bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LANGUAGE VARIATIONS IN DEPOK: A STUDY OF LINGUISTIC LANDSCAPE AND DIALECTOLOGY
Authors: Munawarah Sri , Datang Frans Asisi
Published: November 2019

Written languages are present in various media in public landscapes, such as notice boards, banners, or bumper stickers. Studying these simple signs is the starting point in observing how a language variety exists and interacts with other languages. It is interesting to study how the instances of written texts found in public landscapes can be an indicator of what language variety is actually used by the inhabitants of Depok. Based on its history and its geography, a hypothesis states that many speakers of Betawi language and Sundanese reside in Depok. The study is aimed at demonstrating the written language varieties found in Depok public landscapes based on written evidence which are compared with language varieties based on the regional variation (dialectology). This qualitative study used the sociogeolinguistic approach combining sociolinguistics, linguistic landscape, and dialectology (geolinguistics). The results show there are two language use distributions in Depok, the Sundanese and the Betawi language. From the landscapes, Betawi language is used in billboards, restaurant signboards, and local government banners. The study is useful for the local government in their efforts to confirm the identity of Depok people.
LOLODA IN THREE TERNATE-DUTCH TREATY MANUSCRIPTS IN 19th CENTURY
Authors: Christomy Tommy , A. Suharjo Rias
Published: November 2019

The impact of the relationship between Ternate and Europe affected the relation between Ternate and its surrounding area. As a result of the socio-political dynamics with the colonial, Ternate did not easily positioned itself as a sultanate which was neutral from the Dutch and the interest of its surrounding kingdoms, especially its neighbouring sultanate. Ternate was dragged into alliance with Dutch in order to secure access toward the natural resources needed by both parties. One of the tools used by Dutch in 19th century to secure access toward natural resources was the treaty. The treaty between Ternate and Dutch became an important instrument to maintain legitimacy of the two parties. Loloda was amidst the interest of Ternate and Dutch. In some treaties, the signature of Loloda Sultanate and other small sultanates in North Maluku which were Ternate loyalists were needed by Dutch and Ternate. Therefore, we could easily draw a conclusion based on the treaty that Loloda is part of Ternate’s hegemony. However, in this research we will explore poetically the relation between the Dutch, Ternate and Loloda expressed through metaphor and other specific expressions. For this reason, we will discuss in depth the poetic aspects of three manuscripts (113/1/14, 113/8/11a, dan 113/8/12).
Heavy Metals Health Risk Assessment through Consumption of Baobab Leaf Cultivated in Katsina State, North West Nigeria
Authors: I. Yaradua A. , Alhassan A. J. , Nasir A. , Matazu K. I. , Usman A. , Idi A. , U. Muhammad I. , Saulawa L. A. , Dangambo M. A.
Published: November 2019

Vegetables play important roles in human nutrition and health. They can also contain some undesirable components that can be harmful, e.g.  Pesticides and heavy metals. The objectives of the study were mainly to detect the presence of heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn) in sampled Baobab leaf in Katsina state Nigeria and assessed the human health risks associated with the consumption of the Baobab leaves. The content of these metals was assayed by the AAS method. The health risk to the local inhabitants was evaluated by estimating daily heavy metal intake and computing the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) and the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) for cancer and non-cancer risks. The results were compared with the safety standards established by the WHO/FAO and USEPA. With the exception of the heavy metal Pb (0.526-0.981) the mean concentration (mg/kg) range values of Cr (0.116-0.352), Cd (0.041-0.054), Fe (1.016-1.951) and Zn (0.940-1.229) in the samples were generally lower than the USEPA, WHO/FAO maximum permissive limits. The risk level of Target Hazard Quotient (THQ < 1) was observed for all the evaluated heavy metals for both adults and children. The THQ for the samples was in the decreasing order Zn>Fe>Pb>Cr>Cd, for all the baobab leaf samples respectively. All the studied samples showed the risk level (HI < 1). ILCR for Cd violated the threshold risk limit (>10−4) and ILCR for Pb reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) for cancer in all the studied samples in adults, While in children ILCR for Pb in samples from Dabai and Daura have reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3), while the ILCR for Pb in rest of the samples and ILCR for Cd of all the samples are beyond the moderate risk level (>10−2). The consumption of the Baobab leaf sample may contribute to the population cancer burden.
Farmer’s Constraints for Vegetables Marketing in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Razeul , Sekender Ali Md. , Mahbubul Alam Md. , Ahmed Shahriar Saleh , Julfiker Moin Md.
Published: November 2019

Agricultural produce of vegetable growers is often lost after production due to many marketing challenges which make it difficult for vegetable growers to explore full market potentials and these also reduce incentives of participation in formal (commercial) or high-value markets. The aim of the study was thus to index and analysis factors (constraints) affecting marketing of major vegetables from growers perspective. Data were collected from 113 vegetable growers, Pearson’s correlation co-efficient (r) was used to determine the relationship between the selected socio-economic characteristics of the vegetable growers and their extent of marketing constraints faced.  With regard to constraints, majority (68.1%) of the respondents faced medium constraints, while 16.9% and 15% of them had low and high marketing constraints, respectively. Among eleven characteristics, growers’ training received knowledge on vegetable marketing and availability of marketing information showed significant and negative relationship with their extent of marketing constraints faced. While age, education, family member, vegetable cultivation experience, annual family income, credit availability, extension contact did not show any significant relationship with their extent of marketing constraints.  Results showed that lack of access to storage facilities was ranked the most prominent constraint followed by presence of middle man, lack of market information, inadequate access roads and lack of access to credit availability and high perishability of produce. Therefore development of better infrastructure in the form of storage facilities and availability of marketing information are vital for commercialization of vegetables.
Management of Gray Mold of Iceberg Lettuce by Biological Control Agents and Chitosan Formulations
Authors: Rajapakse R. G. A. S. , Premarathna M. P. T. , Kohombange Shyamalee , Jayasinghe D. G. N. S. B. , Rohana H. A. S. , Gunathilake H. G. , De Silva K. R. C. , Rathnayake A. K.
Published: November 2019

