Department Of Chemistry Research Articles

In vitro Antiviral Activity of Eucheuma cottonii against New Castle Disease Virus

Aims: To determine the antiviral activity of Eucheuma cottonii against the New Castle disease virus. Study Design: In vitro study. Place and Duration of the Study: The research was conducted in the Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Design, and Pharmacognosy department at St. John’s University of Tanzania and Virology Laboratory at Sokoine University of Agriculture between April 2022 and August 2022. Methodology: The present study used an OVO assay and hemagglutination test to investigate the In vitro antiviral activity of E. cottonii collected from Zanzibar, Tanzania, against the Newcastle disease virus (NDV). Ovo assay was assessed using 60 embryonated eggs and a hemagglutination test was performed by collecting the allantoic fluid from treated eggs and serum from hatched chicks to detect antigen titer against NDV using 96 well plate diffusion method. Results: Results of the Ovo assay showed that all the 40 embryonated eggs used as test group were alive and thus confirmed that the extract of E. cottonii (0.32 g/mL) is strong enough to destroy the virus. In which the results from the serial dilution assay (hemagglutination test) confirmed a substantial decrease in the high level of NDV as observed in the allantoic fluid of the infected embryonated eggs to range from 10^-3 to 10^-8 serial dilutions. Conclusion: The OVO assay and hemagglutination results indicate that E. cottonii possesses antiviral activity against NDV. Still further studies like isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds are needed to apply E. cottonii as an alternative source of therapy to fight against NDV.

Phenophases of Species of the Salix Genus in the Conditions of Osh City

The study of the phenology of urban trees and shrubs has increased dramatically worldwide in recent years, as changes in plant phenology may indicate the impacts of climate change at different scales. The aim of the study is to determine the patterns of the seasonal rhythm of individual species belonging to the Salixgenus in Osh. The studies were conducted in the period 2019-2023 at the Department of Biology, Chemistry and Nature Management of Osh State Pedagogical University. The subject of the study is 4 species of the genus Salix: Salix babylonica L., Salix turanica Nasarow, Salix wilhelmsiana M. Bieb. and Salix tenuijulis Ledeb. Phenological observations were carried out for 5 years using generally accepted phenological methods. The results of phenological observations in 2019-2023 show that the duration of the growing season in urban conditions is 240-245 days, and this indicator varies depending on climatic conditions. The observed species have differences in the flowering sequence, the beginning and duration of flowering. The total duration of flowering in the studied species is 25-35 days. The seasonal type of growth and phenological development of plants of the genus Salix is characterized by an early onset and late end of vegetation, stability of average phenological terms. Such a phenological rhythm of the studied species of the genus Salix makes it possible to consider cultivation for decorative and environmental purposes in urban conditions promising.

Computer prediction of toxicity of new S-alkyl derivatives of 1,2,4-triazole

1,2,4-Triazole derivatives are of researchers’ significant interest due to their diverse biological properties, such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant activities. The integration of a 2-bromo-4-fluorophenyl fragment into the triazole structure can significantly enhance these activities. However, the evaluation of the toxicity of such compounds remains a critically important aspect for their practical application. To reduce the time and cost of experimental studies, QSAR (Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship) methods are actively used, allowing the prediction of toxicity based on the molecular structure of compounds. Aim of the study. To assess the toxicity of new S-derivatives of 5-(2-bromo-4-fluorophenyl)-4-R-1,2,4-triazol-3-thiols using the QSAR method, specifically to predict acute toxicity parameters (LD50), and to determine the influence of different (length) radicals on the toxicity of these compounds. Materials and methods. The objects of the virtual study were derivatives of 5-(2-bromo-4-fluorophenyl)-4-ethyl-1,2,4-triazol-3-thiols. They were evaluated at the Department of Toxicological and Inorganic Chemistry of the Zaporizhzhia State Medical and Pharmaceutical University. The toxicity assessment was conducted using the nearest neighbor method via the Toxicity Estimation Software Tool (TEST). The prediction of the lethal dose (LD50) for rats was based on the structural similarity of the studied compounds with known substances, for which experimental toxicity data are available. Results. The conducted QSAR analysis demonstrated that structural changes in S-derivatives of 5-(2-bromo-4-fluorophenyl)-4-ethyl-1,2,4-triazol-3-thiols significantly affect the predicted toxicity. The primary factor influencing the changes in LD50 values is the variation of radicals at the 5th position of the triazole ring. Conclusions. The results of the study showed, that the toxicity of new S-alkyl derivatives of triazol-3-thiols depends on the type of alkyl substituent. Compounds with propyl to heptyl fragments exhibit increased toxicity, while derivatives with thiol, octyl, nonyl, and decyl residues are characterized by lower toxicity.

