bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of light-inducible and light-independent anthocyanins regulated by specific genes in grape ‘Marselan’ (V. viniferaL.)
Authors: Ma Zong-Huan , Li Wen-Fang , Mao Juan , Li Wei , Zuo Cun-Wu , Zhao Xin , Dawuda Mohammed Mujitaba , Shi Xing-Yun , Chen Bai-Hong
Published: March 2019

Anthocyanin is an important parameter for evaluating the quality of wine grapes. However, the effects of different light intensities on anthocyanin synthesis in grape berry skin and its regulation mechanisms are still unclear. In this experiment, clusters of wine grape cv. ‘Marselan’ were bagged using fruit bags with different light transmittance of 50%, 15%, 5%, and 0, designated as treatment A, B, C and D, respectively. Fruits that were not bagged were used as the control, designated as CK. The anthocyanin composition and concentration, as well as gene expression profiles in the berry skin were determined. The results showed that the degree of coloration of the berry skin reduced with the decrease of the light transmittance, and the veraison was postponed for 10 days in D when compared with the CK. Total anthocyanin concentration in the berry skin treated with D decreased by 51.50% compared with CK at the harvest stage. A total of 24 and 21 anthocyanins were detected in CK and D, respectively. Among them, Malvidin-3-O-coumaroylglucoside (trans), which showed a significant positive correlation with the total concentration of anthocyanins at the harvest stage (r = 0.775) and was not detected in D, was presumed to be light-induced anthocyanin. Other anthocyanins which were both synthesized in CK and D were considered to be light-independent anthocyanins. Among them, Malvidin-3-O-coumaroylglucoside (cis) and Malvidin-3-O-acetylglucoside were typical representatives. Remarkably, the synthesis of light-inducible anthocyanins and light-independent anthocyanins were regulated by different candidate structural genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis pathway and members of MYB and bHLH transcription factors.
Autêntica Cuba: análise da publicidade turística de 2002-2016
Authors: Reimondo Barrios Yanet , Reis Clóvis
Published: March 2019

O turismo e a publicidade configuram-se como campos de estudos que ganham interesse e espaço no mundo acadêmico, essencialmente no âmbito das Ciências Sociais Aplicadas. O presente trabalho busca analisar o discurso publicitário turístico cubano, proporcionando interpretações possíveis dos conteúdos (texto/imagem) contidos na sua publicidade, com o fim de perceber a forma como o país foi promovido nas últimas décadas. O corpus de análise foi composto por 50 cartazes das quatro campanhas de publicidade turística cubana realizadas entre 2002 e 2016. Por meio de métodos e procedimentos de pesquisa que incluíram a análise morfológica e de conteúdo, entrevistas semiestruturadas e análise documental, a pesquisa constatou que a diversificação dos produtos e incentivos que oferece o destino constituiu a principal estratégia de comunicação no período, e que os atrativos culturais são a âncora da publicidade turística da ilha.
Impact of Library Service Quality on Students’ Satisfaction in Higher Educational Environments: The Case of Wollo University
Authors: Atinkut Lingerew , Abe Yadergal
Published: March 2019

Aims: The main aim of the study is to analyze the impact of library service quality dimensions on students’ satisfaction in higher education.

Study Design: Cross-sectional research design was applied. The explanatory research design was used to identify cause and effect relationships between library service quality dimensions and students’ satisfaction.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in wollo university, North East Ethiopia between January 2016 and September 2017.

Methodology: 366 students were selected proportionally by using simple random sampling technique after students stratified into colleges to identify their perceptions of library service quality. Close-ended structured self-completion questionnaires, adapted from the SERVQUAL instrument were used to collect data. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to describe respondents’ demographic characteristics. Correlation and multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyze the impact of each of the five dimensions of SERVQUAL on the overall satisfaction of students’ about library service with the aid of statistical package for social science ( SPSS) version 20.0.

Results: Correlation of library service quality and students’ satisfaction was 0.569, p<0.01. It was significant enough to show the correlation between the two variables. Since the correlation was positive, library service quality and student satisfaction are positively related, which means better library service quality brings higher students’ satisfaction. The coefficient of determination i.e adjusted R-square (R2) value was 0.843 representing that 84.3% of students satisfaction can be explained by the five dimensions of library service quality.

