Al Levels Research Articles

Urinary aluminium and its association with autism spectrum disorder in urban preschool children in Malaysia.

The presence of aluminium (Al) in the human body may impact brain neurodevelopment and function, and it is thought to contribute to autism spectrum disease (ASD). The main objective of this study was to assess the association between urinary Al and the development of ASD among Malaysian preschool children in the urban city of Kuala Lumpur. This was an unmatched case-control study in which children with ASD were recruited from an autism early intervention center and typically developed (TD) children were recruited from government-run nurseries and preschools. Urine samples were collected at home, assembled temporarily at study locations, and transported to the laboratory within 24 h. The Al concentration in the children's urine samples was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). A total of 155 preschool children; 81 ASD children and 74 TD children, aged 3 to 6 years, were enlisted in the study. This study demonstrated that ASD children had significantly higher urinary Al levels than TD children (median (interquartile range (IQR): 2.89 (6.77) µg/dL versus 0.96 (2.95) µg/dL) (p<0.001). Higher parental education level, non-Malay ethnicity, male gender, and higher urinary Al level were the significant ASD risk factors (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) >1, p<0.05). A higher urine Al level was discovered to be a significant risk factor for ASD among preschool children in the urban area of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Impact of antioxidants in MgO–C refractory on steel cleanliness and refractory degradation

Magnesia-carbon (MgO–C) refractories are used in steelmaking processes as lining materials. We performed lab-scale tests at 1600 °C and a pO2 of 10−15 atm to determine the effect of Al and Si antioxidant level, time and slag composition on the amount and nature of inclusions in the steel and on the corrosion and infiltration of the refractory. In all steel samples, a pick-up of Al, Si and C was observed. For the refractories containing antioxidants, longer holding times seem to increase the number density of inclusions, especially in combination with a slag with lower MgO content. For the given experiments, the beneficial role of antioxidants against slag corrosion was not observed, possibly due to the low pO2, which prevented C oxidation. As both MgAl2O4 and SiC, formed in the refractory, react and dissolve in the slag infiltrating in the refractory, they do not play a protective role.

Quantitative analysis of energy loss processes for the core level intensities in hard X-ray photoemission

Hard X-ray Photoemission spectra (HAXPES) for Al films on Si substrates were measured, and thickness dependence of the Al and Si core level spectra was obtained. A quantitative analysis of the plasmon-loss processes and the continuous background was performed. Such loss process can be quantitatively understood using a HAXPES analysis, especially for the intensity analysis of the core levels. Si 1 s electrons excite extrinsic Al plasmons and continuous loss features as far as they propagate within the Al film. The results give us important information and enable us to separate the intrinsic, extrinsic and their interference effects in plasmon-loss processes. Even for the high energy excitation inherent to HAXPES, the interference effect between intrinsic and extrinsic plasmon-losses is shown to be not negligible. A stronger contribution from loss features than from the main peaks should be considered for quantitative analysis.

Simultaneous effects of aluminum exposure on the homeostasis of essential metal content in rat brain and perturbation of gut microbiota

The theory of the brain-gut axis has confirmed that gut microbiota and metabolites are involved in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases through multiple pathways. However, few studies have highlighted the role of gut microbiota in cognitive impairment induced by aluminum (Al) exposure and its correlations with the homeostasis of essential metal content in the brain. To explore the relationship between alterations in the content of essential metals in the brain and relative abundance changes in gut microbiota induced by Al exposure, the Al, zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), and cobalt (Co) content level in the hippocampus, olfactory bulb, and midbrain tissue were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) methods after Al maltolate was intraperitoneally injected every other day for exposed groups. Then the unsupervised principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) and linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) were used to analyze the relative abundance of the gut microbiota community and the structure of the gut microbiome. Finally, the correlations between gut microbiota composition and essential metal content in the different exposure groups were explored by using the Pearson correlation coefficient method. Based on the results, we indicated that the content of Al in the hippocampus, olfactory bulb, and midbrain tissue was increased and then decreased with the increasing exposure duration, with peaks occurring between 14 and 30 days. Concomitantly, Al-exposure decreased the Zn, Fe, and Mn levels in these tissues. 16 S rRNA gene sequencing results indicated that significant differences in the intestinal microbial community structure at the phylum, family, and genus levels were found in the Day 90 exposed group compared with the Day 7 exposed group. Ten enriched species in the exposed group were identified as markers at the three levels. Furthermore, ten bacteria at the genus level were identified to have a significantly strong correlation (r = 0.70–0.90) with Fe, Zn, Mn, and Co.

