bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proximate Analysis and Vitamin Content of Canned Puerto Rican Native Dishes
Authors: Asenjo Conrado F. , De Hernández Evangelina R. , Rodríguez Luz Divina , De Andino Milka G.
Published: October 2020

The proximate analysis, as well as the niacin, thiamine, riboflavin and folic acid content of 14 different kinds of cooked canned Puerto Rican dishes were determined by chemical or microbiological procedures. Some of the more important findings follow: Turtle meat stew and pork liver and heart with vegetable stew exhibited the highest values for protein, niacin and riboflavin; on the other hand, sancocho, white beans, chicken asopao and beef tripe stew showed the lowest values. Pink and red kidney beans were high in thiamine, while crabmeat asopao and beef tripe stew were low. Pork liver and heart with vegetable stew showed the highest folic acid content, while crabmeat asopao exhibited the lowest. In general, pasteles had the highest fat content, while red kidney and pink beans had the lowest. Cassava pasteles and pink beans had the highest content of carbohydrates, and turtle meat stew, beef tripe stew and pork liver and heart with vegetable stew the lowest. The variations observed are discussed and recommendations are made.
Quick Test with Tetrazolium Chloride on Coffee Seed Viability
Authors: Mondoñedo José R.
Published: October 2020

The germinative capacity of coffee seeds may be evaluated within 2 days by using the following procedure: 1. The parchment is removed from a representative sample of coffee seeds and the seeds are soaked in water for an hour or more. Soaking for 24 hours is recommended for older and drier seeds. 2. The silverskin then is rubbed off, the seed rinsed, and kept in water ready for sectioning. 3. With a sharp blade, the seed is sectioned longitudinally through the embryo (slicing off a small portion of the cotyledons and radicle) which is imbedded in the endosperm but visible from the dorsal side. 4. The part with the larger section of the embryo is fully immersed for 16 to 24 hours in the TZ test solution (0.5 to 1.0 percent 2,3,5 triphenyl tetrazolium chloride in distilled water, adjusted to pH 5 to 7). 5. After immersion, the seed sections are rinsed and the embryo and endosperm examined carefully. Uniform red pigmentation on the embryo and endosperm indicates healthy viable seed. Pink or mottled coloration indicates weak seed of doubtful germinative capacity. White or no color change indicates dead seed. 6. Reading of results may be delayed several days by rinsing the treated seeds with water and storing them underwater at 8° to 10° C. It is recommended that more tests be conducted to determine more accurately the relationship between TZ test results and actual germination tests, especially those borderline cases exhibiting pink or mottled coloration. An easier method of exposing the uninjured whole embryo to the test solution could help in these cases. It also may be worth looking into a much longer duration of soaking before sectioning as this affects speed of reaction to the test, especially on older and drier seeds.
Cytological Studies in Digitaria pentzii Stent
Authors: Shambulingappa K. G.
Published: October 2020

Fourteen accessions of Digitaria pentzii have been studied cytologically: Ten of them are tetraploids, two are triploids, one is a diploid and one is a aneuploid. Observations made on chromosome configurations at diakinensis and metaphase 1 in polyploids, together with preliminary studies on gross morphology of pachytene chromosomes, indicate that the tetraploids are allopolyploids and the triploids are autopolyploids. Elimination of chromatin material through B-chromosome process following translocation is cited as one of the mechanisms for the occurrence of aneuploids.
AN EXTRACTION PROCEDURE FOR MALATHION IN FRUIT PASTES
Authors: Singmaster III James A.
Published: October 2020

AN EXTRACTION PROCEDURE FOR MALATHION IN FRUIT PASTES
Título en español.
Authors: Paul F. Randel
Published: October 2020

Se compararon 2 regímenes alimenticios con 13 vacas lactantes (11 Holstein-Fresian y 2 Suiza Parda) confinadas en corrales. La ración en el tratamiento A fue una mezcla corriente de ingredientes concentrados y ensilaje de millo; la ración en el tratamiento B fue una mezcla de 22.5 por ciento de bagazo de caña de azúcar, 20.0 por ciento de miel de caña y 57.5 por ciento de otros ingredientes concentrados para hacer una "ración completa". El diseño experimental fue una reversión doble con periodos de 10 semanas, consistente cada uno de 3 semanas para adaptarse a régimen y 7 para la fase comparativa, ambos precedidos por un periodo preliminar de 25 días. Durante las 7 semanas de la fase comparativa del primero de los 3 periodos de experimentación, las cinco vacas del tratamiento A consumieron diariamente un promedio de 37.0 libras de alimento concentrado corriente y 30.5 libras de ensilaje, mientras que las ocho vacas del tratamiento B consumieron 48.0 libras de la ración completa. Con ambas raciones la producción diaria de leche promedió durante la fase aludida 53.1 y 56.9 libras, respectivamente. No se encontró diferencia significativa alguna entre los tratamientos. Durante los 3 periodos de experimentación de la reversión doble, el consumo diario promedió 36.6 libras de alimento concentrado corriente, 30.2 libras de ensilaje y 45.1 libras de la ración completa. La producción diaria de leche con los tratamientos A y B promedió 48.6 y 47.4 libras, con un porcentaje de grasa de 2.85 y 3.23; un porcentaje de sólidos no grasos de 9.08 y 9.03; un porcentaje de sólidos totales de 11.92 y 12.26; un porcentaje de proteína de 3.53 y 3.43; y un aumento diario en peso vivo de 1.15 y 1.01 libras, respectivamente. Las diferencias entre los tratamientos fueron significativas, con respecto al porcentaje de grasa (P < .01) y el porcentaje de sólidos totales (P < .05). Se concluye que la ración completa podría sostener la producción de leche a casi la capacidad máxima de las vacas, ya que con ella se logró una producción comparable a la que se obtuvo al suministrarse alimento concentrado corriente ad libitum. Además, la producción obtenida con el tratamiento B fue igual a la que se obtuvo en un experimento previo con otra ración completa, que contenía un 7.5 por ciento menos de bagazo y un 5.0 por ciento menos de miel, y mayores proporciones de harina de soja y de maíz en grano.
Título en español.
Authors: A. Acosta Matienzo  , J. Vélez Santiago
Published: October 2020

