66 research outputs found
Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity and Phytochemical Constituents of Leaf Extract of Lippia adoensis
No full textThere are quite large numbers of traditionally used medicinal plants that are used to treat skin disorder in the ethno medical system of Ethiopia. Medicinal plants namely L. adoensis, was screened for antibacterial activity against different strains of bacteria which are known to cause various types of skin infections and food poisoning
Anti bacterial effect of the plant species was evaluated against different bacterial strains. The leaves of plant species were extracted by maceration and soxhelt extraction technique for preparation of crude and fractional extract respectively. And anti bacterial screening of different concentration of both crude and fractional extract of the plant species were determined using agar well diffusion method. The test organisms were one gram positive (S.aures) and three gram negative (Salmonella typhi, E.coli and P.aeruginosa) standard organisms.
The results of the initial antibacterial screening test indicated the potential of these herbal drugs in treating bacterial infections of the skin and food poisoning. Among the different fractions (petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone and methanol) tested for antibacterial activity, the non-polar fractions were found to be more active than the polar fractions. The Phytochemical screening tests carried out on L. adoensis indicated the presence of tannins, flavonoids and saponins.
Different extracts L.adoensis were showed significant antibacterial activity against the S.aueres, P.aeroginosa, E.coli and S.typhi. Hence further study is recommended to identify the specific active ingredient and potential formulation of effective antibiotic.
 
Circulating osteoprotegerin is correlated with lipid profile, insulin sensitivity, adiponectin and sex steroids in an ageing male population
No full textObjective: The relationship between osteoprotegerin (OPG) and lipid profile, insulin sensitivity, adipocytokines and sex steroids has been poorly studied and subject to controversy. The purpose of this study was to look at the correlates of OPG in an elderly male population. Design: One hundred and fifty-one nondiabetic, elderly Lebanese men (age range 50-83) were recruited in this cross-sectional study based on voluntary enrolment. Measurements: In all the subjects, serum OPG levels were measured and related to clinical parameters (age, waist, body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure), as well as to metabolic and hormonal parameters. The following fasting laboratory measurements were performed: plasma glucose and insulin levels, total cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol, adiponectin, leptin, as well as sex steroids (testosterone, SHBG, free androgen index, ooestradiol, DHEAS), GH and IGF-1. QUICKI index was calculated as a measure of insulin sensitivity. Results: OPG levels were significantly correlated with age (r = 0.28, P 0.0001) but not with BMI, waist, systolic or diastolic blood pressure. There was a trend towards higher OPG levels in subjects without, compared to subjects with the metabolic syndrome (3.58 ± 1.28 vs. 3.26 ± 1.04 pmol-l, P = 0.09). OPG was negatively correlated with fasting glucose and triglyceride levels (r = -0.18, P = 0.031 and r = -0.19, P = 0.02, respectively) and positively correlated with the QUICKI index (r = 0.17, P = 0.033), HDL cholesterol (r = 0.21, P = 0.009) and adiponectin levels (r = 0.27, P = 0.001). No significant correlations were reported with total or LDL cholesterol levels and with leptin levels. After adjustment for age, OPG is still correlated with triglycerides (r = -0.19, P = 0.02), glucose (r = -0.21, P = 0.011) and adiponectin (r = 0.19, P = 0.02). Finally, OPG was positively associated with SHBG (r = 0.31, P 0.001) and negatively associated with free androgen index (r =-0.346, P 0.001); both correlations persisted after adjustment for age (r = 0.21, P = 0.009 and r = -0.23, P = 0.005, respectively). No significant correlation was found between OPG and oestradiol levels while a weak negative correlation was demonstrated with DHEAS (r = -0.18, P = 0.025). Also, no significant correlation was found between OPG and GH or IGF-1 values. In a multiple regression analysis with a stepwise model, the main determinants of OPG were free androgen index and adiponectin (P 0.0001 and P = 0.015, respectively). Conclusion: Our results show that circulating OPG levels are favourably associated with some components of the metabolic syndrome. Also, for the first time, an association between OPG and adiponectin is described. 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Modeling and Simulation: Machining of Mild Steel Using Indigenously Developed Abrasive Flow Machine
No full textAbstractAbrasive Flow Machining (AFM) is an advanced nonconventional finishing process, in which viscoelastic polymer carrier medium mixed with suitable abrasive particle is forced through the workpiece having intricate profile/cavities for which high quality surface finish is prime significance. So AFM process is used for finishing, deburring, edge rounding and general improvement of surface quality of workpiece with complex geometries. In the present study modeling of abrasive flow machining including force modeling and material removal rate is presented. During the simulation computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis has been carried out while modelling convergent - divergent nozzle made of mild steel using ANSYS 15.0 software. The paper containing CFD simulation results of axial stress, radial stress, depth of indentation and material removal rate
Lessons from Small-Scale Fish Farming in South West and West Shewa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. A Review
No full textFor the past 13 years, the National Fisheries and Aquatic Life Research Center (NFALRC) have intervened with small-scale fish farming trials in South West and West Shewa zones of Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Opportunities and challenges of the trial, farmers’ awareness, and attitude towards small-scale fish farming and its economics have already been studied and documented. However, the studies were not comprehensively reviewed, synthesized, and presented to inform further intervention. This paper is meant to fill this gap. Desk review of those studies and others supported by prior experience of the author to intervention areas is the core approach followed. As a result, seven key lessons were learned: the need for redefining core challenges of small-scale fish farming, gender inclusion in small-scale fish farming, need for a revision of public sector-led formal extension service delivery linked to the change in the conventional extension approach followed by NFALRC, emphasis on awareness creation on fish farming, the importance of participatory approaches and the need for repeating research trials in the economics of small-scale fish farming. Among these, awareness creation, the use of participatory approaches, and changes in conventional extension service delivery by NFALRC should be given priority
Effects of continuous, interval, and combined training methods on middle- and long-distance runners' performance.