Rapid screening of pea (Pisum sativum) genotypes against aluminium toxicity

Twenty-five pea genotypes were grown in trays under a controlled environment in the laboratory of Basic Sciences and Humanities, College of Horticulture and Forestry, CAU, Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh (2018–2021) and evaluated at 3 levels of Al (0 ppm, 12 ppm and 24 ppm). Al treatment was given through Hoagland solution. Screening of pea genotypes was performed using growth characters, root tolerance index and haematoxylin staining. The genotypes Kashi Samridhi, CHFGP-1 and CHFGP‑14 exhibited an increase in root and shoot biomass. Nearly all the genotypes exhibited reduction in root and shoot length. Based on the K-clustering score P.S.M.3, Kashi Samrath, Kashi Samridhi, CHFGP-1, CHFGP-7 and CHFGP-55 were observed as tolerant at 24 ppm Al level. Matar Ageta-7, Pb-89, AP-3, Pusa Pragati, Arka Priya, Kashi Shakti, CHFGP-6, VRPE- 29, NO-17 and CHFGP-15 were categorized as susceptible genotypes.a

The Relationship Between Respiratory Complaints and Urine Aluminum Levels in Aluminum Factory Workers.

This prospective case-control study aimed to investigate the forms and conditions of respiratory effects in workers working in an Aluminum Profile Factory. All male (42 person, mean age: 32.2 ± 6.9) workers working in an Aluminum Profile Factory were compared with 33 controls. The urinary aluminum levels of the workers were significantly higher than the control group. Complaints of cough, sputum, shortness of breath and wheezing were statistically significantly higher than the control group. In aluminum workers, those with dyspnea had a significantly higher urinary Al level than those without dyspnea. It is thought that primary and secondary prevention are both important in the workplaces with aluminum exposure. Urinary aluminum level monitoring could be key to protecting the respiratory health of the workers.

Effect of Radionuclides and Trace Elements on Antioxidant System of Brown Seaweeds.

Ecological effects in marine living can be understood via the determination of antioxidant molecules in aquatic organisms against pollutants. This study aims to evaluate the radionuclides and trace element stress with response molecules. Cystoseira crinita and Halopteris scoparia have been chosen as study materials because of their susceptibility to pollution. The radionuclides 210Po, 238U, 232Th and 40K and trace elements Al, Fe, Mn, Cr, As, Zn and Pb levels were analysed as well as antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes in two brown algae, seasonally. Marine pollutants in terms of radionuclides and trace elements were correlated with antioxidant molecules in these species and may be used as biomarkers for assessing the radioactive stress. The 210Po and Mn concentrations in C. crinita seem to activate catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activities while 210Po concentrations inclined the proline amount in H. scoparia. This study demonstrated the radiation stress-induced the antioxidant defence system in macroalgae, the primary producers of the marine environment.

Bioaccumulation of four metals in the same genus mosses (Barbula Hedw.) and soil pollution assessment in an abandoned karst bauxite tailing area