Gray mold caused by Botrytis is the major problem in iceberg lettuce cultivation in poly tunnels in Sri Lanka. Currently management of this disease of lettuce depends mainly on foliar application of fungicides. Continues application of fungicides for control of gray mold could not be recommended as lettuce mainly consume as fresh vegetables. Therefore, studies were conducted to identify the causal agent, varietal resistance to pathogen and effective chitosan formulation and biological control agents on control of gray mold diseases of ice berg lettuce in poly tunnels. Causal agent of this disease was identified as Botrytis cinerea. Commercially grown varieties Eden and Maruli were equally susceptible to the disease. Different isolates of pathogen were shown different virulence levels on iceberg lettuce variety Eden. In vitro test showed that, almost complete inhibition of mycelia growth of all Botrytis isolates at 600 ppm chitopower 2 and liquid formulation of Trichoderma asperellum (4x105 conidia/ml) but 600 ppm chitopower 1 or liquid formulation of fluorescent Pseudomonas (106 bacteria/ml) or fungicide-Dicloran 75WP (3000ppm) were suppressed some isolates only. Studies in poly tunnel showed that lowest disease severity index (3.6% DSI) of gray mold in iceberg lettuce plants treated with Trichoderma asperellum and highest DSI (77.7%) in control treatment. Dicloran 75WP, chitopower 2 and fluorescent Pseudomonas were recorded 16.6%, 18.5% and 46.2% DSI respectively. Results revealed that Trichoderma asperellum bio control agent and chitopower 2 could be used as alternatives to synthetic fungicides in controlling of gray mold disease of iceberg lettuce grown in poly tunnels.
Development of an Automated Solar Powered Hot-air Supplemented Dryer
Authors: Taiwo Aduewa O. , Oyerinde S. Ajiboye , Olalusi P. Ayoola
Published: November 2019

The world is facing two major challenges: one is to meet the exponential growing demand for energy particularly in developing and underdeveloped countries and other is to deal with global, regional and local environmental impacts resulting from supply and use of conventional energy. The cost-effective technology for solar drying that can be easily adopted among the rural farmers of developing countries needs to be developed in areas where solar energy is abundantly available. As cheap as the solar energy could be, there are associated problems with the stability of the energy for different purposes due to instability of climatic conditions. For this research, a solar powered hot-air supplemented dryer (SPHSD) with a capacity of 20 kg of sliced yam was designed and developed. The SPHSD has three sections which are solar collector chamber, drying chamber and hot-air supplement chamber which is powered with two 150-watt solar panel and a 200 amps solar battery for continuous operation during bad weather. All data were logged digitally for accuracy and test was done using yam slices. Difference in drying time and stability in drying temperature was evaluated using SPHSD and indirect solar dryer. The result shows stability of temperature in the drying chamber when SPHSD was used while the drying temperature fluctuates throughout the indirect solar drying test period. Drying experiment was conducted for 481 minutes (between 0910 hrs to 1713 hrs) reducing the moisture content from 71.91%, 72.1% and 72.8% to 27.95%, 25.78% and 28.23% for MC1, MC2 and MC3in wet basis respectively. Drying experiment was conducted for 832 minutes (between 0901 hrs to 2257 hrs) reducing the moisture content from initial moisture content levels of 72.66%, 71.48% and 71.48% to 13.47%, 12.53% and 12.54% for MC1, MC2 and MC3in wet basis respectively.
Effects of Seeds Source and Manure Type on Germination and Early Growth of Khaya senegalensis (Desr) A. Juss Seedlings in Bauchi State, Nigeria
Authors: Abubakar E. M. , Rabo E. K.
Published: November 2019

Khaya senegalensis (Desr) A. Juss is a perennial deciduous tree which has many uses in developing nations. The population of the tree is rapidly declining due to no conservation efforts to prevent the species from endanger and extinction. At the moment there is dearth information on manure types required to raise healthy seedlings of the tree species in the study area. To conserve this genetic resource, germination and early growth rate experiment was carried out using seeds collected from three locations (eco-zones) (Alkaleri, Bauchi and Toro). Matured seeds of K. senegalensis were collected from mother tree stand in the three locations. One hundred and fifty seeds (150) from each location were sown in perforated polythene pots at an average depth of 2-3 cm. After germination i.e. 30 days after planting, different manures were applied to the seedlings. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three treatments, namely: poultry dung, cow dung and NPK manures; the experiment was replicated four times. Data on seeds germination variables of interest (seedling heights, number of leaves, collar diameter, leaf area, leaf width, leaf length and fresh weights) were measured. Seedlings height were measured using meter rule, collar diameters using a venier caliper, numbers of leaves were determined by manual counting the number of leaves on the seedlings, leaf area was measured by tracing leaves of seedling on a graduated graph sheet. Data collected on seed germination and early growth rate were subjected to descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (ANOVA). Where significant differences occurred, Tukey test was used to separate the means. Based on this finding, germination of seeds commenced after 10 to 14 days. Locations and manure types had significant effects on the mean heights, number of leaves, collar diameter, leaf area, leaf width, length and fresh weights of K. senegalensis seedlings in the study area. Thus, for species conservation and genetic heredity, seeds sourced from Bauchi eco-zone was the best with poultry manure as the best performed manure for the raising of K. senegalensis seedlings in the study area.
Optimization of Yields and Yield Components of Sweet Potatoes (Ipomea batatas (L.) Lam) Using Organic Manure and Phosphate Fertilizer
Authors: Daniel Mwangi Ireri , Miano Martin , Macharia Lucas
Published: November 2019

