bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Os paradoxos do agronegócio fumageiro entre os pequenos agricultores no Oeste de Santa Catarina
Authors: Renk Arlene , Winckler Silvana
Published: May 2020

O texto aborda os “desencontros” das políticas brasileiras em relação à Convenção-Quadro para o Controle do Tabaco (CQCT), sob auspícios da Organização Mundial da Saúde, ratificada pelo Brasil em 2005. Um dos pontos de embate está na diminuição/erradicação do cultivo do tabaco. O governo brasileiro, numa postura politicamente correta, bane o fumo do espaço público, diminui o número de fumantes, mas oficialmente estimula o cultivo do tabaco para o incremento da balança comercial. Apesar da ratificação da Convenção pelo Brasil, encontramos o cultivo em pequena propriedade, em trabalho familiar, com alta carga de agrotóxico, em integração com a agroindústria fumageira, ou seja, agronegócio, pouco lembrado, quando mencionado.  A relação de integração vertical transforma o fumo em primo pobre do agronegócio, em relação aos avicultores e suinocultores, face ao baixo grau de capitalização das famílias integradas. A pesquisa é de caráter qualitativo, envolvendo dois municípios. Entrevistamos vinte fumicultores e quatro lideranças sindicais. Recorremos igualmente a fontes documentais e estatísticas para complementação e aprofundamentos dos dados obtidos em campo. A pesquisa encontra-se em   fase de andamento. Como resultados preliminares, observamos que o cultivo do fumo não é opção dos pequenos agricultores, mas uma das únicas saídas encontradas para permanecer na agricultura. Agricultores com maior grau de capitalização recusam-se ao plantio do fumo. As políticas públicas têm olhar oblíquo em relação aos fumicultores.
Usos y debates en la Argentina sobre la categoría del Estado terrorista
Authors: D'Antonio Débora Carina , Eidelman Ariel Esteban
Published: May 2020

Nos proponemos reflexionar acerca del uso por parte de diferentes actores de una de las categorías del análisis socio-histórico que ha marcado las formas de pensar al Estado nacional en los años de la última dictadura militar en la Argentina: la de Estado terrorista. Se ha señalado, críticamente, que quienes abordan la cuestión estatal en términos históricos reflexionan poco sobre las implicancias teóricas de esta categoría a la hora de pensar, por ejemplo, el diseño e implementación de los dispositivos represivos. En este sentido en los últimos años se ha trabajado sobre la legitimidad y utilidad de la noción de Estado terrorista para entender las formas específicas que adoptó el ejercicio de la violencia por parte del último gobierno militar. Mientras que algunos la retomaron considerándola productiva, otras investigaciones se apropiaron de conceptualizaciones como la de genocidio o poder concentracionario para abordar la comprensión de esta experiencia histórica singular. Asimismo, otros análisis han contrapuesto el conocimiento surgido del movimiento social de aquel originado en los ámbitos científicos, mostrando una preocupación por el uso de estas nociones a las que consideran “contaminadas” por lo político. De conjunto, apuntamos en este texto a examinar distintos elementos que explican cómo se llega a esta teorización sobre el Estado, y en tal sentido, deseamos contribuir al debate sobre el uso de categorías teóricas específicas para el análisis histórico, delimitando y situando su contexto de creación.
Dinâmicas contextuais oitocentistas das migrações internacionais em Santos/SP
Authors: Teixeira Lisboa Wellington
Published: May 2020

Este estudo tem como objetivo explorar algumas dinâmicas contextuais que operaram como relevantes fatores de atração de fluxos de imigrantes a Santos, no litoral de São Paulo, a partir da segunda metade do século 19, com ênfase nas suas últimas décadas. Dos contextos macroestruturais atrelados ao continente europeu e, principalmente, à economia política de São Paulo às evidências históricas em torno do protagonismo santista no eixo das transações comerciais agroexportadoras, direciona-se o foco, neste artigo, a um breve panorama oitocentista que, entre outras razões, justifica o processo de composição de Santos como um território de imigrantes.
RECONSTITUIÇÃO DAS CONDIÇÕES PALEOAMBIENTAIS RELACIONADAS À OCORRÊNCIA DE LINHAS DE PEDRA EM LATOSSOLO NO MÉDIO VALE DO RIO PARAÍBA DO SUL-RJ
Authors: Seixas Amanda Pacheco , Gomes Coe Heloisa Helena , Carvalho da Silva André Luiz , Lepsch Igo Fernando , Parolin Mauro , Macario Kita
Published: May 2020

O Vale do Paraíba do Sul, localizado entre as duas maiores metrópoles do Brasil, compreende uma área bastante alterada e com solos desgastados e erodidos, o que acentua a necessidade de estudos voltados para a compreensão de sua dinâmica evolutiva e ambiental. Nessa área, a composição original de Mata Atlântica é, atualmente, representada apenas por pequenos mosaicos numa paisagem de extensos campos de pastagem. Este estudo objetiva reconstituir as condições paleoambientais do Médio Vale do Paraíba do Sul no Quaternário Tardio e inferir possíveis mudanças climáticas e na vegetação, associadas à ocorrência de linhas de pedra. A metodologia contou com análises pedológicas, fitolíticas, isotópicas e datações (14C-AMS). Foram identificadas variações na densidade arbórea: no período anterior a 9000 anos cal AP, a vegetação era predominantemente esparsa, em ambiente mais seco e com temperaturas médias mais baixas que as atuais; após esse período, o ambiente tornou-se mais úmido e a vegetação mais arbórea; o período entre 9000 e 8200 anos cal AP, quando se dá a formação das linhas de pedra, foi mais seco que o anterior; a partir de cerca de 2900 anos cal AP, o ambiente se torna progressivamente mais úmido e semelhante ao atual. A hipótese de gênese das linhas de pedra é a de coluvionamento de pequena distância atrelado a períodos de chuvas concentradas.
Study on the Influencing Factors of Business Success Variables of Technology Startup Entrepreneurs
Authors: Kim Seok-Soo , You Yen-Yoo
Published: May 2020

