Articles
Page 4 of 1138, showing 50 records out of 56889 total, starting on record 151, ending on 200
September 2018
Journal of Ecology and The Natural Environment
Effect of cocoa farming intensification on biodiversity and ecosystem properties in southern Ghana
We investigated the effect of cocoa farming on biodiversity and ecosystem services under different cocoa management systems. The study was carried out in three cocoa producing districts in southwestern Ghana using Y-frame sampling scheme. Five 25 m × 25 m size plots were demarcated at 100 m intervals along in the cocoa farms and the natural forest reserves. Fifteen plots were demarcated in the cocoa farms per...
September 2018
African Journal of Biochemistry Research
Lipase in biodiesel production
Although fossil fuels have been serving mankind for several centuries, their exploration and use bring about several environmental problems. Besides, fossil fuels are neither renewable nor sustainable. There is therefore a need to search for renewable alternatives which are sustainable and environmentally friendly. Biodiesel, chemically known as methyl ester, is a renewable and sustainable biofuel used to run diesel...
September 2018
International Journal of Vocational and Technical Education
Theoretical knowledge competencies required by trade artisans in domestic and industrial electrical installations in Enugu State, Nigeria
Technological development especially in the field of electrical/electronics posses a great challenge for electrical trade artisans with obsolete skills. The need to enhance the relevance of these artisans necessitated this study to determine theoretical knowledge competencies they require for domestic and industrial electrical installations in Enugu State. One research question guided the study and two null hypotheses...
September 2018
Journal of Horticulture and Forestry
Impact of land-use on tree and fruit morphometric variation of the bitter kola (Garcinia kola Heckel) in Benin: Insight for domestication and production.
Garcinia kola is an IUCN globally vulnerable species native in Benin where it is extinct in the wild. It is also one of the top ten priority non-timber forest products in Benin because of its socio-economic and medicinal values. Still, G. kola is neglected and underutilized. The morphological variation of G. kola traits was investigated in two land-use types (home gardens versus farmlands) where it is found in Benin...
September 2018
International Journal of Sociology and Anthropology
Liberal feminism: Assessing its compatibility and applicability in Ethiopia context
As of the feminist theory varieties, liberal feminism is a type of gender reform feminism that emanates from the liberal thought. This paper critically reviews the appropriateness and applicability of liberal feminist theory and strategies in the context of Ethiopia in attempting to achieve gender equality and to reduce women oppression and subordination. The paper looks at the laws, polices and strategies of Ethiopia...
September 2018
African Journal of Plant Science
Integrated management of Aspergillus species and aflatoxin production in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) through application of farm yard manure and seed treatments with fungicides and Trichoderma species
Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important cash crop in the lowland areas of Ethiopia. However, prevalence of Aspergillus invasions and subsequent aflatoxin contamination compromises the quality of groundnut kernels. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of farm yard manure (FYM) and seed treatments against Aspergillus species pod colonization and aflatoxin accumulation under field conditions. The...
September 2018
African Journal of Plant Science
Physiological characterization of NADP-malic enzyme activity under 2,4-D toxicity in an aquatic fern,
Azolla pinnata R.Br.
This work proposes NADP-ME activity as bio-indices for herbicidal sensitivity in Azolla pinnata R.Br. under 2,4-D toxicity. Azolla fronds were illuminated under saturated photosynthetic flux and bicarbonate induction. There was significant variation in the NADP-ME activity under light and dark conditions. This increased more when varying concentrations of 2,4-D were used for the up regulation of enzyme activity...
September 2018
African Journal of Plant Science
Effects of seedling age and rates of phosphorus fertilizer on growth and yield performance of onion (Allium cepa L.) under irrigation at Alage, Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia
Onion is an important cultivated crop as a condiment as well as a source of income for many farmers in Ethiopia. However, the productivity of the crop is much lower due to different problems. A field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of seedling age and phosphorus rate on growth and yield performance of onion at Alage, Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia, during 2016/2017 season. The treatments comprised...
September 2018
African Journal of Plant Science
Genotype and genotype by environment interaction and grain yield stability of medium maturity groups of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] varieties in Western Oromia, Ethiopia
The objectives of this study were to identify high yielding and stable medium maturity soybean varieties across environment and examine the influence of genotype × environment interaction (GEI) on grain yield of soybean varieties in western Oromia. Seven early soybean varieties were evaluated at five locations (Bako, Gute, Billo, Chewaka and Uke) using randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three...
September 2018
African Journal of Political Science and International Relations
Changing aid and diplomatic relations: New development actors and Norway in Africa
Increased engagements of New Development Actors in Africa since the turn of the millennium have attracted a lot of scholars’ and policy-makers’ attention. While the direct effects of new development actors’ relation with Africa have been examined by many researchers, not much researched work on the indirect effects via the response of third countries have been done. This article explores whether and...
