatically when crop residues are incorporated in the soil which might be responsible for increased enzyme phosphatase and dehydrogenase activity, decrease in bulk density, increase in granulation and aggregation and thus infiltration rate. The incorporation of crop residues with or without green manuring found promising for the environmental friendly and effective utilization of the crop residues under prevailing rice wheat system in this area.

Effect of Surface Sterilants on in vitro Establishment of Pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merill.) cv. Kew

Abstract: The rate of pineapple propagation through conventional technique is quite low and time taken and that by seed is apparently hard to germinate. Non-availability of quality planting material is one of the major constraints for expansion of its cultivation area in Bihar. Keeping this in view an experiment was conducted for in vitro establishment for large scale disease free planting materials production. The most commonly encountered problem during in vitro pineapple germplasm establishment is the rate of contamination, which is very high in case of pineapple. Suckers of pineapple cultivar Kew were used as explants for the study. In this experiment the efficiency of three sterilizing agents (Clorox, HgCl2 and NaOCl) at different concentrations and duration was evaluated in terms of number of aseptic cultures. Results revealed that when no sterilant was used all the cultures were contaminated. The contamination of explants significantly decreased with increase in concentration of different sterilants and their time of exposure. The highest survival of explants (58.31±1.71%) were observed when explants were treated with Clorox 40% for 20 minutes which also resulted in 17.89±0.25% and 25.03±2.63% mortality and per cent contamination respectively. As the duration of Clorox 40% was increased, percent contamination decreased but simultaneously increased the mortality rate at 25 mins of duration. The percent survival also increased when explants were treated with different concentrations of HgCl2 and NaOCl at different time durations. However, NaOCl treatments were less effective as compared to other two sterilants.

Slope Position and Land Use Effect on Select Soil Properties, Quality and Carbon Stock in Surface Soils at Afaka Forest Area, Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Abstract: Population increase and the need to achieve food security; especially in Nigeria, necessitated encroachment into forests and marginal lands for agricultural land uses in the Savanna ecologies. However, tropical soils are inherently fragile and prone to rapid degradation under intensive agriculture; especially when soil cover is removed and the soil tilled conventionally. Also, Savanna Alfisols are low in inherent fertility, organic matter, cation exchange capacity, dominated by low activity clays and sesquioxides. The increasing incidence of soil degradation and nutrient impoverishment of the savanna ecologies resulted in deceasing soil quality, agricultural production and increasing farmer food insecurity that generated interest in the need to evaluate effect of slope and Land use on soil properties, quality and carbon stock on Afaka soils in Nigerian Guinea Savanna. Data generated were analyzed using ANOVA and significant means were determined using Duncan multiple range test (DMRT). Results obtained reveal that cultivation activities and erosion accounted for increased silt (19.10 %) in cultivated areas than forest areas (14.89%), while sand fractions (54.44%) dominate separates in the Forest and the Cultivated land uses. Upper Original Research Article Chidowe et al.; CJAST, 32(4): 1-13, 2019; Article no.CJAST.46375 2 slope positions had the highest sand content (71.67%), followed by lower slope with 68.00%, and then middle (67.67%) slopes. Silt contents at the middle slope positions were significantly higher than at upper (15.33%) and Lower slope Position (17.00%) and clay values increased in the lower slope terrains. Also, organic carbon varied significantly between the land use types and slope position on the toposequence. At the forest areas, organic carbon was 10.2 gkg -1 and higher significantly than Cultivated fields (8.2 gkg). At the upper slope fields under cultivation, organic carbon value was 8.7 gkg -1 and was significantly lower than Middle slope (9.60 gkg -1 ) and Lower slope terrains (6.30 gkg). Under Forest land use also, Middle slope terrains had significantly higher organic carbon content than Upper slope terrains. The high Carbon stock of the forest middle slope terrain (1.77 tCha -1 ), followed by forest land use type would discourage global warming and climate change within the Afaka environment However, carbon stock in forest Land use type in Afaka areas (1.41 tCha -1 ) was significantly higher than cultivated land use types (1.21 tCha). At cultivated slope terrains, middle slopes retained significantly higher SOC (1.37 tCha) than upper and lower slope terrains. Considering soils for prime quality, soils under forest lower slope terrain ranked best quality (SQ1; prime quality) for sustainable cultivation purposes, followed by cultivated middle slope and forest land use type that ranked SQ2. Cultivated upper slope soils ranked least (SQ6) in quality for use in crop production, while cultivated lower slope and cultivated land use type soils ranked SQ5. However, increasing loss of forests to intensive cultivation activities without adequate soil management practices would portend increase in global warming and climate change in the study area.

