bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Management Committee, Financial Reporting Quality and Financial Performance of Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria
Authors: Madugba Joseph Ugochukwu , Ben-Caleb Egbide , Okpe Innocent I. , Fadoju Oludare, S. , Ogochukwu Ben-Caleb Jane , Mbamara Kingsley Iyke
Published: September 2020

This Paper examined risk management committee and financial reporting quality on performance of banks in Nigeria with objective of finding out if risk management committee and financial reporting quality affect liquidity of the banks in our study. The data was gotten from annual report of the banks and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) statistical bulletin. Out of sixteen deposit money banks, five banks were used for a period of five years 2012-2016. The hypotheses were tested and the result showed that risk management committee does not affect liquidity level of the banks. However, financial reporting quality affect the net assets value per share of banks in Nigeria and the researcher recommended that there is need to strengthen the risk management committee at every banking organization in Nigeria and greater focus should be given to global reporting to ensure that Nigerian banks can compete favourably with that of other developing economies.
Healthcare Expenditure and Economic Growth: How Important Is the Partnership?
Authors: Bagadeem Salim A , Ahmad Moid U
Published: September 2020

An understanding of the relationship between economic variables and healthcare variables will enable a better policy framework for a country. This study focuses on Gross Domestic Product (GDP), healthcare expenditures (HCE) and Out of Pocket expenses (OOP) using an annual data (2000-2015) from Saudi Arabian economy. The study uses statistical techniques such as unit root test, co-integration, linear regressions, Vector Auto Regressions and mediation technique for analysis.The research found that healthcare expenditure and GDP are correlated and co-integrated in long term (3-7 years) and that the GDP can be best explained at a lag of 3 years by healthcare expenditure. Mediation analysis revealed that private health expenses mediate the relationship between government health expenditure and national income.
Operational Management of Flexible Production of Machine-Building Enterprises Using the Analytical Method for Optimizing Work Order Planning Services
Authors: Mikhailova Lubov
Published: September 2020

The analytic method of optimization of production process models is developed in this article. The purpose is the optimization of work schedule based on using mathematic methods in operational management of operational processes of flexible production systems in machine-building enterprises. The task of constructing an optimal production schedule for jobs is being considered (work modules or centers), which is the systems of operational management of flexible production’ core. The author offers a model of the dynamics of the intellectual potential of the enterprise, which will improve the efficiency of its use and can be used as a tool for analysis and management of the company's intellectual capital in the process of innovative development. Theoretical and methodological base of researching the problem is the mathematic modeling and systematic approach, on the basis of which the specific features of interrelated factors are analyzed, which define the complex nature of flexible engineering, which are essential for development and realization the effective system of operational management. The proposed method can be used in improving operational management systems during the organization of flexible production and in the process of its functioning under various external and internal changes.
The Study on Factors Influencing Incomes of Laborers in Viet Nam: The Case at Industrial Parks, Economic Zones in Travinh Province
Authors: Nguyen Ha Hong , Nguyen Tuyen Thanh
Published: September 2020

This study aims to solve the problem of raising incomes, improving the quality of life of Vietnamese workers in industrial parks and economic zones today, specifically in Tra Vinh province, Viet Nam. By the method of primary data collection of 300 employees working in enterprises in Long Duc Industrial Park located in Tra Vinh City; Co Chien Industrial Park located in Cang Long district and Dinh An economic zones located in Tra Cu district; using multivariate regression model; The study showed that there are 6 factors affecting the income of workers: the occupation of workers, working experience, the qualifications of workers, ethnicity, Religion and working environment. In particular, working experience, the qualifications of workers greatly affect the income of employees. From the research results, the author have proposed solutions to improve the income of workers, ensure social security and stabilize the lives of workers in the future.
Behavioural and Psychological Factors That Influence the Usage of Formal Financial Services Among the Low Income Households
Authors: Thomas Binoy , Subhashree P.
Published: September 2020

