Asian Journal of Advances in Research
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Identification of Auriculastra radiolata (Morelet, 1860) and Ecological Parameters in Rumaila River Estuary, Jableh – Lattakia – Syria
Get PDFThrough this study, the species Auriculastra radiolata was identified for the first time in the Syrian Arab Republic. This species belongs to the phylum Mollusca, class Gastropoda and underclass Pulmonata. Its morphological characteristics and the relationship between longitudinal growth and transverse growth and some environmental characteristics were studied. Water and mollusk samples were collected monthly for one year, starting from 27/9/2021 to 15/8/2022. This species achieved a high stability (83.33%), and relative frequency of 3.02% in the waters of Rumaila River estuary. We also studied the abiotic (physical and chemical) and biotic properties of water in this estuary and identified 18 species of molluscs; 17 species belong to the class Gastropoda (8of the subclass Prosobranchia and 9 of the subclass Pulmonata), and one species belongs to the class Bivalvia
Developmental Effects of Bisphenol a and Its Anologs Bisphenol S, Bisphenol F and Bisphenol Af on Sea Urchins Paracentrotus lividus (Lamarck 1816) and Arbacia lixula (Linnaeus 1758)
Get PDFRestricting the use of BPA cause environmental concentrations of bisphenol S, bisphenol F, and bisphenol AF to increase. Because no data is available about the possible toxic effects of BPA analogues on sea urchin embryos, this study aims to investigate the developmental effects of bisphenol and its analogues on sea urchin embryos by embryotoxicity bioassay with two sea urchin species, Paracentrotus lividus and Arbacia lixula. The sea urchin bioassay may be performed on embryosand eggs, in well-standardized laboratory conditions. The embryos may be exposed to test agents throughout larval development, 72hrs. The exposure of eggs before fertilization may provide additional information on the ability of a chemical to induce teratogenic damage. Multispecies might be used in the tests because of the dissimilarity in susceptibility of different species to different contaminants. P. lividus and A. lixula embryos have been recognized as valuable tools in toxicological studies . In ecotoxicological studies, P. lividus have been more widely used than A. lixula A. lixula has not been widely used for toxicity testing, although in most of the studies P. lividus has been used. No comparative study has been carried out to reveal the differences in sensitivities between the two species to the pollutants. The EC50 (Effective Concentration 50) for 72 hours was determined at 1.396 mg-BPA/L for sea urchin A. lixula and 0.676 mg-BPA/L (EC50) was estimated BPA in P. lividus. The EC50 values for BPS, BPF, and BPAF for A. lixula were determined to be 2,673mg of BPS/L, 1,129 mg of BPF/L, and 0,314 mg of BPAF/L respectively. It can be concluded that these chemicals adversely affect the embryonic developmental stages of of P. lividus and A. lixula, which is of great ecological importance due to the hazard at the population level. In this way, the result of this study present the nominal effective concentrations of BPA and its analogues and the suitability of the species for use as a biomarker in ecotoxicology tests. In conclusion, the sea urchin model may usefully contribute to the identification and characterization of harmful animals. The advantages in using this test system should therefore prompt its extensive use in the biological monitoring of pollutants
FIRST STUDY OF THE IMPACT OF THE SYRIAN NATURAL ZEOLITE ON AIR BIOLOGICAL CONTAMINATION CONCENTRATIONS IN BROILER FARMS DURING SPRING AND AUTUMN
Get PDFThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of three different levels of Syrian natural zeolite on the bacterial load concentrations in the air of broilers farms for five weeks. This study was conducted in private commercial broiler farm in the Lattakia Governorate, Syria. During the period of 2021 in spring (from March to April), and in autumn (from October to November) seasons. In the experiment, commercial broiler hybrid (Roos 308), with a total number of three thousand one day old were randomly assigned to four groups. Each group (750 birds) has three replicates with 250 birds in each replicates (in addition to the control section), this experiment was designed using complete randomized. The results showed that the average concentrations value for Staphylococcus spp. during spring, at the fifth week of the fattening period, in the treatment Tz3 (75%) was recorded 4.1×105 CFU/m3, while in autumn; the value was 4.3×105 CFU/m3. And for Escherichia coli in spring, was 3.8×103 CFU/m3 and in the autumn 7.5×103 CFU/m3. The results concluded that the addition of Syrian natural zeolite to the broiler litter resulted in significantly (p<0.05) decrease of airborne bacteria at the end of experiment with superior effect to Tz3 treatment in the internal air, and the the lowest concentration was noted in spring compared to autumn. This result provides a guide to the optimal use of the different ratios of the Syrian natural zeolite, and development of new way to reduce the airborne microorganism in the broiler farms
TREATMENT OF LAKES WATER CONTAMINATED BY POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS USING HYDRODYNAMIC CAVITATION
