https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/5555 Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:32:36 GMT 2026-04-10T16:32:36Z https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/6545 Title: Proof of concept for using banana waste based binders in sawdust briquetting: Comparative studies between raw and carbonized sawdust. Paper presented at 5th Asia Environment and Resource Engineering Conference (AERE 2024), Singapore, October 25-27, 2024. Authors: Gratitude Charis; Patel Bilal; Chigondo Marko; Rusere Morgen; Maposa Munashe Abstract: A comparative study of carbonized versus raw sawdust briquettes production using a banana waste based binder was conducted. The binder was formulated from banana pseudo stem, pith, ripe banana, green banana in the ratio 2:2:1:1. Sawdust was pyrolyzed at temperature ranges of 300-350℃, 370-470℃ and 600-700℃. Briquettes were produced using a gravity aided press (GAP). The mechanical and combustion properties of the briquettes were compared to assess binder effectiveness on both feedstocks as well as the extent of improvement introduced by carbonization. Comparable shatter indices of 0.96 and 0.95 and densities of 425 kg/m3 and 685 kg/m3 for carbonized and raw sawdust-based briquettes respectively indicated that the binder performs well with both feedstocks. Proximate analysis indicated that carbonization increased the solid fuel quality through a 39%, 16% and 41% decrease in moisture content, volatile matter and ash content respectively, and a 35% increase in fixed carbon. Carbonized briquettes demonstrated shorter ignition time, a steadier burn rate, shorter time to boil and higher calorific value by factors of 53%, 47%, 32% and 15% respectively compared to raw sawdust briquettes. Conclusively, banana waste-based binders can be used with carbonized sawdust to produce higher fuel quality briquettes for grilling and space heating. Fri, 31 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/6545 2025-01-31T00:00:00Z Gratitude Charis Patel Bilal Chigondo Marko Rusere Morgen Maposa Munashe https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/5577 Title: Construction and analysis of protein-protein interaction networks based on nuclear proteomics data of the desiccation-tolerant Xerophyta schlechteri leaves subjected to dehydration stress Authors: Reagan Mudziwapasi; Ryman Shoko; Babra Magogo; Jessica Pullen; Joice Ndlovu Abstract: In order to understand the mechanism of desiccation tolerance in Xerophyta schlechteri, we carried out an in silico study to identify hub proteins and functional modules in the nuclear proteome of the leaves. Protein-protein interaction networks were constructed and analyzed from proteome data obtained from Abdalla and Rafudeen. We constructed networks in Cytoscape using the GeneMania software and analyzed them using a Network Analyzer. Functional enrichment analysis of key proteins in the respective networks was done using GeneMania network enrichment analysis, and GO (Gene Ontology) terms were summarized using REViGO. Also, community analysis of differentially expressed proteins was conducted using the Cytoscape Apps, GeneMania and ClusterMaker. Functional modules associated with the communities were identified using an online tool, ShinyGO. We identified HSP 70-2 as the super-hub protein among the up-regulated proteins. On the other hand, 40S ribosomal protein S2-3 (a protein added by GeneMANIA) was identified as a super-hub protein associated with the down-regulated proteins. For up-regulated proteins, the enriched biological process terms were those associated with chromatin organization and negative regulation of transcription. In the down-regulated protein-set, terms associated with protein synthesis were significantly enriched. Community analysis identified three functional modules that can be categorized as chromatin organization, anti-oxidant activity and metabolic processes. Wed, 22 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/5577 2023-03-22T00:00:00Z Reagan Mudziwapasi Ryman Shoko Babra Magogo Jessica Pullen Joice Ndlovu