Physicochemical Analysis of Locally Made Yoghurt (Kossam) Commercialised in the City of Douala-Cameroon

Yogurt is a traditional dairy product well known in all the regions of the world. In Cameroon, the most popularly known type is “kossam” also called curdled milk. Kossam is a set of milk based beverage from northern Cameroon presenting great symbolic, economic and social values for local population [1]. 150 Kossam samples were collected from neighborhoods of PK8, Bonamoussadi, Nyalla, cite des palmier, Deido and Bedi community and later on reconstituted into 50 different samples of 350 mL, each containing 1/3 of 3 individual samples. They were analyzed for their physiochemical properties such as: PH, titratable acidity, density, brix and dry matter using most at times the standard Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods with slight modifications and results compared to a licensed brand sold in the Cameroonian market. The results of the study showed that, the physico-chemical properties of the locally made yogurts were different within the different samples. Analysis of variance revealed a significant difference in the levels of the parameters analyzed in the different yogurt samples (p −1 Kg/L), Brix (8˚ - 24˚B), Dornic (23˚ - 160˚D). others contents per 100 g fresh matter are as follows: dry matter (average mean of 16.54%). Hence, the significant variations in the physico-chemical properties of kossam are a call for concern since as it impacts on the health of the population consuming this product.

Physicochemical Analysis of Selected Durian Hybrids at Bukit Tangga, Kedah, Malaysia

The physicochemical analysis was carried out to quantify the total soluble solids, acidity, pH, ascorbic acid contents and pulp colour of eight selected durian hybrid clones. The aim of this study was to select the most promising durian hybrids for commercialization. The durian hybrid fruits were collected in an established durian research plot. All tested characteristics with the exception for total soluble solids （TSS） showed significant differences （P 〈 0.05） amongst the eight durian hybrids with four check cultivars. F1 hybrid 15-3 had significantly higher pH （7.25） and lower titratable acidity （0.09%） than other hybrids. While for ascorbic acid content, durian hybrid 7-3 （26.13 rag/100 g） showed significantly higher than other hybrids. As for pulp colour, hybrids 1-15, 1-17 and 7-20 were yellowish orange/deep yellow. Even though there was no significant differences for TSS, three durian hybrids showed value above 39.00 °Brix and there were hybrid 14-3 （39.97 °Brix）, hybrid 8-16 （39.83 °Brix） and hybrid 7-3 （39.50 °Brix）. Based on the results of this study, Fl hybrids durian 1-15, 7-3, 8-16, 14-3 and 15-3 shall become successful candidates for recommendation to farmers for commercial production in Malaysia. However, further evaluations on fruit eating quality and stability of the hybrids should be completed prior to recommendation for commercialization.

Mineralogy,physicochemical and oxidative thermal analyses of Cretaceous coals from the Benue Trough,Nigeria

The erratic supply of electricity in Nigeria has renewed interest in the utilisation of coal for energy selfsufficiency and diversification of the national energy mix.In this study,selected coal samples from three regions of the Benue Trough Basin were examined through pore water chemistry,X-ray diffraction(XRD),and thermosgravimetric analysis(TGA).The low pH observed for the Lower Benue Trough(LBT)coals indicates the release of sulphur and acids during oxidation.Mineralogical analyses reveal quartz,kaolinite,montmorillonite,albite,pyrite,gypsum and sodium chlorate in the coal samples.The genetic kaolinite species identified in Imeagha(IMG)coal are detrital kaolinite and the highly crystalline neomorphic kaolinite.Gypsum and jarosite minerals occurred in minor quantities in Garin Maiganga(GMG),whereas significant amount of pyrite was detected in Enugu(ENG)coal.Oxidative thermal degradation resulted in the residual mass(RM)ranging between 4.35%and 56.96%and mass losses(ML)between 43.04%and 95.65%due to the drying,devolatilization,and coke formation in the samples.The most reactive coal examined was GMG coal,whereas the least reactive was IMG coal.Lamja(LMZ),GMG,and OKB coals are suited for electricity generation,whereas ENG and IMG coals can be utilised for cement production.

