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Comparative study of seed roasting effects on Sesamum radiatum Schumach. & Thonn and Sesamum indicum L. oils quality
Full text linkSeveral species of sesame have been extensively studied but little is known about Sesamum radiatum (SR). In this work, seeds roasting impact on two Sesamum spp, SR and S. indicum (SI) oils quality was studied. Physicochemical parameters (PP), fatty acids profile (FAL) and antioxidant activities were evaluated using spectrophotometry methods and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Unroasted seeds (US) of SR oil extraction showed a yield of 40.26 ± 0.86% while roasted seeds (RS) at different temperatures (145-200°C) demonstrated a yield of 40.11 ± 1.36%. Evaluation of PP of oils according to the French Standardization Association (AFNOR) standards showed the following results: refractive index: 1.47435-1.47665 for SR and 1.46660-1.47065 for SI; acid number: 2.01-3.35 for RS against 10.04±0.53 mg KOH/g for US; saponification number: 186.82-191.53 for SR and 189.74-190.42 mg KOH/g for SI. Iodine value: 100.31-127.74 for SR against 117.96-128.04 g I2/100 g for SI; peroxide value: 1.19-4.00 for SR against 1.66-2.58 meq/Kg active O2 for SI. FAL was slightly modified during roasting showing that SR oil is an oleic-linoleic oil. More, SR oil demonstrated twice antioxidant activity than SI. These results demonstrated that roasting has positive effects on SR oil nutritional quality. SR oil could be recommended in food after toxicity studies
Adaptation strategies for the adverse effects of climate disruptions on coffee and cocoa trees productivity in Cameroon
Full text linkThe decline of Cameroon cocoa and coffee productions are increasingly designated as one of the negative consequences of climate change on plants development. The purpose of this study was to contribute to improving the productivity of cocoa and coffee trees, in their production areas, in Cameroon. Thus, 280 plots, located in three different agro-ecological zones, were monitored for five consecutive years (2014-2018). Meteorological data were also systematically collected at each site. Data analysis highlighted three classes of unstable meteorological profiles that reflect the non-recurrence of climatic events on the study sites. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the incidence of cocoa black pod disease and that of Arabica coffee berry disease increases with the quantity of rainfall and the number of rainy days. This increase rather induces a decrease in the attack rate of berry borer on the Robusta coffee trees. The results obtained made it possible to identify, by elucidating their respective roles, the climatic variables which have an effect on the productivity of cocoa and coffee trees. They have also led, for the first time, to the conceptualization of innovative technical processes, which can reduce the harmful effects of climatic disturbances on cocoa and coffee crops
Al-Bantānī and the Interpretation of Ṣifāt verses in Marāḥ Labīd
Full text linkThis article examines the stance held by a Meccan-Indonesian exegete in the 13 AH or 19 AD century, Muḥammad Nawawī al-Bantānī (d. 1230–1314 H/1813–1897 AD), in dealing with Ṣifāt verses in his exegetical work, Marāḥ Labīd li Kashf Ma’nā al-Qur’ān al-Majīd. As an established term, Ṣifāt verses refer to Quranic expressions that ostensibly ascribe anthropomorphic dimensions to God. Interpretation of such ambiguous verses has been bitterly contended since the 2/8th century and remains one of the most debated topics inthe pre- and postmodern era. This study applies literature and document analysis focused on many of al-Bantānī’s works. The results show that al-Bantānī actively applied ta’wīl [figurative interpretation] in dealing with Ṣifāt verses without totally discarding amodality position [tafwīḍ].Contribution: Although al-Bantānī never mentioned Wahhabism in any of his works, his interpretation of Ṣifat verses alludes to his indirect response to the Wahhabi’s literalism and anti-ta’wīl approach. In addition, by accepting both of ta’wīl and tafwīḍ solutions, al-Bantānī underpinned the wasaṭī [moderate] stand, which later became the most distinctive tradition in Malay–Islamic discourse
Poverty with a feminine face: Theologising the feminisation of poverty in Mutasa District, Zimbabwe
Full text linkThe dissection of work based on biological sex orientation amid non-remunerated and remunerated work reduces females frugally and socially to become extra susceptible towards remaining poor and poorer in the society. This division is engineered by family, individual, communal and financial predicaments, especially those emanating from the cultural background, partisan and racial struggle circumstances or disasters like the COVID-19 pandemic. In Africa, particularly in Zimbabwe, women are marginalised and excluded by social discrimination and poverty, hence the call for action by the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Action is required specifically from the areas, such as education and environment, among others, to empower women to improve their situations or to develop communities and the country as a whole. Actions aimed at reducing impoverishment in society are perilous; hence, the Zimbabwean government decided to give preference to women in economic empowerment strategies and to advance acts that support monetary constitutional rights. While both men and women are susceptible to poverty, gender discrimination makes women to be more vulnerable to poverty and have meagre incomes to survive impoverishment. Women are always the last to feed, they are also usually the last to sleep and the first to wake up, they are the disadvantaged to get healthcare facilities and they are stuck in laborious, voluntary household chores from time to time. Unfortunately, some are left with no option and engage in prostitution as a means to survive. Using purposive sampling and cultural feminist lens, this study problematises the feminisation of poverty in Zimbabwe, using Mutasa community, particularly villages 4 and 30, as a case study to see how women alleviate poverty through mukando/marounds. The main argument presented in this study is that poverty must not have a feminine face; hence, the labels that synonymise scarcity with femininity must be eradicated.Contribution: This study contributes to the ongoing academic studies on the feminisation of poverty, using Mutasa district in Zimbabwe as a case study. It concludes by restating that the feminisation of poverty is a product of a flawed cultural system that denies women opportunities for realising their full potential
