R. M. Kayode, O. R. Egwumah, B. I. Kayode, V. A. Joshua
Soybean hull consist of complex polysaccharides that cannot be digested by human’s alimentary canal and is usually discarded during processing. These complexes can be broken down by fermentation into simpler and more available forms. This research used solid state fermentation process with some microbes to ferment soybean hull for flour production and investigated the proximate, textural, physical and sensory properties of biscuits produced from composite flour of wheat and fermented soybean hull with date-pulp flour as a sugar replacement in the biscuit production. The proximate composition of the biscuit showed increasing protein (10.15 to 12.25 %), lipids (20.14 to 22.95 %), ash (2.07 to 2.16 %), fibre (1.23 to 1.38 %) and moisture contents (4.65 to 6.03 %) while the carbohydrate content (60.1 to 56.1%) decreased with increasing soybean hull flour. The weight (12.03 to 15.30 g), thickness (6.24 to 7.38 mm), density (5.08 to 5.18 g/cm3), and spread ratio (7.32 to 8.76) of the biscuit increased while its diameter (54.11 to 54.94 mm), decreased, and its volume (5.08 to 5.18 cm3) exhibited no particular trend. No significant difference (p≤0.05) was observed in the textural properties of the biscuit but those produced from 16% soybean hull flour fermented with B. subtilis for 72hrs, and 4% soybean hull flour, fermented with A. oryzae for 72hrs were the most preferred. Therefore, supplementing wheat flour with soybean hull flour fermented with A. oryzea at 72hrs and B. subtilis at 72hrs significantly improved the nutritional quality of biscuit without adverse effects on its physical, textural and sensory properties.
{"title":"Physico-chemical, textural and consumers’ acceptability of biscuits made from composite flour of wheat, fermented soybean-hull and date-pulp","authors":"R. M. Kayode, O. R. Egwumah, B. I. Kayode, V. A. Joshua","doi":"10.4038/cjs.v53i3.8408","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/cjs.v53i3.8408","url":null,"abstract":"Soybean hull consist of complex polysaccharides that cannot be digested by human’s alimentary canal and is usually discarded during processing. These complexes can be broken down by fermentation into simpler and more available forms. This research used solid state fermentation process with some microbes to ferment soybean hull for flour production and investigated the proximate, textural, physical and sensory properties of biscuits produced from composite flour of wheat and fermented soybean hull with date-pulp flour as a sugar replacement in the biscuit production. The proximate composition of the biscuit showed increasing protein (10.15 to 12.25 %), lipids (20.14 to 22.95 %), ash (2.07 to 2.16 %), fibre (1.23 to 1.38 %) and moisture contents (4.65 to 6.03 %) while the carbohydrate content (60.1 to 56.1%) decreased with increasing soybean hull flour. The weight (12.03 to 15.30 g), thickness (6.24 to 7.38 mm), density (5.08 to 5.18 g/cm3), and spread ratio (7.32 to 8.76) of the biscuit increased while its diameter (54.11 to 54.94 mm), decreased, and its volume (5.08 to 5.18 cm3) exhibited no particular trend. No significant difference (p≤0.05) was observed in the textural properties of the biscuit but those produced from 16% soybean hull flour fermented with B. subtilis for 72hrs, and 4% soybean hull flour, fermented with A. oryzae for 72hrs were the most preferred. Therefore, supplementing wheat flour with soybean hull flour fermented with A. oryzea at 72hrs and B. subtilis at 72hrs significantly improved the nutritional quality of biscuit without adverse effects on its physical, textural and sensory properties.","PeriodicalId":9894,"journal":{"name":"Ceylon Journal of Science","volume":" 37","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141827732","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
P. P. S. Sachinthaka, K. L. N. U. Liyanage, G. M. Somaratne, A. Hettiarachchi, K. A. K. L. Chandrasiri, A. A. P. S. Amarasinghe, F. H. C. A. Silva, M. S. How, B. D. R. Prasantha
In vitro models of the human stomach offer a robust platform to explore the physicochemical processes during gastric digestion. In Sri Lanka, limited research has been conducted on the digestion behavior of diverse food structures using in vitro digestion models. This study aims to create a custom-built in vitro gastric digestion model, specifically designed for Sri Lankan laboratories to analyze food digestion in a simulated stomach environment. The physical model comprises a butyl rubber chamber simulating the stomach, 4 nylon rollers with 2 rubber belts, driven by geared motors, and 6 nylon pulleys, creating continuous contractions of the rubber chamber. The model simulates the peristaltic movements of the stomach wall, with contraction waves occurring at a frequency of approximately 3 cycles per minute, mimicking in vivo peristaltic movement. Gastric sieving, secretion, emptying, and temperature control mechanisms are employed to recreate dynamic gastrointestinal conditions. A polyester mesh bag with a pore size of 1.5 mm replicates the gastric sieving function, while manual gastric emptying is performed. Gastric juice is secreted into the chamber at a rate of 2.5 mL/min using a programmed peristaltic pump, and an automated temperature control system maintains the ambient temperature at 37 °C. In conclusion, this developed gastric device serves as an effective tool for studying the gastric digestion of various food structures within a simulated stomach environment.
