A detailed soil survey employing conventional grid approach was carried out on Department of soil science farm (Latitudes 7^o47’4’’N and Longitudes 8^o 37’20E’’ and Latitude 7^o47’20’’N and Longitude 8^o 37’28’’E ) behind the university clinic to Characterize and determine their suitability for ginger, pepper and maize cultivation. Climatic data were collected from NIMET station domiciled in Soil Science Department of the University. Three profile pits were dug and morphological described using FAO guidelines. Samples collected from genetic horizons were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. Soil surfaces WERE dark reddish grey (2.5 YR4/3) to reddish brown (2.5YR4/4) with reddish yellow (7.5YR6/6) to red (10YR5/8) subsusurfaces; textures sandy loam, sandy clay loam to clay, structures weak fine crumbs to strong coarse sub angular blocky. Samples particles mean values ranged for sand, 66.74% - 77.02%, silt, 6.78% to 9.36% and clay, 16.20% to 25.2% respectively for pedons 1, 11 and 111. Slightly to moderately acidic (pH 6.10-6.79.) soils with very low to low nutrient levels (to sustain crops cultivation) with means at OC (0.25-0.28%), OM (0.43-0.49%), TN (0.022-0.068%), Available P(5.03-5.82mgl^-1), Ca (2.63-2.74), Mg (1.85-2.23), K (0.20-0.31), and Na (0.16-0.25cmolkg^-1); CEC (7.50-7.89 cmolkg^-1) with base saturation at 58.38-87.27%. The soils were classified as Alfisols (soil order), Ustalf (suborder), Rhodustalf (greatgroup) and Kanhaplic Rhodustalfs (subgroup). On aggregate pedon 1 is highly suitable (S1) to cultivate pepper. Pedon 11 suitability for ginger cultivation is lowered from very highly (S1₁) to highly suitable (S1₂cws). Pedon 111 is moderately suitable (S2cf) for maize production. Farm management practices such as organic matter and mineral fertilizer incorporation are recommended while bush burning should be discouraged to boast soil fertility. Plants or crops adaptability is recommended as remediation in case of temperatures limitation.

The Flat-Plate Solar Collector was manufactured and used in liquid food pasteurization to reduce energy requirements. The engineering aspects of the manufactured device and its productivity were studied, and its economic feasibility was estimated. It was noted that the solar radiation energy values ​​were significantly affected at the level of (0.05) with the change of time, where the energy levels decreased significantly at the beginning and end of the daylight hours. As previously observed, the levels and rates of solar energy are theoretically and practically superior in summer than in winter, and also theoretically higher than practically. The good levels of energy gained from the solar collector give an indication of the lack of heat loss and the good efficiency of the solar collector, as the results showed that the values ​​of energy gained were significantly affected at the level of (0.05) with the change in time, and this shows energy gained a significant increase since the beginning of the day (9) in the morning until its maximum at (12) noon, then decreases gradually until its lowest level at the day's end (16) in the afternoon. The results showed that the efficiency of the solar collector was significantly affected at the level of (0.05) with the change in time, as it averaged (48.8%) in summer and (46.8%) in winter. The productivity of the solar collector from pasteurized liquid foods showed low levels at the beginning and end of the day, while its highest levels were at midday (12) noon, where the productivity average reached (15.4) liters/hour in summer and (12.9) liters/hour in winter, and the total of daily production reached (123) liters/day in summer and (103) liters/day in winter. The results of the calculations also showed that the efficiency of the absorption plate (F) amounted to (0.95). The engineering results showed that the theoretical area of ​​the solar collector reached (1.317) m2, while the area of ​​the practical solar collector reached (1.32) m2, with a standard error level between the two areas of (0.0015).

