Middle East Journal of Applied Science & Technology
Volume 7 Issue 4 October-December 2024
Research Article
Ruchita Gandhi & Dipak Koche
Abstract: Over the past few years, agricultural science has ventured into various novel products and technologies, with metal nanoparticles emerging as highly promising tools. They are anticipated to play an important role in modern agricultural practices. As a result, there is an urgent demand for an eco-friendly, safe, and non-toxic approach to tackle the challenges faced in agriculture and the food industry. Furthermore, waste management presents a challenge in both the agricultural and food industries. Citrus sinensis peels, being among the most underutilized and widely available bio-waste residues, present a significant challenge in waste management for the food industry. The present study addresses this issue by demonstrating the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using extract derived from Citrus sinensis fruit peels. The peel extract serves both as a reducing agent and a precursor for nanoparticle synthesis. Verification of ZnO NPs synthesis was achieved through UV-visible spectroscopy, indicating a distinct peak in between 300-400 nm. Additionally, comprehensive characterization of these bioinspired green-synthesized nanoparticles was conducted using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) facilitated the examination of particle morphology and size distribution, revealing irregularly shaped crystals predominating among the synthesized nanoparticles. The presence of ZnO NPs was further confirmed through X-ray diffraction analysis detecting the average NPs size of about 48nm. On the basis of their size, the synthesized ZnO NPs could be utilized effectively for their medicinal as well as agricultural applications.
Research Article
Government Assurances in Zambia: An Analysis of Implementation and Challenges
Prof. Lawrence Mwelwa, PhD & Prof. Gideon Mwanza, PhD
Abstract: This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the implementation of government assurances in Zambia, with a focus on the key sectors of finance, energy, water development, and education. Government assurances represent formal commitments made by government officials in response to parliamentary queries and serve as critical tools for ensuring accountability and transparency in governance. The study primarily examines the 2023 Action-Taken Report (ATR) presented to the National Assembly of Zambia, which details the progress made in fulfilling these assurances. Drawing on Public Accountability Theory, the paper explores how parliamentary oversight mechanisms influence the implementation of public policy, particularly in developing contexts. The research adopts a qualitative approach, utilizing secondary data from the ATR, supplemented by relevant academic literature and government publications. Thematic analysis was employed to identify patterns and recurring themes related to the implementation process, such as financial constraints, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and weak inter-ministerial coordination. Through this method, the study seeks to answer key research questions, including the extent to which government assurances have been implemented, the challenges hindering their execution, and potential strategies for improving the effectiveness of public policy in Zambia. The findings reveal that while progress has been made in some areas—such as the Zambia Growth Opportunities Programme and the Lusaka Sanitation Programme—significant barriers remain. Financial limitations due to Zambia’s debt burden, coupled with delays in international funding, have constrained the government’s ability to allocate sufficient resources for public projects. Additionally, bureaucratic inefficiencies, particularly in procurement processes and inter-ministerial coordination, have led to delays in project implementation, particularly in rural electrification and infrastructure development. In response to these challenges, the paper proposes several recommendations aimed at improving the implementation of government assurances. These include enhancing domestic revenue mobilization to reduce reliance on external funding, strengthening inter-ministerial coordination mechanisms, and reforming procurement processes to improve efficiency. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of developing robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems to ensure timely tracking of project progress and to improve public accountability. By contributing to the broader discourse on governance and public policy in Zambia, this paper offers valuable insights for policymakers, government officials, and scholars interested in improving the effectiveness of government assurances in developing contexts. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive public sector reform and suggests pathways to strengthen the capacity of government institutions to deliver on their promises, ultimately improving service delivery and fostering public trust in government institutions.
Research Article
Effects of seed size and germination percentage with different treatments in Holoptelia integrifolia
N.K. Bohra, Ajay Kataria, Manita Manda & Rawalram
Abstract: Holoptelia integrifolia is an important tree of tropical and temperate regions owing to its uses as an afforestation tree as well as a traditional medicinal plant. A study was carried out to know variations in seed size and germination in seeds collected from various locations. Seeds from 13 locations in different parts of Rajasthan. Variation in seed size and germination percentage by using different treatments and plant growth regulators. Detailed results and a futuristic approach are presented in this paper.
