An agricultural investment map based on geographic information system and multi-criteria method.

The study aimed to produce an investment classification map, which shows the potential areas of investment in agriculture in Sinnar, Sudan. The spatial multi-criteria analysis was used to rank and display potential locations, while the analytical hierarchy process method was used to compute the priority weights of each criterion. The study attempted to explore the utilization of Geographic Information System (GIS) to map the potential investment areas, therefore, it did not cover a comprehensive analysis of all factors that influence investment in agriculture. In addition, the analysis was limited to criteria that had spatial reference. The investment criteria for spatial analysis were defined from the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Investment, Sudan. Even with the shortcomings of the data, it was found that the results obtained were very encouraging and provided clear indicative areas for agricultural investment in Sinnar. Government agencies can use GIS to access information regarding the potential areas of investment, and minimize investment risks. On the other hand, the economic development organizations will now have the ability to benefit from the Geographic Information System (GIS) solutions by leveraging on this technology to attract and retain business from worldwide sources. Thus, the model will serve as a decision support tool for investors and decision makers at various levels

Using the Delphi Technique to Determine the Effectiveness of Internet Advertisements

Over the past few years, there has been tremendous growth in the use of the Internet for promoting goods and services. This new technology is enabling companies to reach new markets all over the world. Locating target markets and advertising on the Internet takes a different approach. This paper examines several popular Internet advertising techniques used by marketers to attract the attention of the target market to particular sites. It uses the Delphi technique to determine that banner ads are still the most effective overall

Health promoting potential of herbal teas and tinctures from Artemisia campestris subsp maritima: from traditional remedies to prospective products

This work explored the biotechnological potential of the medicinal halophyte Artemisia campestris subsp. maritima (dune wormwood) as a source of health promoting commodities. For that purpose, infusions, decoctions and tinctures were prepared from roots and aerial-organs and evaluated for in vitro antioxidant, anti-diabetic and tyrosinase-inhibitory potential, and also for polyphenolic and mineral contents and toxicity. The dune wormwood extracts had high polyphenolic content and several phenolics were identified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array-mass-spectrometry (UHPLC-PDA-MS). The main compounds were quinic, chlorogenic and caffeic acids, coumarin sulfates and dicaffeoylquinic acids; several of the identified phytoconstituents are here firstly reported in this A. campestris subspecies. Results obtained with this plant's extracts point to nutritional applications as mineral supplementary source, safe for human consumption, as suggested by the moderate to low toxicity of the extracts towards mammalian cell lines. The dune wormwood extracts had in general high antioxidant activity and also the capacity to inhibit a-glucosidase and tyrosinase. In summary, dune wormwood extracts are a significant source of polyphenolic and mineral constituents, antioxidants and a-glucosidase and tyrosinase inhibitors, and thus, relevant for different commercial segments like the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and/or food industries.FCT - Foundation for Science and Technology [CCMAR/Multi/04326/2013]; Portuguese National Budget; FCT [IF/00049/2012, SFRH/BD/94407/2013]; Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO) [12M8315N]info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Phenolic, polysaccharidic and lipidic fractions of mushrooms from northeast Portugal: chemical compounds with antioxidant properties