Conclusion: Correlational results indicate that there is a positive correlation between the dimensions of library service quality and students’ satisfaction. Regression tests revealed that offering quality library service has a positive impact on overall students’ satisfaction.
Water Quality Appraisal in Selected Rivers at Atiwa Forest in the Eastern Region of Ghana
Authors: Baako Haruna , Sadick Adams , Awuah Kwame O. , Mahama Inusah , Obeng Apori S.
Published: March 2019

The high spate of illegal mining activities in the Atiwa forest in the Eastern Region of Ghana has caused lots of damage to water bodies and its surrounding environment including soil and air pollution. This anthropogenic activity has resulted in elevated amounts of heavy metals pollution of the affected water bodies and its adjacent environment. This calls for the needs for the investigation into the analysis of the total coliform, E. coli and heavy metals for drinking and irrigation water accessibility is highly recommended. These are dangerous bacterial and pollutants which have health implications. A total of 20 water samples were collected from the five (5) major rivers, namely Ayensu, Birim, Ewusu, Wankobiri and Suhyen in the Anum Apapam, Kyebi Apapam, Kwabeng, Asikam and Kobriso Atiwa forest which serve at irrigation and drinking purposes for these communities. The water samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, colour, total calcium (Ca), magnesium (mg), total hardness (TH), sodium (Na), sodium (Na), Bicarbonate (HCO3-), Carbonate (CO32-), Sulphate (SO42-) and Chloride (Cl-). The results obtained were compared with permissible values of WHO and FAO Guidelines for drinking water and irrigation. The results obtained shows that the water samples from all the rivers; Ayensu, Birim, Ewusu, Wankobir and Suhyen are not suitable for drinking even though all the water quality parameters are within the range of acceptability except the colour and turbidity levels of the water samples which exceeded its acceptable limit thereby making the water unsafe for drinking. Also, all the water quality parameters for irrigation suitability are within the acceptable limit except HCO3- and CO32-.
Determination of Antibacterial and DNA Damage Inhibitory Activities of Propolis Extract from Izmir of Turkey
Authors: Baskan Ceren , Kiliç Dudu Duygu , Siriken Belgin
Published: March 2019

Propolis has a broad spectrum of therapeutic potential such as antimicrobial and anticancer activities and, is popular worldwide. The aim of the study was to investigate antibacterial and DNA damage inhibitory activities of propolis. The propolis samples were collected in Izmir of Turkey and were extracted by using ethanol and acetone solvents. The antibacterial effect of these propolis extracts was determined by using microdilution methods against three Gram positive-bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25953, Bacillus cereus ATCC 7064, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 29213), and three Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Escherichia coli ATCC 35218 and Salmonella Enteritidis ATCC 13076). The ability to repair the plasmid DNA breaks created by hydroxyl radicals was also determine using pBR322 plasmid DNA. As a result; antibacterial activity was detected in ethanolic extract better than acetone extract. Ethanol extract was also found very effective against Gram-positive bacteria especially Bacillus cereus (≤6.25 mg/mL). Among the Gram-negative bacteria, the most susceptible bacterium was identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.5 mg/mL). Moreover, ethanol and acetone extracts of propolis had repair effects on plasmid DNA in H2O2 condition.
Entropy Generation Analysis of a Reactive MHD Third Grade Fluid in a Cylindrical Pipe with Radially Applied Magnetic Field and Hall Current
Authors: Aiyesimi Y. M. , Jiya M. , Bolarin G. A. , Akinremi O. V.
Published: March 2019

The combined effects of chemical reaction, radially applied magnetic field and Hall effect on entropy generation of a steady third grade magnetohydrodynamic fluid flowing through a uniformly circular pipe was studied. The governing equations are presented and the resulting non-linear dimensionless equations are solved numerically using Galerkin Weighted Residual Method. The velocity, temperature and concentration profile were obtained and utilized in computing the entropy number. A parametric study of germane parameters involved are presented graphically and discussed. It was observed that irreversibility due to heat transfer dominates the flow compared to fluid friction and Hall parameter inhibits the Bejan number while Magnetic parameter enhances the Bejan number.
Identification and Characterizations of Pathogenic Fungal Species Associated with Symptoms of Cassava Anthracnose in Ivory Coast
Authors: Nestor Ehui Kouadio Jean , Célestine Toure Howélé Michaëlle Andrée , Gaston Kouame Koffi , Kouabenan Abo , Daouda Kone
Published: March 2019

Cassava anthracnose is a plant disease that affects cassava stems, petioles and fruits. The aim of this study was to analyze the diversity of cassava anthracnose symptoms in Ivory Coast and then to identify and characterize the associated fungal genera. Surveys were carried out in all agricultural zones of the country from July to November, in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. Infected samples consisting of stems cut with a small number of superficial cankers (0.3%), distorted stems (25.77%), and necrotic stems and petioles (65.18%) were collected. Also, withered and dried apical buds (8.76%) were harvested. Fungal pathogens derived from samples were Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (35.08%), Fusarium sp. (27.19%) and Botrytis sp. (19.73%) genera and undetermined strains (17.98%). Genera were characterized by morphological and microscopic characteristics. Parasitic pressure increased to 80 and 100% respectively for Botrytis sp. genus and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Fusarium sp genera. Fungal genera have caused lesions on stem and petioles in green house with diameters sizes 46, 71 and 72 mm respectively for genera Botrytis sp, Fusarium sp and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Aggressiveness index of Botrytis sp. genus was 3 and 4 respectively for Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Fusarium sp. genera. The mycoflora of cassava aerial organs alteration, linked to the symptoms of anthracnose, is composed of genera of great economic importance and scientific interest.
Obstetric Fistula: The Agony of Unsafe Motherhood. A Review of Nigeria Experience
Authors: Njoku C. O. , Njoku A. N.
Published: March 2019

Obstetric fistula is a dehumanizing complication of childbirth that has severe psychosocial impact; though almost non-existing in developed nations, it is still a public health problem in Nigeria and other countries in sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria, about 100,000–1,000,000 women are living with obstetric fistula and estimated 50,000-100,000 new cases occur annually.