The shaping stratum of the Markan passion narrative
No full textThis study is an attempt to investigate the shaping stratum of the Markan passion narrative (PN). The ultimate focus is on discovering the factors behind the text of Mark that influenced the shaping of the passion account. Since early form criticism, there has been an assumed tradition of an early existing passion account prior to the Markan narrative, to which we do not have access in our contemporary world. However, this study argues that the PN is shaped not only by a tradition to which we do not have access, as argued by previous form critics but also perhaps by how one would describe any crucifixion in antiquity. As we possibly know, this could be true of any early tradition, including the PN in Mark. In other words, this paper s thus proposing a shift from a possible oral source (tradition) to general literary influences that shaped the Markan PN. This means we can see possible influences that determine what would be part of a narrative of a noble death from within Graeco-Roman and Jewish literary influences despite the fact that we cannot get hold of Mark’s traditional sources. This paper utilises historical criticism as the method to investigate the shaping stratum of the Markan PN.Contribution: So, an access to these literary influences serves as an adequate tool to aid the contemporary reader to adequately understand Mark’s PN as the death and resurrection of Jesus are the integral part in the whole story of Christianity. An understanding of this remarkable account is very significant for churches in Africa and worldwide too
Liturgical transformation of Diocesan Church in Palangkaraya, Indonesia
No full textThe congregation is challenged by modern times that require various life adjustments, including priestly pastoral ministry. Therefore, this study examined the pastoral ministry style for the parishioner’s rural community of St. Petrus Paulus Ampah Diocese in Palangka Raya. A descriptive qualitative approach was used with data collected using participatory observations, in-depth interviews and document studies. Furthermore, the data analysis involved reducing, displaying and process verification. The participants included parish priests, catechists and station council administrators. The results showed that the congregations did not participate in church activities because the pastoral ministry style did not fulfil their needs, economic factors and lack of Catholic faith knowledge. Therefore, the church authorities in pastoral ministry should create a holistic and transformative congregation based on their needs. The current pastoral ministry practice is based on ecclesiastical organisation building and worship (liturgy) focused service. The church should simultaneously conduct catechism practices and charitable diaconia such as social, economic and spiritual activities. This was an interdisciplinary study that focused on practical and pastoral theology, catechesis and social sciences on Catholics’ pastoral ministry style for rural communities.
Contribution: Importantly, it contributes to the literature on pastoral style reforms focusing on the congregation’s socio-economic life. Therefore, it can improve the congregation’s interests, ecclesiastical activities and independence
‘[Y]ou have had five husbands’: Interpreting the Samaritan woman’s marital experience (Jn 4:16–18) in the Nigerian context
No full textThe Samaritan woman in John 4 has been generally viewed as morally loose because of her marital experience. Nigerian women with similar experience are also perceived by many as morally deficient. This article examined the woman’s experience in light of divorce and remarriage in Nigeria. Employing the reader-oriented and descriptive methods, the essay found that in his encounter with the Samaritan woman Jesus did not accuse her of any sin. Moreover, the Pentateuchal laws, which were binding also on Samaritans, had provisions by which it was permissible for a woman to be married several times. Therefore, the woman’s marital experience did not necessarily make her morally deficient. The article also found that in Nigeria certain patriarchal factors do force women out of marriage, which also has nothing to do with their moral status. Due to the Christian doctrine that prohibits a woman to marry another man while her husband is still alive, some churches treat women divorcees with contempt and segregation. But this doctrine is based on biblical passages, which if adapted to the Nigerian readers’ context make divorce and remarriage acceptable. This view is in line with Jesus’ open attitude to the Samaritan woman. Therefore, in the Nigerian context the pastoral significance of the Samaritan woman’s story resides not in her morality but in the church recognising that divorce and remarriage do not constitute disobedience to scripture, and that they are not necessarily an indication of moral misconduct on the part of the affected women.
