Comparing the alternative utilization method for coconut in Nzema, Ghana

There are many opportunities to utilise coconut in Nzema to support farmers. Coconut oil that is mainly used for food preparation in Nzema can be utilized as fuel to support overcoming of the energy crisis in the Ghana. Coconut oil in Nzema is not used in both transportation and electricity generation. A few of the waste husk and shell are mainly used as fuel in homes for heating but greater amount is left to rot or burn the coconut plantation. In addition, some portion of the granulated coconut kernel is sometime used as feed for piggery feed and the rest of the granulated kernel are left as waste on the oil processing site. In this thesis, the author identified alternative utilization of cocoanut, for instance the use of coconut husk and shell for charcoal production, and the use of coconut trunks as construction materials. It is envisaged that exploring these alternatives will not only reduce carbon emission in the country but will also contribute significantly to the sustainability of the local agro-industry.

Fermentation of Prawn Shell Waste and Its Application of its Product as Dietary Ingredient for Penaeus Indicus (H. Milne Edwards)

This work envisages the fermentation of prawn shell waste into a more nutritious product with simpler components for application as a feed ingredient in aquaculture. This product would be a rich source of protein along with chitin, minerals, vitamins and N-acetyl glucosamine. A brief description of the various processing (chemical and bioprocess) methods employed for chitin, chitosan and single sell protein preparations from shell waste. It deals with the isolation of micro flora associated with prawn shell degradation. It describes the methods adopted for fermentation of prawn shell degradation and fermentation of prawn shell waste with the selected highly chitinoclastic strains. The comparison of SSF and SmF for each selected strain in terms of enrichment of protein, lipid and carbohydrate in the fermented product was done. Detailed analysis of product quality is discussed. The feed for mulation and feeding experiment explained in detail. Statistical analysis of various biogrowth parameters was done with Duncan’s multiple range test. Very briefly explains 28 days of feeding experiment. A method for the complete utilization of shell waste explains with the help of experiments.

Selection of Marine Yeasts for the Generation of Single Cell Protein from Prawn-shell Waste

Marine yeasts (33 strains) were isolated from the coastal and offshore waters off Cochin. The isolates were identified and then characterized for the utilization of starch, gelatin, lipid, cellulose, urea, pectin, lignin, chitin and prawn-shell waste. Most of the isolates were Candida species. Based on the biochemical characterization, four potential strains were selected and their optimum pH and NaCI concentration for growth were determined. These strains were then inoculated into prawn-shell waste and SCP (single cell protein) generation was noted in terms of the increase in protein content of the final product.

Pearl millet utilization in ccommercial laying hen diets formulated on a total or digestible amino acid basis

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of replacing corn with pearl millet in commercial layer diets, formulated according to the minimal requirements for total and digestible amino acids. Two hundred and forty Lohmann LSL laying hens with 25 weeks of age were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design according to a 2 x 5 factorial arrangement with 3 replicates of 8 birds. Feed was formulated on two amino acid basis (total or digestible) according to Rostagno et al. (2000) and there were five pearl millet inclusion levels (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%). Performance and egg quality were evaluated during five periods of 21 days.At the end of each period, feed intake, egg production, egg weight and feed conversion were evaluated. In the last three days of each period, the following egg quality parameters were evaluated: Haugh Unit, yolk pigmentation index, egg specific weight, shell percentage and shell thickness. Digestible amino acid requirements resulted in decreased feed intake (p<0.01) and increased production costs per mass of eggs (kg) or per dozen eggs (p<0.01) compared to total amino acid requirements. There was a linear reduction in feed intake, egg production, egg weight and yolk pigmentation index with increasing inclusion levels of pearl millet. Therefore, increasing levels of replacement of corn by pearl millet affected bird performance negatively. Besides, production costs were higher with increasing pearl millet levels.

