QUINOLINE DERIVATIVES AS GROWTH REGULATORS FOR ORNAMENTAL PLANTS
It is investigated the effect of synthesized organic compounds of 6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2- dihydroquinoline, its derivatives, and hydrogenated analogs. These compounds affected the height of seedlings when they were used for pre-sowing seed treatment of the following ornamental plants: annual ornamental grass – scarlet sage (Salvia splendens) and woody plant – yellow rhododendron (Rhododendron luteum). Prior to the sprouting process, the seeds of Rh. luteum and S. splendens were soaked in water solutions of compounds with concentrations of 0.01%, 0.05%, and 0.1% for 18 hours. Dihydro- and tetrahydroquinolines with a concentration of 0.05% proved to be the most effective for both plants. For Rhododendron luteum, the compounds of 6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline, its derivatives, and hydrogenated analogs with a concentration of 0.1% proved to be the most effective. Dihydroquinolines at concentrations of 0.05 and 0.1% proved to have the strongest effect when applied to the studied perennial woody plant (Rhododendron luteum). Dihydroquinoline at the concentration of 0.05% also proved to be effective when applied to the annual grass (Salvia splendens). For annual S. splendens, tetrahydroquinoline at concentrations of 0.01 and 0.05% appeared to be the most effective. The pre-sowing seed treatment of grass Salvia splendens and woody plant Rhododendron luteum with the studied compounds demonstrated that their effect on the height of the seedlings is species-specific. The pre-sowing seed treatment of Rh. luteum and S. splendens allows increasing the height of the seedlings by 3-61 % and 17-25 %, respectively. It is suggested using the compounds of 6-hydroxy-2,2,4- trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline, its derivatives, and hydrogenated analogs as effective growth stimulators for ornamental grasses and woody plants.
Read ArticleINTERVIEW WITH DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLOR DR. O. A. OMOTESHO, UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, NIGERIA (ENGLISH VERSION)
Background: The University of Ilorin, founded in 1975 in Nigeria, has evolved from 3 to 16 faculties, becoming the country's most sought-after institution for the past two decades. Aims: To document the institutional evolution, identify the most demanded programs, assess scientific output, examine internationalization strategies, and understand strategic development objectives. Methods: Structured interview with Vice-Chancellor Dr. Olubumi Abayomi Omotesho, following a standardized protocol covering historical, academic, scientific, and strategic aspects of the institution, under Creative Commons license format. Results: The university expanded to 16 faculties in 49 years. The most demanded programs are Medicine and Nursing, followed by Pharmacy, Law, Engineering, and Accounting. Areas with the highest scientific output: Medicine, Biological/Agricultural Sciences, and Engineering. It offers 340 postgraduate programs with approximately 7,523 students. There is a dedicated infrastructure for internationalization, with plans for international accommodations. Discussion: The predominance of healthcare courses reflects global employability trends. Research aligned with Sustainable Development Goals demonstrates a contemporary vision. The institutional goal (number one in Nigeria, top 10 in Africa, top 500 globally) shows a measurable strategic approach. Commitment to internationalization aligns with global education trends. Conclusions: The institution exemplifies an evolving African university focused on academic excellence, scientific relevance, and internationalization. The prioritization of student-centered development, clear positioning goals, and international collaboration initiatives establish solid foundations for its contribution to regional and global knowledge.
Read ArticleDENSE CLUSTERS OF RAW SEWAGE LOCATIONS ON MINNA NEIGHBOURHOOD GIS MAPS ARE POINTERS TO VERITABLE URBAN DECAY AND MOSQUITO-BREEDING GROUNDS
Background: The lack of comprehensive baseline data on raw sewage pollution in Minna, Nigeria's Niger State capital, represents a significant gap in public health information. This deficiency necessitates a systematic study to establish a database documenting sewage pollution patterns in Minna's urban environment. Aim: To employ georeferencing tools and descriptive observations for identifying and mapping potential mosquito breeding sites related to sewage discharge within Minna's built-up areas and to develop an interactive Geographic Information System (GIS) map as an environmental audit tool for public health officials. Methods: The study area was divided into five sectors: Greater Bosso, Minna Central, Greater Maitumbi, Tunga, and Greater Chanchaga. Following initial site familiarization and GIS equipment testing, systematic surveys were conducted. Field teams documented locations of household sewage discharge points, collecting geographic coordinates, temporal data (date, time, weather conditions), and site characteristics. Each identified location was photographed and recorded in standardized data sheets, including household information where available. Results: Using ArcGIS®10.8 software, comprehensive sewage pollution layers were created for each sector by integrating collected field data with Minna's township built-up and settlement shapefiles. The mapping revealed distinct pollution patterns and clusters across different neighborhoods. Discussion: Analysis of the spatial distribution showed a clear correlation between socioeconomic status and sewage management practices, with higher concentrations of improper sewage discharge in low-income areas. Conclusions: This database serves as a valuable resource for public health interventions targeting mosquito breeding grounds. Regular monitoring through periodic sewage pollution audits and expanded geographical coverage is recommended for improved urban health management.
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