Council For Scientific And Industrial Research

Flow cytometry stands out as a pivotal analytical method in biomedical and clinical research, particularly in evaluating safety and toxicity. With its capacity for multiplexing, high throughput screening, and intuitive interface, flow cytometry has gained traction in the cosmetics and personal care products (PCPs) industries. This chapter delves into the imperative of scrutinizing ingredients and formulations of PCPs to ensure consumer safety, regulatory compliance, and innovation in product development. Additionally, the chapter explores how flow cytometry facilitates immunophenotypic analysis by detecting surface markers.

Itaconate, an abundant metabolite produced by macrophages upon interferon-γ stimulation, possesses both antibacterial and immunomodulatory properties. Despite its crucial role in immunity and antimicrobial control, its mechanism of action and dissimilation are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that infection of mice with Mycobacterium tuberculosis increases itaconate levels in lung tissues. We also show that exposure to itaconate inhibits M. tuberculosis growth in vitro, in macrophages, and mice. We report that exposure to sodium itaconate (ITA) interferes with the central carbon metabolism of M. tuberculosis . In addition to the inhibition of isocitrate lyase (ICL), we demonstrate that itaconate inhibits aldolase and inosine monophosphate (IMP) dehydrogenase in a concentration-dependent manner. Previous studies have shown that Rv2498c from M. tuberculosis is the bona fide (S)-citramalyl-CoA lyase, but the remaining components of the pathway remain elusive. Here, we report that Rv2503c and Rv3272 possess itaconate:succinyl-CoA transferase activity, and Rv2499c and Rv3389c possess itaconyl-CoA hydratase activity. Relative to the parental and complemented strains, the ΔRv3389c strain of M. tuberculosis was attenuated for growth in itaconate-containing medium, in macrophages, mice, and guinea pigs. The attenuated phenotype of ΔRv3389c strain of M. tuberculosis is associated with a defect in the itaconate dissimilation and propionyl-CoA detoxification pathway. This study thus reveals that multiple metabolic enzymes are targeted by itaconate in M. tuberculosis. Furthermore, we have assigned the two remaining enzymes responsible for the degradation of itaconic acid into pyruvate and acetyl-CoA. Finally, we also demonstrate the importance of enzymes involved in the itaconate dissimilation pathway for M. tuberculosis pathogenesis.

Rice production in Africa is unambiguously hampered by drought. This study aimed to monitor the efficiency of physiological traits (stomatal conductance (gsw), transpiration rate (E)), and leaf-reflectance (NDVI and RDVI) at vegetative (VS) and reproductive (RS) stages for selection of drought-tolerant genotypes. To achieve these objectives, we screened 14 rice genotypes under drought-stress and non-stress conditions in the greenhouse. At VS-drought-stress, the relative-gsw and relative-E consistently showed efficiency in differentiating drought-tolerant genotypes APO and UPLR-17 from the drought-sensitive ones at 11-, 18- and 27-days during VS-drought-stress, while NDVI, CRI1 and CRI2 at 18- and 27-days. At RS-drought-stress, genotypes APO and UPLR-17 were selected as drought-tolerant genotypes based on the multi-trait-genotype-ideotype-distance-index (MGIDI) confirming the selection at 11-, 18- and 27-days during VS-drought-stress. This consistency in selecting APO and UPLR-17 as drought-tolerant genotypes at both VS and RS proved the efficiency of gsw, E, NDVI, RDVI, CRI1 and CRI2 in selecting for drought-tolerant varieties at VS. Genotypes UPLR-17 and APO consistently showed homozygosity status for the favorable alleles G, A, G and C for drought-tolerant QTLs DTY1.1 (snpOS00400), DTY1.1 (snpOS00402), DTY1.1 (snpOS00408) and DTY12.1 (snpOS00483), respectively, confirming their drought tolerance status. At RS, with GYP recorded positive and significant correlation with RDVI, while regression analysis revealed that 34% of the variability in GYP is explained by RDVI. The regression analysis coupled with correlation analysis between LDS, DTF, RDVI and GYP implied that these traits can be used as predictors of GYP at RS-drought-stress. While gsw, E and NDVI are recommended for monitoring during VS-drought-stress screening.

