bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFECTIVENESS OF SHELL PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY’S COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES IN PROMOTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION MANAGEMENT IN NIGER DELTA, NIGERIA
Authors: Okringbo, J. I.  , Chukuigwe, O.  , Sikpi, E.  E.
Published: April 2023

The study examined the effectiveness of shell petroleum development company’s (SPDC) communication strategies in promotion of environmental degradation impact management in Niger Delta, Nigeria. Purposive random sampling technique was used for the selection of 240 community members in SPDC host communities. Data were collected using structured questionnaire, and were analyzed with descriptive statistics, while linear multivariate regression was used to test the hypothesis. The result showed that SPDC provided start pack for trained farmers ( x=3.3), delivery of household health service ( x=3.3), provides safe drinking water ( x=2.9) were the various environmental degradation impact management intervention by SPDC. The further showed that radio advertisement on shell (x =3.4), bill board promotional campaign of shell’s activities ( x=3.4) and advocacy visit by SPDC to royal fathers (x =3.6) were various SPDC communication strategies in management of environmental degradation community members were exposed to. The study found a significant relationship between the extent of exposure to SPDC communication strategies and impact management intervention by SPDC was rejected at 5% level. The study concluded that Shell Petroleum Development company’s communication strategies promoted environmental degradation impact management intervention within host communities. The study recommended that there is need for SPDC to increase her effort to provide conflict prevention strategies among host communities within her clusters in order to ensure uninterrupted exploration of crude oil.
ADOPTION OF IMPROVED MAIZE (Zea mays L.) PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES AMONG FARMERS IN WESTERN ZONE OF BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Umar, A. J.  , Idi, S.  , Bose, A. A.
Published: April 2023

The study examined adoption of improved maize production technologies among farmers in Western zone of Bauchi State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was employed in selecting 120 farmers for the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The result shows that majority (80.84%) of the farmers fell within the ages of 20-39 years with the mean age of 38 years. Most (94.20%) of the respondents were males and 56.67% were married with a mean household size of 8 persons. Furthermore, the result revealed that majority (89.17%) of the respondents had one form of education or another with secondary education (42.50%) had the highest percentage, the mean years of farming experience was 10 years. The results from linear regression analysis showed that age, household size, farm size, marital status and educational level were significant at P<0.1 and P<0.05, respectively. The major constraints militating against the adoption of improved technologies used in maize production were high cost of inputs (79.17%), poor market price (72.50%) and inadequate inputs (70.83%) among others. The study concluded that age, farm size and household size were the major determinants of adoption of improved maize production technologies in the study area. It was recommended that a good and stable market price, subsidize and adequate inputs and extension personnel should be provided in the study area.
EVALUATION OF LIVELIHOOD STATUS OF FADAMA III TOMATO FARMERS IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Ibrahim, H.  , Daneji, M. I.  , Ahmed, A. S.
Published: April 2023

The study evaluates the livelihood status and its socio-economic determinants among fadama III Tomato Farmers in Kano State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure were used for the study and primary data were collected from a sample of 312 smallholder tomato farmers using structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive such as frequency and percentage, minimum, mean, maximum and standard deviation and inferential statistics such as Livelihood Security Index (LSI) and Propensity Score Matching (PSM). Findings of the study revealed that Result of the study shows that tomato production is dominated among young active (41 years), male (99.4%) people who were married (89.4%) and attended more of western formal education (74.7%). Livelihood status index result indicated that RPCs technologies users had higher livelihood status (0.40) than the livelihood status (0.38) obtained by TWBs technologies users. The high index score obtained could be attributed to better access to empowerment training, availability of food, access and control to economic resources together with availability and access to health care and educational facility and services in the study area. Socio-economic factors such as education, access to credit, farm size, household size, experience and marriage were observed to influence the livelihood condition of the farmers in the study area. The study recommended that rural development policies need to promote awareness on the RPCs technology through relatively experienced farmers that have access to credit with relatively large farm holding to reduce post-harvest losses and subsequently improved the livelihood of Fadama III tomato farmers.
THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR AND NIGERIA’S ECONOMIC GROWTH: A VECTOR ERROR CORRECTION MODEL APPROACH
Authors: Ogbanje, Elaigwu Christopher  , Tor, Iveren Evelyn
Published: April 2023

