bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taxonomic revision of the Pheidole sikorae species group (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) from Madagascar
Authors: Salata Sebastian , Fisher Brian L.
Published: July 2020

The present study represents a taxonomic revision of the Pheidole sikorae species group from Madagascar. Forty-four members of this group are recognised and described, and an illustrated identification key to this group is also presented. One species is raised to species level: P. litigiosa Forel, 1892 stat. nov.Pheidole veteratrix angustinoda Forel, 1892 syn. nov. is proposed as a junior synonym of Pheidole veteratrix Forel, 1891. Worker castes are also described and lectotypes designated for P. litigiosa Forel, 1892, P. sikorae Forel, 1891, and P. veteratrix Forel, 1891. The following 41 new species are described: P. alinasp. nov., P. ambohimangasp. nov., P. analavelonasp. nov., P. andohahelasp. nov., P. anomalasp. nov., P. anosyennesp. nov., P. antranohofasp. nov., P. beankasp. nov., P. befotakasp. nov., P. dasossp. nov., P. flavominutasp. nov., P. gracilissp. nov., P. habokasp. nov., P. havoanasp. nov., P. hazosp. nov., P. itremosp. nov., P. joffrevillesp. nov., P. kelysp. nov., P. lavasoasp. nov., P. mahamavosp. nov., P. maintysp. nov., P. mamiratrasp. nov., P. mananteninasp. nov., P. masoandrosp. nov., P. mavohavoanasp. nov., P. midongysp. nov., P. mikrossp. nov., P. mivorysp. nov., P. nitidobrunasp. nov., P. parvulasp. nov., P. parvulogibbasp. nov., P. reniranosp. nov., P. savasp. nov., P. sofiasp. nov., P. sparsasp. nov., P. tamponysp. nov., P. trichotossp. nov., P. tsaravonianasp. nov., P. vadumsp. nov., P. volontanysp. nov., and P. vonysp. nov. At present, there are 109 valid species and subspecies of Pheidole known from Madagascar, but this number is expected to increase with upcoming taxonomic revisions of the species groups not revised in this study.
Abdominal Obesity in Comparison with General Obesity and Risk of Developing Rheumatoid Arthritis in Women
Authors: Marchand Nathalie E. , Sparks Jeffrey A. , Tedeschi Sara K. , Malspeis Susan , Costenbader Karen H. , Karlson Elizabeth W. , Lu Bing
Published: July 2020

Objective.

Being overweight or obese increases rheumatoid arthritis (RA) risk among women, particularly among those diagnosed at a younger age. Abdominal obesity may contribute to systemic inflammation more than general obesity; thus, we investigated whether abdominal obesity, compared to general obesity, predicted RA risk in 2 prospective cohorts: the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and NHS II.

Methods.

We followed 50,682 women (1986–2014) in NHS and 47,597 women (1993–2015) in NHS II, without RA at baseline. Waist circumference (WC), BMI, health outcomes, and covariate data were collected through biennial questionnaires. Incident RA cases and serologic status were identified by chart review. We examined the associations of WC and BMI with RA risk using time-varying Cox proportional hazards models. We repeated analyses restricted to age ≤ 55 years.

Results.

During 28 years of follow-up, we identified 844 incident RA cases (527 NHS, 317 NHS II). Women with WC > 88 cm (35 in) had increased RA risk (HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.06–1.41). A similar association was observed for seropositive RA, which was stronger among young and middle-aged women. Further adjustment for BMI attenuated the association to null. In contrast, BMI was associated with RA (HRBMI ≥ 30 vs < 25 1.33, 95% CI 1.05–1.68) and seropositive RA, even after adjusting for WC, and, as in WC analyses, this association was stronger among young and middle-aged women.

Conclusion.

Abdominal obesity was associated with increased RA risk, particularly for seropositive RA, among young and middle-aged women; however, it did not independently contribute to RA risk beyond general obesity.
Does Invasive Common Reed in Coastal Salt Marshes Affect Dabbling Duck Food Availability?
Authors: Van Neste Kristen M. , Williams Christopher K. , Castelli Paul M.
Published: July 2020