Background/Objectives: The impact of demographic factors on the business performance of entrepreneurs was investigated and the results suggest the direction of government's employment policy for strengthening, revitalizing the entrepreneurial ecosystem.Methods/Statistical analysis: We surveyed 300 young start-up entrepreneurs, 205 questionnaires were collected and analyzed using SPSS 22 and Smart PLS 3.2.9. Measurement and structural models were analyzed to evaluate path coefficients and structural suitability. Among the demographic variables, gender was introduced as a control variable, and PLS-Algorithm and Bootstrapping were performed on 8 independent paths and parameters to verify and confirm the difference in the moderating effect according to gender.Findings: We analyzed the measurement model to analyze internal consistency reliability, focused validity and discriminant validity, and validated the structural model by evaluating the importance and suitability of the determinants (R2): effect size (f2): multicollinearity (Inner VIF): and path coefficients. As a result of estimating the path coefficients (mean, STDEV, T-value, P-value, confidence interval): EX-S→TM-A, NW-C→ TECH-P, NW-C→ TIC-A, NW-C→TM-A, TCC-C→ TC-A, TECH-C→ TC-A, TECH-C→ TECH-P, TECH-C→TIC-A, TECH-C→TM-A has been adopted. In this paper, as a result of the analysis of the regulatory effect, which is a key differentiating factor from previous studies, among the 8 demographic variables, such as gender, type of manufacturing, start-up period, etc. TECH-C-GENDER→ TECH-P, MGC-DIV→TECH-P and TECH-C-YEAR→TECH-P were found to have a significant impact on business performance. In conclusion, the results of structural modeling of the factors that affect the business success of technology startups contribute to the establishment of start-up policies for start-up agencies and governments.Improvements/Applications: We will break down the technology sector into manufacturing, non-manufacturing, IT, AI, and big data and add data group analysis on demographic variables to conduct research on more advanced topics.
Renegotiating Social Risks in the People's Republic of China and Japan
Authors: Jentzsch Hanno , Lamont Alison
Published: May 2020

There have been various attempts to capture the direction of welfare provision in Japan and the People's Republic of China (PRC) as a regionally coherent welfare regime, following on from attempts by the welfare regime literature to categorize nation-states by the characteristics of
their welfare provision in the West. However, stark differences between the PRC and Japan as regional neighbours, and even within the regions of each country, pose a challenge to this kind of macro-level theorizing. This special issue seeks to supplement macro perspectives on welfare regimes
by exploring a range of welfare policies across both states from an ethnographic, bottom-up perspective, which captures the dynamic nature of welfare and highlights the importance of understanding how local actors request, interpret, and implement risk management strategies. The management
of social risks is shown not to have one clear direction determined by, for example, market logic: instead, this special issue highlights the ways in which the burden of risk shifts between family, market, state, and communities unevenly over time, reflecting underlying institutional norms
which are always up for negotiation. In doing so, this special issue emphasizes the importance of local, contextualized understandings of welfare, and suggests that the comparative welfare regimes literature should seek the micro-institutional foundations of welfare provision as the basis
for comparison.
Linking reward types to organizational performance in Central and Eastern European universities: The mediating role of affective commitment
Authors: Hadziahmetovic Nereida , Dinc Muhammet Sait
Published: May 2020

Scholars and managers have been discussing and investigating assets that could offer superior performance for decades, and they found that human resources are the most important asset that enables organizations to improve their organizational performance. This study focuses on rewarding systems in universities as one of the human resource management practices, and its effects on universities’ organizational performance. Furthermore, it provides a research model which examines the direct and indirect effects of reward types on organizational performance, where affective commitment is used as a mediator between rewards and organizational performance. This study provides empirical evidence for affective commitment mediating the link between rewards and organizational performance in a sample of 825 academics and administrative staff at universities from Central and Eastern European countries. Exploratory and Confirmatory factor analyses were performed to assess the reliability of scales, whereas structural equation modelling was utilized to evaluate the proposed research hypotheses. Our results showed that affective commitment mediates the link between some rewards and organizational performance. Research results indicate the significance of extrinsic and intrinsic rewards to improve affective commitment and organizational performance in universities. Moreover, this research also contributes to the knowledge of the antecedents of affective commitment and organizational performance.
An approach to gain more with less concessions: Transitive strategic responses of organizations under the effect of organizational identity and relations with environment
Authors: Aracı Özlem , Boal Kimberly B. , Gurbuz Gulruh
Published: May 2020