The study examined the impact of agriculture on Nigeria’s economic growth, using the vector error correction model approach. Secondary data were obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria, FAOSTAT and National Bureau of Statistics between 1981 and 2019. Descriptive statistics, Augmented Dickey Fuller test for unit roots, Johansen test for co-integration test and vector error correction model were used. Pre-estimation test showed that variables were I(1); foreign direct investment to the agricultural sector had the highest coefficient of variation (2.50), with the least mean (N18,797.33) and gross domestic product had the least coefficient of variation (0.54). Both trace and maximum statistics of Johansen’s co-integration test showed that the variables had long-run relationship. Of the four optimal lag selection criteria used, the FPE, HQIC and SBIC recommended one lag. The chi-square statistics (1674.845, p<0.01) for the overall co-integrating equations confirmed long-run relationship. Findings also showed that the z-statistics (-15.19) of lnagdp was statistically significant (p<0.01) implying it would increase economic growth in the long-run. Similarly, the z statistic (-4.33) of lnnoe was statistically significant (p < 0.01) and would increase economic growth in the long-run. Also, the z-statistic (-5.89) of lnfdia was statistically significant (p<0.01), and would increase economic growth in the long-run. However, the z-statistics (5.56) of lnnoi (3.3) was positive and statistically significant (p<0.01) implying that it would reduce economic growth in the long-run. The error correction term (-0.2361) suggested that the long run equilibrium would be normalized back if there was any shock to the economic system; and that the speed of adjustment would be 23.61% annually towards equilibrium if the system is distorted. The study concluded that agriculture would be relevant to Nigeria’s economy in the long run. Consequently, efforts to attract foreign direct investment to the agricultural sector, increase growth in agricultural GDP and non-oil export and cut in non-oil import, should be sustained by the federal government.
IMPACT OF REUSERBLE PLASTICS CRATE TECHNOLOGY ON THE POSTHARVEST LOSSES AND LIVELIHOOD STATUS OF FADAMA III TOMATO FARMERS IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Ibrahim, H.  , Abdullahi, A.  , Ahmed, A. S.
Published: April 2023

The study assessed the impact of RPCs technologies on post-harvest losses and livelihood status of fadama III Tomato Farmers in Kano State, Nigeria. Multi stage sampling procedure were used for the study and primary data were collected from a sample of three hundred and twelve (312) smallholder tomato farmers using structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage, minimum, mean, maximum and standard and inferential statistics such as Propensity Score Matching (PSM). Result of the study showed that tomato production is dominated among young active (41 years), male (99.4%) people who were married (89.4%) and attended more of western formal education (74.7%). Findings of the study revealed that 63.78% of the smallholder tomato farmers were using TWBs to store their tomatoes. The remaining 36.22% were using RPCs to store their tomato fruit in the study area. Estimated average treatment effect indicated that the quantity of post-harvest tomato losses of RPCs technology users decreases with an average quantity of -3881.07 kg to -4141.83 kg depending on matching algorism. The result further revealed that adoption of RPCs technology affects the livelihood status of tomato farmers to increase with an average value of 0.047 to 0.057 depending on matching algorism when RPCs technology was used in the study area. The study recommended that rural development policies should be put in place to promote awareness about the impact of RPCs technology on the livelihood improvement among women using capacity building training.
EFFECT OF PHOSPHOROUS RATES ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF COWPEA [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walph.] VARIETIES IN JOS NORTH, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Ibrahim, Iro. I.  , Auwalu, B. M.  , Sabo, M. U.
Published: April 2023

The study was conducted in Jos North, Plateau State, Nigeria to determine the effect of phosphorous rates on the growth and yield of cowpea varieties during the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons. The study consisted of four phosphorous rates (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg P2O5 ha-1) and three cowpea varieties (IT93K-452-1, IT99K-499-35 and IT90K-277-2) factorially combined and laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated three times. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using XLSTAT 2019 statistical package and Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was used to separate the means where significance was declared. The result showed that application of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 recorded the tallest plant height (40.60 and 41.11 cm), a greater number of leaves (59.11 and 60.22), higher number of seeds per pod (12.00 and 11.67), least number of days (36.78) to attain 50% flowering. The highest number of branches (15.89 and 15.78), larger leaf area (115.91 and 117.63 cm2), a greater number of pods per plant (56.78), higher total yield (1.88 tha-1) was obtained at application of 40 kg P2O5ha-1. Similarly, varietal differences were highly significant (P≤0.01) on growth and yield of cowpea. IT93K-452-1 variety produced the tallest plant (38.37 and 38.97 cm), more leaves per plant (55.75 and 57.08), more branches per plant (15.25 and15.28), larger leaves (112.78 and 113.35 cm2), more pods per plant (54.50 and 53.67), higher number seeds per pod (11.08 and 11.58), higher yield (1.82 and 1.88 tha-1) and the least number of days to reach 50% flowering. The interaction of phosphorous and variety was highly significant (P≤0.01) with IT93K – 452 – 1 showing greater response to the application of 40 kg P2O5 ha -1 on yield of cowpea. In conclusion, application of 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 was the best rate for good growth and yield of cowpea. Higher growth and yield characters were consistently measured for IT93K-452-1 variety. It is recommended that farmers in the study area can apply 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 to IT93K – 452 – 1 variety to enhance the productivity of cowpea.
POPULATION GROWTH AND FOOD PRODUCTION: AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE TENACITY OF THE MALTHUSIAN DOCTRINE IN NIGERIA
Authors: Aliyu A. Ammani  , Abubakar A. Hassan
Published: April 2023

