No result found
2021-11-09
Tiny Beam Fund;
*Do laypersons, farmers, and professionals involved with livestock production in Brazil have different opinions about applying gene editing technology to farm animals?*A survey was conducted to better understand their opinions of this biotechnology's potential and perceived benefits (particularly on animal welfare, disease resistance, resilience to external stressors such as hot climate, productivity).* The survey found that the acceptability of gene editing in farm animals is lower for the public and higher in farmers and persons in professions involved with livestock. According to those surveyed, the main concerns are: Unknown side effects; unsure of who will benefit; ethical limits of this biotechnology's use. On the other hand, improvements in animal welfare, farmers' quality of life, and productivity are the chief perceived benefits.* This report highlights three key messages and recommendations: 1) Those closely associated with livestock production are open to using biotechnology to solve problems they face, but lay citizens prefer production systems that they consider to be more natural and animal-friendly. 2) Most stakeholders agree that animal welfare legislation is important in livestock production in Brazil, and labeling should be required for gene-edited products. 3) Decisions of policies and actual use of gene editing in farm animals must be based on the results of open, informed dialogues that truly allow all stakeholders' voices to be heard, and facilitated by parties trusted by stakeholders such as scientists in universities.
![Synthesis, Spectroscopic Characterization and Biological Studies Of 2-{[(2-hydroxy-5-nitrophenyl)methylidene]amino} nicotinic acid and Iron (II) complexes](https://www.issuelab.org/resources/36648/custom_cover.png)
2020-04-22
Communication in Physical Sciences;
Iron (II) complexes of 2-{[(2-hydroxy-5nitrophenyl) methylidene]amino} nicotinic acid obtained from o-phenylenediamine and 5nitrosalicaldehyde were prepared and characterized using AAS, UV-Visible, IR, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, and GCMS. The synthesized complex was screened against some microbes in order to establish their potentials antimicrobial activity with reference to some known drugs. The results obtained indicated that, the Schiff base exhibited antimicrobial action against all the tested microbes (except Candidas. albicans isolate, which exhibited zero diameter zone of inhibition) including Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Enterobacter aeruginosa, and Proteus mirabilis.. It was also found that the synthesized Schiff base exhibited two digits purity range, implying that it was relatively stable. The biological activity of the metal complex of the Schiff base was found to be better than that of synthesized Schiff base.
2020-04-24
Communication in Physical Sciences;
This study analyzed some heavy metals in surface water and sediment from Cross River system in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Water and sediment samples were collected from Ibaka, Oron, Nwaniba, Ayadehe, Okopedi and Enwang and analyzed for the concentration of some heavy metal ions using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results obtained from the analysis indicated that mean concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cr, Co, Cu, Se and Ni in surface water were 13.69±8.97, 20.53±10.60, 18±11.47, 25.81±13.91, 26.9±11.0 1.18±0.32 and 32.67±26.16 µg while the corresponding mean concentrations in the sediments were 0.52±0.24, 57.78±15.60, 16.22±5.48, 7.52±2.28, 69.81±16.90, 0.75±0.44 and 6.87±2.26 µg/g, respectively. The results of surface water and sediment quality were compared with some guidelines which revealed no serious contamination risk to man and aquatic organism for surface water and some degree of contamination at some stations for the metals under study in sediment samples
2020-04-29
Communication in Physical Sciences;
Ecological risk assessment of heavy metals at five dumpsites (1 – 5) in Umuahia, Nigeria was carried out. Soil samples were collected at distances of 0, 5 and 10 m from each dumpsite and from a control site. Samples of water leaf and African Spinach leaf were also collected and analysed for heavy metal ions. Soil physicochemical parameters were determined using official and recommended methods while heavy metal ion concentrations were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Results obtained indicated that the texture of soil samples were predominantly sandy loam while pH values ranged from 6.21±0.37 to 7.70±0.29. Organic matter content ranged from 1.65±0.52 to 4.15±0.36 % while electrical conductivity had a range of 98.47±7.25 – 201.57±15.86 µS/cm across the dumpsites. Mean concentrations of heavy metal ions in soils from the dumpsites were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those from the control site. Average metal pollution indices showed that soils in the dumpsites are unpolluted except cadmium in Dumpsites 4 and 5. Degree of contamination values showed low degrees of contamination but enrichment factors for Pb, Cd and Cr in some Dumpsites indicated significant enrichments. All dumpsites had geo-accumulation indices less than 1.00 indicating unpolluted soil except Pb and Cr in some Dumpsites which showed moderate pollution. Ecological risk and potential ecological risk indices indicated low ecological risk. Mean concentrations of cadmium ions in the two vegetables from the dumpsites exceeded the Codex maximum limits for Cd in leafy vegetables. Although severe pollution is not pronounced for soils within the study dumpsites, it is recommended that measures should be engaged to control waste disposal in these dumpsites since heavy metals can bioaccumulate and increase in concentration to severe the environmental quality of the dumpsites in the near future.