Strategic responses of organizations can be triggered by both environmental and organizational antecedents. Even though environments impose some constraints on organizations, they still have a range of response. We find that newspapers, in Turkey, have three different identities. One rooted in journalistic values. One rooted in running the newspaper as a business. And one rooted in maintaining its leadership role. These identities trigger three different transitive strategic responses. A transitive response is one in which an organization has an attack and a fall-back position. Further, we show how the link between an organization’s identity and its strategic response is moderated by the dominance of relations with institutional environment and the dominance of relations with technical environment. We tested these ideas in a pilot test with supportive interviews, and then in a large scale quantitative study.
Effect of Adding Motor Imagery to Task Specific Training on Facilitation of Sit to Stand in Hemiparetic Patients
Authors: Helmy Hanan , Elrewainy Rasha M. , Elbalawy Youssef , Sabbah Asmaa
Published: May 2020

Background: Motor imagery training is a cognitive process in which an internal representation of a movement is activated in working memory. The movement is mentally rehearsed, without any physical activity. Task-specific training emphasizes the repetitive practice of skilled movement to enhance functional abilities in hemiparesis. Objectives: To investigate whether task specific training preceded by motor imagery or task specific training alone was more effective for facilitating sit to stand in patients with stroke. Methods: Thirty male patients with stroke were selected from the Cairo University Outpatient Clinic; the median age of participants was 54.5 ± 3.51 years and they were divided equally into two groups. Patients in study group A (n = 15) received motor imagery training for 15 minutes followed by task specific training for 45 minutes, as well as a selected physical therapy program 3 times per week for 6 weeks. The control group B (n = 15) received task specific training for 45 minutes, as well as a selected physical therapy program 3 times per week for 6 weeks. The Fugl-Meyer section of the lower extremity (FMA-LE), Timed up and go test (TUG), and Biodex Balance system were assessed before and after treatment. Results: The results were highly significant for all variables including FMA-LE, TUG and Biodex Balance system in favor of the study group, post treatment. (P = 0.0004, P = 0.0001 and P = 0.0001, respectively). Conclusions: Motor imagery training results in greater improvement in sit to stand ability when used in conjunction with task specific training, rather than task specific training alone.
Designing an Optimal Model for Development of Neighborhood Health Centers in the City of Yasuj, Iran
Authors: Babouie Amin allah , Ostovar Rahim , Aghaei Borzabad Parviz
Published: May 2020

: Health is one of the fundamental values and needs of humans. It is an accepted right in international documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the statement of the World Health Organization. The present study aimed to design an optimal model for the development of Neighborhood Health centers in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad Province, Iran, in 2018 - 2019. The research population included 200 residents and 200 health staff and authorities in the city of Yasuj. The instruments and questionnaires for evaluating and surveying the health centers’ duties, people’s attitudes, and center development strategies were provided by the researcher and confirmed in terms of validity and reliability. The midwifery service (m = 37.4) and mental health service (m = 31.8) had the highest and lowest rates of quality score of service. of service, respectively. The mean (standard deviation) scores of people’s and authorities’ attitudes toward the provision of services in health centers were 4.46 (0.6) and 3.9 (0.8), respectively. The attitude of males, physicians, and nurses had a significant effect on the development strategies of health centers (P < 0.05). To achieve better results, neighborhood health centers should respect the principle of equity and equal access, and pay attention to vulnerable classes such as immigrants and low-income populations.
O EXERCÍCIO DA MASCULIDADE E A PERFORMANCE DA VIOLÊNCIA EM CRÓNICA DE UNA MUERTE ANUNCIADA, DE GABRIEL GARCÍA MÁRQUEZ
Authors: Ramirez Sierra Hugo Hernan , De Oliveira André Luis
Published: May 2020

Crónica de una muerte anunciada (1982), do escritor colombiano Gabriel García Márquez, articula diversos recursos narrativos para explorar o tema da violência estrutural latino-americana provocada, essencialmente, por homens. Este artigo discute os aspectos culturais e sociais dessa violência masculina através dos personagens da obra mais diretamente envolvidos na morte anunciada, desde o título, e transformada em espetáculo público para a recreação dos habitantes de um povoado apático e longínquo. Para tanto, utilizamos os trabalhos de Lia Machado, Luiza Leonini e Daniel Welzer-Lang, que se aprofundam na naturalização da violência masculina motivada por uma cultura de enaltecimento da virilidade.
O amor entre homens no cárcere: gênero, sexualidade e performatividade em Manuel Puig
Authors: Alós Anselmo Peres , Biasuz Caroline
Published: May 2020

O objetivo desse artigo é realizar uma leitura do romance O beijo da mulher aranha (1974), escrito pelo romancista argentino Manuel Puig. O foco da discussão é destacar os aspectos subversivos dos regimes político e sexual no que diz respeito à construção retórica dos protagonistas do romance, Molina e Valentín.
La 'nacionalidad' de las epidemias o el curioso caso de la pandemia de 1918
Authors: Cobarsí Josep
Published: May 2020