The study set out to test the Malthusian doctrine which stated that “population, when unchecked, increased in a geometrical ratio, and subsistence for man in an arithmetical ratio”, using Nigeria as a case in hand. Data on human population and food production in Nigeria (1961- 2018) were collected from FAOSTAT and used. Geometric Progression and Arithmetic Progression were applied on the collected data to generate second sets of data that fitted geometric and arithmetic progression, respectively. Descriptive statistics and the student t-test technique for comparison of means of independent samples were used to achieve the objectives of this study.  Results of the Student’s t-tests (calculated t-value of 0.693 and computed p-value of 0.490 for food production; calculated t-value of 4.700 and computed p-value of 0.000 for population) lead to the acceptance of the null hypothesis for food production and rejection of the null hypothesis for population growth. The mean difference of 28899193.34 indicates that the mean actual population data (102501137.84) was statistically and significantly higher than the mean expected population data (73601944.50) over the study period. It was concluded that (i) food production in Nigeria over the study period increased in arithmetical progression in accordance with Malthusian doctrine, suggesting that the series of agricultural policies and programmes the Government in Nigeria since independence, barely raised agricultural food production in Nigeria beyond subsistence level, and (ii) population in Nigeria over the period of the study increased at a rate much greater than Malthusian doctrine’s geometrical progression, at an exponential rate, suggesting that the policies on population, implicit and explicit, enacted in Nigeria since independence have not succeeded in significantly slowing down the rate of growth of population in Nigeria. The study recommended further studies into the relationship between demography and economic growth in Nigeria.
EFFECT OF NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZER ON THE PERFORMANCE OF SESAME (SESAMUM indicum L.) VARIETIES IN SUDAN SAVANNAH
Authors: Isa, A.  , Wali, A. S.  , Ali, A.  , Bibinu, A. T. S.
Published: April 2023

Field experiment was conducted at the Lake Chad Research Institute, research station Maiduguri (Lat: 110 50' N; Long: 130 10' E) during 2014 cropping season to determine the effect of Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P) fertilizer combinations on sesame varieties. Treatments comprised of five sesame varieties (NCRIBen-02M, NCRIBen-03L, NCRIBen -04E, NCRIBen -05E and Gwoza local) and three fertilizer treatments: control and two levels of Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P) fertilizers combinations (25 kg N + 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and 50 kg N + 40 kg P2O5 ha-1). The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with varieties on the main plots and fertilizer on the sub-plots and replicated four times. Data was collected on plant height, days to 50% flowering and capsule formation, capsule length, Number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule and yield. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and the results showed significant differences among the characters studied. The varieties NCRIBen-04E and NCRIBen-02M fertilized with 25 kg N + 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 produced over 600 % higher yield than Gwoza local grown under control fertilizer. The growing of varieties NCRIBen -04E or NCRIBen-02M under 25 kg N + 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 is suggested for farmers in the Sudan Savannah for high yield of sesame.
EFFECT OF SOCIAL CAPITAL ON THE HEALTH STATUS OF RURAL FARMERS IN GWER-EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Opeyemi Gbenga  , Julius Olugbenga Owoyemi  , Opaluwa, Haruna Ibrahim  , Yakubu Ojonugwa Faith
Published: April 2023

The study examined the effect of social capital on the health status of rural farmers in Gwer East local government area of Benue State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select a total of 120 respondents. Data were collected through the use of a well-structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, social capital index, the index was estimated from the different forms of social capital constructed and WHO self-assessment scale for health status. Also, Binary Logit regression model was used. Results showed that the farmers were still young with an average age of 41 years old. Most of the respondents (68.33%) were married and more than half, (60.83%) were males. The social network of the respondents showed that the density of membership with mean of 1.43, average meeting attendance 44.83%, cash contribution with mean of N36,103.33, labour contribution with mean of 7.86, participation in decision making with mean of 34%, heterogeneity index with mean of 44%, social capital index with mean of 0.31. The health status of the respondents showed that majority (41.67%) were in very good health status. The regression Pseudo R2 value of 0.5733 indicates that the variables included in the model explained 57% of the dependent variable. The result revealed that social capital increases the probability of household head being healthy. Also, gender, household size, farming experience, and age significantly influenced health status of the respondents. Given the close linkages between self-rated health and social capital in this study, the study, therefore, concluded that, social capital positively and significantly influences health status in the study area.
EFFECT OF MALARIA INCIDENCE ON MAIZE FARMING HOUSEHOLDS’ PRODUCTIVITY IN IDAH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Opaluwa, H. I.  , Opeyemi Gbenga  , David, A. M.  , Ochimana Odiba
Published: April 2023

The study examined the effect of malaria incidence on farming households` maize productivity in Idah Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. Primary data was used to achieve the research objectives. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used in selecting 120 respondents. Structured questionnaire was used to collect the required data. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Ordinary least square regressions. Results from the findings showed that 77.5% of the respondents were male with a mean age of 50 years. The respondents had a mean household size of 9 members and 47.50% of the respondents have access to credit facilities. The results showed that bushes (77.5%), house close to river (45.83%), work when it is sunny (45.83), house close to stagnant water (40.0%) were the factors responsible for malaria incidence. Headache (92.5%), body pain (89.17%), tiredness (82.50%), heat (81.67%), coldness (67.5%) were the common malaria symptoms among the farming households in the study area. OLS multiple regression showed that day’s incapacitation (β=-254.1) and frequency of malaria illness were significant (β=-1214.2) both statistically significant at 1%. The study concluded that malaria incidence had significant effect on maize productivity in the study area. The study recommends that farmers should be encouraged to keep their surrounding clean in order to avoid breeding of mosquitoes. Medication that can reduce the days of incapacitation should be made available to farmers at affordable prices in order to improve the quality of life and farmers’ productivity.
THE ROLE OF PERCEPTION IN THE ENTRY OF WOULD-BE ENTREPRENEUR INTO AGRIBUSINESS: A CASE STUDY OF BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Ashiko Felix Terfa Gaase  , Atagher Monica Mwuese  , Anweh Cosmos Aondona
Published: April 2023