To review the relevant literature on obstetric fistula in Nigeria, literature search was carried on epidemiology, prevalence, risk factors, causes, reasons for delay in intervention, complications and preventions using Google search. Additional information was obtained from text and journal in medical library of University of Calabar library.

The main cause of obstetric fistula in Nigeria is prolonged obstructed labour, which most often occur due to delay in seeking medical attention because of social and financial reasons. Other causes include inadequate facilities for emergency obstetric services, especially caesarean section, poor access to existing ones, and delay in intervention on reaching the health facilities as a result of limited number of skilled obstetric personnel and/or equipments.

There is need to increase collaboration and education of local communities on the cultural and social factors that influence and increase risk of obstetric fistula as well as improving the health-system’s response to emergency obstetric care.
Credit Management Practices and Bank Performance: Evidence from First Bank
Authors: Olabamiji Ogunlade , Michael Oseni
Published: March 2019

The study examined the influence of credit management practices on financial performance of Nigerian banks with specific reference to First bank Plc. Data was collected using Purposive sampling technique from thirty (30) respondents as a sample size used to collect data from the respondents. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze data, such as frequency, percentage, weighted mean score, and multiple regression. The result revealed that credit management practices have a significant positive influence on the financial performance of First bank. The result concluded that client appraisal, credit risk control, and collection policy are major predictors of financial performance of First bank. Subsequently, the study recommended that management of other banks should learn from First bank by enhancing their client appraisal techniques, credit risk control and adopting a more stringent policy to improve their financial performance.
Traditional Bureaucratic Culture as an Impeding Factor in Implementing New Public Management in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Naim Ebna
Published: March 2019

Since the independence in 1971, Bangladesh has made a commendable progress in all sector of the state in its 47 years of journey. Over this period it has come across to a long way in administrative reforms under different political regimes. Most of the reforms in the administrative section could not achieve the desired results due to different reasons. This paper particularly tries to find out how traditional bureaucratic culture has been an impeding force on the way of implementing New Public Management in Bangladesh. Public servants have been a strong body in Bangladesh due to different political incidents. Basically military backed governments at different times were highly dependent on bureaucratic administration. Such political practice has grown a peculiar culture of reform resistant behavior among administrative members. As a result, they are not enough open to new changes in the administrative system and thus impeding the implementation of new administrative reforms frequently as there remain uncertainties of power distribution.
The Dynamics of Oil Prices in the Nigerian Construction and Economic Growth
Authors: Okoye Peter Uchenna , Igbo Evelyn Ndifreke
Published: March 2019

Aims: The continuous reverberation of unstable global oil price change has caused this study to examine the effect of oil price fluctuation on the construction and economic growths in Nigeria.

Study Design: Data for the analysis were extracted from different National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) publications on the construction sector and economy (GDP); and OPEC Annual Statistical Bulletin 2017 and BP Statistical Review of World Energy June 2017 on oil price from 1981 to 2016.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was done in Nigeria between October 2017 and February 2018.

Methodology: The study applied different econometric techniques including the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF), the generalized least squares (GLS) regression (DF-GLS), and the Phillips-Perron (PP)  for unit root test; Johansen’s cointegration test and Error Correction Model (ECM) for long-run equilibrium relationship; Granger causality test for direction of causation or influence; as well as carrying different validation tests.

Results: It was found that oil price fluctuation does not have any causal influence on the construction growth nor economic growth; rather it is only the economic growth that influences the construction growth without feedback. It further revealed the existence of unstable long-run equilibrium contemporaneous relationship between the variables. It showed that the deviation from the equilibrium level in the current year will be corrected by 8.8% in the following year and that it will take about 11 years and 4 months to restore the long-run equilibrium state on the economic growth should there be any shock from the construction growth and oil prices fluctuation in the system.

Conclusion: The study concluded that though construction sector and general economy may be sensitive to the oil price change, their growth cannot be said to have been influenced or caused by the fluctuation in oil prices. On this strength, the subsisting oil price position in determining the economic trends in Nigeria is challenged. It then calls for new thoughts and strategies towards monitoring the oil prices and economic growth in Nigeria which may culminate in paying less attention to oil price changes and focusing more on other economic variables that trigger changes in the economy and development of Nigeria.
Opportunities and Constraints in Ghana’s Informal Sector (A Case Study of Ho Township)
Authors: Sunday Agbede Philip , Donne Muddey Komla
Published: March 2019

Aims: To determine the opportunities, and constraints in Ghana’s informal sector by examining the structure of the informal sector, identifying the factors influencing people to work in the sector and to determine the salient factors constraining the growth of the informal sector.