La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) ha puesto el nombre oficial de COVID-19 a la enfermedad causante de la actual pandemia de alcance mundial. El nombre se ha adoptado con rapidez, sustituyendo a otras denominaciones iniciales que se usaban coloquialmente, como «gripe de Wuhan». Precisamente, la OMS recalcó en su momento que uno de los motivos de adoptar el nombre de COVID-19 era la conveniencia de evitar el uso de nombres geográficos y, en general, de nombres que den pie a estigmatizar a países, personas o colectivos.
Transcultural adaptation and validation of the questionnaire “Urgency, Weak stream, Incomplete emptying and Nocturia (UWIN)” for the Brazilian Portuguese
Authors: Silva Caroline S. , Freitas Katia S. , R. Ribeiro Anna Paloma , Gomes Cristiano M. , Bessa Junior Jose
Published: May 2020

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common complaints in the adult male population and have a negative affect in the quality of life and represent an economic burden for the healthcare system worldwide. The International Prostatism Symptom Score (IPSS) is a validated tool for assessing these symptoms, but patients with low literacy may have difficulties comprehending and completing it accurately. The Urgency, Weak Stream, Incomplete Emptying, and Nocturia (UWIN) questionnaire was developed as a shorter tool in the assessment of LUTS to improve accuracy and minimize error. This study aimed at performing cross-cultural adaptation to Brazilian Portuguese and validation of UWIN questionnaire for patients with LUTS. The cross-cultural adaptation followed the steps of conceptual, item, semantic, operational, and pre-test equivalence to obtain the UWIN-Br version. The IPSS (gold standard) and UWIN-Br were coadministered, and information regarding the uroflowmetry examination was also recorded. We evaluated 306 men, median age 59 [52-66] years. There was a positive correlation r = 0.804 (p < 0.001) between the total IPSS score and the total UWIN-Br score, as well as the quality of life question (r = 0.761) (p < 0.001). The Bland-Altman plot showed good agreement between. Also, we observed that the maximum flow values decreased with the severity of the LUTS. UWIN-Br demonstrated excellent diagnostic accuracy in detecting the most severe cases. The area under the ROC curve was 89% [81–97%] 95% CI. 280 (91.5%) subjects completed the questionnaires without help, while 26 (8.5%) did so through an interview. The response time was 1.2 [1.0–1.5] min for UWIN-Br and 2.8 [2.2–3.4] min for IPSS (p < 0.001). UWIN-Br presents satisfactory and similar psychometric properties to the IPSS in the evaluation of LUTS and quality of life and is suitable for use in both clinical practice and research in our country.
Removal of Crude Oil from Aqueous Medium by Sorption on Sterculis setigera
Authors: Osemeahon S. A. , Dimas B. J.
Published: May 2020

This study will present a novel method for crude oil remediation in water. The research was carried out to explore the possible application of Sterculia setigera as a potential biodegradable sorbent for oil cleanup from water. The crude Sterculia setigera (CSS), retted Sterculia setigera (RSS) and bleached Sterculia setigera (PFSS) were subjected to sorption studies to optimize their sorption capacity. The results revealed that the efficiency of sorbent to remove crude oil from water is related to the sorbent weight, contact time, initial oil concentration and temperature of sorption. It was found that increase in sorbent weight led to increase in sorption capacity from 3.75 -5.12 g/g, 4.72- 6.41 g/g, and 4.61-6.18 g/g in CSS, RSS and PFSS respectively. Oil sorption capacity increases by 21-27% when oil concentration was varied from 5-20 g. Contact time played a role only at the beginning of oil sorption study and became less important near equilibrium. Sorption time was varied from 10-70 min and the highest sorption capacity was recorded at 30 min. then it gradually reduced and became steady. The effect of temperature was investigated from 30-60°C. A decreased of 34-37% in oil sorption capacity was observed with increased in temperature.  RSS exhibit lower water sorption when compared to the other sorbents. The sorbents showed good reusability after 8 cycles, with less than 50% reduction in sorption capacity and good reusability. Sterculia setigera demonstrated good potentials for utilization as natural sorbent for oil cleanup.
Analysis of Climate Variability and Adaptive Strategies of Rural Household: The Case of Abobo District and Itang Special Districts, Gambella Region State, Ethiopia
Authors: Dangia Mabiratu , Dara Prem Kumar
Published: May 2020

Many low-income regions are largely affected by climate change impacts as a result of their relatively low adaptive capacity as pointed out by IPCC. Particularly, the change of climate has adverse implications to the Ethiopian economy with connection to different climatic parameters. The main objective of this study was to examine climate variability and its effect on rural households in Abobo District and Itang Special District. Both primary and secondary data were collected during the study. For this study, 240 HHs were interviewed from both Abobo District and Itang Special District while FDGs and KII were collected qualitatively. Relevant secondary data were also obtained from the National Meteorology Agency of Gambella station. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the characteristics of sample households and farmers' perception of climate variability. Moreover, multivariate probit model was employed to identify the determinants of smallholder farmers’ choice of adaptation strategies to climate variability. The result indicated that the major adaptation strategies applied by smallholder farmers in the study area including the use of improved crop varieties, adjusting the planting date, planting trees, crop diversification and using drought-resistant crop. Multivariate Probit model result shows that age, education, farm income, extension contact and access to credit significantly affect HHs choose of improved verity as adoption strategy; total land hold, farm income and extension contact significantly affect HHs choose of adjusting planting date tree as adoption strategy; farm income is the only factor significantly affect HHs choose of planting tree as adoption strategy; age, education, farm income and access to credit significantly affect HHs choose of crop diversification as adoption strategy and education and access to credit significantly affect HHs choose of improved verity as adoption strategy.
Adoption Level of Animal Welfare Practices among Dairy Farmers in Central Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Gupta Jagdeep , Subash S. , Devi M. C. A. , Mandi Kalyan
Published: May 2020

