bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Sexual Functionality Among Men Who Utilize Sex Enhancing Drugs
Authors: Ongwae Peter S. , Guya B. , Etemesi H.
Published: June 2020

This paper is based on the findings of a study carried out on the determinants of sexual functionality among men who utilize sex enhancing drugs (SEDs). The study was submitted as a thesis in partial fulfillment for the award of a degree of Master of Public Health Maseno University in the year 2019. The research design was cross sectional. Data for this study was collected using socio-demographic and International Index for Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaires from a sample of 67 men above the age of 18 who were sampled purposively. The results from descriptive analysis indicated that 55% of the study participants are aged between 30 and 49 years, 64% are educated to secondary school and above, 68% have an occupation, 71% are non-smokers, 40% ride a bicycle, 91% are physically active and 30% have co-morbidity. On sexual functionality, 95% have some level of erectile dysfunction, at 85% a similar number have varying levels of orgasmic dysfunction and sexual desire. 98% have some level of intercourse dysfunction. The study demonstrate that the determinants of sexual functionality include age, marital status, education, alcohol consumption, bicycle riding, physical activity and co-morbidity. The study identifies socio-demographic factors, lifestyle and co-morbidity as risk factors to sexual functionality. It recommends that sexual functionality be given deserving public health attention.
The Stressful Implications of Remote E-Working: Evidence from Europe
Authors: Curzi Ylenia , Fabbri Tommaso , Pistoresi Barbara
Published: June 2020

This paper investigates the importance of different modes of spatial flexibility as well as of the distinction between autonomy and discretion to find plausible explanations of the so-called autonomy paradox, which maintains that the more the job autonomy that remote e-workers have the greater the effort they put into their work with adverse effects on work-related stress. Using multiple regressions, we test the hypotheses regarding the direct influence of autonomy, discretion and work intensification as well as their interaction effects on occupational stress in two subsamples of 1.380 home-based e-workers and 2.574 mobile ones drawn from the 2015 European Working Conditions Survey. The main findings are as follows. Home-based e-workers perceive that autonomy (namely over work goals) directly decreases occupational stress and buffers work intensification (i.e. autonomy over work goals and in the organizational choices of their department/company). In the context of remote e-work, discretion is more likely to boost the stressful impact of work intensification when work is mobile. At the same time, we do not find that autonomy increases work intensification, neither among mobile e-workers, nor among home-based e-workers (for whom it buffers the adverse impact of work intensification). In summary, this study does not confirm the existence of an autonomy paradox associated with remote e-work. Contrarily, it suggests that such a paradox is more likely to surface when research relies on conceptual frameworks that ambiguously define autonomy in terms of what should be more properly conceptualized as discretion.
Crisis PR Study on Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Explosion Incident
Authors: Zhang Wenjing
Published: June 2020

Today’s business environment is much more complicated than ever before, and only the companies with the capability to make quick responses to all kinds of sudden crises could survive. Therefore, managing enterprise crisis in an appropriate and responsible manner has appeared increasingly crucial. This study aims to identify appropriate PR strategies for corporations in crisis situation, with special focus on the Samsung explosion incident in Chinese market. And the ﬁnding shows that the “double standard” strategies in China was a fatal mistake committed by Samsung in its crisis management and close cooperation with influential social media constitutes a significant factor in handling crisis. It is expected that the results of this research can help companies deal with crisis effectively.
The Experimental-Phonetic Analyses of the Discourse Intonation in the English and Azerbaijan Languages
Authors: Mustafayeva Sahila Baghir
Published: June 2020

The article deals with the experimental-phonetic analyses of the discourse intonation in the English and Azerbaijan languages. Having researched the article, it becomes clear that discourse intonation (DI) is an approach to the teaching and analysis of everyday speech. The characteristics of intonation components in the formation of discourse have been touched upon in the article. The intonation is mentioned to be one of the main means in the formation of the discourse.

It is a known fact that speech styles can be characterized by their lexical, syntactic and phonetic features. The attention is drawn to the distinguishing points of the speech of the people having various professions such as the speech styles of a teacher and a driver should be different not only from the lexical point of view but also from the phonetic point of view.

During the conversation, one can come across some nuances of the speaker’s intellectual level, life experience and social status. It is also important to remember that the subject of the conversation is meant to be an important factor too. The object of the conversation ensures the stylistic formation of the idea.

The importance of the experiment has been taken into a special consideration in the article as well. The opinion of academician L. V. Sherba that stresses the importance of the experiment has been analyzed by the author.

The factors that are needed to be followed by while carrying out the language facts have been fulfilled in the article.

The author tries to prove that DI is concerned with the speakers’ moment-by-moment context-referenced choices. It recognizes four systems of speaker’s choice: prominence, tone, melodicy, and termination.

The discourse samples having been chosen for the experiment are fulfilled by using various sentence types. Besides, the inside structure of the sentences and their lexical contents are also taken into account in the article.