Sweet potato production has been faced with various constraints including small land sizes and inappropriate agronomic practices, especially on management of soil fertility. Many studies that have been carried out on the effects of application of farmyard manure on sweet potatoes yields have just been used to get the best treatment within the range of treatments used. However, the designs used in data analysis are not appropriate for optimisation process. Therefore, there is need to use an appropriate design that will optimise the yields within the limited available resources for sustainable production of sweet potatoes. The objective of this study was to determine the optimum operating settings and to optimise the yields and the yield components in sweet potatoes. The study was conducted at Chuka University horticultural demonstration farm. The experiment was laid out in a Randomised Complete Block Design and replicated three times. The treatments included cattle manure and poultry manure (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 tons per hectare) and inorganic phosphate fertilizer (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 tons of P2O5 per hectare). Data was collected on number of tubers, tuber diameter, length and weight of tubers per plot. Central Composite Design (CCD) was applied in the optimization process. Data obtained was analysed using R statistical software and the second order mathematical model which described the response as a function of input variables, was generated. The study found that the optimal levels of inorganic phosphate, poultry manure and cattle manure that led to maximum yield were; 2.895 tons/ ha, 7.5 tons/ ha and 14.88 tons/ha, respectively. The study demonstrated that CCD can serve as an inexpensive tool in optimization of the sweet potato yield. The study was also useful to the farmers in the area of study since they can get information on the optimal levels of application organic manure and phosphate fertilizer that would lead to maximum yields.
Effect of Nitrogen and Phosphorus on the Growth and Seed Yield of Spinach
Authors: Islam Md. Rafiqul , Khatun Khaleda , Mostarin Tahmina , Haq Md. Ehsanul , Islam Md. Nahidul , Biswas Bithi Rani , Afsun Jinia
Published: November 2019

The experiment was conducted at the farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh during Rabi (November 2017 to March 2018) season to find out the growth, yield and economic benefit of spinach seed as influenced by nitrogen and phosphorus. The research involved two factors. Factor A: Four levels of nitrogen; N0= 0 kg/ha N1= 27.6 kg/ha, N2=55.2 kg/ha, N3= 82.8 kg/ha, and factor B: Four levels of phosphorus; P0= 0 kg/ha; P1 = 15.84 kg/ha, P2= 31.68 kg/ha, P3= 47.52 kg/ha. There were 16 treatment combinations in the experiment and laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Quality tests of seeds were done based on the germination test (%), seed vigor test (Electrical conductivity). In case of nitrogen, the highest seed yield (1.10 t ha-1), germination percentage (87.33%) and lowest value in EC test (11.87 dS/cm) were obtained from N2, while the lowest seed yield (0.81 t ha-1), germination percentage (79.33%) and highest value in EC test ( 13.87 dS/cm) from N0. For phosphorus levels, the highest seed yield (1.05 t ha-1), germination percentage (86.58 % and) and lowest value in EC test (11.79 dS/cm) were recorded from P2, whereas the lowest seed yield (0.84 t ha-1), germination percentage (79.91%) and highest value in EC test (13.35 dS/cm) from P0. Due to mutual effect, the highest seed yield (1.30 t ha-1), germination percentage (91.33%) and lowest value in EC test (10.2 dS/cm) were noted from N2P2, whereas the lowest seed yield (0.69 t ha-1), germination percentage (72.66%) and highest value in EC test (14.83 dS/cm) from N0P0. From the economic point of view, the highest Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) (1.59) was found in the treatment of N2P2 and the lowest BCR (1.01) was found in the treatment of N0P0. It is apparent that the treatment combination N2P2 gave the best performance for the seed yield and economic benefit of spinach.
Ethnobotanical Potential and Phytochemical Screening of Bombax ceiba L.
Authors: Depani Parth , Gadhvi Kamlesh , Vyas Suhas
Published: November 2019

Traditional knowledge of medicinal plants is showing important and significant values to society. One of the important trees growing in the Panchmahal region, Bombax ceiba, has immersed medicinal values sited in few kinds of literature. Local populations utilizing various parts of Bombax ceiba as medicines are to be known scientifically through traditional inputs. The present study was undertaken to emphasis the secondary metabolites present in different parts of B. ceiba growing region in Panchmahal, district. Traditional information about plant/tree in generally available related to leaves, trunk, root, fruits etc. the current study deals with knowledge of flowers along with thereof B. ceiba growing in Panchmahal district. Investigation for qualitative analysis of thorn, petals, and androecium was carried out for the tree B. ceiba growing in Panchamahal district.
Optimization of Processing of Fermented Cassava Semolina (attiéké) Fortified with Soybean Proteins
Authors: Kouakou K. C. M. , Ebah D. B. C. , Guédé S. S. , Gbogouri G. A.
Published: November 2019

Aims: This study was carried out to optimize the processing of soybean proteins-fortified attiéké.

