Abstract: An experiment was conducted with 80 unsexed
broilers of the Arbor Acress strain to determine the capability of a
carrot and fruit juice wastes mixture (carrot, apple, manggo, avocado,
orange, melon and Dutch egg plant) in the same proportion for
replacing corn in broiler diet. This study involved a completely
randomized design (CRD) with 5 treatments (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% of
juice wastes mixture in diets) and 4 replicates per treatment. Diets
were isonitrogenous (22% crude protein) and isocaloric (3000 kcal/kg
diet). Measured variables were feed consumption, average daily
gain, feed conversion, as well as percentages of abdominal fat pad,
carcass, digestive organs (liver, pancreas and gizzard), and heart.
Data were analyzed by analysis of variance for CRD. Increasing
juice wastes mixture levels in diets increased feed consumption
(P
Abstract: Biochemical investigations were carried out to assess
the effect of different exposure regimes of Kazakhstan crude oil
(KCO) on hepatic antioxidant defense system in albino rats.
Contaminants were delivered under two different dosing regimes,
with all treatments receiving the same total contaminant load by the
end of the exposure period. Rats in regime A injected with KCO
once at a dose of 6 ml/kg bw while in regime B injected multiply at a
dose of 1.5 ml/kg bw on day 1, 3, 5 and 8. Antioxidant biomarkers
were measured in hepatic tissue after 1, 3, 5 and 8 days. Significant
induction was observed in serum aminotransferases (ALT, AST)
(p
Abstract: Erwinia carotovora var. carotovora is the main cause of soft rot in potatoes. Hyphaene thebaica was studied for biocontrol of E. carotovora which inhibited growth of E. carotovora on solid medium, a comparative study of classical and ultrasound-assisted extractions of Hyphaene thebaica fruit. The use of ultrasound decreased significant the total time of treatment and increase the total amount of crude extract. The crude extract was subjected to determine the in vitro, by a bioassay technique revealed that the treatment of paper disks with ultrasound extraction of Hyphaene thebaica reduced the growth of pathogen and produced inhibition zones up to 38mm in diameter. The antioxidant activity of ultrasound-ethanolic extract of Doum fruits (Hyphaene thebaica) was determined. Data obtained showed that the extract contains the secondary metabolites such as Tannins, Saponin, Flavonoids, Phenols, Steroids, Terpenoids, Glycosides and Alkaloids.
Abstract: Fungal infections are becoming more common and the
range of susceptible individuals has expanded. While Candida
albicans remains the most common infective species, other Candida
spp. are becoming increasingly significant. In a range of large-scale
studies of candidaemia between 1999 and 2006, about 52% of 9717
cases involved C. albicans, about 30% involved either C. glabrata or
C. parapsilosis and less than 15% involved C. tropicalis, C. krusei or
C. guilliermondii. However, the probability of mortality within 30
days of infection with a particular species was at least 40% for C.
tropicalis, C. albicans, C. glabrata and C. krusei and only 22% for
C. parapsilopsis. Clinical isolates of Candida spp. grew at rates
ranging from 1.65 h-1 to 4.9 h-1. Three species (C. krusei, C. albicans
and C. glabrata) had relatively high growth rates (μm > 4 h-1), C.
tropicalis and C. dubliniensis grew moderately quickly (Ôëê 3 h-1) and
C. parapsilosis and C. guilliermondii grew slowly (< 2 h-1). Based
on these data, the log of the odds of mortality within 30 days of
diagnosis was linearly related to μm. From this the underlying
probability of mortality is 0.13 (95% CI: 0.10-0.17) and it increases
by about 0.09 ± 0.02 for each unit increase in μm. Given that the
overall crude mortality is about 0.36, the growth of Candida spp.
approximately doubles the rate, consistent with the results of larger
case-matched studies of candidaemia.
Abstract: The present energy situation and the concerns
about global warming has stimulated active research interest
in non-petroleum, carbon free compounds and non-polluting
fuels, particularly for transportation, power generation, and
agricultural sectors. Environmental concerns and limited
amount of petroleum fuels have caused interests in the
development of alternative fuels for internal combustion (IC)
engines. The petroleum crude reserves however, are declining
and consumption of transport fuels particularly in the
developing countries is increasing at high rates. Severe
shortage of liquid fuels derived from petroleum may be faced
in the second half of this century. Recently more and more
stringent environmental regulations being enacted in the USA
and Europe have led to the research and development
activities on clean alternative fuels. Among the gaseous fuels
hydrogen is considered to be one of the clean alternative fuel.
Hydrogen is an interesting candidate for future internal
combustion engine based power trains. In this experimental
investigation, the performance and combustion analysis were
carried out on a direct injection (DI) diesel engine using
hydrogen with diesel following the TMI(Time Manifold
Injection) technique at different injection timings of 10
degree,45 degree and 80 degree ATDC using an electronic
control unit (ECU) and injection durations were controlled.
