Articles
Page 9 of 1138, showing 50 records out of 56876 total, starting on record 401, ending on 450
August 2018
African Journal of Agricultural Research
Comparative analysis of antioxidant activities of different varieties of mangos with some selected fruits
Natural antioxidants and secondary metabolites found in vegetables and fruits play significant role in human health. The juices obtained from fruits and vegetables are more convenient to consume than fresh vegetables and fruits. In the current study, the total phenolic, vitamin C, total carotene and B-carotene content and antioxidant activity of fruits and vegetables juices were determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2picryl...
August 2018
African Journal of Agricultural Research
Evaluation and differential expression of genes conferring drought tolerance in selected maize genotypes in the Morogoro Region of Tanzania
Experiments were conducted at Sokoine University of Agriculture in Morogoro, Tanzania to assess the growth performance and grain yield of ten maize cultivars under well-watered and water stressed conditions. The ten cultivars (CML 444, CML395, CML539, WE 4107, WE 2112, WE 3102, WE 4112 and WE 4116) obtained from Water Efficiency Maize for Africa (WEMA) project and two local market cultivars (‘STAHA’ and...
August 2018
African Journal of Agricultural Research
A clue for generating a new leucine-rich repeat
gene in maize
Plant leucine-rich repeat (LRR) proteins play an important role in cell adhesion and signaling, neuronal development, disease resistance response and pathogen recognition. Therefore, the origin and evolution of the LRR genes had been studied deeply. However, there were no evidence of generating new LRR genes. In this study, the genomic and amino acid sequences of the LRR genes or proteins were aligned based on Maize GDB...
August 2018
African Journal of Agricultural Research
Evaluation of different methods to control invasive alien grass weeds in a degraded area
The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of different methods of exotic grass control in a degraded area in the urban area of Diamantina, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design, with the following methods of control of invasive grasses: T1) manual; T2) mechanical; T3) chemical; and T4) chemical + mechanical. After one hundred days, regenerants of...
August 2018
African Journal of Agricultural Research
Analysis of energy input-output of irrigated rice production in Jere Bowl Borno State, Nigeria
The study analyzed energy input-output of irrigated rice production at the Jere Bowl Borno State, Nigeria. One hundred and thirty farms were sampled through multistage sampling procedure. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and energy equations. The result showed that total of 36,397.85 MJ/ha of energy was consumed in the irrigated rice production with the highest energy input taken up by...
August 2018
African Journal of Agricultural Research
Screening of local and improved bean varieties for resistance to halo blight disease
The study was conducted to screen local and improved bean varieties for resistance to halo blight disease caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola. A total of eight improved (Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) 90, Rojo, Zawadi, Mshindi) and local (Mwasipenjele, Masusu, Kabhaya, Mabula) bean varieties were collected from breeders at SUA and farmers at Ileje district in Songwe region. Isolation of P. syringae...
August 2018
African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
Cross-cultural adaptation and validation to Brazil of the “Medication Counseling Behavior Guidelines”
This work aimed to translate cross-culturally adapts, and validate the “Medication Counseling Behavior Guidelines” instrument into Brazilian Portuguese. The process of cross-cultural adaptation was carried out using international recommendations. The generated versions were evaluated for the semantic, idiomatic, cultural, and conceptual equivalences and the pre-test was carried out with undergraduate...
August 2018
African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
Cytotoxic potential of ethanol extract of Parquetina nigrescens on MCF-7, C4-2WT, HT 29 and
HTC 116 cell lines
The cytotoxic activity of ethanol extract of Parquetina nigrescen was investigated using a (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, methylene blue and Trypan Blue exclusion assay on four human cancer cell lines, MCF-7, HT 29, HTC 116 and C4-2WT. A mitochondrial enzyme in living cells, succinate-dehydrogenase cleaves the tetrazolium ring and converts the MTT to an insoluble purple...