Physico-chemical and Microbiological Analysis of Algerian Raw Camel＇s Milk and Identification of Predominating Thermophilic Lactic Acid Bacteria

The dromedary camel （Camelus dromedarius） is a significant socioeconomic importance in several arid and semi-arid regions of North Africa and Middle East, and its milk constitutes an important component of human diets in these regions. The camel milk plays a vital role in the food of the Algerian nomads in the Sahara. During February and September, 20 samples of the raw camel＇s milk were taken starting from different livestock of camels from three different Sahariennes regions （Bechar, EI-Bayadh and Naama）. These 20 collected samples were analyzed by physico-chemical and microbiological methods. The results of physicochemical analyze obtained from two hot and cold seasons are respectively the following： T ~C （35.83 and 33.95）, pH （6.36 and 6.49）, density （1.031 and 1.032）, dornic acidity （18.6 and 18.3 ~D）, dry matter （93.4 and 144.8 g/L）, fat contents （30 and 52.1 g/L）, total protein （26.3 and 33.1 g/L） and ashes （7.46 and 8.66 g/L）. The protein profile obtained by electrophoretic analysis （SDS-PAGE） showed that camel milk contains several types of proteins and some have a molecular weight identical to major proteins of the cow＇s milk. The final results showed that camel milk has generally a comparable composition to that of bovine milk. The microbiological analysis, of these samples, detected a significant number of the total microflora, Staphylococcus aureus and total coliforms. The absence of Clostridium and fecal coliforms was observed. Several species of lactic acid bacteria were detected such as Lactococcus lactis subsp, lactis, Lactococcus lactis subsp, lactis biovar, diacetylactis, Weissella cibaria and Enteroccocusfeacalis.

Contribution to the Physicochemical and Organoleptic Study of Two Olive Oils of Traditional and Industrial Extraction of the Wilaya of Tlemcen

Virgin olive oil is obtained from the fruit of the olive tree, and only using physical processes, without resorting to refining steps, the absence of the latter allows the olive oil to retain all its antioxidants. This work is a contribution to the characterization of the properties of olive oil in the region of Tlemcen. They relate more particularly to the comparison of the physicochemical properties of two oils, one from traditional extraction and the other from industrial extraction. To do this, the first objective of studies of the two chains of transformation (traditional and industrial) was made followed by a physicochemical and organoleptic comparison of these two oils of olives, to conclude on the advantages and disadvantages of each of the two processes.

Analysis of the Level of Pollutants in the ICS Location Area

The present study deals with the analysis of the level of pollution found in the area where the Chemical Industries of Senegal (ICS) is located. The results of various field surveys and physicochemical analyses show a high exposure of sulphur and phosphate. This study aims to define abatement strategies to reduce the effects of pollution in the area where ICS is located and mitigate the harmful impacts to the health of the population by creating a system to inform the population of the level of concentration of pollutants in the environment. This will allow the different targets to understand pollution, its manifestations and its effects on health and the environment, prevention, participation in the limitation of pollutant emissions and the formation of eco-citizens sensitive to the issue of environmental pollution of ICS.

Performance Evaluation of Two Series Vertical Flow Filters for Wastewater Treatment: A Case Study of the Prototype Installed at Gaston Berger University, Saint-Louis, Senegal