Study Design: A descriptive research design

Place and Duration of Study: Ho Municipal, Volta Region Ghana, between September 2014 and June 2015.

Methodology: This study employed both probabilistic and non-probabilistic sampling techniques to select 310 informal sector workers in Ho township, a self-administered close-ended questionnaire was used as the instrument of data collection. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was the main statistical tool used in the study.

Results: The EFA showed that five salient factors accounted for about 70.2% of the total variation in the 12 original constraining indicators, when it comes to the structure, about 71% of businesses are practiced on a microscale sole proprietorship level.

Conclusion: Evidence from the study suggests that; The desire to make more money and the freedom associated with being in the informal sector are the most alluring opportunities found to motivate people to work in the sector. Five main challenges are encountered by workers in Ghana’s informal sector, and they are; lack of resources and business viability, constraining government regulations/policies, inadequate entrepreneurial skills, lack of start-up capital and lack of job security.
Land Ownership and Land Management System in Chars: A Study in Sariakandi Upazila under Bogura District of Bangladesh
Authors: Zakaria A. K. M. , Sultana Rebeka , Mamun Md. Al , Alam Md. Menhajul
Published: March 2019

Bangladesh is an agricultural country. Her Per capita land in comparison to the number of people is very insignificant and hence the management of land system holds a vital role in the economic and social aspects of the country. Scarce land and  the  rapid  increase  of population  of  the  country are creating high pressure over land-man ratio. The present land management system undergone a long process and is not fully computerized.  A research was conducted in four villages namely Nayapara, Karamjapara, Dighapara and Karnibari of Hatsherpur union of Sariakandi upazila under Bogura district to know the land ownership of the residents of the chars and to review the existing land management system in chars. It was found that most of the peoples (98%) in chars live in leased land areas who take lease from land owner. Half of the respondents of the study are fully satisfied with the service of the Surveyor. The inhabitants of the char, lacking resources and capital to generate new income take loans from local money lenders in high interest. More than two-third people (71%) opined that there is no land related conflict. Women in the char areas are becoming empowered by increasing their income by involving in agricultural activities. Farmers expect training on different aspects of agriculture like seed technology, livestock rearing etc. Land Information  System (LIS) may be the  most  accountable  and  feasible  systematic approach  for developing  an  up-to-date  land  administration  and  management.
Women’s Perception on Community Based Development Organization Activities in Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Olojede J. C. , Oparaojiaku J. O. , Ukoha J. C. I.
Published: March 2019

Women’s community based organization serves as the apex organization for rural development and their perception in the activities involved should not be overlooked. This is because perception precedes action. The study assessed women’s perception on Community Based Development Organization activities in Imo State, Nigeria. These women organizations were purposively selected from 10 communities with developmental projects. Random sampling procedure was adopted to select 120 members of the organization, thus 12 respondents from each community. Primary data were collected with a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, percentages and mean scores. The result on personal/socio-economic characteristics revealed that a good proportion of the respondents fall within the age bracket of 31-50 (58%), married (75%) with household size of 1-5 (66.7%).  Also 66% of the respondents had a secondary and tertiary education while the majority were farmers and traders/artisans (80%) with a minimum income of N10, 000 – 200,000 per month. The result also revealed that the respondents were involved in all the developmental activities listed. The major activities include: attending meetings (100%), mobilization of funds (100%), contribution of time/labour (83.3%), actual execution of projects (83.3%), awareness creation (75%), environmental sanitation (66.7%) and healthcare provision (66.7%) respectively. The respondents’ perception on community-based development activities involved showed high and positive perception (M = 3.2) while rural development in the community ranked 1st, non-recognition of women as partners in development by government, feeling of joy and satisfaction in involvement and no compensation from the government ranked 2nd and 3rd respectively. The study therefore, recommends that the government should identify and recognize the efforts of the women organization as supportive to rural development and try to compensate through awards/training. The women organization should organize to get assistance from national and international agencies as well as consult with governmental development agencies.
Gross Margin and Factor Analysis of Watermelon Production in Patuakhali District, Bangladesh
Authors: Sarker Bishwajit , Majumder Shankar , Sayem Sheikh Mohammad , Farid Md. Shaikh
Published: March 2019