Some discourse samples have been chosen in the comparable languages to be experimented in order to distinguish the intonation nature of the discourse. The experiment has been carried out by using the program “Praat”. It is noteworthy to mention that the program “Praat” is known to be a computer operation used to analyze speech sounds.
COMPUTER-AIDED PHASE IDENTIFICATION AND FRAME-TO-FRAME ANALYSIS OF ENDODONTIC ASYMMETRIC RECIPROCATION ROTATION: A PRELIMINARY STUDY
Authors: Fidler Aleš , Orhan Ekim Onur , Irmak Özgür
Published: June 2020

To perform a detailed evaluation of reciprocating motion using a computer-aided phase identification and frame-to-frame analysis,  continuous rotation at 300 rpm, RECIPROC ALL mode and WAVEONE ALL-mode were recorded with a high-speed camera. Movie files were automatically analyzed with digital video analysis and modeling tool. RECIPROC ALL mode parameters were 186.34°±1.02 at 428.32 rpm ±7.61 and 65.07°±0.93 at 261.06 rpm ± 7.72; WAVEONE ALL-mode parameters were 191.39°±1.32 at 523.83 rpm ±14.36 and 70.13°±1.26 at 316.06 rpm ± 8.75. The variability of rotational speed during the cycle and distinct acceleration –deceleration patterns, was similar for both reciprocating modes. The computer-aided frame-to-frame analysis revealed that asymmetrical reciprocating motion has more complex kinematics demonstrating high peak rotational speed values and different patterns of acceleration and deceleration. While there was a difference in reciprocating cycle duration and rotational speed, both cycles demonstrated a similar dynamic of rotational speed during the cycle.
Considerations on the Breeding and Weaning of Buffalo Calf
Authors: Zicarelli Luigi
Published: June 2020

The buffalo calf is more challenging to adapt to the transition from breast milk to other substitutes that favor weaning.
Growth in the pre-weaning period is affected by the amount of reconstituted milk consumed. When the quantity of reconstituted milk consumed is low, the weaning weight is also low. The gap between the latter and the optimal weight will never be eliminated because the species cannot perform compensatory growth, such as cattle. There is a delay in reaching an optimal live weight to start puberty. The age at first birth is, in fact, lower in those countries that leave all the milk to the calf for meat production or as happens in Italy where there is a suitable milk substitute.
In Italy, it has been verified that calves taking almost ad libitum quantities of cow's milk weigh more than 140 kg at 4 months and have their first birth at the age of 22-26 months. As adults, they have an almost zero percentage of vaginal or uterine prolapse.
In further experiences on 3672 heifers, it was possible to verify "ex-post" that the calves that had taken a more significant quantity (150 kg vs. 105) of milk substitute had shown age at the first birth in advance of about 6 months (28, 5 versus 34).
Future investigations should verify the effect of weaning birth and not just the cost of weaning. Age at first birth is not only an economic parameter, but it is useful for an early evaluation of bulls in progeny tests.
Évaluation de la vulnérabilité à la pollution des eaux souterraines par la méthode DRASTIC : cas de la nappe alluviale de Rich (Haut Atlas central, Maroc)
Authors: El Kayssi Youssef , Hilali Mohamed , Kouz Taoufiq , Kacimi Ilias
Published: June 2020

L'urbanisation rapide et les rejets des eaux usées correspondants, ainsi que l’utilisation de plus en plus intensive d'engrais chimiques, constituent un risque potentiel pour la pollution des eaux souterraines. La cartographie de la vulnérabilité de ces eaux à la pollution minimise ce risque par l’identification des zones les plus sensibles en vue d’une bonne gestion qualitative de la ressource. Ici, la vulnérabilité a été évaluée pour la nappe alluviale de Rich (Haut Atlas central du Maroc) en utilisant la méthode DRASTIC avec une comparaison avec la méthode PRK (où P est la pente topographique, R est le rapport entre la variation piézométrique et l’épaisseur de la zone non saturée et K est la perméabilité de la formation aquifère). La carte DRASTIC obtenue a été testée et validée par la conductivité électrique de 44 puits via le test de Kappa (Kc) et le taux de coïncidence. Le résultat obtenu montre un indice K négligeable (0,006) et un taux de coïncidence faible de 24 %, ce qui conduit à valider avec réserves la carte obtenue. Les classes de vulnérabilité obtenues ont montré que 21,7 % de la zone d’étude présentait une vulnérabilité faible à très faible, 56,6 % une vulnérabilité modérée et 21,7 % une vulnérabilité forte à très forte. La complexité dans la réalisation de cette carte réside dans le choix du paramètre de conductivité électrique pour refléter l’état de pollution et dans la densité des données ponctuelles introduites et la façon d’introduire ces données, souvent par interpolation, assignant des valeurs dans des secteurs où aucune donnée n’est connue ou n’existe. Une mise à jour de cette carte devient nécessaire par le choix d’un autre indicateur de pollution représentatif et par l’intégration d’une masse de données plus importante pour avoir un résultat plus fiable qui peut être utilisé comme un outil permettant de sensibiliser davantage les services publics concernés par les eaux souterraines dans la région.
Biochars issus de roseau commun pour l’adsorption du méthylorange en solution aqueuse
Authors: Melouki Soriya , Reffas Abdelbaki , Merrouche Abdellah , Reinert Laurence , Duclaux Laurent
Published: June 2020