This is a review paper assessing the ecological resilience of the Luangwa (Zambia) hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) with respect to (i) Population Size, Structure and Distribution, (ii) Primary Production and Grazing Capacity, (iii) Mortality and (iv) Population distribution in relation to non-food resources and security. The information analyzed in this report was based on the data collected since 1976 using total river bank counts. In this technique a pair of binoculars and GPS locations are used to record schools and to classify them in age groups. Records from culled carcasses are also used to consolidate sex and age classes’ determination. Data on body condition is based on Kidney Fat Index (KFI), while mortality records kept at Chinzombo Research stations covers deaths from hunting, culling, control, disease and senescence as unknown. Data on pasture is based on the clip-weigh - dry - re-weigh method tied to the Becovol Model and used to obtain above ground biomass, while the influence of the river geomorphology in creating a favorable habitat is based on satellite imagery and ground. As reported by several earlier studies, the Luangwa hippo population is resilient. Supported by the good quality habitat with numerous geomorphologic features which among other things enhances calf survival while habitat loss is insignificant because a significant proportion of the river is located in National Parks and Game Management Areas. The proposal to uplift the Appendix listing of the hippo population from Appendix II to Appendix I of CITES is not valid for Zambia. International trade of hippo specimens is not a significant factor affecting the hippo population in Zambia. Attention should be placed on habitat quality, anthropogenic influences such as encroachment of humans on hippo habitat and perhaps water availability in drought years and the effects of Climate change.

This research aimed to determine the malignant potential of tumors, as well as their response to various therapies, by identifying prospective tumor indicators. As a result, the current investigation was performed to highlight the role of interleukin-1, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, interleukin-17, and TGF in identifying  prognosis of bladder cancer. The immunohistochemistry staining of clinical materials from 30 patients with bladder cancer was done to determine the prognostic value of IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, and TGF in connection to clinical outcome. When comparing bladder cancer specimens to controls, the researchers discovered that IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, and TGF were significantly overexpressed. After everything was said and done, our data revealed that these cytokines might be a major predictor of the clinical grade and prognosis of bladder cancer. From FFPEblocks, total mRNA was isolated with the use of a specialised kit. The real-time PCR method was used to calculate the levels of HEF1 gene expression.Results were normalized to GAPDA gene as housekeeping gene. The gene expression data were analyzed in relevance to the patient's information obtained. The data was analysed using many statistical methods, which led to the conclusion that the HEF1 gene is expressed 11.219-fold more frequently in malignant bladder tumours than in normal bladder tissue. Genes encoding the transcription factor HEF1 were shown to be overexpressed in tumours of higher grade and later stage, suggesting that they may be a novel bladder tumour marker with prognostic implications that may be included into strategies for managing bladder cancer. 

Since for a long time of Ancient Civilizations, various types of the grape have been used for medicinal purposes. Recently, many reports were referring that grape seed contains oligomeric proanthocyanidin (OPC). Also, many compounds work as antioxidant that is believed to improve certain cell health. The studies treatments were designed to investigate of using Grape seeds extract powder (G.S.E.) to tris extender of ram semen and their effect on some Iraqi Awassi ram semen trails after preservation for different intervals including cooling storage at 5Cº for 0, 24, 48, 72 Hrs., and post cryopreservation at liquid nitrogen (-196 Cº) for one week. The treatments were designed as follow: G0 (as a control group), G1(0.05%), G2(0.10%, G3(0.15%), and G4(0.2%). The study was conducted at ruminant's research satiation (Baghdad-Iraq). Three local's Iraqi Awassi rams ages 2.5-3 years were selected and trained to collect semen by artificial vagina. Samples collected as two ejaculates/ ram/ week during 4 weeks. The study was carried out from the January to April 2021. The treatments G2 (0.1%) and G3 (0.15%) showed a significant improvement (P<0.01) in motility percentage. On the other side, same treatments were showed a significant difference (P≤0.01) decrease of dead, Abnormal, acrosomal abnormalities percentage compared with other treatments, and control groups after 72 hours at 5Cº and post storage at liquid nitrogen tank for one week. In conclusion, adding of 0.10 or 0.15% of grape seeds extract powder to Tris- extender was recorded some good properties to improve ram semen traits, where semen preserving at 5Cº for 0, 24, 48, and 72 hrs or one-week post cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen.