{"title":"An in-vitro gastric digestion model with peristalsis function for the analysis of the food gastric digestion","authors":"P. P. S. Sachinthaka, K. L. N. U. Liyanage, G. M. Somaratne, A. Hettiarachchi, K. A. K. L. Chandrasiri, A. A. P. S. Amarasinghe, F. H. C. A. Silva, M. S. How, B. D. R. Prasantha","doi":"10.4038/cjs.v53i3.8200","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/cjs.v53i3.8200","url":null,"abstract":"In vitro models of the human stomach offer a robust platform to explore the physicochemical processes during gastric digestion. In Sri Lanka, limited research has been conducted on the digestion behavior of diverse food structures using in vitro digestion models. This study aims to create a custom-built in vitro gastric digestion model, specifically designed for Sri Lankan laboratories to analyze food digestion in a simulated stomach environment. The physical model comprises a butyl rubber chamber simulating the stomach, 4 nylon rollers with 2 rubber belts, driven by geared motors, and 6 nylon pulleys, creating continuous contractions of the rubber chamber. The model simulates the peristaltic movements of the stomach wall, with contraction waves occurring at a frequency of approximately 3 cycles per minute, mimicking in vivo peristaltic movement. Gastric sieving, secretion, emptying, and temperature control mechanisms are employed to recreate dynamic gastrointestinal conditions. A polyester mesh bag with a pore size of 1.5 mm replicates the gastric sieving function, while manual gastric emptying is performed. Gastric juice is secreted into the chamber at a rate of 2.5 mL/min using a programmed peristaltic pump, and an automated temperature control system maintains the ambient temperature at 37 °C. In conclusion, this developed gastric device serves as an effective tool for studying the gastric digestion of various food structures within a simulated stomach environment.","PeriodicalId":9894,"journal":{"name":"Ceylon Journal of Science","volume":" 83","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141825060","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Kalina, R. Kapilan, I. Wickramasinghe, S. B. Navaratne
Plant leaves, especially from bananas, have been used in food packing for a long time, and it has been proven that banana leaves possess the best attributes in developing bio-degradable packaging materials. The current study aims to determine the effects of four types of chemical treatments on the mechanical properties of banana leaves and to optimize the treatment conditions. Mature banana leaves were immersed in chemicals, namely glycerin (25%, 33%), citric acid (0.5%, 1%), calcium hydroxide (3%, 5%), and sodium chloride (5%, 10%) for seven days while drawing samples daily for testing. The treated samples were tested for mechanical properties such as hardness, tear resistance, and load-bearing capacity, using recommended protocols with slight modifications. The multi-response optimization was done using the statistical method named Grey Relational Analysis to select the best treatment setting. The results revealed that the treatments of citric acid solution (0.5%) for one day and two days, Glycerin (33.3%) for one day and two days, and NaCl solution (10%) for one day were among the first five in the Grey Relational Grades obtained for multi-response optimization and demonstrated a significant (p<0.05) increment for all the three mechanical properties. Hence, the selected chemical treatments positively affect the mechanical properties of banana leaves at their optimum treatment conditions.