Common reed, Phragmites australis, a nonnative perennial grass, is considered a nuisance species to land managers and wildlife biologists. Common reed thrives in areas with reduced soil salinities, increased nitrogen availability, and anthropogenic shoreline development. The expansion of nonnative common reed into tidal wetlands of North America detrimentally affects native wildlife by altering resource utilization, modifying trophic structures, and changing disturbance regimes. Thus, it also has the potential to drastically affect dabbling duck (Family Anatidae, SubFamily Anatinae, Tribe Anatini) energetic carrying capacity in salt marsh ecosystems. We assessed whether invaded monocultures of common reed in dabbling duck habitat could alter the availability of invertebrate and seed foods for the mallard Anas platyrhynchos, American black duck Anas rubripes, green-winged teal Anas crecca, northern shoveler Spatula clypeata, and northern pintail Anas acuta as compared with wetland type (mudflat, low marsh, high marsh, and impoundments). We compared food and energy availability in > 90% common reed monocultures with noncommon reed-invaded salt marshes in five study areas in Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, New Jersey, 2015–2016. To estimate wetland-specific food energy supply, we collected sediment core samples, fixed them with formalin, and washed, dried, sorted, and weighed them for seeds and invertebrates. We multiplied biomass (g) by true metabolizable energy values to estimate species-specific dabbling duck food energy availability. We further estimated wetland-specific energetic carrying capacity (duck energy days) on the basis of known species-specific energetic demands. We determined that duck energy days/ha were greater for dabbling ducks in wetlands invaded with common reed because they contained more consumable seed energy and less consumable invertebrate energy. However, future research should explore how accessible these foods are when common reed grass is dense. To aid in restoration efforts once common reed is removed by control efforts, our results indicate that a robust seed bank exists in the soil strata, thus increasing salt-marsh seed biodiversity.
The Role of Participation Banks in Inclusion of Immigrant Entrepreneurs in the Game
Authors: Arun Korhan , Okun Olcay
Published: July 2020

The cultural context of entrepreneurs is related to business type or funding choices. Conversely, economic systems shape the context of entrepreneurship by proving not only resources but also cultural accounts. From this point of view, for migrant entrepreneurs, economic institutions are primarily cultural toolkits that influence entrepreneurial action from a religious perspective. Participating banking is a new and cultural-based funding option. Migrant entrepreneurship has been researched from a Western perspective. However, interest is considered an unacceptable way of acquiring money in many religious theories and views. The aim of this chapter is to show that entrepreneurs' cultural factors are antecedents of the source of capital, for example, new ways of banking systems coherent with entrepreneurs' cultural views and facilitating entrepreneurship or start-up funding. That is why teaching profit-loss partnership (mudaraba) and capital subsidiary (muşaraka) systems is important in entrepreneurship education.
Supporting Business Across Continents
Authors: Barreto João Marcelo Pitiá , Barreto Maria da Graça Pitia , Barreto Eduardo Fausto
Published: July 2020

This chapter is aimed at providing information and guidance that may help voluntary migrants and refugees construct a new life for themselves and for their families by starting a new business to support them financially in a new setting far from their original homeplace. Cultural, legal, and operational aspects as well as management issues are of the utmost importance for a fledgling entrepreneur. In fact, these are issues that are relevant anywhere in the world and should help guarantee the success of a new company. The steps an entrepreneur will have to follow to turn a dream of starting a business into reality are discussed here. Such steps go from the starting point of identifying a business opportunity in the new region and evaluating the skills and financial resources available to implement the idea up to planning, executing, and monitoring. Specific advice is provided regarding family businesses.
Climate-Friendly Hotels and the Promotion of Sustainability in Tourist Destinations
Authors: Viegas Margarida Arraes
Published: July 2020

Tourism promotes the interaction of visitors with destination places and their communities, resulting in a set of impacts for the local population. Although traditionally no major environmental damage due to tourism in general, and hospitality, in particular, has been recognized, as the concept of sustainability develops, its negative impacts are becoming evident. As the hotel sector is one of the most important components of the tourism offer, minimizing its environmental impacts plays a fundamental role in the sustainability of tourist destinations. Since Algarve is one of the top 20 travel destinations worldwide, the present study aims to identify the environmental behaviour of the hotels in the region and thus evaluate their contribution to the sustainability of this tourist destination. In the empirical analysis, statistical techniques such as principal components and cluster analysis were used, and the results allowed the identification of three groups with different environmental behaviours.
Operant Resources of Young Independent Travelers
Authors: Campos Ana Cláudia , Almeida Sofia
Published: July 2020

In this chapter, the construct of operant resource is explored in the context of young independent travel. The main purposes of the study are to analyze young travelers' perceptions about independent travel and operant resources that contribute the most to its success. A qualitative design was adopted, given the explorative nature of the research. Online semi-structured interviews were conducted to a sample of young travelers, using the snowball sampling procedure. Qualitative data analysis was conducted subsequently and main findings indicate that freedom, being in control, and authenticity are predominant feelings within this sample. They also show that most valued operant resources in the context of independent travel are informational and human. Conclusions drawn contribute to a better understanding of independent travel by youths and may help tourism businesses and destinations to strategically approach this market segment.
Diversity for NPP I&C Systems Safety and Cyber Security
Authors: Babeshko Ievgen , Duzhiy Vyacheslav , Illiashenko Oleg , Siora Alexander , Sklyar Vladimir , Panarin Artem , Brezhniev Eugene
Published: July 2020

