The Haircare Efficacy Research of Prinsepia Utilis OilPrinsepia Oil

To research the hair-care efficacy of prinsepia utilis oil.We evaluated the haircare efficacies of prinsepia utilis oil through methods such as differential scanning calorimetry(DSC),measuring difficulty level and mechanical resistance against combing of wet and dry hair,scanning electron microscopy(SEM).According to the analysis of differential scanning calorimetry(DSC),the testing sample has repairing effect on the hairα-keratin damage induced by heated blowing.According to the pictures of scanning electron microscopy(SEM),The test results indicate the repairing or resisting thermal damage effects induced by hair drier of prinsepia utilis oil.By comparison with the blank control group,the strength and work of dry comb and wet comb were significantly reduced in the samples tested with 2%prinsepia utilis oil concentration(P﹤0.05).This indicates the testing sample has the efficacy to improve the easiness of combing and anti-tangle.And friction work is significantly reduced This indicates the smoothing efficacy of the testing sample.and the hair scales status is better;this indicates hair scales repairing efficacy of testing sample.Conclusion:PRINSEPIA UTILIS OIL has the effect of repairing hair scales,resisting thermal damage caused by hair dryer,easy to comb,anti-tangle,smoothing.

Effect of Combined Use of Boron and Manganese Fertilizers on the Nutritional Quality and Physiological Indices of Brassica campestris L.ssp.chinensis L.var.utilis

[Objective] The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of com-bined use of boron and manganese fertilizers on the nutritional quality and physio-logical indices of Brassica campestris. [Method] In the nutrient solutions for growing B. campestris by hydroponics, boric acid and manganese sulfate were added at 0.5, 2.5, and 7.5 mg/L respectively. Another treatment without boron and manganese was prepared as the control. Quality and physiological indices of B. campestris in the 10 treatments were measured. [Result] Boron and manganese shared obvious in-teraction in improving the quality and physiological indices of B. campestris. To cul-tivate B. campestris with high quality and strong resistance, the optimum concentra-tions of boron and manganese in the nutrient solution should be 2.5 mg/L boric acid and 2.5-7.5 mg/L manganese sulfate. [Conclusion] The findings wil provide refer-ence for studying effects of trace elements on nutrient composition of vegetables.

Review of the characteristics and graded utilisation of coal gasification slag

The characteristics of the energy structure of rich coal,less oil and less gas,coupling with a high external dependence on oil and natural gas and the emphasis on the efficient and clean utilisation of coal,have brought opportunities for coal chemical industry.However,with the large-scale popularisation of coal gasification technology,the production and resulting storage of coal gasification slag continue to increase,which not only result in serious environmental pollution and a waste of terrestrial resources,but also seriously affect the sustainable development of coal chemical enterprises.Hence,the treatment of coal gasification slag is extremely important.In this paper,the production,composition,morphology,particle size structure and water holding characteristics of coal gasification slag are introduced,and the methods of carbon ash separation of gasification slag,both domestically and abroad,are summarised.In addition,the paper also summarises the research progress on gasification slag in building materials,ecological restoration,residual carbon utilisation and other high-value utilisation,and ultimately puts forward the idea of the comprehensive utilisation of gasification slag.For large-scale consumption to solve the environmental problems of enterprises and achieve high-value utilisation to increase the economic benefits of enterprises,it is urgent to zealously design a reasonable and comprehensive utilisation technologies with simple operational processes,strong adaptability and economic benefits.

A New Hemiterpene Derivative from Prinsepia utilis

A new hemiterpenoid, （＋）-（2R,3S）-2-chloro-3-hydroxy-3-methyl-T-buty-rolactone was isolatexi from the leaves of Prinsepia utilis Royle. Its structure was clucidatexi by spectroscopic methods and X-ray crystallographic analysis.

Biosorption effects of copper ions on Candida utilis under negative pressure cavitation

Under the optimal condition of copper ions adsorption on yeast,we found some different effects among static adsorption, shaking adsorption and negative pressure cavitation adsorption, and the methods of yeast with different pretreatments also affect adsorption of copper ions. At the same time, the change of intercellular pH before and after adsorption of copper with BCECF was studied. The copper distribution was located by using PhenGreen （dipotassium salt and diacetate）, and the surface of yeast was observed by an atomic force microscope. The results showed that negative pressure cavitation can improve bioadsorption capacity of copper ions on yeast. However, the yeasts＇ pretreatment has a higher effect on bioadsorption. It indicates that heavy metal bioadsorption on yeast has much relation with its cellular molecule basis. With the adsorping, the intercellular pH of yeast increased gradually and changed from acidity to alkalescence. These results may suggest that negative pressure cavitation can compel heavy metals to transfer from the cell surface into inside cell and make the surface of yeast coarse.