Contribution: Contributing to the scholarly discussion on the Samaritan woman narrative, the article compared her marital experience with those of Nigerian women affected by divorce and remarriage, and postulated that their experiences are not necessarily an indication of moral depravity on their part
Early church hospitality-based Pentecostal mission in the religious moderation frame of Indonesia
No full textIn Indonesia, violence in the name of religion has occurred many times since the reformation began. The trigger is religious fundamentalism and radicalism that increases and affects intolerant actions, inter-religious conflicts and even terrorism. The Indonesian government has initiated religious moderation through the Ministry of Religion to minimise the negative impacts of excessive religious fanaticism. Christians, who are often victims of many acts of violence, should evaluate the religious practices that have been carried out so far. The mission of Christian evangelism has been a scourge that triggered anti-Christian sentiments, thus giving rise to the stigma of Christianisation. One of the most energetic Christian groups with an evangelistic mission is the Pentecostal group. This article aims to propose constructing the Pentecostal mission, which is rooted in the religious life of the early church as a mission model, through the discourse of their hospitality. The thesis is that hospitality, especially embodied by the early church, expresses a moderate religious way. Therefore, this mission is very suitable to be implemented by Pentecostal groups in Indonesia, which takes a theological locus on the Pentecost narratives in Acts 2.
Contribution: This article addresses early church hospitality as a discourse of Pentecostal mission, especially in Indonesia. This article considers that hospitality can be a model for doing church missions in the frame of religious moderation in Indonesia.  
Factors contributing to pulmonary TB treatment lost to follow-up in developing countries: an overview
No full textBackground: Despite the available treatment options, pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of disease-related deaths worldwide. Treatment non-adherence/lost to follow-up (LTFU), particularly in developing countries, is a continuous concern. LTFU prolongs TB infectiousness and contributes to TB treatment failure, relapse, and death. Furthermore, LTFU also delays global TB eradication by promoting TB spread and drug-resistant TB strain development. The purpose of this paper is to give an overview of the commonly observed risk factors associated with TB treatment LTFU in developing countries.Materials and Methods: A literature survey was done of studies published in the past decade, which evaluated the risk factors for LTFU in TB patients, specifically in developing countries. Furthermore, some prospective TB treatment adherence initiatives and the feasibility of these initiatives within developing countries were assessed.Results: Several variables, including socio-demographic, patient-related, TB disease and other health-related-factors, healthcare and system determinants, as well as treatment-related factors, were identified to increase the risk of TB treatment LTFU. More recently applied adherence interventions in developing countries, show potential for implementation on a larger scale.Conclusion: Successful TB treatment is contingent on treatment adherence, and by addressing these persisting LTFU risk factors, treatment adherence in developing countries may be improved
Causes Of Cassava Post-Harvest Losses Among Farmers In Imo State, Nigeria
No full textThe study examined the causes of cassava post-harvest losses among farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data from 120 rural farmers using multistage, random and purposive sampling techniques. Data were analysed using percentage, mean and standard deviation. Findings from the study reveal that farmers frequently used mobile phone calls/SMS as their sources of information on cassava postharvest losses (x̄ =3.01) followed by the use of radio( x̄=2.5) The findings also revealed that farmers experienced different forms of post-harvest cassava losses at one point or the other. Physical loss was experienced by 95.64% of the respondent, economic loss (93.8%) and monetary loss (97.7%).The causes of cassava post-harvest losses included lack of finance ( x̄=3.56) poor storage (x̄ =3.46) pest and disease infection (x̄ =3.46) inappropriate harvesting time (x̄ =3.40) among others. Most of the causes of cassava post-harvest losses identified in the study area are serious. Cassava farmers should be granted credit facilities and been courage to form cooperatives to help raise the funds and get facilities needed to reduce post-harvest losses.