Knowledge of recharge is essential for efficient and sustainable management of groundwater resources. The application of different groundwater recharge estimation methods, especially those that are based on independent parameters and/or datasets enhances confidence in the process. In this study, the Chloride Mass Balance (CMB), Water Table Fluctuation (WTF), and two Base Flow Filter techniques (BFF) have been used to quantify groundwater recharge in the Densu River Basin in southwestern Ghana. Based on the three methods this study finds that groundwater recharge in the basin is in the range of 27–338 mm/year, representing 4–24% of the total annual rainfall. The basin averages were estimated at 34, 150, and 80 mm/year representing 3%, 15%, and 7% for CMB, WTF, and BFF respectively. Overall, the average groundwater recharge for the basin from the three methods is approximately 144 mm/year, representing ~ 15% of the rainfall. The CMB and BFF methods largely agree on basin average recharge, whereas the WTF methods generate much higher average recharge estimates. The CMB and WTF do however agree on the upper bound of recharge estimated locally in wells (around 400 mm/year), which is not described by the BFF method which only operates on sub-basin resolution. The CMB method revealed weaknesses in the lower bound estimates (underestimated) compared to the other methods. For all methods, the highest recharge estimates were obtained in the northern and high-elevation areas, whereas the low estimates occurred in the south of the basin. Temporally, recharge in the basin begins around March/April, the beginning of the rainy season, and peaks around June and October. Although the major rainy season peaks around May/June in the basin, the highest groundwater recharge occurs in the peak of the minor rainy season in October, which is attributable to the 2.5 months lag time between rainfall and recharge. About 90% of the groundwater recharge occurs between May and November annually and may be the ideal period for large groundwater abstractions in the basin.

Understanding the evolving patterns of climate extremes is crucial for planning climate change adaptation and safeguarding vulnerable communities in the Lower Volta Basin, Ghana. This study utilised precipitation, temperature and relative humidity data from CHIRPS and ERA5, as well as 13 CORDEX-Africa model projections for RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, to evaluate past and future trends in selected rainfall and temperature indices for the historic (1991–2020), near future (2026–2045), mid future (2046–2065) and far future (2066–2100) time horizons. The significance of the observed trends was determined using the Modified Mann-Kendall non-parametric statistic at 95% confidence level and the magnitude of the trends was estimated with Sen’s statistic. The results reveal insignificant trends in historical rainfall extremes, though multi-decadal changes indicate a 20% increase in maximum 5-day rainfall totals over the last two decades, compared to earlier period. Isolated extreme rainfall events have become more frequent post-2000, increasing flood and erosion risks for vulnerable coastal areas. The temperature analyses show significant decline in the frequency of cool days and nights, while warm days and nights have surged, intensifying human thermal stress. The projections suggest an overall increase in maximum 5-day rainfall totals and very heavy rainfall days. The results also show significant increasing (decreasing) trend for warm (cool) nights and warm (cool) days in the near, middle, and far futures. These findings underscore the urgent need for holistic climate adaptation strategies, to protect livelihoods and promote sustainable development under changing climate in the Lower Volta Basin.

This work investigates the hot corrosion behaviour of Ti-48Al-2Nb-0.3Si and Ti-48Al-2Nb-0.3Si-1Sn alloys under 25 wt.% NaCl and 75 wt.% Na2SO4 molten salt mixture at 900 °C. The alloys were developed through vacuum arc melting and casting. The corrosion kinetics of the alloys were measured by mass change per unit surface area. The results revealed that both alloys experienced hot corrosion attacks; however, Ti-48Al-2Nb-0.3Si-1Sn alloy demonstrated superior corrosion resistance and retained good mechanical properties compared to the Ti-48Al-2Nb-0.3Si.

Perovskite materials have garnered significant attention within a very short period of time by achieving competitive efficiency. In addition, this material demonstrated intriguing optoelectronic properties and versatile applications. Although they have confirmed amazing efficiency in solar cells at the laboratory scale, mass commercial manufacturing of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is still a problem due to their poor longevity. Researchers have identified several intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to the instability of perovskite compounds and PSCs, and various approaches are being used to increase material quality and stability in order to extend the lifespan of PSCs. Despite these challenges, the potential of perovskite materials in revolutionizing solar energy remains a central point of scientific investigation and development. In this review, a comprehensive analysis is provided to discern the intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to the degradation of PSCs which certainly helps us to understand the underlying degradation mechanisms. In addition, we discussed some novel approaches that have already been adopted to augment the stability of the devices.