Computer analysis and design of concrete shell roofs

This paper is a preliminary version of Chapter 3 of a State-of-the-Art Report by the IASS Working Group 5: Concrete Shell Roofs. The intention of this chapter is to set forth for those who intend to design concrete shell roofs information and advice about the selection, verification and utilization of commercial computer tools for analysis and design tasks.The computer analysis and design steps for a concrete shell roof are described. Advice follows on the aspects to be considered in the application of commercial finite element (FE)computer programs to concrete shell analysis, starting with recommendations on how novices can gain confidence and competence in the use of software. To establish vocabulary and provide background references, brief surveys are presented of, first,element types and formulations for shells and, second, challenges presented by advanced analyses of shells. The final section of the chapter indicates what capabilities to seek in selecting commercial FE software for the analysis and design of concrete shell roofs. Brief concluding remarks summarize advice regarding judicious use of computer analysis in design practice.

Synthesis of gadolinium-labeled shell-crosslinked nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging applications

Shell-crosslinked knedel-like nanoparticles (SCKs; knedel is a Polish term for dumplings) were derivatized with gadolinium Shell chelates and studied as robust magnetic-resonance-imaging-active structures with hydrodynamic diameters of 40 +/- 3 nm. SCKs possessing an amphiphilic core-shell morphology were produced from the aqueous assembly of diblock copolymers of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA), PAA(52)-b-PMA(128), and subsequent covalent crosslinking by amidation upon reaction with 2,2'-(ethylenedioxy)bis(ethylamine) throughout the shell layer. The properties of these materials, including non-toxicity towards mammalian cells, non-immunogenicity within mice, and capability for polyvalent targeting, make them ideal candidates for utilization within biological systems. The synthesis of SCKs derivatized with Gd-III and designed for potential use as a unique nanometer-scale contrast agent for MRI applications is described herein. Utilization of an amino-functionalized diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-Gd analogue allowed for direct covalent conjugation throughout the hydrophilic shell layer of the SCKs and served to increase the rotational correlation lifetime of the Gd. In addition, the highly hydrated nature of the shell layer in which the Gd was located allowed for rapid water exchange; thus, the resulting material demonstrated large ionic relaxivities (39 s(-1) mM(-1)) in an applied magnetic field of 0.47 T at 40 degrees C and, as a result of the large loading capacity of the material, also demonstrated high molecular relaxivities (20 000 s(-1) mM(-1)).

Utilization Of (15)no3 (-) By Nodulated Soybean Plants Under Conditions Of Root Hypoxia.

Waterlogging of soils is common in nature. The low availability of oxygen under these conditions leads to hypoxia of the root system impairing the development and productivity of the plant. The presence of nitrate under flooding conditions is regarded as being beneficial towards tolerance to this stress. However, it is not known how nodulated soybean plants, cultivated in the absence of nitrate and therefore not metabolically adapted to this compound, would respond to nitrate under root hypoxia in comparison with non-nodulated plants grown on nitrate. A study was conducted with (15)N labelled nitrate supplied on waterlogging for a period of 48 h using both nodulated and non-nodulated plants of different physiological ages. Enrichment of N was found in roots and leaves with incorporation of the isotope in amino acids, although to a much smaller degree under hypoxia than normoxia. This demonstrates that nitrate is taken up under hypoxic conditions and assimilated into amino acids, although to a much lesser extent than for normoxia. The similar response obtained with nodulated and non-nodulated plants indicates the rapid metabolic adaptation of nodulated plants to the presence of nitrate under hypoxia. Enrichment of N in nodules was very much weaker with a distinct enrichment pattern of amino acids (especially asparagine) suggesting that labelling arose from a tissue source external to the nodule rather than through assimilation in the nodule itself.

Compact Ag@fe3o4 Core-shell Nanoparticles By Means Of Single-step Thermal Decomposition Reaction.

