The work investigated the secondary metabolites present in different parts of the Pandiaka heudelotii plant harvested from Ezira, Orumba south local government area of Anambra state, southeastern Nigeria as well as their antimicrobial activity. The objectives were to extract, determine the phytochemicals present, evaluate the antimicrobial potential and determine the zones of inhibition of the root, stem and leaf extracts of the plant. The emergence of antibiotics has decreased the spread and severity of a wide range of diseases. Plant extracts were tested for antibacterial and antifungal activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Streptococcus pyogenes, Bacillus subtelis, Pseudomonas aerogenes, Salmonella typhi, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. The zone of inhibition of extracts was compared with that of standard drugs like Erythromycin, Ciprofloxacin, Fulcin and Fluconazole. The result revealed the inhibition of bacterial and fungal growth with some test organisms. The microbial activity of the plant parts may be due to the presence of various secondary metabolites. The ethyl acetate extracts of Pandiaka heudelotii stood out with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) range of 5 - 10 mg/mL and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC)/minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of 10 - 20 mg/ml against some test organisms. The plant can thus be worked upon to discover biologically active natural products that may serve as a prelude to the development of new pharmaceutical research undertakings.
Ikenna Obiora AlaekweUche Eunice EkpunobiVincent Ishmel Egbulefu AjiweChinedu Chris AguomaJamilu Ahmad
The Analects(Lunyu論語)is a fundamental text for understanding the teachings of Confucius and offers an extensive account of the importance and methodology of learning(xue學)in the quest to become a junzi(君子),or exemplary person.This paper explores the contents and attitudes of learning as presented in The Analects,focusing on how Confucius’disciples and subsequent generations compiled and understood his teachings.Confucius emphasized that the ultimate goal of learning is to become a junzi.The term junzi originally referred to nobles or aristocrats but was redefined by Confucius to describe anyone who cultivates themselves to achieve moral excellence and serve society effectively.In The Analects,the concept of junzi is constructed through various entries that illustrate what a junzi should and should not do,highlighting attributes such as being highly principled,disciplined,ethical,and capable.Confucius outlined specific content areas for learning that were essential for personal and social development.These included learning cultural knowledge(學文),the Book of Changes(學易),the Book of Odes(學詩),the Book of Propriety(學禮),and the Way(學道).He believed that proper behavior,such as filial piety,respect for elders,trustworthiness,and benevolence,was a prerequisite for effective learning.Through the study of these classical texts,learners could cultivate their emotions,improve their observational abilities,and enhance their social skills.In addition to content,Confucius stressed the importance of having the right attitude towards learning.He valued the enjoyment of learning(好學)and praised those who pursued knowledge with diligence and an open mind.This attitude was exemplified by his favorite disciple,Yan Hui,who was noted for his ability to learn without repeating mistakes or transferring anger to others.Confucius himself also modeled this attitude,demonstrating a lifelong commitment to learning and self-improvement.In conclusion,The Analects presents learning as a holistic process that en
Protein is essential for the growth and maintenance of the body. They play a crucial role in different biological processes. This study focuses on comparing the protein contents of local rice grown in the Senegal River valley and rice imported from Asia. The objective is to evaluate the importance of the protein nutritional value of local rice compared to imported rice. Protein contents were determined using the Kjeldahl method. The results of the protein assays show that local rice varieties such as Sahel 108 and Sahel 134 grown in the Thilène basins had protein percentages comparable to those of imported rice. The protein percentages were 15.19% ± 0.91% for the Sahel 108 variety and 16.62% ± 0.01% for the Sahel 134 variety compared to 15.8% ± 0.01% on average for imported rice. Thus from the point of view of protein content, local rice has a nutritional value identical to that of imported rice which it can validly replace. It is important in Senegal to encourage local production, which would make it possible to reduce imports on the one hand and to make quality rice available to the local Senegalese market on the other. Sahel varieties with high protein contents deserve large-scale development to meet the country’s protein needs.