August 2018
African Journal of Biotechnology
Nuclear isolation and purification using SDS/urea (NIPSU) method for efficient and rapid extraction of high-purity genomic DNAs from Jatropha curcas L: A comparative analysis of DNA isolation protocols
Jatropha curcas L. (Jatropha) has gained popularity for its potential use in biodiesel production in arid regions, and its yield improvement by molecular breeding has been anticipated. However, Jatropha is known for its recalcitrance in the extraction of pure genomic DNAs. In this study, four DNA extraction methods were comparatively examined for their efficiency and quality of genomic DNA isolations from Jatropha....
August 2018
African Journal of Biotechnology
Evaluation and comparison of staining effect of Punica granatum flower extract on testis and ovary of Wistar rats: First results
The evaluation and comparison of the staining effect of pomegranate (Punica granatum) flower extract (dye solution) on histological sections of rat testis and ovary provides a simple, quick technique for the visualisation of both cells. In the developed procedure, this work shows the staining effect of P. granatum flower extract used at different pH of dye bath and temperatures on the histological sections of rat testis...
August 2018
African Journal of Biotechnology
Circular RNA expression profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic, chronic autoimmune disease involving synovial inflammation and joint destruction. Lack of knowledge on RA pathogenesis hinders development of effective treatments. The aim of this study was to examine whether circular RNAs (circRNAs), which are involved in the development of other diseases, may also play a role in RA. Expression profiles of circRNAs were compared between...
August 2018
African Journal of Biotechnology
Comparative analysis of the chemical compositions of indigenous watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) seeds from two districts in Limpopo Province, South Africa
Seeds from different indigenous watermelons were analysed for their chemical composition such as phenolics, proteins, oils, minerals, ash and fibre content as well as antioxidant activity measured in methanol extract using 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The morphological variations of watermelons, which revealed diversity in terms of fruit and seed colour were also assessed. Average percentages for lipid...
August 2018
African Journal of Microbiology Research
Using light emitting diodes at 450 nm for in vitro treatment of water intended for human consumption
This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial effect of exposing raw water intended for human consumption to light (λ= 450 nm) and to investigate the correlation between the results obtained and physical and chemical parameters. Fifteen (15) samples of raw water were collected from households in a rural area of Santo Antônio de Jesus – Bahia (Brazil), from November to December 2016. A 100...
August 2018
African Journal of Microbiology Research
Quality of water for human consumption in a rural area community from Brazil
This work aimed at evaluating the bacteriological, parasitological, physical and chemical quality of water intended for human consumption in a community in a rural area of Recôncavo of Bahia (Brazil) and the factors related to a possible contamination. Samples were collected at two different times: at rainy season (August to September, 2015) and dry season (April 2016). The present work evaluated the presence of...
August 2018
African Journal of Microbiology Research
Identification of endophytic fungi from roots of two Dendrobium species and evaluation of their antibacterial property
Among all orchids, Dendrobium sp. is considered to have high medicinal value. Dendrobium moniliforme and Dendrobium transparens have immense pharmaceutical, commercial potentiality. However, their fungal endophytes remain unexplored. Isolation and identification of thirteen species of endophytic fungi from the root of D. moniliforme as well as five species from the roots of D. transparens were done. The two endophytic...
August 2018
African Journal of Agricultural Research
Intercropping in Zimbabwe conservation agriculture systems using a farmer-participatory
research approach
Smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are under increasing pressure due in part to climate change and soil degradation, with many farming households unable to achieve even basic food self-sufficiency. Conservation Agriculture (CA) is a possible solution to these challenges, but the lack of sufficient biomass for mulch has limited wide-scale adoption, and many farmers who practice CA resort to adding...
August 2018
African Journal of Agricultural Research
Response of maize (Zea maysL) inbred lines to different herbicide combinations
A field experiment was carried out at Agricultural Seed and Services Research Station in Zimbabwe to evaluate the response of maize inbred lines to different herbicide combinations. The trial was laid out in a 5×12 split plot design replicated three times. Herbicide combination was main plot factor with five levels; Hand-hoeing;metolachlor+ atrazine;metolachlor+ atrazine+ nicosulfuron; metolachlor+ atrazine+...