The emerging economies need to frame and implement effective financial inclusion policies for sustainable development and growth. Recent initiative of India that every Low Income Households (LIHs) has a bank account is a sweeping success; but the flipside is that half of these accounts are either inactive or less active, which raises concern. In this context, this research attempts to identify the behavioural and psychological factors that influence the usage of formal financial services (FFS) among LIHs in India. Theory of Planned Behaviour is used as the base theoretical model, in which ‘Habit’ was introduced as a moderating variable that interacts with Behavioural Intention to influence Actual Usage. Data was collected from 253 respondents and analysed using SmartPLS 3.0. This study revealed that the exogenous variables Attitude, Subjective Norms, Perceived Behavioural Control positively influenced the intention to use FFS; moreover, Habit negatively moderated the BI-AU relationship. Therefore, the policy makers on financial inclusion drive may consider these identified factors in their mission to improve the usage of FFS among LIHs, and to curtail the informal or alternative financial services.
The strategic use of terminology in restorative justice for persons harmed by sexual violence
Authors: Jülich Shirley , Molineaux Julienne , Green Malcolm David
Published: September 2020

The strategic use of terminology in restorative justice for persons harmed by sexual violence.

An argument for the importance of strategically selected terminology in the practice of restorative justice in sexual violence cases is presented through reviews of restorative justice, communication, social constructivist and feminist literature. The significance of language and its impact on those who use it and hear it is established from its use in classical antiquity, psychotherapy and semantics. The use of the terms ‘victim’ and ‘survivor’ is explored in the fields of legal definitions and feminist theory. Reports in the existing restorative justice literature are used to bring together the literature on the impact of the use of terminology and the legal and feminist understandings of the significance of the use of the terms ‘victim’ and ‘survivor’. We argue that the restorative justice practitioner has a crucial role in guiding the person harmed in sexual violence cases in the strategic use of ‘victim’ and ‘survivor’ to enhance the positive impact of terminology on the persons harmed in acts of sexual violence. Conclusions from our explorations support the creation of a proposed sexual violence restorative justice situational map for use as a navigational aid in restorative justice practice in sexual violence cases.
From victimisation to restorative justice: developing the offer of restorative justice
Authors: Shapland Joanna , Burn Daniel , Crawford Adam , Gray Emily
Published: September 2020

From victimisation to restorative justice: developing the offer of restorative justice

Restorative justice services have expanded in England and Wales since the Victim’s Code 2015. Yet evidence from the Crime Survey for England and Wales shows that in 2016-2017 only 4.1 per cent of victims recall being offered such a service. This article presents the evidence from an action research project set in three police forces in England and Wales, which sought to develop the delivery of restorative justice interventions with victims of adult and youth crime. We depict the complexity intrinsic to making an offer of restorative justice and the difficulties forces experienced in practice, given the cultural, practical and administrative challenges encountered during the course of three distinct pilot projects. Points of good practice, such as institutional buy-in, uncomplicated referral processes and adopting a victim-focused mindset are highlighted. Finally, we draw the results from the different projects together to suggest a seven-point set of requirements that need to be in place for the offer of restorative practice to become an effective and familiar process in policing.
Exploring amenability of a restorative justice approach to address sexual offences
Authors: Hovey Angela , Rye BJ , McCarney Courtney
Published: September 2020

Exploring amenability of a restorative justice approach to address sexual offences

This study aimed to explore current attitudes regarding the amenability of a restorative justice approach to addressing harms caused by sexual offences. A web-based survey of a university student sample included a specific narrative response question assessing empathetic responses to stepfather-teen sexual abuse scenarios. Many (78 per cent) participants endorsed a restorative justice approach, a substantial minority (19 per cent) of whom endorsed restorative justice while stipulating retributive justice conditions. Only 22 per cent completely rejected a restorative justice approach. The overarching theme was the dichotomous opinion of restorative justice as either a sufficient (e.g. best option, rehabilitative value) or insufficient (e.g. not enough punishment) response to addressing sexual offences. There was an overall self-reflective openness and willingness to consider a restorative justice approach to address sexual offences.
Victim-offender mediation in Denmark: or how institutional placement and organisation matter
Authors: Rasmussen Katrine Barnekow
Published: September 2020

Victim-offender mediation in Denmark: or how institutional placement and organisation matter

In this article, the current state of the Danish police-based victim-offender mediation (VOM) programme is examined against the background of the Norwegian Mediation Service (NMS). In the two similar national languages both are called Konfliktråd, and the Danish programme – which was launched in 2010 – is named after and clearly inspired by the Norwegian service. Yet they differ in terms of organisational structure, capacity and use. Despite similar population size, the NMS completes around 12 times as many meetings as the Danish VOM programme. Furthermore, since 2016 the average number of meetings completed per year by the Danish programme has dropped significantly. In the article, I examine how the development of the Danish VOM programme has seemingly been held back by its placement in the police and also by a lack of clear prioritisation by management, political support and legal status. The VOM secretariat and local VOM coordinators attempt to mitigate the negative effects of these factors. Yet the framework of the Danish VOM programme seems to continue hindering the emulation of the Norwegian service in terms of capacity and use.
The indecent demands of accountability: trauma, marginalisation, and moral agency in youth restorative conferencing
Authors: Wood William R.
Published: September 2020

