Applied Research Journal
Volume:1 Issue: 4, Jun 2015

Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES)/Japanese encephalitis (JE) is the leading viral cause of disability in India. Our study was carried out to comprehend the prevalence of AES/JE cases in 2011-12 at Lakhimpur district of Assam and to find out their association with environmental factors (particularly rainfall). Among the suspected AES cases, 25.92% & 24.39% cases were found JE IgM positive in 2011 and 2012 respectively. A positive correlation was observed between AES/JE cases and monthly rainfall data. In 2012, upto some extent decreasing trend of JE cases were observed due to the vaccination campaign held on February, 2012 at Lakhimpur district.

This study was obtained to investigate the physical, chemical and microbial characteristic of Pampangan buffalo milk. As much of 20 buffalo milk samples were utilized. The samples were taken from Pampangan and Rambutan sub-district, Ogan Komering Ilir regency, South Sumatra province. Physical, chemical characteristics Total Plate Count (TPC), amino acid and fatty acid were analyzed by following the methods described in AOAC 2007 [1]. The results showed that buffalo milk has the average value of density, moisture content, fat, protein, ash, non fat dry material and TPC is 1.035 g.ml-1, 79.01%, 9.79%, 5.73%, 0.85%, 11.19% and 5.49 log cfu. ml-1 respectively. Pampangan buffalo milk has typical milk flavor, white color, and sweet taste. It contains 15 amino acids which the highest amino acid concentration is glutamic acid. The highest concentration of saturated fatty acids are palmitic acid, stearic and myristic, whereas the highest concentration of unsaturated fatty acids is oleic acid.

Bovine genetic resources of India constitute an important component of animal genetic resource and they substantially contribute in the GDP as well as towards the food security of our country. The purpose of the present report is to divulge the population dynamics of breeding bulls and its consequences thereof in animal breed improvement and conservation programs. Steps that could be taken to monitor and multiply the breeding bulls of cattle and buffalo species in India are delineated in the present article.

Diurnal activity patterns of oribi (Ourebia ourebi Zimmermann, 1783) in the newly established Maze National Park, southern Ethiopia, were studied during the wet and dry seasons from October 2009 to December 2012. Data collection of was carried out by direct observation of free-ranging animals from a hidden position. Vantage points were selected for observation between 06:00 and 18:00 hours of the day using alternate periods between mornings (06:00-10:00 hrs), mid-day (10:00-14:00 hrs) and late afternoon (14:00-18:00 hrs) sessions. Feeding constituted the highest (57.58%) activity pattern compared to other diurnal activities. There was a morning and evening peak activities of feeding and mid-day peak of lying during wet and dry seasons, for both males and females. There was a significant difference in the mean percentage of daylight activities during wet and dry seasons in both sexes (p<0.05). Diurnal activity patterns of oribi were mainly influenced by foraging quality and availability of the area.

Current study was conducted to evaluate the oviposition deterrent and ovicidal potential of A. mexicana extracts against laboratory-reared A. aegypti. The leaf extracts of A. mexicana were prepared in five different solvents selected based on their polarity; petroleum ether, hexane, benzene, acetone and ethanol. The studies concluded that the deterrence potential of all the leaf extracts gradually increased with increasing concentrations revealing a positive correlation between the two. The results showed the maximum oviposition deterrent potential of the petroleum ether extracts against A. aegypti with 31% effective deterrence at 200 ppm which rose by 66% at 400 ppm. The hexane leaf extract was found to be the least effective deterrent amongst the other extracts displaying an ED% range of 61.5% to 2.68%. Exposure of freshly laid eggs of A. aegypti with different leaf extracts for 24 h resulted in a significant increase in the ovicidal potential of each extract with increasing concentration. Remarkably, the acetone leaf extract of A. mexicana was found to exhibit the highest ovicidal potential against A. aegypti with a significantly reduced egg hatch of 27.32% when exposed to 400 ppm extract as compared to control treatment; this extract causing the lowest percent hatch of 18.35% at 1000 ppm which was 0.1-2.1 folds lesser than that obtained with other leaf extracts. The petroleum ether and benzene leaf extracts were also found to show noticeable ovicidal efficacy while the remaining leaf extracts were found to be poor ovicidal agents as they were not significantly effective even at higher concentrations. Our results clearly indicate the appreciable oviposition deterrence and ovicidal potential of various extracts prepared from the leaves of A. mexicana against A. aegypti. However, the mechanism causing these impacts is still not known and needs to be explored.