Native leafy vegetables play a critical role in the livelihoods of many rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa including Zambia. This study was carried out in 2021and 2022 aimed at identifying and evaluating the nutritional content of the two wild leafy vegetables consumed as okra Ceratotheca sesamoides and Corchorus olitorius. Field observations using field guides and interview with local people who use the species for food were used to identify species in situ. To ascertain the species’ identification, specimens were collected and taken to the herbarium for authentification. Nutrient composition assessments were restricted to fats/lipids, protein, potassium/ash, carbohydrates, fibre and water and these were determined using the Proximate analysis laboratory technique. Results of the assessments showed that Ceratotheca sesamoides and Corchorus olitorius had significantly high levels of protein (p<0.05) than all the nine popular vegetable cultivars (Cabbage - Brassica oleracea var. capitata; Lettuce -Lactuca sativa, Okra– Ladies fingers-Abelmoschus esculentus; Tomato-Solanum lycopersicum; Spinach-Spinacia oleracea; Carrot-Daucus carota; Eggplant -Solanum melongena; Common Onion-Allium cepa; and Rape Leaves-Brassica napus). Additionally, Corchorus olitorius had highest fibre and carbohydrate content than all the other 11 species put together. It was concluded that a thorough assessment of protein be carried out to the level of amino acid composition and also all the macronutrients and micronutrients to be considered in order to establish a detailed species’ nutritional profile, followed by popularization of the species. This would improve people’s attitudes towards the two species as important sources of nutrition for rural communities; to reclassify them as crops rather considering them as weeds. Other uses such pharmaceutical properties should also be investigated and documented.

This study was conducted to evaluate the nutrient status and the effects of Nitrogen and Potassium fertilizer on the growth, yield and Hydrogen cyanide content of cassava (Manihot esculenta (L) Crantz) in Delta State, Nigeria; Representative soil samples were obtained from Abraka, (Rainforest zone); at 0-15cm and 15 -30cm depths. These were analyzed for their physical and chemical properties. The design was a 4×4 factorial scheme fitted into a Randomized Complete Block design giving 16 treatment combinations with 3 replicates. The following treatment combinations of N and K were applied: N₀K₀(no  fertilizer), N₀K₂₀,N₀K₄₀, N₀K₈₀, N₄₀K₀, N₄₀K₂₀ N₄₀K₄₀, N₄₀K₈₀,N₈₀K₀, N₈₀K₂₀,N₈₀K₄₀, N₈₀K₈₀,N₁₂₀K₀, N₁₂₀K₂₀,N₁₂₀K₄₀, and N₁₂₀K₈₀ kg/ha^-1 The plant parameters measured were: plant height. These were taken at 2,4,6,8 and 10 months after planting (MAP). Fresh tuber weight and Hydrogen content of tuber were also determined. In the trials involving the application of N, K and their combinations, K had significant effect 2-10 MAP on plant height at (p<0.05) influenced fresh tuber weights of cassava. It was concluded that 120kgN/ha in combination with 20kgK/ha be applied to soils in the study area for the cultivation of cassava variety for best tuber yields and hydrogen cyanide content.

This study was carried out in the 2017 rainy season at the Jato-Aka plains in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State to determine the status of soil degradation in the area. Five communities were sampled. These included Jato-Aka, Div, Injorov, Mbachon and Iniongov. Soil samples were taken at 0 – 15 cm, 15 – 30 cm and 30 – 45 cm and were air-dried, ground and packed for laboratory analysis. They were analyzed using standard laboratory analytical procedures. Results revealed that the soils of Jato-Aka plains are inherently low in fertility, except along the flood plain soils of Mbachon where prospects of good soil existed. The soils were Non to Slightly Degraded in bulk density and had moderate porosity. They were strongly acidic, very low in organic matter content, low in phosphours and nitrogen, moderate in potassium, low in sodium, calcium and magnesium. The cation exchange capacity was very low while the base saturation was very high. Liming to reduce soil acidity, and mulching as well as other forms of organic matter additions plus fertilization are strongly advocated to boost the fertility of these soils to enhance higher crop yield.

