North Kordofan State Research Articles

Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Land Use and Land Cover Changes in Shiekan Locality-North Kordofan State-Sudan Using Remote Sensing

The study was conducted in Shiekan locality in North Kordofan State, Sudan and aimed to identify, assess and mapping of the land use and land cover (LULC) changes and trends in the last three decades (1989 to 2019). Satellite imageries of Landsat 5 TM (1989) and (2009), Landsat 7 ETM+ (2000), and Landsat 8 OLI (2019), covering path and row 174/51 and 175/51 were acquired in dry seasons. Image pre-proccessig, image classification (maximum likelihood) and accuracy assessment were applied. Remotely sensed data were processed and analyzed using ERDAS 9.1 and ArcGIS10.0 software. Results showed that the LULC in Sheikan locality were identified into eight classes (water, trees, shrubs, sandy soil, gardud lands, agricultural lands, rangeland and bare soil, and residential). The trees class showed an increase from 2.36% (2000) to 2.51% (2009) and decreasing in 2019 (1.87%). While, classified imageries indicated an increase of agricultural land from 69.2% in 1989 to 72.2% in 2019 as dominant class, followed by shrub lands increased from 18% in 1989 to 23.1% in 2019 in Sheikan locality. The overall obtained accuracy for classified maps was 87.50%, 89.29%, 90.20%, and 80.77% for 1989, 2000, 2009, and 2019, respectively. The study revealed that expansion of agricultural lands, climate change and illicit felling of trees are the main reseaons for natural resources degradation, mainly forest and rangelands in Shiekan locality. Use of remote sensing and GIS in assessment and monitoring of natural resources in arid and semi-arid area is highly recommended.

Effect of Dry Season Supplementary Feeding and Parity on Performance of Desert Sheep in North Kordofan State, Sudan

Effect of Dry Season Supplementary Feeding and Parity on Performance of Desert Sheep in North Kordofan State, Sudan

Snakes of Jebel Al Dair Biosphere Reserve, North Kordofan State

Snakes of Jebel Al Dair Biosphere Reserve, North Kordofan State

A Note on Climate Change Impact and Adaptation Strategies in North Kordofan State, Sudan

The study objectives were to explore the climate changeimpacts experienced based on the perception of rural households and toexplain the adaptation strategies for rural households. Primary data werecollected using structured interviews, key-informant interviews and fieldobservations. The secondary data were collected from reports. Randomsampling technique was applied to select 200 forest-dependenthouseholds in Um-Rawaba locality (100 households) and SheikanLocality (100 households) in North Kordofan. The data were analyzedusing the SPSS statistical package. Descriptive statistics was used toidentify dominant responses between households. The study resultsrevealed that the households influenced by local climate change based ontheir perceptions. The main adaptation strategies by the households wereassets selling, saving, reliance on social relations, feeding on wild plants,wild fruits, wild animals; and temporary migration.

Effect of levels salinity water on seedling growth of Acacia senegal at the Nursery, North Kordofan state, Sudan

This study was conducted in Shikan nursery, Elobied, North Kordofan, from three sources of Acacia senegal seeds (Al-Rahad, Al-Aabasia and Um- Keradem) at January 2022. This study aims to determent the effect of saline water levels on growth of Acacia senegal seedlings. Different salt water levels were used to irrigate seedlings. The response to salt water stress at general level was good with appearance of significant differences at beginning of experiment and these differences disappeared at end of experiment. This indicates that Acacia senegal seedlings were more tolerant of salt water stress to the level of 2898 ms/cm total dissolved salts (T.D.S), can be used for irrigation, especially for Acacia senegal seedlings with a ph between (7.1-8.4). To reduce seedling death, low salinity levels can be relied upon.

Effect of levels salinity water on seedling growth of Acacia senegal at the Nursery, North Kordofan state, Sudan

Effect of levels salinity water on seedling growth of Acacia senegal at the Nursery, North Kordofan state, Sudan

Prevalence of Malaria Diseases and Repeat it among Pregnant Women During Rainy Season at Sudanese Family Planning Association, El-Fateh ElNour Clinic in El-Obeid City, North Kordofan State, Sudan

Prevalence of Malaria Diseases and Repeat it among Pregnant Women During Rainy Season at Sudanese Family Planning Association, El-Fateh ElNour Clinic in El-Obeid City, North Kordofan State, Sudan

Cancer antigen 125 and C-reactive protein inflammatory mediators and uric acid in association with preeclampsia in North Kordofan State, Western Sudan.

Pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia depends on a defective trophoblastic invasion of uteroplacental blood vessels that leads to placental ischemia and induction of an inflammatory process within the placenta. This process may trigger the expression of Cancer antigen 125 (CA 125), C-reactive protein (CRP) and uric acid (UA). This research aimed to evaluate the association of serum CA 125, CRP and uric acid with Preeclampsia. The study recruited 200 singleton Sudanese pregnant women, who were divided into three groups: controls (n = 100), mild preeclampsia (n = 46) and severe preeclampsia (n = 54). The study subjects were matched for maternal age, gestational age and body mass index. Blood samples were taken for measurement of the different variables using immune- assay and enzymatic automated chemical analysis. The levels of CA 125 in mild and severe preeclampsia were (21.94±0.749 IU/ml) and (40.78±1.336 IU/ml) respectively, which was significantly different (P<0.001) from the control mean (16.48±0.584 IU/ml). There was also a significant difference between the mean levels of CRP in mild and severe preeclampsia (15.17±0.788 mg/L), (31.50±1.709 mg/L) compared with controls (4.79±0.178 mg/L), (P<0.01). There was also a significant difference in the mean levels of UA in mild and severe cases (6.44±0.293 and7.37±0.272) in comparison with the controls (4.00±0.061); (P<0.001). There were significant differences between severe and mild groups (P<0.05). Cancer antigen 125, CRP and UA levels‎ correlated positively with mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) where (r >0.7; P < 0.001). ROC curve validates the utility of these biomarkers for monitoring preeclampsia (AUC >0.8; P < 0.001). In conclusion CA 125, CRP and UA were significantly higher in preeclampsia compared with the controls. The rise of the analytes was directly associated with the severity of the disease.

Inflammatory Mediators (CA125, CRP) and Uric Acid in Association with Severity of Preeclampsia in North Kordofan State, Western Sudan

Introduction: Inflammatory mediators could be laboratory markers of preeclampsia, as the induction of an inflammatory process within the placenta may trigger the expression of cancer antigen 125(CA125), C-reactive protein (CRP) and uric acid (UA). Regarding the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia, there is defective trophoblastic invasion of uteroplacental blood vessels that leads to placental ischemia, and induction of an inflammatory process within the placenta.&#x0D; Objective: To evaluate the association of serum levels of cancer antigen (CA125), C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum uric acid with the Severity of Preeclampsia.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The study recruited 200 singleton Sudanese pregnant women. These participants were divided into two groups: control (n = 100) and cases (n = 100). The cases were further subdivided into; mild preeclampsia (n =46), and severe preeclampsia (n = 54). The study groups were well-matched in maternal age, gestational age and body mass index. Blood samples were taken for measurement of serum cancer antigen-CA125, uric acid and C - reactive protein using immune- assay and enzymatic automated chemical analysis.&#x0D; Results: The mean levels of cancer antigen-CA125 in mild and severe preeclampsia groups were; 21.94±5.08 (IU/ml) and 40.77±9.82 (IU/ml) respectively, which were significantly higher, (P&lt;0.001) in comparison with the control group (16.88±7.36 (IU/ml). The mean levels of C-reactive protein in mild and severe preeclampsia were; 15.17±5.35 (mg/L), 31.49±12.56 (mg/L) respectively. There was significant difference in their levels, compared to the control group (4.79±1.78 (mg/L), (P&lt;0.01). Also, the mean levels of uric acid in mild and severe cases were; 6.44±1.98 and 7.37±2.00 which was significantly higher, in comparison with the control (4.00±0.61); (P&lt;0.001). The level of uric acid also, showed significant difference within the case (severe and mild) group (P&lt;0.05). CA125, CRP and UA level‎s correlated positively with Mean Arterial blood pressure (MAP), (r&gt;0.7; P &lt; 0.001). ROC curve validate the utility of these biomarker for the detection of preeclampsia severity (AUC&gt;0. 8; P &lt; 0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: Serum cancer antigen 125(CA125), C- reactive protein and uric acid in studied preeclampsia groups were found to be significantly higher compared with the control group, and the rises were directly associated with the severity of preeclampsia.