This study examined the Gross margin and factor productivity of watermelon production in Patuakhali district, Bangladesh. A multi-stage stratified sampling design had been used for the selection of the watermelon growing farmers.  Data were obtained with the aid of a pre-tested structured questionnaire. The socio-economic characteristics of the respondents was described and categorized by Descriptive statistics, Gross margin analysis was used to analyze the cost and returns to watermelon production and Cobb Douglas production function was used to evaluate the input factor productivity. Results showed that the farmers are relatively middle-aged with an average age of 41 years with a sizable number of the respondents (1.7%) having passed through tertiary education. It was also observed that the farmers are typically smallholders with an average farm size of 50-249 decimal. The result of the gross margin analysis showed that watermelon production is profitable with a gross margin of Tk 756 per decimal. The result of the Cobb Douglas production function shows that the coefficients of cost of seed (0.137), cost of tillage (0.227), cost of irrigation (0.304), cost of labour (0.156), and cost of pesticide (0.305) were positively significant at 5% and 1%. The overall factor productivity index is 1.19 implying an increasing return to scale in water melon production in the study area. However, lack of irrigation facility and pesticide were identified as major production constraints.
Impact of Inventory Management Practices on Small and Medium Enterprises Manufacturing Subsector In Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Sola Kareem, Thompson
Published: March 2019

This study examines the impact of inventory management practices on the performance of SMEs manufacturing sub-sector in Oyo State, Nigeria.   A survey of 129 randomly selected from three (3) cities such as Ibadan, Ogbomoso and Oyo town.  The data collection instrument was a structured questionnaire designed for the study. Data were analyzed with the aid of descriptive statistics such as simple percentage and mean. Results reveal that inventory management practices have positive and significant impact on the performance of SMEs manufacturing sub sector. Furthermore, results also reveal that delay in delivery of materials, use of manual inventory management system/lack of technology, lack of professional personnel, holding too much/too little inventory, purchase of materials with a near expiration date, insufficient funds for procurement and use of outdated storage facilities are the major factors affecting effective inventory management practices in SMEs manufacturing sub-sector in Oyo State, Nigeria. Subsequently, the study recommends that SMEs operators/ mangers should be encouraged to adopt information technology in inventory management. Also, SMEs operators and managers should be encouraged to constantly attend conferences, seminars and workshops in Nigeria and abroad in order to improve their skills on inventory management.
E-Marketing and Organizational Performance: A Study of Five Manufacturing Companies in Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Folasade A. Ajiboye, , Ranti Ogunrinade, , Samuel O. Ayanleke,
Published: March 2019

The information age holds a number of daunting challenges for modern organizations, and more specifically, modern marketers. These challenges have contributed towards a fast-changing and more complex environment for organizations. This study examines the effect of E-marketing on the performance of the selected business organizations in Oyo State, Nigeria. The purposive method was used to select five manufacturing companies operating in Oyo State while the simple random sampling technique was used to select fifty respondents for the study. Data collected through structured questionnaire was analysed with the aid of Mean and Regression Analysis. Results of the analysis show that e-marketing has a significant impact on organizational performance measured by effective decision making, customer satisfaction and sakes volume.  The study also confirms that unstable power supply, lack of government support, low level of education of the owners/managers of business organizations and Security of documents through e-commerce are major threats to the success of e-marking adoption. The study concludes that the survival of business organizations, especially in this globally competitive environment, pivots on e-marketing. Subsequently, the study recommends that the government should provide enabling environment for e-commerce to triumph in Nigeria.  Also, management of Nigerian business organizations should establish e-marketing unit, administratively and financially separate and independent from marketing department, and give it a prominent place in the organizational structure, to be able to perform its functions without associating with the marketing management or other administrations in the company.
Tourism Development and Sustainable Economic Development: Evidence from South Western Nigeria
Authors: Bukola Aremu Atinuke , Olaitan Lawal Lateefat
Published: March 2019

Aims: The study was done (i) to examine the influence of tourism on sustainable economic development, and (ii) to identify the factors affecting tourism development in South Western Nigeria.

Study Design: Descriptive survey design was employed for the study. 

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in seven cities of different states of South Western Nigeria, namely: Erin-Ijesa, Osun Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State; Oyo town in Oyo State, Ikogosi, Ekiti State, Abeokuta in Ogun State, Idanre town of Ondo State and Victoria Island, Lagos.

Methodology: Ten (10) respondents each from all the seven cities were selected and questionnaire and the oral interview was done with them. The obtained data were statistically analysed using SPSS.

Results: Respondents agreed that tourism had improved household income and government revenue tremendously and lack of interest by financial institutions to lend capital to tourism investors are significant challenges confronting tourism. The tourism development has a statistically significant influence on sustainable economic development also.