No full textIntroduction: Running performance is largely influenced by training methods, including Continuous, Interval, and combined training methods. However, which training method that best improves the performance has not been identified. Aim: This study was to investigate how training methods continuous, interval, and combined training affect distance running performance. Methods: A total of thirty (n=30) athletes from the Ethiopia Hotel Athletics Club were selected as subjects. The studies included trained runners without previous injuries. Interventions lasted at least 12 weeks, with participants allocated to Interval, Continuous or combined training groups. The athletes' performance was assessed through cooper 12 min run test, wall squat test and multiple sprint test using pre- and posttest interventions. MANOVA was performed using SPSS to determine the mean difference with 95% confidence intervals (CIS) between continuous, interval (CIS), and combined training, and the effect sizes were calculated. Results: All training methods significantly improved VO2max, strength endurance, and speed. Moreover, there was no significant difference between the interval and combined training during the VO2max test (MD = 0.2, P > 0.1). There was no significant difference between continuous and interval training during the posttests VO2max test. During the wall squat test, there was no significant difference between the training methods (p > 0.1). Moreover, there were no significant differences between the continuous and combined, training groups or between the interval and combined training groups at the level of the multiple sprint test (p = 1, MD = 0.53). However, there was a significant difference between the continuous and interval training groups on the multiple sprint test (P = 0.024, MD = -1.75), with an effect size was 0.356. Conclusion: Interval and combined training are better strategies than continuous training for improving athlete performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]Introducción: El rendimiento en carrera se ve influido en gran medida por los métodos de entrenamiento, entre los que se incluyen el entrenamiento continuo, por intervalos y combinado. Sin embargo, no se ha identificado qué método de entrenamiento mejora mejor el rendimiento. Objetivo: Este estudio tenía como objetivo investigar cómo los métodos de entrenamiento continuo, por intervalos y combinado afectan al rendimiento en carreras de distancia. Métodos: Un total de treinta (n=30) atletas del Ethiopia Hotel Athletics Club fueron seleccionados como sujetos. Se incluyeron corredores entrenados sin lesiones previas. Las intervenciones duraron al menos 12 semanas, y los participantes fueron asignados a grupos de entrenamiento por intervalos, continuo o combinado. El rendimiento de los atletas se evaluó mediante la prueba de carrera de Cooper de 12 minutos, la prueba de sentadillas en la pared y la prueba de sprints múltiples mediante intervenciones antes y después de la prueba. Se realizó un MANOVA con SPSS para determinar la diferencia de medias con intervalos de confianza del 95% (CIS) entre el entrenamiento continuo, por intervalos (CIS) y combinado, y se calcularon los tamaños del efecto. Resultados: Todos los métodos de entrenamiento mejoraron significativamente el VO2máx, la resistencia a la fuerza y la velocidad. Además, no hubo diferencias significativas entre el entrenamiento a intervalos y el combinado durante la prueba de VO2máx (DM = 0,2, P > 0,1). No hubo diferencias significativas entre el entrenamiento continuo y el de intervalos durante la prueba de VO2máx postest. Durante la prueba de sentadilla de pared, no hubo diferencias significativas entre los métodos de entrenamiento (p > 0,1). Además, no hubo diferencias significativas entre los grupos de entrenamiento continuo y combinado ni entre los grupos de entrenamiento por intervalos y combinado en la prueba de sprint múltiple (p = 1, DM = 0,53). Sin embargo, hubo una diferencia significativa entre los grupos de entrenamiento continuo y de intervalo en la prueba de sprint múltiple (p = 0,024, DM = -1,75), con un tamaño del efecto de 0,356. Conclusiones: El entrenamiento por intervalos y el entrenamiento combinado son mejores estrategias que el entrenamiento continuo para mejorar el rendimiento de los atleta
Trace Element Contamination in Tissues of Four Bird Species from the Rift Valley Region, Ethiopia
No full textConcentrations of ten trace elements (Hg, As, Cd, Pb, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Se and Zn) were determined in different tissues (liver, kidney, muscle, heart and brain) of African sacred ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus), Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta), marabou stork (Leptoptilos crumeniferus) and great white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) inhabiting the Ethiopian Rift Valley region. There were differences in trace element patterns among the bird species. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher concentrations of Cd (5.53 A mu g/g dw +/- 2.94) in kidney and Hg (0.75 A mu g/g ww +/- 0.30) in liver were observed in the great white pelican compared to the other species, and liver concentrations of these two elements showed positive correlations with trophic level. Concentrations of toxic elements (As, Cd, Pb and Hg) in liver were below their respective toxicological thresholds, indicating that the data may provide baseline information for future studies
Organochlorine pesticides and heavy metals in fish from Lake Awassa, Ethiopia : Insights from stable isotope analysis
