Effect of pH on Soil Chemical Properties and Maize Performance in Abakaliki, Nigeria

Background: Low soil productivity in Nigeria and Africa sub sahara is considered as one of the major causes of food insecurity and under nutrition. This area is considered among the most regions affected by acidity on soil nutrients optimization. Despite of its severity, there is limited knowledge about limiting effect of pH on nutrients availability and maize yield in the state. Evolving a technology that does not depend on traditional system of amendment for pH assessment for increased soil productivity must first of all go through a good knowledge of the nature and distribution of soil studied. The present study aimed to evaluate three pH (4, 7 and 9) values on soil chemical properties in the state and assess maize performance under these conditions in order to control and manage pH related problems. Methods: In the field-laboratory investigation during 2018-2019 at different localities of Ebonyi State were surveyed. Three sampling localities were selected based on geographical situation, climate and local condition. In the laboratory, the soil samples of natural stock collected were processed for mean pH values and confirmed with pH meter using standard laboratory method. Maize was used as test crop to assess effect of pH on its performance. Result: Our investigations in Ebonyi State have allowed us to inventory three pH values. Among the inventoried pH values, some are regarded adverse for soil productivity. The implication of soil pH on nutrients availability and maize performance was discussed. The current work will be a complementary contribution of detailed study of effect of pH on soil productivity.

‘Long Covid’ (post-covid syndrome): Mechanism of occurrence, diagnosis and rehabilitation

The article is devoted to the study of an urgent problem of modern humanity – the fight against a pandemic caused by a new coronavirus infection, namely: the study of the mechanism of development of ‘long Covid’ (post-covid syndrome), a new clinical and laboratory method of its diagnosis, issues of drug and non-drug rehabilitation of patients who have suffered COVID‑19. The paper describes the etiopathogenesis of post-covid syndrome (PS), the distinctive features of which are the defeat of the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, digestive, immune systems of the body, ENT organs and musculoskeletal system. For the diagnosis of post-covid syndrome, a monochrome nanoparticle analyzer (MAN) has been tested for the first time in the Russian Federation, which allows determining pathophysiological shifts in the homeostasis system. It was found that the MAN method has a sufficiently high diagnostic sensitivity (78%), and shifts in the homeostasis system in post-covid syndrome are statistically significant (p < 0.001). A fundamentally important point of this study is that an algorithm has been developed for noninvasive diagnosis of PS by saliva (oropharyngeal flushes), based on the detection of a high contribution to the scattering of laser radiation in the mid-frequency range of the spectrum on nanoparticles ranging in size from 119 to 121 nm. The article also pays special attention to medicinal and non-medicinal methods of treatment of patients with ‘long Covid’ experiencing the consequences of a new coronavirus infection. It has been established that the best effect is provided by complex treatment combining methods of the traditional European school (drug therapy with the use of cardiovascular drugs, nootropic agents, chondroprotectors, vitamins and mineral complexes, hormones, hepatoprotectors, biostimulants, sedatives and anti-inflammatory drugs and other drugs) and non-drug methods of restorative treatment practiced by Oriental medicine (acupuncture, hirudotherapy, massage, osteopathy, etc.).

“Long covid” (postcovid syndrome). Mechanism of occurrence, diagnosis and rehabilitation

Introduction. The article is devoted to the study of the mechanism of occurrence of postcovid syndrome, a new laboratory method for its diagnosis and issues of drug and non-drug rehabilitation of patients who have suffered COVID-19.The purpose of this work was to study the possibilities of using the method of monochrome analysis of nanoparticles for instrumental and laboratory diagnostics of postcovid syndrome and to substantiate the use of complex therapeutic approaches to the treatment of patients.Materials and methods. The biomaterial (saliva) of 250 patients who underwent COVID-19 in mild, moderate and severe forms, with a slight predominance of males, in the age range from 18 to 75 years, who were in the Center of Eastern and European Medicine (Moscow) on rehabilitation treatment in the period from June 2020 to September 2021, was studied by the method of monochrome analysis of nanoparticles. According to the results of the work carried out, it was found that the most typical saliva spectrum of patients diagnosed with “postcovid syndrome” was multimodal (three or more peaks) with the greatest contribution (45%) to light scattering on agglomerates of nanoparticles with a diameter of more than 1000 nm, with detectable nanoparticles of the middle sub-range of the spectrum from 119 to 122 nm with a 15% contribution to light scattering and an increased contribution to light scattering up to 41% on small nanoparticles with a diameter of 22 nm.Results. Analysis of the results of the study showed a statistically significant (p < 0.01) appearance of a peak of 119 nm on the histogram of patients, which was not observed either in the group of practically healthy individuals (control group) or in the group of patients with general somatic pathology (comparison group). Conclusions. An algorithm for non-invasive diagnosis of postcovid syndrome by saliva was developed. Also, special attention was paid during the study to the development of an integrated approach to the rehabilitation of patients who have undergone a new coronavirus infection, including medicinal and non-medicinal methods of treatment. >< 0.01) appearance of a peak of 119 nm on the histogram of patients, which was not observed either in the group of practically healthy individuals (control group) or in the group of patients with general somatic pathology (comparison group).Conclusions. An algorithm for non-invasive diagnosis of postcovid syndrome by saliva was developed. Also, special attention was paid during the study to the development of an integrated approach to the rehabilitation of patients who have undergone a new coronavirus infection, including medicinal and non-medicinal methods of treatment.