Utilisation and Management Changes in South Kyrgyzstan's Mountain Forests

Using political ecology as its conceptual framework,this paper focuses on the changes in forest utilisation and management of South Kyrgyzstan’s walnut-fruit forests over the last century. The aim of this study on human-environment interactions is to investigate the relationship between actors on the one side,their interests and demands,and the forests and forested lands on the other. Forest resource utilisation and management — and even the recognition of different forest products as resources — are connected with political and socio-economic conditions that change with time. The walnut-fruit forests of South Kyrgyzstan are unique,characterised by high biodiversity and a multiplicity of usable products;and they have been utilised for a long time. Centralised and formal management of the forests started with the Russian occupation and was strengthened under Soviet rule,when the region became a part of the USSR. During this era,a state forest administration that was structured from Moscow all the way down to the local level drew up detailed plans and developed procedures for utilising the different forest products. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union,the socio-political and economic frame conditions have changed significantly,which has brought not only the sweeping changes in the managing institutions,but also the access rights and interests in the forest resources. At present,the region is suffering from a high unemployment rate,which has resulted in the forests’ gaining considerable importance in the livelihood strategies of the local population. Political and economic liberalization,increased communication and trans-regional exchange relations have opened the door for international companies and agents interested in the valuable forest products. Today,walnut wood and burls,walnuts,wild apples and mushrooms are all exported to various countries in the world. Scientists and members of various international organisations stress the ecological value of the forests and are trying to establish nature conservation areas. Nevertheless,it is to fear that a multiplicity of interrelated factors — the present transformation and globalization processes,the appearance of new actors,the local population’s insecure economic situation and the erosion of managing institutions — are all leading to an intensified and unregulated exploitation of the forests,resulting in their degradation.

Antibacterial Activity of Crude Extracts of Prinsepia utilis Royle in vitro

The purpose of this study is to isolate the active fraction from the crude extract of Prinsepia utilis Royle and to determine its antibacterial activity against the standard and drug-resistant bacteria strains in vitro. The Prinsepia utilis Royle was extracted in three portions by using petroleum ether, ethanol and water by the continuation recirculate extraction. The antibacterial activity of the extracts were evaluated by the determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration （MIC） and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration （MBC） values. The results showed that the ethanol extract and aqueous extract of petroleum ether showed the weakest inhibition. MIC values of the aqueous Prinsepia utilis Royle were found that they had significant effects against bacteria, while ethanol extracts against three standard bacteria （S. aureus ATCC25923, E. coli 44102, Salmonella 50041） were 25, 25, 50 mg·mL^-1 and 50, 100, 100 mg·mL^-1, MIC values of three drug-resistant bacteria （S. aureus GL17, E. coli EYAC08-56, Salmonella STQD2G.） were 50, 50, 50 mg·mL^-1 and 100, 100, 200 mg·mL^-1, respectively. MBC values of two extracts against three standard strains were 25, 50, 100mg·mL^-1 and 50, 100, 200 mg·mL^-1, MBC values of three drug-resistant bacteria were 100, 100, 100mg·mL^-1 and 200, 200, 200 mg·mL^-1, respectively.

Preliminary Isolation and Antibacterial Activity of the Ethyl Acetate Extract of <i>Prinsepia utilis</i>Royle <i>in Vitro</i>

Seven fractions were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of Prinsepia utilis Royle by silica gel column chromatography. The antibacterial activities determined by disc diffusion method in vitro, indicated that the first and fourth fractions showed better antibacterial activity than the other fractions, while the sixth and seventh fractions did not showed any antibacterial activity. The diameters of the inhibition zone of first and fourth fractions were greater than 10 mm against three standard strains (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923, Escherichia coli ATCC44102 and Salmonella sp. CMCC(B)50041) at the concentration of 20 mg/ml. The first fraction was then repeatedly recrystallized in acetone to yield a white snowflake-like compound A, the inhibition zones of which were 14.03 mm, 11.54 mm and 12 mm, respectively. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were measured by broth dilution method at the concentrations ranging from 20 to 0.313 mg/mL. The MIC and MBC values of the first, fourth fractions and compound A were lower than that of oregano oil (positive control) against S. aureus ATCC25923.