The study analyzed perceptions as a determinant of young would-be entrepreneurs’ likelihood to venture into agribusiness in Benue State, Nigeria. The study made use of the ex-post facto research design and the population was made up of registered persons who had been trained or were undergoing agribusiness trainings at business school, university, government agencies or non-governmental organizations within the ages of 15-35 for the 2019 and 2020 cropping season totaling 10320. The sample size of 385 was determined from the population using Taro Yamane formula. Primary data was collected through the use of structured questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data collected. Findings revealed that age group of entrepreneurs (mean = 2.83), years of experience in agribusiness (mean = 2.33), their occupation (mean = 2.90) and their level of education (mean = 4.66) are likely socioeconomic indicators of perceptions influencing likelihood to venture among young would-be agribusiness entrepreneurs in the State. The result of the ordered logit regression analysis showed that for 3 categories of perception, years in agribusiness, occupation and level of education are significant influencers viz: personal perception (-0.31**, 0.28**, -0.27**), respectively. social perception (-0.83***, 0.64***, -0.36**) respectively and familial perception (-0.87***, 0.64**, -4.81***) all these results were significant at 1% = *** and 5% = **. The study recommended that, more educational programs for young would-be entrepreneurs needs to be deepened through exposure to more learning tools and capacity building to aid in dispelling negative perceptions about the practice of agribusiness. Promotion of hands-on training, mentorship and campaigns is advocated to enhance experience among young would-be entrepreneurs.
DETERMINANTS OF ADOPTION OF SOYBEAN PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES AMONG SMALL SCALE FARMERS IN THE CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL ZONE OF GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Mohammed, B.  , Abdullahi, S.  , Yakubu, S.
Published: April 2023

The study examined the determinant of the adoption of recommended Soybean production technologies practices among small scale farmers in Central Agricultural Zone of Gombe State.  Multi-stage sampling techniques were used in selecting 206 respondents from the study area. Data were collected through the administration of structured questionnaires and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The result from the study reveals that majority (75.2%, 65.6%) of the respondents were males, married and within the ages of 28-47 years, respectively, also majority (87.4%, 82.5% and 75.2%) of the respondents had 1.6-3.0ha of land, 2-21 years of farming experience and 4-9 persons per household size in the study area respectively. The result further shows that majority (72.8% and 55.3%) of the respondents had an annual income of ₦50,000-₦100,000 and had attained secondary/tertiary levels of education in the study area respectively. The result shows that use of implements in land preparation, soy bean harvest between 3-4 months and mid-June – early July planting of soy technologies were mostly and frequently practiced by the respondents and were ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the study area, respectively. The result also shows that socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents had significant influence on their adoption of technologies in the study area, sex, land size, membership of association, years of membership in association, inadequate extension contact, lack of credit access and other sources of credits were highly significant (P<0.001), while farming experience and extension contact in 2020 were significant at (P<0.05). However, high cost of technologies; insufficient information and non-accessibility of technologies were the major challenges/constraints faced by the respondents in the study area. The study concluded that sex, land size, membership of association were the factors influencing the adoption of soya bean technologies in the study area. Based on the findings highlighted the study recommended that, ADP should make available and affordable technologies to the farmers, more extension agents should be recruited to reach or widened the coverage of extension activities in the study area.
EVALUATION OF PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOUNDS IN Ficus polita LEAVES POWDERS FOR INSECT PEST CONTROL
Authors: Kashere, M. A.  , Tijjani, A.  , Sabo, M. U.  , Aliyu, M.
Published: April 2023

Pesticidal plants, also referred to as botanical pesticides, have been used for centuries for pest management. The study objectives was to evaluate the phytochemical compounds in F.polita leaves powders and their insecticidal activity on Callosobruchus subinnotatus PIC in stored Bambara groundnut in Gombe through untargeted Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) using three different extraction solvents (ethanol, methanol and distilled water). Result of the study revealed the presence of various compounds. To mention but few, the ethanol extracts revealed the presence of 2-Methylchrysene (C19H14); Chrysene, 1-methyl- (C19H14); Ethyl.alpha.-d-glucopyranoside (C8H16O6); 5,9-Undecadien-2-one, 6,10-dimethyl- (C13H22O). Methanol extracts showed Alloaromadendrene oxide-(2) (C15H24O); Methyl.beta.-d-galactopyranoside (C7H14O6); Phytol (C20H40O); Ethyl .beta.-d-riboside (C7H14O5). Distilled water extraction revealed Lupeol (C30H50O); 9,19-Cycloergost-24(28)-en-3-ol, 4,14-dimethyl-, acetate, (3.beta.,4.alpha.,5.alpha.)- (C32H52O2); Lanosterol (C30H50O); [4-(4-Methoxymethylbenzyl)phenyl]methanol (C16H18O2) as compounds with the highest percentage areas. Being cheap and readily available, resources-poor farmers perceive those natural products (botanical pesticides) possessed repellence, anti-feeding and ovipositional deterrence, fumigant or contact activity, growth inhibition etc. Hence, could serve as good alternatives to chemical insecticides.
RESPONSE OF BROILER CHICKENS TO FIVE COMMERCIAL DIETS IN BAUCHI METROPOLIS, BAUCHI STATE, NIEGRIA
Authors: Abdullahi, M. A.  , Doma, U. D.  , Egbo, M. L.
Published: April 2023