ASSESSMENT OF LAND USE AND LAND COVER CHANGES IN ERRAHAD LOCALITY, SUDAN, USING REMOTE SENSING AND GIS

The study aimed to identify, assess and mapping of land use and land cover in the period of 1985 to 2015 in Errahad Locality in North Kordofan State, Sudan. In addition, to investigate the impacts of socio-economic activities on land use and land cover. Three landsat images with multi-temporal dates (TM 1985, TM 1995 and Landsat8 OLI 2015) were acquired in dry season. The images were geo-referenced and radiometrically corrected. Image classifications using supervised classification system by maximum likelihood were applied. A total number of 200 control points were registered using GPS. In the social survey, 50 respondents representing household were randomly interviewed using structured questionnaire with sampling percentage of 6% of the household in five villages. Remotely sensed data were processed and analyzed using ERDAS 9.1 and ArcGIS10.0 software, while social survey data were analyzed using Excel and SPSS. version18.0. Results showed that land use and land cover in Errahad Locality were identified and classified into six classes; bare lands, range lands, forests, agricultural lands, shrub lands and water bodies. The change of land use and land cover during the period 1985, 1995 and 2015 is indicated by the increase of agricultural lands as 14.34%, 23.08 and 28.87%, respectively. Also the range lands were increased from 23.46% (1995) to 26.04% (2015). However, during the same periods, forests and shrubs classes are decreasing from 14.61% to 11.56% and from 27.42% to 12.43%, respectively. The overall accuracy assessment of classified imagery from TM (1985), ETM+ (1995) and landsat8 LOI (2015) revealed 81%, 84% and 91% in Kappa statistics, respectively. The results of social survey revealed that 90% of the respondents owned a piece of the land in term of personal and tribal basis. The results confirmed that 50% of the respondents stated that overcutting of the trees (50%) climate change (10%) are most factors affecting the vegetation cover and land use. The study concluded with a witnessed degradation processes mainly in vegetation cover as a consequence of agricultural land expansion. The study recommended adoption of appropriate conservation and rehabilitation measures in forest and rangelands.

Assessment of Groundnut and Sorghum Intercropping

Intercropping approach is to maximizing the use of limited farm lands as well as attaining food security to the subsistence farmers. A field experiment was conducted during two consecutive rainy seasons (2013/14 and 2014/2015) at Sheikan Locality, North Kordofan State, Sudan to investigate the effects of intercropping groundnut with two varieties of sorghum on land use efficiency. The experiment consisted of eleven treatments: three sole crop of groundnut, a local sorghum variety (Zinari) and an improved sorghum variety (Butana) and eight spatial arrangements of 1:1, 1:2, 2:1 and 2:2 rows of groundnut with each of the local or improved sorghum varieties. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Land equivalent ratio (LER), competitive indices and economic analysis were used to evaluate the productivity. The results revealed that the intercropping affected most of the characteristics studied. The results revealed that all competitive ratios (CRs) were less than 1 in all intercropping treatments in both seasons indicating that, all intercropping patterns were advantageous over sole cropping The arrangement of GSV1 2:2 (two groundnut rows alternating with two rows of sorghum var. Butana rows) was the best pattern in terms of land use efficiency, with LERs of 1.46 and highest cash returns (6345.3 SDG). The study concluded that, the arrangement of GSV1 2:2 is the best combination for maximum use of land.