Comparative Study on the Proximate Composition, Functional and Sensory Properties of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Pawpaw (Carica papaya) Custard Products

Abstract: Aim: To advance the creation of variety through food product development and innovation, a comparative study of custard products with Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Pawpaw (Carica papaya) was done. Study Design: This study was made to fit into a one way Analysis of Variance. Place and Duration of Study: The research was carried out at the Department of Food Science and Technology laboratory, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria, between March 2017 and August 2018. Methodology: Different ratios of corn starch to pawpaw or turmeric were used in the custard product while a commercial custard product was used as the control. The samples were evaluated for proximate composition, microbiological analysis, functional and sensory properties. Results: The water absorption capacity (1.44% to 1.64%), swelling index (5.27% to 6.77%), bulk density (0.68% to 1.55%) and gelation concentration (6.47% to 8.62%) of the turmeric treated custard and pawpaw treated custard were significantly different (P<0.05) from the control sample. The pawpaw treated custard had a higher protein and ash content compared to turmeric treated custard and control. With regards to the general acceptability of the custard products, the control was much accepted while the pawpaw sample was moderately accepted by the panellist. Microbial result showed that the pawpaw treated custard had an acceptable level of Streptococcus spp. The contamination level in the pawpaw treated custard, turmeric treated custard and the control were below the safety level recommended by International Microbiology Standard Limits for pseudomonas spp. Conclusion: The development of these custard products showed that pawpaw treated custard is acceptable and may compete favourably in the market since it has better aroma than some commercial custard present in Nigeria. It is also important to pay close attention to the handling and processing of these products so as to promote food product safety.

Relative Toxicity of Arsenite and Arsenate on Early Seedling Growth and Photosynthetic Pigments of Rice

Abstract: Arsenic is a potential contaminant of groundwater as well as soil in many regions of the world. Elevated soil arsenic levels resulting from long-term use of arsenic contaminated ground water for irrigation may inhibit seed germination and seedling establishment of rice, the country’s main food crop. An experiment was conducted to study the effect of different forms of arsenic on growth and photosynthetic pigments of rice plants. For this purpose rice seedlings were grown hydroponically with half strength of modified Hoagland nutrient solution toxified with different doses of arsenate and arsenite namely 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 ppm. Germination percent of rice seeds and photosynthetic pigment content of rice seedling decreased significantly with increase in concentration of arsenic of both the forms. Growth parameters affected more seriously in arsenite treated plants than arsenate treated plants.

Importance Value Index and Assessment of Carbon Stocks in Western Bhutan Himalaya (Thimphu)

Abstract: This study assessed the importance value index to determine the importance of each tree species in relation to carbon stocks. The assessment was based on woody stem ≥10 cm diameter at breast height (DBH) and tree height. Biomass was estimated using volumetric equations and carbon stock by multiplying constant factor 0.5 to the biomass. The results showed biomass and carbon stock varied in different territorial forest ranges. Maximum biomass recorded from Thimphu forest range with 62.306 Mgha -1 followed by Khasadrapchu forest range 55.503 Mgha -1 , Chamgang forest range 41.556 Mgha -1 and Gidakom forest range 32.133 Mgha -1 with carbon stock of 31.153 MgCha -1 , 27.752 MgCha, 20.778 MgCh and 16.066 MgCha respectively. Total respective biomass and carbon stock of Thimphu conifer forest from sampling plots were 191.501 Mgha -1 and 95.740 MgCha. All forests range had a similar tree size with dominant DBH class at ≥10-40 cm contributing greater biomass and carbon stock. Carbon storage potential in plant biomass using non-destructive method was never conducted before in the present study area. To reduce research gaps, present study used non-destructive methods and concludes that Thimphu conifer forest has enormous potential to accumulate biomass and carbon stock.