Mushrooms do not constitute a significant portion of the human diet, but their consumption continues to increase due to their functional benefits and presence of bioactive compounds. Some of those compounds can be found in the phenolic, polysaccharidic and lipidic fractions of edible and inedible species. Herein, those fractions of five wild mushrooms (Coprinopsis atramentaria, Lactarius bertillonii, Lactarius vellereus, Rhodotus palmatus and Xerocomus chrysenteron) from Northeast Portugal were studied for their chemical composition and antioxidant properties. Protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic, p-coumaric and cinnamic acids were found in the phenolic fraction, ramnose, xylose, fucose, arabinose, fructose, glucose, manose, mannitol, sucrose, maltose and trehalose were quantified in polysaccharidic fraction, linoleic and stearic (only in Lactarius sp.) acids, and β- and γ-tocopherols were the main compounds in the lipidic fraction. C. atramentaria and X. chrysenteron phenolic fractions gave the highest free radical scavenging activity, reducing properties and lipid peroxidation inhibition in brain homogenates, which is in agreement with its highest content in total phenolics. Furthermore, among the polysaccharidic fractions C. atramentaria also gave the highest antioxidant activity, which is accordingly with its highest total polysaccharides content and sugars obtained after hydrolysis.The authors are grateful to Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) and COMPETE/QREN/EU (research project PTDC/AGR-ALI/110062/2009) for financial support. L. Barros (BPD/4609/2008) and S.A. Heleno (BD/70304/2010) also thank FCT, POPH-QREN and FSE. The GIP-USAL is financially supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación through the Consolider-Ingenio 2010 Programme (FUN-C-FOOD, CSD2007-00063), and Junta de Castilla y León (Grupo de Investigación de Excelencia, GR133)

Spatial variability of clay content and saturated hydraulic conductivity in a paddy soil

The objective of this study was to quantify the spatial variability of clay content and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) in a paddy soil over two consecutive cropping seasons. A total of thirty six soil samples from 0 -15 cm depth were collected from Semanggol, Perak, Malaysia (4.949418° N, 100.606614° E). Soils were analyzed to determine clay content and Ks. Data normality was tested and data that were not normally distributed were transformed using the appropriate function. Semivariogram and kriging analyses were employed to quantify the spatial variability of clay content and Ks. Spatial distribution maps were produced using measured and kriged values. In this study, Ks was highly variable with a coefficient of variation exceeding 100% at dry season and wet season. Clay content and Ks exhibited strong spatial dependence at dry season. The spatial dependence of clay content and Ks at wet season were strong and weak, respectively. The spatial variability of clay content best fitted a spherical model at both seasons. Meanwhile, Ks best fitted a n exponential model at dry season. The variability trends at both seasons, except for Ks at wet season, satisfied the criteria for interpolation accuracy. The spatial distribution maps showed a clear spatial structure in paddy soil across cropping seasons, indicating that cropping practices can affect site specific crop and management strategies

Use of spectral reflectance to discriminate between potassium deficiency and orange spotting symptoms in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis)

Potassium (K) deficiency and Orange Spotting (OS) disease exhibit similar symptom via visual assessment. This work investigates the separability of K deficiency and OS disease symptoms using spectral reflectance. This assessment was conducted at a commercial oil palm plantation located in Sungai Buloh, Selangor. Leaves from K-deficient trees, OS-infected trees and nonsymptomatic trees (control) were sampled for spectral reflectance acquisition. Leaf spectral reflectance was acquired under constant halogen lighting. All leaf samples exhibited a green peak at 555 nm wavelength, with an average reflectance value of 0.15. Reflectance between OSinfected and K-deficient leaves showed significant separability at the 400-538 nm and 667-688 nm wavelength regions. Reflectance of K-deficient leaves was significantly different than that of OS-infected leaves across all severity classes

Response of irrigated direct-seeded rice yields to different nitrogen rates and precipitation patterns

In Peninsular Malaysia, irrigated direct-seeded lowland rice cultivation results in higher yields during the off-season (April-July) as compared to the main-season (October-January). However, farmers still apply the same amount of nitrogen (N) at both growing seasons. A study was conducted to assess the response of rice yield components to different N rates and different precipitation patterns. This work was conducted in a 27-acre field with six N treatments, i.e. 0, 80, 120, 160, 200 and240 kg N ha-1 in three continuous planting seasons from October-2012 to January-2014. In the first planting during main-season (S1), treatment with 120 kg N ha-1 showed significantly higher panicle number per m2 (PM), 1000-grain weight (GW)and estimated grain yield (GY). Meanwhile, treatment with 200 kg N ha-1 significantly increased panicle number m-2, spikelet number per panicle (SP), percentage of filled spikelet (FP) and estimated grain yield (GY) in the second planting during off-season (S2). In the third planting during main-season (S3), 120 kg N ha-1 still showed significantly higher PM, spikelet number per m-2 (SM), GW and GY. S3 showed the highest grain yield per input of N, followed by S1 and S2. In all three seasons, grain yield was positively correlated with PM, SP and SM. This study indicates that 120 kg ha-1 produces the highest grain yield during the main-season, which typically receives more rain water that contributes additional N to the rice field throughout the planting season. During the off-season, however, 200 kg ha-1 is required as the optimal N rate