Assessment of Turbidity and Residual Chlorine of Vended Water Elobeied Town – North Kordofan State – Sudan

Assessment of Turbidity and Residual Chlorine of Vended Water Elobeied Town – North Kordofan State – Sudan

West Nile Virus Seroprevalence and Cross-Neutralization in Sera from Eastern and Central Sudan

Objectives: In regions with co-existing flaviviruses, the diagnosis of previous West Nile virus (WNV) infections is challenging due to cross-reacting antibodies. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of previous WNV infections in sera from three Sudanese states by excluding potentially dengue virus (DENV) and ZIKV cross-reacting sera and to determine the percentage of WNV cross-neutralizing sera from individuals with previous DENV infection. Methods: Serum samples from Kassala, North Kordofan, and Red Sea state were screened for antibodies against DENV by ELISA. Sera without DENV antibodies (N = 106) and a matched set of sera with DENV antibodies (N = 108) was selected. In all blood samples the frequency of WNV-neutralizing antibodies and the antibody titers were measured with microplate neutralization assays. DENV and Zika virus (ZIKV) microplate neutralization assays were performed with all WNV neutralizing sera of the DENV negative group. Results: A fraction of 30.2% of the DENV antibody negative sera neutralized WNV. The seroprevalence increased with age from 9.5% to 41.7%. Men and women were equally affected. The percentage of DENV positive sera that neutralized WNV was 83.3%. DENV positive sera had higher WNV neutralization titers than DENV negative sera. Conclusions: A significant fraction of the DENV antibody negative sera from three regions in Sudan showed serologic evidence of previous WNV infection. In comparison, the large majority of DENV antibody positive sera had WNV neutralizing antibodies. Studies are needed to identify clinical cases of WNV infection and to determine whether individuals with cross-neutralizing antibodies are protected from WNV disease.

"Assessment of Variation of Soil Seed Bank in Different Soil in Rangeland on North Kordofan State – Sudan"

"Assessment of Variation of Soil Seed Bank in Different Soil in Rangeland on North Kordofan State – Sudan"

Assessment of the application of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in some wheat mills in Sudan

The present study was conducted during the period from April to December 2018. The objectives of this work were to assess the application of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) in nine wheat mills in Khartoum State and one wheat mills in Elobeid - North Kordofan State. Ready questionnaire prepared by Primus Lab Checklist (2013) was used and data were categorized according to GMP system. Concerning the first part of general GMP, the result revealed that two wheat mills in Khartoum state adopted the general GMP system whereas eight wheat mills were not adopted it. Regarding pest control requirements the mills scores ranged (48-87) out of 95 degree, for storage area and packaging material the score was (33-55) out of 55 degree, only one wheat mills in Khartoum state scored full degree. Concerning the operational practice requirement, all mills scores ranged (80-133) out of 144 degree and for the employee practice requirement they gained (9-45) out of 64 degree. In case of the equipment, the score was (32-50) for all mills and (40%) of wheat mills in Khartoum scored full degree whereas for the equipment cleaning requirement they acquired (26-60) and (20%) of them that belong to Khartoum had full degree, for general cleaning they recorded (32-73) out of 83 degree and for building and ground requirement they obtained (77-102) out of 106 degree. The total degree of Good Manufacture Practice (GMP) varied from 346 to 641 compared to 642 degree. The result showed that the mean total score of Good Manufacturing Practices in all expellers in this study was 693.3 points (69.33%) the highest score recorded 855 points (85.5%) in M8 and the lowest score obtained 555 points (55.5%) in M2, M6 and M10, respectively out of 1000 points. These findings indicated that the M8 plant was categorized as very good, while M9 was standard, but the rests of wheat mills studied in present investigation were categorized as unsatisfactory.

تقييم وتحليل تدهور الغطاء الأرضي الطبيعي ولاية شمال كردفان باستخدام نظم المعلومات الجغرافية والاستشعار عن بعد

The modern land environmental degradation in Sudan was started prominently after the severe drought in 1984, when all socioeconomic sectors and environmental settings were affected by severe drought. The main objective of this paper is to assess the most observed and measured types of degradation over the North Kordofan State in Western Sudan using different spatial analysis techniques and remote sensed data. Data used are from different sources include satellite imageries, Google Earth and field-based observation and meetings methods. The data analyzed using ArcGIS 10.4 and Erdas Imagine 2014 softwares for processing the data. NDVI spectral index has been used for assessing the land cover greenings. The results presented by maps showed the severe degradation surrounding villages and towns. The results quantification showed that the study area exposed to severe degradation since 1984, and he most affected areas are surrounding towns that 100% of the deforestation was depicted surrounding ElObeid city. Village deforestation was evaluated to be more than 45% of the sampled villages using buffer analysis estimation. During drought seasons in 1984 and 1990, NDVI results showed negative values that indicated about 89% of land were degraded seasonally (less greenings cover) used to assess situ land degradation in the study area.