Soil metal pollution is a concern in bauxite tailing areas. This study aimed to effectively screen plants with strong tolerance to metal contamination by analyzing the levels of metals in Barbula rigidula (Hedw.) Mild. (BR), Barbula indica (Hook.) Spreng. (BI), and Barbula vinealis Brid. (BV) and in soils. The contents of metals in mosses obtained from the bauxite tailing area followed the following order: Al > Fe > Zn > Cu. Furthermore, the levels of these metals were highest in BR, followed by BI and BV. However, concentrations of Al (12,220-87,080 mg/kg), Fe (8520-62,690 mg/kg), Cu (98.5-185.4 mg/kg), and Zn (208.2-352.6 mg/kg) in soils greatly exceeded the background values. Bioconcentration factor (BCF) analysis showed that the uptake ability of mosses was 0.44-1.51, with BR having the highest uptake ability, especially for Al and Fe. The metal contamination factor (CF) in soils was 2.04-15.12, indicating that the soil was exposed to moderate to severe contamination. Correlation analyses found that Al and Fe levels in BR and soil were significantly positively correlated (r = 0.898). PCA also confirmed that BR is a bioindicator and phytoremediation material of polluted soil in an abandoned karst bauxite tailing.

Investigation of Serum Trace Element Levels in Sheep in Diyarbakır Province and Districts

Background: In this study, the serum of sheep raised on pasture in the province and districts of Diyarbakır was tested for concentrations of the essential trace elements Cr, Cu, Se, Zn, Co, Mn, ultra-trace elements like Ni, V and Ag and non-essential toxic trace elements like Al, Pb, As, Cd and Ti. Methods: The animals used in the study consisted of 313 healthy sheep at the end of lactation obtained from different districts of Diyarbakır. The closed system method of wet decomposition was used to transfer serum trace elements to the soluble phase in blood samples. Serum trace elements were analyzed using an ICP-MS device. Result: This study contributed to obtaining normal levels of Al, Ag, Ni, Ti and V trace elements in ewes at the end of lactation. It was observed that there was no difference between all districts in terms of serum Al, Ni, Cu and Zn trace element levels. In the study, differences were found in the serum Cr, Se, As and Cd trace element levels of sheep between the districts; however, it was determined that no significant deficiency or excess occurred and these levels were within normal limits. The Co and Mn levels we obtained in Diyarbakýr are much lower than the average levels reported by the researchers. We can say that the addition of Co and Mn trace elements in appropriate proportions to the rations of animals can positively affect animal health and productivity.

The Role of Reduced Glutathione on the Activity of Adenosine Deaminase, Antioxidative System, and Aluminum and Zinc Levels in Experimental Aluminum Toxicity.

Aluminum (Al) is one of the most abundant element in the world. But aluminum exposure and accumulation causes serious diseases, related with free radicals. Reduced glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide with intracellular antioxidant effects. This study aimed to investigate the role of GSH on adenosine deaminase (ADA), antioxidant system, and aluminum and zinc (Zn) levels in acute aluminum toxicity. In this study, Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 32) were used. The rats were divided into four equal groups (n = 8). Group I received 0.5mL intraperitoneal injection of 0.9% saline solution (NaCI), Group II received single-dose AlCI3, Group III was given GSH for seven days, and Group IV was given AlCI3 single dose, and at the same time, 100mg/kg GSH was given for seven days. At the end of the trial, blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture. Serum total antioxidant status (TAS) and Zn levels were lower in the aluminum-administered group than the control group. In contrast, plasma total oxidant status (TOS) and aluminum concentrations and ADA activity were found higher in the aluminum-administered group than in the control group. Unlike the other groups, group GSH administrated with aluminum was similar to the control group. As a result, GSH administration has a regulatory effect on ADA activity, antioxidant system, and Zn levels in experimental aluminum toxicity. In addition, GSH may reduce the oxidant capacity increased by Al administration and may have a tolerant role on the accumulated serum Al levels. But long-term experimental Al toxicity studies are needed to reach a firm conclusion.