{"title":"Optimization of chemical treatments on the mechanical properties of banana leaves","authors":"S. Kalina, R. Kapilan, I. Wickramasinghe, S. B. Navaratne","doi":"10.4038/cjs.v53i3.8380","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/cjs.v53i3.8380","url":null,"abstract":"Plant leaves, especially from bananas, have been used in food packing for a long time, and it has been proven that banana leaves possess the best attributes in developing bio-degradable packaging materials. The current study aims to determine the effects of four types of chemical treatments on the mechanical properties of banana leaves and to optimize the treatment conditions. Mature banana leaves were immersed in chemicals, namely glycerin (25%, 33%), citric acid (0.5%, 1%), calcium hydroxide (3%, 5%), and sodium chloride (5%, 10%) for seven days while drawing samples daily for testing. The treated samples were tested for mechanical properties such as hardness, tear resistance, and load-bearing capacity, using recommended protocols with slight modifications. The multi-response optimization was done using the statistical method named Grey Relational Analysis to select the best treatment setting. The results revealed that the treatments of citric acid solution (0.5%) for one day and two days, Glycerin (33.3%) for one day and two days, and NaCl solution (10%) for one day were among the first five in the Grey Relational Grades obtained for multi-response optimization and demonstrated a significant (p<0.05) increment for all the three mechanical properties. Hence, the selected chemical treatments positively affect the mechanical properties of banana leaves at their optimum treatment conditions.","PeriodicalId":9894,"journal":{"name":"Ceylon Journal of Science","volume":"10 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141688597","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maham Sajjad, K. Akhtar, Najeeb Ullah, Muhammad Jawad Asghar
Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is an important protein-rich Rabi pulse crop after chickpea in Pakistan. Its area and production in the country is decreasing drastically due to its susceptibility to various biotic and abiotic stresses. Among biotic-stresses, seed-borne fungi are the most imperative issue and the accurate identification and characterization of target pathogen isolates/races is crucial for the management of plant diseases in lentils. Therefore, the current study was performed to identify the fungi associated with lentil seeds, to confirm their pathogenicity and to assess their incidence. For this purpose, isolation of fungal pathogens was made on potato dextrose agar medium (PDA) from 56 Lens culinaris L. genotypes. These pathogens were characterized using morphological and molecular techniques and their pathogenicity was performed following blotter paper and agar plate method. Seven fungi belonging to five genera were isolated from lentil seeds (Fusarium avenaceum, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus tubingensis, Penicillium citrinum and Bipolaris sorokiniana) of different genotypes. Of these seven fungal species, F. avenaceum, A. tubingensis and B. sorokiniana are new records for lentil seeds from Pakistan. Aspergillus flavus was found to occur in high frequency followed by A. niger, F. avenaceum, P. citrinum, A. alternata, A. tubingensis and B. sorokiniana. Under pathogenicity test on blotter paper and on PDA F. avenaceum, A. flavus, A. niger, A. tubingensis were highly pathogenic, while A. alternata, P. citrinum and B. sorokiniana were found to be less pathogenic. The presence of well-known toxigenic fungal pathogens in lentil seeds suggests the possible risk of contamination of the seeds and enhances the possibility of pre- and post-infections of crop. Therefore, the present study will help to devise effective management strategies to reduce contamination in seeds and also to control the further spread of these pathogens to reduce crop losses.
扁豆（Lens culinaris Medik.）由于容易受到各种生物和非生物胁迫的影响，其在巴基斯坦的种植面积和产量正在急剧下降。在生物胁迫中，种子传播的真菌是最紧迫的问题，准确鉴定和描述目标病原体分离物/品系对扁豆植物病害的管理至关重要。因此，本研究旨在鉴定与扁豆种子相关的真菌，确认其致病性并评估其发病率。为此，在马铃薯葡萄糖琼脂培养基（PDA）上从 56 种 Lens culinaris L. 基因型中分离出了真菌病原体。利用形态学和分子技术对这些病原体进行了鉴定，并采用吸墨纸和琼脂平板法对其致病性进行了测定。从不同基因型的扁豆种子中分离出了属于 5 个属的 7 种真菌（镰刀菌属、交替互生菌属、黄曲霉属、黑曲霉属、管曲霉属、柠檬青霉属和 Bipolaris sorokiniana）。在这七种真菌中，F. avenaceum、A. tubingensis 和 B. sorokiniana 是巴基斯坦扁豆种子的新记录。 发现黄曲霉的出现频率较高，其次是黑曲霉、venaceum、枸橼酸曲霉、交替曲霉、管状曲霉和 B. sorokiniana。在吸墨纸和 PDA 上进行的致病性测试中，F. avenaceum、A. flavus、A. niger、A. tubingensis 的致病性较高，而 A. alternata、P. citrinum 和 B. sorokiniana 的致病性较低。扁豆种子中存在众所周知的致毒真菌病原体，这表明种子可能存在被污染的风险，并增加了作物受到事前和事后感染的可能性。因此，本研究将有助于制定有效的管理策略，以减少种子污染，并控制这些病原体的进一步传播，从而减少作物损失。