The study was conducted to evaluate growth performance, carcass characteristics and cost benefit of broiler chickens fed five commercial diets in Bauchi town of Bauchi state. Two hundred and twenty-five (225) day old chicks were assigned to five dietary treatments in replicates of three containing fifteen chicks each in a completely randomized design.  Feed and water were supplied ad libitum and the experiment lasted for 35 days. Growth performance parameters include daily feed intake, daily weight gain, final weight gain, total weight gain, feed conversion ratio and feed efficiency were studied. The final weight gain, total weight gain and daily weight gain were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the dietary treatments. The highest values of final weight gain (1522.70 g), total weight gain (1426.30 g) and daily weight gain (50.94 g) were obtained on diet 4, although it did not differ from those fed diet 1. Total feed intake (2077.30-2203.70 g), feed conversion ratio (1.54-1.74) and feed efficiency (0.58-0.66) were not affected by the diets. Most of the carcass characteristics were significantly influenced by the different commercial diets except weights of the head, large intestine, gizzard as well as the length of the small intestine. The highest dressing percentage value of 74.74% was observed in broiler chickens fed diet 4 which did not differ from the value of 71.21% for those fed diet 5. The feed cost per kilogram body weight gain ranged between N 456.90 and N 485.04 with the lowest value obtained in broiler birds fed diet 2. It was concluded that diet 4 gave the best growth performance and carcass yield with lower abdominal fat pad. However, diet 2 was slightly more commercial.
ANALYSIS OF ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE AMONG RICE FARMERS IN WERSTERN ZONE OF BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Bello, A.S.  , Ibrahim, A. A.  , Yakubu, S.
Published: April 2023

The study analyzed the adaptations to climate change among rice farmers in the Western Zone of Bauchi State. Multi-stage sampling technique was used in selecting 140 respondents, data were collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Result reveals that 41.4% of the respondents were within the age of 36-45 with a mean of 28 years. About (33.6%) of the respondents has the household size of 8-10 with a mean of 8 persons per household, and about (42.9%) of them had primary education. The result further reveals that most (82.9%) of the respondents were married and about (41.4 %) had a farming experience of 16-21 with a mean of 13 years. It also shows that about (47%) of rice farmers had quarterly extension visit. The result revealed that (67%) of rice farmers perceived increased in temperature as the effect of climate change in the study area, about (18.1%) of the respondents perceived high cost of inputs as the major constraints to adaptation strategies by the rice farmers. The regression result reveal that marital status, age of the farmers, educational level, farming experience, farm size, access to extension and extension visit had a positive coefficient and significant (P<0.01). The major constraints to the adoption of existing climate change adaptation strategies by rice farmer are high cost of inputs, insufficiency of financial resource, high cost of labour and inadequacy of climate information, The study concluded that socio-economic characteristic of farmers play a significant role in perceptions and adaptations to climate change among rice farmers in the study area. Marital status, age of the farmers, educational level, farming experience, farm size, access to extension and extension visit were the significant factors influencing perception and adaptations to climate change by rice farmers in the study area. Based on the finding, it is recommended that, Extension agents should sensitize and raise awareness to climate change, adequate media information should be provided by the various agricultural programmes (ADPs) so as to create conducive policy that will enhance adaptive capacity of the farmers to mention few.
The Study on Co-Working Space According to the Changing form of Work ╶ Focusing on the Domestic Co-Working Space Cases╶
Authors:   Art·Design Research Institute of Kyung-Hee University, Ha Si Eun , Lee Dong Min
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this study is to know about the space design’s limitations of the shared office and the direction of the shared office space design according to the changing types of work is examined. Despite the economic downturn caused by the corona virus, the use of shared offices in Korea is increasing. As companies choose to work from home, the proportion of freelancers, including digital nomads, is increasing. In addition, according to the concept of work shifting from the center of the metropolis to the center of the region, it seems that more research on spaces with various meanings is needed. For the study, the current status and cases of shared offices were explored, and the space design was examined using field visits. First, the change in the form of work that is the background of the study was investigated. The current status of shared office was investigated through previous researched cases. Based on this, we analyzed the space design by examining the actual use of personal work space rather than public work space. A standard table for spatial design classification was created as a standard for case site visits. A total of four domestic shared office tour sites were selected and visited and used for a total of 7 days.
They visited the office, Fast Five, WeWork, and Musinsa studios located in Seoul to summarize each feature, space design, and service. In addition, based on this, a diagram was created based on the previously prepared reference table so that the difference could be clearly identified.
Through a comprehensive analysis, the growth and limitations of the workspace were identified, and in order to explore the future development direction of the shared office, a conclusion was drawn by classifying space elements into variability, mobility, and versatility.
Dopamine and Antioxidant Grape Seed Extract loaded chitosan nanoparticles: A preliminary in vitro characterization
Authors: Bellucci Stefano , Fracchiolla Giuseppe , Pannunzio Alessandra , Caponio Antonello , Donghia Daniela , Corbo Filomena , Capobianco Loredana , Muscella Antonella , Manno Daniela Erminia , Stefàno Erika , Marsigliante Santo , Trapani Adriana
Published: April 2023