L’industrie textile consomme de grandes quantités d’eau et utilise des colorants organiques pour teindre ses produits commerciaux. Ces colorants synthétiques sont à la fois toxiques et responsables de la coloration des eaux usées, ce qui nécessite de les traiter avant leur rejet. La plupart des colorants ne sont pas biodégradables et une fois rejetés provoquent une altération du milieu aquatique. Parmi les procédés de traitement des rejets liquides, l’adsorption sur charbon actif est une technique facile à mettre en oeuvre et peu onéreuse. L’objectif de cette étude consiste en la préparation de biochars à partir de roseau commun afin d’obtenir un adsorbant applicable pour la décoloration des effluents de l’industrie textile. Le roseau commun (Phragmites australis) de la rivière de Sed–Ksob de M’sila (Algérie) a été valorisé et utilisé comme précurseur pour la fabrication de biochars par activation à l’acide phosphorique. La chimie de surface des matériaux a été caractérisée par titrage sélectif (dosage de Boehm), analyse thermogravimétrique (ATG) et mesure du point de charge nulle (pHpzc). La texture poreuse a été étudiée par l’adsorption du bleu de méthylène (BM) et la mesure de l’indice d’iode. Les résultats de l’analyse ATG et du dosage de Boehm montrent la présence de nombreux groupes fonctionnels de surface sur les biochars. Les teneurs en groupes fonctionnels oxygénés dépendent du rapport d'imprégnation en acide phosphorique, à l'exception de celui obtenu à un rapport d'imprégnation de 150 %. L’adsorption du BM et le test d’indice d’iode indiquent une augmentation de la surface spécifique lorsqu’on augmente le rapport d'imprégnation. Ceci est dû au développement de la microporosité et de la mésoporosité. Les biochars ont été testés pour leur performance d'adsorption vis-à-vis d'un colorant anionique, le méthylorange (MeO). L’influence de différents paramètres expérimentaux a été étudiée : la concentration, le temps de contact et la température. L’étude des isothermes d'adsorption montre que le modèle de Langmuir décrit bien le processus de l’adsorption du MeO sur les biochars préparés. La cinétique d’adsorption peut être décrite par les modèles de pseudo-second ordre et de diffusion dans le film liquide. Le phénomène d’adsorption est de type physique et endothermique.
Variation de l’abondance des nauplii de copépodes et influence des variables environnementales sur leur développement dans les eaux du Haut-Bandama (Côte d’Ivoire)
Authors: Soro Tiéligounon Ali , Etilé Raphaël N’doua , Gooré Bi Gouli
Published: June 2020

Le but de cette étude est d’étudier les variations spatiales et temporelles de l’abondance des nauplii de copépodes en relation avec les facteurs environnementaux. Pour ce faire, des échantillonnages d’eau et de zooplancton ont été faits de novembre 2017 à septembre 2018 dans la rivière Lokpoho (affluent du Bandama) et dans le cours principal du fleuve Bandama. Il ressort des analyses que les nauplii de copépodes sont plus abondants en saison sèche (moyenne 74 ind∙L-1) qu’en saison des pluies (moyenne 51 ind∙L-1), avec les valeurs les plus élevées enregistrées en pleine saison sèche (118 ind∙L-1). L’abondance moyenne annuelle des nauplii de la rivière Lokpoho (77 ind∙L-1) est supérieure à celle du fleuve Bandama (38 ind∙L-1). Durant la saison sèche, l’abondance des nauplii est fortement influencée par la conductivité, l’oxygène dissous et le pH. Pendant la saison des pluies, les principales variables qui influencent l’abondance des nauplii sont le manganèse, la transparence, la chlorophylle a et le nitrate. Annuellement, l’abondance des nauplii de copépodes est influencée positivement et significativement par l’abondance des copépodes adultes et la transparence. Cependant, le taux de nitrate a une influence négative sur le développement des nauplii de copépodes du Haut-Bandama. Cette influence négative serait due aux activités agropastorales menées dans la région de Ferké.
Assessment of the water quality of the upper reaches of the ouémé river in benin using benthic macroinvertebrate-based biotic indices
Authors: Abahi Koudjodé Simon , Gouissi Modeste Fadéby , Akodogbo Hotèkpo Hervé , Sanni Worogo Sorébou Hilaire , Adje Ayodélé Shola David Darius , Gnohossou Pierre Midogbo
Published: June 2020

To cope with the numerous consequences of stream pollution caused by anthropogenic activities, it is necessary to evaluate the water quality for sustainable management. The present study aims to evaluate the water quality of the upper reaches of the Ouémé River in Benin using biotic indices based on benthic macroinvertebrates. Macroinvertebrates were sampled using a Surber net in four stations distributed over the longitudinal profile of the upper reaches of the Ouémé River. After sample collection, the macroinvertebrates were separated, identified and counted under a stereo-microscope. A total of 13 macroinvertebrate orders and 24 macroinvertebrate families were collected in this study. The Chironomidae was the most abundant family. The results of the Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera (EPT) Index, the EPT/Chironomidae Index, the Hilsenhoff Index and the Standardized Global Biological Index (IBGN) revealed that the Upper Ouémé River has very poor water quality. The intense pressures from human activities in this part of the river have led to serious organic pollution, which has resulted in the proliferation of macroinvertebrates resistant to pollution to the detriment of those sensitive to pollution. On the basis of this result, protection and recovery measures must be taken to preserve and improve the ecological status of the waters of the upper reaches of the Ouémé River.
Study of the mobility of trace elements at the water-sediment interface in coastal and estuarine areas
Authors: Diop Cheikh , Ouddane Baghdad
Published: June 2020