{"title":"Incidence, Characterization and Pathogenicity of Seed-Borne Fungi of Lentil (Lens culinaris L.) in Pakistan","authors":"Maham Sajjad, K. Akhtar, Najeeb Ullah, Muhammad Jawad Asghar","doi":"10.4038/cjs.v53i3.8307","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/cjs.v53i3.8307","url":null,"abstract":"Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is an important protein-rich Rabi pulse crop after chickpea in Pakistan. Its area and production in the country is decreasing drastically due to its susceptibility to various biotic and abiotic stresses. Among biotic-stresses, seed-borne fungi are the most imperative issue and the accurate identification and characterization of target pathogen isolates/races is crucial for the management of plant diseases in lentils. Therefore, the current study was performed to identify the fungi associated with lentil seeds, to confirm their pathogenicity and to assess their incidence. For this purpose, isolation of fungal pathogens was made on potato dextrose agar medium (PDA) from 56 Lens culinaris L. genotypes. These pathogens were characterized using morphological and molecular techniques and their pathogenicity was performed following blotter paper and agar plate method. Seven fungi belonging to five genera were isolated from lentil seeds (Fusarium avenaceum, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus tubingensis, Penicillium citrinum and Bipolaris sorokiniana) of different genotypes. Of these seven fungal species, F. avenaceum, A. tubingensis and B. sorokiniana are new records for lentil seeds from Pakistan. Aspergillus flavus was found to occur in high frequency followed by A. niger, F. avenaceum, P. citrinum, A. alternata, A. tubingensis and B. sorokiniana. Under pathogenicity test on blotter paper and on PDA F. avenaceum, A. flavus, A. niger, A. tubingensis were highly pathogenic, while A. alternata, P. citrinum and B. sorokiniana were found to be less pathogenic. The presence of well-known toxigenic fungal pathogens in lentil seeds suggests the possible risk of contamination of the seeds and enhances the possibility of pre- and post-infections of crop. Therefore, the present study will help to devise effective management strategies to reduce contamination in seeds and also to control the further spread of these pathogens to reduce crop losses.","PeriodicalId":9894,"journal":{"name":"Ceylon Journal of Science","volume":"11 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141688592","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
R. S. Akshana, N. Sobini, T. Kirushanthi, S. Srivijeindran
The global trend in packaging is shifting towards environmentally friendly, natural materials that decompose easily. Among the bio-based packaging materials, starch is a renewable, biodegradable, bio-compatible, and easily accessible source. However, starch-based biodegradable films depict weak mechanical properties compared with synthetic polymers. This problem can be solved by incorporating reinforcement fillers into the starch matrix. Palmyrah fruit (Borassus flabellifer L.) waste can be a good source to obtain fillers due to its high cellulose content. The aim of the study was to investigate the reinforcement of starch-based biodegradable films with the incorporation of pure cellulose nanofiber (CNF) obtained from palmyrah fruit fiber (PFF). Chemical treatments such as alkaline treatment (4% NaOH), bleaching [1% Ca(OCl)2], and acid hydrolysis (10 moldm-3 H2SO4) were done successively to obtain pure CNF from PFF. CNF was characterized using FTIR and particle size distribution (PSD) was analyzed by granulometry. The yield of CNF from PFF was 37.890±0.008 %. The results of FTIR depicted CNF was synthesized successfully. Five different biodegradable films were prepared by varying the amount of palmyrah tuber starch (4.5-2.5 w/w %) and CNF (0.0-2.0 w/w %) while the amount of glycerin (1.5 w/w %) and gelatin (1 w/w %) were kept constant. PSD results revealed that nano-sized CNF (10-100 nm) was synthesized successfully. The optimized film was selected based on the tensile strength and low water vapor transmission rate. Optimized film formulation, with palmyra tuber starch (3 w/w %) and CNF (1.5 w/w %) showed desirable physical, mechanical and optical properties, including the thickness, moisture content, water vapor transmission rate, water uptake, transparency at 600 nm, water activity, water solubility and tensile strength of 0.192±0.004 mm, 11.07±0.04 %, 3.870±0.005 g/m2.day, 22.34±0.05 %, 3.97±0.01 %, 0.440±0.001, 51.68±0.140 % and 9.55 MPa respectively. All films showed excellent soil biodegradability within two weeks. In conclusion, palmyra fruit CNF can be effectively used to reinforce starch-based biodegradable packaging films.