This paper evaluates the efficacy of two sequential vertical flow filters (VFF), FV1 and FV2, implanted with Typha, in a pilot-scale wastewater treatment system. FV1 comprises three cells (FV1a, FV1b, and FV1c), while FV2 consists of two cells (FV2a and FV2b), each designed to reduce various physicochemical and microbiological pollutants from wastewater. Quantitative analyses show significant reductions in electrical conductivity (from 1331 to 1061 μS/cm), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5 from 655.6 to 2.3 mg/L), chemical oxygen demand (COD from 1240 to 82.2 mg/L), total nitrogen (from 188 to 37.3 mg/L), and phosphates (from 70.9 to 14.6 mg/L). Notably, FV2 outperforms FV1, particularly in decreasing dissolved salts and BOD5 to remarkably low levels. Microbiological assessments reveal a substantial reduction in fecal coliforms, from an initial concentration of 7.5 log CFU/100mL to 3.7 log CFU/100mL, and a complete elimination of helminth eggs, achieving a 100% reduction rate in FV2. The study highlights the impact of design parameters, such as filter material, media depth, and plant species selection, on treatment outcomes. The findings suggest that the judicious choice of these components is critical for optimizing pollutant removal. For instance, different filtration materials show varying efficacies, with silex plus river gravel in FV1c achieving superior pollutant reduction rates. In conclusion, VFFs emerge as a promising solution for wastewater treatment, underscoring the importance of design optimization to enhance system efficiency. Continuous monitoring and adaptation of treatment practices are imperative to ensure water quality, allowing for safe environmental discharge or water reuse. The research advocates for ongoing improvements in wastewater treatment technologies, considering the environmental challenges of the current era. The study concludes with a call for further research to maximize the effectiveness of VFFs in water management.

A Comprehensive Assessment of Water Quality at the Rosetta Branch of the Nile River, Egypt

The aim of the present study is to assess the water quality along the Rosetta branch of the Nile River, Egypt. The study area extends from upstream of the EI-Rahawy drain to the end of the branch. The correlation matrix was performed to help identify the nature of correlations between the different parameters. The WQI （water quality index） was calculated seasonally at different points along the Rosetta branch to provide a simple indicator of water quality at these points. The results of WQI calculations showed that the fecal coliform is the main cause of poor water quality along the Rosetta branch. A statistical analysis was also performed using a two-way ANOVA （analysis of variance） to identify the significant sources of water pollution and to determine the impact of the parameters on a mass loading. A significant difference was observed between the impacts of the pollution sources on the water quality. Also, a significant difference was observed between the impacts of each parameter in the mass loading. The results showed that the E1-Rahawy, Tala and Sabal drains are the major sources for water quality degradation along the Rosetta branch and that the effect of the EI-Tahrir and the Zawyet El-Baher drains on the water quality is not significant.

Spatiotemporal Portrait of the Quality of Water Supplied by REGIDESO/Butembo, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Access to drinking water is still a daily struggle for millions of people living mainly in developing countries. As a matter of concern, the main problem with regard to the use of safe drinking water mainly concerns its physicochemical and microbiological quality. This study has been carried out with the aim of contributing to a better understanding of the spatiotemporal variability of the quality of the water supplied by two drinking water distribution system of the REGIDESO in the city of Butembo (DR Congo). Its target is to have a view on its evolution in a period of six months even after the combination of its two networks. The methodology hinges around the microbiological and physicochemical analysis of the waters of eight sites identified on these networks. It results from this study that almost the treated water samples presented values, which did not comply with the WHO quality guidelines for many microbiological physicochemical parameters. Thus, the means of bio-indicators numbers are as following: Germs revivable at 37 oC (29.36 > 10 CFU/ml), total coliforms (21.89 > 0 CFU/ml), thermo-tolerant coliforms (3.53 > 0 CFU/ml,) Escherichia coli (1.25 > 0 CFU/ml) and enterococci (0.14 > 0 CFU/ml) while, for the Salmonella and Shigella (0.3056 > 0 CFU/ml). In addition, only the 3/5 (e.g. 60%) of the mean numbers of Enterococci and numbers of Salmonella & Shigella of the treated water samples fit WHO norms. Moreover, seven physicochemical parameters presented general averages far from the admissible maximal values (AMV). There are Ammonia (1.67 > 0.5 mg/L), Ammonium (0.32 > 0.3 mg /L), Iron (0.36 > 0.3 mg/l), Nitrate (55.94 > 50 mg /L), pH (6.03 < 6.5 - 8.5), Water Temperature (21.12 > 8oC - 15oC) and Turbidity (6.57 > 5 N.T.U). This reveals a high exposure of the population of Butembo to the health risk related to the use (consumption) of this water.