Triggering root proton efflux as an aluminum-detoxifying mechanism in cassava

Aluminum (Al) is a copious element in the earth's crust, typically causing high acidity in soil-plant systems. Much research has primarily investigated adverse impacts of Al on plants, little is known about its beneficial role in enhancing mineral nutrient availability and acquisition in cassava, which is a vital economic crop relevant to human health. Herein, we examined the effect of Al levels on proton and organic acid release from the roots of two cultivars under an acid-washed sand microcosm. Consequential effects of the Al were examined on the extractability of Al and selected nutrients (iron: Fe and phosphorus: P) in the rhizosphere and bulk sands and the nutrient uptake in the plant. The results demonstrated that the highest Al level significantly demoted fresh root weight (8.53 g) but promoted the proton release from roots (2.03 μmol h−1 g−1 fresh weight), compared to the control treatment (11.92 g and 0.40 μmol h−1 g−1 fresh weight). Water-extractable Al and Fe concentrations in the rhizosphere sand were higher by 188–276 % and 201–291 %, respectively, than bulk sand in the highest Al level. The moderate Al levels (<50 μmol Al L−1) also increased Fe accumulation in the plant, elaborating on the beneficial role of Al in enhancing Fe acquisition. The main organic anions (oxalate and tartrate) released from the roots were cultivar-dependent. Our study highlighted that moderate Al levels showed the benefits of Al in promoting proton release from roots, enhancing Fe availability in the rhizosphere zone, and Fe acquisition in the cassava plant.

Synthesis of Ferroalloys via Mill Scale-Dross-Graphite Interaction: Implication for Industrial Wastes Upcycling

Mill scale and aluminum dross are the industrial wastes from steel and aluminum industries, which have high concentrations of Fe2O3 and Al2O3, respectively. This paper reports the conversion of reducible metal oxides in scale and dross into an alloy via carbothermic reduction at 1550 °C. Scale and dross were mixed with graphite into three different C/O molar ratios of 1, 1.5, and 2 to produce a pellet. The pellets were heated at 1550 °C for up to 6 h under an argon atmosphere. By this method, carbothermic reductions were found to proceed and formed Fe–Si–Al–C alloy that consists of Fe3Al and Fe3Si phases. The presence of Si in the alloy came from the reduction of SiO2 in aluminum dross. Levels of Al and Si in the alloy increase with increasing C/O molar ratios. However, the Si level in the alloy was found to stabilize since 3 h, while the Al level increases with increasing time up to 6 h. Unreacted oxides in the wastes had an insignificant effect on the ferroalloy formation. These results provide evidence for carbothermic reduction of the Fe2O3-Al2O3-SiO2 system at 1550 °C and show the novel method to upcycling aluminum dross and mill scale toward a circular economy.

Investigation of heavy metal exposure and trace element levels in acute exacerbatıon of COPD

ObjectivesThe study aims to evaluate the levels of trace and heavy metals among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with acute exacerbation and their impact on the severity and mortality of the disease. Methods100 healthy volunteers and 114 patients with acute exacerbation participated in this work. According to Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) classification, COPD patients are divided into 4 groups. Analysis of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, cobalt, nickel, mercury, aluminum, calcium, and manganese) and trace metals (copper, chromium, and zinc) was performed using a plasma mass spectrometer. ResultsBody mass index was lower in COPD exacerbation patients (p < 0.05) in comparison to the control. In comparison with the control group, the levels of heavy metals were greater in COPD cases (p < 0.001). Al, Ca, Co, Ni, Cu, As, Cd, and Hg levels of GOLD group 4 were found to be higher compared to GOLD Group 1 (p < 0.001). Likewise, the Mn level was found higher in GOLD Group 1 (p < 0.05). However, the level of Zn was lower in GOLD group 4 in comparison with GOLD 1 cases (p < 0.001). The factors for the prediction of the disease in the COPD patient group were determined using multivariate regression analysis. Al, Ca, Mn, Co, As, and Hg was determined to be independent risk factors in predicting COPD exacerbations (p < 0.05). Al, Co, Pb, Ni, Hg, and Cd levels were higher in COPD exacerbations that resulted in mortality (p < 0.05). Co, Cd, Hg, and Pb were determined to be independent risk factors for mortality in COPD exacerbation cases (p < 0.05). ConclusionsOur study showed that serum heavy metal levels are linked with the harshness and mortality of acute COPD attacks. These findings may indicate that changes in serum heavy metal levels can be used to determine the severity of a COPD exacerbation.