{"title":"Synthesis of cellulose nano fiber from palmyrah fruit fiber and its applicability as a reinforcement agent on starch based biodegradable film","authors":"R. S. Akshana, N. Sobini, T. Kirushanthi, S. Srivijeindran","doi":"10.4038/cjs.v53i3.8257","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/cjs.v53i3.8257","url":null,"abstract":"The global trend in packaging is shifting towards environmentally friendly, natural materials that decompose easily. Among the bio-based packaging materials, starch is a renewable, biodegradable, bio-compatible, and easily accessible source. However, starch-based biodegradable films depict weak mechanical properties compared with synthetic polymers. This problem can be solved by incorporating reinforcement fillers into the starch matrix. Palmyrah fruit (Borassus flabellifer L.) waste can be a good source to obtain fillers due to its high cellulose content. The aim of the study was to investigate the reinforcement of starch-based biodegradable films with the incorporation of pure cellulose nanofiber (CNF) obtained from palmyrah fruit fiber (PFF). Chemical treatments such as alkaline treatment (4% NaOH), bleaching [1% Ca(OCl)2], and acid hydrolysis (10 moldm-3 H2SO4) were done successively to obtain pure CNF from PFF. CNF was characterized using FTIR and particle size distribution (PSD) was analyzed by granulometry. The yield of CNF from PFF was 37.890±0.008 %. The results of FTIR depicted CNF was synthesized successfully. Five different biodegradable films were prepared by varying the amount of palmyrah tuber starch (4.5-2.5 w/w %) and CNF (0.0-2.0 w/w %) while the amount of glycerin (1.5 w/w %) and gelatin (1 w/w %) were kept constant. PSD results revealed that nano-sized CNF (10-100 nm) was synthesized successfully. The optimized film was selected based on the tensile strength and low water vapor transmission rate. Optimized film formulation, with palmyra tuber starch (3 w/w %) and CNF (1.5 w/w %) showed desirable physical, mechanical and optical properties, including the thickness, moisture content, water vapor transmission rate, water uptake, transparency at 600 nm, water activity, water solubility and tensile strength of 0.192±0.004 mm, 11.07±0.04 %, 3.870±0.005 g/m2.day, 22.34±0.05 %, 3.97±0.01 %, 0.440±0.001, 51.68±0.140 % and 9.55 MPa respectively. All films showed excellent soil biodegradability within two weeks. In conclusion, palmyra fruit CNF can be effectively used to reinforce starch-based biodegradable packaging films.","PeriodicalId":9894,"journal":{"name":"Ceylon Journal of Science","volume":"122 35","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141360408","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study was conducted in a reservoir located in Mbiabet Ikot Udo community, Northern Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, to assess the physicochemical status, composition and abundance of aquatic insects. Samples were collected from June 2022 to January 2023 and all the parameters were evaluated using standard methods. The results revealed that temperature ranged from 22.7 to 30.6°C, TDS (153 – 238 mgL-1), EC (153 – 238μScm-1), TDS (97.9 –152.3mgL-1), pH (6.3 – 8.1), DO (2.22 – 5.14 mgL-1), TSS (1.62 – 6.34 mgL-1), NO-3 (1.53 – 5.68 mgL-1), PO-4 (2.18 – 4.16 mgL-1), Mg2+ (3.92 – 5.36 mgL-1), Ca2+ (5.39 – 8.13 mgL-1), Na+ (0.72 – 2.37 mgL-1), K+ (0.68 – 1.48 mgL-1), BOD (1.34 – 6.46mgL-1), Ni (0.001 – 0.08 mgL-1), Fe (0.1 – 0.3 mgL-1), Pb (0.003 – 0.008 mgL-1), Cu (0.01 – 1.3 mgL-1) and Cd (0.002 – 0.008). There were significant temporal variations in some of these parameters. However, all the parameters were within the acceptable limits, except for TSS, BOD, DO, Ni, Cu and Fe. A total of 185 species of aquatic insects, in five taxonomic orders and 10 families, were recorded. Odonata had the highest percentage (40.5%), followed by Hemiptera (25.0%), and Diptera had the lowest percentage (8.6%). The dominant family was Aeshnidae (18.9%) while the least percentage was from Pleidae (1.1%). The analysis revealed that parameters such as temperature, DO, pH, Ca2+, EC, TDS and Cu negatively influenced the abundance of aquatic insects coupled with seasonal influence.