Neuronal cell model line SHSY-5Y is extensively adopted when in vitro investigations are related to Parkinson disease (PD) application. Herein, chitosan nanoparticles (CS NPs) were formulated for the co-administration of dopamine (DA) and Grape Seed Extract (GSE) with the aim to gain insight into the interactions occurring between SHSY-5Y and NPs. Following the ionic gelation technique, the mean particle size of the NPs resulted in the range 310–330 nm and the zeta measurements were in the range +16.4 – +35.5 mV. The presence of CS chains on the surface suggested by positive zeta values was also confirmed by FT-IR analysis, whereas storage stability studies upon different temperatures evidenced that, although aggregation occurred, DA autoxidation was prevented because no black suspensions were detected over the time, irrespectively of the temperature assayed. From a biological viewpoint, release studies of CS NPs loaded with DA and GSE showed that in SHSY-5Y cell lines DA accumulation was time-dependent, irrespectively of the presence of GSE. Furthermore, ROS levels and carbonylated proteins both decreased in SHSY-5Y cell line once NPs administering both DA and GSE were incubated, suggesting a significative reduction of oxidative stress which plays a significative role for PD development.
Analisis Penanganan Banyaknya Limbah Benang Pakan Di Mesin Air Jet Loom Tsudakoma ZA 205 i PT Dan Liris
Authors: Rumiyati Valentina Sri Pertiwi , Pakpahan Pauli Cristy , Hariri Muhammad
Published: April 2023

Dan Liris merupakan industri tekstil yang memproduksi benang kain dan garmen. Permasalahan yang dihadapi adalah banyaknya banyaknya limbah benang pakan di mesin Air Jet Loom Tsudakoma ZA 205 i yaitu 2,36 %, jumlah tersebut melebihi dari target yang ditetapkan yaitu sebanyak 2,0 %. dari panjang kain sepanjang 150 meter yang mengacu pada standar potong kain dari inspecting. Jumlah mesin Air Jet Loom Tsudakoma ZA 205 i yang ada di PT. Dan Liris sebanyak 225 unit sehingga mesin tersebut akan berpengaruh terhadap jalannya proses produksi. Penulis melakukan pengamatan limbah benang pakan di Mesin AJL merek Tsudakoma tipe ZA 205 i. dengan mengamati pada panjang kain sepanjang 150 meter yang mengacu pada standar potong kain dari inspecting. Berdasarkan hasil pengamatan faktor-faktor yang berpengaruh terhadap banyaknya limbah benang pakan adalah faktor mesin, SDM, metode, bahan baku dan faktor lingkungan. Upaya penanganan dari masing-masing faktor telah direncanakan namun berdasarkan rencana yang ditetapkan baru satu penanganan yang dilakukan yaitu menangani faktor metode dengan cara melakukan retraning untuk personil yang bertanggung jawab dan melakukan setting mesin sesuai SOP. Banyaknya limbah kain pakan setelah dilakukan penanganan mengalami penurununan dari 2,36 % menjadi 2,21%
Efficacy of an assistive guide tube for improved endoscopic access to gastrointestinal lesions: an in vivo study in a porcine model
Authors: Lee Dong Seok , Byeon Jeong-Sik , Kim Sang Gyun , Kim Ji Won , Lee Kook Lae , Jeong Ji Bong , Jung Yong Jin , Kang Hyoun Woo
Published: April 2023

Background/Aims: Guide tube-assisted endoscopy for procedures that require repeated endoscopic access is safer and more effective than conventional endoscopy. However, its effectiveness has not been confirmed in animal studies. We assessed the usefulness of guide tube-assisted endoscopic procedures in an in vivo porcine model.Methods: Five different guide tube-assisted endoscopic procedures were performed by experienced endoscopists on a pig weighing 32 kg. To evaluate the efficacy of these procedures, we compared the endoscopic approach time when a guide tube was used to that when it was not. Additional endoscopic procedures using a guide tube were performed, including multiple foreign body extractions, multiple polypectomies, and multiple submucosal dissections. To evaluate safety, we compared the insertion force into the proximal esophagus between the guide tube and conventional overtube methods.Results: Using the endoscopic approach with a guide tube required a shorter average approach time to reach the three target lesions than when using the endoscopic approach without a guide tube (p<0.001). Compared to the conventional overtube method, the guide tube method produced a lower average resistance during insertion into the upper esophagus (p<0.001).Conclusions: Guide tube-assisted endoscopic procedures are effective and safe for repeated endoscopic access in an in vivo porcine model.
Complex multidisciplinary care of hereditary ectopic mineralization disorder pseudoxanthoma elasticum
Authors:   Semmelweis University, Faculty of Medicine Department of Dermatology Venereology and Dermatooncology, Farkas Klára , Kiss Norbert , Szabó Viktória , Lesch Balázs , Szabó Antal , Maneschg Ottó , Apor Astrid , Nagy Anikó Ilona , Medvecz Márta
Published: April 2023