In Indonesia, Mozzarella cheese is a fresh stretched cheese produced from whole cow’s milk. The objective of this research was to study characteristics of Mozzarella cheese from water buffalo milk in North Sumatra. Buffalo milk were collected from lactating buffaloes from three farms located at Patumbak, Lubuk Pakam and Siborong-borong. The traits measured included milk quality, cheese quality, cheese texture, microstructure of cheese using Scanning electron Microscopy (SEM) and organoleptic of cheese. The Completely randomized design was applied. The result revealed significant different content of included protein, fat and ash of Mozzarella cheese. The best cheese comes from Lubuk pakam and Siborong-borong which each have a higher fat content (10.13 ± 2.36% and 8.92 ± 5.21%) and softer texture (430.2 ± gf.s 54.67 and 504.9 ± 131.5 gf.s). Organoleptic test showed that Mozzarella cheese made in buffalo milk acceptance rate up to 79.4% from panel. Each farms produced different qualities of milk and had different quality of Mozzarella cheese. However, handling of milk and cheese prosessing also affected the quality of Mozzarella cheese.

The difference in season caused diffrent in climate condition between rainy and dry season. One of the differences is temperature and humidity that may affect forage and productivity of Friesien Holstein (FH). The purpose of study was to determine milk production and reproduction performance of FH’s during rainy and dry seasons. The study was conducted from May to August 2014. The location of study was in Technical Implementation Unit (UPT) of Ruminant Breeding and Training in Kampar Regency Riau Province. Parameter observed in this study was rainfall of rainy and dry season, Temperature Humidity Index (THI), forage quality and milk production of FH’s. Climatic conditions and the value of THI in UPT of Ruminant Breeding and Training in Kampar Regency Riau Province during rainy season was better than dry season although FH those were reared in UPT suffered from heat stress. Forage quality during rainy season was better than dry season. Percentage of lactation was better in the rainy season, while in the dry season was likely occurrence of reproductive problems as a result of climatic conditions and Temperature Humidity Index (THI) were unfavorable for the cows. Milk production in rainy season was not significantly different compare with dry season.

Friesien Holstein (FH) is a temperate dairy cattle and sensitive with high temperature and humidity. Climate is one of factors which affected performance and thermoregulation response in livestock. Heat stress in diary cattles were indicated by the increasing of heart rate, respiration rate, and body temperature. The objective of this research was analyze environmental effect on thermoregulation of Friesien Holstein (FH) which maintenance in two lowland areas (Kampar: 01°25 North Latitude - 00°20 South Latitude and Dumai: 01°24°23 North Latitude). Variables observed consist of: microclimate on the stall (environment temperature, relative humidity, Temperature Humadity Index (THI), winds velocity) and thermoregulation response. Based on the research, its confirmed that environtmental condition in lowland area were high and affected dairy cattle in heat stress condition (moderate and low heat stress). Environment factors affected thermoregulation response in Friesien Holstein in Kampar and Dumai. Heart rate and rectal temperature of FH in Kampar and Dumai were in normal ranges. The increasing of environment temperatures affected livestocks to dissipate more heats by increasing respiration rate, high temperature of the skin as a result of cattle exposed to direct heat temperature.

Though truncated navicular height(TNH)and dorsal arch of foot (TDH)were reported to be clinically validated tools to measuring medial arch of foot. Their concurrent validity needed to be explored. This study was primarily to explore depth of correlation between truncated dorsal height and truncated navicular height and whether foot size has any influence on medial arch height of foot.Methodolgy: It is a cross sectional study. 30 healthy subjects aged 18-24 who fulfilled criteria had participated in this study. Both male healthy undergraduate students were included. Truncated Dorsal arch height and truncated navicular height were measured in all subjects feet. Fair correlation was found between truncated navicular height to dorsal arch height in exploring subject’s foot right and left foot. Yet foot size on right side did not correlate with arch height as the r value was -0.17 and left foot size exhibited fair correlation to arch height. It can be reasoned that the mean value of navicular height on left foot was 5.53±67, whereas left side it was 5.45±71. This current study explored correlation between Dorsal arch height and navicular height in quantifying medial arch foot was found to be having fair correlation with each other. Left sise foot size had correlated moderately to arch height.