Se compararon 15 variedades del género Xanthosoma en pruebas de rendimiento en Gurabo, en 1961-62 y en Naranjito y Corozal, en 1963-64. Se observaron diferencias significativas al nivel del 5 por ciento solamente entre las variedades de mayor y menor rendimiento en los experimentos de Gurabo y Naranjito. Aunque los resultados obtenidos son inconclusos podemos indicar que las variedades Rascana, Viequera, Blanca y Drearies están entre las mejores a base de un rendimiento consistentemente superior.
USE OF HEAT LAMPS IN FARROWING PENS
Authors: Ismael Carlo  , C. L. Arcelay
Published: October 2020

USE OF HEAT LAMPS IN FARROWING PENS
DEVELOPMENT OF WOUND TUMORS BY DIFFERENT VARIETIES AND LINES OF THE COMMON BEAN (PHASEOLUS VULGARIS L.)
Authors: Julio Bird  , Josefina Sánchez  , Karl Maramorosch
Published: October 2020

DEVELOPMENT OF WOUND TUMORS BY DIFFERENT VARIETIES AND LINES OF THE COMMON BEAN (PHASEOLUS VULGARIS L.)
Leaf Composition as an Index of the Availability of Nutrients in the Soil
Authors: Capó B. G.
Published: October 2020

1. Data are presented on the influence of various levels levels of application of ammonium sulfate, calcium superphosphate, potassium chloride calcium carbonate and magnesium sulfate on the sugarcane and corn leaf contents of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium, at each of two stages of growth. 2. The relation between the quantity of a nutrient available in the soil and the leaf content of the nutrient is expressible by a smooth curve that approaches a value asymptotically. Mitscherlich's equation may be used satisfactorily for this purpose. 3. The capacity of a soil to provide a crop with a given nutrient may be estimated by using the following equation:M = log (A – Y) – log A,                log Cwhere M = available quantity of a nutrient per unit of area expressed in units of the corresponding fertilizer material; Y = percentage dry-matter content of the respective nutrient by the plant leaves; and A and C are values of parameters previously estimated from the results of a calibrating field experiment. 4. The precision of the equation to be used for this estimation is higher when the calibrating experiment is performed in soils lower in available content of the nutrient than otherwise, and when the leaves are sampled at an early, rather than at a late stage of growth.
The Persistence of Atrazine, Ametryne, Prometryne, and Diuron in Soils Under Greenhouse Conditions
Authors: Liu L. C. , Cibes-Viadé H. R. , González-Ibáñez J.
Published: October 2020

The persistence of Atrazine, Ametryne, Prometryne, and Diuron in 13 Puerto Rican soils was studied under greenhouse conditions, using oats (Avena sativa L. var. Kanota) as the bioassay plant. Judging from the data obtained from six successive croppings of oats, Diuron was the most persistent herbicide in most soils while Prometryne was the least so. Ametryne and Atrazine were intermediate in persistence; however, the former was found to be more persistent than the latter in most of the soils studied. Of all the soil components or properties studied, organic matter appeared to be the one most highly related to the persistence of the four herbicides. The degree of herbicide persistence was lower in soils having a high organic matter content. This may be attributed to a greater microbial detoxification capacity associated with a higher organic-matter content of the corresponding soil.
The Use of Chromium and Acid-Detergent Lignin in Complete Rations as Indicators of the Fecal Excretion Rate in the Ruminant Animal
Authors: Arroyo-Aguilú José A. , Evans Joe L.
Published: October 2020

Chromium (Cr) and acid-detergent lignin (L) were evaluated as index substances for determining digestibility of complete, low-fiber rations with growing steers. The rate of recovery of ration Cr was studied during depletion and repletion of the indicator. Total fecal collections were carried out for 7 days after a 1-day period of Cr intake. Recovered Cr for the 7-day period amounted to 85.5 ± 7.2 percent with a value of 82.3 ± 6.8 percent for the first 5 days, with a maximum amount of 30 percent on the second day. During the 21-day depletion following a 21-day repletion, fecal Cr decreased rapidly for the first 7 days and continued to decrease to 0.54 ± 0.02 percent at the end of the depletion. During 7-day and 10-week periods, L was recovered to the extent of 96.7 ± 0.5 and 96.6 ± 2.3 percent, respectively. Recovered Cr amounted to 94.4 ± 0.5 percent in long-term trials and to 90.5 ± 2.5 percent in short-term trials. In long-term trials, L was recovered to the extent of 94.1 ± 1.0 percent. No statistical differences (P < 0.05) were found among grab-sampling times or between grab samples and the total collection samples in rates of excretion of nutrients per unit of indicator. It was suggested that the differences in grab-sampling times were minimal when either Cr or L indicator techniques were used to determine digestibility. Recovery data tend to show that L is a valid marker and has the desirable characteristic of being a constituent of ruminant feedstuffs.
Evaluation of Herbicides Applied to Foliage of Four Tropical Woody Species
Authors: Dowler Clyde C. , Tschirley F. H.
Published: October 2020