The authors summarize the up-to-date knowledge on pseudoxanthoma elasticum, a hereditary connective tissue disorder that results in the fragmentation and mineralization of elastic fibres. Three cases of pseudoxanthoma elasticum under complex dermatological, ophthalmologic and cardiovascular management are described, emphasizing the multidisciplinary aspects of dermatology
The European Union's policy towards Mercosur
Authors: Gomez Arana Arantza
Published: April 2023

This monograph seeks to examine the motivations for the European Union’s (EU) policy towards the Common Market of the South (Mercosur), the EU’s most important relationship with another regional economic integration organisation. This monograph argues that the dominant explanations in the literature -- balancing the US, global aspirations, being an external federator, long-standing economic and cultural ties, economic interdependence, and the Europeanization of Spanish and Portuguese national foreign policies – fail to adequately explain the EU’s policy. In particular, these accounts tend to infer the EU’s motives from its activity. Drawing extensive primary documents, this monograph argues that the major developments in the relationship -- the 1992 Inter-institutional Agreement and the 1995 Europe Mercosur Inter-regional Framework Cooperation Agreement – were initiated by Mercosur and supported mainly by Spain. This means that rather than the EU pursuing a strategy, as implied by most of the existing literature, the EU was largely responsive.
Squamous cell carcinoma on Buruli ulcer graft scar, Ivory Coast
Authors:   Department of Dermatology, CHU of Bouaké, Ivory Coast, Diabaté Almamy , Loumingou Ida ,   Marein NGouabi University of Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, Oussou Mienwoley ,   Department of Dermatology, CHU of Bouaké, Ivory Coast
Published: April 2023

The Buruli ulcer is an infectious necrotizing panniculitis due to Mycobacterium ulcerans, which heals leaving scars. On these scars, squamous cell carcinoma may occur in the long term, even in the case of skin grafting. Herein, we report a case of squamous cell carcinoma occurring on a directed Buruli ulcer scar. A 35-year-old patient with a history of a Buruli ulcer healed with a skin graft in a specialized center for about thirteen years consulted for a cauliflower-like, ulcerating swelling on the left elbow. An examination revealed a large, ulcerating, cauliflower-like swelling. The diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma was retained, and an amputation was performed without chemotherapy. There was no recurrence after six months of follow-up. After good healing, the Buruli ulcer seemed to present a risk of long-term evolution toward cancer. This observation raises the question of the carcinogenic role of Mycobacterium ulcerans. Key words: Buruli ulcer; Scar; Squamous cell carcinoma
Light-emitting diode therapy for the management of radiodermatitis
Authors:   Department of Dermatology and Venereology, HUC Ibn Rochd, University Hassan II of Casablanca, Morocco, Hali Fouzia , El Kissouni Asmaa ,   Department of Dermatology and Venereology, HUC Ibn Rochd, University Hassan II of Casablanca, Morocco, Chiheb Soumiya ,   Department of Dermatology and Venereology, HUC Ibn Rochd, University Hassan II of Casablanca, Morocco,
Published: April 2023

Background: Light-emitting diode (LED) is a process by which specific sequences of low-energy light are employed to regulate cellular activity without a thermal effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of LED light in the treatment of radiodermatitis. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study that included twenty patients with chronic or acute radiation dermatitis regardless of the grade or underlying neoplasia. All these patients received two LED sessions per week according to the following protocol: 660 + 850 nm, total fluence: 36 J/cm2, total energy: 21.6 KJ. The evolution was judged from the data of the clinical examination and photography. Results: Three patients had chronic radiodermatitis (CRD) and seventeen patients had acute radiodermatitis (ARD). The lesions appeared after ten sessions on average: a cumulative dose of 26.7 Gy. Evolution after LED treatment: For CRD, no significant improvement was noted. For ARD, regression of erythema and epidermalization of the lesions were observed after an average of six sessions (2–8 sessions). Discussion: Vitro studies have demonstrated that LED light accelerates wound healing by increasing procollagen synthesis and decreasing inflammatory mediators. In our study. we noticed an improvement in patients with ARD regardless of the site or the underlying neoplasia. However, no improvement was observed in patients with CRD. Conclusion: LED therapy may be an effective therapeutic option in the management of ARD, yet studies with a larger sample are necessary. Key words: LED Light; Photobiomodulation; Radiodermatitis; Acute Radiodermatitis; Radiotherapy
Eruptive pseudoangiomatosis: An epidemiological and clinical study
Authors:   Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Al-Ramadi Teaching Hospital, Al-Anbar Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, Iraq, Mancy Abdullah , Awad Mancy ,   Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Al-Ramadi Teaching Hospital, Al-Anbar Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, Iraq, Hafedh Zainab ,   Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Al-Ramadi Teaching Hospital, Al-Anbar Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, Iraq
Published: April 2023