Height is a significant parameter for assessing growth and development of an individual. It can vary in different populations. There are quite a handful of studies which support using arm span to substitute height for predicting lung volumes. The associations of arm span and body height was found to vary in different ethnic and racial groups. No such studies have been carried out in Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka, India. This study was done to show whether there is any relationship between height and arm span for young adults in Dakshina Kannada district. Height and arm span were measured in 34 boys and 119 girls from Alva’s Education Foundation, Moodbidri with the help of stadiometer and calibrated steel tape. The height measured was vertical distance from the vertex to floor. Arm span measured was the straight distance between tip of middle fingers right and left, when the arms are fully stretched and are parallel to the floor. For statistical analysis (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) SPSS Version 16 was used. Pearson correlation was used to correlate variables. Mean height for girls 157.38 (SD =6.96) cm and for boys 167.93 (SD=6.98) cm. Mean arm span for girls 161.63 cm and for boys 176.2 cm.The correlation coefficient between height and arm span was 0.890 for girls and 0.826 for boys. P< 0.05 for both groups. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level. Height and arm span have strong correlation and arm span can be used as reliable parameter for predicting the height of young adult individuals.

Atomic fluorescence spectroscopy coupled with cold vapour (CV-AFS) was used to analyse mercury content in process water from oil and gas industry. Both external calibration and standard addition method were applied to determine the concentration. The result obtained shows concentration of mercury (Hg) in standard addition was 561.31 ppt, while the concentration in external calibration was 311.9 ppt. Both of the concentrations obtained were below maximum limit of Hg content in water (100 ppb).

Neem oil and extracted Jatropha oil were modified to produce bio-lubricant. The bio-lubricant were analyzed for their chemical and physical properties such as density, acid value, sulphated ash content, refractive index, pour point, flash point as well as viscosities at 40 and 100oC and viscosity index for comparison with the characteristics of a mineral lubricant (engen super 20w/50). The result of the analysis reveals that Jatropha curcas oil bio-lubricant has high flash point (274oC), viscosity index (539), lubricity, and an acid value of 3.9, sulphated ash content was 0.038 wt%, and low pour point of 0.23 0C, neem oil bio-lubricant also has a flash point of (262oC) higher than the characteristic of the commercial lubricant, an acid value of 1.9, high viscosity index (397), sulphated ash content of 0.018 wt% and low pour point of 1.3 0C. It was found that the bio-lubricants produced are comparable to the commercial standards for engen super 20w/50 lubricant.

This research merely served to look into immediate effects of incentive scheme on performance of Senior High School Teachers around Medan City. Conducted with explanatory research by means of bearing ex post facto method then prompted consideration which appertained to non-experiment. The ex post facto is subject to examine proposed hypotheses that of there a significant impact between free variable of awarding incentive and bound variable. Sampling population imposed to Senior High School teachers around Medan City of 241 teachers. Defined with descriptive statistical analysis and inferential analysis. Data prepared by computer program of SPSS 18 for windows. Adhered to inferential analysis by technically path analysis whereby significant stage a = 0.05 there coefficient path value of 0.350 in facts, reflecting that awarding incentive variable contributed immediate positive effect and significant toward Medan City Senior High School teachers’ accomplishments.

The selection of a potential biomass from the different types of low cost biomaterials that are readily available is a major challenge in the application of biosorption. Though the use of biomass for environmental purposes has been in practice for long, researchers are hopeful that the method will lead to an alternative economical method for the removal of heavy toxic substances from wastewater. Biosorption have been seen as a new technology, and has been put to use in various applications for a very long time. Neem tree (Azadirachta indica) is a distinctive mahogany tree among the Malecite family and is an inhabitant in the Southeast Asia regions and can also be found in different countries worldwide. For a very long time, its product have been widely used and proven to be effective in the biosorption of different metals, using either leaves, bark or the combination of both and also in other cases carry out chemical modifications using different modifying agents.