QSAR prediction of toxicity for a new 1,2,4-triazole derivatives with 2-bromo-5-methoxyphenyl fragment

New derivatives of 1,2,4-triazole are promising research targets due to their unique biological properties, including antimicrobial, antifungal, antitumor, and antioxidant activities. The introduction of the 2-bromo-5-methoxyphenyl fragment into the triazole structure potentially enhances these properties. However, the issue of toxicity for such compounds remains a critical factor for their further application. To reduce experimental costs and time, QSAR (Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship) methods are widely applied, allowing to predict compounds toxicity based on their molecular structure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of new derivatives of 5-(2-bromo-5-methoxyphenyl)-4-R-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiols, their acids, and esters using the QSAR method to predict parameters of acute toxicity (LD50) and to assess the influence of various radicals on the toxicity of the compounds. Materials and methods. The objects of this study were derivatives of 5-(2-bromo-5-methoxyphenyl)-4-R-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiols, synthesized at the Department of Toxicological and Inorganic Chemistry of Zaporizhzhia State Medical and Pharmaceutical University. The nearest neighbor method was used for toxicity evaluation, applying the Toxicity Estimation Software Tool (TEST). The prediction of rats lethal dose (LD50) was based on the structural similarity of the studied compounds with known substances that have experimental toxicity data. Results. The QSAR analysis revealed that structural modifications in the derivatives of 5-(2-bromo-5-methoxyphenyl)-4-R-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiols significantly influence their toxicity. Specifically, increasing the size of the radicals, especially through the introduction of aromatic fragments, contributed to the enhanced safety of the compounds, as evidenced by the increase in LD50 values. The highest LD50 values were observed for compounds containing phenyl radicals. Conclusions. The results of this study indicate the feasibility of using QSAR models to predict the toxicity of 1,2,4-triazole derivatives containing a 2-bromo-5-methoxyphenyl fragment. The observed trend of increasing safety with the introduction of larger aromatic radicals can be used for the rational design of new compounds with improved toxicological properties.

Public Acceptance on the Benefits and Risks of DNA Profile Storage in Forensic DNA Databases: A Lesson from Malaysia

In December 2015, the Forensic DNA Databank of Malaysia (FDDM) was formally established to help in crime prevention and justice. Government activities are boosting public awareness, yet some misconceptions and concerns remain about the collection, storage, and use of Forensic DNA databases. The study's aim is to raise awareness about the benefits and risks of profile storage in forensic DNA data banks. A small number of public informants were selected using the qualitative technique. These included ten public informants and the study employs thematic analysis, and the results are somewhat unexpected. The findings of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) show that informants' understanding of the benefits and risk of storing DNA profiles in forensic DNA data banks remains low. If the public is unclear and has limited understanding of the benefits and risks involved, it can have an impact on public health in general, and informants continue to blame practitioners in the relevant authorities for a lack of information. It raises the question of how the Malaysian forensic DNA database can be considered sustainable by the public. In recommendations, the government can collaborate with all key government agencies, including the judicial system, the attorney general's office, and the department of chemistry, to raise public acceptance of the benefits and risks of preserving DNA profiles in forensics DNA databanks. Future research is expected to involve additional stakeholders and use a variety of methodological approaches to cover a broader scope.