In addition to steep carbon emission reductions, all modeled pathways to reach global climate goals require carbon removal. Marine carbon dioxide removal has the potential to play a large role in drawing down legacy anthropogenic emissions due to the scalability and durability of proposed methods. While this field is rapidly expanding, a number of issues remain, including efforts to grow the industry, align projects with equity and justice goals, and ensure development of trusted, unique, durable carbon credits. We, a group of early career ocean professionals (ECOPs), provide an overview of the scale of the field, the aforementioned issues, and then make recommendations to ensure global equity and expand early career capacity in the marine carbon dioxide removal sector. We argue that substantial investment is needed to reduce costs of marine carbon dioxide removal and spur innovation in monitoring, reporting, and verification, but also in the training and development of early career researchers. Careful co‐design of marine removal projects by experienced and emerging collaborators, including local communities, can help mitigate perpetuating existing global inequalities. Given the anticipated growth of the marine carbon dioxide removal workforce, ECOPs can contribute their existing interdisciplinary expertise, if they are supported within traditional structures. Those entering the field can leverage skill sets that intersect engineering, policy, community engagement, and business. We maintain that ECOPs will be key leaders in the field, if appropriately engaged, compensated, and empowered.

Millions worldwide grapple with diabetes mellitus, a global health burden lacking a definitive cure. The DrugRep, a web program for multi‐database drug discovery, remains unexplored for antidiabetic agents in non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Therefore, this study aimed to screen the TCM database using the fit‐docking approach to identify potential antidiabetic agents targeting NIDDM through virtual screening. From a pool of 2390 monomeric compounds, 50 lead compounds were identified based on their similarity to the reference compound, nateglinide. The selected compounds underwent in silico pharmacokinetic analysis (ADMET), revealing moderate to poor water solubility and suggesting suitability for oral administration. Molecular docking experiments found that curculigoside exhibited the most significant binding properties among the four lead compounds, forming stable hydrogen bonds with the target protein. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, principal component analysis (PCA), and free energy landscape (FEL) confirmed the stability of the curculigoside‐protein (PDB ID: 5HHW) complex, while MM‐GBSA free energy calculations indicated a favorable binding affinity. Overall, curculigoside emerges as a promising inhibitor for NIDDM due to its strong binding properties and interactions with key residues within the active pocket of the target protein. However, further research and validation studies are warranted to explore its therapeutic potential and effectiveness for NIDDM.

Pure and different percentages (0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.5%) of silver (Ag) doped hydroxyapatites (Hap) were synthesized employing the wet chemical precipitation method. The samples were characterized with the aid of X‐ray diffraction (phase analysis, crystallographic characterization, and crystal size calculation using Scherrer equation and different models), scanning electron microscopy, and optical bandgap energy. The Hap containing 0.25% Ag showed better photocatalytic activity in various dye concentrations, catalyst doses, and pH. At a very low catalyst dose (0.375 g/L) and 20 ppm pollutant concentration, reaction rate, and rate constant were evaluated for the Congo Red dye, ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin, and levofloxacin. The maximum rate constant (0.0028 min⁻¹) and reaction rate (9.657 × 10⁻⁸ mole L⁻¹·min⁻¹) were found for Congo Red dye and ciprofloxacin, respectively, using 0.25_Ag‐Hap (0.25% Ag‐doped Hap). The energies of the valance band (3.14 eV) and conduction band (−0.36 eV) were lower in the case of 0.25_Ag‐Hap than the other samples. Simplified reaction mechanisms were proposed for the photocatalytic degradation of Congo Red dye, ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin, and levofloxacin.

Circadian rhythms regulate various physiological and cellular processes. These biological oscillations are fundamental features of nearly all organisms. In mammals, light synchronizes brain clocks, while feeding is the primary cause of peripheral clock synchronization in metabolic tissues such as the muscles, adipose tissues, liver, and pancreas. The circadian clock regulates several intracellular signaling pathways, including inflammatory and immunological response, angiogenesis, metabolic and redox homeostasis, and cell proliferation. Furthermore, circadian dysfunction caused by the misalignment of peripheral clocks leads to various diseases such as metabolic disorders, neurodegeneration, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. The underlying molecular mechanism of the circadian clock is linked to peripheral inflammation, activation of the innate or adaptive immune system, and the release of proinflammatory cytokines in response to a variety of pathogenic stimuli. In this book chapter, we emphasize the circadian clock mechanism and their regulation of peripheral inflammation and associated immunological disorders.