A temperature pause introduced in a simple single-step thermal decomposition of iron, with the presence of silver seeds formed in the same reaction mixture, gives rise to novel compact heterostructures: brick-like Ag@Fe3O4 core-shell nanoparticles. This novel method is relatively easy to implement, and could contribute to overcome the challenge of obtaining a multifunctional heteroparticle in which a noble metal is surrounded by magnetite. Structural analyses of the samples show 4 nm silver nanoparticles wrapped within compact cubic external structures of Fe oxide, with curious rectangular shape. The magnetic properties indicate a near superparamagnetic like behavior with a weak hysteresis at room temperature. The value of the anisotropy involved makes these particles candidates to potential applications in nanomedicine.

Inequalities in access and utilization of dental services: a cross-sectional study in an area covered by the Family Health Strategy

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the presence of inequalities in the access and use of dental services for people living in the coverage area of the Family Health Strategy (FHS) in Ponta Grossa, Paraná State, Brazil, and to assess individual determinants related to them. The sample consisted of 747 individuals who answered a pre-tested questionnaire. Data analysis was performed by chi-square test and Poisson regression analysis, obtaining explanatory models for recent use and, by limiting the analysis to those who sought dental care, for effective access. Results showed that 41% of the sample had recent dental visits. The lowest visit rates were observed among preschoolers and elderly people. The subjects who most identified the FHS as a regular source of dental care were children. Besides age, better socioeconomic conditions and the presence of a regular source of dental care were positively associated to recent dental visits. We identified inequalities in use and access to dental care, reinforcing the need to promote incentives to improve access for underserved populations.

Influence of self-perceived oral health and socioeconomic predictors on the utilization of dental care services by schoolchildren

The influence of socioeconomic factors and self-rated oral health on children's dental health assistance was assessed. This study followed a cross-sectional design, with a multistage random sample of 792 12-year-old schoolchildren from Santa Maria, a city in southern Brazil. A dental examination provided information on the prevalence of dental caries (DMFT index). Data about the use of dental service, socioeconomic status, and self-perceived oral health were collected by means of structured interviews. These associations were assessed using Poisson regression models (prevalence ratio; 95% confidence interval). The prevalence of regular use of dental service was 47.8%. Children from low socioeconomic backgrounds and those who rated their oral health as "poor" used the service less frequently. The distribution of the kind of oral healthcare assistance used (public/private) varied across socioeconomic groups. The better-off children were less likely to have used the public service. Clinical, socioeconomic, and psychosocial factors were strong predictors for the utilization of dental care services by schoolchildren.

Fermentation of Groundnut Shell Enzymatic Hydrolysate for Fuel Ethanol Production by Free and Sorghum Stalks Immobilized Cells of Pichia stipitis NCIM 3498

Groundnut shell (GS), after separation of pod, is readily available as a potential feedstock for production of fermentable sugars. The substrate was delignified with sodium sulfite. The delignified substrate released 670 mg/g of sugars after enzymatic hydrolysis (50 degrees C, 120 rpm, 50 hrs) using commercial cellulases (Dyadic Xylanase PLUS, Dyadic Inc. USA). The groundnut shell enzymatic hydrolysate (45.6 g/L reducing sugars) was fermented for ethanol production with free and sorghum stalks immobilized cells of Pichia stipitis NCIM 3498 under submerged cultivation conditions. Immobilization of yeast cells on sorghum stalks were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A maximum of ethanol production (17.83 g/L, yield 0.44 g/g and 20.45 g/L, yield 0.47 g/g) was observed with free and immobilized cells of P. stipitis respectively in batch fermentation conditions. Recycling of immobilized cells showed a stable ethanol production (20.45 g/L, yield 0.47 g/g) up to 5 batches followed by a gradual downfall in subsequent cycles.