Further, the tests have been carried out at a constant speed of
1500rpm at different load conditions and it can be observed
that brake thermal efficiency increases with increase in load
conditions with a maximum gain of 15% at full load
conditions during all injection strategies of hydrogen. It was
also observed that with the increase in hydrogen energy share
BSEC started reducing and it reduced to a maximum of 9% as
compared to baseline diesel at 10deg ATDC injection during
maximum injection proving the exceptional combustion
properties of hydrogen.
Abstract: Bacillus subtilis strain LB5 produced lipopeptide
antibiotic iturin A-2 in liquid medium. Crude extract
from cell-free supernatant of B. subtilis cultivated broth extracted
with n-butanol showed antifungal activity to conidial germination of
Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The germination of conidia was
completely inhibited by crude extract. The ultrastructure of conidia
after treated with crude extract was found an accumulation of vesiclelike
material between cell wall and plasma membrane while this
accumulation was not observed in untreated and germinated conidia.
Besides, the cell wall was not affected by crude extract.
Abstract: In this study, the forty Thai medicinal plants were
used to screen the antibacterial activity against Campylobacter jejuni.
Crude 95% ethanolic extracts of each plant were prepared.
Antibacterial activity was investigated by the disc diffusion assay,
and MICs and MBCs were determined by broth microdilution. The
results of antibacterial screening showed that five plants have activity
against C.jejuni including Adenanthera pavonina L., Moringa
oleifera Lam., Annona squamosa L., Hibiscus sabdariffa L. and
Eupotorium odortum L. The extraction of A. pavonina L. and A.
squamosa L. produced an outstanding against C. jejuni, inhibiting
growth at 62.5-125 and 250-500 μg/mL, respectively. The MBCs of
two extracts were just 4-fold higher than MICs against C. jejuni,
suggesting the extracts are bactericidal against this species. These
results indicate that A. pavonina and A. squamosa could potentially
be used in modern applications aimed at treatment or prevention of
foodborne disease from C. jejuni.
Abstract: Biodiesel production results in glycerol production as
the main by-product in biodiesel industry.One of the utilizations of
glycerol obtained from biodiesel production is as a cement grinding
aid (CGA). Results showed that crude glycerol content was 40.19%
whereas pure glycerol content was 82.15%. BSS value of the cement
with CGA supplementation was higher than that of nonsupplemented
cement (blank) indicating that CGA-supplemented
cement had higher fineness than the non-supplemented one. It was
also found that pure glycerol 95% and TEA 5% at 80ºC was the
optimum CGA used to result in finest cement with BSS value of
4.836 cm2/g. Residue test showed that the smallest percent residue
value (0.11%) was obtained in cement with supplementation of pure
glycerol 95% and TEA 5%. Results of residue test confirmed those of
BSS test showing that cement with supplementation of pure glycerol
95% and TEA 5% had the finest particle size.
Abstract: The rheological properties of light crude oil and its mixture with water were investigated experimentally. These rheological properties include steady flow behavior, yield stress, transient flow behavior, and viscoelastic behavior. A RheoStress RS600 rheometer was employed in all of the rheological examination tests. The light crude oil exhibits a Newtonian and for emulsion exhibits a non-Newtonian shear thinning behavior over the examined shear rate range of 0.1–120 s-1. In first time, a series of samples of crude oil from the Algerian Sahara has been tested and the results expressed in terms of τ=f(γ) have demonstrated their Newtonian character for the temperature included in [20°C, 70°C]. In second time and at T=20°C, the oil-water emulsions (30%, 50% and 70%) by volume of water), thermodynamically stable, have demonstrated a non-Newtonian rheological behavior that is to say, Herschel-Bulkley and Bingham types. For each type of crude oil-water emulsion, the rheological parameters are calculated by numerical treatment of results.
Abstract: In this study, The physico-chemical and nutritional
properties of `Musmula` Medlar (Mespilus germanica L.) fruit and
seed grown in Northeast Anatolia was investigated. In the fruit,
length, width, thickness, weight, total soluble solids, colour (1),
colour (2) [L, a, b values], protein, crude ash, crude fiber, crude oil,
texture and pH were determinated as 4.34 cm, 4.22 cm, 3.67 cm,
38.36 g, 23.97 %, S60O60Y41,, [53.85, 17.15, 33.75], 1.06 %, 0.79 %,
4.24 %, 0.005 %, 1.21 kg/cm2 and 4.26 respectively. Also, pulp ratio,
seed ratio and pulp/seed ratio were found to be 92.88 %, 7.11 % and
14.07 %, respectively. In addition, the mineral composition of medlar
fruit in Northeast Anatolia was studied. In the fruit, 23 minerals were
analyzed and 19 minerals were present at detectable levels. The
medlar fruit was richest in potassium (6962 ppm), calcium (1186.378
ppm), magnesium (1070.08 ppm) and phosphor (763.425 ppm).