Animal welfare assumes much significance in the era of dairy commercialization, both for health of the animals as well as to improve the farm productivity. Although animal welfare scores, scales and modules have been developed and implemented at developed countries, the outreach of animal welfare and awareness about the same has not been given due importance in developing countries including India. In this context, the present research study was designed to make an attempt to find out the extent of adoption of animal welfare practices by the dairy farmers at field level. The study was conducted in the Central plain zone of Uttar Pradesh State. Four districts (Hardoi, Auraiya, Allahabad and Kaushambi) were selected purposively. One block from each district and from each block two villages and from each village 15 farmer-respondents were selected randomly. A total of 120 respondents were finally approached for the primary data collection. The salient findings revealed that, in case of overall adoption of animal welfare practices, more than half of the dairy farmers (55.83%) had medium level of adoption, whereas remaining 23.34 and 20.83% respondents had high and low levels of adoption, respectively. Hence, majority of the farmers were adopting the dairy management practices which met the welfare protocols of the dairy animals.
Litter Production and Organic Compound Contents in the Sudano-guinea Savannahs of Ngaoundere, Adamawa, Cameroon
Authors: Ibrahima Adamou , Souhore Paul , Babba Ahmadou
Published: May 2020

Litter production which is important for understanding nutrient cycling and assessing productivity in forest ecosystems is poorly studied in the African savannahs, particularly in the savannahs of Cameroon. Thus, litter production and organic compounds of the thirty-six (36) contrasting plant species were studied in the Sudano-guinea savannahs of Ngaoundere, Cameroon. Litter collected in framework of 50 cm x 50 cm under the three tree of each plant species in three sites of the savannahs of Ngaoundere during the period of their maximum fall that from November and January. After two years of collection, mean annual litter production varied from 0.36 in S. longipedunculata to 10.06 t.ha-1.year-1 in F. polita at Dang, from 0.14 in G. aqualla to 9.39 t.ha-1.year-1 in V. paradoxa at Biskewal, and from 0.35 in G. aqualla to 3.64 t.ha-1.year-1 in S. guineense var. macrocarpum at Wakwa. Contribution of leaf litter, fruits and wood were respectively more than 50%, 1.40% and 32% to the total litter. Litter production varied from 2.35 t.ha-1.year-1 at Wakwa to 2.91 t.ha-1.year-1 at Dang, but the sites did not differ significantly among them. Litter cellulose content varied from 4.11 in P. hookeri to 11.84% in V. doniana, that of lignin from 2.28 in V. paradoxa to 8.12% in V. doniana, that of NDF from 21.35 in S. guineense var. guineense to 75.73% in S. guineense var. macrocarpum, and that of phenolic compounds from 0.47 in V. doniana to 16.11% in C. molle. Litter production and organic compounds content were affected by plant diversity, but not by sites in the Sudano-guinea savannahs of Ngaoundere, Cameroon. These results would contribute to well select plant species for their domestication and to management of Adamawa savannahs of Cameroon.
Effect of Pearl Millet on Glycaemic Control and Lipid Profile in Streptozocin Induced Diabetic Wistar Rat Model
Authors: Sukar Khalid Abbas Owish , Abdalla Rihab Ibrahim , Humeda Humeda Suekit , Alameen Ahmed Omer , Mubarak Eltayeb Ibrahim
Published: May 2020

Aims: This study was designed to investigate the effect of Pear millet on glycaemic control and lipid profile in streptozocin diabetic rat model.

Methodology: Forty healthy mature male rats were used in this study. The rats divided into 4 groups, ten rats in each and group (A) and (B) normal control rats while group (C) and (D) considered as diabetic rats. Diabetes induced by intraperitoneal injection of 40 mg/kg streptozocin and confirmed by high blood glucose level which considered day 0. The experiment 1, included two groups (A and C), equal rats and the parameters investigated were measured in days 0, 14 and 28. The experiment 2 included two groups (B and D) were received 20% pearl millet and the blood samples were measured in days 0, 14 and 28.

Results: The obtained results revealed significant (P<0.05) reduction in insulin and adiponectin (P<0.001) and elevation of blood glucose (P<0.001) in diabetic rats in group C, while significant (P<0.05) reductions in blood glucose, LDL levels and significant (P<0.05) elevation in adiponectin and HDL levels were detected in rats in group B and D. 

Conclusions: The studies provide evidence that pearl millet induces hypoglycemic effect and improved lipidemic control in diabetic rats.
Influence of Pre-sowing Treatments on the Germination of Prosopis africana (Guill. and Perr.) Taub. Seeds
Authors: Chukwu Onyekachi , Egwunatum Anselm E. , Udekwe Maryprecious A. , Ezenwenyi Jacinta U.
Published: May 2020

Aims: The application of pre-sowing treatment has greatly improved the germination of seeds of tree species used in afforestation programmes all over the world. This study aimed to determine the effect of different pre-sowing treatments on the germination of Prosopis africana seeds.

