ABSTRACT In 1991, Michael Grätzel and co-workers developed a new photovoltaic cell known as Dye Sensitized solar cells (DSSCs); these photovoltaic semiconductor devices convert solar radiation directly into electricity [1]. Metal-free sensitizers such as organic dyes and natural dyes have received attention as alternative DSSC applications and have been extensively developed [2]. Two metal free dyes were reported. These dyes were prepared through Schiff base synthetic methods, which a...
ABSTRACT Lake Baringo waters and sediments are being impacted negatively by metal contaminants sourced from the lake’s watershed posing a human and environmental health concern. The main objective was to determine the concentration of heavy metals cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) in water and sediments, and to characterize sediments in terms of grain size and total organic carbon and relate them to the heavy metal levels encountered at the sampled sites. 5 sites were s...
Abstract: Globally, there is growing interest to recycle organic waste using insect larvae into high-quality frass fertilizer through circular economy approach. This paper presents the first comparative report on the nutrient concentrations, fertilizing indices, nutrient supply potentials and compost maturity of nine edible insect frass fertilizers. Our results revealed that frass fertilizers from all the insect species had adequate concentrations and contents of macronutrients [nitrogen (N)...
ABSTRACT The disposal of untreated municipal wastes is a problem that challenges public and environmental health on global scale. In Kenya, the high population growth rates, urbanization and growth of the industrial sector have compounded the problem of environmental sustainability, notably, due to the large volumes of solid waste generated. The traditional dumping and land filling have been methods of choice for solid waste disposal for many municipalities; however, they lead to the polluti...
Abstract: Worldwide, French beans (Phaseolus vulgarisL.), tomato (Solanum lycopersicumL.), andkales (Brassica oleraceaL.var. acephala) are considered economically important foodcrops. There is a rapid decline in their yield due to severe soil degradation. Thus, highcommercial fertilizer inputs are crucial, though they remain expensive and inaccessibleto resource poor farmers. We investigated the comparative performance of compostedblack soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF), conventionallycom...
Abstract The well-being of the foetus is influenced by a number of factors[1] including maternal characteristics, the placenta and umbilical cord morphology and functions.[2] The placenta is a fantastic organ yet often neglected due to its transient existence; it performs functions that are later taken on by separate organs, including the lungs, liver, gut, kidneys and endocrine glands.[3] It is the interface between mother and foetus and influences maternal and newborn mortality.[4] Careful ...
Abstract Onifade, A.A. and Abu, O.A. 1998. Productive response of rabbits to supplemental copper in a diet based on tropical feedstuffs. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 13: 129-135. Effects of supplemental copper in a diet based on tropical feedstuffs on productive performance, carcass measurements and haematology of rabbits were investigated in a 70d trial. Copper as CuS04.0H2O was supplemented at 0, 125, 250 and 375 mg kg1 into a basal diet. The basal diet served as control treatment. Eight rabbits, e...
Abstract Various ecological and environmental indicators including climate change, soil fertility, water availability and proper agronomic practices that form optimal agricultural systems are needed to be integrated for increasing agricultural productivity in the Tanzanian semi-arid agro-ecological zone. Among these indicators, climate change and soil fertility are the major limiting factors to affect crop yields in this semi-arid agro-ecological zone. To improve crop productivity, this study...
PREFACE Sickle cell disease is a disorder that affects the red blood cells, which use a protein called haemoglobin to transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Sickle cell disease is inherited from parents who are AS. This means that a child cannot inherit the disease unless the parents pass down a detective copy of the gene. Unlike normal red blood cells, which can live for 120 days, sickle - shaped cells live only 10 to 20 days. Sickle cell anaemia is mostly dominated in Afri...
ABSTRACT Globally, chemical fertilizers cause serious environmental pollution and health hazards. Studies have shown that compost, a product of biodegradable organic matter, is not popular among Nigerian farmers because of its low quality. Improving compost quality is a challenge and supplementing it with natural fortifiers may be safer than opting for chemical fertilizers. This study was therefore designed to explore the effect of nutrient-rich alternatives on quality of compost made from ma...
ABSTRACT The inability of an organism to efficiently remove excess waste from the body have been a major issues attached to acute kidney injury (AKI) which is the most common cause of organ dysfunction. Oleanolic acid and rutin which are from the families of saponin and flavonoid respectively have been discovered to possess certain biological activities such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammation, anti-viral and nephroprotective activities that can help in therapeutic management of acute kidney ...
The study evaluated the factors influencing the use intensity of improved soil management practices in Imo State, Nigeria. Data were obtained from 209 farmers with the aid of structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as the mean, frequency and percentages. The findings revealed that age, education, farming experience, household size, occupation and farm size etc are important factors influencing the use intensity of improved agricultural practices i...
ABSTRACT Agriculture is central to Zimbabwe’s economic recovery and prosperity. The sector however continues to face sustainability, productivity, market access and competitiveness challenges. The adoption of tobacco contract farming models in other enterprises has a high potential to turn around agriculture. This study used mixed research methodology to compare economically contributions of tobacco production and marketing models and assess the scope for successful transfer of tobacco’s...
ABSTRACT There is an overwhelming evidence to suggest that environmental change drives conflicts, and that resource depletion and degradation undermine food security and livelihood wellbeing in communities where people are dependent on land and water resources. Therefore, understanding the vulnerability, food security, adaptation and resilience aspects of climate shocks in the context of land degradation and conflicts has immense practical significance particularly in the climateimpacted and ...
ABSTRACT Agriculture plays a vital role in the Kenyan economy. It helps in poverty mitigation and ensuring food security. In agriculture, women constitute the majority of small-scale farmers in Kenya, providing 89% of subsistence farming labor force and 70% of the cash crop labor force. However, they have limited access to land which hinders them from making the most constructive use of their time and energy in the agricultural sector and thus affecting household nutritional outcomes. Therefo...