Combined Methods for Physical and Mental Workload

This chapter presents information about the methods that combine physical and mental workload/fatigue during ergonomic evaluation. The methods were identified through a systematic literature review. The search criteria were done through a literature search in databases like SciFinder, SciELO, ScienceDirect, etc. As result, the following methods are described: Global Load Scale, Multivariate Workload Assessment, Subjective Fatigue Symptoms Test, Fatigue Assessment Scale, Scale of Recovery for Exhaustion of Occupational Fatigue, Scale of Estimated Fatigue-Energy Points, Swedish Occupational Fatigue Inventory, NASA-TLX, Combined Cognitive and Physical Assessment, Laboratory Method of Economics and Sociology of Work, OWL Method, Ergonomic Checklist Method, RENAULT Method, Joyce Method, NERPA Method, ARBAN Method, and MAPFRE Method. As a conclusion, it is possible to affirm that there are some evaluation methods that provide better elements for an accurate evaluation, and others lack basic elements, which causes an incomplete/not accurate evaluation.

Chemical and sensory properties of analogue rice based on kimpul flour (Xanthosoma sagitifolium)

Analog rice is artificial rice shaped like rice grains made from non-rice carbohydrate-rich flour with water, which can overcome food security in Indonesia. Taro kimpul is a local food rich in carbohydrates that cannot be widely used. Therefore, kimpul thread has the potential to be used as raw material in the manufacture of analog rice. This study aimed to determine the chemical characteristics of kimpul taro analog rice with dyes and binders. In addition, it is expected to increase consumer acceptance based on sensory testing. This research method uses an experimental laboratory method by making analog rice with 4 formulations. The analysis was water content, ash content, protein content, fat content, carbohydrate content, and sensory (hedonic) analysis, including colour, taste, texture, and overall aroma. The results showed that analog rice A was the best formula selected using the Bayes method based on the results of chemical and hedonic tests. Chemical and sensory characteristics of analog rice A with the use of 4% CMC and 32% beet are as follows moisture 2.88%; ash 2.3%; fat 1.1%; 5.7% protein; carbohydrate 87.94% and a preference value with an average range of neutral-good.

Prioritizing Different Types of Barriers to Knowledge Sharing: A Cause-and-Effect Analysis of the Views of Academics in Turkey

This study aims to identify different types of barriers to knowledge sharing among academics in Turkey and to investigate the relationships between the barriers and their degree of impact. Accordingly, it implements qualitative and quantitative approaches in two phases. In the first phase, the knowledge sharing barriers are identified through the literature review and categorized under organizational, individual, and technological dimensions via expert opinions so as to determine current barriers for the Turkish academics. In the second phase, the identified barriers and their interactions are more deeply investigated by using the Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory Method (DEMATEL) methods. The findings of the study reveal that organizational and individual knowledge sharing barriers have a stronger effect than technological barriers. According to ISM and DEMATEL findings, “corporate structure”, “power relations"”, and “supportive corporate culture” are the driving forces for the knowledge sharing among the academics in Turkey. This study provides a hierarchical and causal relation model that may enable both performing the actions needed to promote academic knowledge sharing and advancing university performances. The findings offer useful insights on what the key barriers are and how these interrelate, so that they can be overcome. Thus, the findings hold significant potential to contribute both to the academic field and to the policymakers who are in charge of taking regulatory actions.

Saliva and Blood Cortisol Measurement in Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus): Methodology, Application, and Limitations

A central task of zoos and aquaria is the frequent and accurate assessment of their animals’ welfare. Recently, important steps have been made, such as the introduction of animal welfare evaluation tools and welfare decision trees. To determine animal welfare, it is not only important to collect life history data, such as longevity and reproductive success, but also for experienced observers or caretakers to conduct behavioral observations on a regular basis to assess animals’ emotional state. To physiologically validate welfare observations, glucocorticoid levels are usually assessed, as they are a common indicator of stress. While, for many animals, these levels can be easily determined via fecal or hair samples, for cetaceans, the levels are usually determined via blood samples. As blood samples cannot be taken very frequently and the process may cause stress to the animals (if the samples are not taken following medical training), other techniques, such as the measurement of health biomarkers (especially cortisol, which can be measured in saliva), have become the focus of cetacean stress research. However, there are two problems associated with saliva measurements in cetaceans: saliva might either be diluted with pool water or be contaminated by fodder fish, as frozen fish usually contains high levels of cortisol. In our study, we investigated how saliva cortisol levels are connected to blood cortisol levels and how saliva cortisol can be influenced by fodder fish. We examined saliva and blood samples in eleven bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) kept in an outdoor and indoor facility in Germany. Furthermore, we assessed the cortisol levels of different kinds of fodder fish. Our data show that, although saliva cortisol values are elevated under stress and arousal, they seem not to be correlated with blood cortisol values. We also show that, after feeding, saliva cortisol values are increased up to 100-fold. Our results suggest that saliva cortisol measurements in dolphins have to be conducted and considered with care, as they can easily be contaminated. Moreover, it is important to use the right laboratory method in order to specifically detect cortisol; in our study, we conducted reliable tests, using LC-MS/MS.