Study Design: The experiment was laid in a completely randomized design.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out from 11th November to 30th December 2019atthe Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Methodology: Ten seeds each were soaked in ten treatments: tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid (H2SO4) for 10, 20 and 30 minutes; hot water for 6, 12 and 24 hours; and cold water for 3, 5 and 7 days. Ten seeds from each of the treatments were sown in a germination box containing sterilized river bank sand and each replicated five (5) times. Percentage germinations for each treatment were arcsine transformed, subjected to analysis of variance and significant means were separated using Duncan multiple range test at 5% probability level.

Results: The results revealed significant differences (p<0.05) in germination. The seeds treated with acid for 30 minutes had the highest mean (51.405) and standard deviation (8.983), seeds soaked in cold water for 3 days and 7 days had no germination.

Conclusion: The study concluded that soaking Prosopis africana seeds for 30 minutes in H2SO4 breaks its dormancy, hence, was recommended for improved seed germination.
Determinants of Poverty Status among Crop and Fish Farmers in Southern Nigeria
Authors: Ettah I. O. , Emmanuel E. Agbachom , Ikutal Ajigo , Ubi Godwin Michael
Published: May 2020

The research study was carried out to determine the poverty status and their determinants among crop and fish farmers in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A two-stage sampling technique was adopted to select crop farmers and fish farmers’ households in the study area. The data used for this study were obtained from primary sources. Data were obtained through validated structured questionnaires. The determinant of poverty among crop farmers and fish farmers was analyzed using logistic regression, while poverty indicators were analyzed using the three indicators of poverty as highlighted in the Foster, Greer and Thorbecke (FGT) model. Result of analysis on the incidence of poverty shows that about 52.5% of crop farmers and 62.5% of fish farmers in the area had their per capita income less than the poverty line income. The result also showed that poverty depths of 0.342 for crop farmers and 0.309 for fish farmers in the area. Similarly, the severity of the poverty index was 0.252 for crop farming households and 0.221 for fish farmers’ headed households. On the determinants of crop farmers, gender, age, marital status education, farm size and membership of association were all found to be positive and significant determinants, while education, credit, farm income and experience were the positive and significant determinant of poverty among fish farmers in the area. The following are recommended: credit delivery mechanism which is without or with very minimal stringent conditions (such as the provision of collateral) targeting the poor crop farming and fishing households should be implemented and improved crop farmers/fishermen access to technological information.
Isolation of High Lignolytic Bacteria from Termites’s Gut as Potential Booster in for Enhanced Biogas Production
Authors: Anukam U. S. , Ogbulie J. N. , Akujuobi C. , Braide W.
Published: May 2020

Bacteria strain capable of degrading lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose were isolated from wood Feeding termite gut using spread plate technique. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing methodology was adopted in the identification of the isolate. The isolate’s Morganella morganii (strain S4L2C (MH745964) were found to have a high lignin degradation potential. The organism was able to reduce the lignin content of rice straw from 17.43% to 7.29% after 30 days of pretreatment with 53.27% reduction of the lignin content. This study revealed that termite’s gut bacteria are Potential sources of lignocellulose degrading bacteria for the biological conversion of biomass to biogas production.
Identification and Expression Analysis of Stress Responsive Genes in Lentil (Lens culinaris)
Authors: Yadav Annu , . Himanshi , . Shruti , Singh Jitender , Kumar Pankaj , Khanna Shivani , Sirohi Anil
Published: May 2020

Plants during their growth, experience periodic stress conditions both abiotic (adverse environmental conditions) as well as biotic (infection by pathogens). They appear to respond to these adverse conditions by modulating the expression of many genes. One of the pronounced effects of stress on plant is the enhanced synthesis of a set of proteins-termed ' stress proteins'. Lentil contains asset of genes/proteins which helps this crop to overcome abiotic stresses. In the present study, HSP70 (Heat Shock Protein), LEA (Late Embryogenesis Abundant) and Aldolase genes were identified and cloned in pTZ57RT vector followed by sequencing. Expression analysis was done through Q-PCR which was assessed by using cDNA from all the heat, drought and salinity stressed and unstressed lentil cotyledons. The highest level of transcript of HSP70 was realized upon exposure to heat at 45°C for 3 hour followed by at 45°C for 2 hour and lowest at 40°C for 1hour. LEA gene was identified under drought and salinity stress and highest transcript was at 20% PEG for 3 hour (drought stress) and in salinity stress highest transcript was at 150 mm for 6 hour.  For Aldolase gene highest transcript was recorded after 3, 6 and 12 hr at 100 mM, 150 mM, 200 mM of salinity stress respectively.  From these studies it can be concluded that heat shock protein gene, LEA, and aldolase present in lentil which can be exploited in overcoming the abiotic stresses for obtaining the higher productivity in crop plants through genetic engineering.
Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis of Yield Related Traits in F3 Populations of Brinjal from Intra-specific Hybridization
Authors: Sivasankarreddy Kasireddy , Sarmah Prabalee , Sarma Debojit , Barua Purna Kanta , Gogoi Sailen
Published: May 2020