September 2018
African Journal of Political Science and International Relations
Civil society under assault in Ethiopia
Since the enactment of the Charities and Societies Proclamation 621/2009 in Ethiopia, civil societies were not performing their proper role for the advancement of the country’s democracy. The proclamation places excessive restrictions on the work of civil society organizations in the country. This, in turn, makes the public passive to engage in the politics of the country, rather the law gives ultimate power for...
September 2018
African Journal of Political Science and International Relations
Demystifying the concept of state or regulatory capture from a theoretical public economics perspective
State capture is one form of corruption that has received very little research interest over the years. This could be attributed to the fact that many societies particularly in the developing world seem to have institutionalized it. State capture is a manifestation of government failure which involves the manipulation of bureaucratic rule and formal procedures by business and political elites through family ties,...
September 2018
International Journal of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering
Performance evaluation and economic analysis of solar photo-voltaic water pumping systems: Case of Abakore borehole water supply system in Kenya
A solar photovoltaic (PV) water pumping system was investigated to determine performance and economic viability. An in-built data logger was used to collect real time data on key performance parameters. Performance indicators were defined and determined, while economic viability was analyzed using life-cycle cost (LCC) method and these costs were compared with a diesel generator pumping system. Solar irradiance varied...
September 2018
Journal of Soil Science and Environmental Management
Applicability of the Mehlich-3 method for the site-specific soil nutrient management in
Northern Mozambique
Mehlich 3 (M-3) is a multi-nutrient extractant which provides a rapid and cost-effective soil test for various soils. This study investigated the applicability of M-3 for cation and micronutrient determination under the specific soil fertilization and crop rotation given in northern Mozambique. Cations and micronutrients extracted with M-3 were compared with the classical methods; neutral ammonium acetate (NH4OAc) for...
September 2018
International Journal of Peace and Development Studies
Rural development: Lessons never learnt
Life is supposed to be a great teacher, but in the development field lessons have never been learnt because errors of decades ago continue being entrenched today, by more enlightened people. This paper deploys critical theories of rural development and community participation to explain why communities resist development projects. One such incident is community resistance to a donor-funded mega irrigation project in...
September 2018
International Journal of Peace and Development Studies
Community participation in transformation of rural livelihoods and climate smart farming technologies in the semi-arid lands of Kenya
Semi-arid areas in developing countries continue to depend on rain-fed agriculture which is exacerbated by climate change and poor governance. Despite efforts and investments by governmental and non-governmental organizations to address the issue of food insecurity in the semi-arid areas of Kenya, the problem still persists. The communities have designed themselves to be resource poor whereas they are not. This paper...
September 2018
International Journal of Psychology and Counselling
Prevalence and associated factors of stress among undergraduate students in Ambo University: Implication for Intervention
The study aims to assess the prevalence and associated factors of stress among Ambo University students. Institute based cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 343 undergraduate students at Ambo University. Data were collected using the Student-life Stress Inventory. Descriptive statistics, independent t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson correlation coefficient were utilized to analyze the...
September 2018
Journal of Economics and International Finance
Consumption patterns among individual households in Nasarawa State, Nigeria
The need for economic theory to address the problem of unsustainable consumption patterns in a developing economy, Nigeria cannot be overemphasized. The literature suggests that present consumption patterns which use up economic resources beyond the capacity of the environment to replenish may make development unsustainable. This study analyzed consumption behavior vis-à-vis the factors that weakly or strongly...
September 2018
International Journal of Genetics and Molecular Biology
The characterization of Citrus sp. from Parang Island Karimunjawa based on morphological, DNA barcoding and nutritional analysis
The Citrus sp. from Parang Island Karimunjawa is a wild type of Citrus plant that grow on salt area and exhibits a high level of vitamin C. Due to its ability, morphological, molecular and nutritional characterization needs to be carried out to improve its potential. The study was carried out at the Biotechnology Laboratory and the Integrated Laboratory of Diponegoro University from 2016 to 2017. The...
September 2018
African Journal of Pure and Applied Chemistry
Spectrophotmetric evaluation of rotenone extraction from leaves and seeds of mature Tephrosia
vogelii plant
The percentage yield of rotenone extracted from Tephrosia vogelii leaves and seeds was investigated. Ten samples of well ground leaves and seeds were each subjected to extraction in soxhlet extraction system using trichloromethane, ethanol and methanol solvents for 24 h at room temperature. The maximum absorption wavelength of rotenone was determined using Ultra violet-visible spectrophotometer. Different...
