bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring Consumer Behavior in Banking: Scale Development and Validation
Authors: Ahmad Ansari Zaid
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this paper is to construct a valid and reliable scale measuring consumer behavior with respect to banking industry. The study has highlighted that consumer behavior in banking industry can be measured by four factors banking services, consumer trust, employee behavior and the online services. These four factors have been measured using 26 items. The scale developed has shown high reliability, discriminant validity and has remained consistent across different samples. The findings have revealed that banking services is the most important determinant of consumer behavior followed by consumer trust, employee behavior and online services.
Phonological Analysis of English Loanwords in Dhani
Authors: Hasan Wasim , Khan Arshad Ali
Published: October 2019

Present study aims to explore English loanwords into Dhani dialect of Punjabi language. It focuses on which English words have been borrowed and what kind of phonological adaptations they undergo. It is a qualitative and descriptive study. Data were collected through recordings from thirty participants engaged in general conversation in real life situations in Chakwal district of Rawalpindi Division, Punjab province, Pakistan. Participants were selected through simple random sampling technique. Results retrieved from analysis of the collected data show that English loanwords undergo different phonological strategies i-e substitution, addition, epenthesis and deletion. Substitution is the most prominent whereas deletion is the least prominent of all strategies. Analysis also highlights educational implication of the study.
Bangladeshi Expatriate Students in Saudi Arabia and Their Languages
Authors: Barua Pulak
Published: October 2019

The paper attempts to throw light on the languages used by Bangladeshi expatriate students in Saudi Arabia as well as their feelings and thoughts towards their mother tongue. To meet this end, 175 students of Bangladesh International School in Jeddah (both Bengali and English medium) were asked to fill up a questionnaire and later some of them were interviewed randomly to have a better understanding of their approaches towards different languages. Since no research has yet been conducted in this field, this paper brings to light a number of exciting findings including a multilingual young Bangladeshi community abroad along with a visible demarcation regarding different sociolinguistic aspects such as the medium of instruction of education and their gender.
The Journalistic Representations of Saudi Women in the Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA): A Corpus Critical Discourse Analysis
Authors: Altohami Waheed M. A. , Salama Amir H. Y.
Published: October 2019

This paper is a corpus critical discourse analysis of the journalistic representations of Saudi women as they appear in the Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA) (Davies, 2008). It follows a sociocognitive approach (van Dijk, 2008) to explore the thematic foci discussing issues related to Saudi women and to discuss the discursive strategies implemented to propagate such issues. The study has reached four findings. First, the thematic foci related to Saudi women are textually and referentially coherent as they were meant to provide a grand narrative underlying a specific context model. Second, Saudi women are negatively represented as no social roles are ascribed to them throughout the corpus. Third, different social actors are also represented alongside Saudi women to put them in a wider socio-cultural context to aggravate their problems. Finally, the most effective discursive strategies which mediated the running context model included victimization, categorization, stereotyping, normalization, and exaggeration.
Beleidsonderzoek in Vlaanderen
Authors: Brans M.
Published: October 2019

Beleidsonderzoek in Vlaanderen

In België voert de Vlaamse overheid een eigen beleid in tal van domeinen, onafhankelijk van de andere regionale overheden in Brussel en Wallonië en van de federale overheid. Zij laat zich bij haar beleid ondersteunen door een netwerk van universiteiten, hogescholen, departementale studiediensten en kenniscentra, en een beperkt aantal verzelfstandigde Vlaamse wetenschappelijke instituten. Daarnaast maakt de Vlaamse overheid ook gebruik van analyses en studies van commerciële gespecialiseerde beleidsonderzoeksbureaus. Sinds de start van het nieuwe millennium wordt de organisatie van beleidsonderzoek in Vlaanderen enerzijds gekenmerkt door een toegenomen institutionalisering van beleidsgerichte onderzoeksprogramma’s, waarbij gekozen werd voor een grotere formalisering en structurering. Anderzijds hebben meer commerciële spelers zich op de markt van beleidsadvisering begeven.
Uma Análise de Soluções NewSQL
Authors: Knob Ronan , Schreiner Geomar , Frozza Angelo , Mello Ronaldo
Published: October 2019

Diversas aplicações produzem e manipulam grandes volumes heterogêneos de dados, bem como necessitam lidar com um grande número de transações OLTP. Os tradicionais Bancos de Dados Relacionais (BDRs) não são adequados a este tipo de demanda. Já os BDs NoSQL, apesar do melhor gerenciamento de Big Data, não garantem as propriedades ACID. O movimento NewSQL visa suportar transações OLTP dos BDRs com uma arquitetura distribuı́da que oferece alta escalabilidade e disponibilidade, tı́pica dos BDs NoSQL. Poucos trabalhos na literatura exploram as diferenças entre soluções NewSQL. Assim, este trabalho visa comparar alguns dos principais produtos NewSQL utilizando benchmarks de domı́nio. Esta análise contribui como um guia de referência para futuros usos da tecnologia NewSQL.
Acidentes nas rodovias brasileiras nos últimos 10 anos: uma análise com dados abertos
Authors: Kageyama Matheus , Kozievitch Nádia , Bernardi Rita
Published: October 2019