Evaluation of phenolic contents and antioxidant activity of various solvent extracts of Sonchus asper (L.) Hill

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Sonchus asper </it>(SA) is traditionally used for the treatment of various ailments associated with liver, lungs and kidneys. This study was aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of nonpolar (hexane, SAHE; ethyl acetate, SAEE and chloroform, SACE) and polar (methanol, SAME) crude extracts of the whole plant.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>To achieve these goals, several parameters including free-radical (DPPH^•, ABTS^•+, H₂O₂and ^•OH) scavenging, iron chelating activity, scavenging of superoxide radicals, total flavonoids and total phenolic content (TPC) were examined.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The SA extracts presented a remarkable capacity to scavenge all the tested reactive species with IC₅₀values being found at the μg ⁄ ml level. The SAME was shown to have the highest TPCs while lowest IC₅₀values for the DPPH^•, ABTS^•+radical scavenging capacities and iron chelating scavenging efficiency, moreover, SAME had best activities in scavenging of superoxide radicals and hydrogen peroxide as well as potently scavenged the hydroxyl radicals.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These results suggest the potential of <it>S. asper </it>as a medicine against free-radical-associated oxidative damage.</p

Prevention of hepatorenal toxicity with Sonchus asper in gentamicin treated rats

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Sonchus asper </it>possesses antioxidant capacity and is used in liver and kidney disorders. We have investigated the preventive effect of methanolic extract of <it>Sonchus asper </it>(SAME) on the gentamicin induced alterations in biochemical and morphological parameters in liver and kidneys of Sprague-Dawley male rat.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Acute oral toxicity studies were performed for selecting the therapeutic dose of SAME. 30 Sprague-Dawley male rats were equally divided into five groups with 06 animals in each. Group I received saline (0.5 ml/kg bw; 0.9% NaCl) while Group II administered with gentamicin 0.5 ml (100 mg/kg bw; i.p.) for ten days. Animals of Group III and Group IV received gentamicin and SAME 0.5 ml at a dose of 100 mg/kg bw and 200 mg/kg bw, respectively while Group V received only SAME at a dose of 200 mg/kg bw. Biochemical parameters including aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT), total cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, albumin, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total bilirubin and direct bilirubin were determined in serum collected from various groups. Urinary out puts were measured in each group and also assessed for the level of protein and glucose. Lipid peroxides (TBARS), glutathione (GSH), DNA injuries and activities of antioxidant enzymes; catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined in liver and renal samples. Histopathological studies of liver and kidneys were also carried out.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>On the basis of acute oral toxicity studies, 2000 mg/kg bw did not induce any toxicity in rats, 1/10^thof the dose was selected for preventive treatment. Gentamicin increased the level of serum biomarkers; AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, γ-GT, total cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, albumin, creatinine, BUN, total and direct bilirubin; as were the urinary level of protein, glucose, and urinary output. Lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and DNA injuries increased while GSH contents and activities of antioxidant enzymes; CAT, POD, SOD decreased with gentamicin in liver and kidney samples. SAME administration, dose dependently, prevented the alteration in biochemical parameters and were supported by low level of tubular and glomerular injuries induced with gentamicin.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These results suggested the preventive role of SAME for gentamicin induced toxicity that could be attributed by phytochemicals having antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties.</p