Methodology: Response surface methodology was used to describe the effects of ferment and soy contents, and fermentation time on the protein content, pH and acceptability of the attiéké product. A central composite design consisted of twenty-three experiments was conceived using the Galiachi design.

Results: Results showed that the experimental data were adequately adjusted in the second-order polynomial model. Protein content and overall acceptability were significantly influenced by soy content. pH was affected by the three studied factors. The optimum conditions were 11.41% of ferment, 6.35% of soybean content and 18 h 7 min 48 s of fermentation time. Under these conditions, the protein content (6.62%), the pH (4.57) and the overall acceptability (3.41) were within defined target range.

Conclusion: The obtained results could be used in the artisanal and modern industries for the processing of attiéké with high nutritional value.
Effect of Packaging Materials and Storage Periods on the Protein Content of Three Soybean Varieties from Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: Obute J. O. , Irtwange S. V. , Vange T.
Published: November 2019

Soybeans are the leguminous vegetable of the pea family that grows in a tropical, subtropical and temperate climate. Protein and oil are soybeans seed components of great economic value. This work was carried out at the Seed Science Laboratory in the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi, Nigeria. It was aimed at assessing the protein content of soybeans stored under ambient condition. The experimental design was factorial in 3x5x6x factorial completely randomized design (CRD) comprising 3 varieties, 5 storage periods and 5 packaging materials by 3 replicates. The varieties investigated were TGx 932- 3F, TGx1904- 6F and TGx1448- 2E stored in cloth, glass bottle, plastic container, low-density polyethene and laminate paper. The storage periods were 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8months Least significant (LSD) at 5% was used to compare the treatment means. The seeds in storage were sampled periodically (2, 4, 6 and 8 months) to determine the protein content. The protein content of the samples was determined according to the standard method. TGx 1448- 2E (V3) had the highest protein content while TGx 1904- 6F (V2) had the least.  The highest protein content was recorded in soybeans packaged in a plastic container (43.55) while the least was recorded in soybeans that were not packaged in anything (control). The investigation showed that soybeans stored for 8 months had the highest protein content of 44.01 and the lowest was in 0 months (36.47). It was observed that the protein content increased with increase in storage period. Significant differences ((P<0.05) were observed in all the main effects.  The result of the interaction between variety and storage period showed V3 (TGX-1448-2E) had the highest protein content when stored for 8 months and the lowest was V2 (TGX-1904-6F) at 0month (30.8) and the next lowest one was V2 at 2months (36.79). The interaction effect of storage period and packaging material on protein showed that the highest protein content was recorded at 8month and the lowest was recorded at the 0 months (36.467). The interaction effect of variety and packaging material on protein content showed variation. The highest protein content recorded was in V3 (44.795) while the lowest was for V2 (39.847). The highest interaction was between V3 x LDPE (44.795) and the lowest was V2 X laminate paper. However, there were significant differences (P<0.05) in all the interaction effects. The present study revealed that the protein content of stored soybeans varied with storage period, packaging material and variety.
Computational Analysis of the Sequences of LIPE Gene of Selected Ruminants and Non-ruminants
Authors: B. Fatai Rasheed , O. Akinyemi Mabel , Osaiyuwu Osamede Henry
Published: November 2019

Tropically adapted farm animals are characterized by low meat and milk productivity. Traditionally, mass selection has been widely employed in breeding for improved animal performance. However, improving animal productivity using mass selection is laborious and usually less effective. Advances in molecular techniques such as DNA sequencing analysis provide the opportunity to characterize meat and milk influencing genes, which can lead to faster genetic improvement but often unaffordable and expensive particularly in developing countries. Unlike the wet laboratory analysis, computational molecular analyses is comparatively cheaper in pre-screening of the functional impacts of nonsynonymous single-nucleotide variants of some performance traits-related genes such as hormone-sensitive lipase (LIPE).

A total of fifteen (15) LIPE nucleotide sequences comprising pig (3), cattle (3), water buffalo (2), camel (2), goat (2) and sheep (3) were retrieved from the Genbank. Also, twenty (20) functionally associated genes with the LIPE gene including perilipin 1, 2 & 5 protein kinase cAMP-activated catalytic subunit alpha, protein kinase X-linked were determined using the GeneMANIA.

Functional analysis of non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism using PROVEAN showed that ten amino acid substitutions (S216C, P107del, Q28_P29insRATHVA, S41_S44dup, A640M, S940A, L660I,  D86delinsWA, S1000F) in water buffalo and pig (X678E, V789K, G987del, T218K, Q2234del, L278H, Q321del, L1023delinsPKL, P1452V, H1267delinsRFT), nine in sheep (F67_P68delinsVQ, R24G, A247_R248dup, L122L, L144P, S149K, S125S,  S224H, G148M) and goats (A450Y, P480H, G490delinsPHQ, L500R, R550del, S100_S101dup, E600S, A700Q, P754delinsQAW) and five in camel (A320A, S210S, L130L, T400T, L440I) were found neutral indicating their beneficial effect while only T110A out of the fifteen amino acid substitutions was found deleterious in cattle. The obtained phylogenetic trees from the nucleotide sequences showed a closer relationship among the members of the Bovidae family particularly the sheep and cattle.