Analisar dados públicos com o intuito de gerar informações relevantes à sociedade é um tema que vem sendo discutido nos últimos anos, principalmente devido à facilidade de acesso a muitos desses dados que estão disponibilizados de forma aberta na Web. Tendo isso em vista, o objetivo desse trabalho é explorar os números de acidentes de trânsito e suas caracterı́sticas, como localização, mortalidade, tipo de via, entre outros, com o intuito de prover análises que possam auxiliar na compreensão e caracterização dessas ocorrências, utilizando-se do auxı́lio de tecnologias para manipulação de informações geoespaciais.
Proposta de uma arquitetura de Data Warehouse para análise de SDN e aplicações de Aprendizado de Máquina
Authors: Moro Fernando , Nogueira Rodrigo , Amaral Alexandre , Amaral Ana
Published: October 2019

Este artigo apresenta a proposta de uma arquitetura de Data Warehouse que tem como fonte de dados e objeto de estudo os fluxos IP e ataques em SDN. A proposta tem como objetivo fornecer um conjunto de dados consistente e limpo para aplicações de aprendizado de máquina e qualquer aplicação que deseje consumir dados desta característica. Para atingir os objetivos propostos foi desenvolvido um banco de dados multidimensional, que é alimentado por uma etapa de ETL baseada na coleta de fluxos de rede. Dentre resultados obtidos é a arquitetura em si, na qual um conjunto de dados pode ser explorado através de consultas OLAP pelas aplicações de aprendizado de máquina.
Kunstförderung durch das Steuerrecht
Authors: Hammerich Arne Joachim
Published: October 2019

The important tax laws in Germany contain numerous regulations and exceptions for artists, cultural institutions and works of art. This work analyses the supportive character of these tax norms, systematises them and facilitates both a theoretical and practical understanding of the matter.

It reveals the constitutional and European conditions for the tax-based promotion of art, defines the different meanings of art in German tax law and shows the complex system of the current tax promotion of art. It includes both references to overarching questions and the current development and risks of a tax state that promotes art. Thus, this study shows a system within the tax-based promotion of art, including the legal protection of cultural property, and provides a comprehensive overview of the connection between art and taxes in Germany.
Marken- und Patentrechte in Unternehmen
Authors: Jehle Felix
Published: October 2019

Participation in trademark and patent rights is of fundamental importance for a company’s economic success. Its contractual design must take into account the interests of the parties involved without losing sight of legal risks. This monograph examines the contractual alternatives when it comes to economic participation in trademark and patent rights, affording special consideration to company law. It categorically records and systematises the forms of contracts in order to provide a legally secure and dogmatically stringent basis for drafting them. The study focuses on the partial transfer of trademark rights, the applicability of intellectual property law principles in corporate law and the dogmatic concept of corporate licences, while also considering insolvency risks.
Humane celične linije raka dojk
Authors: Skok Kristijan , Maver Uroš , Gradišnik Lidija , Sobočan Monika , Takač Iztok
Published: October 2019

Rak dojk je drugi najpogostejši rak na svetu in daleč najpogostejši pri ženskah, tako v razvitem svetu kot tudi v državah v razvoju. Uvršča se na peto mesto po vzroku smrti zaradi raka. V Sloveniji beležimo letno približno 1310 novih primerov raka dojk. Ločimo več podtipov raka dojk, ki jih lahko delimo na podlagi histopatološke (primaren, sekundaren, invaziven, neinvaziven) ter molekularne delitve oz. intrinzičnih lastnosti. V pomoč pri raziskovanju posameznih podtipov raka dojk služijo tudi celične linije. Prva celična linija raka dojk je bila ustvarjena leta 1958 in poimenovana BT-20 (1958, Lasfargues in Ozzello). Število celičnih linij je v zadnjih letih drastično naraslo, vendar so najpogosteje uporabljene celične linije še vedno MCF7, T47D in MDAMB231. MCF7 in T47D sta vrste luminalni tip A (ER+/PR+/HER2-) in MDAMB231 je trojno negativna (ER-/PR-/HER2-). Na področju celičnih linij so vidne nedoslednosti glede poimenovanja kot tudi gojenja. Prav tako je tudi vprašljiva ponovljivost gojenja v različnih laboratorijih ali pogojih, kjer celične linije lahko razvijejo drugačne lastnosti (npr. dediferenciacija, sprememba fenotipa, mutacije). V literaturi so vidni primeri različne kategorizacije iste celične linije v edinstvene skupine na podlagi drugačnega molekularnega in morfološkega opisa. Avtorji so mnenja, da je posledično potreben pregled nad literaturo in opis trenutno znanega. V prispevku se osredotočajo na tematiko celičnih linij raka dojk, njihovo nomenklaturo, delitev, gojenje in uporabnost.
Comparative studies of Echinometra mathaei species complex (Echinoidea: Camarodonta: Echinometridae) from two sites in Western Visayas, Philippines (Taklong Island, Guimaras and Nabas, Aklan)
Authors: Tamayo Joseph Ricky , Malay Maria Celia D
Published: October 2019