September 2018
African Journal of Pure and Applied Chemistry
Preliminary characterization of some natural dyes
A preliminary study on the chemical structure of dyes from Rothmannia hispidia, Pterocarpus osun and Terminalia superba was made using chemical tests, UV-visible and infrared spectroscopies. R. hispidia dye was found to contain an alkyl amino group (-NHR) and carbon-carbon double bond conjugated with a carbonyl (C = O) group, and also showed maximum absorption at 595 nm in the visible region. P. osun dye contains...
September 2018
Journal of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
Effects of artificial aging heat treatment on mechanical properties and corrosion behaviour of AA6XXX aluminium alloys
In this study, the effects of artificial aging heat treatment on mechanical properties and corrosion behaviour of AA6XXX alloy were investigated. The effects of artificial aging time on microstructure and mechanical properties of alloy were analysed and at the same time corrosion behaviour was determined by corrosion tests. For experimental investigations, the alloy samples prepared in appropriate sizes were heated to...
September 2018
Journal of Accounting and Taxation
Capital structure and corporate financial distress of manufacturing firms in Nigeria
This paper investigated the effect of capital structure on corporate financial distress of manufacturing firms in Nigeria by employing panel corrected standard error (PCSE) technique. The variables used in the study are corporate financial distress, capital structure, firm size, assets tangibility, revenue growth, profitability and age of firms. The outcome of the research reveals that capital structure affects...
September 2018
Journal of Accounting and Taxation
The effects of corporate governance codes in curbing fraudulent activities in private organisations in Nigeria
The rise of accounting scandals has prompted the need to improve the relevance of financial reporting by setting up good corporate governance structures. The relationship between corporate governance and fraudulent activities has been strongly debated in the developed countries. It is recently that attention has turned to the study of corporate governance and financial reporting in developing countries. This paper...
September 2018
Journal of Parasitology and Vector Biology
Prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection and associated factors in irrigation workers in Gamo Gofa and South Omo Zone, 2017: A Community based parasitological survey
Schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases and an important public health problem in many developing countries. In this era of global warming and climatic changes, the epidemiology of temperature-dependent infectious diseases could be changing implying the possibility of new transmission area in the world in general and in Ethiopia in particular. This study aims to assess the prevalence of...
September 2018
African Journal of Cellular Pathology
Effect of formalin fixation on DNA purity and quantity, nucleic acid, and amplicon size in cervical human papilloma virus detection
Tissue fixation with 10% formalin and molten paraffin wax embedding (FFPE) is routinely used protocol for tissue preservation in histopathology laboratory. We therefore aimed at comparing the differences in DNA quantity, DNA purity, nucleic acid and its effect on primers (PCR) amplicon (bp) sizes between fresh cervical tissues and formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE). The differences in DNA purity, quantity and...
September 2018
African Journal of History and Culture
The use of the History of Science to improve the understanding of the thematic of reproduction: A study with students of secondary school
The History of Biology teaching offers immense advantages in students’ success, this fact being supported by many authors. This study mainly aims to identify the knowledge of the sample students about the reproduction of living beings. A qualitative methodology and questionnaire were used to collect data. The sample consists of 18 students from a secondary school, in North Portugal. For comparison, the same...
September 2018
African Journal of Agricultural Research
Impact of shade on morpho-physiological characteristics of coffee plants, their pests and diseases: A review
Traditionally, coffee plant has been considered as a shade demanding species and intolerant of direct sunlight, although it performs well without shade. Still controversy result and recommendation have been reported among investigators in the optimal shading level for coffee growth. This controversy will probably continue endlessly until the effects of shade up on the performance of morphology and physiology of the...
September 2018
African Journal of Agricultural Research
The use of Information Communication and Technology in advancement of African agriculture
Food security in Africa continues to be a big a challenge and one of the key constraints is lack of information on many facets of agricultural research and development to the key sector stakeholders. However, in recent years a wide range of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) platforms and mechanisms have been used across Africa in enhancement of exchange of agricultural related information for increased...
September 2018
African Journal of Agricultural Research
Use of renewable energy resources in agriculture the case of Turkey
The rapid growth in the world economy has led to significant increases in energy demand. However, due to the limited formation of fossil fuel reserves such as petroleum, coal and natural gas, and the damage they cause to the environment,it has brought the trend towards renewable energy sources.The main renewable energy sources that can be effectively utilized in agriculture sector are; solar, biomass, geothermal and...