Conclusion: The study concludes that development of tourism is an engine room of economically sustainable development, and recommends that government should attract private investors to invest in tourism, to foster the state economy.
Beneficiary Assessment of Development Interventions Implemented by Rural Development Animation Programme in Katsina and Kaduna States, North-West Nigeria
Authors: Adeleye O. , Adeleye P. O.
Published: March 2019

A beneficiary assessment of the community development interventions implemented by Rural Development Animation Programme (RUDAP) in Katsina State and some parts of Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria was conducted to determine the relevance of RUDAP’s interventions to the development priorities of the target groups and to assess the changes in the living conditions of the people due to RUDAP’s activities. The assessment was also aimed at ascertaining the level of participation of the target groups in the implementation of the development interventions by the organisation. The three (3) operational zones of RUDAP were purposively selected, and in each zone, 3 villages were selected to cover all the activities implemented by the organisation. In each village community, focus group discussions involving 15 persons were conducted separately for women and men beneficiaries. RUDAP’s interventions were support for construction of cereal bank/grain store, provision of the hand-driven borehole and sanitation enlightenment. The results showed that the interventions implemented by RUDAP were relevant to the critical issues identified by the target groups for better life namely household food shortages, poor access to potable water and prevalence of unsanitary conditions. Changes in living conditions of the target groups attributable to RUDAP’s interventions included all year round household food supply, improved family cohesion among householders, increased income through the selling of surplus food grains in cereal banks when prices were more favourable. Others were reduced incidence of water- borne diseases, elimination of drudgery associated with fetching water from rivers and ease of maintaining personal hygiene. Participation of target groups in project implementation was in the form of financial and non-financial contribution. The findings from the beneficiary assessment underscored the importance of needs assessment prior to project design and implementation as well as the involvement of target groups in planning, implementation and evaluation of community development initiatives.
Green Consumption, Environmental Marketing and Green Advertising: A Look at the Privatization of Nature from the Perspective of Liquid Modernity
Authors: Ferreira Giselle Gama Torres , Tavares Fred , Fialho Gabriel Grego
Published: March 2019

The production of new market arrangements that can reveal the appropriation of nature as a strategy of consumption for the benefit of capital is observed in the contemporaneity. From this perspective, this research investigates Green Consumption, from an interdisciplinary perspective, to reveal if contemporary advertising with social and environmental appeal influences the process of production of new subjectivities even more rooted in consumption. The methodology adopted is the qualitative exploratory research of the "green" ads published in Veja magazine between 2004 and 2014. The theoretical foundation is built from Bauman and other authors who with this dialogue. From this clipping, some clues are analyzed about the legitimacy of environmental marketing strategies focused exclusively on consumption expansion. The study takes a look at the use of advertising and marketing as a way to legitimize and feedback the idea of ​​"productize" nature, that is, presented as a commodity ready to be consumed, and discusses how the new "green" stamp models can be produced and reproduced on the market. Finally, this work brings publicity and environmental marketing as possible instruments for the formation of new "ways of being", even more rooted in the logic of consumption, decrease medical as well as a financial burden, hence improving the management of cirrhotic patients. These predictors, however, need further work to validate reliability.
Public Health Expenditures, Environmental Pollution and Health Outcomes: Evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Emife Nwani, Stanley , Adeshina Kelani, Fatai , Elvis Ozegbe, Azuka , Babatunde Oluleye H.
Published: March 2019

The role of health in the development of a nation cannot be overemphasized. While the concept of health status and the impact of public health expenditure have continued to generate scholarly debates, this study contributes to the debate with the incorporation of the role of the environment as a determinant of health status in Nigeria. With the objective of examining the impact of Public Health Expenditures and Pollution on Nigerians Health Status, annual secondary time series data spanning 37 years (1981-2017) collected from Central Bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin and World Development Indicator were analyzed using the ARDL technique. The result shows that Public Expenditures on Health has a positive and significant impact on health outcomes in Nigeria. Again, environmental pollution as proxied by per capita CO2 emission has a negative and significant effect on health outcome in the country. Economic growth rate was found to have positive impact but insignificant in enhancing life expectancy (proxy for health outcome) in Nigeria. On the basis of the empirical findings, it is recommended that the government should sustain the flow of resources to the health sector and improve on environmental practices through the formulation of new national environmental policies and better awareness campaign through the deployment of community health extension workers (CHEW).
Toda and Yamamoto Causality Test between US $ Exchange Rates and Stock Market Prices in Sri Lanka
Authors: Riyath Mohamed Ismail Mohamed
Published: March 2019

co‑integration test, and the short‑run dynamic causal relationship is tested using Granger’s causality and Toda and Yamamoto [1] causality test.

Place and Duration of Study: The study use daily data from the 02nd of October 1998 to 07th of September 2018. 

Results: The results show that there is no long-term equilibrium relationship between All Share Price Index and US Dollar-Sri Lankan Rupees exchange rate. According to Granger’s causality and Toda-Yamamoto causality tests, the results indicate that there is a unidirectional causality running from All Share Price Index and US Dollar-Sri Lankan Rupees exchange rate in the short run.

Conclusion: The study concludes that stock market causes on Exchange rate in Sri Lankan economy in the short run, but not vice versa.