Echinometra mathaei is a species complex with its constituent reproductively-isolated species informally called A, B, C and D based on studies done in Okinawa and the Red Sea. Little research has been done on this genus, and to our knowledge no studies have been done on the E. mathaei complex in the Philippines. To help clarify species delineations in the E. mathaei complex, a comparative study was done between two localities in Western Visayas, Philippines: the Taklong Island National Marine Reserve, in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras and Barangay Unidos in Nabas, Aklan. Morphological characteristics (spine color, milled rings, and skin around the peristome) and tubefeet and gonad spicules were observed. Two or possibly three species of Echinometra were found in the two sites based on their morphology and spicules, namely: Echinometra sp. A, Echinometra sp. C, and Echinometra affinity C, which resembles sp. C but differs in the milled rings and gonad spicules. Echinometra sp. C and E. affinity C cannot be distinguished on the basis of field-visible characters, thus the two morphs are referred to as Echinometra VC for the purpose of field surveys. Echinometra VC and Echinometra sp. A exhibited differences in abundance (VC was much more common) and microhabitat (VC was restricted to rocky shores and never observed in coral communities). To study the abundance and distribution of Echinometra VC, 50 m by 2 m belt transects were surveyed along the rocky shores of both sites: two parallel transects (at 0 m and at 0.9 m) and a perpendicular transect (only in Nabas), each with three replicates. The transect data showed that the mean densities for 0 m and 0.9 m in Nabas are significantly higher in Taklong yielding p-values of 0.001 and 0.002, respectively, when analyzed using t-test.Of the two sites, only Nabas showed a significant difference between the mean densities at 0 m and 0.9 m, with the mean density at 0.9 m significantly higher than that of 0 m yielding a p-value of 0.02 when analyzed using two-sample t-test. A Poisson regression on the perpendicular transect data from Nabas showed a trend of increasing Echinometra density with increasing distance from the shore. In the future, DNA barcoding and cross-fertilization studies should be performed in order to confirm the species of Echinometra observed. Many factors can affect the density and distribution of Echinometra, so further studies must be conducted to explain observed differences in their distribution and abundance.
Transverse tubule remodeling enhances Orai1-dependent Ca2+ entry in skeletal muscle
Authors: Michelucci Antonio , Boncompagni Simona , Pietrangelo Laura , García-Castañeda Maricela , Takano Takahiro , Malik Sundeep , Dirksen Robert T , Protasi Feliciano
Published: October 2019

Exercise promotes the formation of intracellular junctions in skeletal muscle between stacks of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) cisternae and extensions of transverse-tubules (TT) that increase co-localization of proteins required for store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). Here, we report that SOCE, peak Ca2+ transient amplitude and muscle force production during repetitive stimulation are increased after exercise in parallel with the time course of TT association with SR-stacks. Unexpectedly, exercise also activated constitutive Ca2+ entry coincident with a modest decrease in total releasable Ca2+ store content. Importantly, this decrease in releasable Ca2+ store content observed after exercise was reversed by repetitive high-frequency stimulation, consistent with enhanced SOCE. The functional benefits of exercise on SOCE, constitutive Ca2+ entry and muscle force production were lost in mice with muscle-specific loss of Orai1 function. These results indicate that TT association with SR-stacks enhances Orai1-dependent SOCE to optimize Ca2+ dynamics and muscle contractile function during acute exercise.
Dendritic NMDA receptors in parvalbumin neurons enable strong and stable neuronal assemblies
Authors: Cornford Jonathan H , Mercier Marion S , Leite Marco , Magloire Vincent , Häusser Michael , Kullmann Dimitri M
Published: October 2019

Parvalbumin-expressing (PV+) GABAergic interneurons mediate feedforward and feedback inhibition and have a key role in gamma oscillations and information processing. The importance of fast synaptic recruitment and action potential initiation and repolarization, and rapid synchronous GABA release by PV+ cells, is well established. In contrast, the functional significance of PV+ cell NMDA receptors (NMDARs), which generate relatively slow postsynaptic currents, is unclear. Underlining their potential importance, several studies implicate PV+ cell NMDAR disruption in impaired network function and circuit pathologies. Here, we show that dendritic NMDARs underlie supralinear integration of feedback excitation from local pyramidal neurons onto mouse CA1 PV+ cells. Furthermore, by incorporating NMDARs at feedback connections onto PV+ cells in spiking networks, we show that these receptors enable cooperative recruitment of PV+ interneurons, strengthening and stabilising principal cell assemblies. Failure of this phenomenon provides a parsimonious explanation for cognitive and sensory gating deficits in pathologies with impaired PV+ NMDAR signalling.
Cholesterol accessibility at the ciliary membrane controls hedgehog signaling
Authors: Kinnebrew Maia , Iverson Ellen J , Patel Bhaven B , Pusapati Ganesh V , Kong Jennifer H , Johnson Kristen A , Luchetti Giovanni , Eckert Kaitlyn M , McDonald Jeffrey G , Covey Douglas F , Siebold Christian , Radhakrishnan Arun , Rohatgi Rajat
Published: October 2019