September 2018
African Journal of Agricultural Research
Agronomic effectiveness of water hyacinth-based composts
Because water hyacinth-based compost contains substantial amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) its application can boost crop production. We evaluated the agronomic performance of water hyacinth - based composts using field experiments and five treatments which were; water hyacinth compost made using cattle manure (WH+CM), poultry manure (WH+PM), molasses (WH+MO), water hyacinth alone (WH alone) and...
September 2018
African Journal of Agricultural Research
Bioactivity and phenolic composition of extracts of noni (Morinda citrifolia L., Rubiaceae) in tomato
moth (Tuta absoluta Meyrick, 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
We evaluated the bioactivity of Morinda citrifolia L., Rubiaceae on Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and quantified the phenolic components. Ethanolic extracts of leaves and fruits were used in five concentrations (0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04 and 0.05 mg / L). The leaves of the plants were immersed in the solution (10 s) and placed in contact with five caterpillars of the same instar in Petri dishes. The caterpillars...
September 2018
African Journal of Agricultural Research
Determination of tomato drying conditions with solar energy family type shelf dryer
In this study, working parameters of the system consisting of air heaters and dryer with solar energy of 0.20 m2 with a space of 0.72 m2 and 10 pieces in the cabin were investigated experimentally. Average atmospheric air temperature and relative humidity values during the dry daylight hours were measured at 49°C and 35%, respectively. As a result of the examination of the test results, the atmospheric air...
September 2018
African Journal of Agricultural Research
Effects of seed tuber size on growth and yield performance of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) varieties under field conditions
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important food and cash crop in Ethiopia; serving, as a food security crop due to its nutrition content, wider adaptability and early maturing behavior. However, the yield of the crop is constrained by a number of factors. Among which unspecified seed tuber size and limited availability and distribution of improved varieties are among the important limiting factors. A field experiment...
September 2018
African Journal of Biotechnology
Next-generation sequencing platforms for latest livestock reference genome assemblies
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) or high-throughput sequencing platforms refers to different modern sequencing technologies that allow scientist to sequence millions to billions of reads (base pairs) in a single, much more quicker and cheaper cost than the previously used Sanger (first generation) sequencing method. Next-generation sequencing platforms classified as second generation sequencing platforms which require...
September 2018
African Journal of Biotechnology
The effect of different nutrient media on in vitro shoot and root proliferation of Vanilla planifolia Jacks. ex Andrews
Murashige and Skoog (MS), Knudson C (KC) and Vacin and Went (VW) nutrient media are among the most widely used for micropropagation of orchid species. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of these growth media on in vitro shoot and root proliferation of Vanilla planifolia by using nodal segment as explants. Three different media; Murashige and Skoog (MS), Knudson C (KC) and Vacin and Went (VW) were...
September 2018
African Journal of Biotechnology
Genetic diversity of blackberry (Rubus subgenus Rubus Watson) in selected counties in Kenya using simple sequence repeats (SSRs) markers
Genetic diversity of blackberry (Rubus subgenus Rubus Watson) is essential for efficient breeding and improvement of its pomological traits and yield. In this research, simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were used to determine the genetic diversity of 90 blackberry accessions collected from six different counties in Kenya. From 11 SSR markers used to genotype the blackberry accessions, a total of 127 alleles were generated....
September 2018
Journal of Medicinal Plants Research
Antioxidant activity of extracts from Schinus molle L. and Gleditsia triacanthos L.
Methanolic and chloroform extracts obtained from various parts of Schinus molle and Gleditsia triacanthos were evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging assay. The methanolic extracts from S. molle showed scavenging activity ranging from 35.97±1.02 to 83.38±2.74%, while the chloroform seed extract showed relatively weak scavenging activity ranging from 8.20±1.02 to 68.82±3.17%. The IC50 values of...
September 2018
Journal of Medicinal Plants Research
Medicinal plants used for the management of hepatic ailments in Katsina State, Nigeria
People in Katsina State, Nigeria have been using medicinal plants to cure several ailments associated with liver since time immemorial; however the use of such plants was never documented. In this study, an ethnobotanical survey was conducted to document the medicinal plants used for the management of hepatic ailments in Katsina State, Nigeria. A semi-structured questionnaire method was adopted to interview 150...
September 2018
Educational Research and Reviews
Examining the relationship between empathy for others and self-compassion in college students
This study examined the correlation between self-compassion and empathy for others in college students in order to better inform clinical work and outreach programming in university counseling centers. Preliminary analyses indicated that gender identity was a confounding variable; therefore, the main analyses were run distinctly for male and female identified participants. There was no important association between...