{"title":"Characterization of physicochemical parameters and insect composition in a reservoir in Northern Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria","authors":"U. Jonah, I. I. Akpan","doi":"10.4038/cjs.v53i3.8174","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/cjs.v53i3.8174","url":null,"abstract":"This study was conducted in a reservoir located in Mbiabet Ikot Udo community, Northern Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, to assess the physicochemical status, composition and abundance of aquatic insects. Samples were collected from June 2022 to January 2023 and all the parameters were evaluated using standard methods. The results revealed that temperature ranged from 22.7 to 30.6°C, TDS (153 – 238 mgL-1), EC (153 – 238μScm-1), TDS (97.9 –152.3mgL-1), pH (6.3 – 8.1), DO (2.22 – 5.14 mgL-1), TSS (1.62 – 6.34 mgL-1), NO-3 (1.53 – 5.68 mgL-1), PO-4 (2.18 – 4.16 mgL-1), Mg2+ (3.92 – 5.36 mgL-1), Ca2+ (5.39 – 8.13 mgL-1), Na+ (0.72 – 2.37 mgL-1), K+ (0.68 – 1.48 mgL-1), BOD (1.34 – 6.46mgL-1), Ni (0.001 – 0.08 mgL-1), Fe (0.1 – 0.3 mgL-1), Pb (0.003 – 0.008 mgL-1), Cu (0.01 – 1.3 mgL-1) and Cd (0.002 – 0.008). There were significant temporal variations in some of these parameters. However, all the parameters were within the acceptable limits, except for TSS, BOD, DO, Ni, Cu and Fe. A total of 185 species of aquatic insects, in five taxonomic orders and 10 families, were recorded. Odonata had the highest percentage (40.5%), followed by Hemiptera (25.0%), and Diptera had the lowest percentage (8.6%). The dominant family was Aeshnidae (18.9%) while the least percentage was from Pleidae (1.1%). The analysis revealed that parameters such as temperature, DO, pH, Ca2+, EC, TDS and Cu negatively influenced the abundance of aquatic insects coupled with seasonal influence.","PeriodicalId":9894,"journal":{"name":"Ceylon Journal of Science","volume":"44 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141359965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Urea cocrystals: the fertilizer industry’s next big thing","authors":"N. Adassooriya","doi":"10.4038/cjs.v53i3.8437","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/cjs.v53i3.8437","url":null,"abstract":"No abstract available","PeriodicalId":9894,"journal":{"name":"Ceylon Journal of Science","volume":"7 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141357802","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Community grasslands, inhabited by Imperata cylindrica, in northeast India contribute culturally to the rural landscape in the region. A study carried out to examine the fine root biomass and soil properties of these grasslands. Using iron cores, dry matter of fine roots and some soil parameters were determined sequentially across different depths. The results revealed that fine root biomass dynamics followed unimodal growth curve with one peak during the study period. In burnt plot, fine root biomass varied from 95.8 - 199.8 gm/m2, 47.9 - 94.2 gm/m2 and 27.0 - 58.7 gm/m2 in 0-10 cm, 10-20 cm and 20-30 cm depths, respectively. The corresponding values for unburnt plot were 99.9 - 206.7, 51.6 - 94.63 and 27.0 - 58.9 gm/m2. Fine roots were concentrated in the surface soil layer and decreased down the soil profile. In terms of the temporal variations, the maximum accumulation of dry matter was reported during the winter months. High content of soil organic carbon (%) and nitrogen (%) were recorded in the topsoil in contrast to the subsoil over two plots. The data indicated that the soil organic carbon and fine root biomass were significantly correlated at p < 0.001. The carbon stocks of topsoil were recorded as 10.79 and 9.52 t C/ha for burnt and unburnt plots, respectively.