Previously we proposed that transmission of the hedgehog signal across the plasma membrane by Smoothened is triggered by its interaction with cholesterol (Luchetti et al., 2016). But how is cholesterol, an abundant lipid, regulated tightly enough to control a signaling system that can cause birth defects and cancer? Using toxin-based sensors that distinguish between distinct pools of cholesterol, we find that Smoothened activation and hedgehog signaling are driven by a biochemically-defined, small fraction of membrane cholesterol, termed accessible cholesterol. Increasing cholesterol accessibility by depletion of sphingomyelin, which sequesters cholesterol in complexes, amplifies hedgehog signaling. Hedgehog ligands increase cholesterol accessibility in the membrane of the primary cilium by inactivating the transporter-like protein Patched 1. Trapping this accessible cholesterol blocks hedgehog signal transmission across the membrane. Our work shows that the organization of cholesterol in the ciliary membrane can be modified by extracellular ligands to control the activity of cilia-localized signaling proteins.
How Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Knowledge, Training, and Provider Concerns Predict Referrals and Placement
Authors: Thompson Charee M. , Broecker Jane , Dade Maggie
Published: October 2019

Context

Providing long-acting reversible contraception (LARC; eg, subdermal implants and intrauterine devices [IUDs]) can help mitigate rates of unintended pregnancy because they are the most effective reversible contraceptive methods. However, many varied barriers to LARC placement are reported. Medical education and training can be tailored if there is a better understanding of how barriers predict LARC referral and to predicting LARC placement.

Objective

To understand how a variety of key barriers to LARC placement are related to one another; to identify which of the barriers, when considered simultaneously, predict LARC referral and LARC placement; and to assess the barriers to LARC placement that persist, even when a major barrier, training, is removed.

Methods

We recruited providers (obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians, pediatricians, internal medicine physicians, certified nurse practitioners, and certified nurse midwives) across the state of Ohio. Participants were compensated with a $35 Amazon gift card for completing an online survey comprising 38 Likert-type items, an 11-item knowledge test, LARC placement and referral questions, and demographic questions. We conducted data analyses that included correlations, odds ratios, and independent samples t tests.

Results

A total of 224 providers participated in the study. Long-acting reversible contraception knowledge, training, and provider concerns were correlated with one another. Training was found to positively predict placement and negatively predict referral when other barriers, such as knowledge and provider concerns, were considered simultaneously. Of providers who were trained to place implants, 18.6% (n=16) said they referred implant placement, and 17.4% (n=15) said they did not place implants. Of providers who were trained to place IUDs, 26.3% (n=26) said they referred IUD placement, and 27.3% (n=27) said they did not place IUDs. Those who referred placement and those who did not place LARCs reported greater barriers (in type and magnitude) to LARC placement than those who did place LARCs.

Conclusion(s)

Long-acting reversible contraception knowledge, training, and provider concerns about barriers to LARC placement were interdependent. Even when providers were trained to place LARCs, a significant portion referred or did not place them. Efforts to increase LARC placement need to address multifaceted barriers.
Structured Curriculum to Improve Pediatric Resident Confidence and Skills in Providing Parenting Advice
Authors: Caldwell Alexandria , Qasimyar Humaira , Shumate Lisa , Anderson Michael P. , Cherry Amanda , Bryant Cheryl , Bax Ami
Published: October 2019

Context

Residents receive little parenting education despite its potential to improve parenting behavior and decrease child maltreatment despite the inclusion of parenting content on board certification examinations. Teaching residents how to discuss parenting and foster positive parent-child relationships is essential to treating the whole person in osteopathic pediatric medicine.

Objective

To improve pediatric and internal medicine–pediatric residents’ knowledge, confidence, and skills in providing parenting advice.

Methods

Four toddler parenting and discipline modules were developed. During continuity clinic, residents viewed and discussed modules with faculty. Residents completed a confidence and knowledge questionnaire before and after the curriculum, provided a self-report of use of skills learned, and completed a feasibility survey. Faculty also completed a feasibility survey.

Results

Forty-one of 61 residents (67%) participated in the study. Before participation, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) resident score for confidence in giving advice was 6.0 (4.0-7.0) (on a 10-point scale), increasing to 7.0 (6.0-8.0) for those completing 1 to 3 modules and 8.0 (8.0-9.0) for those completing 4 modules. Median (IQR) score on board-style questions was 8.0 (7.0-9.0) (on a 12-point scale) before participating in the modules and 8.5 (7.5-9.5) for those completing 1 to 3 modules and 9.0 (7.0-9.0) for those completing 4 modules after participation; the increase was not statistically significant. Nine faculty and 29 residents completed the modules and responded to the exit survey regarding feasibility and acceptability of the curriculum. On a 4-point scale (4 being excellent), sessions had an overall mean (SD) rating of 3.7 (0.5) by faculty and 3.5 (0.5) by residents. Most residents (27 [93.1%]) reported interest in more modules, and 28 residents (96.6%) reported using information learned from the modules during clinic visits.