This chapter presents a cost-effective approach to selection of the most diverse NPP Reactor Trip System (RTS) under uncertainty. The selection of a pair of primary and secondary RTS is named a diversity strategy. All possible strategies are evaluated on an ordinal scale with linguistic values provided by experts. These values express the expert's degree of confidence that evaluated variants of secondary RTS are different from primary RTS. All diversity strategies are evaluated on a set of linguistic diversity criteria, which are included in a corresponding diversity attribute. The generic fuzzy diversity score is an aggregation of the linguistic values provided by the experts to obtain a collective assessment of the secondary RTS's similarity (difference) with a primary one. This most rational diversity strategy is found during the exploitation stage, taking into consideration the fuzzy diversity score and cost of each strategy.
Assurance Case for I&C Systems Safety and Security Assessment
Authors: Sklyar Vladimir , Kharchenko Vyacheslav S.
Published: July 2020

Two existing notations for the assurance case (claim, argument and evidence [CAE] and goal structuring notation [GSN]) are considered. Supporting software tools for development of the assurance case are considered. Some ways for improvement and modification are proposed for both assurance case notations (CAE and GSN). For CAE, the authors obtained annex with acceptance and coverage criteria as well as an algorithm of the assurance case update through life cycle stages. For GSN, they improve structured argumentation with support of structured text using. Recommendations for using the assurance case notations and tools for I&C systems are formulated.
Technological Innovation and Sustainable Development
Authors: Paiva Teresa , Farinha Luis
Published: July 2020

Industrial competitiveness is linked to sustainable business practices if firms want to be competitive and position themselves as sustainable companies. This chapter analyses how the knitwear industry integrates the sustainable concerns into their strategy and mission and how they adopt new ways of production, performance, and product definition, mainly through technological innovation and therefore improve their industrial competitiveness. The study is exploratory applied into all the knitwear industries of two counties of the Centre Region of Portugal. The innovation, mainly technical, adopted expresses the sustainable concern to the limit of the law and business revenue. It seems that the business environmental concerns showed have a paradoxical behaviour as they don't translate into a clear contribution for the sustainable development and to an industrial competitiveness concern.
From Smart Concept to Desired Experiences
Authors: Gomes Cristina Caramelo
Published: July 2020

The development and implementation of ICT solutions changed the built environment. Objects from daily human routines and services, while aiming for sustainable and inclusive qualified solutions, challenged the countless possibilities of interaction between individuals, individuals and products, and products and products. Smart cities associate intelligence to environments and products to boost functionalities, uses, and experiences. The design of smart cities, from the spatial relations, objects interactions, and services availability must be user oriented to satisfy users' needs and expectations, while promoting qualified experiences. From real and questionable solutions, due to technical or functional orientation, emerges the need to observe human perception, reaction, and behavior to understand how it is possible to improve the experience. The aim of this chapter is to highlight the need of a different approach to the conceptualization of smart cities, environments, products, and services, emphasizing an emotionally appealing experience.
Cost Efficiency Analysis in the Banking Industry
Authors: Nure Gazmend
Published: July 2020

The efficiency of commercial banks is essential for the stability of banks by implying that banks that take higher risks are more inefficient. This paper builds on a stochastic heteroscedastic boundary model, where one will analyze a sample of 70 banks in Western Balkan countries such as Albania, Northern Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo, and Montenegro for the period 2007-2017, highlighting determinants of bank cost efficiency. Banks with less liquidity, with a lower solvency rate and a higher credit risk, are more ineffective than prudent credit institutions. The paper also aims to address the relative lack of studies on the efficiency of banks in the region through the use of the stochastic frontier analysis (SFA).
Is Share Ownership a Condition for the Voluntary Revelation of Human Capital?
Authors: Hidalgo Ruth Leticia , Hidalgo Amada , Oropeza Miguel Ángel , Villegas Eleazar , Ávila Sofía Elizabeth
Published: July 2020

Previous studies affirm the importance of intellectual capital (IC) for organizations, since they acquire value and make them more competitive in the market. In this context, the empirical evidence shows that the key ingredient classification of IC is human capital (HC). The purpose of this study is to know what kind of Mexican companies listed are those that voluntarily disclose the HC, as to date there is no evidence of this information. That is why the authors consider a sample of 875 annual reports, corresponding to 85 Mexican listed firms during the period 2005-2015. These samples reveal that the largest companies in terms of number of employees, belonging to the construction and textile sectors, and shares are held by the family, and they are most likely to disclose aspects of HC. Thus, the authors determine that items occupying the top positions relate to the experiences as managers and employees as well as training and development, just as the information unless disclosed refers to the opportunity for career advancement and quality life at work.
The Relationship Between Effective Tax Rate and Firm Size
Authors: Katsikas Epameinondas , Koufopoulos Dimitrios , Lewis Jacob
Published: July 2020

The current research studies firm size and other determinants of effective tax rates for UK companies operating in the wholesale and retail trade sector. A panel of 784 companies from the BvD Company Independence Indicator (BvD's FAME database) is studied over the six-year period 2008-2013. The research approach is unique in terms of the comprehensive data it is using as it is large panel data and it involves finance and accounting analytics. The analysis shows that size and profitability were significant factors affecting the average effective tax rates of companies in the wholesale and retail trade sector.
Rapid Detection of Cypermethrin by Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Technique
Authors: Leung Wipawanee , Limwichean Saksorn , Nuntawong Noppadon , Eiamchai Pitak , Kalasung Sukon , Nimittrakoolchai On-Uma , Houngkamhang Nongluck
Published: July 2020