In coastal and estuarine environments, trace elements trapped in sediments can be released back into the water column if resuspended during tides or floods. This is how this work is carried out to determine the mobility of trace elements when these phenomena occur on Senegalese coasts subjected to high energy tides. Sequential extraction carried out according to the European Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) was used to determine the mobilizable fraction of trace elements in sediments. Subsequently, laboratory sediment resuspension experiments were conducted to evaluate the ability of sediments to release trace elements into the water in order to better understand the natural effect of resuspension during tidal cycles and water movement on the coast. The release of elements into the water was monitored over a 24 h period along with redox potential (Eh), dissolved oxygen and pH. Bioavailability percentages of Cd, Ni, Pb and Zn showed a strong affinity with the acid soluble fraction, suggesting easy mobility of these elements. The results of the kinetic monitoring tests of the release of trace elements in water show that during the first minutes, desorption is very important with peaks that can reach 90‰ depending on the element that could potentially cause acute effects on aquatic organisms. However, the bioavailability of trace elements in contaminated sediments only influences mobility at the beginning of resuspension. Remobilization tests would therefore provide an indication of the ability of sediments to release trace elements during rapid changes in the physico-chemical conditions of the aquatic environment.
Comprehensive exploration of the translocation, stability and substrate recognition requirements in VIM-2 lactamase
Authors: Chen John Z , Fowler Douglas M , Tokuriki Nobuhiko
Published: June 2020

Metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) degrade a broad spectrum of β-lactam antibiotics, and are a major disseminating source for multidrug resistant bacteria. Despite many biochemical studies in diverse MBLs, molecular understanding of the roles of residues in the enzyme’s stability and function, and especially substrate specificity, is lacking. Here, we employ deep mutational scanning (DMS) to generate comprehensive single amino acid variant data on a major clinical MBL, VIM-2, by measuring the effect of thousands of VIM-2 mutants on the degradation of three representative classes of β-lactams (ampicillin, cefotaxime, and meropenem) and at two different temperatures (25°C and 37°C). We revealed residues responsible for expression and translocation, and mutations that increase resistance and/or alter substrate specificity. The distribution of specificity-altering mutations unveiled distinct molecular recognition of the three substrates. Moreover, these function-altering mutations are frequently observed among naturally occurring variants, suggesting that the enzymes have continuously evolved to become more potent resistance genes.
Age-dependent differences in iris colouration of passerines during autumn migration in Central Europe
Authors: Polakowski Michał , Stępniewski Krzysztof , Śliwa-Dominiak Joanna , Remisiewicz Magdalena
Published: June 2020

Avian eye colour changes with age, but many aspects of this transition are still insufficiently understood. We examined if an individual’s sex, age, species and body condition are related to the iris colour in common migratory passerines during their autumn passage through Central Europe. A total of 1,399 individuals from nine numerous species were ringed and examined in late autumn in northern Poland. Each individual was sexed by plumage (if possible) and assigned to one of three classes of the iris colour—typical for immatures, typical for adults and intermediate. We found that the iris was typical in 97.7% cases of immatures and in 75.8% cases of adults and this difference was significant. Species, sex and body mass index (BMI) had no significant influence on the iris colour. We show that iris colour in passerines in late autumn is strongly age-dependent and thus can serve as a reliable feature for ageing in field studies, especially in species difficult to age by plumage.
Multiple immunity-related genes control susceptibility ofArabidopsis thalianato the parasitic weedPhelipanche aegyptiaca
Authors: Clarke Christopher R. , Park So-Yon , Tuosto Robert , Jia Xiaoyan , Yoder Amanda , Van Mullekom Jennifer , Westwood James
Published: June 2020

Parasitic weeds represent a major threat to agricultural production across the world. Little is known about which host genetic pathways determine compatibility for any host–parasitic plant interaction. We developed a quantitative assay to characterize the growth of the parasitic weedPhelipanche aegyptiacaon 46 mutant lines of the host plantArabidopsis thalianato identify host genes that are essential for susceptibility to the parasite.A. thalianahost plants with mutations in genes involved in jasmonic acid biosynthesis/signaling or the negative regulation of plant immunity were less susceptible toP. aegyptiacaparasitization. In contrast,A. thalianaplants with a mutant allele of the putative immunity hub genePfd6were more susceptible to parasitization. Additionally, quantitative PCR revealed thatP. aegyptiacaparasitization leads to transcriptional reprograming of several hormone signaling pathways. While most testedA. thalianalines were fully susceptible toP. aegyptiacaparasitization, this work revealed several host genes essential for full susceptibility or resistance to parasitism. Altering these pathways may be a viable approach for limiting host plant susceptibility to parasitism.
Lycopene alleviates oxidative stress via the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2pathway in a cell model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Fang Yinchao , Ou Shanshan , Wu Tong , Zhou Lingqi , Tang Hai , Jiang Mei , Xu Jie , Guo Kaihua
Published: June 2020

Background & Aims

Oxidative stress (OS) plays an important role in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Lycopene is a pigment with potent antioxidant and anti-tumor effects. However, its potential role in central nervous system is not well-defined. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of lycopene on the cell model of AD and determine its underlying mechanisms.