In this work, we present an innovative approach to fabricating biodegradable smart nanocomposite fibers by incorporating functionalized carbon nanotubes (f-CNTs) onto the surface of Moringa oleifera fibers (MOFs) by using a simple dipping–drying technique. The objective of this research is to enhance the thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties of MOFs through a scalable, non-destructive modification process, making them suitable for advanced applications. A facile radio frequency oxygen plasma processing method is employed to modify CNTs with hydrophilic oxygen-containing groups. The fibers are treated with an alkaline solution coupled with plasma treatment to enhance the interaction between the fiber and the matrices. The performance of the fiber is evaluated by measuring the surface morphology, structural, thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties of the uncoated and f-CNTs-coated fibers. Field emission scanning electron microscope micrographs show that CNTs are uniformly integrated onto the surfaces of the treated MOFs. The results also indicate that interaction between the treated MOFs and f-CNTs, thermal stability, flame retardancy, crystallinity, and mechanical strength of the fibers are increased remarkably with the incorporation of f-CNTs. The resistance per meter of the f-CNTs/treated MOFs fiber drops dramatically from 1.5 MΩ to 13 Ω with the addition of f-CNTs. The current density of the sample increases by about 1000 times, and conductivity rises to 80 S m⁻¹ under the applied voltage of 50 V, which also increases with temperature, indicating the semiconducting nature of CNTs. Therefore, these fibers are suitable for use in various electrical and electronic devices as well as conductive fillers in composite technologies.

The Campanian–Maastrichtian siliciclastic sequences in the northern Bida Basin Nigeria were studied in this research. The aim is to evaluate petrographic and geochemical (major, trace, and rare earth elements) compositions towards reconstruction of the paleoweathering history, maturity and the prevailing climatic conditions during Campano-Maastrichtian period. Petrographic results revealed that the sandstones of the Campanian Bida Formation and the Maastrichtian Enagi Formation comprises of Q93.51-100F0-2.60L/R0-3.90 and Q84.42–98.72F0-3.75L/R1.18–15.58 respectively as the framework modal composition, therefore, Bida Sandstone are classified as mostly quartzarenite with minor sublitharenite, whereas Enagi sandstone are comprises of mostly sublitharenite with minor quartzarenite. Higher chemical index of alteration (CIA), chemical index of weathering (CIW), plagioclase index of alteration (PIA), and chemical proxy for alteration (CPA) values, with the plots clustering towards and around “A” axis in the ternary (A–CN–K and A–CNK–FM) diagrams suggest that the sediments have been subjected to an intense weathering and reworking at the source. Geochemical proxies and plots revealed deposition under warm and humid paleoclimatic settings. The LREE enrichment in relation to the HREE with low negative europium (Eu/Eu*) anomaly values, as well as bivariate and ternary discrimination diagrams suggest that the Bida and Enagi sandstones were sourced from felsic rocks’ provenance within a passive margin paleotectonic settings. The regionally extensive Southwestern Basement Complex of Nigeria is suggested as the main sediments’ source for the clastic sediments within the study area.

In this study, carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS)‐based biodegradable films were prepared by blending with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in water and characterized for their potential application as innovative food packaging materials. Blends of CMCS and PVA polymer solutions were cast and dried at 50 °C for 48 hours to obtain a flexible and transparent film. The films were prepared at different composition and were characterized using various techniques including Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), tensile strength (TS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TG). The FTIR analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of carboxymethyl groups into the chitosan molecules, indicating the modification of chitosan. XRD pattern indicates an amorphous phase of the CMCS films. SEM images of the film surfaces show a uniform structure containing no cracks or holes revealing that both PVA and CMCS had good compatibility and unique film‐forming ability. The CMCS/PVA films demonstrated superior performance compared to conventional synthetic packaging materials, with a low water vapor transmission rate (53.46 g/m²/h), good tensile strength (10.8 MPa), and elongation at break (20.36%). Practical application tests showed that coating green chilies with CMCS/PVA films reduced water loss by 20% compared to uncoated chilies, effectively enhancing their shelf life.