No full textThe levels and bioaccumulation of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and heavy metals were studied in muscle and liver of three fish species, with two trophic levels, from Lake Awassa, Ethiopia. DDTs were the predominant organic pollutant in all species with a maximum level of 73.28 ng g(-1) wet weight (ww). p,p'-DDE was the predominate congener and showed a significant (p <0.001) relationship with delta N-15, which indicates that DDTs could biomagnified in the food web of the lake. Generally, high levels of heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn and Hg) were found in liver samples as compared to muscles. The levels of Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, and Pb in liver samples showed negative correlation with delta N-15. They were found markedly higher in the lower trophic level fish species (p < 0.05) that indicates biodilution whereas; Zn level showed positive correlation with delta N-15. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved
Organochlorine pesticides in bird species and their prey (fish) from the Ethiopian Rift Valley region, Ethiopia
No full textOrganochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and stable isotopes were measured in muscle from 4 bird and 5 fish species from the Ethiopian Rift Valley region where DDT is used for malaria control and vast agricultural activities are carried out. We investigated the bioaccumulation of OCPs such as DDTs, HCHs, chlordanes, and heptachlors between the species, and examined the potential risk posed by these compounds for bird species. Significant differences in contaminant profiles and levels were observed within the species. Levels of total OCPs ranged from 3.7 to 148.7 mu g/g lipid in bird and 0.04 to 10.9 mu g/g lipid in fish species. DDTs were the predominant contaminant, and a positive relationship between delta N-15 and Sigma DDT concentrations was found. The main DDT metabolite, p,p'-DDE was the most abundant and significantly greater concentrations in bird species (up to 138.5 mu g/g lipid), which could have deleterious effects on survival and/or reproduction of birds. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved
Concentrations and human health risk assessment of organochlorine pesticides in edible fish species from a Rift Valley lake-Lake Ziway, Ethiopia
No full textFish consumption is known to have several health benefits for humans. However, the accumulation of organic pollutants, like organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) could pose health hazards. Thus, OCPs in edible fish species (Oreochromis niloticus, Tilapia zillii, Carassius spp., and Clarias gariepinus) from Lake Ziway, an Ethiopian Rift Valley Lake were investigated to assess the potential human health hazards of these contaminants. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), chlordanes, and heptachlors were observed with Sigma OCPs concentration ranging from 1.41 to 63.8 ng g(-1) ww. DDTs were the predominant contaminants (0.9 to 61.9 ng g(-1) ww), followed by HCHs. The predominance of DDTs may be attributed to their current use in vector control and contamination from past usage. The estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of OCPs from all fish species were much lower than the acceptable daily intakes (ADIs), indicating that consumption of fish is at little risk to human health at present. However, the cancer risk estimates in the area of concern and the hazard ratios (HRs) of HCHs, DDTs, and heptachlors exceeded the threshold value of one, indicating daily exposure to these compounds is a potential concern. This may result in a lifetime cancer risk greater than of I in 10(6). (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved
Review of environmental benefits and development of methodology for EUNIS habitat changes from nature-based solutions: Application to Denmark and the Netherlands
No full textNature-Based solutions (NBS) are the measures supported by natural processes that can adapt to changing climates and generate diverse social, economic, and environmental benefits. Recognising the potential for additional NBS benefits, and quantifying these benefits is essential as it encourages decision-makers to implement and scale-up NBS initiatives. This paper presents findings from a systematic literature review. The review focused on tools and methodologies used for assessing the environmental benefits of implementing NBS. This review provides a detailed compilation of environmental indicators supported by assessment tools. It also includes a catalogue of tools for evaluating environmental benefits, thereby identifying research gaps. Moreover, this research proposes a methodology that uses an ArcGIS (Architecture of Geographic Information Systems) toolbox to identify habitat changes resulting from the implementation of NBS. The methodology translates CORINE (Coordination of Information on the Environment) land cover classes to EUNIS (European Nature Information System) habitat classes. The developed toolbox was applied to two case studies: Denmark (12 NBS) and the Netherlands (3 NBS). The assessment aimed to compare the habitat changes between 2000 and 2018 as two extreme time points for NBS implementation for both case studies. Results indicate that NBS implementation can change habitats leading to an increase in the Red-necked Grebe population in Denmark and a decline in the Black-tailed Godwit population in the Netherlands (two threatened species). The population change highlights the potential positive and potential negative impacts of NBS in their respective cases. These findings suggest Denmark could benefit from lake construction and restoration projects. At the same time, the Netherlands could invest in wetlands and meadows construction and restoration projects to protect the respective species. They could establish designated breeding zones to ensure their population does not decline rapidly.BT/Environmental BiotechnologyHydraulic Structures and Flood Ris
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