Study on Different Methods of Weed Management in Onion (Allium cepa L.)

Abstract: A weed management study on onion (Allium cepa L.) was conducted at Birsa Agricultural University, Jharkhand, India during winter season of 2016-17 and 2017-18 in a randomized block design comprised of nine weed control treatments consisting plastic mulch, available weeds mulch, straw mulch, cover crops (Fenugreek), oxyfluorfen 0.5 kg/ha pre-emergent (PE), pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha PE, mechanical weeding by Dutch hoe, hand weeding at 20, 40, 60 days after transplanting (DAT) and weedy check. Hand weeding at 20, 40 and 60 DAT was most effective in reducing weed dry matter however it was similar to plastic mulch at all the growth stages of crop during 2016-17, 2017-18 as well as in pooled except at 60 DAT in 2016-17. Hand weeding reduced weed dry matter to the extent of 75.83 and 84.83 percent during 2016-17, 100 and 89.21 percent during 2017-18, 98.64 and 88.62 percent under pooled data at 30 and 60 DAT respectively and the corresponding reduction in weed dry matter due to application of plastic mulch was 70.73 and 40.32 percent during 2016-17, 100 and 93.64 percent during 2017-18, 98.37 and 86.52 percent under pooled data at 30 and 60 DAT respectively, compared to weedy check. Application of plastic mulch recorded 300 and 38 percent higher onion yield during 2016-17, 1959 and 117 percent during 2017-18, 576 and 70 percent higher under pooled data compared to weedy check and hand weeding respectively. Plastic mulch also recorded maximum net return 364136, 380185 and 372160 /ha during 2016-17, 2017-18 and under pooled data similar to net return with application of oxyfluorfen 0.25 kg/ha PE, pendimethalin 1 kg/ha PE and hand weeding during 2016-17 while under pooled data maximum B:C ratio was with plastic mulch and was similar to oxyfluorfen 0.25 kg/ha PE, pendimethalin 1 kg/ha PE and hand weeding.

Effect of Farm Yard Manure and Nitrogen Application on Growth and Productivity of Wheat under Long Term Experimental Conditions

Abstract: To study the effect of farm yard manure (FYM) and nitrogen application on growth and productivity of wheat under long term experimental conditions a field experiment was conducted comprised of two level of FYM (0 and 15 t/ha) and three mode of application (kharif, rabi and both kharif and rabi) in main plots whereas two levels of nitrogen (0 and 120 kg/ha) in sub plot was laid out in split plot design with three replications. Plant height, dry matter accumulation, number of tillers/m2, yield (grain yield, straw yield and biological yield) and yield attributing characters, were significantly higher for FYM 15 t/ha was applied in both kharif and rabi season as compared to FYM at 15 t/ha applied either in rabi or kharif and control. Application of 120 kg N/ha significantly increased growth parameters, yield and yield attributes as compared to control. Application of 15 t/ha FYM along with 120 kg N/ha significantly improved the growth and yield of wheat.

Characterisation of Fungal Bioflocculants and Its Application in Water Treatment

Abstract: Bioflocculants of microbial origin have the advantage of being safe, biodegradable and harmless to the environment. Production of bioflocculant by two fungi isolates and the factors affecting its production were investigated in this study. Primary screening of fungi for the production of bioflocculants, efficiencies and conditions for the optimum production of the bioflocculants were determined using standard microbiological and chemical methods. Aspergillus flavus MCB 271 and Aspergillus niger MCBF 08 were the best bioflocculant producers among the fourteen fungal isolates screened. Aspergillus flavus optimally produced bioflocculant with glucose and peptone as sole carbon and nitrogen sources respectively. Calcium ions (Ca2+) at 78.4% served as best cation sources for bioflocculant production with optimal pH of 7 and temperature of 40°C. Aspergillus niger MCBF 08 produced bioflocculant optimally when the media had peptone as a nitrogen source and maltose as a sole carbon source. The two species achieved the maximum flocculating activity of 97% (A. flavus MCBF 271) and 86% (A. niger MCBF 08) at pH values of 7 on the 3rd day of the study and caused a reduction in bacterial load of the wastewater samples by 58.73% and 60.85% respectively. These bioflocculants are thus potential replacement for synthetic flocculants conventionally used for wastewater treatment.