Contribution: This study is useful for macroeconomic policymakers and financial managers to have a better understanding of the movements between among the variables. The better understanding of short-term movements of these two variables helps to make the more informed investment and financing decisions.
Development and validation of a 3D‐printed bolus cap for total scalp irradiation
Authors: Baltz Garrett C. , Chi Pai‐Chun Melinda , Wong Pei‐Fong , Wang Congjun , Craft Daniel F. , Kry Stephen F. , Lin Stacy Sydney Hsinyi , Garden Adam S. , Smith Susan A. , Howell Rebecca M.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The goal of total scalp irradiation (TSI) is to deliver a uniform dose to the scalp, which requires the use of a bolus cap. Most current methods for fabricating bolus caps are laborious, yet still result in nonconformity and low reproducibility, which can lead to nonuniform irradiation of the scalp. We developed and validated patient‐specific bolus caps for TSI using three‐dimensional (3D) printing.

Methods and materials

3D‐printing materials were radiologically analyzed to identify a material with properties suitable for use as a bolus cap. A Python script was developed within a commercial treatment planning system to automate the creation of a ready‐to‐print, patient‐specific 3D bolus cap model. A bolus cap was printed for an anthropomorphic head phantom using a commercial vendor and a computed tomography simulation of the anthropomorphic head phantom and bolus cap was used to create a volumetric‐modulated arc therapy TSI treatment plan. The planned treatment was delivered to the head phantom and dosimetric validation was performed using thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD). The developed procedure was used to create a bolus cap for a clinical TSI patient, and in vivo TLD measurements were acquired for several fractions.

Results

Agilus‐60 was validated as a new 3D‐printing material suitable for use as bolus. A 3D‐printed Agilus‐60 bolus cap had excellent conformality to the phantom scalp, with a maximum air gap of 4 mm. TLD measurements showed that the bolus cap generated a uniform dose to the scalp within a 2.7% standard deviation, and the delivered doses agreed with calculated doses to within 2.4% on average. The patient bolus was conformal and the average difference between TLD measured and planned doses was 5.3%.

Conclusions

We have developed a workflow to 3D‐print highly conformal bolus caps for TSI and demonstrated these caps can reproducibly generate a uniform dose to the scalp.
Association of Achieving Lupus Low Disease Activity State Fifty Percent of the Time With Both Reduced Damage Accrual and Mortality in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Sharma Chanakya , Raymond Warren , Eilertsen Gro , Nossent Johannes
Published: March 2019

Objective

To assess the impact of achieving Lupus Low Disease Activity State ≥50% of the time (LLDAS‐50) on damage accrual and mortality in an inception cohort of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

We used data from the Tromsø Lupus Cohort, a longitudinal population‐based study of all patients with SLE in the 2 northernmost counties in Norway. LLDAS was defined as 1) a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 score of ≤4, with no activity in major organ systems, 2) no new features of lupus disease activity, 3) current therapy with prednisolone (or equivalent) dosage of ≤7.5 mg daily, and 4) well‐tolerated standard maintenance dosages of immunosuppressive drugs.

Results

A total of 69 patients (33.5%) spent at least half of their follow‐up time in LLDAS (thus, achieving LLDAS‐50) and had significantly better survival and lower risk of developing severe damage over time, according to the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index. After correcting for age and sex, LLDAS‐50 was associated with a significant reduction in risk of having severe damage (hazard ratio [HR] 0.37 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.19–0.73], P < 0.01), and also a reduction in mortality (HR 0.31 [95% CI 0.16–0.62], P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Our study validates the findings of the inception cohort by demonstrating that achievement of LLDAS‐50 is associated with a significant reduction in severe damage and, for the first time, demonstrates a reduction in mortality.
Humidity Sustained Wearable Pouch‐Type Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Harvesting Mechanical Energy from Human Activities
Authors: Mule Anki Reddy , Dudem Bhaskar , Graham Sontyana Adonijah , Yu Jae Su
Published: March 2019

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are gaining much research interest recently owing to their facile and cost‐effective device structure. However, the effect of relative humidity (in moisture atmosphere) on the output performance still needs to be resolved. Herein, a pouch‐type TENG is proposed to significantly reduce the effect of relative humidity on its electrical output and a stable performance is also attained in a humid environment. In this regard, a dielectric and dielectric materials‐based TENG (DD‐TENG) is first developed using nanoarchitecture polydimethylsiloxane (NA‐PDMS) and multiwalled carbon nanotube/nylon composite layers as a triboelectric material with the negative and positive tendencies, respectively. The NA‐PDMS and nylon composite layers play a key role in increasing the surface contact area and surface charge density between the dielectric/triboelectric materials as well as the output performance of DD‐TENG. However, the DD‐TENG device exhibits a stable and high output performance with the effective output power density of ≈25.35 W m−2. Additionally, the performance of the pouch‐type DD‐TENG device is not almost affected even though the relative humidity is increased from 35 to 81%, while it is dramatically decreased for the nonpouch‐type device. Finally, the pouch‐type DD‐TENG is employed as a wearable device to effectively harvest the mechanical energy from daily human activities.
Ultrauniform Embedded Liquid Metal in Sulfur Polymers for Recyclable, Conductive, and Self‐Healable Materials
Authors: Xin Yumeng , Peng Hao , Xu Jun , Zhang Jiuyang
Published: March 2019