Get PDFPolycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are considered Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). The presence of these pollutants in the aquatic environment constitutes a significant danger to living organisms because they are difficult to decompose and cause cancer and genetic mutations. Therefore, they have become a concern in many countries, and effective methods must be found to remove them from the water. In this paper, the removal of PAHs in Sureat lake water was studied. Water samples were taken and analyzed using Gas Chromatography / Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) to determine the concentrations of PAHs. The total concentration of PAHs was 508 ng/L. A hydrodynamic cavitation device was designed using the orifice plate with nine circular holes and different pressures (1, 3, 5, 7, 9 bar) were applied. Then the removal ratio of PAHs was determined at the following time intervals 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 minutes. The results showed that the removal ratio increased with increasing pressure and cavitation time. It was 7 % at (p = 1 bar, t = 5 min) and increased to approximately 100% at p = 7 and 9 bar from t = 25 to 30min. Removal ratio values were very close at (p = 7, 9 bars) at all times. So p = 7 bar and t = 25 min which corresponded to circulation degree (Lc = 20 times), cavitation number (Cv= 0. 35) and cavitational yield = 5.84*10-9 ng/j were found to be the best economic and environmental working parameters. The results highlight the importance of choosing the cavitation operating parameters to obtain maximum efficiency in removing PAHs from lakes water
FIRST SUBSTANTIATED RECORD OF THE TWOBAR SEABREAM, Acanthopagrus bifasciatus (TELEOSTEI: SPARIDAE), IN THE SYRIAN MARINE WATERS (EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA)
Get PDFOn 3th July 2022, a single individual of the non-indigenous fish Acanthopagrus bifasciatus, 330 mm total length and 490g of body weight, were fished from the coastal waters off Banias, Syria. It was sampled with spear at 7- 8 m depth. The record of A. bifasciatus is the first occurrence for the marine Syrian waters and the fifth for the entire Mediterranean Sea. The species is distinguished by dorsal and caudal fins yellow, without a dense black margin of dorsal-fin or narrow black edge along rear margin of caudal fin which is being diagnostic characters of this species
IMPACTS OF AGRICULTURAL MECHANIZATION ON FOOD SECURITY AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN GHANA
Get PDFThe agricultural sector in Ghana is crucial for economic growth because of its enormous contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment. Agriculture accounts for up to one-fifth of the GDP and employs more than half of the total workforce in Ghana. Thus, two-thirds of Ghana’s non-oil manufacturing relies solely on agriculture for raw materials, making it a critical sector in Ghana’s long-term goal for sustainable economic growth and development. This study examines Ghana's profitability of agricultural mechanization services and its consequences on food security and poverty alleviation. The study used content analysis and discussion from existing studies to achieve the objectives of the research. The findings of the study emphasize that, agricultural mechanization is a panacea to food security and poverty alleviation in emerging country such as Ghana. The findings from this study are intended to contribute to the current policy debate on agricultural mechanization in the country. The findings also highlight that, in the effort to raise agricultural production and profitability, agricultural mechanization is one breakthrough in the agricultural sector that leads to higher profitability of the rural folk, hence improving food security and poverty reduction. The study further suggests new schemes for the improvement of agricultural mechanization in Ghana
AN ANALYSIS OF THE DIPLOMATIC SITUATION OF THE FIRST CZECHOSLOVAK REPUBLIC AND ITS IMPACTS ON THE NATION’S DEMISE AFTER THE MUNICH AGREEMENT
Get PDFSpeaking of the First Czechoslovak Republic, many people, including historians, attribute its demise to Nazi Germany’s territorial aggression, as shown in the Munich Agreement in 1938. True as it was, there were underlying causes that prompted Germany to invade it. In fact, the Czechoslovakian diplomacy was inherently flawed since the very first day of the nation’s creation in that it failed to provide peace and safety for this newborn nation surrounded by hostile neighbors and created during a turbulent period. Czechoslovakia, as a nation born in the ruins of the First World War and artificially created to serve French interests in the region, naturally faced diplomatic adversaries that caused it to be one of the first victims of fascism, despite possessing a strong industry and potent army. The objective of this research is to dive into the details of the First Czechoslovak Republic’s diplomacy and examine the impacts and significance of its diplomacy on its doomed national security
PERCIEVED INFLUENCE OF DEVIANT BEHAVIOR ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS, NIGERIA