Exploring Chemists’ Understandings of the Nature of Science with their Levels of Expertise

Several Nature of Science (NOS) studies have been conducted on different categories of professionals and different age groups. Even though NOS is considered a structural facet of scientific literacy, not much research has been conducted on the NOS ideas of scientists and science professionals. This cross-sectional study investigated the nature of science (NOS) views of 40 participants who have or had exposure to chemistry research using a qualitative comparative analysis approach, in one chemistry department in a large Midwest R-1 university. The participants' chemistry research exposure varied from no research to 31 years of experience. Undergraduates, graduate students, postgraduate researchers, faculty, and scientists were recruited for this study to examine how their NOS understanding develops in relationship to their research exposure. These categories of participants demonstrated different and unique patterns of answers related to aspects of NOS. Science content knowledge and research exposure indeed enhanced science learners'/researchers’ NOS understanding, but NOS understanding is not developed in direct proportion to the amount of science content knowledge or research experience that an individual gained. It was observed that professionals with the same expertise level responded to NOS questions similarly, and professionals with different levels of expertise answered NOS questions in significantly different ways.

Production and Characterization of Mineral-Enriched Nadep Composts for Enhanced Soil Fertility

Aim: Production and characterization of NADEP composts using aquatic weeds as substrates and enriched with different minerals, were conducted to evaluate its feasibility for agricultural purpose. Study Design: The experiment was carried out using a completely randomized design comprising 12 treatments and three replications. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at the model organic Farm of the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University, between December 2023 and January 2024. Methods: Aquatic weeds, Limnocharis flava and Eichhornia crassipes, were collected from Vellayani lake and mixed with banana pseudostem in different proportions for compost preparation. Once the compost reached maturity, it was enriched with minerals such as calcium apatite and epsom salt. The resultant compost was then analyzed for its physical, chemical, and biological properties. Results: The NADEP compost, made from a 1:1 mixture of L. flava and E. crassipes and enriched with calcium apatite and epsom salt, was found to be the most effective treatment. It showed higher levels of macro and micronutrients, an ideal C: N ratio, improved enzyme activity, and a significant microbial load. Conclusion: NADEP composting has emerged as a highly effective and environmentally sustainable approach to producing high-quality compost in a prompt and efficient way. This method transforms aquatic weeds, such as Limnocharis and Eichhornia crassipes, which pose a threat to aquatic ecosystems, into valuable compost, thereby promoting effective waste management and advancing sustainable agricultural practices.

A Systematic Comparison of Students Attitudes Toward Practical Work in Chemistry Department Faculty of Education, Zawia -University of Zawia

This comparative study aims to compare the attitude toward lab work. It includes two student groups in Chemistry Department, Faculty of Education - Zawia, University of Zawia- Libya. The study includes first four semesters (FFS) students, and last four semesters (LFS) students. Their attitudes were assessed via a Google Forms online questionnaires, where sent to each group separately. The number of responses sent to the researcher was 61 for FFS and 52 for LFS. The study was carried out in the fall and spring semesters of the academic year 2023-2024. A qualitative research approach was adopted. There was a substantial difference in the percentage of questionnaire responses between the FFS group and the LFS group. This outcome supports the positive attitude toward working in chemical laboratories and highlights the benefits, which include helping students develop as professionals and gain confidence. These changes take place over the lab courses, reaching their highest point during the graduation semester when a qualified teacher produced, who after that imparts information to their students

The effect of severe COVID-19 infection on biochemical markers (FBS, HbA1C, FA, INS, C-Pep) in diabetic patients