This information may aid future research that aims at the selection of the studied animals for improved meat and milk quality traits.
Antifungal and Preservative Effect of Different Species of Aframomum (K. Schum) on Fungi Isolated from Raw Meat and Fish
Authors: Aguda O. Y. , Bankole S. O. , Adekunle E. A. , Bolanle-Ojo O. I.
Published: November 2019

Aframomum species (Aframomum danielli, Aframomum melegueta and Aframomum sceptrum) are used traditionally as medicine and food preservatives. Synthetic preservatives have been reported to be carcinogenic; hence, the continuous search for a natural preservative. This study was designed to validate the efficacy of the three named Aframomum species as a preservative against fungi that causes spoilage in raw fish and meat. The methanolic extracts of the samples were screened against Aspergillus tamarii, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus ochraceus and Trichoderma sp. using pour plate technique. The fungi were isolated from the raw fish and meat by the method of serial dilution then pour plated into Potatoes Dextro Agar (PDA) incubated at 37ºC for 7 days. The fungi observed were subcultured to get pure culture. The three samples showed significant antifungal activities against Aspergillus tamarii, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus ochraceus and Trichoderma sp. at 25%, 50% and 75% concentrations. The significant antifungal activities displayed by extract of these samples could be attributed to their phytochemical and nutritional components of the samples as well as their antioxidant activity. The three samples could be valuable natural preservatives with additional therapeutic potential.
Prevalence of qnr Genes among Multidrug Resistance Staphylococcus aureus from Clinical Isolates
Authors: B. Abdu Abdulrasheed , Y. Mirabeau Tattfeng
Published: November 2019

Objectives: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is regarded as an important aetiological agent of various human infections. Fluoroquinolones are routinely used in the chemotherapeutic management of these infections; nonetheless, in recent years, a growing rate of resistance to these drugs has been reported worldwide. The aims of this study were to isolate and discover the prevalence of plasmid-mediated (qnrA, qnrB, and qnrS) genes among the quinolone-resistant clinical S. aureus isolates in Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Methods: A total of 25 (31.25%) clinical isolates of S. aureus were collected from hospitalized patients. The bacterial isolates were identified through standard laboratory protocols and further confirmed using the API Staph system (bioMérieux, France) test strips. The antimicrobial susceptibility and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were determined by the standard disk diffusion and serial dilutions methods respectively. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for detecting qnrA, qnrB, and qnrS genes.

Results: Of the 25 S. aureus isolates, 19(76.00%) were resistant to ampicillin-cloxacillin, while 14 (56.00%) each were resistant to norfloxacin and Amoxicillin, 13 (52.00%) each to gentamicin and erythromycin, 11 (44.00%) were resistant to streptomycin, rifampicin and ciprofloxacin, respectively. The resistance pattern among the isolates to chloramphenicol and levofloxacin were 10 (40.00%) and 7 (28.00%) respectively. All the eleven ciprofloxacin resistant were high-level (1000 µg/mL) resistance isolates and only one (9.00%) of these isolates was positive for the qnrB gene.

Conclusion: The study results were indicative of the presence of low frequency of qnr genes among the clinical isolates of S. aureus in Yenagoa, indicating that other mechanisms are employed in resisting to these fluoroquinolones. This, however, emphasizes the need for establishing discreet policies associated with infection-control measures in hospital settings.
Seasonal Effect on Growth Performance and Leaf Biomass Production of Two Moringa oleifera Lam. Varieties Grown under Sahelian Condition in Burkina Faso
Authors: Kagambèga François Wenemi , Bagagnan Abdoul Rasmane , Ayantunde Augustine , Sawadogo Louis
Published: November 2019

Aims: An experiment was conducted to compare the growth performance of two varieties of Moringa oleifera (wild variety and PKM-1) under different seasonal period at two locations in northern Burkina Faso, and the potential for improving household nutrition.

Study Design, Place and Duration of Study: Two separate trials corresponding to sowing period (cold and warm) were laid out at each site (Bani and Tougou) in a completely randomized block design with three replicates between December 2017 and September 2018.

Methodology: Each block was subdivided into two plots of 8 m² (separated from each other by 3 m break) intended to receive each variety of Moringa at each sowing period. The seeds were sown with 2 seeds by pit at 2 cm depth with spacing of 0.5 m x 0.5 m in each plot ploughed up to 30 cm. Watering was done daily during the dry season and consisted of applying 24 liters of water in each plot at two times. Vegetative growth measurements (plant height, number of leaves) were done weekly while leaf biomass production was assessed monthly from the 40th day after sowing.

Results: The results showed that seedlings growth parameters and foliar biomass differed significantly (p < 0.001) among the two Moringa oleifera varieties and were influenced by the sowing period and sites. Although the two varieties grew well, Moringa oleifera var PKM-1 grew faster and produced much leaves compared to the wild or local variety. Then, greater growth attributes (height and number of leaves) and foliar biomass were noted for PKM-1.

Conclusion: The warm period (March / April) appear to be the most recommendable period for the growth and biomass accumulation of the two varieties of Moringa oleifera.
Spatial Assessment of Land Use/Land Cover Dynamics from 1988 to 2018 in Bonny LGA, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Dappa D. , Ndukwu B. C. , Obafemi A. A.
Published: November 2019