Abstract: Air pollution is a major environmental health
problem, affecting developed and developing countries around the
world. Increasing amounts of potentially harmful gases and
particulate matter are being emitted into the atmosphere on a global
scale, resulting in damage to human health and the environment.
Petroleum-related air pollutants can have a wide variety of adverse
environmental impacts. In the crude oil production sectors, there is a
strong need for a thorough knowledge of gaseous emissions resulting
from the flaring of associated gas of known composition on daily
basis through combustion activities under several operating
conditions. This can help in the control of gaseous emission from
flares and thus in the protection of their immediate and distant
surrounding against environmental degradation.
The impacts of methane and non-methane hydrocarbons emissions
from flaring activities at oil production facilities at Kuwait Oilfields
have been assessed through a screening study using records of flaring
operations taken at the gas and oil production sites, and by analyzing
available meteorological and air quality data measured at stations
located near anthropogenic sources. In the present study the
Industrial Source Complex (ISCST3) Dispersion Model is used to
calculate the ground level concentrations of methane and nonmethane
hydrocarbons emitted due to flaring in all over Kuwait
Oilfields.
The simulation of real hourly air quality in and around oil
production facilities in the State of Kuwait for the year 2006,
inserting the respective source emission data into the ISCST3
software indicates that the levels of non-methane hydrocarbons from
the flaring activities exceed the allowable ambient air standard set by
Kuwait EPA. So, there is a strong need to address this acute problem
to minimize the impact of methane and non-methane hydrocarbons
released from flaring activities over the urban area of Kuwait.
Abstract: The influence of viscosity on droplet diameter for
water-in-crude oil (w/o) emulsion with two different ratios; 20-80 %
and 50-50 % w/o emulsion was examined in the Brookfield
Rotational Digital Rheometer. The emulsion was prepared with
sorbitan sesquiolate (Span 83) act as emulsifier at varied temperature
and stirring speed in rotation per minute (rpm). Results showed that
the viscosity of w/o emulsion was strongly augmented by increasing
volume of water and decreased the temperature. The changing of
viscosity also altered the droplet size distribution. Changing of
droplet diameter was depends on the viscosity and the behavior of
emulsion either Newtonian or non-Newtonian.
Abstract: In the Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) method, use of Carbon dioxide flooding whereby CO2 is injected into an oil reservoir to increase output when extracting oil resulted significant recovery worldwide. The carbon dioxide function as a pressurizing agent when mixed into the underground crude oil will reduce its viscosity and will enable a rapid oil flow. Despite the CO2’s advantage in the oil recovery, it may result to asphaltene precipitation a problem that will cause the reduction of oil produced from oil wells. In severe cases, asphaltene precipitation can cause costly blockages in oil pipes and machinery. This paper presents reviews of several studies done on mathematical modeling of asphaltene precipitation. The synthesized result from several researches done on this topic can be used as guide in order to better understand asphaltene precipitation. Likewise, this can be used as initial reference for students, and new researchers doing study on asphaltene precipitation.
Abstract: In order to evaluation the effects of soil organic
matter and biofertilizer on chickpea quality and biological
nitrogen fixation, field experiments were carried out in 2007
and 2008 growing seasons. In this research the effects of
different strategies for soil fertilization were investigated on
grain yield and yield component, minerals, organic compounds
and cooking time of chickpea. Experimental units were
arranged in split-split plots based on randomized complete
blocks with three replications. Main plots consisted of (G1):
establishing a mixed vegetation of Vicia panunica and
Hordeum vulgare and (G2): control, as green manure levels.
Also, five strategies for obtaining the base fertilizer
requirement including (N1): 20 t.ha-1 farmyard manure; (N2):
10 t.ha-1 compost; (N3): 75 kg.ha-1 triple super phosphate;
(N4): 10 t.ha-1 farmyard manure + 5 t.ha-1 compost and (N5):
10 t.ha-1 farmyard manure + 5 t.ha-1 compost + 50 kg.ha-1
triple super phosphate were considered in sub plots.
