Thermophysical properties of some species of Malaysian freshwater fish in unfrozen state

Five widely consumed species of freshwater fish in Malaysia were investigated to determine their thermophysical properties due to their handling need for food industry sector from the viewpoint of the heat transfer calculations. These properties encompassed thermal conductivity, specific heat and thermal diffusivity. The species under study were black tilapia, red tilapia, catfish, yellowtail catfish and red pomphret. The major components (moisture, fat, protein, carbohydrate and ash contents) of the fish muscle were determined for each species in a fresh state. Mathematical formulae, which correlate between the components’ values and the thermophysical properties were used to calculate these properties and their variation with temperature. The results were compared with the existing literature of other fish. Slight differences were noticed, however, the results were still within the common range of fish thermophysical values. The differences may be attributed to the different cultural and growing conditions. A logistic model correlated between the thermal diffusivity and temperature variation was developed in this work. It represents the basic requirement to the solution of heat transfer equation by which the thermal processing problems could be solved

Glycosylated nanoparticles as efficient antimicrobial delivery agents

Synthetic polymer nanoparticles that can be tailored through multivalent ligand display on the surface, while at the same time allowing encapsulation of desired bioactive molecules, are especially useful in providing a versatile and robust platform in the design of specific delivery vehicles for various purposes. Glycosylated nanoparticles (glyco-NPs) of a poly(n-butyl acrylate) (pBA) core and poly(N-2-(β-d-glucosyloxy)ethyl acrylamide) (p(NβGlcEAM)) or poly(N-2-(β-D-galactosyloxy)ethyl acrylamide) (p(NβGalEAM)) corona were prepared via nanoprecipitation in aqueous solutions of preformed amphiphilic glycopolymers. Well-defined block copolymers of (poly(pentafluorophenyl acrylate) (pPFPA) and pBA were first prepared by RAFT polymerization followed by postpolymerization functionalization with aminoethyl glycosides to yield p(NβGlcEAM-b-BA) and p(NβGalEAM-b-BA), which were then used to form glyco-NPs (glucosylated and galactosylated NPs, Glc-NPs and Gal-NPs, respectively). The glyco-NPs were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and TEM. Encapsulation and release of ampicillin, leading to nanoparticles that we have termed “glyconanobiotics”, were studied. The ampicillin-loaded glyco-NPs were found to induce aggregation of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and resulted in antibacterial activity approaching that of ampicillin itself. This glyconanobiotics strategy represents a potential new approach for the delivery of antibiotics close to the surface of bacteria by promoting bacterial aggregation. Defined release in the proximity of the bacterial envelope may thus enhance antibacterial efficiency and potentially reduce the quantities of agent required for potency

Retrospective Investigation of Enteric Illnesses in Pet Animals

Recording and analysis of data are key elements to understand the epidemiology of various infectious and zoonotic diseases such as enteric pathogens and conditions. In this study, the clinical records of Alhelal Alazraq veterinary clinic in Tripoli were investigated for enteric diseases and illnesses in cats and dogs during the period of 2010–2015. The diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines within the Libyan veterinary system were also assessed and discussed based on the retrieved information and records. A total of 859 cases representing 528 (61%) from cats and 331 (39%) from dogs were retrieved and analysed using descriptive analysis. The cases were originated from five major areas from the center of Tripoli and the surrounding areas. Of these, 835/859 (97%) cases adopted antimicrobial based therapies and administered various antibiotic classes mainly and respectively using penicillin (652; 78%) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (229; 27%). The current study is the first retrospective investigation that analysed clinical and medical information from a major veterinary clinic in Libya. Diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines in the veterinary settings in Libya should be carefully reviewed and addressed. Retrospective studies and research programmes that monitor and investigate the occurrences of zoonotic and emerging pathogens particularly in relation to antimicrobial resistance are warranted in the Libyan health and medical system