The ion balance of Shotokuseki extract promotes filaggrin fragmentation and increases amino acid production and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid content in three-dimensional cultured human epidermis

Natural moisturizing factor (NMF) in the stratum corneum contributes to the retention of moisture there. The purpose of this study was to determine the penetration of ions in Shotokuseki extract (SE) into the three-dimensional cultured epidermis and the effect of NMF on the biosynthesis of amino acids and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid formation. Various ions, amino acids and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, fully automatic amino acid analyzer or high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in three-dimensional cultured epidermis after application of SE. Gene expression levels of profilaggrin, calpain1, caspase14, and bleomycin hydrolase, which are involved in NMF production, were determined by reverse-transcription qPCR and bleomycin hydrolase activity was determined by aminopeptidase assay. The application of SE increased Na, K, Mg, Ca, Al, and Fe levels in three-dimensional cultured epidermis. The mRNA levels of the starting material of amino acid synthesis profilaggrin, and calpain1 and bleomycin hydrolase, which are involved in its fragmentation, increased. The activity of bleomycin hydrolase also increased. Furthermore, the levels of amino acids and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid increased in the three-dimensional cultured epidermis. This suggests that the ionic composition of SE may be involved in its moisturizing effect on the stratum corneum.Graphical

Subcellular Element Distribution in Shoots of Wheat Grown in an Acidic Soil with Native AMF Extraradical Mycelium

Soil acidity can reduce crop growth by increasing bioavailable soil Al, Fe, and/or Mn to toxic levels. The presence of an intact extraradical mycelium (ERM) of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), developed by the native Ornithopus compressus in the acidic soil, can increase wheat growth and prevent symptoms of Mn toxicity. To understand the protective effect of the intact ERM of this native plant on wheat element balance and distribution, in the present study, shoot Al, Fe, K, Zn, Na, and Si levels and their subcellular partitioning were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), for the first time, for this system. In undisturbed soil, where an intact ERM structure is maintained, wheat shoot growth was promoted, probably due to faster root mycorrhizal colonization. The levels of potentially toxic Al and Fe were reduced, the proportions of the macronutrient K and micronutrient Zn were higher in the symplast, and the Na proportion increased in the vacuole, while Si increased in the apoplast. Overall, the undisturbed soil from O. compressus treatment appeared to influence the uptake and distribution of essential and beneficial elements, as a strategy to reduce the negative effect of soil acidity on wheat growth. Understanding the dynamics of element distribution influenced by stress-adapted AMF on wheat growth can provide more sustainable approaches to intensive agriculture.

Leafy vegetables marketed as organic and conventional: assessment of essential and non-essential elements' content.

Trace and potentially toxic elements represent one class of food contaminants that has stimulated research. In markets, two main methods of growing vegetables are generally available: conventional and organic. Conventional farming has been the target of some concerns about the use of agrochemicals, especially the excessive use of pesticides, whereas organic agriculture minimizes the use of agrochemicals. As the main route for potentially toxic elements' absorption by humans is by food intake, it is important to evaluate if the method of cultivation influences their concentrations. This study evaluated the levels of potentially toxic elements and nutrients on four leafy vegetables: curly lettuce, collard greens, escarole, and rocket, cultivated by conventional and organic farming. We found that Al, Ba, Fe, and Sr levels were higher in conventional samples, whereas K, Pb, and Zn were higher in organic. Amongst the elements analysed, values of Fe, Al, and K were around 0.2, 0.3, and 70gkg-1, respectively, except in collard greens, in which the values were lower. On the other hand, Ba, Sr, and Mn presented higher concentration in collard greens compared to the other vegetables in conventional cultivation (~ 35, 80, and 120mgkg-1, respectively). The principal component analysis result shows that the samples were grouped according to the type of vegetable, regardless of the type of cultivation. Despite this, the evaluation of the cultivation by different types of farming is important in order to choose the healthiest option.

Pediatric Health Risk Assessment for Exposure to Aluminum from Infant Formulas and Children under the Age of Five's Food Products among Arab Infants: Experience from Lebanon.

