jbas

Journal of Basic & Applied Sciences

Dielectric Properties of Filled Composites of Epoxy Resin
Pages 455-460
Fareeda Farrukh and Shahid H. Zaidi

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2014.10.60

Published: 03 October 2014

Open Access

Abstract: The addition of fillers in composite of epoxies, improves the dielectric response of the epoxies. The dielectric properties of unfilled and filled composites of epoxy resins have been studied as a function of thickness in the frequency range 10-1 Hz to 105 Hz at room temperature. The response of the unfilled samples shows that the composites behave as an insulator for all thickness. In filled composites at small thickness (0.32 mm) the response shows a loss peak in low frequency regime. The peak is broader than the Debye loss peak which is obscured by the dc conductance. At frequencies greater than ωp the response shows a well defined power law behaviour after the subtraction of C. Similar behaviour has been observed at different thickness.

Keywords: Dielectric Properties, fillers, loss peak, Debye loss Peak, Power law, localization.
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Journal of Basic & Applied Sciences

Antibiotic Sensitivity Pattern of Pathogenic Bacterial Isolates From Diseased Clarias gariepinus From Selected Ibadan And Ikorodu Farms
Pages 439-448
Nkechi C. Okere, A. Olubusola Odeniyi and K. Olanike Adeyemo

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2014.10.58

Published: 23 September 2014

Open Access

Abstract: This study was carried out to isolate, characterise and identify bacteria from diseased Clarias gariepinus and also assess the occurrence of resistance to antimicrobial in isolated bacteria. Samples of diseased African Catfish were collected for a period of six weeks from consenting farms in Ibadan and Ikorodu in Nigeria and examined for clinical signs of disease. Pond water samples along with organs such as gills, skin, intestine, kidney and lungs from these fish were analyzed microbiologically using differential and selective media. Bacteria enumeration, identification and biochemical characterization were carried out and the physiochemical parameters of the water samples determined. All isolates were subjected to antibiotic sensitivity test using the standard Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The total bacterial load for the organs ranged between 3.0 x 104 (lungs sample) and 6.0 x 107cfu/g (gill sample). The gills had the highest average total bacterial count, while lungs had the least. Morphologically unique bacterial isolates obtained included Salmonella (14 isolates), Pseudomonas (4 isolates), Aeromonas (2 isolates), Edwardsiella (3 isolates) and Shigella (3 isolates). These isolates displayed antibiotic resistance profile to the following: Ceftazidime (38%), Cefuroxime (77%), Gentamicin (37%), Cefixime (73%), Ofloxacin (23%), Augmentin (66%), Nitrofurantoin (58%) and Ciprofloxacin (15%). Two Salmonella isolates had multi-drug resistance pattern. This study showed that indiscriminate use of unlicensed or unapproved antibiotics for aquaculture portends significant hazards to public health therefore disease prevention is preferable through good culture and health management to ensure optimum yields and wholesome products.

Keywords: Aquaculture, Fish disease, Bacteria, Antibiotics resistance, Antimicrobial susceptibility.
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Journal of Basic & Applied Sciences

Effect of Application of Micronutrients on Spotted Bollworm Earias vittella (Fabricius), Infestation and Yield Components in Cotton Crop
Pages 449-454
S. Shahzad Ali, G.H. Abro, M.A. Rustamani and Shafi Mohammad Nizamani

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2014.10.59

Published: 23 September 2014

Open Access

Abstract: Studies were carried out on the effect of micronutrients on spotted bollworm, Earias vittella F. infestation and yield components in cotton crop under field conditions. Cotton variety (CRIS-134) was sown in randomized block design with seven treatments including control (check) and was replicated three times on May 22, 2004-2005. Three micronutrients Bonus®, Dawn ®and Power® were applied three times at 79, 95 and 109 days after sowing. The results indicated that there was no significant effect of removal of leaves and fruiting bodies on infestation of bollworm. However, application of micronutrients significantly affected the bollworm infestation. There was significant effect of micro-nutrients on boll volume and opening of bolls in different micronutrients applied plots. The maximum yield was obtained from Bonus® applied plots than other micronutrients applied plots.

Keywords: Micronutrients, Earias vittella (F.) infestation, Cotton variety CRIS-134.
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Journal of Basic & Applied Sciences

Residue Removal of Pesticides from Brinjal Using Different Processing Methods
Pages 431-438
Aasia Akbar Panhwar, Saghir Ahmed Sheikh, Aijaz Hussain Soomro and Ghulam Hussain Abro

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2014.10.57

Published: 15 September 2014

Open Access

Abstract: The present study was conducted on the residual removal of six pesticides (bifenthrin, profenofos, endosulfan, imidacloprid difenthiuron and emamectin benzoate) from brinjal by using various house hold processing methods such as washing, detergent washing, peeling, drying and cooking/frying etc. The data revealed that high amount of all pesticide residues (above MRLs) were present and unfit for human consumption in raw form. From water soluble pesticides diafenthiuron reduced more in blanching as compared with imidacloprid and emamectin benzoate. Frying reduced the residues more effectively, rendering it fit for human consumption. Washing followed by frying reduced the fat soluble residues >70% whereas water soluble pesticide residues >80%. It was concluded that each processing was found to be effective in reduction of pesticides residues.

Keywords: Brinjal, pesticides, extraction, cleanup, GC, HPLC.
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