Determination of amount of retinylpalmitate and ascorbic acid of extract gel of sweet corn fibre by UVand HPTLC method

Sweet corn fibres of about 15 gm were extracted with methanol for 5 hours in heating mantle at 40C and filtered and allowed to dry. The dried gel was further analyzed for estimation of Retinyl palmitate by spectrophotometrically by laboratory method and found to be 140 mg/kg. The dried extract gel was further estimated for ascorbic acid both by UV and HPTLC and found to be linear in the range of 1-5 ug/ml and 5-10ug/ml, correlation coefficient was found to be 0.997 and 0.998 and the amount of ascorbic acid was found to be 338 ng/ml and 9.9 ng/ml by UV and HPTLC respectively. The method was found to be linear.

Novel H2S Scavenger Testing Methodology to Meet the Ever-Present Challenge of Simulating Scavenger Application Methods with Laboratory Testing Protocols

The design methodology for H2S scavengers relies heavily on developing a test protocol that most closely simulates field applications. These include gas contact towers, direct gas production injection and multiphase treatments, such as subsea umbilical delivery lines to sea floor well heads, hydrocarbon flow lines and sour storage tank treatments. There are very few testing standards and while there are industry accepted methods, the novel methods presented fill the gaps that exist. A thorough review is made of existing test methodologies such as the static gas breakthrough test and the multiphase Parr Autoclave. Each of these has become an accepted, albeit unofficial, industry standard. Novel methods recently developed comprise the "Direct Injection Laboratory Simulator" (DILS) which, as the name suggests, represents a laboratory method of evaluating a direct gas injection application. Also included is a unique modification of the gas breakthrough test, known as the "miniature Ultrafab tower" which simulates a regenerative tower-based system, commonly in operation in the field. The results showed fascinating validation of gas direct injection and dynamic tower interactions. In some cases, the results are as expected and in others fresh insight has been obtained into any observed discrepancy between a scavenger's field performance and how it performs in the laboratory development studies. In the case of the "miniature Ultrafab tower", this ingenious piece of equipment has been proven to accurately simulate the packing typically seen in the gas contactor to enhance gas/liquid interaction as well as provides the ability to continually replenish the tower with fresh chemical during the test using an accurately controlled flow rate from an HPLC pump. These have been shown to be vitally important parameters for accurate lab to field correlation and are uniquely available from this test, for example gleaning the minimum flow rate of fresh scavenger which can control the H2S concentration to the predetermined level; exactly as is done in field operations. This novel apparatus also has a separator chamber where the spent chemical can be collected, analyzed and evaluated, exactly as is done in a field trial for a dynamic contact gas tower. Armed with a new series of test methodologies, the development of H2S scavengers can enjoy a much higher success rate in the all-important transition from laboratory to field. The test methods also give invaluable tools to trouble shooting and investigate unexpected deficiencies in products which have in the past performed as expected. This includes providing a validation method for changes and enhancements desired during the manufacture process and raw material sourcing for chemical scavengers.

A simple paper-based biosensor for on-site visual detection of organophosphate residues

In general, the laboratory method of analyzing pesticides in vegetables is complicated due to the high cost of equipment and chemicals. The process of analyzing pesticide residues generally requires expertise as well as a significant period of time. In this study, a paper-based biosensor was developed for the detection of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, particularly organophosphate pesticides. The paperbased biosensor was constructed based on the Ellman colorimetric assay by immobilizing AChE on cellulose paper with 2% alginate gel, 0.25% glutaraldehyde and the colorimetric reagent 5,5-dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) in phosphate buffer (pH 8.0). As a substrate, acetylthiocholine chloride (ATChCl) was used. The results showed that the developed paperbased biosensor has been stable for 2 weeks with a detection limit of 0.03 mM of chlorpyrifos. The paper-based biosensor was applied to detect organophosphate pesticides in vegetables from the farmers’ market, Ratchaburi Province. It was found that the test results of the paper-based biosensor were similar to the commercial GT-test kit. The paper-based biosensor was 10 times faster than the GT-test kit in terms of testing time and the results were easy to identify due to the color-based indicator. As a result, a paper-based biosensor is rapid, portable and easy to use by the general population.