Utilization of Low-Intensity Laser During Healing of Free Gingival Grafts

Objectives: This study evaluates the action of a low-intensity diode laser with gallium-aluminum-arsenide (GaAlAs) active medium on the healing process and analgesia in individuals undergoing free gingival grafts. Material and Method: Ten individuals needing bilateral gingival graft in the mandibular arch were enrolled in a double-blind study. Each individual had a 30-d interval between the two surgeries. The side receiving application of laser was defined as test side and was established upon surgery; laser application was simulated on the control side. The laser was applied in the immediate postoperative period and after 48 h, and patients rated pain on a scale of 0 to 10, representing minimal and maximal pain, respectively. Photographs were obtained at 7, 15, 30, and 60d postoperatively and evaluated by five periodontists. Results: No statistically significant difference was found at any postoperative period between control and test sides, even though greater clinical improvement associated with treatment was observed at 15d postoperative. At 30 and 60d, some examiners observed the same or greater clinical improvement for the control. Only one individual reported mild to moderate pain on the first postoperative day. Conclusions: Low-intensity laser therapy did not improve the healing of gingival grafts and did not influence analgesia.

HR Del REMNANT ANATOMY USING TWO-DIMENSIONAL SPECTRAL DATA AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL PHOTOIONIZATION SHELL MODELS

The HR Del nova remnant was observed with the IFU-GMOS at Gemini North. The spatially resolved spectral data cube was used in the kinematic, morphological, and abundance analysis of the ejecta. The line maps show a very clumpy shell with two main symmetric structures. The first one is the outer part of the shell seen in H alpha, which forms two rings projected in the sky plane. These ring structures correspond to a closed hourglass shape, first proposed by Harman & O'Brien. The equatorial emission enhancement is caused by the superimposed hourglass structures in the line of sight. The second structure seen only in the [O III] and [N II] maps is located along the polar directions inside the hourglass structure. Abundance gradients between the polar caps and equatorial region were not found. However, the outer part of the shell seems to be less abundant in oxygen and nitrogen than the inner regions. Detailed 2.5-dimensional photoionization modeling of the three-dimensional shell was performed using the mass distribution inferred from the observations and the presence of mass clumps. The resulting model grids are used to constrain the physical properties of the shell as well as the central ionizing source. A sequence of three-dimensional clumpy models including a disk-shaped ionization source is able to reproduce the ionization gradients between polar and equatorial regions of the shell. Differences between shell axial ratios in different lines can also be explained by aspherical illumination. A total shell mass of 9 x 10(-4) M(circle dot) is derived from these models. We estimate that 50%-70% of the shell mass is contained in neutral clumps with density contrast up to a factor of 30.

In-field Mossbauer study of disordered surface spins in core/shell ferrite nanoparticles

Magnetization and Mossbauer spectroscopy measurements are performed at low temperature under high field, on nanoparticles with a nickel ferrite core and a maghemite shell. These nanoparticles present finite size and surface effects, together with exchange anisotropy. High field magnetization brings the evidences of a monodomain ordered core and surface spins freezing in disorder at low temperature. Mossbauer spectra at 4.2 K present an extra contribution from the disordered surface which is field dependent. Field and size dependences of this latter show a progressive spin alignment along the ferrite core which is size dependent. The weak surface pinning condition of the nanoparticles confirms that the spin disorder is localized in the external shell. The underfield decrease in the mean canting angle in the superficial shell is then directly related to the unidirectional exchange anisotropy through the interface between the ordered core and the disordered shell. The obtained anisotropy field H(Ea) scales as the inverse of the nanoparticle diameter, validating its interfacial origin. The associated anisotropy constant K(Ea) equals 2.5 x 10(-4) J/m(2). (C) 2009 American Institute qf Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3245326]

Structural and optical analysis of GaAsP/GaP core-shell nanowires

The structural and optical properties of GaAsP/GaP core-shell nanowires grown by gas source molecular beam epitaxy were investigated by transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL), and magneto-PL. The effects of surface depletion and compositional variations in the ternary alloy manifested as a redshift in GaAsP PL upon surface passivation, and a decrease in redshift in PL in the presence of a magnetic field due to spatial confinement of carriers.