Cypermethrin is a toxic pesticide in the pyrethroid group. A Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) based sensor has been developed to achieve simple pesticide sensing. In this work, rapid detection of cypermethrin by using the handheld Raman spectroscopy coupled with SERS substrate was demonstrated. SERS-active silver nanorods substrate was used to enhance Raman signals of test samples. The effect of exposure time and drop volume of sample was studied for cypermethrin measurement. The results found that the silver nanorods substrate can be used to measure cypermethrin in the range of 10-6 to 10-3 M with a handheld Raman spectrometer. Furthermore, the Raman signal of cypermethrin was confirmed by measuring solid cypermethrin with the standard Raman spectrometer. SERS substrate was competent to detect cypermethrin with a limit of detection (LOD) of 10-6 M.
Silt and Clay with Low Liquid Limits as Fill Materials for High-Speed Railway Embankments in China
Authors: Fei Jian Bo , Yang Chang Suo , Jie Yu Xin , Wang Xue Tao
Published: July 2020

Silt and clay with low liquid limits do not qualify as fill materials for high-speed railway (HSR) according to Chinese standard {TB, 10001 (2016)}. The present paper proposes using these materials as fillings for HSR embankments in an attempt to reduce the costs of exploiting and transporting qualifying fill materials. Our proposal of using silt and clay with low liquid limits is rooted in German standards {DIN,18196 (2006)} and {Ril, 836(1999)} and Japanese standards {ISBN 13: 9784621046692 (1999)}, and is preliminarily verified by operation experiences of the Zhengzhou–Xi'an HSR as well as other types of projects. On the basis of proven practices, a design cross-section for an HSR embankment constructed in from silt and clay with low liquid limits area is recommended combined with corresponding engineering measures.
Effect of Electrical Discharge Machining on Surface Roughness of Cylindrical Shaped Parts
Authors: Ky Le Hong , Tran Thi Hong , Cuong Nguyen Van , Hoang Tran Thanh , Tam Do Thi , Tung Luu Anh , Tu Nguyen Thanh , Pi Vu Ngoc
Published: July 2020

This paper introduces an experimental study on the influence of electrical discharge machining (EDM) cylindrical shaped parts made of 90CrSi tool steel. In this work, some experiments were designed and analysed based on Taguchi method. Also, four input parameters including the pulse on time, the pulse off time, the current, and the server voltage were investigated. The influence of these parameters on the surface roughness were estimated by analysing variance. In addition, the optimum input parameters were found for getting the minimum surface roughness.
Effect of Aggregate Max Size on the Rheological Properties of Self Consolidating Concrete
Authors: Al Martini Samer , Hassan Ziad , Khartabil Ahmad
Published: July 2020

The effects of aggregate size and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) on the rheology of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) were studied in this paper. Two main concrete mixtures with different maximum aggregate sizes were prepared and investigated. The first mix had a maximum size aggregate of 5 mm and the second mix was with 20 mm max size aggregates. All mixes incorporated different dosages of Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS). The rheology of all mixes investigated was measured over 2 hour time period. It was found that the size of aggregates and GGBS dosage have influence on the yield stress of studied concrete mixes.
A Building Envelope Coating Provides Radiative-Cooling Effect for Subtropics
Authors: Huang Chih Hong , Hong Wan Ting , Cheng Ta Wui , Li Yeou Fong , Tsai Hsin Hua
Published: July 2020

The primary source of heat in building envelopes in subtropical regions is solar radiation. As global warming worsens, the building insulation is receiving an increasing amount of attention.We developed a coating material with radiative cooling potential and conducted an experiment on a reduced scale to investigate the radiative-cooling performance of bare concrete and concrete coated with UU500, an inorganic insulation coating, under artificial daylight and after the daylight lamps were turned off. The results indicate that UU500 has radiative-cooling effects. We calculated the thermal transmittance coefficient Ui of the coating and presented a radiative cooling coefficient Ex to modify the U-value formula defined in ISO 9869-1: 2014. Coatings with higher Ex values should be promoted and developed to provide the materials industry with a better theoretical foundation for coating development, which enlightened a new approach for building energy saving strategy.
Effect of Phyllanthus amarus Coating Denture Resin on Candida Adhesion and its Effect on Human Gingival Fibroblast
Authors: Thaweboon Sroisiri , Thaweboon Boonyanit , Srichan Ratchaporn
Published: July 2020