We applied the herbicides 4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic acid (Picloram), 1,1'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridinium ion (Paraquat), (2,4-dichlorophenoxy) acetic acid (2,4-D), and (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy)acetic acid (2,4,5-T), alone or in various combinations, as foliage sprays to guava (Psidium guajava L.), mango (Mangifera indica L.), rose apple (Eugenia jambos L.), and camasey (Miconia prasina (Sw.)DC). A 1:1 mixture of Paraquat and Picloram at 12 lb./A. or 2,4-D:2,4,5-T (1:1) at 24 lb./A. generally desiccated and defoliated more leaves during the first month after treatment, but Picloram at 6 lb./A. caused more defoliation 12 months after treatment. Camasey was more susceptible to the herbicides tested than guava, mango, and rose apple.
Notes on the Genus Picturaphis and Related Genera with a New Species of Picturaphis from Puerto Rico (Aphididae: Homoptera)
Authors: Smith Clyde F.
Published: October 2020

Picturaphis puertoricensis n. sp. is described and keys are given to separate the species in the genus Picturaphis and closely related genera.
Inheritance of Some Quantitative Characters in Pigeonpeas (Cajanus cajan (L.) Mill sp.)
Authors: Morales Muñoz Abad , Abrams Raúl
Published: October 2020

Three varieties and an irradiation-derived line of pigeonpeas were used as parents in five crosses as follows: P.I. 5690 X Kaki, P.I. 5690 X Saragateado, P.I. 5690 X 526, Kald X 526, and Saragateado X 526. The F2, F3 and parents of each cross were planted in the field at the Isabela Substation during 1966-67 in a randomized block design with three replicates. Genotypic variability was studied and genotypic and phenotypic correlations were calculated for all the crosses in the F2 and F3 generations. Genetic coefficients of variation and heritability estimates were computed for four traits in five crosses and for six traits in one particular cross. Frequency distributions are shown for date of flowering, plant height, and seed weight. There was much greater variation for all crosses, in general, in seed weight, plant height, and flowering date than in number of seeds per pod. With the exception of number of pods per plant the correlations between seed yield and other traits were not great enough to provide reliable indications for yield. The phenotypic and genotypic correlations between seed yield and number of pods per plant were high, above 0.90. However, their low heritability, 45.3 and 52.1 percent in F2 and F3 generations, tends to indicate that not too much progress could be expected for seed yield improvement by selecting for large number of pods per plant. Good progress by selection could be made by breeders in traits such as flowering date, plant height, and seed weight which showed high heritability values.
Drought Tolerance in Digitaria
Authors: Oakes A. J. , Langford W. R.
Published: October 2020

Selected clones of 10 Digitaria species were evaluated for drought tolerance in field trials. Grasses were established by vegetative propagation during the wet season. Observations on survival and growth were made at intervals throughout the 25-month duration of the trial. Approximately one-third of the plants failed to survive, with greatest losses occurring during the period of minimum rainfall. Significant differences in survival among species were found; for example, Digitaria decumbens Stent and Digitaria valida Stent are superior to Digitaria diversinervis (Nees) Stapf and Digitaria swazilandensis Stent. Differential performance of clones within species is demonstrated by two accessions; i.e., USDA P.I. 111110 (Digitaria decumbens Stent) and USDA P.I. 299795 (Digitaria setivalva Stent). Pangola grass and select clones of other Digitaria species may be established by vegetative propagation in rainfall belts of 20 to 30 inches per annum with reasonable assurance of success.
Effect of Various Temperatures on Symptom Expression by Different Plant Species (Cucumber, Plantain, and Banana) Affected by Cucumber Mosaic Virus
Authors: Bird Julio , Sánchez Josefina , Tió Marco A. , Liu Lii-Jang
Published: October 2020

A study was made in climate chambers to determine the effect of various temperatures (65°, 75°, 85°, and 95° F.) on symptom expression by cucumber, plantain and banana plants affected by cucumber mosaic virus. Mitigation of symptoms occurred when plantain, banana, and cucumber plants affected with cucumber mosaic virus were kept at 95° F. At 85° F., mitigation of symptoms was less dramatic. Some of the affected plants became necrotic and stunted. At 75° F., severe symptoms of the disease were evident on test plants of the three species. At 65° F., musaceous plants developed symptoms as severe as those observed in the highlands during the cool winter months. Cucumber plants developed severe mottling symptoms at this same temperature.
Effect of Planting Date and Plant Spacing on the Rotenoid Production of Tephrosia vogelii in Puerto Rico
Authors: Freyre R. H. , Barnes D. K.
Published: October 2020

The effect of within-row plant spacing (approximately 19, 34 and 57 cm.) and time of planting (April 1, April 29, May 27) on rotenoid and seed production of Tephrosia vogelii in Puerto Rico is reported. Percent total rotenoids and seed yield per plant varied among lines, but were not significantly affected by plant spacing and time of planting. Planting date significantly affected time from planting to flowering and proportion of leaves to stem. The April 1 planting date increased number of days to flowering, thereby increasing leaf losses from diseases and senescence as compared to the April 29 and May 27 planting dates. Plant spacing significantly affected plant height, total plant dry weight per hectare and proportion of leaves to stem. Close plant-spacing tended to increase plant height and total dry plant weight, and to lower proportion of leaves. These results indicated that the most efficient crop management system of T. vogelii for Puerto Rico would include a May 27 planting date, with a plant population of about 53,000 plants per hectare. Experimental yields of approximately 280 kg. of total rotenoids or 550 kg. of seed per hectare were obtained from this management system.
In Vitro Formation of Sexual Stage of Thielaviopsis paradoxa from Sugarcane in Puerto Rico
Authors: Liu Lii-Jang , Mignucci Julia
Published: October 2020