Cultivation of Candida utilis on Cassava Peel Hydrolysates for Single-cell Protein Production

The growth ofCandida utilis NRRL Y-1084 in acid and enzymatic hydrolysates of cassava peel and on glucose in a mineral salts medium was investigated in aerobic submerged cultivation. Kinetic and stoichiometric parameters for growth were determined. The cardinal temperatures of this yeast strain were 14 ℃, 33 ℃ and 41 ℃. C. utilis exhibited no absolute requirement for growth factors, although its maximum specific growth rate （μmax） was higher in the mineral salts medium with yeast extract than without, but its biomass yield coefficient （Yx/s） did not differ much in these two media. In the enzymatic hydrolysate, its Yx/s value on sugar was 0.44 with a μmax of 0.35 h^-1, whereas the corresponding values were 0.52 and 0.48 h^-1 in the acid hydrolysate and 0.50 and 0.37 h^-1 in the mineral salts medium without yeast extract. The crude protein content of biomass grown in the glucose medium and the acid and enzymatic hydrolysates were 47.5%, 49.1% and 56.7%, respectively. The amino acid profile of the yeast biomass compared favourably with the FAO standard. Cassava peel hydrolysate has potential as a cheap carbohydrate feedstock for the production of yeast single cell protein by using C. utilis.

Anatomical Properties of Three Lesser Utilised Ghanaian Hardwood Species

Wood is composed of mostly hollow, elongated, spindle-shaped cells that are arranged parallel to each other along the trunk of a tree. The characteristics of these fibrous cells and their arrangement affect strength properties, appearance, resistance to penetration by water and chemical solutions, resistance to decay and many other properties. The characterisation of wood helps in identifying them. In this work, we studied the anatomical properties of three lesser utilised Ghanaian hardwood species namely Albizia ferruginea (Guill. & Perr.) Benth, Blighia sapida K. D. Koenig and Sterculia rhinopetala K. Schum using the light microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Anatomical features studied were fiber length, double fiber wall thickness, fiber proportion, vessel diameter and proportion, rays and axial parenchyma proportions. We observed that the use of SEM in studying the anatomical or ultra-structural aspects of wood gave a clearer understanding of the features and structures found in wood. Anatomical features such as presence of crystals and absence of axial parenchyma in Blighia sapida and the thick wall fibers of Sterculia rhinopetala were better understood.

The Effect of Utilisation on the Floristic Composition of Meadow Communities

This study presents research results which comprise the following selected communities： Phalaridetum arundinaceae, Alopecuretum pratensis, community with Deschampsia caespitosa, Holcetum lanati, Lolio-Cynosuretum, community Poa pratensis-Festuca rubra. The investigated phytocenoses developed in conditions of lack of utilisation, occasional cutting, occasional alternating meadow-pasture utilisation, pastures with uncut left-overs, 2 cuts and light grazing of the sward by cattle and 2-3 cuts. For the above-mentioned communities the following parameters were assessed： total species number and mean number of species in a phytosociological rel6ves besides Shannon-Wiener diversity index （H＇）, proportion of synanthropic species, natural valorisation number according to Ogwit and fodder value score （FVS）. Regular sward utilisation of plant communities exerts a positive impact not only on the natural values as evidenced by the total and mean number of species in a phytosociological survey and higher biodiversity index （H＇） but it also impacts the sward fodder value scores of meadows and pastures. The strongest negative influence on the floristic composition of meadow communities and their stability is exerted by sporadic, incorrect utilization as it favours taking over of green areas by grass expansive species and development of communities of low natural and use values （community with Deschampsia caespitosa, Ass. Holcetum lanati and community with Agropyron repens）. The strongest impact on the maintenance of meadow and pasture biological stability in the examined region is exerted by their regular, moderate cutting or grazing.

Equitable utilisation and effective protection of sharing transboundary water resources: international rivers of western China

Western China includes 12 provincial divisions (the 7 provinces of Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Shaanxi, Gansu, Qinghai and; 5 autonomous regions of Tibet, Ningxia, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia and Guangxi; and one city of Chongqing), which comprise 71.4% of the national land area, 28.5% of the national population and produce 17.5% of the national GDP in China. There are 17 countries that have riparian relationships with western China, most of which are water-short countries. All are listed by UN ESCAP as countries with potential water crisis. The co-operative development and coordinated management of international rivers in western China is an important step toward the implementation of the national Great Western Development program. Taking into account of the national strategy and object hierarchy, as well as the development demand of the western region, it is necessary to pursue the multi-disciplinary study of the equitable allocation, utilisation, and eco-environment protection of transboundary water resources in the region. Such efforts will undoubtedly provide scientific evidence and support for the decision-making of the environmental protection and ecological construction and management in the western regions, the enforcement of the sub-regional economic co-operation, mitigation of trans-boundary conflicts, and enhancing bio-diversity conservation.