Candida infection has become increasingly important as an opportunistic infection frequently found in the oral cavity of denture wearing patients. The infection develops on oral mucous membrane and can spread to other parts of the body. Phyllanthusamarus, extensively grown in many tropical and subtropical countries, has been reported to have various medicinal properties including antimicrobial activity. This study aimed to assess the effect of P.amarus coating denture resin on Candida adhesion and its effect on human gingival fibroblast. The P. amarus coating solution was prepared by water extraction of dried leaves and freeze drying. Denture PMMA resin (SCG Chemical, Thailand) samples were made and coated with various concentrations (0.01-10 mg/mL) of P. amarus solution. Candida adhesion assay was performed on C. albicans ATCC 10231, C. glabrata ATCC 6258, C. krusei ATCC 90030 and C. tropicalis ATCC 13803 based on the method described by Samaranayake and MacFarlane. Cytotoxicity test was done on human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) according to ISO standard 10993-5/2009 for medical product testing. The result showed that P.amarus coating denture resin exhibited an inhibitory effect on the adhesion of all species of test Candida. Cytotoxicity testing revealed a dose-dependent effect of the P. amarus extract on human gingival fibroblast. At the concentrations of 0.1, 1, 5 and 10 mg/mL, the extract produced 84.7%, 73.4%, 64.7% and 38.2% of cell viability, respectively. In conclusion, coating denture resin with P. amarus at a concentration of 1 mg/mL can be used safely as a natural alternative preventive to control or prevent Candida infection caused by C. krusei and C. tropicalis in denture-wearing patients avoiding side effects of chemical antifungal agents. Further studies are needed to define the antifungal components and mechanisms of action as well as clinical trials in the patients.
Friction-Stir Spot Mechanical Joining between Hot-Dip 55% Aluminum–Zinc Alloy-Coated Steel Sheet and A5083 Aluminum Alloy Plate Using Conventional Punching
Authors: Ohashi Takahiro , Ohno Taiki , Shiraishi Yuki , Tabatabaei Hamed Mofidi , Nishihara Tadashi
Published: July 2020

In this study, we fabricated a mechanical joining with spot friction-stirring between an aluminum alloy plate and an aluminum–zinc alloy-coated steel sheet; this was achieved by utilizing a conventional press-punching preprocess. In the preprocessing, a hot-dip 55% aluminum–zinc alloy-coated steel sheet was punched using a press and an inclined surface was generated at the wall of a punched hole due to shear droop. Subsequently, an A5083P-O aluminum alloy plate was positioned against it, and friction stirring was conducted on its rear surface. The hole was filled with the aluminum alloy to generate a mechanical interlock at the tilt of the wall. Further, we evaluated its cross tensile strength (CTS) and tensile shear strength (TSS) and obtained an average CTS and TSS of 368 kN and 1470 kN, respectively.
Gold Nanorod-Optical Fiber for Sensing Biomolecular Interaction
Authors: Chueaiarrom Channarong , Loedsapchinda Naruenard , Puttharugsa Chokchai , Pipatpanukul Chinnawut , Srikhirin Toemsak , Houngkamhang Nongluck
Published: July 2020

The optical fiber deposits with gold nanorods was successfully accomplished as a biosensor device which sensing to the refractive index change on the surrounding surface. The principle is based on the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) occurs on the metal surface of gold nanorods (AuNRs). The gold nanorods were coated on the glass core fiber surface through the covalent bond. The uncladded area fiber optic was incubated in 5% of (3-Mercaptopropyl) trimethoxysilane (MPTMS) in ethanol for overnight to alter the thiol group on the surface. The gold nanorods with aspect ratio ⁓2.035 was deposited on thiol surface by incubation the optical fiber in gold nanorod solution for 6 hr. The sensor provides the sensitivity of 4.94×104 a.u./RIU. Moreover, antibody for blood grouping was immobilized on the AuNRs-optical fiber to detect the red blood cells. The AuNRs-optical fiber can detect A antigen on the immobilized anti-A surface with Δ%T of 0.98 and can detect B-antigen on the immobilized anti-B surface with Δ%T of 1.78. This work possesses possibility of a simple AuNRs-optical fiber to detect the biomolecular interaction.
Rapid Critical Care Training of Nurses in the Surge Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic
Authors: Brickman Diana , Greenway Andrew , Sobocinski Kathryn , Thai Hanh , Turick Ashley , Xuereb Kevin , Zambardino Danielle , Barie Philip S. , Liu Susan I.
Published: July 2020

Background

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, New York State mandated that all hospitals double the capacity of their adult intensive care units In this facility, resources were mobilized to increase from 104 to 283 beds.

Objective

To create and implement a 3-hour curriculum to prepare several hundred non–critical care staff nurses to manage critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019.

Methods

Critical care nursing leaders and staff developed and implemented a flexible critical care nursing curriculum tailored to the diverse experience, expertise, and learning needs of non–critical care nursing staff who were being redeployed to critical care units during the surge response to the pandemic. Curricular elements included respiratory failure and ventilator management, shock and hemodynamics, pharmacotherapy for critical illnesses, and renal replacement therapy. A skills station allowed hands-on practice with common critical care equipment.

Results

A total of 413 nurses completed training within 10 days. As of June 2020, 151 patients with coronavirus disease 2019 still required mechanical ventilation at our institution, and 7 of 10 temporary intensive care units remained operational. Thus most of the nurses who received this training continued to practice critical care. A unique feature of this curriculum was the tailored instruction, adapted to learners’ needs, which improved the efficiency of content delivery.