Background & objective: Several studies have been conducted around the world on the impact of COVID-19 on people with diabetes mellitus (DM). Any acute illness can cause stress and increased inflammatory reactions, which increase sympathetic outflow and produce catecholamines, growth hormones, cortisol, and cytokines, all of which raise the risk and severity of complications from diabetes. Diabetes is a significant risk factor for the severity of COVID-19. We conducted this study to identify whether severe COVID-19 infection has any effect on the biomarkers, including fasting blood sugar (FBS), HbA1C, FA, INS, C-Pep, in individuals with DM. Methodology: This study was simultaneously conducted at Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Medicine of Al-Nahrain University, and Department of Medicine of Mustansiriyah University College of Medicine, Baghdad, Iraq. During the months of February and March 2022, 50 COVID-19 patients with diabetes and 50 COVID-19 patients without diabetes were included in the study. The control group included 100 healthy, sexually identical people (age 50-80), collected under the supervision of the second supervisor from relatives and students of Mustansiriyah University, College of Medicine. Venous blood samples of 5 mL were taken from all participants and subjected to laboratory tests to detect the levels of the biomarkers. Results: Average FBS level in DM patients was 304.9 mg/dL, (range 132-545.9 mg/dL), which was remarkably higher than in non-DM patient groups (193.3 mg/dL), range (of 66.2–458). The DM patients' group had a significantly higher concentration of HbA1C (median = 6.70 mg/dL, range 5.2-8.1) than the non-DM patient group (median = 5.8, range 4.2–7.6) with a significant difference. Although The group of DM patients had significantly greater FA concentrations than the group of non-DM patients. In contrast, the median and range for insulin and c-peptide Displays non-significant differences for covid-19 patients (DM and non-DM), but it's significant with a control group. Conclusion: According to this study, COVID-19 patients with diabetes had greater biochemical indicator levels than non-diabetic people. Pre- and postprandial hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis were more common in COVID-19 DM patients than in non-infected DM patients. We found that COVID-19 increased the severity risk for T2DM patients and glucose level is raised and progresses in a vicious cycle exacerbated by insulin resistance (IR) and decreased pancreatic b-cell function. Keywords: COVID-19, Diabetes mellitus, FBS, HbA1C, FA, INS, C-Pep Citation: Yones MS, Al-Wasiti E, Al Qaseer AH, Al-Rubaiawi HK. The effect of severe COVID-19 infection on biochemical markers (FBS, HbA1C, FA, INS, C-Pep) in diabetic patients. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2024;28(5):804−808; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v28i5.2553 Received: June 01, 2024; Reviewed: June 19, 2024; Accepted: June 19, 2024

History of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Guelph

A review of the 150 year history of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Guelph is presented. The department was formed at the creation of the Ontario School of Agriculture in 1874. It was a central figure in the growth of the school into the Ontario Agricultural College. With the creation of the University of Guelph in 1964, the department developed into a modern research chemistry department, tasked with the instruction of chemistry for science students at the university. It continues to this day to be a key source of chemical research and education.

The Role of Arginase and some Parameters in Diabetic Type 2 Patients with and without Retinopathy