August 2018
African Journal of Agricultural Research
Sustainable land management and ecological service assessment in Northwest of China: Case study of Yanchi, People’s Republic of China
This research aims to assess the driving factors hindering the effectiveness of these protected areas implemented to counter land degradation and evaluate the services provided by these ecosystems in the North West of China. With Ningxia province, Yanchi County chosen as experimental research area, preferential sampling technique was used with 50 plots of (quadrat) laid for plant community characteristics survey...
August 2018
African Journal of Agricultural Research
Technology transfer and anthropotechnology: An analysis of the sugarcane harvesting in Australia
and Brazil
The present paper conducts a comparative analysis of the operation of sugarcane harvesting machines in their original place of design (Australia) and in a recipient country of this technology (Brazil). The method comprised Ergonomic Work Analysis (EWA) and the assumptions of anthropotechnology proposed by Wisner. The results achieved depict the similarities and differences between the two countries regarding: (a) the...
August 2018
African Journal of Agricultural Research
Rainfall variability and its implications for agricultural production in Gedarif State, Eastern Sudan
Rainfed agriculture is practiced in the central clay plains of Sudan and is affected by the high rainfall variability in time and space within and between seasons. This study focused on analyzing rainfall variability and trend using a 30-year record (1985-2014) of seven meteorological stations at the major agricultural production areas in Gedarif state in eastern Sudan. Yearly rainfall has relatively low variability...
August 2018
African Journal of Agricultural Research
Effect of cutting height on nutritional characteristics of three agroforestry tree legume species and their feed supplement value on Chloris gayana Kunth.
This study investigated the effect of cutting height (30 and 100 cm) on chemical composition and in vitro digestibility in field-grown Acacia angustissima (Mill.) Kuntze. (Prairie acacia), Leucaena pallida Britton & Rose (guaja) and Mimosa scabrella Bentham. (bracatinga) legumes and their value in supplementing a basal diet of Chloris gayana Kunth. (Rhodes grass). Cutting height did not affect major chemical...
August 2018
African Journal of Agricultural Research
Population dynamics of white mango scale, Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) in Western Ethiopia
Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is the third most important fruit crop in the tropics following citrus and banana. It is consumed as a fresh fruit and different forms of preparations for its multifaceted nutritional values. Mango production in Ethiopia is constrained by infestation of white mango scale (WMS), Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead. White mango scale was recorded from Ethiopia for the first time in 2010, in a...
August 2018
African Journal of Agricultural Research
Influence of markets on fish farming adoption: The case of Chingale in Malawi
The challenges constraining the contribution of aquaculture to food security and household incomes have mostly been documented as low utilization of improved feed, lack of improved seed and unfriendly financing services. This study looked at the influence of markets including market information on adopting aquaculture technologies. Data were collected from 110 farmers in Zomba District, Malawi. Using a logit model,...
August 2018
African Journal of Biotechnology
Application of molecular and biotechnological techniques in plant disease management: A review
Plant diseases are a major challenge in crop production. They are caused by nematodes, bacteria, fungi, viruses as well as plant nutritional factors. Diseases interfere with the normal physiological and metabolic processes of plants. This results in various effects including wilting, stunting, yellowing and death of plant tissues and organs. Crop losses due to diseases manifest in form of reduced yield, poor quality...
August 2018
African Journal of Biotechnology
In vitro inhibitory potentials of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Hyptis suaveolens on fungi associated with postharvest spoilage of Brassica oleracea
The inhibitory potential of Hyptis suaveolens leaf and root extracts on fungi associated with postharvest spoilage of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) was examined. Collection of diseased cabbage was done in sterile sample bags . Isolation of fungi was carried out by inoculating small sections of diseased tissues excised from the cabbages unto Petri-dishes containing Acidified Potato Dextrose Agar (APDA)....