Methods

M146L cell is a double-transfected (human APP gene and presenlin-1 gene) Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line that overexpresses β -amyloid (Aβ) and is an ideal cell model for AD. We treated cells with lycopene, and observed the effect of lycopene on M146L cells.

Results

Oxidative stress and apoptosis in M146L cells were significantly higher than those in CHO cells, suggesting that Aβ induced OS and apoptosis. Lycopene alleviated OS and apoptosis, activated the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 signaling pathway, upregulated antioxidant and antiapoptotic proteins and downregulated proapoptotic proteins. Additionally, lycopene inhibited β -secretase (BACE) activity in M146L cells. These results suggest that lycopene inhibits BACE activity and protects M146L cells from oxidative stress and apoptosis by activating the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway.

Conclusion

Lycopene possibly prevents Aβ-induced damage by activating the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 signaling pathway and reducing the expression of BACE in M146L cells.
Identification of Active Compounds of Annona muricata (Soursop) Leaf Wax Extract Using GC-MS
Authors: Yirankinyuki Fai F. , Magaji Buhari , Danbature Wilson L. , Abdullah Abdullah M.
Published: June 2020

Soursop plant (Annona muricata L.), is widely used for both industrial and medicinal applications. In view of this, the present study aims at extraction and characterization of soursop leaf wax using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results of the GC-MS analysis of soursop wax show the presence of 26 different compounds. From the results, it could be concluded that A. muricata contains various compounds that could be useful in different industries. Thus, soursop wax could be a good alternative source for many industrial chemicals that are currently sourced from petroleum which is non-renewable.
Effect of Accelerated Retting Process on Physiochemical and Pasting Properties of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Flours
Authors: Ze Nardis Nkoudou , Ndjouenkeu Robert , Ngang Jean Justin Essia
Published: June 2020

Aims: To compare the physicochemical (water, total titratable acid, amylose and amylopectin contents), functional (swelling and solubility powers) and pasting characteristics of cassava flour retted in two different ways.

Study Design: Flours were produced from two cassava cultivars subjected to natural and accelerated fermentations using a multi-strain mixed starter.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology of the University of Yaounde 1 and Department of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Ngaoundere, both in Cameroon, between November 2019 and February 2020.

Methodology: The cassava roots of each cultivars were divided into two groups and fermented by submerging peeled roots in tap water. One group of each cassava cultivar was inoculated with 1% (w/w) of the starter, while the other was subjected to a spontaneous fermentation. Retting stopped after the softening of the roots; that is after twenty-six hours for the inoculated groups, and after seventy-two hour for the control groups. The fermented roots were then squeezed, dried and grounded in a blender. Flours obtained were subjected to physicochemical, functional and pasting analysis.

Results: Flours produced in accelerated fermentation (AF) were characterized by their low amylopectin contents (46.59% and 43.57%), swelling power (6.71% and 7.56%), solubility (6.03% and 7.96%), and peak viscosity (6182 cP and 5676 cP) for Six-mois and Mintol-meko flours respectively. Whereas setback viscosity (1032 cP and 1068 cP), stability (0.27 and 0.24) and final viscosity (3565 cP and 3566 cP) of flours from natural fermentation (NF) were lower than those from AF.

Conclusion: The accelerated fermentation reduces the tendency of paste to downgrade, that is responsible for staling in baked products and could therefore produce flours that are less fluid.
Determinants of Smallholder Farmers’ Choice of Climate Smart Agriculture Practices to Adapt to Climate Change in Masaba South Sub-County, Kisii, Kenya
Authors: Nyang’au Jared O. , Mohamed Jema H. , Mango Nelson , Makate Clifton , Wangeci Alex N. , Ahenda Stephen O.
Published: June 2020

Aims: This study evaluated determinants that influence choice of Climate-Smart Agricultural (CSA) practices among smallholder farmers in Masaba South sub-county, Kisii, Kenya.

Study Design: This study used a multivariate probit model to evaluate determinants that influence farmers’ choice of CSA practices.

Place and Duration of Study: Masaba South sub-county, Kisii, Kenya between the second week of April 2019 and the last week of May 2019.

Methodology: Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire from 196 households, 3 focused group discussions and 7 key informant interviews. Information such as socio-economic, land ownership, climate change perception, crop production practices and institutional characteristics were collected from the households.

Results: The results showed that crop diversification, change of crop varieties and crop rotation and/or mixed cropping are the dominant adaptation strategies in the study area. Access to credit, farm income, climate change perception and household size have a significant positive influence on adoption of most CSA practices. Small-sized farms, lack of access to extension services, level of education and inaccessibility to weather and climate information were major barriers influencing adoption of CSA practices.