2020-04-24
Communication in Physical Sciences;
In order to search for local raw materials that could meet the formulation of affordable, nutritious and functional bread that can compete or perform better than the 100% wheat flour, we conducted a study with, composite bread samples baked with blends of wheat, soybeans and plantain flours. The composite flours were formulated using the augmented Simplex Lattice {3,3} design of the response surface methodology (RSM). Fourteen (14) samples from the respective blends were produced using standard method. The bread samples were subjected to sensory evaluation, using the semi-trained panelist of 20 members consisting of 10 male and 10 female, who were familiar with bread quality. The results indicated that the sensory attributes of the 100% wheat (standard) bread, the minimally supplemented bread samples scored higher values of the sensory parameters including shelf stability. Models of the parameters of the bread samples were not significant (p>0.05), but their response surface plots and calculated mathematical models indicated some levels of influence by the components. Optimization analysis of the sensory evaluation and shelf-stability data revealed that 0.590, 0.220, 0.195 proportions of wheat, Musa spp. and soybean flours produced 7.163, 6.835, 6.653, 5.737, 5.301,8.184, for taste, colour, texture, aroma, acceptability and preference respectively at 100% desireability level. Acceptability and preference of the samples exhibited similar trends with the taste, colour, aroma, and texture. The bread quality parameters were observed to be function of the proportions of the flour components in the samples. The mean mold-free day of the samples was 4.0, the highest hedonic value and shelf-stability were observed in the sample that had high substitution of wheat.
2020-05-04
Communication in Physical Sciences;
New Schiff base and its Ni(II) complex, were synthesized using benzaldehyde and sulphathiazole. They were characterized using elemental analyser, UV-visible spectrophotometer, FTIR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. IR spectral data suggested that the ligand coordinated to nickel ions through two azomethine nitrogen, and one amine nitrogen. Electronic spectral measurement indicated the occurrence of ligand to metal charge transfer. Based on the continuous variation method, metal: ligand ratio of 1:1 was proposed. Elemental analysis and spectroscopic studies suggested that the Schiff base behaved as a tridentate ligand towards nickel ion. Antibacterial sensitivity of the ligand and its Ni (II) complex were assayed in vitro against Staphylococcus aureus, Echerichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhi. It was observed that the Ni(II) complex was more potent than the Schiff base against the bacterial strains used. Therefore, the Schiff base and its Ni(II) complex may inhibit bacterial infections caused by E.coli, P.aeruginosa, S. typhi and S.aureus. The Ni(II) complex showed enhanced antibacterial activity when compared with the pure the Schiff base.