Two strains of Thielaviopsis paradoxa, one light and one dark, were isolated from diseased cuttings of sugarcane in Puerto Rico. Perithecia were produced when the dark strain was crossed with the light strain in potato dextrose agar medium at 24° to 28° C. The perithecia obtained are characteristic of Ceratocystis paradoxa (horn-like appendages on the base of the perithecia and long, pointed ostiolar hyphae). Ascospore isolations consistently resulted in the recovery of typical T. paradoxa culture. No perithecia were produced when cultures of the same isolates were crossed. This constitutes the first report on formation of the sexual stage of T. paradoxa from sugarcane in vitro.
The Potential Market for Improved Varieties of Mangos in Puerto Rican Supermarkets
Authors: Mattern Frank , Pennock William
Published: October 2020

Mangos have a long history in Puerto Rico but traditional varieties offer little if any economic incentive for commercial production. Improved varieties therefore have been introduced to the Island. A matched-lot procedure was employed to determine consumer preferences for different improved varieties of mangos. Of 16 varieties tested, Springfels was the most popular, with Ruby, Irwin, and Davis Haden following. In addition to these four varieties, Edward, Haden, Parvin, Zill, Jacqueline, Early Gold, Kent, and Sensation also were rated rather highly. Julie, Pillsbury, Eldon, and Lippens had little consumer appeal when compared with the other varieties in this market test. The market potential for improved varieties of mangos in Puerto Rican supermarkets was estimated by expanding data gathered in three test supermarkets to all Island supermarkets. In the test stores, 0.0987 pounds of mangos per shopper were sold during a 6-week test period. This multiplier was applied to the estimated total number of Puerto Rican supermarket shoppers, which rendered estimated sales of 47,704 pounds per week at 17 cents per pound.
THRIPS (INSECTA: THYSANOPTERA) FROM VIEQUES ISLAND (PUERTO RICO)
Authors: Medina Gaud Silverio
Published: October 2020

THRIPS (INSECTA: THYSANOPTERA) FROM VIEQUES ISLAND (PUERTO RICO)
A Study on Antimicrobial Activity of Sericin on Cotton Fabric
Authors: K.V. Arunkumar , K. Gomathi , A. Deepika Priya
Published: October 2020

In the manufacturing of silk in the dried cocoons of a silkworm, fibroin is
separated from sericin by a degumming process. The sericin is mostly discarded in the
wastewater. The recovery of sericin not only reduces the environmental impact of silk
manufacturing but a significant economic and social benefit could be realized from
the recovery and recycling of sericin protein. Sericin has been studied as one of the
new resources for textile and non-textile materials. It has properties like antioxidation, antibacterial, UV resistant, absorb and release of moisture, etc. Sericin has
a good effect on wound healing, no toxicity, and low inflammatory reaction. Hence
the present investigation aims to improve the antimicrobial activity of cotton fabric
through the process of sericin finish.
Removal of Nicotine by Sorption Technique using Titanium Dioxide and Mentha Peperita with Hydrophobic Treatment
Authors: R. Parthipan , K. Rajkaran , P. Rekha , M. Soniyaa , M. Jesima
Published: October 2020

Textile is an indispensable part of human life. Textile finishing not only
enhances the feel and drape of fabrics but can also provide extraordinary hygienic
properties like making it anti-microbial. The titanium dioxide doped with
Nanoparticles increases their susceptibility to sorption of nicotine and accelerates its
decomposition. Extraction of menthe piperita is applied to the fabric with titanium
dioxide. Hydrophobic and vinegar (used as modrant) by boiling with dip and dry
method on 100% cotton plain-woven fabric water-based super hydrophobic coating is
an aqua emulsion and containing flammable solvent regarding water, soil and oil
repellency after drying. The Sample with higher antimicrobial activity is found by the
results and a Government is made for women. This Study makes a way for the usage
of eco-friendly and safe product which is produced using mentha on cotton fabric
Hepatotoxicidad grave inducida por sertralina
Authors: Vargas P. Nicolás , Illanes D. Sergio , Galleguillos G. Lorna , Moscoso J. Felipe
Published: October 2020

Reportamos el caso de una paciente de 19 años, con antecedentes de daño hepático traumático, pero con un perfil hepático normal en su primer alta; después de 1 mes del evento, con trastorno de estrés postraumático se inició tratamiento con 25 mg diarios de sertralina; un mes después, desarrolla una hepatotoxicidad severa sin etiología determinada. De acuerdo con el algoritmo de Naranjo, se atribuye como caso probable de hepatotoxicidad por sertralina. El manejo se realiza con medidas de apoyo y suspensión del medicamento, y la paciente se recupera hasta que se encuentra asintomática, actualmente tiene pruebas hepáticas normales.
IMPACT OF HUMAN RESOURCES ON ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE
Authors: Babeshkova Ekaterina V. , Zhamkova Tatiana G.
Published: October 2020