Furthermoree four levels of biofertilizers consisted of (B1):
Bacillus lentus + Pseudomonas putida; (B2): Trichoderma
harzianum; (B3): Bacillus lentus + Pseudomonas putida +
Trichoderma harzianum; and (B4): control (without
biofertilizers) were arranged in sub-sub plots. Results showed
that integrating biofertilizers (B3) and green manure (G1)
produced the highest grain yield. The highest amounts of yield
were obtained in G1×N5 interaction. Comparison of all 2-way
and 3-way interactions showed that G1N5B3 was determined
as the superior treatment. Significant increasing of N, P2O5,
K2O, Fe and Mg content in leaves and grains emphasized on
superiority of mentioned treatment because each one of these
nutrients has an approved role in chlorophyll synthesis and
photosynthesis abilities of the crops. The combined application
of compost, farmyard manure and chemical phosphorus (N5)
in addition to having the highest yield, had the best grain
quality due to high protein, starch and total sugar contents, low
crude fiber and reduced cooking time.
Abstract: In the present work we report a gram negative
bacterial isolate, from soil of a dye industry, with promising
biorefining and bioremediation potential. This isolate (GBS.5) could
utilize carbazole (nitrogen containing polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbon) as the sole source of nitrogen and carbon and utilize
almost 98% of 3mM carbazole in 100 hours. The specific activity of
our GBS.5 isolate for carbazole degradation at 30°C and pH 7.0 was
found to be 11.36 μmol/min/g dry cell weight as compared to 10.4
μmol/min/g dry cell weight, the highest reported specific activity till
date. The presence of car genes (the genes involved in
denitrogenation of carbazole) was confirmed through PCR
amplification.
Abstract: The Niger Delta Region of Nigeria is home to about
20 million people and 40 different ethnic groups. The region has an
area of seventy thousand square kilometers (70,000 KM2) of
wetlands, formed primarily by sediments deposition and makes up
7.5 percent of Nigeria's total landmass. The notable ecological zones
in this region includes: coastal barrier islands; mangrove swamp
forests; fresh water swamps; and lowland rainforests. This incredibly
naturally-endowed ecosystem region, which contains one of the
highest concentrations of biodiversity on the planet, in addition to
supporting abundant flora and fauna, is threatened by the inhuman act
known as gas flaring. Gas flaring is the combustion of natural gas
that is associated with crude oil when it is pumped up from the
ground. In petroleum-producing areas such as the Niger Delta region
of Nigeria where insufficient investment was made in infrastructure
to utilize natural gas, flaring is employed to dispose of this associated
gas. This practice has impoverished the communities where it is
practiced, with attendant environmental, economic and health
challenges. This paper discusses the adverse environmental and
health implication associated with the practice, the role of
Government, Policy makers, Oil companies and the Local
communities aimed at bring this inhuman practice to a prompt end.
Abstract: The aim of this research is to use artificial neural networks computing technology for estimating the net heating value (NHV) of crude oil by its Properties. The approach is based on training the neural network simulator uses back-propagation as the learning algorithm for a predefined range of analytically generated well test response. The network with 8 neurons in one hidden layer was selected and prediction of this network has been good agreement with experimental data.
Abstract: Experimental data are presented to show the influence of different types of chemical demulsifier on the stability and demulsification of emulsions. Three groups of demulsifier with different functional groups were used in this work namely amines, alcohol and polyhydric alcohol. The results obtained in this study have exposed the capability of chemical breaking agents in destabilization of water in crude oil emulsions. From the present study, found that molecular weight of the demulsifier were influent the capability of the emulsion to separate.
Abstract: Biodiesel as an alternative fuel for diesel engines has been developed for some three decades now. While it is gaining wide acceptance in Europe, USA and some parts of Asia, the same cannot be said of Africa. With more than 35 countries in the continent depending on imported crude oil, it is necessary to look for alternative fuels which can be produced from resources available locally within any country. Hence this study presents performance of single cylinder diesel engine using blends of shea butter biodiesel. Shea butter was transformed into biodiesel by transesterification process. Tests are conducted to compare the biodiesel with baseline diesel fuel in terms of engine performance and exhaust emission characteristics. The results obtained showed that the addition of biodiesel to diesel fuel decreases the brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and increases the brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC). These results are expected due to the lower energy content of biodiesel fuel. On the other hand while the NOx emissions increased with increase in biodiesel content in the fuel blends, the emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), un-burnt hydrocarbon (UHC) and smoke opacity decreased. The engine performance which indicates that the biodiesel has properties and characteristics similar to diesel fuel and the reductions in exhaust emissions make shea butter biodiesel a viable additive or substitute to diesel fuel.
Abstract: The effect of antifungal compound from Bacillus
subtilis strain LB5 was tested against conidial germination of
Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Pestalotiopsis eugeniae, causal
agent of anthracnose and fruit rot of wax apple, respectively.
Observation under scanning electron microscope and light compound
microscope revealed that conidial germination was completely
inhibited when treated with culture broth, culture filtrate, or crude
extract from strain LB5. Identification of purified antifungal
compound produced by strain LB5 in cell-free supernatant by nuclear
magnetic resonance and fast atom bombardment showed that the
active compound was iturin A-2.