Analysis of Rainfall Trends and Patterns in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract: Rainfall in Nigeria is highly dynamic and variable on a temporal and spatial scale. This has taken a more pronounced dimension due to climate change. In this paper, Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) and Coefficient of Variability statistical tools were employed to analyse rainfall trends and patterns in Abuja between 1986 and 2016. Daily rainfall data of 31 years was used for the study. The daily rainfall data was subjected to several analyses. The result obtained indicated that there is a downward trend in the rainfall amount received in Abuja over the last 31 years. Also, a gradual decadal decline in rainfall was observed using the SPI to compare the three decades under review. Recommendation to build more weather observatories which is a major challenge in sub-Saharan Africa for sufficient climatic data representation especially in the study area as data from one synoptic station was not sufficient for the study was proffered. Mitigation and adaptation strategies especially for meteorological drought should be considered with a view to reducing the effects of climate change.

Cow Dung as a Bioremediation Agent to Petroleum Hydrocarbon Contaminated Agricultural Soils

Abstract: Petroleum derived products are very important as they are energy source and it is prone to accidental spill regularly during the exploration, production, refining, transport and storage. The characteristics of the hydrocarbon content of the petroleum mixture influence the degradability of individual hydrocarbon components; the simpler the hydrocarbon structure the easier its biodegradability and the complex the hydrocarbon structure the harder its biodegradability. Furthermore, the order of biodegradability of hydrocarbon is alkanes > alkenes > alkynes > aromatics. Bioremediation technologies are effective techniques to mitigate many organic and inorganic contaminants such as hydrocarbons, halogenated organic compounds, halogenated organic solvent, non-chlorinated pesticides and herbicides, nitrogen compounds, radionuclides, heavy metals. Bioremediation is having different strategies like an exploration of indigenous microbial populations, bio-stimulation, temperature, soil pH, bio-augmentation, phytoremediation, photo-degradation, phyto-volatilization and phyto-stabilization. Cow dung, excreta of bovine animal Review Article Neethu et al.; CJAST, 38(6): 1-9, 2019; Article no.CJAST.50666 2 is a cheap and easily available bio-resource on earth. Many traditional uses of cow dung are already known in India. Cow dung harbors a diverse group of microorganisms that may be beneficial to humans due to their ability to produce a range of metabolites. Nowadays, there is an increasing research interest in developing the applications of cow dung microorganisms as a bioremediation agent to hydrocarbon contaminated soils. Microorganisms capable of degrading hydrocarbon pollutants have been identified and isolated from cow dung. These organisms include; Micrococcus sp., Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Enterobacter sp., Proteus kleibsilla, Aspergillus sp., Rhizopus and Penicillium. Therefore, cow dung is an effective, economical and eco-friendly bioremediation agent which can lead to the complete mineralization of hydrocarbon. The post remediation assessment of residual hydrocarbons in contaminated soil can be done with gas chromatographic fingerprinting technique and phytotoxicity bioassay.

Critical Reviews on Engineered Nanoparticles in Environmental Remediation

Abstract: Environmental contamination is one of the important issues that the world is facing today, it is always expanding and leading to the grave and harmful effect on the Earth. Nanoparticles have a diameter less than 100 nm exhibit new size-dependent properties compared with the bulk material. Engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) have unique characteristics in addition to the high surface area-to-volume ratio, which may increase their toxicity relative to bulk materials. Due to the high volume production of ENPs products such as carbon nanotubes, titanium dioxide, silver, zinc oxide environmental exposure to these compounds is very common. ENPs have their unique properties and applications in the areas of medicine, food& drink, construction, automotive, textiles, energy, electronics, environment etc. The present critical review is focused on the recent development of the applications of ENPs in the environmental remediation and their toxic effects.