Liquid metals (LMs) are receiving growing interest in modern technologies for their various advantages. This work reports using elemental sulfur to achieve nanodispersed liquid metals in bulk polymers for multifunctional LM‐based materials. Ring‐opening polymerization and inverse vulcanization of elemental sulfur provide many polysulfide loops and thiol groups as effective binding ligands that enable extraordinarily uniform dispersion of liquid metals (≈1 µm) in bulk matrix and improve the mechanical performance of the materials. Interestingly, the liquid‐metal‐embedded sulfur polymer (LMESP) materials exhibit excellent thermal‐/solvent‐processability and recyclability. The uniform dispersion leads to phenomenal electrical conductivity of the LMESP at a low volume percentage of LM (30 vol%), overcoming the issue of nonconductivity typically seen in insulated LM–polymer blends. Additionally, the LMESP shows resistive sensitivity toward external pressure. Furthermore, the LMESP materials exhibit an excellent self‐healing ability under mild conditions via the dynamic bonds between polysulfide loops/thiol groups and liquid metals. This work clearly offers a new platform to design liquid metals and can push them for broad applications.
3D Porous Superhydrophobic CNT/EVA Composites for Recoverable Shape Reconfiguration and Underwater Vibration Detection
Authors: Su Xiaojing , Li Hongqiang , Lai Xuejun , Chen Zhonghua , Zeng Xingrong
Published: March 2019

Functional superhydrophobic materials with shape memory and electrical conductivity play important roles in a wide variety of growing fields. Herein, a robust 3D porous superhydrophobic composite (PSC) with multiwalled carbon nanotube/poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (CNT/EVA) as its skeleton is proposed for recoverable shape reconfiguration and underwater vibration detection. Thanks to the capillary wicking of the interconnected porous structure and ethanol plasticization of the skeleton, this PSC achieves fast shape reconfiguration (<20 s) and recovery (<20 s), high shape fixity (>98%) and recovery ratio (>90%), and excellent shape‐memory repeatability (>10 times) even at 80% compressive strain. Additionally, induced by the wave‐sensitive air layer trapped on the superhydrophobic surface, the flexible CNT/EVA skeleton endures compressed/stretched deformation. Thus, the conductive PSC sensor presents high sensitivity in monitoring tiny underwater vibrations generated by stirring, objects falling, a ruler sliding, ultrasonic ation, and human activities. The findings conceivably stand out as a new methodology for the fabrication of functional superhydrophobic materials for innovative and broad applications.
Hybrid Growth Modes of PbSe Nanocrystals with Oriented Attachment and Grain Boundary Migration
Authors: Cheng Feng , Lian Linyuan , Li Luying , Rao Jiangyu , Li Chen , Qi Tianyu , Zhang Zhi , Zhang Jianbing , Gao Yihua
Published: March 2019

The growth of nanocrystals has widely been researched recently through an in situ high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy technique, which reveals the process of morphological and structural evolutions. For nanocrystals, the underlying growth modes are mostly determined by growth environment and crystal morphology. Here, the direct growth process of the PbSe nanocrystals via controlling the temperature is clearly observed. The results show that the PbSe nanocrystals start growth following oriented attachment growth mode, and then change to growth with grain boundary migration at moderate temperature as the heat activated nanocrystals gather together with decreased degree of freedom for crystal rotation. During the grain boundary migration, the smaller nanocrystals are inclined to be assimilated by larger ones through interfacial atom reconfigurations, which are observed to take place through strain mediated atom migration. The growth mode changes in different growth states with a hybrid growth mode of oriented attachment and grain boundary migration during the whole growth process.
Gas‐Shearing Fabrication of Multicompartmental Microspheres: A One‐Step and Oil‐Free Approach
Authors: Tang Guosheng , Xiong Ranhua , Lv Dan , Xu Ronald X. , Braeckmans Kevin , Huang Chaobo , De Smedt Stefaan C.
Published: March 2019

Multicompartmental microparticles (MCMs) have attracted considerable attention in biomedical engineering and materials sciences, as they can carry multiple materials in the separated phases of a single particle. However, the robust fabrication of monodisperse, highly compartmental MCMs at the micro‐ and nanoscales remains challenging. Here, a simple one‐step and oil‐free process, based on the gas‐flow‐assisted formation of microdroplets (“gas‐shearing”), is established for the scalable production of monodisperse MCMs. By changing the configuration of the needle system and gas flow in the spray ejector device, the oil‐free gas‐shearing process easily allows the design of microparticles consisting of two, four, six, and even eight compartments with a precise control over the properties of each compartment. As oils and surfactants are not used, the gas‐shearing method is highly cytocompatible. The versatile applications of such MCMs are demonstrated by producing a magnetic microrobot and a biocompatible carrier for the coculturing of cells. This research suggests that the oil‐free gas‐shearing strategy is a reliable, scalable, and biofriendly process for producing MCMs that may become attractive materials for biomedical applications.