This study explores the electrochemical, thermal, and structural properties of alum as a potential material for energy storage devices, particularly capacitors and pseudocapacitors. Alum, a cost-effective and abundant material, was characterized using several advanced techniques, including thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic light scattering, and zeta-potential measurements, which provided valuable insights into its thermal stability, particle size distribution, and surface charge. Surface area analysis through the BET method revealed a specific surface area of 12.6 m²/g, highlighting the material’s porous nature. Electrochemical investigations through cyclic voltammetry demonstrated capacitive behavior with potential pseudocapacitive contributions, evidenced by observable redox peaks at scan rates ranging from 20 to 120 mV/s. The highest specific capacitance recorded was 9.48 F/g at a scan rate of 20 mV/s. Galvanostatic charge–discharge measurements confirmed charge–discharge characteristics aligned with capacitor behavior, showing a decrease in specific capacitance with increasing current density. This work underscores the potential of alum as a promising low-cost alternative for supercapacitor applications, particularly for low-power energy storage devices. With further optimization of its electrochemical performance and long-term cycling stability, alum could offer a sustainable solution for the development of efficient energy storage technologies. This study contributes to the growing international interest in sustainable materials for energy storage, addressing a significant gap in research and offering new avenues for future exploration in supercapacitor and pseudocapacitor technologies. The work aligns with global efforts to innovate cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy solutions, highlighting alum’s role in advancing the field of energy storage by providing a novel, yet accessible material with high potential for widespread application.

In low- and middle-income countries, agriculture is the major source of livelihood mainly through the simultaneous production of crops and rearing of animals. The main objective of the study was to investigate the implications of climate change and variability on fodder production and its implication on goat production in the Upper West Region. For livestock production, the major problem that continues to build up is the -year-round constraint of feed for livestock. As biodiversity continues to be threatened, there has been a paradigm inclusion from grass-based and crop residue-based feeds to tree-based feeds. Access to the tree-based feeds for livestock keepers especially livestock traders is associated with costs, bringing income to rural youth and women. The study used participatory approaches mainly Focus Group Discussions on separate groups of women and men in four districts of the guinea savanna agro-climatic zone of the Upper West Region to solicit in-depth information on fodder production and trade and climate change adaptation of goat production. The study revealed that different tree-based fodder species are being produced and traded in the study districts to improve goat production. Long time investment in the propagation of the tree-based fodder species is being recommended for two main reasons, first it takes many years to grow, and secondly, they are being competed for, for fuelwood.

An assessment of some heavy metals concentrations in lettuce in irrigated with waste water in Tamale Metropolis in Ghana has been carried out. Analysis of water and lettuce samples revealed that the mean concentrations of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in lettuce were 0.436, 0.345, 0.068, 0.017, 0.04 and 0.038 mg/L and 0.167, 0.163, 0.104, 0.127, 0.142 respectively. With exception of Mn and Cd, the concentrations of heavy metals in the irrigation water, irrigated soils and irrigated lettuce, were within the FAO recommended levels. The mean concentrations of nutrients (NO3-N, SO4 and PO4-P) in the wastewater-irrigated lettuce, and well water-irrigated lettuce were 15.36, 0.88, 0.28 and 19.09, 1.117, 0.0573 respectively. Though, heavy metals concentrations in the lettuce were low, regular monitoring are required to prevent heavy metal accumulation with their attendant health implications in the consuming public.

The study evaluated staking options to address the problem of deforestation for sustainable yam production in the Forest and Forest-Savannah Transition zones of Ghana. A split-plot design with three yam varieties (Dente, Water Yam and TDR95/19177 line) and three staking options (No staking, Vertical staking and Trellis with 50% and 30% number of vertical stakes for 2012 and 2013 respectively) as main plots and subplots respectively were used. Results revealed a significant (P < 0.05) interaction between yam variety and staking options on yam tuber yields in both locations and years. While water yam had similar tuber yields under all staking options, Dente and TDR95/19177 under no staking had significant yield reductions ranging from 37 to 65% compared to the other staking options. The observed yield reduction under no staking of Dente and TDR95/19177 could be attributed to higher incidence of yam mosaic virus leading to significantly lower fresh leaf biomass production. Reducing the number of stakes in trellis to as low as 30% of the vertical/optimum staking option did not result in a significant reduction in tuber yields for TDR95/19177 and Water yam. The economic analysis revealed that it is more profitable to produce water yam and TDR95/19177 under no staking and trellis (50% and 30% number of optimum staking) respectively in both locations. The results suggest trellis/minimum staking can be used to minimize the use of stakes, yam mosaic virus disease infection and for sustainable yam production in the face of climate change.