Abstract/Overview Colchicine has been used to induce chromosome doubling in plant species. Diploid cotton species have inherited desirable genes that are resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses and also possesses useful fiber quality traits, such as higher fiber length and strength. To transfer these desirable traits to the most extensively cultivated tetraploid cotton species through hybridization, it is a prerequisite to double the chromosome number of the diploid species. In this stud...
Abstract/Overview The adoption of aquaponics systems faces challenges due to the high cost of fish feed, lack of sustainability, and reliance on fishmeal as a primary input. One potential solution to replace fishmeal is the use of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) in aquaponics. The study aimed to explore the effect of substituting fish meals with BSFL meals on the growth performance of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in aquaponics. The study employed the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). A...
Abstract/Overview Edible caterpillars have nutritional and economic value, thus providing food security at the household level during their harvesting seasons. Despite the significant value of these insects, they are harvested seasonally, and there is little or no documented research about the edible caterpillar species and their phenotypic characteristics, their host plants, and the effects of ecosystem utilization on the insects. This study explored the phenotypic characteristics of edi...
The biodiesel prepared from Restaurant Cooking Oils (RCO) using trans-esterification process as well as the influence of major operating parameters on the reaction including catalyst amount, temperature, and alcohol/oil ratio have been studied in the present paper. Experimental results showed a good effectiveness of biodiesel yield 93% based on optimum conditions catalyst 1%, alcohol/oil mass ratio 2/5 under 40°C.
Abstract: Tasmanian devils are the largest living carnivorous marsupial found in the wild of Tasmania. These species are being threatened by a cancerous tumour disease, the Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD). The disease affects the facial areas and has led to a considerable popula tion decline. In this thesis, mathematical models for transmission of DFTD are developed and analysed to investigate the significance of feeding and mating related contact, optimal control and fractional-order cha...
Abstract: We have recently argued that, because microbes have pervasive – often vital – influences on our lives, and that therefore their roles must be taken into account in many of the decisions we face, soci ety must become microbiology-literate, through the introduction of relevant microbiology topics in school curricula (Timmis et al. 2019. Environ Micro biol 21: 1513-1528). The current coronavirus pan demic is a stark example of why microbiology literacy is such a crucial enabler of...
Abstract: Botswana is lagging behind in active participation in stem cell research. The research is yet to take off in the country. In order for stem cell research to be established in Botswana, the people of the country have to accept the research as affording a viable therapy alternative to conventional medicine. This study aimed to evaluate and analyse attitudes of the people of Botswana towards the establishment of stem cell research in Botswana. A survey study was conducted to examine p...
Abstract Objective: To examine malaria-related knowledge and practices among residents in Ilorin City to guide forthcoming malaria elimination action of the recently restructured Nigerian National Malaria Elimination Program. Methods: Community-wide cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2012 using pretested structured questionnaire and interview schedule to collect information on perception, prevention and treatment of malaria among the residents. Results: Majority of the respondents at...
ABSTRACT Objective: To characterize the genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) field isolates in children from Lafia, North-central Nigeria, using the highly polymorphic P. falciparum merozoite surface protein 2 (MSP-2) gene as molecular marker. Methods: Three hundred and twenty children were enrolled into the study between 2005 and 2006. These included 140 children who presented with uncomplicated malaria at the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia and another 180 chil...