Machining Properties of Neem and Cassia Wood: Comparative Analysis of Sapwood and Heartwood | Chapter 8 | New Horizons of Science, Technology and Culture Vol. 6

 

Wood machining is a procedure employed to evaluate the performance of various wood species following planning, shaping, turning, boring, mortising, and sanding. Inadequate wood machining produces excessive waste, resulting in diminished recovery in wood processing. Consequently, the accessibility of suitable wood machining processes can enhance the efficient use. Azadirachta indica A. Juss and Senna siamea have not been widely advocated for use in the wood industry in Ghana due to a lack of technical information on their machining properties, categorising them as lesser-used timber species. This study investigated the planning and turning properties of Neem (A. indica A. Juss) and Cassia (S. siamea), two wood species from Ghana. The trees were selected based on the straightness of their trunks to ensure their suitability for construction purposes. Sample preparation was performed according to the American Society for Testing and Materials International D1666-87-2004 method for evaluating machining qualities of wood. Six planning operations were conducted, producing 100 test specimens per operation and rated according to ASTM D 1666-87. The grading of the planned samples was conducted via visual inspection, and the samples were assessed and categorised into four quality grades, based on the severity of the identified defects. The turning test was performed via a single-point lathe, with the turning shapes adhering to the ASTM D 1666-87 criteria. The results showed that Cassia heartwood, with an average of 76.3%, outperformed Neem heartwood, which averaged 70.1%, in the planning process. Optimal surface quality was achieved with a 15° rake angle and a feed speed of 9 m/min for both sapwood and heartwood of the species. The intensity of chipped or torn grain defects decreased with reduced rake angles of 15° at a feed speed of 9 m/min during planning. A rotation speed of 2000 rpm produced favourable turning outcomes for both Neem and Cassia, suggesting it as a suitable speed for machining these woods. The planning and turning properties of Neem and Cassia are comparable to those of Oak, Poplar, and Pine. Therefore, these two species could be utilised in the timber sector to alleviate pressure on declining primary timbers, reduce the destruction of vital timber species, sustain the timber industry, support sustainable forest management strategies, and enhance revenue generation in Ghana. The study recommends further research on the natural durability, preservative treatability, and broader working properties of these species to facilitate their full integration into the wood industry.

 

 

Author(s) Details

John Lawer Narh
Accra Technical University, P.O. Box GP 561, Accra, Ghana.

 

Emmanuel Appiah-Kubi
Constuction and Wood Technology Department, Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Kumasi, Ghana.

 

Peter Kessels Dadzie
Faculty of Built and Natural Environment, Department of Interior Design and Materials Technology, Kumasi Technical University, Kumasi, Ghana.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nhstc/v6/6818

Machining Properties of Neem and Cassia Wood: Comparative Analysis of Sapwood and Heartwood | Chapter 8 | New Horizons of Science, Technology and Culture Vol. 6

 

Wood machining is a procedure employed to evaluate the performance of various wood species following planning, shaping, turning, boring, mortising, and sanding. Inadequate wood machining produces excessive waste, resulting in diminished recovery in wood processing. Consequently, the accessibility of suitable wood machining processes can enhance the efficient use. Azadirachta indica A. Juss and Senna siamea have not been widely advocated for use in the wood industry in Ghana due to a lack of technical information on their machining properties, categorising them as lesser-used timber species. This study investigated the planning and turning properties of Neem (A. indica A. Juss) and Cassia (S. siamea), two wood species from Ghana. The trees were selected based on the straightness of their trunks to ensure their suitability for construction purposes. Sample preparation was performed according to the American Society for Testing and Materials International D1666-87-2004 method for evaluating machining qualities of wood. Six planning operations were conducted, producing 100 test specimens per operation and rated according to ASTM D 1666-87. The grading of the planned samples was conducted via visual inspection, and the samples were assessed and categorised into four quality grades, based on the severity of the identified defects. The turning test was performed via a single-point lathe, with the turning shapes adhering to the ASTM D 1666-87 criteria. The results showed that Cassia heartwood, with an average of 76.3%, outperformed Neem heartwood, which averaged 70.1%, in the planning process. Optimal surface quality was achieved with a 15° rake angle and a feed speed of 9 m/min for both sapwood and heartwood of the species. The intensity of chipped or torn grain defects decreased with reduced rake angles of 15° at a feed speed of 9 m/min during planning. A rotation speed of 2000 rpm produced favourable turning outcomes for both Neem and Cassia, suggesting it as a suitable speed for machining these woods. The planning and turning properties of Neem and Cassia are comparable to those of Oak, Poplar, and Pine. Therefore, these two species could be utilised in the timber sector to alleviate pressure on declining primary timbers, reduce the destruction of vital timber species, sustain the timber industry, support sustainable forest management strategies, and enhance revenue generation in Ghana. The study recommends further research on the natural durability, preservative treatability, and broader working properties of these species to facilitate their full integration into the wood industry.

 

 

Author(s) Details

John Lawer Narh
Accra Technical University, P.O. Box GP 561, Accra, Ghana.

 

Emmanuel Appiah-Kubi
Constuction and Wood Technology Department, Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Kumasi, Ghana.