Get PDFThe study investigated perceived influence of deviant behavior on the academic performance of students among senior secondary schools in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State. The study adopted descriptive survey research design and was guided by four (4) research questions. The population of the study comprised 12,813 secondary school students in 26 public and private approved schools in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State. Sample size of 200 was used for the study. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled PIDBAPQ with 4 points Likert scale. The reliability index was obtained using test re-test method and scores collected were subjected to Pearson product moment correlation and a value of 0.75 was obtained, showing that the instrument is reliable. The results reveal that secondary school students perceive that there are deviant behaviors exhibited by students of senior secondary schools in Awka South Local Government Area, students perceive that there are many causes of deviant behavior among senior secondary schools, students perceive that deviant behaviors have effects on the academic performance of students among senior secondary schools, students perceive that there are different strategies for managing deviant behaviors in order to improve students’ academic performance among senior secondary schools. Recommendations made included; Principals and teachers should device appropriate punitive measures in controlling deviant behaviour in schools, teachers are urged to also seriously consider some form of interactionist approaches like guidance and counseling when dealing with cases of students’ misbehavior. Principals should also ensure that they regularly admonish students during morning assembly on good conduct as school authorities should occasionally invite moral transformation agents to school to give talks to students on good moral behaviour
FUNGI ASSOCIATED WITH SPOILAGE OF PINEAPPLE (Ananas comosus L) FRUIT SOLD IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA
Get PDFThe edible fruit of the tropical plant known as Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is commonly grown in Nigeria. Its high sugar content and low pH values make it susceptible to fungi. This study aims to identify those that can cause the spoilage of the fruit in the state. Five markets in Anambra state were visited to collect samples of pineapple (Eke Awka, Nnamdi Azikiwe temporary site (Temp. site), Nnewi, Uli, and Ihiala). They were then transported to a research facility in Awka, where they were studied for the fungi that cause the fruit's spoilage. The samples were treated with the standard procedure. The culture media used for the study were potato dextrose agar (PDA) and Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA). Both were placed into a conical flask and subjected to an autoclave at a rate of 121ºC at 15psi for 20 minutes. In the study, various fungi that can cause the fruit's spoilage were identified, which included the Fusarium sp, Mucor sp, Aspergillus sp and Penicillium sp. Samples from Ihiala had the highest fungal counts (57 x 102 + 0.017a cfu/g) on PDA while samples from Temp. site had the highest fungal count (99 x 102 + 1.112a cfu/g) on SDA. Also, samples from Uli had the lowest fungal counts (22.00 x102+ 0.111d cfu/g) on PDA while samples from Nnewi had the highest fungal count (36.00 x102+ 0.100e cfu/g) on SDA. Aspergillus sp (47.91%) had the highest frequency of occurrence from the fungi isolated while Fusarium sp (10.42%) had the least occurrence. From the study, Aspergillus sp is the fungi specie that is responsible for the spoilage of pineapple fruits in the locations studied in Anambra State although other species of fungi can also affect pineapple fruits
USING DRAMA IN TEACHING MATHEMATICS AT THE BASIC AND SENIOR SECONDARY LEVELS IN NIGERIA TO ENHANCE LITERACY
Get PDFMathematics is a service subject and very vital in the life of every student for effective functioning both in school and society. It is an indispensable tool in human development and is essentially needed for sustaining science and technological development in every society. This study therefore looked at using drama in teaching mathematics at the basic and senior secondary school level in Nigeria to enhance literacy. This study was undertaken based on observations and firsthand experience obtained from mathematics classroom which revealed that many students are probably afraid of mathematics and some who are able to understand some mathematical concepts seem not able to apply them in solving real life problems. Therefore this paper discussed the concept of drama and utilization of drama in teaching and learning of Mathematics in basic and senior secondary schools for effective learning outcome. The use of drama in Mathematics classroom activities appeal to individual learner's attention by enabling them to think and figure out problems with ease and confidence and so engender interest in Mathematics Education (ME). Some challenges facing the teaching and learning of the subject in conventional classroom are highlighted. The paper recommends the use of drama to teach Mathematics as a paradigm shift from the conventional classroom where the teacher is taking the center stage solving examples on the board which may be of no value when students confront situations where to apply mathematical concepts in everyday life or issue. The use of drama provide relevant and real situations to get learners see the significance and validity of mathematics in all aspects of life