August 2018
African Journal of Biotechnology
Technological properties and sugar tolerance performance of palm wine yeasts isolated from parts of Nsukka, Nigeria
The ability of yeasts to survive and produce significant ethanol in high sugar medium and high ethanol environment is essential for the use of such yeasts in industrial and edible ethanol production. Four Saccharomyces spp. strains () isolated from palm wine and an industrial strain were studied in high glucose medium for ethanol production and ability to survive in high sugar medium. Saccharomyces cerevisiae...
August 2018
African Journal of Biotechnology
Genetic variability, heritability and expected genetic advance of yield and yield related traits in common bean genotypes (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) at Abaya and Yabello, Southern Ethiopia
This experiment was conducted to evaluate 36 common bean genotypes including seven released varieties to generate information on the extent of genetic variability, heritability and expected genetic advance of yield and yield related traits. The field experiment was conducted in 2015 at two locations (Abaya and Yabello) and genotypes were planted in triple lattice design. Data were collected on yield and important...
July 2018
Journal of Geography and Regional Planning
The role of human resource development on the implementation of differential advantage approach in OVOP Projects, Kenya
The study seeks to fill an information gap of critical role of human resource development in the implementation of differential advantage approach in Kenya One Village One Product (OVOP) projects. It seems that Kenya OVOP was a government-driven project with emphasis on product development, a deviation from its origin model which was people driven movement and put an emphasis on human resources development. It therefore...
July 2018
African Journal of Food Science
Biochemical changes in superchilled storage of salmon (Salmo salar) fillets
Biochemical changes of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fillets during superchilled storage were evaluated. Due to the significant differences in ice crystal sizes observed, the biochemical changes were evaluated both at the top and centre parts of the superchilled samples. No significant differences were found in biochemical changes between top and centre parts of the superchilled samples. The amount of cell tissue fluid...
July 2018
Journal of Parasitology and Vector Biology
Cytotaxonomic study of the larvae of blackfly (Diptera: Simuliidae) from River-Ose, Ondo State, Nigeria
A study of the cytotaxonomy of the larvae of blackfly was undertaken at three sites, Imeri A, Imeri B, and Ose-oba, along River Ose in Ondo State, Nigeria. Based on the morphology of the larvae and the resultant pupae, three species of blackflies were identified. These included Simulium damnosum complex, Simulium alcocki, and one yet to be identified (YI). Investigations on the polytene chromosomes from the salivary...
July 2018
International Journal of Livestock Production
Effects of L-Arginine supplementation of drinking water on the kidney and liver of Sasso chickens
The present study was conducted to determine the effects of L-arginine supplementation of drinking water on the kidney and liver of Sasso chickens. The study comprised 297 mixed sex Sasso chickens of twelve-weeks old raised in floor pens, the birds were randomly distributed into three treatments and three replicates with thirty-three birds per replicate. The design of the experiment is the completely randomized design...
July 2018
International Journal of Livestock Production
Livestock-feed balance in small and fragmented land holdings: The case of Wolayta zone, Southern Ethiopia
Ethiopia owns immense but largely untapped livestock resources scattered over diverse agro-ecologies. Feed scarcity is one of the major technical constraints in livestock production and thus challenges the economic contribution of the livestock sub-sector. For optimum and sustainable livestock productivity, the available feed resource should match with the animal population in a given area. This study was aimed at...
July 2018
International Journal of Livestock Production
Phenotypic characterization of pigs and their production system in Liberia
Native pig farming is an important component of rural farming systems in Liberia but the population has recently stagnated, due to the absence of a comprehensive improvement and conservation program. A survey was conducted to measure the phenotypic morphometric parameters and production system of native and exotic pigs of Liberia. The survey was carried out in 15 Counties of Liberia and covered 545 animals from 264...