This study analysed the Spatial Assessment of Land use/Land Cover Dynamics From 1988 To 2018 In Bonny LGA, Rivers State, Nigeria using Landsat imageries of 1988, 2000, 2003, 2016 and 2018 with the aid of Remote Sensing (RS) techniques and Geographic Information System (GIS). Five land use/land cover types where analysed: Waterbodies, Forest, Mangrove/Swamp, Built Up Area/Bare Surfaces and Muddy Surface. The results show that from 1988 to 2018, water bodies, forest, and mangrove/swamp reduced by 5.14%, 25.07%, and 38.28% respectively while built-up area/cleared lands and muddy surface increased by 69.42% and 682.24%. Findings show that spatial coverage of forest and mangrove/swamp decreased between 1988 and 2018 and the reduction in forest cover reduces the significant role that it plays in maintaining the ecosystem. This study has clearly shown the roles of geo-information technologies at monitoring land use/landcover change in Bonny LGA, Rivers State and therefore, recommended that re-afforestation projects, strict legislation, policies, and strategies should be established to replenish the forests and mangrove/swamp; should be put in place.
Bio-activities of Tetracycline and Algae Food Supplement Algo-Bio® on Escherichia coli Antimicrobial Resistance Isolated from Piglet’s Intestinal Flora
Authors: Kone Amine Naty Tadiogo , Ouattara Baguy Mohamed , Tiekoura Bertin , Konan Fernique Kouadio , Koffi Eugène , Kouadio Innocent Kouamé , Dadie Adjéhi , Guessennd Nathalie Kouadio
Published: November 2019

Aims: This study aimed at evaluating the effect of Algo-Bio® use on Escherichia coli resistance strains isolated from piglets intestinal flora.

Study Design: Bacteriological study.

Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of the National Reference Center for antibiotics at Institute Pasteur Côte d’Ivoire, between March 2018 and June 2018.

Methodology: A breeding of three batches of two piglets was carried out, then treatments with tetracycline and Algo-Bio® were administered to them. Enterobacteria was isolated on Mac Conkey medium added up with tetracycline and resistance rates were determined. Escherichia coli resistant strains have been identified and antibiotic susceptibility test was performed using disk diffusion method on Müller-Hinton agar.

Results: Enterobacteria resistance rates increased ranging from 18.4% (D0) to 81.5% (D4) to tetracycline-treated piglets and respectively from 25.7% (D0) to 29% (D4) and from 22.3% (D0) to 24.5% (D4), in control piglets and those treated with Algo-Bio®. Antibiotic susceptibility test of Escherichia coli strains isolated from piglets treated with tetracycline showed high resistance to ceftazidime (83.3%), amoxicillin (76.9%) and tetracycline (92.3%) with 39.4% strains producing ESBL, 23.7% producing PHL and 5.2% of producing CHP on D4. Escherichia coli strains isolated from control piglets and Algo-Bio® treated piglets revealed a decrease of ESBL respectively from 17.6% (D0) to 13.7% (D4) and from 12.5% ​​(D0) to 6.4% (D4).

Conclusion: The study showed that the use of Algo-Bio® does not induce an evolution of antimicrobial resistance in Microbiota strains and consequently this dietary supplement can be used as a good alternative to antibiotics.
The Practice of Marketing Public Relations In Multinational Companies in Indonesia
Authors: Wijaya Lina Sinatra
Published: November 2019

The growth of public relations and its acceptance as a valuable, sometimes essential, marketing practice is practically universal . This study aims to find out the marketing communication models applied in  Multinational companies in Indonesia. The study provides an analysis of the role of marketing public relations in Multinational companies and this study also explores the role of marketing public relations in the multinational or global companies in Indonesia, to establish whether it is considered to be an important function for a multinational company. The data was gathered through in-depth interview and telephone interview technique involving six multinational companies in Indonesia.  The result of this study shows that Marketing public relations officers in multinational companies in Indonesia do apply a mixed model of communications in their operations. This mixed model is a mixture of the press agentry and a two-way asymmetrical model. These two models seem to be the models which are applied in most multinational companies in Indonesia, even though they still use external agencies (consultancies) for handling certain issues.
The Effect of Company Performance on Dividend Policy in Manufacturing Companies
Authors: Kusuma Onny , Semuel Hatane
Published: November 2019

Companies in managing their finances are always faced with three important issues that are interrelated. The three problems are investment decisions, funding decisions and dividend policy decisions. This study will be focusing on dividend policy decision. Not all companies distribute dividend even when they have high profit/liquidity level or because they need money to pay interest. This study investigates and aim to analyze the effect of company performance to dividend policy in manufacturing companies. Company performance used as variables are: profitability, leverage, and liquidity. The author will analyze the direct effect from profitability, leverage, and liquidity with company dividend policy. After that by using liquidity as moderating variable, the author will analyze wether high liquidity level can strengthen company decision to distribute dividends.

The sample for this study are 77 manufacturing industry companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2010-2016 which distributed dividends. Research data is taken from annual financial report data published by the sample companies. The data in this study were processed with the help of SEM smartPLS 3.0 model. This study explains the impact of profitability, leverage, and liquidity factors on dividend policy and wether liquidity can be used to strengthen or weaken the relationship between profitability to dividend policy and leverage to dividend policy.
Individual and joint performance of DNA methylation profiles, genetic risk score and environmental risk scores for predicting breast cancer risk
Authors: Guan Zhong , Raut Janhavi R. , Weigl Korbinian , Schöttker Ben , Holleczek Bernd , Zhang Yan , Brenner Hermann
Published: November 2019