In modern conditions, personnel is one of the main resources of the organization. Areas of activity in relation to personnel are personnel processes. The efficiency of personnel pro-cesses largely determines the efficiency of personnel and their potential. At the same time, the behavior of members of the organization is associated with factors of corporate culture. The article analyzes personnel processes and their impact on corporate culture in an organization based on a study of representatives of small and medium-sized businesses of the Chuvash Republic. Also, the authors made recommendations for improving personnel processes in order to increase the efficiency of organizational culture. Organizational culture is a significant element of a modern company, which contributes to the harmoni-zation of the activities of the company's personnel, affects the speed of adaptation of new personnel, as well as other personnel processes, which in general affects the effectiveness of the organization. The authors consider how the behavioral attitudes of the staff are regulated in the studied small and medium-sized businesses, the stability of the staff and its development are ensured. In addition, an analysis of the organizational cultures prevailing in firms, the degree and level of their formation, is carried out. It is also noted that organizational culture is dynamic, like the environment in which the organization operates, like the organization itself, therefore, for a certain stage of the company's development, time and conditions, the culture within the company can be transformed.
Nghiên cứu kết quả điều trị nhân giáp lành tính bằng đốt sóng cao tần tại bệnh viện đa khoa Gia Đình Đà Nẵng
Authors: Nguyễn Văn Bằng
Published: October 2020

Đặt vấn đề: Tại Việt Nam, có các phương pháp điều trị nhân giáp lành tính phổ biến như: phẫu thuật cắt thùy giáp, nội khoa đơn thuần... Tuy nhiên có nhiều biến chứng và hậu quả cho bệnh nhân, Bệnh viện Đa khoa Gia Đình Đà Nẵng bắt đầu áp dụng đốt sóng cao tần nhân giáp lành tính từ tháng 01 năm 2019 đã thu được kết quả bước đầu. Vấn đề đánh giá hiệu quả cũng như tính an toàn của kỹ thuật rất quan trọng. Mục tiêu nghiên cứu: 1) Đánh giá kết quả và tính an toàn tại thời điểm 1 tháng sau điều trị đốt nhân giáp lành tính bằng sóng cao tần. 2) Khảo sát các yếu tố ảnh hưởng đến kết quả điều trị đốt nhân giáp bằng sóng cao tần. Đối tượng và phương pháp nghiên cứu: Nghiên cứu mô tả, theo dõi dọc đã được thông qua hội đồng khoa học kỹ thuật bệnh viện đa khoa Gia Đình Đà Nẵng. Từ tháng 1/2019 đến 2/2020, 85 bệnh nhân có nhân giáp lành tính được RFA, được theo dõi sau 1 tháng điều trị. Các biến số kết cuộc chính bao gồm: biến sốhiệu quả (tỷ lệ giảm thể tích của nhân giáp sau can thiệp, cải thiệntriệu chứng thẩm mỹ và triệu chứng lâm sàng, không thay đổi chức năng giáp) và (biến số an toàn) tổng các biến chứng ngay sau can thiệp đến 1 tháng sau can thiệp. Kết quả: Kết quả ban đầu, có 55 bệnh nhân đủ dữ liệu sau 1 tháng. Thể tích trung bình giảm từ 5,0 ± 4,8 ml xuống 2,9 ±2,9 ml với tỷ lệ thể tích giảm trung bình 43,5 ±21,6%. Tỷ lệ thành công chiếm 78,2% sau 1 tháng. Thang điểm triệu chứng và thẩm mỹ cải thiện có ý nghĩa, không có thay đổi chức năng tuyến giáp. Tỷ lệ biến chứng nhẹ chiếm 1,8% và tự hồi phục, không có biến chứng nặng. Không tìm thấy yếu tố liên quan cũng như ảnh hưởng độc lập đến hiện quả giảm thể tích nhân giáp. Kết luận: Đốt sóng cao tần tỏ ra hiệu quả và an toàn trong điều trị nhân giáp lành tính.
Tác động của dapagliflozin lên sự xuất hiện và tiến triển bệnh thận ở bệnh nhân đái tháo đường týp 2: phân tích từ nghiên cứu DECLARE-TIMI 58
Authors: Nguyễn Quang Bảy
Published: October 2020