{"title":"Fine root biomass and soil properties in burnt and unburnt community grasslands of Cachar district, Assam, Northeast India","authors":"Ashim Das Astapati, Ashesh Kumar Das","doi":"10.4038/cjs.v53i2.8248","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/cjs.v53i2.8248","url":null,"abstract":"Community grasslands, inhabited by Imperata cylindrica, in northeast India contribute culturally to the rural landscape in the region. A study carried out to examine the fine root biomass and soil properties of these grasslands. Using iron cores, dry matter of fine roots and some soil parameters were determined sequentially across different depths. The results revealed that fine root biomass dynamics followed unimodal growth curve with one peak during the study period. In burnt plot, fine root biomass varied from 95.8 - 199.8 gm/m2, 47.9 - 94.2 gm/m2 and 27.0 - 58.7 gm/m2 in 0-10 cm, 10-20 cm and 20-30 cm depths, respectively. The corresponding values for unburnt plot were 99.9 - 206.7, 51.6 - 94.63 and 27.0 - 58.9 gm/m2. Fine roots were concentrated in the surface soil layer and decreased down the soil profile. In terms of the temporal variations, the maximum accumulation of dry matter was reported during the winter months. High content of soil organic carbon (%) and nitrogen (%) were recorded in the topsoil in contrast to the subsoil over two plots. The data indicated that the soil organic carbon and fine root biomass were significantly correlated at p < 0.001. The carbon stocks of topsoil were recorded as 10.79 and 9.52 t C/ha for burnt and unburnt plots, respectively.","PeriodicalId":9894,"journal":{"name":"Ceylon Journal of Science","volume":"58 24","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141113306","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Inhibitors of DNA methyltransferase (DNMTs) are now a major family of epigenetic targets with therapeutic interest. However, only two cytosine analogues 5-azacytosine (azacytidine) and 20-deoxy-5-azacytidine (decitabine), have been approved as the most cutting-edge medications for treating epigenetic cancer with some restrictions. In this context, computational methods that rely on quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) play a crucial role allowing us to predict the biological activity of potential molecules based on the theoretically calculated physicochemical properties of these compounds. When coupled with machine learning (ML), QSAR approaches create an ideal platform for discovering potential drug candidates. In this study, three Machine Learning (ML) models; Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, and Artificial Neural Network, were trained using modified TeachOpenCADD KNIME workflows and applied it to the identification of plant molecules that are structurally similar to the active pharmaceuticals of current DNMT inhibitors. Then molecular docking simulations were performed using AutoDock Vina, employing two human DNMT structures (PDB codes: 4WXX and 2QRV) as target proteins and the predicted phytochemicals as ligands. Additionally, we focused on the R882H mutation hotspot in the catalytic domain of DNMT3A, which is associated with aberrant DNA methylation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Consequently, the structure of R882H DNMT3A (PDB code: 6W8J) was docked with the identified novel ligands. As a result of our computational analysis, eight phytochemicals were predicted as potential DNMT inhibitors through the ML approaches from KNIME. Subsequently, three of these phytochemicals, namely Herbacetin, Kaempferide, and Morin were identified as virtual hits against DNMTs following the molecular docking simulations. Overall, our study demonstrates the effectiveness of this computational strategy in identifying DNMT inhibitors. These findings hold promise for the discovery of potent and selective anticancer drugs targeting DNMTs.