In the present experiment the selected progenies of F2 population [MLC-1 x Longai (oblong)] i.e. plant number 2, 12, 10, 3, 11, 19 and progenies of F2 population [MLC-3 x Longai (oblong)] i.e. plant number 22, 26, 28, 105, 107, 109 along with their respective bulk populations evaluated based on eight quantitative traits. There was a significant difference among the genotypes for all the characters studied at 1% level of significance. The phenotypic variance, phenotypic coefficients of variation were higher than the genotypic variance, genotypic coefficient of variation respectively in all the traits studied. Among all the genotypes high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean except fruit length which indicating that all the traits were governed by additive gene action except fruit length. Characters viz., number of fruits per plant, plant height, fruit weight, number of branches per plant recorded positive and significant association with yield per plant in the genotypes. Path coefficient analysis revealed that number of fruits per plant is important yield attributing trait because of their high direct effect and indirectly influencing number of branches per plant is another most important yield attributing trait.
Evaluating the Effect of Plastic Mulching and Irrigation Amount on Soil Moisture Distribution
Authors: Selvaperumal A. , Thangamani S. , Sujitha E.
Published: May 2020

In India, the irrigated area comprises about 36% of the net sown area. Currently, the agricultural sector accounts for about 83% of all water uses. Drip irrigation system uniformity can maintain a higher crop yield and reduce the initial investment of cost. The study was conducted at precision farming development centre research farm, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, to evaluating the effect of plastic mulching and irrigation amount on soil moisture distribution. Two types of black plastic mulch of different thickness and one control without mulch were selected for the study M1: 25 micron thickness Black Plastic mulch, M2: 50 micron thickness Black Plastic mulch, and M3: No mulch (Control). Three levels of fertigation were adopted, namely 80%, 100% and 120% of Recommended Dose of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P) and Potassium (K) and are denoted as F1, F2 and F3. The Coefficient of Variation (CV) was attained as 0.0308% kept at a constant pressure of 52 kPa, Statistical Uniformity (SU) as 97% and Uniformity coefficient as 0.97. As the elapsed time increased, the rate of increase of wetted diameter decreased. A high Coefficient of Determination (R2) value of 0.97 indicates the goodness of fit for the horizontal movement. The average soil moisture distribution 40% was noticed below the emitter at the depth of 10 cm immediately after irrigation.
Studies on Genetic Variability of Grain Yield and Quality in F2 and F3 Generations of Aromatic Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Krishna L. , Mohan Y. Chandra , Raju C. H. Surender , Bhadru D.
Published: May 2020

The present investigation was carried out for yield and quality related traits in the F2 and F3 populations of twenty eight rice cross combinations developed from five aromatic (Pusa 1121, Improved Pusa Basmati, Basmati 370, Sumathi and RNR 2354) and three non-aromatic (BPT 5204, Akshyadhan and NLR 145) parents. In F2 generation, among the yield characters, the highest values of phenotypic co-efficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic co-efficient of variation (GCV) were recorded for the number of filled grains/panicle followed by grain yield per plant while the lowest values were recorded for days to 50% flowering. However, for the grain quality characters the highest PCV and GCV values were recorded for head rice recovery and lowest for kernel breadth. In F3 population, higher magnitudes of PCV and GCV were recorded for the number of filled grains/panicle and panicle weight, indicating greater scope of obtaining high selection response for these traits. High heritability in narrow sense along with medium to high genetic advance was noticed for the traits like days to 50% flowering, 1000 grain weight and the kernel traits.
Influence of Silicon on Reduction of Methane Emissions for Sustainable Rice Production
Authors: Raj G. Bhupal , Rajamani Kasthuri , Kumara B. H.
Published: May 2020

The increasing human population requires greater rice production and methane is the second most potent greenhouse gas emitted from rice soils under anaerobic conditions. To address this, an experiment was carried out in two phases. In the first phase of the experiment, Si content accessed in the rice index leaves and recorded the mean values of 2.50, 2.48, 2.51 and 2.43% at Jagtial, Warangal, Rajendranagar and Rudrur varietal display plots in Telangana. For the second phase of field experiment, one with high Si (JGL-3855) and another with low Si (RNR-2354) content genotypes were selected with each four levels of N (0, 80, 120 & 160 kg ha-1) and Si (0, 200, 400 & 600 kg ha-1) in strip plot design. Conjunctive application of N and Si to both genotypes, JGL-3855 recorded significantly higher grain and straw yield compared to RNR-2354, among the different combinations of Si and N, application 160 kg N + 600 kg Si ha-1 recorded significantly higher grain and straw yields (7180 and 9693 kg ha-1). The treatments which received a higher dose of Si@600 kg ha-1 in combination with N@ 80, 120 and 160 registered the lower emission of methane@ 25.7, 24.6 and 24.3 mg m-2 hr-1 and there was a significant scaling down of pest and disease incidence was noticed in treatments wherever increased Si doses (0, 200, 400 and 600 kg ha-1) were included.
Use Basal Diameter to Establish Mixed Species Allometric Equations Predicting Woody Stand Biomass in the Sudano-guinea Savannahs of Ngaoundere, Cameroon
Authors: Amadou Mamadou Laminou Mal , Ahmadou Halilou , Ibrahim Ahmadou , Alexandre Tchindebe , Jacob Massai Tchima , Adamou Ibrahima
Published: May 2020