Cơ sở: Các thuốc ức chế SGLT-2 đã được chứng minh tác dụng có lợi đối với kết cục trên thận, chủ yếu ở những bệnh nhân đã mắc bệnh tim mạch do xơ vữa. Trong bài này, chúng tôi báo cáo kết quả phân tích các kết cục trên thận của thuốc ức chế SGLT-2 dapagliflozin trong nghiên cứu dự hậu tim mạch DECLARE-TIMI 58, trên các bệnh nhân đái tháo đường(ĐTĐ) týp 2 có và không có bệnh lý tim mạch do xơ vữa, và hầu hết có chức năng thận còn bảo tồn. Phương pháp: Trong DECLARE-TIMI 58, các bệnh nhân ĐTĐ týp2, HbA1c từ 6,5 – 12,0%, kèm theo bệnh tim mạch do xơ vữa hoặc có đa yếu tố nguy cơ tim mạch, và độ thanh thải creatinine ít nhất là 60mL/phút được phân ngẫu nhiên theo tỷ lệ 1:1 vào hai nhóm điều trị dapagliflozin 10 mg hoặc placebo mỗi ngày một lần. Một phức hợp tiêu chí phụ trên tim và thận được xác định trước bao gồm sự giảm liên tục ít nhất 40% mức lọc cầu thận (eGFR) xuống dưới 60 mL/phút/1,73m2, bệnh thận giai đoạn cuối (định nghĩa là đã phải lọc máu ít nhất 90 ngày, ghép thận, hoặc có eGFR xuống dưới 15mL/phút/1,73m2), hoặc tử vong do nguyên nhân thận hoặc tim mạch; một phức hợp tiêu chí phụ cho thận cũng bao gồm các tiêu chuẩn như trên, ngoại trừ tử vong tim mạch. Trong bài phân tích về kết cục trên thận này, chúng tôi báo cáo kết quả vềcác tiêu chí thành phần của phức hợp này, phân tích dưới nhóm của từng tiêu chí, và thay đổi của eGFR tại những thời điểm khác nhau. Kết quả: Nghiên cứu được thực hiện từ tháng 4/2013 đến tháng 9/ 2018; trung vị thời gian theo dõi là 4,2 năm (từ 3,9 – 4,4 năm). Trong số 17160 bệnh nhân được phân ngẫu nhiên, 8162 người (47,6%) có eGFR ≥ 90 mL/phút/1.73 m2; 7732 người (45,1%) có eGFR từ 60 đến dưới 90 mL/phút/1.73 m2, và 1265 người (7,4%) có eGFR < 60 mL/phút/1.73 m2 tại thời điểm ban đầu; 6974 người (40,6%) có bệnh lý tim mạch do xơ vữa và 10186 người (59,4%)có đa yếu tố nguy cơ. Kết quả, phức hợp tiêu chí phụ trên tim thận giảm có ý nghĩa thống kê ở những người điều trị dapagliflozin so với placebo (HR 0,76, 95% CI 0,67-0,87; p
Characteristics of Foreign Direct Investment into Agriculture in Ghana
Authors: G. Djokoto Justice
Published: October 2020

The paper investigated the characteristics of foreign direct investment( FDI) to Ghana's agriculture by  examining the flow of funds, projects, employment and possible pre-independence legacies in FDI inflows from Ghana's former partners in colonial relationships and the slave trade. Using moving averages, percentages, cross tabulations and chi-squares tests, to data from 1994-2010, the following conclusions were drawn; a) FDI flows, measured by estimated cost of projects remained stable and low for most part of 1994-2010. However, huge jumps were witnessed after 2008, coinciding with Ghana's second time of successful and peaceful transfer of political power to another government; b) Clustering of agricultural projects in Greater Accra Region, c) a strong attraction of large FDI firms for the crops subsector; d) 75% of the FDI projects are SMEs; e) Among European countries, Ghana's former slave and colonial masters, Britain, Netherlands and Denmark contribute most FDI projects to Ghana's agriculture. Volta Region has strong attraction for projects from Germany. Strategies need to be designed to attract projects beyond Greater Accra, where poverty reduction may be better felt.

Keywords: FDI;Agriculture;Employment;Distribution;Projects.
Harnessing Knowledge for Institutional Advancement in Tertiary Educational Institutions
Authors: M. Musa Ahmed
Published: October 2020

The impact of globalization on tertiary educational institutions (TEIs) in Ghana demands that they (TEIs) harness and leverage knowledge from the global knowledge basket to remain competitive. This paper examines the concept of knowledge management (KM) and how it is being managed in Ghana's TEIs for institutional advancement. The key challenges identified include the corporatisation of academic faculties, weak structures for KM, the intrusion of 'managerialism' as a style of leadership, absence of strong teamwork in knowledge creation and dissemination, and the erosion of the spirit of collegiality in academic staff relations. Suggestions made for the enhancement of knowledge management processes in TEIs include making adequate budgetary allocations for KM and integrating KM centres in established structures of TEIs. The paper concludes that knowledge is an indispensable asset for institutional advancement in higher education and therefore, TEIs should invest in the area to remain competitive globally.

Keywords: Knowledge management; Intellectual capital; Managerialism; Institutional governance
Desertification in the Upper West Region of Ghana: Causes, Processes and Impact
Authors: Amankwah Emmanuel
Published: October 2020

This paper is written to find out the causes, processes and impact of desertification in the Upper West Region and to suggest ways to address the problem. The research was conducted through interviews, field survey, using questionnaires and focus group discussions. It was realized during the research that the people in the region are aware of the environmental degradation but have varied views on the causes and their consequences. They realized the reduction in crop yield in recent years, the changing weather pattern, the drying up of streams and river bodies and many others, which are as a result of the human activities that negatively affect the environment. The research also discovered that felling down of trees for charcoal production, wood fuel and bush burning top the list of environmental degradation in the region. It was concluded by proposing measures such as afforestation, proper land management, introduction of fine or punishment for bush burning and enforcement of forest regulations in curbing the rate of environmental degradation that leads to desertification in the region.

Keywords: Desertification; Environmental degradation; Tree felling; Bush burning and charcoal.
Studies on the Microflora of Ripe Pawpaw (Carica papaya) Fruits in Ghana
Authors: Dukuh Isaac K. , Opoku-Asiamah Yaw
Published: October 2020

The aim of the study is to identify fungi associated with fruit rot of pawpaw both in the field and in storage. Three experiments were conducted. In the first experiment, fungi growing on ripe pawpaw fruits randomly collected from plants on the UCC campus were identified in the laboratory. The position on the fruit the fungi appeared was recorded. The second experiment involved the storage of fruits in insect proof containers in the laboratory to indentify fungi growing onthe fruits and the position on the fruit the fungi appeared. In the third experiment, fruits were washed with 10% solution of Milton 2 before they were stored in insect proof containers. Fungi which grew on them and the position on the fruit the fungi appeared were identified. The survey revealed that Collectotricum gloesporiodes which cause anthracnose was the most frequently occurring fungi in the field in the study area. The most serious fungi diseases of pawpaw in storage were found to be anthracnose, stem end rot and black rot which were caused by Collectotricum gloesporiodes, Phomopsis caricae-papayae andPhoma caricae-papayae. It was demonstrated that surface sterilization with 10% Milton 2 solution increased the shelf life of the stored fruits for 2-3 days.