Conclusion

Confidence delivering parenting advice increased among residents who completed the curriculum modules. Faculty and residents reported high feasibility ratings, and residents endorsed application of skills during clinic visits and interest in more modules.
Experimental study of media heat sink thickness impact on signal-to-noise ratio in heat-assisted magnetic recording
Authors: Kaitwanidvilai Somyot , Chaiduangsri Nuttapon , Tongsomporn Damrongsak
Published: October 2019

Recently, heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) has been demonstrated to extend the areal density growth over the superparamagnetic limited. One key component of this technology is a heat sink layer in HAMR media, which benefits the thermal gradient and transition noise. However, the disadvantage of the heat sink layer (HS) has not been fully explored. In this paper, we investigate the background interference (BGI) impact as a result of the heat sink layer via the spin-stand tester. HAMR heads included a light delivery system that have measured a signal-to-noise ratio and down-track thermal gradient on a variety of HS thickness. Subsequently, we found that a thicker HS is a trade-off between the BGI and thermal gradient. Thus, it remains challenging to achieve an ultra-high areal density using the thermal media design.
Heteroepitaxial spherical electroless Au-plated Pt-based nanogap electrodes of radius 5 nm and gap separation 0.7 nm
Authors: Choi Yoon Young , Kwon Ain , Majima Yutaka
Published: October 2019

Heteroepitaxial growth is demonstrated by electroless Au plating (ELGP) on polycrystalline Pt surface and initial ultrafine-linewidth Pt nanogap electrodes, confirmed by scanning transmission electron microscope cross-sectional images, atomic-resolution scanning electron microscope images, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy elemental maps. The gap between a pair of spherical multidomain heteroepitaxial Au on Pt electrodes of radius 5 nm is controlled to a value as small as 0.7 nm by the self-termination mechanism of ELGP without short circuit. The heteroepitaxial spherical Au/Pt nanogap electrodes are found to be robust against annealing at temperatures up to 573 K.
The inclusion of de-oiled wet distillers grains in feedlot diets reduces the expression of lipogenic genes and fat content in Longissimus muscle from F1 Angus-Nellore cattle
Authors: Ferreira Mateus S. , Tomaz Laís A. , Niehues Maria B. , Ladeira Márcio M. , Curi Rogério A. , Chardulo Luís A. , Baldassini Welder A. , Martins Cyntia L. , Arrigoni Mário B. , Machado Neto Otávio R.
Published: October 2019

The inclusion of agro-industry by-products originated from corn ethanol production has increased in animal nutrition in Brazil, reducing formulation costs. In the literature, there is no consensus on how the high inclusion of de-oiled wet distillers grains can affect beef quality and the expression of lipogenic genes in Longissimus muscle. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of WDG in the diet of F1 Angus-Nellore cattle on meat quality characteristics, chemical composition and expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism. A hundred F1 Angus-Nellore bulls, with average initial body weight (BW) of 369.5 ± 49 kg were used. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design, and the animals were divided into two blocks (light and heavy) according to the initial body weight. The animals were fed diets containing levels of 0 (control), 15, 30 and 45% of WDG replacing dry corn and soybean meal. After 129 days of feedlot, the animals were slaughtered and samples of thelongissimus thoracis(LT) muscle were collected for quality analyzes such as shear force (3, 10 and 17 aging days), color (luminosity, red, Chroma and Hue), cooking losses, pH and chemical composition (moisture, protein, lipids and ash contents). In addition, the expression of thePPARα, PPARγ, SREBP-1c, SCD1, LPL, FABP4, FASN, ACOX, CPT2, GPX1andACACAgenes was investigated in the LT muscle by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Data were analyzed using polynomial contrasts (linear, quadratic and control vs. WDG). There was no interaction (P > 0.05) between aging times and the inclusion of WDG in the diets on the meat quality (pH, cooking losses, coloration and tenderness). However, diets with increasing levels of WDG caused a linear reduction (P = 0.01) in the intramuscular fat of LT. The lipogenic genesSCD1, PPARγ, FASNandCPT2were less expressed (P < 0.05) in response to the inclusion of WDG. These results suggest that the inclusion of WDG reduced the expression of lipogenic genes and consequently the marbling of LT muscle without affecting tenderness (shear force) and meat color traits.
Assessing the Impacts of Climate Variability on Livelihood Assets in Marigat and Mogotio Sub-County, Baringo County, Kenya
Authors: Lilian I. Ezenwa, , Geraldine O. Ibe, , N. Ochor , Onyekachi A. Ogbonna
Published: October 2019

This study assessed the various effects of variability in climatic conditions to the means of livelihood and assessed the impacts of climatic conditions like temperature and rainfall on the livelihood assets of the indigenes of Baringo County, which include: livestock, health, agricultural and tree crops, water bodies. A multi-stage sampling technique was applied, using both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. Primary data was collected using a well-structured questionnaire while secondary data was obtained from the Meteorological Department Nairobi, Kenya. Data obtained were analysed using frequency distribution, trend analysis, percentage and means, as well as multiple regression analysis. A total of 338 respondents were sampled. Variability in rainfall and temperature significantly affected the livelihood assets of the rural populace. It was observed that 78.7% of the respondents in are informed of climate change, mostly through the media (34.62%). Climate variability to a high extent results in drought (X=3.78), crop pests and diseases (X=3.65), livestock pests and diseases (X=3.70) and cases of human diseases (X=4.01). 94.38% of the rural populace in Baringo County experience food insecurity due to climate variability. Climate variability in temperature and rainfall affected general economic activities of the counties at every level of statistical significance even as high variability in climate conditions affected the rural population in Kenya majorly in the areas of drought 60%, the quantity of meal 31.7% and income 29.6 %. This study, therefore, concluded that climate variables will affect the ecosystems and most likely will alter the economic and physical factors including income, general health and well-being of the rural populace in Baringo County, Kenya.
A Geospatial Study to Assess the Land Use Land Cover of Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Areendran Gopala , Puri Kanchan , Raj Krishna , Mazumdar Sraboni , Joshi Ritesh
Published: October 2019