July 2018
Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology
Incidence of pre-pregnancy and pregnancy-related illnesses in rural women accessing antenatal care services in Awka, south-east, Nigeria
Nigeria accounts for a considerable proportion of maternal deaths that occur annually worldwide. The study investigated the incidence of pre-pregnancy and pregnancy-related illnesses in women accessing antenatal care services at health facilities in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State. The study adopted cross-sectional research design. The population comprised 3,207 registered pregnant women from January to...
July 2018
Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology
Precision health contributions to public health: An integrative review
Precision health is an all-encompassing term, which can describe a type of care that shows the intersectionality of genomics, precision health or medicine and public health. This integrative review aimed to investigate how precision health strategies could contribute to the public health and improve health-related outcomes among populations. The search strategy included 5 main keywords combined with other 63...
July 2018
Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology
Malaria outbreak and contracting factors in Afar Region, Ethiopia, 2016
On July 5, 2016, Amibera District Health office was alerted of excess of malaria cases in two villages. Within July 5 to 17, 2016 malaria outbreak and associations factors were investigated. A malaria case is when a person with fever or fever with headache is confirmed either microscopically to have Plasmodium parasites or by Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) to detect the malaria antigens. In the last five years malaria data...
July 2018
African Journal of Food Science
Physicochemical properties of starches extracted from local cassava varieties with the aid of crude pectolytic enzymes from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ATCC 52712)
Starches extracted from root mashes of the Nkabom, Esam Bankye, Bankyehemaa, Doku Duade and Afisiafi cassava varieties, with the aid of (crude) pectolytic enzymes from Saccharomyces cerevisiae pectolytic were analysed to compare effects of (pectolytic) enzyme technology on the physicochemical properties of the extracted starches. This was to help establish the extent to which varietal differences affect application of...
July 2018
African Journal of Food Science
Enhancing the retention of β-carotene and vitamin C in dried mango using alternative blanching processes
The effects of microwave (MW) dry blanching of mango in comparison with conventional water blanching and blanching in closed plastic bags prior to hot air drying (70°C) were evaluated on the retention of vitamin C and β-carotene and on the activity of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and ascorbic acid oxidase (AAO) enzymes. Blanching conditions for MW and water blanching were 2 min at 90°C high temperature and...
July 2018
African Journal of Food Science
Evaluation of thigh muscles of 3 breeds of cattle (White Fulani, Sokoto Gudali and Red Bororo)
If different breeds or muscles of animal have same composition is a food for thought. Do muscles from animals eaten as food, have different chemical composition? This study evaluates composition of thigh muscles from three breeds of cattle and the different muscles in the thigh. Nine 1-year male cattle, comprising of 3 Sokoto Gudali (SG), 3 White Fulani (WF) and 3 Red Bororo (RB) breeds were reared semi-intensively, fed...
July 2018
Journal of Agricultural Biotechnology and Sustainable Development
Limitations and strategies to enhance biological nitrogen fixation in sub-humid tropics of
Western Ethiopia
Currently, inorganic nitrogen fertilizer becomes a serious threat to the environment and human health. Thus, finding of alternate source of nitrogen is a viable option in assuring of sustainable agricultural system. Biological nitrogen fixation is a critical and key process in sustainable agricultural systems in tropical soils, which are frequently deficient in N and susceptible to leaching of plant nutrients. This...
July 2018
Journal of Plant Breeding and Crop Science
Genetic variability in a quality protein maize (QPM) population under double viral infections
The type of gene action conferring combined resistance to maize streak virus (MSV) and maize stripe virus (MStV) was investigated in a Quality Protein Maize (QPM) population, ART/98/SW6-OB. Full-sib and half-sib progenies generated using North Carolina Design I mating scheme were evaluated in 2015 and 2016 in two locations endemic to the viral diseases in Nigeria. Serological study was also conducted on the progenies to...
July 2018
Journal of Agricultural Biotechnology and Sustainable Development
Genetic analysis for grain yield and yield related traits in maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines in line × tester mating design
Maize is one of the most important cereal crop widely grown in the world. Maize crosses along with similar maturing checks were evaluated at Hawassa in 2015-2016 cropping season to understand the nature of gene action governing yield and its attributes through line × tester analysis and to study genetic contribution of line, tester and the interaction of line × tester to total variation. The experiment was...