DNA methylation patterns in the blood, genetic risk scores (GRSs), and environmental risk factors can potentially improve breast cancer (BC) risk prediction. We assessed the individual and joint predictive performance of methylation, GRS, and environmental risk factors for BC incidence in a prospective cohort study. In a cohort of 5462 women aged 50–75 from Germany, 101 BC cases were identified during 14 years of follow‐up and were compared to 263 BC‐free controls in a nested case–control design. Three previously suggested methylation risk scores (MRSs) based on methylation of 423, 248, and 131 cytosine‐phosphate‐guanine (CpG) loci, and a GRS based on the risk alleles from 269 recently identified single nucleotide polymorphisms were constructed. Additionally, multiple previously proposed environmental risk scores (ERSs) were built based on environmental variables. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were estimated for evaluating BC risk prediction performance. MRS and ERS showed limited accuracy in predicting BC incidence, with AUCs ranging from 0.52 to 0.56 and from 0.52 to 0.59, respectively. The GRS predicted BC incidence with a higher accuracy (AUC = 0.61). Adjusted odds ratios per standard deviation increase (95% confidence interval) were 1.07 (0.84–1.36) and 1.40 (1.09–1.80) for the best performing MRS and ERS, respectively, and 1.48 (1.16–1.90) for the GRS. A full risk model combining the MRS, GRS, and ERS predicted BC incidence with the highest accuracy (AUC = 0.64) and might be useful for identifying high‐risk populations for BC screening.
Highly Stereoselective Palladium‐Catalyzed [3+2] Cycloaddition of Vinyl Epoxides and N‐Benzothiazolimines
Authors: Song Xiaoxiao , Gu Mengjie , Chen Xiaoyun , Xu Lei , Ni Qijian
Published: November 2019

An asymmetric [3+2] cycloaddition of racemic vinyl epoxides with N‐benzothiazolimines has been presented under Pd‐catalysis. This transformation provides rapid access to highly functionalized oxazolidine scaffolds in generally good yields along with high stereoselectivities (up to 99% ee, 8.5 : 1 d.r.) under mild conditions. The use of chiral BINAP ligand enabled this asymmetric transformation with a broad substrate tolerance.
Deciphering an Abnormal Layered‐Tunnel Heterostructure Induced by Chemical Substitution for the Sodium Oxide Cathode
Authors: Xiao Yao , Zhu Yan‐Fang , Xiang Wei , Wu Zhen‐Guo , Li Yong‐Chun , Lai Jing , Li Shi , Wang Enhui , Yang Zu‐Guang , Xu Chun‐Liu , Zhong Ben‐He , Guo Xiao‐Dong
Published: November 2019

Demands for large‐scale energy storage systems have driven the development of layered transition‐metal oxide cathodes for room‐temperature rechargeable sodium ion batteries (SIBs). Now, an abnormal layered‐tunnel heterostructure Na0.44Co0.1Mn0.9O2 cathode material induced by chemical element substitution is reported. By virtue of beneficial synergistic effects, this layered‐tunnel electrode shows outstanding electrochemical performance in sodium half‐cell system and excellent compatibility with hard carbon anode in sodium full‐cell system. The underlying formation process, charge compensation mechanism, phase transition, and sodium‐ion storage electrochemistry are clearly articulated and confirmed through combined analyses of in situ high‐energy X‐ray diffraction and ex situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy as well as operando X‐ray diffraction. This crystal structure engineering regulation strategy offers a future outlook into advanced cathode materials for SIBs.
Decolorization and degradation potential of enhanced lignocellulolytic enzymes production by Pleurotus eryngii using cherry waste from industry
Authors: Akpinar Merve , Ozturk Urek Raziye
Published: November 2019

Lignocellulosic wastes accumulate in large quantities and thus cause environmental issues. Cherry waste (CW) of them collected from industry was used as the substrate to increase production of lignocellulolytic enzymes, laccase (Lac), manganese peroxidase (MnP), lignin peroxidase (LiP), carboxymethyl cellulase (CmCase), xylanase, exoglucanase, β‐glucosidase (BGLA), by Pleurotus eryngii. Then, the decolorizations of some azo dyes were examined. The effects of different concentrations of some compounds, such as copper, iron, Tween 80, ammonium nitrate, and manganese, on the productions of lignocellulolytic enzymes were studied depending on incubation period. The maximum productions of lignocellulolytic enzymes were achieved by performing 5.0 g CW and 1,000 µM Cu2+, 1,000 µM Fe2+, 2.0 g L−1 ammonium nitrate, 180 µM Mn2+ as the inducers. To the results determined under optimized conditions, 3.61, 4.79, 1.86, 1.15, 2.24, and 2.91‐fold increases were respectively obtained for Lac, MnP, LiP, CMCase, xylanase, and BGLA activities. The chemical changes of dye structure during decolorization by lignocellulolytic enzymes extract containing Lac with decolorization performance as 12.6 ± 0.8% were partially characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. This study is important in terms of dye decolorization and degradation by achieving the enhancement of the activities of seven lignocellulolytic enzymes using various inductors.
Real‐world survival of patients with advanced BRAF V600 mutated melanoma treated with front‐line BRAF/MEK inhibitors, anti‐PD‐1 antibodies, or nivolumab/ipilimumab
Authors: Moser Justin C. , Chen Danli , Hu‐Lieskovan Siwen , Grossmann Kenneth F. , Patel Shiven , Colonna Sarah V. , Ying Jian , Hyngstrom John R.
Published: November 2019

Background

The optimal treatment sequence for patients with advanced BRAF V600 mutant melanoma is unknown. BRAF/MEK inhibition (BRAF/MEKi), single agent anti‐PD‐1 (aPD‐1) antibodies and combination immune checkpoint inhibition with nivolumab and ipilimumab (niv/ipi) are all approved; however, they have not been prospectively compared. Therefore, we sought to compare overall survival of patients with advanced BRAF mutant melanoma treated with either front‐line BRAF/MEKi, aPD‐1, or niv/ipi.