There is inadequate knowledge of the natural resources in the remote inaccessible protected areas of North East Region (NER) of India. Arunachal Pradesh, which is one of the state in NER is extremely rich in biodiversity and forms a part of the biodiversity hotspots in the Eastern Himalayas. However its biodiversity is under threat due to various factors like infrastructure development, changing socio-economic pattern and other external pressures. Therefore the need of the hour is to map the current biodiversity of the area as well as potential threats in order to conserve the natural resources and create detailed spatial databases. The objective of the present study is to map the land use land cover (LULC) of Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) situated in Arunachal Pradesh using Remote Sensing and GIS technology. IRS LISS III satellite image has been used to extract LULC, vegetation maps using hybrid classification. Further a spatial database of the WLS was created which includes contour, drainage, spot height and elevation distribution maps.
Analysis of Hydrologic Response Units and Impact of Flooding in Kuala Terengganu Sub-basins River Catchment in Malaysia
Authors: Sufiyan Ibrahim , Magaji J. I. , Oga A. T. , Zaharaddeen I.
Published: October 2019

One of the issue of environmental disasters occurring in a wet tropical environment is flood influenced by the climatic factor of rainfall with high intensity. Flood is the most frequent catastrophe in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. The flood occurs during the monsoon season inundating riverbank and displacing the inhabitant rendering them homeless. The application of the Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) is employed to identify the Hydrologic Response Units (HRUs). The flood vulnerability simulation in the Terengganu sub-basins river catchment was done using the most affected sub-basins. In this study, the impacts of five out of the 25 sub-basins have been affected by high flooding risk. The sub-basin with the highest impact of Hydrologic Response Unit is the sub-basin Three and the lowest is found in sub-basin Five.
Application of GIS and Remote Sensing to Analyse Land Use Land Cover Change Detection and Vegetation Dynamics Using Multi-temporal Satellite Images; The Case of Mariamdehan Kebele, Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Meresa Esayas , Gebrewhid Yikunoamlak
Published: October 2019

Detecting Land use and land cover change and vegetation condition has become a central component in current strategies for managing and monitoring of environmental changes caused by anthropogenic activities. To come up with such decisions, geoinformatics technology is providing new tools to conduct vegetation and land use land cover change detection analysis for managing and wise utilisation of natural resources as well as to provide information for policymakers in a given study area. This study examines the use of geoinformatics technology to analyse land use land cover (LULC) change and vegetation dynamics using multi-temporal satellite images for the maryamdehan kebele in the years 1984, 2005 and 2015. Both primary and secondary data were used from different sources. Satellite images of the year 1984, 2005 and 2015 were downloaded from the govis.usgs.gov website and ground control points (GCP) data were collected by handheld GPS for supervised image classification in Erdas imagine and ArcGIS environment. The findings show that six main land use land cover classes were detected and vegetation values were also computed in each period.  As a result, the total area of the kebele was 3646.49 hectare, from which in 1984 forest area (40.691%), grassland (26.15%) and farmland (10.81%) were dominant classes and in 2005 settlement (52.41%), forest area (25.04%) & farmland (11.71%) and in 2015, 35.14% was covered by forest land, 30.04% by Settlement, and 14.74% by farmland. Water resource decreases from 9.3% to 0.64% in 2015 and the bare land also changes from 3.18% to 0.903% because of urban expansion and agricultural activities in the kebele. In addition, the vegetation condition looks like a sinusoidal trend from the year 1984 up to 2015 because of climate change and human interventions in the kebele. To conclude that detecting LULC change and analysis of vegetation dynamics plays a great role in land use management and wise utilisation of natural resources by applying Geoinformatics tools in the kebele and it provides information for the policymakers to prepared future plan and for sustainable development.
Antiplasmodial, Hepatic and Nephritic Effects of Fractions of Methanol Leaf Extract of Glyphaea brevis in Plasmodium berghei-Infected Mice
Authors: Anjuwon Tayo Micheal , Adepoju Oluwafemi Abiodun , Adeniran Olufemi Adewale
Published: October 2019

This study evaluated the antiplasmodial, hepatic and nephritic effects of fractions of Glyphaea brevis methanol leaf extract in P. berghei infected mice. Mice weighing between 15-30 g were infested intraperitoneally with 0.2ml plasmodium infected blood and left for 3 hours before treatment. Infected test groups were treated via oral route of administration with varying doses (200, 300 and 400 mg/kg body weight) of ethylacetate, N-butanol and residual aqueous portion fractions of the Glyphaea brevis methanol extract and Artemisinin (5 mg/kg b.wt) for four days. N-butanol fraction showed the highest antiplasmodial activity (76.64%), followed by residual aqueous portion (73.25%) and ethylacetate (72.99%); Artemisinin has 86.13%. Serum bilirubin (total and conjugated) concentrations of the untreated group (0.82 ± 0.20, 0.51 ± 0.12) were significantly lower (P<0.05) than those in the infected group treated with 300 mg/kg of the residual aqueous portion (1.36 ± 0.20, 0.76 ± 0.05) respectively. Serum albumin levels showed significant (P<0.05) increase in all the groups treated compared to the positive control. Serum total protein, urea and creatinine levels of test groups were not significantly (P>0.05) different from the positive control group. Conclusively, Glyphaea brevis has substantial antiplasmodial activity and could provide a lead for new antimalarial drug development.
Density Dependent Delayed Migration for Rosenzweig-Macaurther Model with Holling Type II Predator Functional Response
Authors: B. Apima Samuel , O. Lawi George , J. Kagendo Nthiiri
Published: October 2019