Chronic dietary aluminum (Al) exposure can have various negative effects on health. The aim of our study is to (1) assess the contamination level of Al in infant formulas (n = 41) and baby food products (n = 76) available in the Lebanese market, and to (2) evaluate the margin of exposure of Al through the consumption of these foods among children under the age of five in Lebanon. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) was used to evaluate all of the samples. Al levels in all tested children’s food items were below the limit of detection. The highest Al level was detected in cornflakes (0.361 ± 0.049 mg/kg) and pureed foods (0.362 ± 0.079 mg/kg). Among infants aged 0–23 months, the average Al exposure due to the daily intake of infant formulas and baby foods was 0.01 and 0.0104 mg/kg BW/day for males and females, respectively. Babies aged 8–10 and 3–5 months had the highest and lowest levels of Al exposure, respectively. Additionally, the toxicological contribution of Al exposure determined for several age groups to a provisional tolerated weekly intake (PTWI) set by JECFA was <6% and <7% for males and females, respectively. The total Al exposure through the consumption of infant formulas and complementary foods among all ages in both males and females was below the values of weekly tolerable intakes (2 mg/kg/BW/W) set by JECFA. However, the values of hazard quotient (HQ) exceeded 1 in both male and female Lebanese infants. As a result, the risk of infants being exposed to Al in baby foods needs to be continuously considered.

Imihigo/Performance Contract: A Results of Decentralization and Effective Tool for Orgnizational Performance, Case Study of Rwanda

This study intends to cover the relationship between decentralization introduced since 2000 and Imihigo/performance contract launched in 2006 in all government institutions from the context of Rwanda. The Decentralization Policy is explicit on the process of Imihigo planning, which follows through the existing Local Government structures from Village to District level. The spirit of the policy visualizes a systematic bottom-up process where Imihigo at each Sub-District entity are strengthened at the next layer in the administrative hierarchy up to the District level. Alternatively, the system of Imihigo and decentralization in Rwanda have close interlink and this one enhanced Rwanda’s decentralization, ensuring that local leaders are accountable and that achieve annual targets they set themselves. It is an important mechanism for implementing national and local development strategies in order to improve the lives of citizens. Rwanda’s Decentralization reforms have focused on transferring power, resources and responsibilities for decision-making to citizens and elected leaders, creating enabling environment for citizens’ participation in governance and development, as well as establishing systems and structures for effective, efficient, equitable and accountable service delivery. Imihigo/performance contract concerns to all Government institutions, from households at right from isibo/village level to Ministries and agencies, are required to design and prepare their Imihigo (performance contracts), implement them effectively and to have them evaluated. Mostly, Ministers, Mayors and government agencies leaders develop Imihigo/performance contract in consultation with their staffs and therefore, sign it with the staffs concerned. District performance contract/Imihigo are resulting from consultative meetings from households where citizens, council at al level, JADF members are expressing their needs/priorities and analyze them where District consolidate the needs compare to the available budget but also link them to national priorities under strategic documents such as Vision 2050, NST 1 and District Development Strategy as well as Action Plan. To address this objective, imihigo/performance contract is perceived as the core independent variable while decentralization policy is considered as dependent variable. A questionnaire was developed and disseminated to sampled respondents used purposive sampling dealing directly or indirectly with the selected subject. Again, this purposive sampling technique was used to select the respondents and participants in focused group discussions basing on the knowledge, expertise and familiarity they have in imihigo from expression of needs to evaluation of District. The primary data is composed of information got from questionnaires respondents and interview held with selected respondents among them those who retired from District leadership at various level but also those who still in the government office. The secondary data of this research was extracted from textbooks on performance contracts or management, concept notes on performance contracts-imihigo, evaluation reports and published papers, article and books. A sample of 78 out of 80 respondents were finalized with no missing values. Empirical findings suggest that for the institutions with focus on local government or decentralized entities performance depends mainly with diverse factors includes but not limited to financial constraints, ineffective coordination and collaboration between institutions both public and private including JADF and other supporting organs. While decentralization and performance contract/imihigo are well aligned and interlinked but seems there is a disconnect which affect expected outcomes therefore, government programs and actions are not effectively implemented to the extent some of the social, economic development of citizens might be humped by the aforementioned challenges. Findings of the study are vastly recommended for the active participation of both citizens but also staff (in charge, professional, expert and director/DG) responsible for umuhigo/ performance contract for them to ensure they understand effectively the nature of umuhigo, partner’s, design both implementation plan, concept note and reporting as well as the availability of all supporting documents for the smooth organizational performance and effective implementation of imihigo/performance contract. However, more have been achieved in social, economic development pillars due to performance contract and details will be discussed at later stage. However, future studies can be conducted with more explanatory factors for persisting low citizen participation and yet, decentralization policy objective aims at empower citizens, engage them to actively participate in the local government affairs, consider them at center of governance, hold accountable leaders. Managerial implication of the study defines that different government institutions, should reconsider the stated factors for tangible outcome or results from effective implementation of performance contract/imihigo through being closer to citizen’s, engaging them actively to the local government affairs as decentralization policy expected it. Furthermore, there is a need to analyze deeper how decentralization influences performance contract since its adoption and also the tangible facts and great achievements in pillar of social, economic and development.