Development and characterization of SSR markers in Himalayan species Betula utilis

Betula utilis D.Don.is an important species of alpine Himalaya and forms the major treeline component of western Himalaya.The different populations of B.utilis are declining and are under high risk.In the present study,novel expressed sequence tag-simple sequence repeat(EST-SSR)primers were developed from expressed sequence tag(EST)data of different Betula species.Of the10,796 designed primers,the percentages of di-,tri-,tetra-,penta-,and hexa-repeats were 36%,35%,15%,5.5%and7.7%,respectively.For validation,50 primers were synthesized randomly and were characterized in 20 different B.utilis accessions from north-western Himalaya.Of these,45 primers amplified fragments in a range of 1-6.The 24 polymorphic primers produced 111 fragments in aggregate with 4.6 fragments on average.Polymorphism information content(PIC)ranged from 0.288 in marker BUMS-24 to 0.497 in BUMS-3 and BUMS-7,with an average of 0.447 among polymorphic markers.Dendrogram based on Jaccard’s similarity coefficient and UPGMA method showed that newly developed SSR markers distinguished twenty accessions of B.utilis into two groups.As no SSR markers were available in this species,the newly developed markers will foster molecular genetics research and conservation efforts for this species.

Container Terminal Land-Utilisation Efficiency in Ghana

Land-use efficiency is essential in ports, in particular those that are constrained for space and experiencing congestion. In such situations, ports have been noted to invest in off-dock container yards. This study analysed land use efficiency of four off-dock yards located near the Port of Tema, Ghana’s largest seaport responsible for 85 percent of its trade. The study found that the terminals utilised 0.13 to 0.52 hectares of land, largely influenced by the dwell time and stacking height of containers. It was recommended that regulatory agencies need to coordinate better to reduce the time spent on cargo inspection and validation. In addition, terminals may need to incentivise customers to clear their import containers within shorter periods.

Biomass energy resources utilisation and waste management

This Article discusses a comprehensive review of biomass energy sources, environment and sustainable development. This includes all the biomass energy technologies, energy efficiency systems, energy conservation scenarios, energy savings and other mitigation measures necessary to reduce emissions. The current literature is reviewed regarding the ecological, social, cultural and economic impacts of biomass technology. This article gives an overview of present and future use of biomass as an industrial feed-stock for production of fuels, chemicals and other materials. However, to be truly competitive in an open market situation, higher value products are required. Results suggest that biomass technology must be encouraged, promoted, invested, implemented, and demonstrated, but especially in remote rural areas.

Preliminary Study on Tissue Culture Technique of Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis (L.) Makino var. utilis

In order to establish a rapid propagation system for Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis var. utilis, the anther and cotyledon-cotyledonary petioles were used as explants to conduct tissue culture research. The results showed that not bloomed flower buds with higher styles than petals were appropriate for anther cul- ture. Moreover, most microspores were at the mid-late uninucleate stage at that time. The pollen germination rates of Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis var. u- tills were low and the germination rates in autumn and winter were higher than that in summer. The induction medium of anther callus of Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis var. utilis was MS＋1.0 mg/L KT＋1.0 mg/L 2, 4-D＋3% sugar＋6 g/L agar＋ 8% coconut milk and the induction media of adventitious bud were MS＋2.0 mg/L 6-BA＋ 0.5 mg/L NAA＋I.0 g/L activated carbon＋2% sugar＋6 g/L agar or MS＋2.0 mg/L ZT＋ 0.5 mg/L IAA＋0.5 g/L AgNO3＋1.0 g/L activated carbon＋2% sugar＋6 g/L agar. The induction percentage of adventitious bud by anther culture was 36.7%. Browning phenomenon appeared during the culture of adventitious bud and regeneration plant could not be formed. The plant regeneration rate reached 80% when cotyledon- cotyledonary petioles were used as explant.

Efficiency of Energy Utilisation in a Nigeria Sausage Producing Factory

In this study, a five-year (2010-2014) production and energy utilisation data in a sausage producing company in Nigeria was analysed for energy consumption, energy intensity, energy productivity, cost of energy per unit product and Normalized Performance Indicator (NPI). The average annual energy consumption was 15,853.22 GJ. The energy consumption mix was 27.66% PHCN main, 32.06% diesel generators and 40.28% oven gas. Main electricity supply from utility company contributed to 25.04% of the total energy cost while diesel was 44.24% and oven gas was 30.71% of the total cost. The average production output from the factory was 595,700 tonnes and the average cost of energy input was 6.71 kobo/kg for the five-year period. The values of cost of energy input per unit product showed a decreasing trend for the five years. The energy intensity also increased through the study years with an average of 1.67 GJ/m2 while the energy productivity decreased throughout the years with an average of 28.3 kJ/kg. The Normalized Performance Indicator (NPI) values calculated for the five years showed steady increment with an average of 1.61 GJ/m2. This indicated a “very poor” range which implies an excessive energy usage, immediate action should be taken to investigate and remedy this.

