Phosphorus reserves depletion, concentration in a single geolocation, and the likelihood of weaponization for geopolitics: a scenario analysis

One of the most serious issues that humanity will confront in the future is the depletion and concentration of phosphorus in a single geographical location. It is the most limiting and critical element for food production, with no natural alternatives. Because most soils are phosphorus deficient, intensive application of phosphate-based fertilizers is mandatory to boost agricultural productivity on limited farmland. More phosphorus in the form of fertilizers is needed to produce enough food to feed the booming global population; yet, much of it is lost to streams, causing eutrophication. Besides, phosphorus for fertilizer production is sourced from reserves that were predicted to deplete in less than thirty decades, with resources first concentrated in North Africa. The study aimed to examine and forecast the future reserve depletion, distribution, and the likelihood of using phosphorus as a geo-political instrument, based on the assumption that the scarcer and more unevenly distributed the resource, the more desirable it is for political weaponization. Phosphorus depletion time was calculated using the static reserve-to-production (R/P) ratio, and future resource trends were projected under varied scenarios from 2023 to 2220 using time series analysis. The study found that on average, the global reserves will take 300-400 years to deplete, while that of China and the United States reserves will be depleted by 265 and 2073, respectively. By 2100, a substantial portion of the reserves will be in North Africa, accounting for around 95% of global phosphorus reserves. In this sense North Africa will dominate the phosphorus market, making it more oligopolistic. Given its importance to survival, North Africa, like any other resource-rich country, is likely to exploit phosphorous as a geopolitical weapon, especially during times of intense resource competitio

Identification of potential human chymase inhibitors using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation

Chymase is a hydrolase class of enzymes that involves  hydrolysis of peptide bonds. It is abundant in secretory granules of mast cells. Mast cell chymase is involved in the synthesis of angiotensin-II from its precursor protein. In addition, chymase is involved in converting TGF-β and matrix metalloproteinase to their active form. Chymase involved in heart failure has been proven, and its inhibition may reduce the progression. Hence, to identify the potential inhibitors against the chymase, the present study employed structure-based virtual screening, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation to identify potential chymase inhibitors. Initially, compounds were selected based on their physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties. Further, the binding affinities using molecular docking and interaction analyses were performed to find potential chymase inhibitors. The study identified chymase inhibitor ZINC000008382327, bearing significant binding affinity, specificity, and efficacy towards the chymase. Next, the stability and binding mode of chymase with ZINC000008382327 were assessed using molecular dynamics simulations. The simulation analysis using root mean square deviations and fluctuations revealed that inhibitor ZINC000008382327 affected the structure and dynamics of the chymase protein. It was also shown that the chymase forms a stable complex with ZINC000008382327 during the simulation. Thus, the present computational study put forward that the identified compound can be further exploited as a potential chemical scaffold to design and develop new human chymase inhibitors

Is Logic Aspects Incorporated In The Teaching And Students' Assessment? Case Study In Secondary Schools Located In Dodoma Municipality, Tanzania

The study assesses teacher’s use of logic in teaching and students' assignments, exercises, group work, test and examination. Every University in Tanzania has its own teachers' training curriculum; the way teachers are educated to meet challenges and still upholding teaching qualities is questionable. The study involved qualitative (focus group discussion and observation of students assessments) and quantitative (structured interview) design. The study noted that; majority of teachers lack sufficient logical knowledge of subject matter and do code switch between English and Swahili in teaching although Swahili is not language of instructing science subjects. The study revealed that teacher's use of logic in teaching and student’s assessment is not good and requires understanding of subject matter. Respondents recommend the use logic in the students’ assessment from simple to complex problems as logical skill acquisition. Something lacking in learners is problems solving skills, they rely on reading and memorizing solved questions instead of making logic from what they were taught. The study contributes significantly to understanding of students' learning and understanding as well as the teachers' teaching and students' assessing skills

Vasorelaxant and Antioxidant Activities of Spilanthes acmella Murr.

This study reports the effect of Spilanthes acmella Murr. extracts on phenylephrine-induced contraction of rat thoracic aorta as well as their antioxidant activity. Results show that the extracts exert maximal vasorelaxations in a dose-dependent manner, but their effects are less than acetylcholine-induced nitric oxide (NO) vasorelaxation. Significant reduction of vasorelaxations is observed in both NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) and indomethacin (INDO). In the presence of l-NAME plus INDO, synergistic effects are observed, leading to loss of vasorelaxation of both acetylcholine and the extracts. Similarly, the vasorelaxations of the extracts are completely abolished upon the removal of endothelial cells. This demonstrates that the extracts exhibit vasorelaxation via partially endothelium-induced NO and prostacyclin in a dose-dependent manner. Significantly, the ethyl acetate extract exerts immediate vasorelaxation (ED50 76.1 ng/mL) and is the most potent antioxidant (DPPH assay). The chloroform extract shows the highest vasorelaxation and antioxidation (SOD assay). These reveal a potential source of vasodilators and antioxidants

A CASE CONTROL STUDY ON THE PATTERNS OF BLOOD PRESSURES AND AEROBIC CAPACITY AMONG YOUNG ADULT SMOKERS

Introduction: - India is home to about 12% of the world’s smokers. More than 1 million people die every year due to tobacco related illnesses. Smokers have tendencies to be less physically active than non-smokers. We hypotheses that there was a significant relation between smoking and decrease in cardiovascular fitness. The purpose of this study was to examine the chromic effects of smoking on cardiovascular fitness and Blood pressure in young and adult smokers.&#x0D; Methods: This was case control study conducted in a span of 3 months in local General Medicine OPDs. 80 Subjects chosen for the study (40smokers &amp; 40 non-smokers) involving both the genders, aged 18 years to 25 years and all classes of socio economic strata. 80 male participant were recruited &amp; divided into two group 40 smoker (A) , 40 non-smoker (B). BP &amp; Heart rate (HR) were non-invasively measured in young non-smoking and subjects at rest, during the accomplishment of a sub maximal exercise test and recovery period. Smoking status of smokers was analyzed by three parameters, i.e., years of smoking, number of cigarettes smoke per day, and pack year.&#x0D; Result: There was no significant difference between both groups regarding to age, weight and height. The mean duration of smoking among smoker group was 4.84±2.57 years. No. Of Cigarettes were 4.62±2.35 SBP, DBP &amp; PP were pre-hypertensive, 40% were hypertensive. There was Significant difference w.r.t Resting Heart Rate, HR after Exercise, Recovery HR &amp; Exercise duration among smoker and non-smoker group.&#x0D; Conclusion: Smoking was found to affect young smokers’ HR, increasing HR at rest, slowing HR increase during exercise, and impairing their ability to reach the age predicted HR max. In addition, smoking was associated with an attenuated HR decline during recovery. Smokers had a higher resting HR and showed a higher HR response during sub maximal exercise compared to Non smokers.&#x0D; Keyword: Smokers, aerobic capacity, Blood pressure, Heart rate.</jats:p

Teacher Education through ODL: Policy Initiatives

Education is a strong weapon through which we can change our world. This is Education which assists us to get our desired objectives set up by us due to our needs. Progressive development is our fundamental characteristics. Education guides us on a progressive and developmental ways. Thus, we can understand the importance of Education for our lives.</jats:p

Design of non-interacting multivariable discrete time systems

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