Properties of Debadib Evaporates (Northern Tunisia) for Potential Use in Industrial Fields

Gypsum is widely distributed in Tunisia occurring in the formation of Triassic age. The gypsum deposit of Mellegue is the alabastine type with a little of the porphyroblast type and contains traces of clay minerals and calcite. It is a moderately strong rock in terms of its unconfined compressive strength of 16 Mpa and tensile strength of 3.35 Mpa. Triaxial testing values indicated an apparent cohesion of 10 Mpa and an angle of friction of 26°. The gypsum studied had a percentage of SO3 of 41.71% and a percentage of CaO of 32.9%. All the samples had low densities according to the International Association of Engineering Geology (IAEG) classification and exhibited a moderate porosity whether effective or absolute. The gypsum proved to be moderately strong when tested in unconfined compression and tensile strength. Thermal analysis indicated a total weight loss of 20.27% and the whiteness index about 90%. This proved a high degree of whiteness. The time of setting can be considered short and medium, which is quite favorable for industrial application compared with other gypsum deposits currently operated.

Mineralogical and Chemical Characteristics of Clays Consumed in the District of Abidjan(Cote D’Ivoire)

Clay materials of the quarry of Bingerville (district of Abidjan) have been characterized by chemical analysis, X-rays diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and thermal analysis. These materials contain kaolinite (41% - 84%), illite (4% - 10%), quartz (14% - 27%), goethite (2% - 5%) and small amount of rutile (1%) that are not toxic minerals. They also contain some heavy metals which are beneficial to human biological activity (cobalt, copper, molybdenum, zinc) in tiny quantities. Some other heavy metals (lead, cadmium) which are considered as poisonous for human are present in very low content. The samples characterized by relatively fine grains are moderately crystallized. Their specific surface area varied from 26 to 43 m2·g—1. The mineralogical and physicochemical characteristics of these samples are like ones known for their healing properties. The consumption by internal way of studied materials, although it may be beneficial, requires a sifting to remove coarse grains (Φ > 2 μm) and a previous microbiological control.

Pharmacognostical Studies of Richardia scabera L.

Objective:To provide a scientific basis for identifying Richardia scabra with the help of pharmacognosy parameters,which has never been done before.Methods:Roots,stems,and leaves of R.scabra were collected for pharmacognostic studies involving source identification,character observation,microscopic evaluation,phytochemical screening,ultraviolet spectrum analysis,as well as DNA barcoding analysis.Results:The results showed that it had strong microscopic characters,so it could be used to identify R scabra.Phytochemical study showed the presence of carbohydrates,tannins,and proteins from water extract,and the data related to moisture,ash content,and molecular pharmacognosy were obtained.Conclusion:The established method in this study is easy and accurate,which provides a reference basis for its further development and utilization.

Descriptors for DNA Sequences Based on Joint Diagonalization of Their Feature Matrices from Dinucleotide Physicochemical Properties

Numerical characterizations of DNA sequence can facilitate analysis of similar sequences. To visualize and compare different DNA sequences in less space, a novel descriptors extraction approach was proposed for numerical characterizations and similarity analysis of sequences. Initially, a transformation method was introduced to represent each DNA sequence with dinucleotide physicochemical property matrix. Then, based on the approximate joint diagonalization theory, an eigenvalue vector was extracted from each DNA sequence,which could be considered as descriptor of the DNA sequence. Moreover, similarity analyses were performed by calculating the pair-wise distances among the obtained eigenvalue vectors. The results show that the proposed approach can capture more sequence information, and can jointly analyze the information contained in all involved multiple sequences, rather than separately, whose effectiveness was demonstrated intuitively by constructing a dendrogram for the 15 beta-globin gene sequences.