Polymeric Materials from Renewable Resources

The growing worldwide interest in renewable polymers may be attributed to both worries about the environment and the limited availability of petroleum. There are three types of polymers that fall under the category of renewable: natural polymers, synthetic polymers made from bioderived monomers, and microbial fermentation polymers. While certain natural polymers are used extensively in the production of consumer goods, others are mostly ignored. The processes of isolating, purifying, chemically modifying, and physically modifying natural polymers all need to be improved. A synthetic polymer made from bio-based lactic acid is called poly(lactic acid). It can be worked with in the same manner as other thermoplastics, but the exorbitant cost of the material prohibits its widespread use. Increased interest in researching and developing biodegradable polymeric materials may be attributed to the recent appearance of the first commercially available biodegradable polymeric materials on store shelves. Even in potentially fruitful applications like as packaging and mulch films, the majority of currently used polymers are not being replaced because of either poor performance or expensive costs. Rarely are either petroleum or renewable polymers used in isolation. The processes of blending and compositing increase productivity. Composites made from renewable materials came before polymers. The mechanical characteristics of polymers may be improved by fibers. Because of the availability of renewable raw ingredients, cellulose fiber-reinforced polymers are making a comeback. The majority of plant parts are made of cellulose. The majority of naturally occurring polymers are functional when combined with hydrophilic cellulose. Filler reinforcement is very necessary for renewable polymers to have in order for them to have reduced softening temperatures and moduli. One of the benefits is that the hydrophilic compatibility of the mineral filler with the majority of natural polymers. Natural polymers that are hydrophilic and water-soluble The fact that it is soluble in water hastens the process of disintegration, but its sensitivity to moisture restricts its use. Blends of natural and renewable polymers as well as multilayer constructions may result in improved characteristics. Blends have the potential to provide low-cost goods with superior performance. The value of renewable polymers is being increased via the use of inventive blends and composites

ADULT LEARNERS DROPOUT FROM LITERACY PROGRAMMES IN GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR ACHIEVEMENT OF MDGS AND EFA GOALS IN NIGERIA

The programme of an adult literacy programme is expected to last for a given number of months. It is usually expected that it is within this duration that the adult learner would possess the requisite domains of learning which could be measured. Unfortunately, due to various reasons best known to adult learners in literacy programmes, they choose to drop out of the programme. This study therefore examined the causes of drop out in adult literacy programme in Gombe state. The 5414 learners who dropped out in the year 2011, served as the population of the study. The sample was 10percent of the population which is 542. The population and sample were drawn from the following local government areas: Shongom, Yamaltu-Deba and Nafada. They were sampled using multi stage and simple random sampling technique. Questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. 542 questionnaires were administered and returned. Data was analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The result of the study revealed: gender roles of the respondents was responsible for drop out of adult literacy learners from the programmes. In addition, a very high number the respondents agreed that, instructors’ incompetence was also responsible for their drop out. Other factors listed were inadequacy of instructional materials and its quality. Four suggestions were proffered thus: building literacy centers and equipping such centers with adequate and appropriate facilities as well as establishment of more female centers. Key words: drop out, adult learners, literacy programme, implications, EFA, MDG goal

Imams' language use in mosque sermons

PhDReligion plays a pivotal role in some societies, but the interaction between language and religion from a bilingualism perspective has not been fully explored. The overlap between the two, including “the way that religion and language interact to produce language contact” (Spolsky, 2003, p. 81), has recently been considered by Omoniyi and Fishman (2006). Many studies have been conducted regarding language use within institutional settings, such as schools, universities, workplaces and courtrooms. However, less attention has been paid to language use outside of these settings, such as within religious contexts, although mosques are viewed as institutional in nature. In particular, imams may switch between languages in their sermons in the mosque, perhaps similar to priests’ practices in churches where they may switch between Latin and English. The shortage of such studies regarding this phenomenon could be a result of the assumption that secularism is increasingly dominant and widespread, especially in Europe. This assumption can lead to an underestimation of the depth of religion in peoples’ lives and of the significance of the languages to express it. Another salient aspect may be that prayers tend not to change much over time and thus there is no need for such studies to be conducted. Yet, this is not actually true, especially in the case of Friday sermons, which tend to be less formulaic than prayers and in which ordinary talk also occurs. To explore this phenomenon, a qualitative study was undertaken by means of simulated recall interviews and non-participant observation with imams (n=10) and mosque audiences (n=7). The study reveals that employing more than one language in one-way religious speech is a means of increasing historical authenticity, exposing audiences to Arabic, overcoming a lack of easy equivalents in English (such as for the word bidah), emphasizing religious authority (given the very close links between Arabic and Islam), an assumption of audiences’ knowledge of some Arabic features (mostly in the form of words), or accommodating the iv diverse backgrounds of the audience, some of whom have knowledge of Arabic. This has been described as having spiritual, historical and emotional significance, invoking religious links associated between Arabic and Islam. Stakeholders, especially audiences, claim benefits beyond the language used in the sermons themselves. Imams, in addition, also tend to see the use of both English and Arabic as socially and culturally salient, a means of uniting people in an otherwise often fractured world, or one frequently presented as such in the media. Attitudes towards this phenomenon in mosques have been reported by all those involved as being very positive.Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Saudi Cultural Bureau in London)

Effective planning as a Potent Tool for Implementing Adult Literacy Programmes: Implications for achieving the Millennium Development Goals in Gombe State, Nigeria.