 

Peter Kessels Dadzie
Faculty of Built and Natural Environment, Department of Interior Design and Materials Technology, Kumasi Technical University, Kumasi, Ghana.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nhstc/v6/6818

Potential of Neem (Azadirachta indica) as an Organic Fertilizer and Biopesticide for Improving Soil Fertility, Foliar Pest Suppression, and Okra Growth | Chapter 11 | Agricultural Sciences: Techniques and Innovations Vol. 4

 

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is a vital vegetable crop grown in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Okra provides a valuable source of vitamins, minerals, calories, and amino acids. Conventional reliance on chemical fertilisers, while enhancing soil fertility, is costly and contributes to land degradation. Additionally, global interest in biorational pesticides (botanical and microbial) is increasing for the sustainable management of pests. Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a rapidly growing tree from the mahogany family (Meliaceae), and it has traditionally been used in agriculture, the environment, and public health. Recent studies, however, have not explored the promising impact of neem as a basal and foliar organic fertiliser and pesticide. This study was conducted to investigate and examine the use of neem as a basal organic fertiliser and pesticide alternative for environmental and consumer safety. The purpose was to assess the efficacy of an organic integrated pest management (IPM) module against nematodes and insect pests of okra during the primary growing season of 2022. Using a randomised complete block design with three replications, the study evaluated seven treatments, including neem leaf paste (NLP), neem leaf extract (NLE), synthetic fertilisers (NPK), and controls in 5×4 m plots. A total of 42 (21 samples each) soil samples were taken from the study area, bagged, labelled, and transported to the laboratory for physicochemical analysis. The results revealed that the organic IPM module (NLP × NLE) significantly improved soil health parameters by increasing organic matter content by 53% compared to the control, while reducing the C/N ratio. The treatment also showed remarkable pest suppression, decreasing root-knot nematode populations by 89% and maintaining beneficial insect numbers. Neem-treated plots experienced a 40% reduction in foliar damage from Podagrica spp., resulting in a yield increase of 296% compared to the control. These findings demonstrate a practical application of neem in sustainable okra cultivation, thereby offering a low-cost and environmentally friendly solution for smallholder farmers. The result of this study presents a practical application of neem in sustainable okra cultivation by offering cost-effective and eco-friendly solutions for smallholder farmers. The organic IPM module 3 is therefore recommended for improving soil fertility, reducing soil and foliar pest pressure, and enhancing crop yield safely and sustainably.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Adams Sadick
CSIR-Soil Research Institute, Academy Post Office, Kwadaso-Kumasi, Ghana.

 

Esther Marfo-Ahenkora
CSIR-Animal Research Institute, Post Office Box AH20, Achimota, Ghana.

 

Prince Martin Gyekye
CSIR-Soil Research Institute, Post Office Box M32, Accra Centre, Ghana.

 

Judith Frimpong-Manso
CSIR-Soil Research Institute, Academy Post Office, Kwadaso-Kumasi, Ghana.

 

Mohammed Musah
CSIR-Soil Research Institute, Academy Post Office, Kwadaso-Kumasi, Ghana.

 

Augustine Agyekum
CSIR-Animal Research Institute, Post Office Box AH20, Achimota, Ghana.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/asti/v4/6273

Antibacterial Potential of Methanolic Extracts from Azadirachta indica (Neem) Leaves against Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria | Chapter 8 | Contemporary Research and Perspectives in Biological Science Vol. 4

With the increasing rate of antibiotic/multidrug resistance and the growing demand for plant-based therapies, Azadirachta indica (neem) emerges as one of the leading medicinal plants due to its wide range of compounds with antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. This study analysed the A. indica leaf methanol extract for its antibacterial activity against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) bacteria using the agar diffusion assay with methanol extracts of varying concentrations (5%, 10%, 20%, and 40%) initially for S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Later, methanol extracts with concentrations of 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0% were used for S. aureus and E. coli. Gentamicin was used as a positive control. The results indicated the antibacterial activity of the A. indica leaf methanol extract against all three bacteria, irrespective of the concentration used. However, compared to gentamicin, the antibacterial activity of A. indica was relatively lower. These findings indicate the potential of A. indica as a plant-based antibacterial agent, offering an alternative or complementary treatment strategy to combat antibiotic/multidrug resistance. Further clinical studies/trials on the leaf extract are required to ensure its safety for human use.

 

Author (s) Details

Neema Kumari
Department of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan-304022, India and Department of Microbiology, Malla Reddy Institute of Medical Sciences, Suraram, Hyderabad-500055, Telangana, India.

 

Niketa Jaiswal
Department of Biotechnology, Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan-304022, India.

 

Mamta Sharma
Department of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan-304022, India.

 

Poonam
Department of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan-304022, India.

 

Pranjul Asthana
Department of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan-304022, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/crpbs/v4/3012

Ayurvedic Treatment and Home Remedies for Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus | Chapter 31 | Socio-Scientific Interaction in Diabetes and Cancer and Its Management

 Diabetes disease is rapidly affecting people. There is no sure cure for this disease. Person can live a healthy life only by controlling it. This disease occurs when the pancreas is unable to use a hormone called insulin properly. This hormone is necessary to control sugar in the blood. There is no cure for diabetes and patients have to depend on medicines to keep blood sugar under control. There are many ways to prevent diabetes, including consuming foods with a low glycemic index and engaging in some form of physical activity. Some Ayurvedic remedies can also be useful for diabetes patients, which are Turmeric and fenugreek water, Fenugreek powder, Gurmar, Periwinkle, Pterocarpus marsupium, Tinospora cordifolia, Cinnamon, Fig leaves, Grape seeds, Olive oil, Garlic, Jamun seeds, Neem, Amla, Aloe vera and Bitter gourd.

Author(s) Details:

Arti Kumari,
Department of Zoology, C. M. Science College, Darbhanga, Bihar, India.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/SSIDCIM/article/view/12749