The model describing the interaction between the predator and prey species is referred to as a predator-prey model. The migration of these species from one patch to another may not be instantaneous. This may be due to barriers such as a swollen river or a busy infrastructure through the natural habitat. Recent predator-prey models have either incorporated a logistic growth for the prey population or a time delay in migration of the two species. Predator-prey models with logistic growth that integrate time delays in density-dependent migration of both species have been given little attention. A Rosenzweig-MacAurther model with density-dependent migration and time delay in the migration of both species is developed and analyzed in this study. The Analysis of the model when the prey migration rate is greater than or equal to the prey growth rate, the two species will coexist, otherwise, at least one species will become extinct. A longer delay slows down the rate at which the predator and prey population increase or decrease, thus aecting the population density of these species. The prey migration due to the predator density does not greatly affect the prey density and existence compared to the other factors that cause the prey to migrate. These factors include human activities in the natural habitats like logging and natural causes like bad climatic conditions, limited food resources and overpopulation of the prey species in a patch among others.
Portfolio Selection Strategies with Return Clause in a DC Pension Fund
Authors: E. Akpanibah Edikan , O. Ini Udeme
Published: October 2019

This paper solves the problem faced by a pension fund manager in determining the optimal selection strategies involving four different assets comprising of one risk free asset and three risky assets whose prices are modelled by geometric Brownian motion. Also, a clause mandating the fund managers to return the accumulations with predetermined interest to members who lost their life during the accumulation period is considered. A stochastic optimal control model is formulated comprising of member’s monthly contributions, invested funds and the returned contributions. Also, an optimization problem from the extended Hamilton Jacobi Bellman (HJB) equation is established using the game theoretic approach. The explicit solutions of the optimal selection strategies and the efficient frontier are obtained by solving the extended HJB equation using the mean variance utility and separation of variable technique. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis of the effect of some parameters on the optimal selection strategies is carried out numerically.
Plant Growth Regulator-Brassinolide for Mitigating Field Waterlogging Stress on Maize
Authors: Otie Victoria , Ping AN , Ibrahim Ali , Eneji Egrinya
Published: October 2019

Aim: To assess the pleiotropic role of a plant growth regulator, commercially identified as brassinolide (BR) in mitigating waterlogging stress imposed on maize.

Study Design: A factorial combination of two maize varieties [Ikom White (IKW) and Oba-98], two BR levels (0 and 250 ml) and two waterlogging stages of maize growth [control (WL0) and seedling stage (WL1)], arranged as a split-split plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications was used.

Place and Duration of Study: Akpabuyo Local Government Area, Cross River State-Nigeria. A two-year field experiment was conducted during the dry seasons of December 2016 and December 2017.

Methodology: Waterlogging test was conducted on plots by demarcating them with 3.6 by 1.7 m metal sheets buried to a depth of 60 cm to prevent lateral soil-water movement. Two maize seeds were sown at 25 cm within and 75 cm between rows. The BR (250 ml) was sprayed foliar at 21 DAS. The non-waterlogging plots served as control. Observations were made on growth and yield variables as well as the plant's physiological traits.

Results: Waterlogging significantly reduced the growth attributes of maize and increased (p≤0.05) the leaf moisture content. The photosynthetically active radiation on maize plants was substantially reduced (p≤0.05) by the waterlogging stress. Dry matter yield (DMY) and nutrient uptake in the leaves, stems and grains were reduced (p≤0.05) at both silking and at harvest. The effect of the BR was greater in Oba-98 with higher nutrient contents, radiation absorption, dry matter and grain yields than IKW.

Conclusion: Treatment of maize plants with BR could induce some tolerance of field waterlogging. Thus, for optimum efficiency in maize production under stressed soil condition of waterlogging, it is recommended that the foliar spray of BR at the 250 ml per plant rate be considered.
Chromatographic Detection of Antibacterial Antibiotics from Pseudomonas fluorescens (TNAU PF1) and Their Effect on Bacterial Wilt Pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum (KK2)
Authors: Nagendran Shiva , Vaikuntavasan Paranidharan , Muthusamy Karthikeyan , Dananjeyan Balachandar , Venkatasamy Balasubramani
Published: October 2019