Background: Oxidative stress plays a major role in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus by damaging cellular organelles and enzymes in blood such as arginase1, insulin and glutathione s-transferase; increasing lipid peroxidation such as malondialdehyde and increasing insulin resistance which can lead to diabetic complications such as diabetic retinopathy. Objectives: To explore the relationship of oxidative stress to the development of diabetic retinopathy by measuring the levels of Arginase1, the activity of glutathione s-transferase enzyme, and the levels of malondialdehyde as a secondary product of lipid peroxidation (biomarker for oxidative stress). Patients and MethodsThis study was conducted from November 2022 to January 2023 at the Ibn Al-Haitham Teaching Eye Hospital in Baghdad, the University of Baghdad / Department of Chemistry and the National Diabetes Centre for Treatment and Research at Al-Mustansyrriah University. This study was conducted on 120 subjects distributed as follows: 40 non-diabetic obese controls, 40 type 2 diabetics with no retinopathy, and 40 type 2 diabetic retinopathy patients, between 30 and 65 years of age. All groups were subjected to tests: measuring fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL- cholesterol, LDL- cholesterol, and VLDL cholesterol), serum total arginase1, malondialdehyde glutathione s -transferase, body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-hip ratio. Results: Mean arginase1 levels were significantly higher in diabetic patients than in diabetic retinopathy and control groups (p ≤ 0.05). The mean xidative stress marker malondialdehyde concentration was significantly higher in diabetic retinopathy patients than in type 2 diabetics and the control group (P ≤ 0.05). The mean glutathione s-transferase activity in diabetic retinopathy patients was significantly higher than in the control group and type 2 diabetics (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: There is a relationship between oxidative stress and the development of diabetic retinopathy, where the levels of arginase1 and malondialdehyde increased and the activity of glutathione s –transferase enzyme increased as a result of oxidative stress and inflammation associated with complications of type 2 diabetes.

Teacher-students interactions and Students’ attitude at international science faculty classes: in the context of biology and chemistry departments

In the context of globalization of education, where students often come from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds, interactions between teachers and students play a key role in effective learning experiences. This research emerged from awareness of the need to understand how interactions between teachers and students occur in international classrooms, particularly in biology and chemistry departments. This research aims to analyze differences in student interactions in international classes based on science faculties. This research is comparative research obtained through random sampling. The sample for this research was 88 students who were enrolled in the international class program at the science faculty. Data was collected using an in-class interaction instrument with 29 items. The analysis technique uses descriptive and independent sample t-tests. These findings indicate that there are significant differences in the level of interaction between students majoring in biology and chemistry in international classes. Apart from that, classroom interaction also provides opportunities for collaboration between students so that they can increase their self-confidence in their learning abilities. Building strong relationships among students also contributes to increasing positive attitudes towards learning through motivation and engagement.

Effect of Seed Treatment of Boron, Cobalt and Molybdenum on Growth Parameter, Grain Yield and Seed Quality in Soybean (Glycine max L.)

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of seed treatment of boron, cobalt and molybdenum on growth parameter, grain yield and seed quality in soybean (Glycine max L.) during kharif, during July, 2022 at experimental farm, department of Soil Science and Agricultural chemistry, College of Agriculture, Badnapur. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 8 treatments which were replicated thrice.The treatments comprises (T1) Absolute control, (T2) RDF, (T3) RDF + Boron @ 2 gm kg-1 seed, (T4) RDF + Cobalt @ 1.5 gm kg-1 seed, (T5) RDF + Ammonium molybdate 1 gm kg-1 seed , (T6) RDF + Boron @ 2 gm kg-1 seed + Cobalt @ 1.5 gm kg-1 seed, (T7) RDF + Cobalt @ 1.5 gm kg-1 seed + Ammonium molybdate @ 1 gm kg-1 seed, (T8) RDF + Boron @ 2 gm kg-1 seed + Cobalt @ 1.5 gm kg-1 + Ammonium molybdate @ 1 gm kg-1 seed .To achieve the objectives the observations were recorded at various growth stages of soybean kharif, during 2022. The result indicates that, treatment (T8) receiving RDF + Boron @ 2 gm kg-1 seed + Cobalt @ 1.5 gm kg-1 seed + Ammonium molybdate @ 1 gm kg-1seed was found effective due to advantages effect on morpho-physiological growth, yield and yield attributing characters likeplant height, nodulation, fresh weight of nodules, no. of root nodules, root length, number of pods plant-1of soybean grain yield, Stover yield of soybean. In grain quality the results revealed that test weight, protein content percentage were significantly influenced with the application of treatment T8. On the other hand, in all the cases the lower response was found from the control treatment.

Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Department of Chemistry at Renmin University of China

Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Department of Chemistry at Renmin University of China

Effect of Ni and Fe Co-Application on the Soybean Crop Grown in Nickel and Iron Deficient Soils of Mirzapur District

ABSTRACT Considering the importance of nickel and iron nutrition for the soybean crop, their deficiency inhibits the yield drastically specially in the area where soybean crop is dominant. To encounter this problem, a pot experiment was conducted in glass house on low nickel and iron soil in Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, during 2019–20 and 2021–22. The study was carried out to investigate the effect of Ni (nickel) and Fe (iron) on the post-harvest soil parameters, growth, yield, nutrient uptake and nutrient content of soybean crop. There were 10 treatments with two levels of Ni (5 and 10 mg kg −1) and Fe (10 and 20 mg kg−1) with recommended dosage of fertilizers nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (8.93, 35.71, and 17.86 mg kg−1) applied to all treatments except control. The result of the experiment revealed that the co-application of nickel and iron@10 mg kg−1 and 20 mg kg−1 (RDF + Ni10Fe20), resulted in the increase in plant height, greeness index, no of seed per pod, no of pod per plant, seed yield, and stover yield. Similar, findings for the post- harvest soil parameter indicated that there was increase in pH, electrical conductivity, and organic carbon content of soil. DTPA (Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) extractable Ni, Fe, Zn, and Cu, also found highest in treatment where nickel and iron@10 mg kg−1 and 20 mg kg−1 (RDF + Ni10Fe20) were applied in soil, but in case of DTPA extractable Mn, the highest amount was found in treatment where nickel and iron@10 mg kg−1 and 10 mg kg−1 (RDF + Ni10Fe10) was applied in soil. The soil microbial biomass carbon and urease activity was also found highest in the treatment where nickel and iron@10 and 20 mg kg−1 was applied in soil. The minimum plant height, greeness index, no of seed per pod, no of pod per plant, seed, and stover yield was recorded in treatment where only RDF(T1) was applied. Similar, result recorded for the post-harvest soil parameters. So, overall findings of the pot experiment revealed that the conjoint application of nickel and iron has resulted in better yield of soybean crop.

Potential of Heavy Metals and Microplastics Contamination in River Mpanga, Fort Portal, Kabarole District, Uganda

Anthropogenic environmental pollution is a major development challenge in Ugandan rivers and lakes, the key drivers being industrialization, agriculture, and urbanization. The aim of the study was to assess the potential of heavy metal and microplastic contamination in River Mpanga, Fort Portal, Uganda. Triplicate water and sediment samples were collected from three sampling sites, preserved, and analyzed at the Chemistry Department, Makerere University for heavy metals, while microplastics analysis was conducted at NaFIRRI, Jinja. Sediment heavy metal contamination was assessed from the geoaccumulation index, while microplastic characterization and quantification were determined from stereomicroscopy and morphological features. Arsenic was the most prevalent metal with a mean concentration of 13.2 ppm thus higher than permissible maximum limits of WHO. The mean concentrations (ppm) of copper, lead, and cadmium were 0.01, 0.01, and 0.001 respectively, and below the permissible maximum. Sediment samples revealed very strong arsenic contamination, strong contamination for copper, moderate to strong contamination for lead, and a potential lack of contamination for cadmium. The higher concentrations of the heavy metals in the sediments compared to water could be attributed to bioaccumulation, as evidenced by the high geoaccumulation values. Microplastics occurred throughout the river and included fragments, filaments, film, pellets, form, and fibers. The presence of heavy metals and microplastics was attributed to anthropogenic activities within the river vicinity, which discharged heavy metal-laden waste into River Mpanga. High arsenic concentrations and sediment accumulation of contaminants pose serious potential public health threats to the local communities.

An Insight into Rational Drug Design: The Development of In-House Azole Compounds with Antimicrobial Activity.