Research Article
Negash Bedaso & Bayan Ahmed
Abstract: An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different bed width on yield and water productivity of wheat from (2022-2023) year at Tibila and Ketar-Genet irrigation scheme. Four bed widths (100cm, 80cm, 60cm and 40cm) were arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Recently released bread wheat variety king-bird was used as test crop. From the result, it is found that, Planting wheat on different bed width had a substantial impact on wheat yield and water productivity of the crop. In this study, the highest grain yield (6.23tha-1) were obtained when the bread wheat was grown under T2 (60cm bed-width) at Tibila irrigation Scheme. Whereas, the highest grain yield (5.93tha-1) were obtained when the bread wheat was grown under T3 (80cm bed-width) treatments at Ketar-Genat irrigation scheme. In general, the result displayed the production of wheat under 60cm bed width with 14% yield advantage at Tibila and 80cm bed width 16.3% yield advantage at the Ketar-genat irrigation scheme as compared to extremely wider (T4) and farmer irrigation practice (T1) respectively. The water productivity among the treatment were also determined in this study where; highest value of 1.05kg m-3 was recorded in T2, at Tibila and T3 (1.21 kg m−3) at Ketar-Genat irrigation scheme. Here, the result revealed that water productivity was significantly affected by soil characteristics and the width of the bed. The 60cm bed width produced 17.1% in loam soil and 80cm bed width produce 26.4% in clay soil higher water productivity as compared to farmer practice (T1) at Tibila and Ketar-genet irrigation scheme respectively. T2 (60cm bed-width) and T3 (80cm bed-width) were the best treatment to obtain an optimum yield and maximum water use efficiency in Tibila and Ketar-Genat irrigation scheme, respectively. Therefore, it was recommended to the farmer of Tibla irrigation scheme to use 60cm bed width and 80cm bed width for Ketar-Genat irrigation scheme to enhance production and productivity of wheat in the study area.
Research Article
Dr. Abazar Mohammed Nugdallah Mohammed & Dr. Elsadig Ali Elsadig Elnadeef
Abstract: The study aims to investigate the importance of helicopter parenting and socialization perspective, hands-on learning and instilling emotional intelligence in maximizing student engagement. It postulates that modern learning and teaching process require positive engagement in the class and it proposes that the impact post-modern life, in terms of falling of ethical values and emerging of lots of social illnesses, creates sense of worries and scares among parents particularly in educational system. The study is based on surveyed public male secondary school students and structural equation modeling used to test the relations estimated in the theoretical model and its effects. The study concludes that helicopter parenting plays a seminal role in maximizing students’ engagement and achievement in English class, however, excessive over helicopter parenting affects the student’s personality negatively. Implementing hands-on learning maximizes student engagement in English class. The study recommends that helicopter parenting should be implemented reasonably without negative effect on children’s personality and self-esteem and emotional intelligence should be trained to the students to instill consideration of other emotions and feelings.
Research Article
Maung Maung Mya, Saw Htet Thura Lin, Aye Win Oo, Than Myat Htay, Chit Thet Nwe, Thu Zar Nyein Mu, Zar Zar Aung, Yee Yee Myint & Sein Thaung
Abstract: Mosquito-borne diseases are mostly harmful to children being and it is a public health problem in Myanmar. Laboratory reared Insein strain of Aedes aegypti larvae were used to test larvicidal, ovicidal and repellency properties of Citrus reticulata (Orange) peels essential oil from June 2020 to May 2021 according to WHO. Fresh peels 300 grams from Aung Ban was extracted by stream distillation at 100 °C for 3hours and obtained 1.70g of essential oil. Different concentrations of orange peels essential oil were prepared freshly in 100ml each of distilled water in 150ml plastic cups. Fifty each Aedes larvae were exposed 24hrs for each replication in different concentrations in laboratory. Acute toxicity and allergenicity tests were done in laboratory according to OECD Guidelines. Repellency test was done by laboratory reared 5-7 days old adult female Aedes mosquitoes with orange peels essential oil. Results revealed that the highest dose 0.01g of orange peels essential oil produced 100% knockdown within 60minute and 100% mortality within 24hrs respectively and 100% ovicidal effect for 4days as well as persistency was observed 100% mortality of larvae for 4 days. The effective lethal concentrations LC50 and LC90 values were found to be 0.0015g and 0.0051g of peels essential oil (x=0.0418, P=0.05). There was not found any acute toxicity on mice and allergenicity on the rabbits. 100% protection of Aedes mosquito landing to probe the skin was found 0.04g/ml or 0.000128g/cm2 of essential oil. Repellency activity of complete protection time was observed over 80% protection for 210minutes, over 90% prevention for 150 minutes, and 100% prevention for 120 minutes. Semi field trial observed that in the day time, it can prevent 3 hours of Aedes mosquito bite on oil applied areas of insect collectors in household. The essential oil is not toxicity, no allergenicity and no irritation of skins of animal. Hence, the cheap, effective, ecofriendly and degradable Orange Citrus reticulata peels essential oil can be used as insecticide and repellent of mosquitoes in public sector.