The study attempted to establish an integrated conservation-education framework consisting of three important components – experiential learning through the Farmer Field School (FFS) Concept, using local ecological knowledge (LEK), and various Environmental Education (EE) activities – in aiming to develop a corps of local resource managers who would promote sustainable abalone fishing and resource conservation in Anda, Pangasinan. Local fishers possess a wealth of knowledge gained through long-term association with their resources, and this knowledge may be useful in guiding biologists and conservationists in resource management. Additionally, the fisher’s LEK, validated by modern scientific findings, could be a source of important and effective ideas in resource management. The knowledge of abalone fishers regarding important fishing grounds should help in pinpointing critical areas that need to be managed. Abalone mariculture in cages learned through the FFS concept could be used as a resource management option. Mariculture cages should be set up near productive fishing grounds to routinely create dense breeding populations which can help in enhancing the recovery and in providing fishers with a source of additional income. Various other EE activities can be combined with the above approaches to help increase the ecological awareness of the fishers and their community and help them become sustainable resource managers.

In this study, the impact of filler type and aggregate gradation on tensile strength and temperature susceptibility of asphalt concrete were investigated. Two types of aggregate gradation, representing SCRB and Road Note 31 specifications, usually used for asphalt concrete wearing course, have been implemented in the construction of twelve roller compacted slab samples. Asphalt cement of (40-50) penetration grade, and Limestone dust and coal fly ash were implemented as a mineral filler. The optimum asphalt content of each type of mixtures was determined using Marshall Mix design method. Seventy-two Core specimens were obtained from the slab samples. Cores were tested for indirect tensile strength (ITS), at three testing temperatures of (0, 20, and 40°C). The temperature susceptibility (TS) for each mix was also determined. It was concluded that decreasing the testing temperature led to increased ITS for all types of mixtures. ITS increases when the asphalt content was increased at (20 and 0 ˚C), while at 40 ˚C, ITS decreases when the optimum asphalt content was increased or decreased. The Road Note 31 gradation shows more resistant to tensile stress than SCRB gradation at low temperature (0 ˚C), while at other testing conditions, SCRB gradation shows more resistant to tensile stress than Road Note 31. Coal fly ash shows more resistant to tensile stress than limestone dust when used as a mineral filler at different testing conditions. The results of temperature susceptibility (TS) test showed that Coal fly ash was influenced by temperature more than limestone dust. The SCRB gradation was also influenced by temperature changes more than Road Note 31 gradation.

Desertification defined as the persistent dilapidation of arid and semi-arid ecosystems by variations in climate and human activities is one of the greatest environmental challenge affecting today. The present study area, National Capital Territory of Delhi shares border with parts of three other states viz. Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. A detailed and exhaustive questionnaire was prepared and the students conducted the primary survey in project area. Elaborate studies to estimate the levels of pollution have been carried out. Socio-economic survey has indicated that human population and natural resources including land, water and air in a single configuration, have been affected drastically by climatic and socio-economic disturbances in the study area. There is a major change in the land use pattern has designated in the studies. Land use analysis has revealed that agricultural land has been acquired by the government and converted to industrial establishments. Such political and socio-economic disturbances in combination with climatic fluctuations have become the main drivers of desertification. The toxicity profile of NCT of Delhi revealed the unusually higher levels of heavy metal ions in the water and soil matrix in the areas around the industries.

The presence of parasitic protozoa in well water poses threats to the wellbeing of humans and potability of water. Water is the most universally used solvent. Diseases can be transmitted through water. Most Nigerian rural and urban areas rely much on hand-dug well water. The people have little or virtually no essential awareness of the possible presence and danger of pathogenic microorganisms in well water. This study was aimed at finding the incidences of Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica in hand-dug wells with cast and those without cast walls in Samaru-Zaria, Nigeria. Many of these wells are uncared for, dirty and dug too close to septic systems. From randomly selected hand-dug wells in the area, seventy water samples were collected. Membrane filtration technique was employed in filtering the samples at a flow rate of 3 liters/min through Millipore filter paper of nominal porosity of 0.45µm. The incidence of G. lamblia was 43.6% and 25.8% in wells with cast walls and those without cast walls respectively. Also, the incidence of E. histolytica in wells with cast walls and those without cast walls was 48.7% and 25.8% respectively. There was no occurrence of G. lamblia in wells in the ranges above 30 meters, but E. histolytica occurred in all (p ≤ 0.05).