The non-thermal pulsed electric field device was manufactured and used in liquid food treatments. The target of the manufacturing of this device is to reduce energy for food processing and maintain food quality. The engineering side was also studied, and the productivity and economic feasibility of the device were assessed. The engineering results of the pulsed electric field device for two levels of electric field intensity (20 and 30) kV/cm T3 and T4 respectively showed that the energy supply was (375.1 and 562.5) joule, and the amount of taken heat was (234.1 and 327.6) joule, respectively. From these results, the performance coefficient for pulsed electric field device when (20) kV/cm reached (0.62) and when (30) kV/cm reached (0.58), The decrease in performance coefficient during the increase of electric field intensity was because of heat energy loss in liquids during processing, and with regard to productivity, it was stable when processing liquid foods at field intensity (20 and 30) kV/cm. The economics of the pulsed electric field device were stable from profits and variable costs, while The results of juice extraction from vegetables by a pulsed electric field device showed that treatment (3) kV/cm for (15) seconds reached the extracted juice (88.7%) was higher than treatment (1) kV/cm for (15) seconds, where the extracted juice reached (84.1%).

The distribution patterns and abundance of most pollinator species particularly lepidopterans are poorly documented despite their importance in providing ecosystem services. While these and other organisms are threatened by many aspects of the human enterprise (anthropogenic), climate change may currently be potentially the most severe threat to pollinator biodiversity. Mounting evidence now suggests that there have already been biotic responses to the relatively small climate changes that have occurred this century and butterflies have been depicted as significant indicator species owing to their sensitivity to slightest change in environmental factors. Their abundance in a habitat signals a healthy ecosystem. This study therefore, was conducted in Lochinvar National Park located on the Kafue Flats to collect baseline information about butterfly use of different habitats as indicators of the status of the ecosystem. Data were collected across the three seasons of the year (wet/rainy season-mid November to April; cool dry season-May to August, and hot and dry-mid August to mid-November) by visiting the 16 sites purposely selected because of all year round accessibility and all butterflies sighted on each visit were identified and recorded. A total of 96 butterflies were recorded that belonged to eight families, 37 genera with 57 species. Three families had the largest number of genera and species respectively; Lycaenidae 10 and 12, Pieridae nine  and 20, Nymphalidae  nine  and 12 while the family Danainae had only one genus and one species recorded.  Among the sites observed, the Parks offices recorded the highest number of genera and species, 17 and 21 followed by main gate with eight and nine respectively, while the remaining 14 had eight and less. Considering that the study area is in Agro-ecological Region I, it was assumed that the eight families recorded were fairly diverse, but more studies are required to cover a larger area and over a long period of time. Doing so, will enable management to monitor the response of the genera to the impacts of climate change and human disturbance to the butterfly habitats.

Palm trees, Phoenix dactylifera L. are infected with a large number of insect pests in all their parts, which leads to a decrease in the productivity of dates in terms of quality and quantity, including the great pollen insect Arenipses sabella Hamps (Pyralidae: Lepidoptera). This study was conducted in one of the orchards of Abi Al-Khasib in Basra Governorate during the season of 2021 to know the effect of Cypermethrin 10%EC, Organophosphorus 40% SL and Alphacypermethrin 5%EC pesticides used on date palms in controlling the major pollen worm on some physical, chemical and productive characteristics of date palm fruits of the Barhi variety in the Khalal stage. The results showed that the lowest fruit drop rate was recorded in the Cypermethrin 10%EC spray treatment, which amounted to 21.32%, while the highest fruit drop rate was in the comparison treatment with water spray, which amounted to 37.11%, and the largest fresh weight of the fruits was in the Cypermethrin 10%EC, Organophosphorus 40% SL and Alphacypermethrin 5%EC treatment. It reached (8.33, 7.04 and 7.86) g, respectively, and the results showed that the highest size of the fruits was 4.01 cm3 for Alphacypermethrin 5%EC treatment, and the effect of the treatments used on the content of fruits varied from the percentage of total dissolved solids and moisture content, as it was at the highest in the treatment of pesticides used against the great pollen insect A. sabella.