Little information on allometric relationships for estimating stand biomass in the savannah of Cameroon was available. Allometric relationships for estimating stand biomass were investigated in the sudano-guinea savannah of Ngaoundere, Cameroon. A total of 90 individual woody from sixteen (16) contrasting plant species belonging shrubs and trees were harvested in Dang savannah across a range of diameter classes, from 3 to 35 cm. Basal diameter (D), total height (H) and tree density were determined and considered as predictor variables, while total above-ground biomass, stem, branch and leaf biomass were the output variables of the allometric models. Among many models tested, the best ones were chosen according to the coefficient of determination adjusted (R2adj), the residual standard error (RSE) and the Akaike Information Criteria. The main results showed that the integration of tree height and density with basal diameter improved in the degree of fitness of the allometric equations. The fit allometric stand biomass model for leaf, branch, stem and above ground biomass were the following forms: Ln(LB) = -5.08 + 2.75*Ln(D) – 0.30*Ln(D2Hρ); Ln(BB) = -7.81 + 1.29*Ln(D2H) – 0.39*Ln(ρ); Ln(SB) = -5.08 + 2.40*Ln(D) +0.50*Ln(H) and Ln(TB) = -5.07 + 3.21*Ln(D) – 0.12*Ln(D2Hρ) respectively. It is concluded that the use of tree height and density in the allometric equation can be improved for these species, as far as the present study area is concerned. Therefore, for estimating the biomass of shrubs and small trees, the use of basal diameter as an independent variable in the allometric equation with a power equation would be recommended in the Sudano-guinea savannahs of Ngaoundere, Cameroon. The paper describes details of shrub biomass allometry, which is important in carbon stock and savannah management for the environmental protection.
Termite Control of Leaf Litter Decomposition of Eight Selected Plant Species of Sudano-guinea Savannahs of Ngaoundere, Cameroon
Authors: Ibrahima A. , Sirzoune S. Kalba , Badakoa P. , Menick A. A. Mang A. , Souhore P.
Published: May 2020

Few studies on effects of termites on litter decomposition have been done in African savannahs, particularly in the Adamawa savannahs of Cameroon. In the framework of management of resource quality to restore or improve soil fertility of farming systems of Sudano-guinea savannahs of Ngaoundere, Cameroon, study on termites’ control of leaf litter decomposition of eight plant species was conducted on the field. The selected plant species are Bixa orellana, Erythrina sigmoïdea, Ficus polita, Maytenus senegalensis, Mucuna stans, Piliostigma thonningii, Vitex madiensis and Vitellaria paradoxa. Leaf litter samples were incubated in situ using litterbags of 2 mm mesh during 24 weeks in two plots out of canopy, corresponding to two treatments, with and without termites. Experimental design was split-plot with three replications. Collected data was carried out on litter dry mass remaining (LMR). Results showed total mass loss at the end of incubation time (24 weeks) and decomposition rate constants (k) differed significantly among plant species for the two treatments. The values ranged respectively from 23.05% and 0.012 week-1 in V. madiensis to 61.93% of initial dry mass and 0.046 week-1 in P. thonningii for treatment without termites and from 43.88% and 0.022 week-1 in B. orellana to 91.51% and 0.095 week-1 in P. thonningii for treatment with termites. These macro organisms fasted litter decomposition in all plant species, with intensity variation according to species. Litter mass loss and decomposition rate constant (k) correlated with litter thickness, density, area and specific area mass, and these relationships were influenced by the presence of termites. Globally litter decomposition was influenced by termite activities and resource quality. These results contributed to understand litter decomposition process in the sudano-guinea savannahs of Ngaoundere in order improve soil fertility, nutrient cycling and some plant species domestication.
The Impact of Intervention on Pharmacists’ Counselling on Patients’ Knowledge and Opinion of Antibacterial Usage
Authors: Michael Adeola Adebisi , Kayode Omole Moses , Adelanwa Itiola Oludele
Published: May 2020

The knowledge and opinion of patients on antibacterial usage depends on pharmacist’s counselling. In Nigeria, study assessing patients’ perception of pharmacists’ antibacterial counselling is scarce. This study assessed the knowledge and opinion of patients on antibacterial usage as a result of pharmacists’ counselling pre and post intervention. The study was a cross sectional study among 409 outpatients with antibacterial prescriptions in 17-government-owned secondary healthcare facilities in Ogun State of Nigeria between July 2017 and May 2018. The knowledge and the opinion of the patients were determined via structured questionnaire and deficiency was addressed via intervention training for the pharmacists. Re-assessment was carried out after a month.

Four hundred and nine patients participated at each of the two phases of the study.  The mean age at the baseline survey, was 43.9 ± 14.9 and the age range was 19 - 87 years while at the post intervention survey, the mean age was 44.1 ± 15.7 and the age range was from 18 to 91 years. The patients that were probed on drugs they had at hand or at home increased from 20 (4.9%) to 263 (64.3%) between the two phases. Seventeen, (4.2%) and 171 (41.8) claimed to receive counselling on necessity of completing the course of therapy at the two phases respectively. The survey confirmed that 284 (69.4%) and 319 (77.9%) at the two phases respectively were of the view that counselling on drugs is best done by pharmacists. Two hundred and fifty six (62.7%) and 262 (64.1%) patients rated the counselling they received as ≥ 70% at the two phases respectively. There was significant improvement in the knowledge and opinion of patients on antibacterial usage due to pharmacists’ counselling post intervention p < .05. Constant training on antibacterial counselling should therefore be encouraged among pharmacists.