{"title":"Computer-aided drug design to discover DNMT inhibitors from phytochemicals","authors":"L. R. L. S. Kumari, W. R. P. Wijesinghe","doi":"10.4038/cjs.v53i2.8262","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/cjs.v53i2.8262","url":null,"abstract":"Inhibitors of DNA methyltransferase (DNMTs) are now a major family of epigenetic targets with therapeutic interest. However, only two cytosine analogues 5-azacytosine (azacytidine) and 20-deoxy-5-azacytidine (decitabine), have been approved as the most cutting-edge medications for treating epigenetic cancer with some restrictions. In this context, computational methods that rely on quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) play a crucial role allowing us to predict the biological activity of potential molecules based on the theoretically calculated physicochemical properties of these compounds. When coupled with machine learning (ML), QSAR approaches create an ideal platform for discovering potential drug candidates. In this study, three Machine Learning (ML) models; Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, and Artificial Neural Network, were trained using modified TeachOpenCADD KNIME workflows and applied it to the identification of plant molecules that are structurally similar to the active pharmaceuticals of current DNMT inhibitors. Then molecular docking simulations were performed using AutoDock Vina, employing two human DNMT structures (PDB codes: 4WXX and 2QRV) as target proteins and the predicted phytochemicals as ligands. Additionally, we focused on the R882H mutation hotspot in the catalytic domain of DNMT3A, which is associated with aberrant DNA methylation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Consequently, the structure of R882H DNMT3A (PDB code: 6W8J) was docked with the identified novel ligands. As a result of our computational analysis, eight phytochemicals were predicted as potential DNMT inhibitors through the ML approaches from KNIME. Subsequently, three of these phytochemicals, namely Herbacetin, Kaempferide, and Morin were identified as virtual hits against DNMTs following the molecular docking simulations. Overall, our study demonstrates the effectiveness of this computational strategy in identifying DNMT inhibitors. These findings hold promise for the discovery of potent and selective anticancer drugs targeting DNMTs.","PeriodicalId":9894,"journal":{"name":"Ceylon Journal of Science","volume":"22 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141112409","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
D. Adhikari, S. Timilsina, M. S. Miya, R. Prasai, B. D. B. G. Pageni, R. Thapa, J. Bhandari
Nepal harbors many ethnomedicinal plants distributed throughout the country’s diverse geography. It is crucial to document plants’ ethnobotanical knowledge for further research and conservation. This study aimed to conduct a quantitative ethnobotanical analysis of the medicinal plants used in the Varagung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality of Mustang District, Nepal. Data were collected through a household survey (N = 101), using snowball sampling with 40% sampling intensity, 12 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and two Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The data was analyzed using different quantitative tools: Informant consensus factor (Fic), Fidelity Level (FL), and Use Values (UV). A total of 54 medicinal plants belonging to 32 families were documented, which were used to treat 40 different ailments. The family Asteraceae represented the maximum number of plants being used. Herbs were most frequently used (59%), and root (n =10) was the most used plant part. Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora was the most frequently used and preferred species (FL = 65% and UV = 0.62). Fever (Fic = 0.88) and gastrointestinal disorder (Fic = 0.86) were the major ailment categories treated. Oral (76%) was the main route of administration of medicines in the body, and the most used form of medicine preparation was paste (46%). Unsustainable harvesting, illegal collection, and forest fire were the major threats to medicinal plants and were highly significant after applying the non-parametric Friedman test. Enactment of a policy that focuses on conservation, sustainable harvesting, and domestication of highly valued medicinal plants is recommended to policymakers.
{"title":"Ethnobotanical assessment of medicinal plants in Trans-Himalaya of Nepal","authors":"D. Adhikari, S. Timilsina, M. S. Miya, R. Prasai, B. D. B. G. Pageni, R. Thapa, J. Bhandari","doi":"10.4038/cjs.v53i2.8148","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/cjs.v53i2.8148","url":null,"abstract":"Nepal harbors many ethnomedicinal plants distributed throughout the country’s diverse geography. It is crucial to document plants’ ethnobotanical knowledge for further research and conservation. This study aimed to conduct a quantitative ethnobotanical analysis of the medicinal plants used in the Varagung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality of Mustang District, Nepal. Data were collected through a household survey (N = 101), using snowball sampling with 40% sampling intensity, 12 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and two Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The data was analyzed using different quantitative tools: Informant consensus factor (Fic), Fidelity Level (FL), and Use Values (UV). A total of 54 medicinal plants belonging to 32 families were documented, which were used to treat 40 different ailments. The family Asteraceae represented the maximum number of plants being used. Herbs were most frequently used (59%), and root (n =10) was the most used plant part. Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora was the most frequently used and preferred species (FL = 65% and UV = 0.62). Fever (Fic = 0.88) and gastrointestinal disorder (Fic = 0.86) were the major ailment categories treated. Oral (76%) was the main route of administration of medicines in the body, and the most used form of medicine preparation was paste (46%). Unsustainable harvesting, illegal collection, and forest fire were the major threats to medicinal plants and were highly significant after applying the non-parametric Friedman test. Enactment of a policy that focuses on conservation, sustainable harvesting, and domestication of highly valued medicinal plants is recommended to policymakers.","PeriodicalId":9894,"journal":{"name":"Ceylon Journal of Science","volume":"38 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140979482","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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