Conclusion: To reduce vulnerability of smallholder farmers to impacts of climate variability and change, the study recommends the need to enhance increased access to extension services and timely dissemination of climate information to farmers in the form they can easily understand and decode.
Farm-level Determinants of Farmers’ Adaptation Decisions to Climate Variability and Change in Didessa Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Dechassa Chala , Simane Belay , Alamirew Bamlaku
Published: June 2020

Ethiopia has been identified as one of the sub-Saharan African countries, expected to suffer the most from negative impacts of climate change and variability due to its high reliance on climate variations. This study examines the determinants of farmers' adaptation decisions and constraints to long-term changes in climate variability and change using data collected through semi-structured questionnaires, focused group discussions and field observations from a survey on 450 farm-households in three agro-ecological zones located in Didessa sub-basin. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Farmers noticed a decrease in precipitation and an increase in temperature over the past 20 years.  In response, it was found that the common adaptation options include: planting, Soil and water conservation, improved technology, use of different crop varieties, and a combination of strategies. However, the remedial actions to the changes are less. The main barriers to successful adaptation cited by farmers were Shortage of land (21.78%), lack of credit/ money (19.11%), lack of information (13.56%), and shortage of farm inputs (17.56%) and other institutional and cultural beliefs. A multinomial logistic regression model was used to examine the factors influencing farmers' decision to adapt to changing climatic conditions including socio-economic, demographic; farm characteristics, institutional and climatic variables. We conclude that concerned bodies need to create empowering environment which can promote adaptation options and support constraints farmers face in taking up adaptation to climate change. Also, the government needs to create access to socio-economic and institutional variables appropriate to reach small scale farmers, with limited resources to confront climate change and enhance the livelihood of the households in the study area.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) Root Rot/Wilt in Minia Governorate, Egypt
Authors: Ishak Mariam H. , Abdel-Latif Marzouk R. , Alla Harby M. Abd , Shaat Mohamed M. N.
Published: June 2020

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) is a medicine and aromatic plant, have a great economic important due to the great income that it provides and other diversified usages. Damping-off, root rot and wilt symptoms were observed in field thyme grown in Maghagha and Beni Mazar districts, Minia Governorate, Egypt, during November to March, 2016-2017. Survey, sampling and pathogenicity tests were carried out. Fusarium semitectum, F. solani, Rhizoctonia solani and Macrophomina phaseolina were the dominant pathogens causing thyme damping off, root rot and wilt. The inhibitory effect of two resistance inducer substances (salicylic and ascorbic acids) three fungicides (Cure M 72% WP, Rizolex Ex-T 50% WP and Rolex 50% WP) on the growth of the most pathogenic fungi in vitro was investigated. Salicylic acid inhibited the growth of F. semitectum and R. solani completely at 200ppm but the growth of M. phaseolina was completely inhibited at 400ppm. The complete inhibition for the growth of all tested pathogens was occurred at 400 ppm Ascorbic acid. F. semitectum and R. solani were more sensitive to Rizolex T, while M. phaseolina was more sensitive to Cure-M, (causing the lowest diameter averages The results of the present investigation showed the possibility to use certain antioxidants as fungicides alternatives to control plant pathogenic fungi. According to the available literature, this is a first study on thyme root rot/wilt in Egypt.
Analysing the Relationship between Budget Deficit and Current Account Deficit in Namibia
Authors: Shifidi Achiles , Nyambe Jacob M.
Published: June 2020

Is there a causal relationship between budget deficit and current account deficit? This study attempts to explain the significance of the transmission mechanism, (the exchange rate and interest rate) in explaining the twin deficit hypothesis (i.e. budget deficit and current account deficit) in Namibia. The study employed analytical methods of unit roots, cointegration, Granger-causality, and the impulse response function for estimation. In contributing to this ongoing debate, the study used the case of Namibia over the period spanning from 1990-2014 using time series data. Budget deficit and current account deficit proved to be significant. There is a unidirectional causal relationship between budget deficit and current account deficit in Namibia which runs from current account deficit to budget deficit. However, the transmission mechanism proved to be less significant in explaining the twin deficit hypothesis in Namibia.  Having found a positive relationship between current account deficit and budget deficit in Namibia, the government should consider curbing the increasing current account balance as a way of reducing its adverse effect on the budget balance. From this study, it is indicated that stabilising the current account deficit problem could assist in managing the budget deficit problem in Namibia.
Empirical Studies of Indigenous and Medicinal Utilization of African Locust Beans (Parkia biglobosa. Jacq Benth) in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Sodimu A. Isiaka , Usman M. Bello , Olorukooba M. Mojishola , Oladele N. Olarotimi , Suleiman Rukayat , Lapkat G. Luka , Osunsina Olujide , Awobona T. Ajibola
Published: June 2020