Conclusions

Program evaluation is ongoing. As recovery and restoration proceed and normal operations resume, detailed feedback from program participants and patient care managers will help the institution maintain high operational readiness should a second wave of critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 be admitted.
The efficacy of aqueous leaf extracts of Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit and Ocimum basilicum (L.) in the control of Meloidogyne spp infecting Onion, Allium cepa (L.)
Authors: Okechalu OB , Zwalnan ND , Agaba OA , Danahap LS
Published: July 2020

The efficacy of aqueous leaf extracts of Hyptis suaveolens and Ocimum basilicum in the control of Meloidogyne spp infecting Allium cepa L (Onion) was investigated using sterile soil that was filled into polythene planting bags. Two varieties of onion (Safari and Belami) and three concentrations (60 mg/ml, 45 mg/ml and 30 mg/ml) each of H. suaveolens and O. basilicum leaf extracts were used. Furadan at 7.7 mg/ml was used as a positive control and the negative control was untreated. Each treatment was replicated three times in a completely randomized design (CRD). Onion raised in steam-sterilized soil were infected with 2000 juveniles of root-knot nematodes four weeks after planting. Two weeks thereafter, the different concentrations of the leaf extracts of the test plants and furadan were applied. The plants were then monitored for growth and yield parameters at harvest. Phytochemical analysis of the aqueous leaves extracts of the two plants were carried out. The result showed that growth and yield data of infected but treated onions were higher than their infected but untreated counterparts. Onions treated with O. basilicum at 60 mg/ml had the highest performance: plant height (39.90 cm), dry bulb weight (16.70 g) among others followed by those treated with H. suaveolens at 60 mg/ml, plant height (36.30 cm), dry bulb weight (13.20 g) then furadan, plant height (36.17 cm), dry bulb weight (14.93 g) while the untreated onions had the least growth and yield data, plant height (24.40 cm), dry bulb weight (8.40 g). Statistical analysis revealed that the various treatments significantly increased plant height, collar girth and leave number (p< 0.05) as compared to the untreated control. Variety Safari generally performed better than variety Belami. Statistical analysis also showed significant difference (p< 0.05) for all parameters. Phytochemical analysis showed presence of some bioactive compounds such as saponins, alkaloid, tannins among others. The study revealed nematicidal efficacy of the aqueous leaves extracts of the test plants, therefore, they can be viable alternatives to synthetic nematicides in nematode management.
Preparation and evaluation of dual modified Ethiopian yam (Dioscorea abyssinica) starch for sustained release tablet formulations
Authors: Mulualem Yohaness , Belete Anteneh , Gebre-Mariam Tsige
Published: July 2020

Starch has been intensively studied over decades due to the fact that native starches are diverse, biodegradable, amenable to modifications and have enormous applications. In this study, Dioscorea abyssinica starch has been chemically dual modified by cross-linking using sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) followed by acetylation with acetic anhydride (AA). The physicochemical and tablet forming properties of the modified starches were investigated to determine potential usages in sustained release (SR) applications. Moisture sorption and swelling properties of the native starch (NS) were improved by the dual modification. The reduction observed in viscosity values indicated the effectiveness of cross-linking in reducing swelling of the NS. On the basis of powder properties analysis, it was evident that acetylation improved the poor flow property of NS. The starch acetylated at starch:AA ratio of 1:2 was found to be free flowing with angles of repose of 23.02o and flow rate 10.54 g/sec. The Hausner ratio and Carr’s index also confirmed the same, 1.25 and 20.24, respectively. Tablets were prepared and evaluated for hardness, tensile strength, friability, and disintegration time. Results indicated that both cross-linking and acetylation processes improved tablet forming properties of the NS with more significant effect in the dual modified starches. Matrix tablets containing Ac-CLS-F, where cross-linked starch (CLS – at 15% SHMP) reacted in a 1:2 ratio with AA, loaded with 20, 30 and 40% theophylline released 80% of theophylline in about 10.62, 9.35, and 8.18 h, respectively. From the foregoing, it can be concluded that Ac-CLS-F could have a potential for use as a sustained release excipient.Keywords: Dioscorea abyssinica, cross-linking, acetylation, dual modification, sustained release
Early onset peak-dose L-dopa induced dyskinesia in 55-year-old Ethiopian Parkinson’s disease patient
Authors: Alemayehu Biniyam , Tafesse Abenet , Zenebe Yared
Published: July 2020

A case study of a 55-year-old newly diagnosed Parkinson’s disease patient naïve to L-dopa, who develop disabling early onset L-dopa induced dyskinesia (LID), which occurs immediately following L-dopa administration is presented. It is recommend to start with low dose L-dopa and to escalate slowly to avoid L-dopa included dyskinesia in dopamine naïve Parkinson’s disease patients.Keywords: Parkinson’s disease, L-dopa, peak-dose induced dyskinesia, 55-year-old male, Ethiopian
Effects of relative pricing of alternative cooking energy sources on their substitution between rural and urban households in Enugu State, Nigeria
Authors: Onyekuru Anthony NwaJesus , Eboh Eric , Ume Chukwuma Otum
Published: July 2020