This paper strives towards addressing issues related to planning Adult Literacy Programme. The paper also dealt with  the  components  of  functional  and  responsive  adult  literacy  programme  planning  and  implemen tation. Planning/development is seen by this paper as a vehicle for effective implementation of Adult Literacy Programme. As the adage goes, effective programme planning brings about responsive implementation. So is the relationship between planning and implementation of a programme which leads to goal achievement. Some approaches and groups of persons to be involved in planning Adult Literacy Programmes were suggested in this paper along with five major suggestions towards the success of Adult Literacy Programmes in Gombe State, Nigeria. Keywords: effective planning, potent tool, implementing, literacy programm

Non-Formal Education and the Girl-Child in Northern Nigeria: Issues and Strategies

Girl child education is highly upheld not only in Nigeria but in all parts of the world. This is because statistically, the bulk of the world illiterates are women, and this is also applicable to northern Nigeria, where 65% of the children in school are boys, while majority of the girls are out of school. This paper examines the factors affecting girls’ education in northern Nigeria It also explores the benefits of the girls education to the society. It reviews international literature on the matter and relates it to the situation in northern Nigeria. It concludes that even though efforts were made by the various governments of the world and Nigeria in particular to ensure ample educational opportunities for all, yet, a gap still exists. Further more in the North; the situation undeniably affects generational upbringing and moral training. Based on this situation, seven suggestions were made for a collaborative move between the formal and the non-formal sector to eradicate illiteracy in our society. Keywords: Non-Formal Education, Panacea, Reducing, Illiteracy Rate, Girl-Child, Northern Nigeri

Vocational Education and Poverty Reduction: A Tool for Sustainable Community Development in Nigeria

This paper reviewed some best practices of Vocational Education around the world. Vocational education as a concept provides people with a living skill to use as a means of livelihood. It further addressed the Nigerian experience from the pre-colonial period and post-colonial experiences. Some suggested measures were also advanced to provide for effective implementation of the Vocational Education programme in Nigeria. The paper also opined as a means which Nigerians need as a fallback position in their effort towards reducing poverty in their communities. Citizen participation as an important arm of Community Development was not feasible as most Nigerians are intimidated with poverty on their necks in the midst of abundance. Hence, the need for Vocational Education among the youths as a means of improving their quality of life. Keywords: vocational education, poverty reduction, sustainable community developmentÂ

THE IMPACT OF REFLECTIVE PRACTICE ON TRANSLATORS COMPETENCE AS PERCEIVED BY ACADEMICALLY TRAINED AND UNTRAINED TRANSLATORS

في هذه المقالة البحثية، تم التحقيق من تأثير الممارسات الانعكاسية على كفاءة المترجمين. تكونت عينة الدراسة من 16 مترجمًا مدربين أكاديميًا وغير مدربين أكاديميا ليمارسوا الترجمة، تم اختيارهم بشكل قصدي. تمت مراجعة الأدبيات ذات الصلة بالموضوع وتم تصميم استبيان لجمع البيانات ذات الصلة بالموضوع والإجابة على أسئلة الدراسة. باستخدام منهجية خاصة، تم تحليل البيانات باستخدام برنامج التحليل الاحصائي SPSS. أظهرت نتائج الدراسة أن الممارسات الانعكاسية لها تأثير كبير على كفاءة المترجمين. أن نتائج المقالة البحثية هذه لا تقدم رؤى ذات صلة للمترجمين فحسب ولكن أيضًا لبرامج الترجمة لتطوير كفاءة طلاب الترجمة.In this research paper, the impact of reflective practice (RP) on translators' competence was studied. The sample of the study consisted of 16 academically trained and untrained translators, who were selected purposively. The relevant literature on topic was reviewed and a questionnaire was designed to collect relevant data to the topic and answer the questions of the study. By means of special methodology, the data were analyzed by using the SPSS program. The result revealed that RP has substantial effect on translators competence. The results of the research paper should not only yield relevant insights for the translators, but also for the Translation Programs to develop translation students 'competence