The study examines the indigenous and medicinal utilization of African locust bean tree Parkia biglobosa) in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Twenty (20) questionnaires were randomly administered in each of the six (6) districts to make a total of one hundred and twenty questionnaires (120). Ninety (90) were retrieved. The results show that the species is a multipurpose tree that can be subjected to various indigenous uses such as: root decoction in treatment of coccidiosis in poultry (100%), green pod of the fruit use as a fish poison to catch fish in the rivers (100%), seeds, pods, and fruits use as a drinking ingredients (75%), mature wood of the species are use in light construction of mortars and pestles, different kinds of furniture and utensils (75%) and so on. The result further, revealed that the plant parts (leaves; stem; bark, root, exudates (gum) seed and yellow pulp) is used in treatment and prevention of various diseases such as small pox; pile; malaria; dysentery; diarrhea; leprosy; snake bite; fever; measles, convulsion in infant, liver problem, headache, ear, skin diseases and so on. Demographic characteristic of the respondents was also examined. The percentage of male was (43.34%) while that of their female counter part was (56.66%). Majority (43.33%) of the respondents were between 31 – 40 years’ age bracket and majority (44.44%) are married with majority (37.78%) having 1-5 house hold size. 45.56% of the respondents had secondary education while 2.22% had no formal education and majority (51.11%) are traditional healers. The regression analysis showed significant relationship between age, household size, educational status, occupation and the indigenous and medicinal utilization of African locust bean tree(P<0.05) level of significant. However, it is recommended that sustainability of biological resources should be ensured so that medicinal plants such as Parkia biglobosa do not go into extinction. Also, enforcement of the forestry act with regards to illegal and indiscriminately felling of trees like Parkia biglobosa are highlighted.
On Algebraic Properties of Inverse Fuzzy Languages
Authors: Sebastian Pamy , Jacob Varghese
Published: June 2020

Aims/Objectives: In this paper, we investigate some of the algebraic properties of inverse fuzzy languages. We proved that a fuzzy automaton is inverse if and only if the transition monoid is an inverse monoid. A fuzzy language is an inverse fuzzy language if the minimal fuzzy automaton recognizing that fuzzy language is an inverse fuzzy automaton. We also discuss some more properties of an inverse fuzzy language based on the fact that an inverse monoid is one which is regular and idempotent commute.
Resource Use Efficiency of Groundnut in Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Devi I. Shakuntala , Suhasini K. , Sunandini G. P.
Published: June 2020

Groundnut is an important oilseed and Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh occupies a prominent position both in acreage and production. Data was obtained from forty farmers using structured questionnaire and the input-output relation of groundnut production via Cobb-Douglas production function was examined in this study. It was found that the sum of elasticities was 0.73. The result of the t’ test proved that in groundnut farms S bi  was less than one, it indicates decreasing returns to scale, which indicates some of the inputs are excessively used. The production elasticities for human labour, bullock labour, machine labour charges, seed cost and pesticides were positive and significant where as farm yard manure and fertilizers cost was negative which showed that increase in these costs result in decrease in output. The MVP of selected input variables were estimated to be 25.08, 4.21, 6.74, 1.87, 17.34, -19.46 and -7.67 showing that FYM and fertilizers are over utilized and the rest of the variables are underutilized. The groundnut production in the study area would be profitable.
Studies on Combining Ability in Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) for Yield and Its Component
Authors: Pramila . , Kushwaha M. L. , Kumar Udit , Gupta Ramesh Kumar , Sinha Bishwa Mitra
Published: June 2020

Present investigation was carried out during autumn winter season 2013-14 and 2014-15 at the Vegetable Research Centre of GBPUA&T, Pantnagar with 43 genotypes including 10 lines, 3 testers and 30 F1’s of brinjal. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The observations were recorded for 11 characters. Variances due to testers were greater than variances due to lines for most of the characters. The estimates of General Combining Ability (GCA) effect indicated that PB71, BB85, PB66, Swarn Syamli and DBL02 were best general combiner for earliness (days to 50% flowering), whereas the best specific cross was BRLVAR6 × DBL02. For weight of marketable fruits per plant PB66, SMB115, LC7, BRLVAR6 were best general combiners and SMB115 × DBL02, PB66 × Pant Samrat and IBWL 2001-1 × Pant Rituraj were best specific combiners. Pant Rituraj was found best general combining effect for plant height, fruit diameter, weight of marketable fruits per plant, number of unmarketable fruits per plant, total yield per plant and total yield per hectare. Pant Samrat showed good General Combining Ability (GCA) effects for number of primary branches per plant, number of marketable fruits per plant, weight of unmarketable fruits per plant and total number of fruits per plant. DBL02 was recorded best general combiner for earliness and fruit length. SMB115 and PB 66 were best general combiners for most of the yield characters. SMB115 × DBL02, PB66 × Pant Samrat and IBWL2001-1 × Pant Rituraj were showed highest Specific Combining Ability (SCA) effect for most of the characters. Therefore, these cross combinations could be commercially exploited for higher yield.
Analysis of GIS Based Morphometric Parameters and Hydrological Changes in Indrawati River Sub-Basin of Godawari Basin, Chhattisgarh, India
Authors: Pradhan Adikant , Chandrakar T. , Kerketta A. , Nag S. K. , Mukherjee S. C.
Published: June 2020