July 2018
Journal of Plant Breeding and Crop Science
Incidence of seed borne fungi in farm saved rice seeds, quality declared seed and certified seed in Morogoro Region in Tanzania
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the second most important food crop after maize in Tanzania. It faces many challenges like diseases, pests and physical damages, which reduce the seed quality. This article identified microorganisms and the district where they occurred. 13 fungal species comprising of 11 pathogenic and 2 saprophytic fungi were detected and the incidence level varied among sample. Mvomero District showed the...
July 2018
Journal of Plant Breeding and Crop Science
Phenotypic and serological evaluation of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.Walp) genotypes for resistance to viral infection under field conditions
Viral infections are a major challenge to sustainable cowpea production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Nine cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) genotypes were evaluated for resistance against viral infection in a field trial involving randomized complete block design with 4 replications. Viral disease severity was assessed at 2, 4 and 6 weeks after planting (WAP) based on disease symptoms. Double antibody sandwich-enzyme...
July 2018
African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology
Influence of land use practices on water physicochemical parameters and nutrients loading along the Mara River of East Africa
Mara River originates from the Mau Forest and traverses through landscapes with varying activities. Over the years, Mara River Basin has witnessed population increase, accompanied with conversion of forestlands into agricultural farms, human settlements, industrial and tourist activities and development of urban centres. Land uses along riverine areas have influence on water quality and may affect health of surrounding...
July 2018
International Journal of Livestock Production
Comparative analysis of climate change impact on livestock in relation to biomass base feed availability using standardized precipitation index in south-western Ethiopia
The standardized precipitation index and normalized difference vegetation index on event incidences (at different time scale) and biomass feed dry matter production, were used to assess climate change influences on feed availability. A significant decline (p<0.05) in feed dry matter availability indices across years was observed. The deviation from normality shows that the biomass feed production could vary...
July 2018
Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
Prospects and challenges of management of smallholders' Wovwe Rice Irrigation Scheme in Malawi through participatory approach
The concept of participatory approach in irrigation management was adopted in Malawi in the mid 1990s, but fully implemented in early 2000. This research was designed to analyze the challenges and benefits which Water User Associations (WUAs) encountered during implementation of irrigation projects using Wovwe Water User Association (WWUA) as a case study. The study thus examined the legal framework of WUAs in Malawi,...
July 2018
Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
Technology tracking: Understanding decisions to adopt, not to adopt, and dis-adopt household greywater filtration systems
Jordan is one of the world’s water-poorest countries. The demand for potable and productive water is ever increasing due to population growth, climate change, increasing numbers of refugees hosted by the country, as well as heightened demand from a growing economy and its different sectors. Household greywater filtration systems (HGWFS) are ideal for repurposing greywater, from wastewater into productive use for...
July 2018
Journal of Agricultural Biotechnology and Sustainable Development
Adaptability evaluation of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes at Western Ethiopia
Fifteen common bean genotypes were tested at four locations with two management regimes of lime treated and lime untreated acidic soils. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications during 2016/17 cropping season. The combined analysis of variance over environments showed significant differences among environments, genotypes, genotype x environment interaction (GEI), management, genotype by...
July 2018
Journal of Agricultural Biotechnology and Sustainable Development
Micro-propagation of Colocasia esculenta (cv. Bolosso I) from corm and sprout tip explants
Taro (Colocasia esculenta L.) is a perennial, aquatic and semi-aquatic species, member of the family Araceae grown for its edible tuberous root. The application of conventional propagation techniques for taro could not produce the high demand and quality planting materials due to its low productive capacity and diseases transmission. Therefore, this study was carried out to develop micro-propagation protocol for...
Page 9 of 1138, showing 50 records out of 56876 total, starting on record 401, ending on 450