2020-05-04
Communication in Physical Sciences;
Balanites aegyptiaca (L) Del is a medicinal plant used in Africa's folk medicines to treat wide range of diseases. Phytochemical screening of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Balanites aegyptiaca (L) Del root indicated the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins and phenols.The ethanolic extract of the plant root had in addition carbohydrate, cardiac glycoside and steroids while n-hexane extract indicated the presence of anthraquinone, carbohydrates, cardiac glycoside, terpenoids and resins. The extracts were also evaluated for their free radical scavenging potential, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents. The antioxidant activity was determined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, the total phenolic content was evaluated using Folin-Ciocalteau assay, while the total flavonoid content was assessed by the aluminium chloride colorimetric assay. The results obtained revealed that the ethanolic extract exhibited higher total antioxidant capacity in the range of 55.23±0.4 to 81.04±0.9% while concentrations in the aqueous extract ranged from 20.15±0.2 to 35.11±0.2% compared to 80 % of standard ascorbic acids. Estimated total phenolic content in aqueous and ethanolic extracts were 179.48±1.99 and 260.07±2.31 mg/gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g respectively. However, the total flavonoid content for aquoues and ethanolic extracts were 69.17±0.32 and 95.52±0.41 mg/ quercetin equivalent (QE)/g respectively. Total phenol and flavonoid were absent in normal hexane extract. The results obtained from the study indicated that the choice of solvent can influence the components that can be extracted from Balanites aegyptiaca (L) Del root and that for optimum extracts to be obtained, the best solvent is ethanol.
2021-06-01
American Academy of Arts and Sciences;
This report, Bold Ambition: International Large-Scale Science, describes the essential role of large-scale science initiatives, also referred to as megascience initiatives, for the U.S. scientific enterprise. It identifies best practices for building large-scale scientific collaborations in the future.
2021-06-09
Simons Foundation;
The Simons Foundation is pleased to present this copy of our 2020 annual report. Staying connected through Zoom, emails and conference calls, our grantees and scientists made groundbreaking advancements over the last year.
2021-04-01
John Templeton Foundation;
Am I alone? Can anyone hear me? Whether expressed in words or sensed emotionally, it is possible to imagine these questions as the beginnings of the first prayer. Likewise, it is easy to imagine that, once begun, the ways of praying quickly multiplied to include discrete thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, accompanied by physical objects, employed in specific locations, both built and naturally occurring. These experiential and physical developments accompanying the act of prayer, it turns out, are comparatively easy to measure and, in some cases, predict.More challenging is the effort to discern the origins and function of prayer. Some will argue that the impetus to pray comes from outside the person who prays; a divine or "cosmic" force inspires the act. Others will contend that the impulse arises purely from within the individual; it is fundamentally a form of self-talk. The stance adopted establishes the terms of investigation to be conducted and places limits around possible conclusions. This initial ambiguity is not resolvable by scientific researchers because their intellectual tools and conceptual language do not function effectively in this philosophical domain. Nonetheless, to sidestep these questions entirely is to miss the opportunity to systematically explore how these perspectives in and of themselves are amenable to scientific study.
2021-06-15
Socius: Sociological Research for a Dynamic World;
Social inequality is a central topic of research in the social sciences. Decades of research have deepened our understanding of the characteristics and causes of social inequality. At the same time, social inequality has markedly increased during the past 40 years, and progress on reducing poverty and improving the life chances of Americans in the bottom half of the distribution has been frustratingly slow. How useful has sociological research been to the task of reducing inequality? The authors analyze the stance taken by sociological research on the subject of reducing inequality. They identify an imbalance in the literature between the discipline's continual efforts to motivate the plausibility of large-scale change and its lesser efforts to identify feasible strategies of change either through social policy or by enhancing individual and local agency with the potential to cumulate into meaningful progress on inequality reduction.
2021-06-15
Socius: Sociological Research for a Dynamic World;
Despite a recent call for an expanded research agenda that is more likely to produce tangible societal reductions in inequality, efforts to articulate how social scientists can actually pursue this agenda remain few and far between. The central question this article addresses is, What can social scientists do to deliver the forms of knowledge that may lead to a reduction of social inequalities in youth outcomes and opportunities at large scale? Drawing on conceptualizations of inequality that pay attention to mechanisms of distributional and relational inequality, and examples of initiatives from a diverse array of the social sciences, the authors delineate six pathways for the kind of research that may generate reductions in youth inequality at scale. The authors conclude with a set of proposals for what academic institutions can do to train and support researchers to carry out this research agenda.