Investigation of Al-toxicity tolerance in tef (Eragrostis tef) under hydroponic system using root growth measurement and haematoxylin staining methods

Tef is the most widely grown and consumed crop in Ethiopia. The crop is currently gaining growing popularity worldwide as nutritious and gluten free cereal crop. Al-toxicity is one of the factors that limit expansion of the crop worldwide. The aims of this study were to adapt hydroponic system as a phenotyping platform for Al-tolerance studies in tef, to identify appropriate concentration of Al3+ for Al-tolerance screening in tef, and to appraise the use of haematoxylin staining for visual assessment of Al-tolerance in tef. A tolerant and a sensitive genotypes were used to identify appropriate Al concentration. The identified Al concentration was used to evaluate reaction of 28 tef genotypes to Al-toxicity. Root and shoot measurements under Al-treated and control solution were used to compute the relative tolerance indexes. Reaction of the tolerant and the sensitive genotypes to haematoxylin staining was assessed by recording intensity of colour development. The result indicate that, among the five levels of AlK(SO4)2.12H2O (0-550 µM), the 150 µM concentration was found to be an appropriate level to discriminate between sensitive and tolerant genotypes of tef. This concentration adequately differentiated 28 tef genotypes with varied sensitivity to Al-toxicity. The visual assessment of selected tolerant and sensitive genotypes treated with 0, 150 and 250 µM AlK(SO4)2 .12H2O showed a differential reaction to haematoxylin staining consistent with the root growth measurement methods. The tolerant E. curvula showed no staining reaction across all the Al levels. The local Al-tolerant tef landrace, Dabo banja, showed a slightly purplish stain only at the highest level of Al. The two sensitive genotypes (E. Pilossa and Holeta Key), however, showed deep purple staining at concentrations of 150 and 250 µM AlK(SO4)2.12H2O. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to report the use of root measurement and root staining methods in evaluation of tef for tolerance to Al-toxicity using hydroponics platform.

Thermal upgrading of nickel from limonite by means of selective reduction

X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy energy dispersion spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), and differential thermal analysis (DTA) measurements were used to investigate the mineralogical characteristics and distribution of data set in limonite soil from Indonesia. The findings point to a complicated inner core in laterite ore. Ni, Fe, Mg, Al, and Si levels in limonite are 1.4, 50.5, 1.81, 4.86 and 16.5 wt %, respectively. The iron oxide/oxyhydroxide content of limonite is 94.4 and 5.6 % silicate. DTA shows that limonite has a phase transition in the low temperature (200 – 300 °C) with the goethite transformation to hematite. This phase is good optimalization for nickel diffusion in the iron. Moreover, for this limonite, the thermal upgrading was used as a good method.