September 2018
Educational Research and Reviews
An investigation of fine arts students’ attitudes towards art education based on some variables
The purpose of the present study is to examine fine arts students’ attitudes towards art education based on some variables. The data were collected through the “Attitude Scale towards Art Education” developed by Ayaydın and Kurtuldu and “Personal Information Form” developed by the researcher. Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient of the 32-item-scale is .90. The research consists...
September 2018
Educational Research and Reviews
An investigation of prospective teachers’ views on concept teaching: A case of History
Numerous studies have been carried out to provide active and permanent learning in History teaching. However, the importance of concept teaching which is essential for active learning literally has been ignored. An effective History teaching can only be measured by teaching the concepts involved in the program in an effective way. An effective History teaching is not possible without learning definitions of concepts...
September 2018
African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
Antibacterial activity of leaf and leaf callus extracts of Anisochilus carnosus (L) Wall.
The present study was carried out to determine the antibacterial efficacy of chloroform, petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, methanol, ethanol and aqueous extracts of leaf and leaf derived callus of Anisochilus carnosus against Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtiltis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Vibrio parahaemolytics, Enterobater aerogenes, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebseilla pneumoniae. The leaf segments were...
September 2018
African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
Acute skin irritation, acute and sub-acute oral toxicity studies of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils in mice and rabbit
In Ankober, Northern Ethiopia, Rosmarinus officinalis has been commonly used for flavoring foods as a condiment; moreover, the plant has also been widely used for different medicinal purposes. The current study was undertaken to provide data on acute and subacute toxicity in mice as well as skin irritation of R. officinalis essential oil in rabbit. Acute dermal and oral toxicity tests were conducted using limited dose of...
September 2018
African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
Healing effect of the microemulsion enriched with hydroalcoholic extract of Abarema cochliacarpa (Gomes) Barneby & J. W. Grimes (Fabaceae)
Abarema cochliocarpa is an endemic plant of Brazil and has been traditionally used as a popular medicine to treat various diseases and mostly as a healing agent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the healing effect of the microemulsion containing hydrometanic fraction of the inner bark (HMF) of the plant, as well as its antioxidant, antitumor and cytotoxic potential. The cytotoxicity of HMF was assessed by the...
September 2018
African Journal of Microbiology Research
Isolation and characterization of actinomycetes with antimicrobial activity from the soil and the effect of the environmental factors on their antimicrobial activity
This study aimed at isolating and characterizing antibiotic producing actinomycetes from a specific geographic location Alba’qa, Jordan, with a known soil character, and study the effect of the environmental factors on their antimicrobial activity, in order to relate the actinomycetes flora to the environmental characteristics. Soils of the Alba’qa region are of uniform composition and contain antimicrobial...
September 2018
African Journal of Microbiology Research
Microbial contamination of the non-alcoholic beverage Gnamakoudji made from Zingiber officinale in Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire
Street food has become unavoidable in the current scheme of restoration in urban Africa. This study aimed to study the microbiological contamination of a refreshing artisanal drink, Gnamakoudji, made from Zingiber officinale sold in the city of Daloa (Côte d’Ivoire). Physicochemical tests showed that Gnamakoudji is an acidic drink (pH ≈ 3.83) and very sweet (0.2 gmL-1). Microbiological analyses...
September 2018
African Journal of Microbiology Research
Handling conditions and microbial contamination of fish from Ouagadougou markets in Burkina Faso
The purpose of this study was to analyze the handling conditions and microbial contamination of fish from Ouagadougou markets. In spite of the fact that fish consumption is linked to several events of alimentary infection in Burkina Faso, fewer studies were dedicated to this issue. The study was conducted using two approaches. First, an investigation conducted with fish sellers to evaluate handling hygienic conditions...
September 2018
African Journal of Agricultural Research
Alellopathic effects of aqueous extracts from Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. Ex J. C. Wendl. on seed germination and vigor from Lactuca sativa
The aim of this work was to evaluate allelopathic effects of aqueous extracts from Bambusa vulgaris leaves and culm on Lactuca sativa L. germination. Plant material was collected at Dois Irmãos State Park in Recife, Brazil, and analysis was performed at Laboratory of Forest Seeds Analysis at Rural Federal University of Pernambuco. Experiments were conducted under natural conditions using leaf and culm extracts at...
September 2018
African Journal of Agricultural Research
Opportunities and challenges of Islamic microfinance in livestock production: An evidence from Syria
Islamic rural microfinance represents the confluence of three rapidly growing activities: microfinance, Islamic finance and agricultural development. It has the potential to not only respond to unmet demand but also to combine the Islamic social principle of caring for the less fortunate with microfinance’s power to provide financial access to the poor people involved in rural farming. This paper aims to analyze...
Page 4 of 1138, showing 50 records out of 56889 total, starting on record 151, ending on 200