Research Article
Demographic and Socio Economic Characteristics of Disabled Persons at Rajshahi City in Bangladesh
Farzana Binthe Ekram, Sarkar Obaida Nasrin, Md. Mahfuzur Rahman, Ph.D, Mst. Shahida Arobi & Md. Abdul Goni, Ph.D
Abstract: This study aimed to represent the situation of disabled persons, and the attitude of family and society towards disable persons. This study also examined the factors associated with disabilities. Data for this study were collected by direct and indirect interview method from disabled persons at Rajshahi city in Bangladesh. A total of 150 cases were interviewed. Data were analyzed using both univariate and multivariate statistical techniques. In this study, 60% respondents were male and 40% respondents were female. Out of the total respondents 34% were student and 40.7% were housewife. Monthly income and expenditure of most of the disabled persons’ family was very poor. This study indicated that disability occurred because of the accident, lack of nutrition, mental pressure, and same blood group of spouses. Majority of the disabled person and their family expect special facilities from the government, such as co-education, transport and service facilities for the disabled persons. Multivariate analysis showed that age, occupation, causes of disability, parents’ education, monthly expenditure for disabled persons, and knowledge about government facilities are contributing factors to disability. Furthermore, knowledge about government facilities, occupation, religion, causes of disability, monthly expenditure for disabled persons are contributing factors to the use of government facilities. This study indicates that increasing awareness in the family and society, especially the cordial behavior with the disabled persons is expected to improve the situation of disability in the country.
Research Article
Fondness of Playing Football with Blood Grouping
Muhammad Imran Qadir & Maheen Aslam
Abstract: Objective of present study was to coordinate blood grouping with likeness of playing football. Presence orabsence of antigens and Rh-factor determine the blood group of a person. A questionnaire was prepared about the fondness of playing football in relation with blood group. Blood group test was performed to check blood group of every subject. Football is a game played between two teams in which a baseball is kicked to the net of opposite team to secure the goal. This game is beneficial for both body and mind. Among all blood groups, the subjects of blood group B- were fondest of playing football and AB- containing subjects were least fond of playing football.
Research Article
Assessment of Co-relation between Sleeping Time and Blood grouping
Muhammad Imran Qadir & Mahnoor Ilyas
Abstract: Objective of present questions related to sleeping time then we collect data accordance to their blood group. It was concluded from present studies that influence of blood group on sleeping time was maximum for A+ blood group and minimum for A- and AB- . Authors took sample of blood from person that posse’s different blood group and then finding out blood group through this previous technique. Total 177 subjects were participated in this studies all these were students of Bahauddin Zakariya University from 18 to 22 age group. A questionnaire was prepared about sleeping time.
Research Article
Muhammad Imran Qadir & Alishba Rasheed
Abstract: The key purpose of the present study was to appraise the association between the fear of rides with rate of breathing at normal. 120 subjects, who were the students of Bahauddin Zakariya University, took part in this study. The normal rate of inhalation shows the health of a person. The increase or decrease level of breathing shows the abnormal state of the medical condition of body. The fear of rides is fundamentally the combination of various other phobias such as phobias of height and dark places, etc. We concluded that people with higher rate of breathing are more afraid of rides and vice versa.