Bacterial wilt of tomato is a devastating disease incited by Ralstonia solanacearum (KK2) causing heavy yield loss in India. The antagonist Pseudomonas fluorescens (TNAU PF1) was characterized for antibacterial ability against the bacterial wilt pathogen. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) identified six distinct antibiotics in crude metabolite of TNAU PF1 strain. The crude antibiotics and the antibiotics 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol and Phenazine of TNAU PF1 showed best in vitro antibacterial activity against the bacterial wilt pathogen R. solanacearum. The ability of crude antibiotics in inhibiting Ralstonia colonies was higher than the individual antibiotics (2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol and Phenazine) under in vitro. Further, GC-MS analysis of the semi-purified crude extract of Pseudomonas fluorescens (TNAU PF1) identified six antibacterial compounds viz., Phloroglucinol dimethyl ether, Patulin, Hemipyocyanin, Phthalic acid, butyl 2-pentyl ester, Phenazine and 1-Phenazinecarboxylic acid that would be synergistically inhibited the colony multiplication of the pathogen. The study emphasized the antagonistic activity of the Pseudomonas fluorescens (TNAU PF1) for the management of bacterial wilt disease.
Effect of Brainstorming Technique on Study Habit among Secondary School Students in Anambra and Enugu States
Authors: Akunne L. I. , Anyamene A.
Published: October 2019

Aims: The general purpose of this study is to determine the effect of brainstorming techniques on secondary students study habit.

Study Design: The study adopted the quasi-experimental (pre-test-post-test control group) design.

Place and Duration of Study: 800 senior secondary school II students from Anambra State and Enugu State of Nigeria, between February 2019 and August 2019.

Methodology: This study on effect of brainstorming technique on secondary school students study habit adopted the quasi-experimental research design, more specifically the non-randomized pre-test – post test control group design. Quasi-experimental study is a type of experimental study that determines the effect of a treatment paradigm on a non-randomized sample. The sample for the study was 800 senior secondary schools students (350 male and 450 female). The study habit inventory questionnaire with a reliability index of .897 was used in data collection. Mean and standard deviation was used in answering the research questions while ANOVA was used in testing the null hypothesis.

Results: At 0.05 level of significance, the analysis of the data collected revealed a mean gain of 38.13 between the control and experimental groups, and a difference in mean gain of 4.61 for male and female students. This indicates that brainstorming was more effective for the experimental group and further shows that the effect differs with respect to gender. The findings revealed there was no difference in the mean post test scores of students who received treatment using brainstorming technique and those in the control group (p = 0.416, 0.05) also there was a significant difference in the mean post test scores of male and female secondary school students (p=0.026, 0.05).

Conclusion: The study concluded that brainstorming technique is effective for improving secondary school students study habit.
In-vitro Fluorescence Spectroscopic Analysis of the Interaction of Glimepiride with Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA)
Authors: Nahar Deepa Kanij , Nawsheen Sabia , Abu Sufian Md. , Islam S. M. Ashraful
Published: October 2019

Background: The significant study was made to investigate the interaction of an antidiabetic drug, glimepiride with bovine serum albumin (BSA) by fluorescence quenching method in two different temperatures (298K and 308K).

Methods: The study was carried out through fluorescence spectroscopic analysis. Stern-Volmer equation determined the fluorescence quenching constant. The various thermodynamic parameters such as free energy (ΔG), enthalpy (ΔH), and entropy (ΔS) was found out by Van’t Hoff equation.

Results: The data revealed that glimepiride interact with BSA and both tryptophan and tyrosine residues of BSA are responsible for interactions with glimepiride. BSA undergo static quenching in presence of glimepiride, a quencher. The hydrophobic forces participated in chief roles for BSA-glimepiride complexation and this was indicated by the values of thermodynamic parameters. The binding number (n) obtained was ≈1 pointed out that glimepiride and BSA has bound with 1:1 ratio.

Conclusions: Through fluorescence spectroscopic technique we revealed the nature of interaction of glimepiride with BSA, quenching mechanism for the interaction and associated thermodynamic parameters.
Analysis of Factors Responsible for Project Cost Variation in Enugu, Nigeria
Authors: Eboh E. E. , Egolum C. C. , Ezeokoli F. O. , Onyia C. I.
Published: October 2019

Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze the factors responsible for the cost variation in the construction projects in Enugu, Nigeria, with a view to establishing the impacts of this factors on project delivery in the study area. 

Study Design: it was a survey research, the study was effected via literature review and a well-structured questionnaire. Likewise, interviews were carried out to substantiate the findings of the questionnaire survey.

Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted in Enugu state, Nigeria for a period of 2 years.

Methodology: Being a survey research, a total of one hundred and twenty-six (126) questionnaires were distributed with one hundred and three (103) returned and adequately filled given a percentage response of 81.7%. The data collected was presented and analyzed using tables, frequency, mean score and relative importance index. The analysis was aided by a computer-based software, named Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.

Results: The study found out that more than 40% of the respondents have experience cost overrun while more than 60% of the respondent attest that cost overrun occurs always most of their project. The study observed that the principal factors responsible for this overrun in construction projects in the study area are: poor contract management deficiency in prepared cost estimate and incomplete design. Furthermore, the study observed that the contractor’s desire to improve his financial condition, poor site management and Defective workmanship and availability of skilled labor and change orders/ variation are least factors that contribute to cost overrun in projects in the study area. The study established that the most common effect of cost overrun on project delivery are loss of profit (1.09), fewer returns on investment (0.86) while the least effect is higher rental/lease cost or price (0.70).

Conclusion: The study concluded by recommending that proper contract management, value engineering and effective communication should maintain throughout the lifecycle of the project.