Effect of Production Systems on Milk Yield and Calf Performance in North Kordofan State, Sudan

This study was conducted in two locations, Kazgail and Um arada, Sheikan locality, North Kordofan State, Sudan. Objective of the study to evaluate the effects of production system on milk production and quality and calf performance. Thirty (30) dairy cattle were employed in this experiment. Cows were weighed and divided into two groups each with Fifteen (15 cow) in complete randomized design. Group A was located in Kazgail village and considered as close production system and group B in Um arada village as open production system. Data were analyzed by using T test for analysis of variance procedures and least significant difference (LSD) for mean separation. The results revealed that production system significantly (p&lt;0.001) affected milk production, where group A had maintained higher milk yield compared with group B. the respectively milk yield were 153.60 and 65.57 Lb for Group A and B respectively. Results showed significant differences (p&lt;0.05) between systems for the milk quality during first and second month of lactation period on fat content (4.67 vs 4.87% ) for A and B groups respectively and lactose content (4.61 vs 4.77%) for A and B groups respectively. Results revealed that calves birth weight significantly (p&lt;0.05) affected by production system. The mean birth weights were (35.58 vs 31.98 kg) for A and B groups respectively. The study demonstrated that production system had no significant effect on weaning weight. Results showed that production system significantly (p&lt;0.05) affect daily body weight gain. In conclusion, dairy cattle in different production system; showed variable milk production during lactation period and variation in milk composition during three month.

Value chain of Balanites aegyptiaca in North Kordofan State in Sudan

Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) is considered as one of the valuable tree species in Sudan. This study interrogated different actors involved in B. aegyptiaca value chain to estimate the gross margins associated with their segments. The study was conducted during season 2019 in Sheikan Locality, North Kordofan State in Sudan, and involved 86 household head (10% of the population). Results indicated that value chain actors of B. aegyptiaca included fruit collectors, village traders, city merchants, wholesalers, retailers and consumers. Based on gross margins, the wholesalers were the most benefited (36.4%) in the chain, followed by village traders (33.4%), city merchants (17.6%), collectors (9.65%) and lastly retailers (2.94%). It is clear that B. aegyptiaca value chain is mostly influenced by actors at local level.

Evaluation Of Feeding Residual of Sesame Capsule on Growth Rate of Sudanese Desert Kids in North Kordofan State, Sudan

The experiment was conducted in ELobied locality, Northern Kordofan state, to evaluate the effect of supplementation of residual sesame capsule on growth performances of grazing Desert kids. Thirty-seven (37) Sudanese desert kids were used in this experiment. Kids were divided to four groups as (B, C, D) supplemented and group (A) unsupplemented as control depends on natural grazing only. Supplemented kids were allocated to three feeding regimes in a complete random design. The results indicated that the supplementary rations that given to the experimental goats, had highly significant (p&lt;0.01) effect on kid birth weight, heavier at birth than control group (1.99±0.12, 2.42±0.11 and 2.22±0.12kg for B, C and D groups respectively versus 1.85±0.13kg for control). The results reveled that supplementary ration had no significant effect on kid growth from after birth up to 8th weeks pre –kidding, but during 8-12th week did. Also ration that offered to kids significantly (p&lt;0.01) effected body weight at weaning and daily gain. The heavier weaning weight for groups B, C and D were 9.14, 9.55 and 9.47 kg vs 8.46 kg for A group with lightest weaning weight. Results showed that the effect of supplementary feeding was exerted no significant effect on pre weaning mortality rate. Highest rates were scored by group B 22% whereby group A, C and D were scored 12%, 9 % and 11% respectively. It may be concluded that the supplementation of with residues of sesame capsule had showed an impact on birth, growth rate and weaning weight of Desert kids under traditional farming system.

Patterns of heart disease at El-Obeid teaching hospital, North Kordofan State, Sudan

Patterns of heart disease at El-Obeid teaching hospital, North Kordofan State, Sudan