Basic properties of sintering dust from iron and steel plant and potassium recovery

With the production of crude steel, China produces several million tons of sintering dusts which contain a great deal of valuable metals such as, K, Na, Zn, Pb. If discharged directly without adequate treatment, these elements can lead to adverse effects on the environment. Therefore, it is very necessary to determine how to separate these elements from the dust before discharge, Several physical and chemical detection methods were used to study the basic properties of sintering dust. At the same time, preliminary experiments on the recovery of the potassium resources from the sintering dust were carried out. The mean particle size of the electrostatic precipitator （ESP） dust determined by a laser granulometer was 41.468 ~tm. Multi-point BET and single-point BET analysis showed that the surface area of the ESP dust was 2.697 mZ/g. XRD measurements detected the following phases in the ESP dust： Fe203, Fe304, KC1 and NaC1, and Fe203, Fe304 and SiO2 in the water-washed dust. SEM-EDS results proved that in the ESP dust, K mostly existed in the form of KC1 particles without being coated. Leaching experiments showed that the KCI in the ESP dust could be separated and recovered by water leaching and fractional crystallization. Through the recovery experiments, the yield of K-Na vaporized crystalline salt was 18.56%, in which the mass fractions of KCl, NaCl, CaSO4 and K2SO4 were about 61.03%, 13.58%, 14.03% and 9.97%, respectively. This process is technically viable and considerable in economic benefit. There was almost no secondary pollution produced in the whole recovery process.

Phytochemical Estimation and Therapeutic Amelioration of Aesculus hippocastanum L. Seeds Ethanolic Extract in Gastric Ulcer in Rats Possibly by Inhibiting Prostaglandin Synthesis

Objective To quantify phytochemicals using liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy(LCMS)analysis and explore the therapeutic effect of Aesculus hippocastanum L.(AH)seeds ethanolic extract against gastric ulcers in rats.Methods Preliminary phytochemical testing and LCMS analysis were performed according to standard methods.For treatment,the animals were divided into 7 groups including normal control,ulcer control,self-healing,AH seeds low and high doses,ranitidine and per se groups.Rats were orally administered with 10 mg/kg of indomethacin,excluding the normal control group(which received 1%carboxy methyl cellulose)and the per se group(received 200 mg/kg AH seeds extract).The test group rats were then given 2 doses of AH seeds extract(100 and 200 mg/kg,respectively),while the standard group was given ranitidine(50 mg/kg).On the 11th day,rats in all groups were sacrificed,and their stomach was isolated to calculate the ulcer index,and other parameters such as blood prostaglandin(PGE2),tissue superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT),malonyldialdehyde(MDA),and glutathione(GSH).All isolated stomach tissues were analyzed for histopathological findings.Results The phytochemical examination shows that the AH seeds contain alkaloids,flavonoids,saponins,phenolic components,and glycosides.LCMS analysis confirms the presence of quercetin and rutin.The AH seeds extract showed significant improvement in gastric mucosa conditions after indomethacin-induced gastric lesions(P<0.01).Further marked improvement in blood PGE2 and antioxidant enzymes,SOD,CAT,MDA and GSH,were observed compared with self-healing and untreated ulcer-induced groups(P<0.01).Histopathology results confirmed that AH seeds extract improved the mucosal layer and gastric epithelial membrane in treated groups compared to untreated ulcer-induced groups.Conclusions LCMS report confirms the presence of quercetin and rutin in AH seeds ethanolic extract.The therapeutic effect of AH seeds extract against indomethacin-induced ulcer in rat model indicated the regenerated membrane integrity,with improved cellular functions and mucus thickness.Further,improved antioxidant enzyme level would help to reduce PGE2 biosynthesis.