Background: Eruptive pseudoangiomatosis is an acute-onset illness presenting with a characteristic rash mainly on the exposed parts of the body. It is mostly symptomless and resolves spontaneously without sequels. Numerous agents are suspected to trigger the disease. Materials and Methods: Forty-five patients affected with eruptive pseudoangiomatosis were examined at the Dermatology and Venereology Department of Al-Ramadi Teaching Hospital during the period from January 1, 2018, to January 1, 2020. History taking and physical examination in addition to laboratory investigations were done for all patients. Results: Forty-five patients, 27 females and 18 males, were examined. Their mean age was fifteen years and the female-to-male ratio was 1.5:1. The younger age group was the most involved and a family history was detected in 5%. Prodromal symptoms were found in 63.8% and pruritus was a complaint in 35.5% of the patients. The extremities and face were the most affected and the disease was more common during the spring season. Conclusion: Eruptive pseudoangiomatosis is a spontaneously-resolving illness without complications, yet one must be aware of it and keep it in mind when facing a viral rash to avoid unnecessary investigations and treatments and to provide reassurance to the patient and their family. Key words: angioma; pseudoangioma; viral infection; pruritus; URTI
The burden of xeroderma pigmentosum in two families followed at the Department of Dermatology and Venereology of the National Hospital in Niamey, Niger
Authors:   Department of Dermatology-Venereology, National Hospital of Niamey, Niger, Salissou Laouali , Ouédraogo Muriel ,   Department of Dermatology-Venereology, Yalgado Oueodraogo CHU, Kadiogo10 BP 269, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Ango1 Aissa ,   Department of Dermatology-Venereology, National Hospital of Niamey, Niger
Published: April 2023

Background: Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a highly complex autosomal recessive disease linked to an enzymatic DNA repair disorder. Herein, we report the clinical and evolutionary aspects of XP in Niger. Materials and Methods: Our study included patients diagnosed with XP from two families. Results: We collected eight patients with an average age of 5.5 years, with extremes of two and thirteen years. The sex ratio was 1. Consanguinity was found in both families. The first tumor appeared between three and five years of age in six cases and around eight years of age in two cases. The tumors were cutaneous in seven cases, and extra-cutaneous in five cases. Histology made it possible to identify basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas without any case of melanoma. Five out of eight died between the age of eight and twelve years. Conclusion: Prevention through the reduction of new cases by genetic counseling and antenatal diagnosis in families at risk is necessary. Key words: XP; Basal cell carcinoma; Squamous cell carcinomas; Early death; Niamey; Niger
Effect of Fermentation Time on Nutrition Content, Physical Properties, pH, Amino Acids, Fatty Acids Composition and Organoleptics on Fermented Mackerel Sausage (Rastrelligerkanagurta Cuvier) Characteristics
Authors: Afifah Diana , Ratna Sari Intan , Prastifani Nanda Trisna , Fulyani Faizah , Anjani Gemala , Widyastuti Nurmasari , Hastuti Vivilia Niken
Published: April 2023

Fermentation increases the functional value of food. During fermentation, chemical changes occur in organic substrates, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats due to enzyme activities of microorganisms. Functional foods containing unsaturated fatty acids are an alternative for preventing cardiovascular disease. The Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta Cuvier) is rich in protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and non-essential and essential amino acids. Fish that are processed into sausage and fermented can be used as an alternative functional food to prevent cardiovascular disease. This study analysed the effect of fermentation time on nutritional content (carbohydrate, protein, fat, water, ash, amino acid, and fatty acid contents), physical properties, pH, and organoleptic properties in fermented mackerel sausage. This was a completely randomized experimental study with three fermentation times of 1, 2, and 3 days, and 0 days as a control. Fermentation was carried out spontaneously with 1.9% salt and sugar without adding a bacterial culture. The drying temperature was 50oC for 3 hours, and the fermentation temperature was 35oC. The fermentation duration of mackerel sausage affected the nutritional contents (carbohydrates, protein, fat, water, ash, amino acids, and fatty acids), physical properties (hardness and chewiness), pH, and organoleptic properties (colour, aroma, taste, and texture). Overall, the longer the fermentation time, the higher the carbohydrate, protein, fat, total ash content, total amino acid, total fatty acid, hardness and decreased organoleptic (colour, aroma, taste, texture), elasticity, and water contents. The best formulation for fermented mackerel sausage was 1 day of fermentation time.
Sourdoughs Used in the Preparation of Traditional Bread in the Province of Figuig in Eastern Morocco
Authors: Moujabbir Sara , Aboukhalaf Abdelghani , Kalili Adil , Naciri Kaoutar , Sahel Khadija , Rocha Joao Miguel , Belahsen Rekia
Published: April 2023

To gather recipes for traditional sourdoughs used to bake traditional bread, a survey was conducted in Figuig, a town located in the southeast of Morocco. The data of this survey is collected from a random sample of 100 rural women using a structured questionnaire. The data shows a total of 17 different traditional recipes mentioned by the interviewed women. Among the ingredients used in these recipes, whole wheat flour and warm water had the highest percentage of citations (31 %). It was also observed that 9 local products were used in these sourdough recipes, including whey, locally called “leben” (19 %), dried beans (16 %) and dates (15 %). Lemon, garlic, dried figs, raisins, flax seeds and carob flour were also mentioned as ingredients (1%). The participants also stated that the sourdoughs are transferred to different shapes and types of utensils for incubation and were alive for a variable amount of time depending on climatic conditions.