Basin is main carrying surface of rainwater collected from basin area and moves to main drain as river system. The basin surface characteristic governs the movement, storage and drainage in basin due to rainwater. Morphometric analysis is a quantitative description of a basin with important aspect of the basin character. Godawari basin divided into five sub-basins. Indrawati is main tributary river of Godawari originated from Mardiguda, Dandakarnya range of Kalahandi district, Odisha. The basin includes BastarCraton covering a large area (>2105 km2) in Central India, bounded by two Mesoproterozoic mobile belts, the Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt (EGMB) to the east, Satpura Mobile Belt to the northwest, and two major Palaeozoic tectonic features the Godavari Graben to the southwest and the Mahanadi Graben in the northeast. The basin has been extracted using Advanced Space borne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTERGDEM)30 m (USGS, 2012) images by giving pour points and it has been projected on WGS 1984 UTM zone 45 for the morphometric analysis was used. Morphometric analysis expresses various aspects of basin characters which are 8 stream order (u), 85636 stream number, 42259.27 Stream length (Lu) (km), 0.493 Mean Stream length (Lsm), 3.144 Bifurcation ratio (Rb), 0.002 Length of overland flow (Lg), 0.110 drainage density (Dd), 3.088 Stream frequency (Fs), 1.220 Form factor (Ff), 2.634 Circulatory ratio (Rc), 0.0040 Elongation ratio (Re), 6.348 Leminscate method (k) and 1.758Reliefratio of Indrawati basin.
Socio-cultural Factors Associated with Complementary Feeding in Two Rural Districts in Ghana: A qualitative study involving Health Workers
Authors: Nsiah-Asamoah Christiana Naa Atsreh
Published: June 2020

Aim: This study sought to explore the cultural factors that are associated with complementary feeding from the reports of Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Volunteers (CHVs) in two rural districts in Ghana.

Study Design: This was a cross-sectional qualitative study that assessed cultural beliefs, norms, superstitions and practices that influence complementary feeding practices of young children under two years in two rural farming districts in Ghana

Study Area: The study was conducted at Kwahu Afram Plains North and South Districts in the Eastern Region of Ghana.

Methodology: The study employed qualitative methods which entailed conducting 9 focus group discussions among CHWs and CHVs working at two rural districts in Ghana. The focus group discussions were conducted with the aid of a validated, interview guide, after obtaining informed consent (written) from the health workers. Ethical clearance for the study was obtained from the Institutional Review Boards of the Dodowa Health Research Centre and the University of Cape Coast. Thematic content analytical procedures were applied to analyze the transcripts, interpret and present findings as a narrative account.

Results: The reports of the health workers indicate a common practice of early introduction of solid foods to infants before they attain six(6) months of age. Cultural beliefs, superstitions, beliefs, food taboos and prohibitions influence mothers’ complementary-feeding practices and result in limiting the food scope and dietary diversity of their young children.

Conclusions: Interventions designed to promote appropriate complementary feeding practices should incorporate an understanding of social context, family, and cultural factors in developing nutrition promotion messages that are tailored to meet the needs of rural populations. More community interventions that draw on the support of key influential persons in the community and fathers are needed to address cultural barriers to appropriate complementary feeding practices.
Response of Jute Mallow (Corchorus olitorius L.) Grown in an Alfisol and Inceptisol to Different Organic Fertilizers and Mycorrhizal Inoculation in Nigeria
Authors: Musa F. B. , Oyetunji O. F. , Oyewumi R. V. , Adenuga D. A. , Ihediuche C. I. , Adelusi F. T.
Published: June 2020

Background and Objective: The use of organic fertilizers in soil usually upsurge the infection rate of mycorrhizal in a plant, thereby increases the nutrients content, uptake and promotes the vegetative growth of  the host plant. This experiment was conducted to assess the influence of different organic fertilizers and mycorrhizal inoculation on Corchorus olitorius growth and yield in an Alfisol and Inceptisol in Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: The experiment was set up at the screenhouse of the Department of Agronomy, Ibadan. 2 x 2 x 5 factorial experiment in a completely randomized design was conducted with two levels of soil (Alfisol and Inceptisol); two levels of mycorrhizal inoculation (with and without) and five levels of organic fertilizers (organic fertilizers; poultry manure, cattle manure, Moringa, Tithonia and control) in two-kilogram soil under three replications.

Results: Soil supplemented with organic fertilizers significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the growth and yield of Corchorus olitorius. The height, leaf area and number of leaves of Corchorus olitorius in soil supplemented with organic fertilizers were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than control. Higher leaf area and number of leaves were obtained in C. olitorius influenced by mycorrhizal (+AM) than without mycorrhizal (-AM) under poultry manure application in Alfisol. Inceptisol without fertilizers and mycorrhizal inoculation was also high in the leaf area of C. olitorius compared to Alfisol corresponding treatment with about 31.1%. Number of leaves of C. olitorius without mycorrhizal (-AM) inoculation and Tithonia can be compared with mycorrhizal (+AM) inoculation and cattle manure at 7 weeks after transplanting in both soils. Plants height obtained was highest in C. olitorius grown in Alfisol without mycorrhizal and cattle manure with about 12.2% higher over Inceptisol. Shoots and roots observed under mycorrhizal inoculation were also significantly different from those observed without mycorrhizal inoculation in both soils under different fertilizers application.

Conclusion: Integration of different fertilizer types (organic fertilizers and mycorrhizal inoculation) can be efficiently used as a suitable nutrient management system due to positive responses observed in this investigation.