Knowledge and Utilisation of Emergency Contraception Pills among Female Undergraduate Students at the University of Nairobi, Kenya

Background: Emergency Contraception (EC) is used after unprotected sexual intercourse, following sexual abuse, misuse of regular contraception or non-use of contraception. Seventeen percent of pregnancies in Kenya are unintended, potentially leading to unsafe abortion that contributes to the high maternal mortality rate in Country. According to 2016 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), the maternal mortality ratio was 362 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. Female students in University or College are vulnerable to unplanned pregnancies and illegal abortions resulting in mortality, morbidity and psychosocial problems. Knowledge on EC is very important for students as they are not in stable relationships and not using regular contraception. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and use of Emergency Contraception among female undergraduate students in the University of Nairobi. Materials and Methods: We used an institution-based cross sectional, quantitative study to sample was employed among 383 female undergraduate students at the University of Nairobi. The University of Nairobi has six colleges and systematic random sampling was used to select study participants from each college. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires and analysed using SPSS Version 16. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression were used to determine sample characteristics significantly associated with knowledge and utilisation of Emergency Contraception. Results: Most (53%) of the respondents were sexually active, and only 20% of the sexually active female students had ever used Emergency Contraception. Emergency Contraception awareness was high at 86.4%. However, based on a predefined criterion, accurate knowledge of Emergency Contraception was low at 42.6%.The majority (82.5%) of the respondents depended on mass media as a source of information on Emergency Contraception. Factors associated with Emergency Contraception knowledge on bivariate analysis were: age 20 years and above (p = 0.001), enrolment in college of health science (p = 0.001), being in year three of study and above (p = 0.0001) and having an insurance cover (p = 0.021). Ever use of Emergency Contraception was associated with enrolment in the College of health science (p = 0.025) and age 20 years and above (p = 0.050). In multivariate analysis, older age (Aor 1.885 p = 0.003) as well as being in the College of health science (Aor 0.001) were significantly associated with increased probability of being knowledgeable about Emergency Contraception. Conclusion: Although University of Nairobi female undergraduate students are aware of the existence of Emergency Contraception, their specific knowledge on correct timing of taking EC after unprotected sex and on effectiveness is poor. EC use is also low, compounded by underutilisation of public facilities as a source of the EC and underutilisation of health workers as a source of EC information. Therefore, an educative forum may be needed to improve the knowledge of EC among University of Nairobi female students. Health education on the availability of EC in public facilities needs to be addressed. Possible use of informal sources of information such as peer education could be an area to explore in client education on EC knowledge and use. Further research is recommended to establish factors that influence utilisation of public health workers as a source of EC information.

Nurses/Midwifery Trainees’Knowledge,Attitudes and Utilisation of HIV Testing/Counselling Service in the Central Region of Ghana

Background and purpose:Despite HIV testing and counselling(HTC)being recognized as important elements of any effective prevention,detection,care,and management programmes across many societies as part of their primary health care package,it is surprising that research evidence on related issues,especially in developing countries like Ghana is sparse.This study examined the extent of knowledge,attitudes and utilisation of HIV testing,and counselling services among trainee nurses of the public nursing and midwifery training colleges in the Central Region of Ghana.Methods and results:A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed to collect data from 375 nursing and midwifery students using multistage sampling procedures.Findings showed that students’HTC knowledge was high(85%)whereas attitudes toward HTC were rated positive(95%).However,HTC utilisation was low(47%).Further results revealed a statistically significant difference between class level and HTC utilisation(χ2[1,N=375]=14.263,p=0.000).In contrast,no statistically significant differences in student nurses’class level and HTC knowledge(χ2[1,N=375]=0.624,p=0.475)as well as class level and attitudes toward HTC services(χ2[1,N=375]=2.334,p=0.158)were realized.Conclusion:The low HTC utilisation among the student nurses may potentially lead to missing opportunities for early diagnoses,care,treatment,and support services for primary,secondary or tertiary prevention modes.Organisation of programmes by college authorities on the importance of HTC and the need for student nurses to utilise these services is crucial.