Methods

Patients with advanced BRAF mutant melanoma who had received BRAF/MEKi, niv/ipi, or aPD‐1 in the front‐line setting were identified from a nationwide database comprising de‐identified patient‐level structured and unstructured data derived from electronic health records. Survival was compared using Kaplan‐Meier curves and log‐rank analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to measure the effect of front‐line treatment, age (>64 or not), LDH (elevated or not), and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (>1 or not) on survival.

Results

Five hundred and sixty seven patients with advanced disease and treated with front‐line aPD‐1 (n = 162), BRAF/MEKi (n = 297) or niv/ipi (n = 108) were identified. With a median follow‐up of 22.4 months, median overall survival (OS) for patients treated with front‐line niv/ipi was not reached (NR) while median OS for patients treated with aPD‐1 or BRAF/MEKi was 39.5 months and 13.2 months, respectively. Front‐line treatment with PD‐1 and niv/ipi were associated with statistically longer survival than BRAF/MEKi in multivariate analyses.

Conclusions

In our real‐world retrospective analysis, patients with advanced BRAF mutant melanoma treated with front‐line niv/ipi or aPD‐1 had longer survival compared to those treated with front‐line BRAF/MEKi.
Shell Stabilization of Photocatalytic ZnSe Nanorods
Authors: Perry Danielle , Waiskopf Nir , Verbitsky Lior , Remennik Sergei , Banin Uri
Published: November 2019

Zinc chalcogenides nanostructures are promising newly‐studied materials for photocatalytic reactions such as water reduction for hydrogen generation and photoinitiation of radical polymerization processes. Herein, we introduced a straightforward synthesis of thin ZnS shell on ZnSe nanorods and characterized the resulting core/shell ZnSe/ZnS nanorods by electron microscopy techniques and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Then, the photocatalytic activities of the nanorods were studied by gas chromatography for hydrogen generation and by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for the photoinitiation capability. While such core/shell systems may limit charge transfer to the solution due to the type‐I band alignment, we find that the photochemical stability and photocatalytic activity of this system is significantly enhanced over pristine ZnSe nanorods. ZnSe/ZnS nanorods with Ni(NO3)2 co‐catalyst are used for hydrogen generation and the effects of the nanorods’ surface coating, pH conditions and type of hole scavenger are examined. The best performances were observed for nanorods after ligand stripping with Meerwein′s reagent using ascorbic acid as a hole acceptor at pH 4.5. All three parameters were found to affect the photocatalytic activity. Yet, the surface coating and pH dependence differ from previous reports on cadmium chalcogenides photocatalysts. The origin of their differences is discussed and attributed to the band alignment of the systems and the nature of the co‐catalyst. The stable heavy‐metal free ZnSe/ZnS nanorods system presented here holds promise for various photocatalytic applications.
Designing Core‐Shell Ni(OH)2@CuO Nanowire Arrays on 3D Copper Foams for High‐Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Xu Li'na , Zhang Hua , Li Jiao , Guo Xue , Sun Haibin , Li Yan'an , Wu Tong
Published: November 2019

Core‐shell Ni(OH)2@CuO electrodes grown on three‐dimensional copper foams were synthesized by a facile thermal oxidation and chemical bath deposition method. The electrochemical experiments present that the Ni(OH)2@CuO electrode delivers large areal capacitance (1.625 F cm−2 at 3 mA cm−2), excellent rate capacity (1.285 F cm−2 at 30 mA cm−2), and brilliant cycling stability (retaining 96.4 % after 5000 cycles). In addition, an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device was designed taking Ni(OH)2@CuO electrode and active carbon (AC) as a positive and negative electrode, respectively. The ACS device exhibits a high voltage of 1.6 V and remarkable energy density up to 58.59 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 686.45 W kg−1. This work may serve to develop new areas of low‐cost materials for energy storage and conversion system.
2,2′‐Bipyridine‐Modified Tamoxifen: A Versatile Vector for Molybdacarboranes
Authors: Schwarze Benedikt , Jelača Sanja , Welcke Linda , Maksimović‐Ivanić Danijela , Mijatović Sanja , Hey‐Hawkins Evamarie
Published: November 2019

Investigations on the antitumor activity of metallacarboranes are sparse in the literature and limited to a handful of ruthena‐ and molybdacarboranes. In this study, the molybdacarborane fragment [3‐(CO)2‐closo‐3,1,2‐MoC2B9H11] was combined with a vector molecule, inspired by the well‐known drug tamoxifen or 4,4′‐dihydroxytamoxifen (TAM‐diOH). The molybdacarborane derivative [3,3‐{4‐[1,1‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)but‐1‐en‐2‐yl]‐2,2′‐bipyridine‐κ2N,N′}‐3‐(CO)2‐closo‐3,1,2‐MoC2B9H11] (10), as well as the ligand itself 4‐[1,1‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)but‐1‐en‐2‐yl]‐2,2′‐bipyridine (6) showed cytotoxic activities in the low micromolar range against breast adenocarcinoma (MDA‐MB‐231, MDA‐MB‐361 and MCF‐7), human glioblastoma (LN‐229) and human glioma (U‐251) cell lines. In addition, compounds 6 and 10 were found to induce senescence and cytodestructive autophagy, lower ROS/RNS levels, but only the molybdacarborane 10 induced a strong increase of nitric oxide (NO) concentration in the MCF‐7 cells.