Keywords: Carica papaya; Microflora; Milton 2; Surface sterilization; Frequency of occurrence.
Teaching and Learning of Visual Arts in Senior High Schools in Rural and Urban Settings in Ghana
Authors: Okyerewa Abena , Nortey Siaw Samuel , Bodjawah Edwin K.
Published: October 2020

This study used qualitative and quantitative research methods in tandem to compare teaching and learning processes to illuminate differences in students' academic performance gap in the Visual Arts in urban, peri-urban and rural Senior High Schools in the Ashanti Region. With the use of purposive and simple random sampling techniques, a sample of six schools – two in each setting, comprising 120 students and 18 teachers were selected for in-depth study. The study found that urban schools perform better than rural schools because they have prestigious names and character, more qualified teachers, and they attract and admit high performance BECE applicants into the Visual Arts department. The study revealed that the geographical settings of the school and educational opportunities directly influence the academic performance and achievement of students. Environmental factors, lack of studio facilities, and differences in teaching methodologies in the different geographical settings seem to influence students' learning and performance.

Keywords: Teachingandlearning;Visualarts;Ruralandurbaneducation;Academicperformance.
Organizational Culture and its Relationship to Organization Performance in Ghana Education Service Head Office – Accra
Authors: Bekoe Regina
Published: October 2020

The culture of an organization reflects its performance. Stakeholders who are direct beneficiaries of the Ghana Education Service have often complained of receiving poor service delivery from the organization. Using the Head Office of the organization in Accra, the researcher investigated whether the organization's culture had any relationship with the performance. With both interviews and questionnaires, core areas of the organization such as: Mission, Ethics andAccountability, External Environment, Strategic Planning and Management, Organizational Structure, Leadership and Management, Human Resource Management, Internal and External Communication, Financial Management, Evaluation and Performance Management and Information Technology were assessed. Five divisions of the organization were used for the study. The findings of the study were that the existing culture does not mirror the preferred culture; it was also established that the organization's culture and performance have a mutually reciprocating relationship. The study showed that the current level of performance could be improved if support systems in the area of finance, staff and technology are enhanced. Furthermore the organization should encourage shared leadership and give credit to others when they do the right things. Staff need to be trained in information technology so they can be current in the use of the technology.

Keywords: Organizational culture; Organizational performance; Organization development.
Ballot Paper Wastage in Elections in Ghana: Reflections of Electoral Commission Officers and Voters in the Jaman South District
Authors: Odoom Daniel , Opoku Ernest , Gyamfi Edward
Published: October 2020

This paper investigated the reflections of Electoral Commission (EC) officers and voters in the Jaman South District with regard to ballot paper wastage in elections in Ghana using descriptive exploratory research design. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to select 172 respondents for the study with questionnaires, structured interview and interview guide as the research instruments. The study revealed that elections were conducted to help select leaders for the nation and to help ensure that leaders are accountable to the people. Policies and ideologies of candidates were found to have little influence on how persons vote. Factors such as protest voting, low public education on elections, and high level of illiteracy were responsible for rejected ballots in the district. Rejected ballot paper was a cost to the EC officers and the voters in terms of resources, time and energy especially during periods of run-offs. The study recommended that the government effectively collaborate with the EC officials in the district to implement policies that will increase voters’ appreciation of issues underpinning democracy. The EC officers in the district should properly collaborate with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to provide adequate public education to enable the electorates in the district to have a proper understanding of basic electoral issues.Key words: Elections; democracy; democratization; disenfranchisement; rejected ballots.
Effect of Cooking on Cooking Time, Nutritional Content and Sensory Properties of Pawpaw-treated Bambara Groundnut
Authors: Owusu John , Ahima Joseph , Amissah Agnes , Nartey Ebenezer
Published: October 2020

Cooking of bambara groundnut is time and energy consuming. This research was therefore carried out to find a way of reducing the cooking time of bambara groundnut and at the same time reduce losses of nutrients. Green pawpaw slices, both fresh and dried were added to the raw bambara groundnut and cooked. The treated Bambara groundnut recorded the lowest cooking time (P<0.05) compared with the untreated. The treatment did not have any effect (P<0.05) on the calcium, and phosphorous contents, but rather led to increased levels (P<0.05) of crude protein, crude fat and iron but reduced levels of carbohydrate, crude fibre and ash content. However, the untreated Bambara groundnut gave the best sensory properties and hence the best overall acceptability. The findings of the research when applied, has the potential to reduce fuel consumption and conserve the environment.Keywords: Green pawpaw; Bambara groundnut; cooking; dry pawpaw slices; crude.
Ghana’s school feeding programme in perspective: A case study of the Akuapem North Municipality in the Eastern Region
Authors: Okae-Adjei Samuel , Akuffo Buckman , Amartei Claudia
Published: October 2020