This study investigated the effects of relative pricing of alternative cooking energy sources on their substitution. The study was conducted in Enugu State Nigeria using primary data collected from two hundred and four households from rural and urban areas of the state, using structured questionnaires. The information collected were pattern and levels of energy use, relative pricing of alternative energies and energy substitution pattern. Data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis and Chow test. Results show that the energy sources used in the rural areas are fuelwood (51.5%) and kerosene (48.5), while those used in the urban areas are fuelwood (30.6%), charcoal (31.6%), kerosene (33.7%) and liquefied petroleum gas (4.1%). There was a relative cross inelastic nature of the energy sources. The price of fuel wood varied inversely and directly with quantities of kerosene demanded in the rural and urban areas, respectively, while the price of charcoal had an inverse relationship with the quantities of kerosene consumed in both urban and rural areas. In particular, policies geared towards subsidizng cost of kerosene and LPG and making them more readily available will lead to reduction in the use of fuelwoods and charcoal in both the rural and urban areas, thereby reducing excessive pressure on our forest and green house gas emission..Keywords: Energy substitution, energy pricing, forest conservation
Impact of Typha Grass on Biodiversity Loss of Hadejia-Nguru Wetland Located between Jigawa and Yobe States of Nigeria: A Review
Authors: Zungum I.U. , Imam T.S. , Ahmad A.G. , Abubakar T. , Benjamin B. , Daya M.G.
Published: July 2020

Wetland - an interface between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are the most precious life-sustaining water resources which play crucial roles as an ecosystem service provider. This paper reviewed the impact of Typha grass on biodiversity loss of Hadejia-Nguru wetland which is located between Jigawa and Yobe State of Nigeria. Impacts exerted by Typha grass on Hadejia-Nguru wetland includes that on biodiversity; impact on birdlife; creation of microhabitats that reduces habitat for wintering of migratory and resident birds likewise provision of harbour for large flocks of Quelea birds, another invasive bird species. Typha proliferation Impacts generally, by endangering some native species towards the brink of extinction in addition, acting as trigger to decline in human socio economic activities with a resultant amplification in unemployment, poverty and crime rate. It is important that the actual biodiversity resource content of the entire Hadejia-Nguru wetland be ascertain whilst government and other stakeholders’ investment of sincere commitment towards management of the menace of Typha grass be assured.Keywords: Wetland, Typha grass, Biodiversity, Hadejia-Nguru and Ramsar site
Water Parameters and Floristic Composition of African Manatee (Trichechus senegalensis) Habitat in Pandam Wildlife Park, Nigeria
Authors: Odewumi O.S. , Agbelusi E.A. , Olusoji-Bello O.
Published: July 2020

The study of the physicochemical characteristic and floristic composition of African manatee habitat in Pandam Lake was conducted between 2012 and 2013. The water parameters were tested using standard method while line intercept method was adopted for vegetation survey. Data obtained on the water parameters were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Plant species diversity index was analyzed using PAST Software. The mean seasonal water surface area increase was 66.12±5.01. The mean water depth in the dry season was 2.28±1.14 while the wet season value was 4.3±1.15. Also the mean water transparency was for wet and dry seasons were 64.02±4.66 and 111.18±4.26 respectively. The mean pH value was 6.5±0.14. Water salinity ranges from 0.00mg/l to 0.01mg/l, mean DO was 6.24±1.13, nitrate was 0.08±0.02 and mean conductivity of 52.65 ±2.12. A total of 42 plant species from 23 families were recorded in Pandam Lake. The family Poaceae had the highest number of species (22) (30.56%). The grass species had the highest frequency of 13 while trees recorded the lowest (3). Also there are more perennial species (n=28; 66.67%) than annual species (n=14; 33.33%). The Shannon diversity index was 3.72. Thirteen species of plants recorded in Pandan Lake during this study were known to provide food for manatees across their range in Africa. All the water parameter values were within the range tolerable by manatee. The Lake have diverse species of plants that manatee can feed on both in the wet and dry seasons. The park management should maintain the integrity of the ecosystem by regulating fishing and other human activities to avoid pollution. The park should be taken over by the Federal government for effective protection of the resources most especially manatee.Keywords: Water quality, vegetation, African manatee, Pandam Lake
Realities of participatory community-based environmental rehabilitation projects: a case study of soil erosion countermeasures in western Kenya
Authors: Yamane Yuko
Published: July 2020