Antimicrobial resistance poses a major threat to global health as the number of efficient antimicrobials decreases and the number of resistant pathogens rises. Our research group has been actively involved in the design of novel antimicrobial drugs. The blueprints of these compounds were azolic heterocycles, particularly thiazole. Starting with oxadiazolines, our research group explored, one by one, the other five-membered heterocycles, developing more or less potent compounds. An overview of this research activity conducted by our research group allowed us to observe an evolution in the methodology used (from inhibition zone diameters to minimal inhibitory concentrations and antibiofilm potential determination) correlated with the design of azole compounds based on results obtained from molecular modeling. The purpose of this review is to present the development of in-house azole compounds with antimicrobial activity, designed over the years by this research group from the departments of Pharmaceutical and Therapeutical Chemistry in Cluj-Napoca.

Impact of NPK, Rhizobium and FYM on Physico-Chemical Properties of Soil for Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) Cv. Radha SPL

An experiment was conducted to study the impact of NPK, Rhizobium and FYM on Soil properties, and Yield of Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) Cv. Radha SPL at Research farm of Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Naini Agricultural Institute, during kharif season of 2023-24. The experiment with 18 treatments, was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The pre and post-harvest soil samples taken for analysis revealed sandy loam in texture. and treatment T18 - [ N20P40K40+ FYM@ 5 t ha-1+Rhizobium@ 600 g ha-1] showed a slight decrease in soil pH (7.18), Db (1.21 Mg.m-1) and Dp (2.20 Mg.m-1) along with increase in EC, pore space, water holding capacity and organic carbon i.e.,0.29 dSm-1, 46.88%, 44.90%, 0.55% respectively. The maximum available nitrogen 292 kg ha-1, phosphorus 31.18kg ha-1 and potassium 264 kg ha-1 were recorded in T18. made it best treatment among soil health parameters.

Portrait of a UK-Africa Capacity Building Initiative Consortium 2015-2022: the Cameroon, Ghana, South Africa and United Kingdom Materials Initiative (CaGSUMI) for developing materials for solar cells.

The CaGSUMI consortium was funded by the Royal Society-Department for International Development (later the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) on the Africa Capacity Building Initiative programme between the years 2015 and 2022 and involved three Sub-Saharan African universities: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon, and the University of Zululand, South Africa; and the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom. The project was used to cement an emergent UK-Africa network in the areas of materials chemistry related to renewable energy generation with both thin films and nanomaterials. The consortium's outputs led to numerous publications of African science in international journals, a number of graduated PhDs who went on to permanent academic positions and prestigious fellowships, the establishment of a capacity-building plan relevant to the chemistry departments in each of the African countries, and the installation of a number of first-in-kind pieces of kit for African laboratories that will keep them on a competitive footing at an international level for the next decade and more.

Micronutrient Dynamics in Soil under Integrated Thermochemical Organic Fertilizer Pellet Application

A soil incubation study was carried out in the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, to assess dynamics of micronutrient release. Soil pots were filled with 5 kg air-dried, 2 mm sieved soil. The study was laid in Completely Randomized Design with 5 treatments and 4 replications. Treatments were, T1: Pellet formulation 1; T2: Pellet formulation 2; T3: Pellet formulation 3; T4: FYM+NPK (RDF as per POP) and T5: Control (Soil alone). The Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and B content of soil were 10.14 mg kg-1, 8.59 mg kg-1, 1.90 mg kg-1, 2.50 mg kg-1 and 0.30 mg kg-1, respectively. Three distinct pellet formulations P1, P2 & P3 were used in study based on thermochemical organic fertilizer (TOF). Fe, Mn and Zn exhibited a gradual and progressive release pattern throughout the incubation period. Whereas Cu and B availability showed a decreasing trend from the 15th day onwards. Highest Fe, Mn and Zn availability were observed towards the end of the incubation study. While the Cu and B recorded highest on the initial 15th day of incubation. Hence it can conclude that TOF based pellets significantly impact the micronutrient availability in soil compared to the FYM based and control treatment.