This study identifies the successes and challenges of the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP), and compares pre and post- academic performance of pupils in some selected schools in the Akuapem North Municipality of Ghana. Questionnaires and interviews were used to solicit information from respondents. The study revealed that the introduction of the GSFP in the Akuapem North Municipality has led to an increase in enrollment, retention and attendance of pupils in the beneficiary schools as well as improvement in the pupils’ health status. However, there has not been any significant improvement in the academic performance of the pupils within the Municipality. The study recommends that efforts should be made by stakeholders to increase the number of teachers and expand the educational infrastructure to accommodate the increasing school enrollment.Keywords: Akuapem North Municipality; Ghana School Feeding Programme; academic performance; community participation.
Design, Construction and Evaluation of a Multi-piston Pump
Authors: Nyamekye Clement , Anim Ofosu Samuel , Marcos Aboagye
Published: October 2020

The multi-piston pump, is a linear type of positive displacement pump, working on the principle of direct lift. The height to which the pump can directly lift the water is primarily controlled by factors that include the capacity of the operator, the clearance between the washers and the riser pipe and the speed of the washers. The materials for the construction of this pump can be obtained locally, even from the dump sites, hence its nickname “the pump from the dump”. It would not only serve as a means of lifting water easily, but will also improve the standard of living of the people. This pump could be an option for pumping water in relatively remote and deprived areas. This study highlights on the design, construction and evaluation of multi-piston pump. The pump went through vigorous design procedures and construction stages. The detailed working drawings of the pump were produced and constructions work carried out. Equations were established in order to know how the whole system behaves. It can be deduced from the study that pump discharge is influenced by piston diameter and the distance between the pistons. This pump can be used for small-irrigation schemes.

Keywords: Pump; Hand-dug wells; Pipes; Discharge; Velocity.
Effects of Number of Apprentices on Financial Performance of Firms in the Furniture and Wood Industry of Ghana
Authors: Abraham Abena Yeboah , Adams Abass
Published: October 2020

This study examined the relationship between the number of apprentices in a firm and the financial performance of the firm, using the RPED/CSAE Ghana Manufacturing Enterprise Survey (GMES) covering the period of 1991 to 2002. The dynamic panel model estimation technique was employed to investigate the effect of the number of apprentice on gross profit per capital of firms in the furniture and wood processing industry of Ghana. The findings of the study indicate that the financial performances of firms deteriorate during the apprenticeship period, as they take up more apprentices but increase in wages of apprentices had direct significant effect on financial performance. Other dynamics of the apprentice and the master were discovered to be important variables in explaining firm’s financial performance. The average age of an apprentice in the Furniture industry was about 24 years while that of the Wood industry was about 29 years which is clearly very high. It has been suggested that firms may need incentives other than the services of the apprentice to increase their demand for apprenticeship. The incentive may include tax exemption which should be proportional to the number of apprentices engaged and a proper contract must be signed that will allow apprentices to serve the firm for a specified period after training before being released. The youth must also be advised to begin the apprenticeship process early.

Keywords: Apprenticeship, Financial performance, Dynamic panel model, Gross profit, Contract
Knowledge and practices of Hygiene of Fresh-Cut Fruit Vendors - A case study of New Juaben Municipality in the Eastern Region of Ghana
Authors: Owusu John , Nartey Ebenezer , Gamor Emmanuel , Mensah Eric Edem
Published: October 2020

In recent times, many people prefer to purchase fruits which have undergone minimal processing probably due to lack of time and convenience. Fresh-cut fruits are ready-to-eat food, but can be a source of contamination and hence transmission of food-borne diseases such as typhoid and cholera. The contamination of fresh-cut fruits can be caused by the handlers, therefore, this study was carried out to assess the hygienic knowledge and practices of fresh-cut fruit handlers in the New Juaben Municipality in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The handlers studied include those who deal with fruits such as pawpaw, watermelon, and pineapple. The two main instruments used for gathering the data were questionnaires and personal observation. The responses of the handlers were analyzed using SPSS. Most of the respondents work in hygienic premises, have good knowledge of food hygiene, and practice good hygiene especially during packaging of processed fruits. The observation indicated that even though most respondents use gloves and aprons, they do not cover the hair, mouth, and nose, and this could predispose the fruits to contamination. Although, majority of the respondents have waste bins, most (85.4%) of them were hand-operated with only a few (7.3%) having tight cover, and this could invite flies to the premises. Fresh-cut fruit handlers in the New Juaben Municipality should be given periodic education on food hygiene.

Keywords: ready-to-eat food, premises, respondents, contamination, food hygiene, minimal processing
The Causes of Low Success Rate of Public Sector Projects as Compared to the Private Sector In Ghana- The Study Area of Greater Accra Region
Authors: Ansah Joseph Ampofo , Ampofo-Ansah Christine
Published: October 2020

The issue of project failure is alarming in Ghana and this experience has persisted for a long time. However, some projects undertaken by private organizations are able to chalk successes more often. This study therefore examines the causes of low success rate of project completion in both the public and private sectors in Ghana, study area of Greater Accra Region. The research intends to analyze how the setting of project goals, project scope, project budget, monitoring and feedback, meeting stakeholders’ expectations and project management practice influence completion of projects in both public and private sectors. Both qualitative and quantitative techniques were used for collecting and analyzing the data. The stratified sampling technique was employed and out a total of 200 questionnaires administered to respondents. 158 questionnaires representing 79% were retrieved. Regression and correlation analysis were used in analyzing the data collected, based upon which conclusions were drawn. The findings of the research were that setting project goals, monitoring and feedback and project management practice are the most influential factors in successful completion of projects in both sectors. The study has made recommendations in the article to guide project implementation

Key Words: Project Management, Success factors, Project goals, Project budget, Monitoring and Feedback