This study attempts to describe the realities of participatory development projects in western Kenya, where severe soil degradation has occurred, using participatory observation methods. Six aid organizations administered development projects for environmental rehabilitation in the area; however, less than 10% of study area residents participated in project activities. This article argues that this lack of participation was fuelled by a disjuncture of understanding between aid organizations, community-based development organizations, and area residents about project purposes and goals. It suggests that in order for participatory development projects to be successful all stakeholders must understand and take ownership of the project. People who the aid organization called “community” often turned out to be a collection of unconnected people. In addition, not everyone who was involved participated out of a desire to stop soil erosion. Many people were not directly impacted by the gullies and their motivation for participation was purely for economic reasons. Thus, growing seedlings and planting them was seen more as a source of income than as a way to repair and restore the local environment. Such motivations need to be considered when creating participatory development projectsKeywords: participatory development, community development, environmental rehabilitation, Luo, Kenya
Sociodemograhic characteristics of dog breeders in some selected states in southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Abiola O.J. , Babatunde O.D. , Adebiyi A.I.
Published: July 2020

Dog breeding is a young growing business in which certain sociodemographic characteristics of the people has a far long reaching influence on breeding and the choice of dog to be bred. Information was obtained by structured questionnaire issued to the breeders; one hundred and twenty-five questionnaires were adequately filled out of two hundred issued out, and was analysed using simple descriptive statistics. Dog breeding is neither dependent on age, sex, nor educational status, to be a dog breeder, one only need to understand the rules of breeding. Our findings show that more males and youths within the age of 10 to 30 years are more involved in breeding. Majority of the breeders have tertiary education qualification which would motivate them to read and study the act of mating specific breeds of dogs for genetic improvement, this we believe should help in learning to acquire more knowledge about dog breeding for better profit.Keywords: Socio-demographic Characteristics, Dog Breeders, Western Nigerial cities, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos
Examination of the lung and liver for pathological changes in hunted grasscutters (Thryonomis swinderianus) in southwest Nigeria
Authors: Jarikre T.A. , Awe O , Bakare A.A. , Emikpe B.O.
Published: July 2020

This study investigated the pathological changes in the lungs and liver of some hunted grasscutters in order to reduce mortality and enhance their domestication. The grasscutters were sourced from hunters from low rain forest to rich savanna ecological zones in southwestern Nigeria. The sampling period was from May to October 2016. A total of thirty carcasses were used for this study. The lungs and liver were examined grossly and microscopically using standard technique. Pneumonia was present in 17 (56%), consisting of Pulmonary congestion in 4 (13%), Interstitial pneumonia in 13 (43%), and Bronchopneumonia in 4 (13%), while 9 (30%) lungs were apparently normal. The hepatic lesions included centrilobular hepatocellular degeneration, and severe multifocal necrotizing hepatitis. In conclusion, pneumonia is a major disease present in grasscutters, with interstitial pneumonia being the most prevalent pneumonia. Adequate housing and management of grasscutter should ensure minimal stressors that may hinder pulmonary clearance mechanisms.Keywords: Cane rats, Diseases, Domestication, Nigeria
Modelling the influence of age structure on the forest biomass availability: a case study of Karbala forest, Western Mbadjini region of Comoros
Authors: Onuorah Martins O. , Azhar Mousssa , Luyiga Suzan
Published: July 2020

In this work, a deterministic mathematical model for the Influence of human age structure on forest biomass availability, incorporating public enlightenment campaign parameter was developed and analyzed. The model consists of three autonomous differential equations for the forest biomass, Junior and Adult populations. The Zero, Junior and Adult free as well as the interior equilibrium states of the model were obtained and analyzed for stability. Numerical simulation of the various model parameters were obtained using mat lab software. The simulation gave the public enlightenment coverage level that would guarantee high forest biomass density and thus optimum yield.Keywords: Forest, biomass, Density, Stability, Equilibrium
Modeling and parameters estimation of a Spatial Predator-Prey distribution
Authors: Ndanguza Denis , Muhirwa Jean Pierre , Uwimana Anatholie
Published: July 2020

Predator prey interactions are important in ecology and most of time in the analysis, the two antagonists are assumed to be in a closed system. The aim of this study is to model the unclosed predator-prey system. The model is built and simulated data are computed by adding noise on deterministic solution. Therefore, model parameters are estimated using least square method. We compute the two critical points and the stability analysis is carried out and results show that the population is stable at one critical point and unstable at (0,0). The model fits the synthetic data with coefficient of determination R2 = 0.9693 equivalent to 96.93%. Using the residual analysis to test the validity of the model, it is shown that there is no pattern between residuals. To strengthen the validity of the model, the Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithms are used as an alternative method in parameters estimation. Diagnostics prove the chains’ convergence which is the sign of an accurate model. As conclusion, the model is accurate and it can be applied to real data.Keywords: predator-prey, spatial distribution, parameters, Metropolis-Hastings algorithm, model diagnostic, stability analysis
How horizontal inequalities lead to conflict in migration countries
Authors: Fabien Cottier , Roch Yao Gnabéli , Jean-Louis Lognon , Sarah Bütikofer
Published: July 2020

Structural horizontal inequalities in contexts marked by sustained migration flows contribute to the increased chance of nativist violence. The lack of attention to these two issues has hampered efforts to promote peaceful relations between migrants and natives, as our research in Côte d’Ivoire shows.