The indecent demands of accountability: trauma, marginalisation, and moral agency in youth restorative conferencing

In this article I explore the concept of accountability for young people in youth restorative conferencing. Definitions of accountability in research and programme literature demonstrate significant variation between expectations of young people to admit harms, make amends, address the causes of their offending, and desist from future offending. Such variation is problematic in terms of aligning conferencing goals with accountability expectations. I first draw from research that suggests appeals to normative frameworks such as accountability may not be useful for some young people with significant histories of victimisation, abuse, neglect, and trauma. I then examine problems in accountability for young people that are highly marginalised or ‘redundant’ in terms of systemic exclusion from economic and social forms of capital. These two issues – trauma on the micro level and social marginalisation on the macro level – suggest problems of getting to accountability for some young people. I also argue trauma and social marginalisation present specific problems for thinking about young offenders as ‘moral subjects’ and conferencing as an effective mechanism of moralising social control. I conclude by suggesting a clear distinction between accountability and responsibility is necessary to disentangle the conflation of misdeeds from the acute social, psychological, and developmental needs of some young offenders.
Proosten met champagne, heel m’n libi is nu duur
Authors: Goverts Robbert , Roks Robert
Published: September 2020

‘Champagne toasting, my whole libi is expensive now’: conspicuous consumption in Dutch rap music

This article examines expressions of conspicuous consumption on 19 recent releases by the most popular Dutch rap artists of 2018. In line with Veblen’s (1899/2017) notion of conspicuous consumption, our content analysis of these rap lyrics shows that Dutch rappers ‘spend’ their money on all kinds of ostentatious and eye-catching luxury goods such as designer clothing and jewelry (‘drip’), cars or holidays, but also that rappers ‘stack’ some of the money they earn by putting it aside. Our results indicate that these expressions of conspicuous consumption seem to be rooted in, and fueled by, experiences with poverty, stigmatization, and discrimination.
Defaunatie en de coronapandemie
Authors: van Uhm Daan
Published: September 2020

Defaunation and the corona pandemic

The overexploitation of nature has led to anthropogenic defaunation, which results in complex socioeconomic, political and ecological consequences. Influenced by the economic growth of modernization and the interconnectedness of globalization, zoonotic diseases emerge as incalculable side effects of defaunation. By rejecting anthropocentric worldviews, this article critically examines anthropogenic defaunation and the causes and consequences of the coronavirus pandemic from a green criminological perspective.
Hebzucht
Authors: Linssen Jeroen
Published: September 2020

Greed. The normalization of an excess

In this article the ways in which philosophers have thought about greed are discussed. From antiquity until the Renaissance greed was considered to be a sin. This immoderate desire had to be stopped because it constitutes a threat to the wellbeing of both an individual and society as a whole. This changed since the beginning of the modern era, when a more positive attitude towards this excessive desire arose. The new opinion was: private vices lead to public benefits, and thus the normalization of an excess came about. Greed no longer was considered to be a sin or vice, but instead to be a harmless passion that had a good effect on the welfare of society. The financial crisis of 2008 may have induced some doubts concerning the idea that greed is good, but a real change in opinion has not yet occurred.
‘Porn’ graffiti in public space
Authors: Melgaço Lucas
Published: September 2020

‘Porn’ graffiti in public space – Between moralization and agonism

Sexualized graffiti has emerged on walls in Brussels since the beginning of 2013, generating fierce debates. Perceived as street art and a welcome challenge to heteropatriarchy by some and as obscenity and vulgarity by others, these pieces highlight the inherently contested character of public spaces. The controversies around the presence of these paintings in public space relate to what in the literature has become known as moral geographies, that is, the spatial aspect of morality. What should one do about these supposed ‘porn’ pieces: regulate their existence and control potential tensions and conflicts, or let frictions emerge between the partisans and the opponents of such urban interventions? Who gets to say what should be tolerated and what should be regulated in public space? In this opinion piece, I situate this issue between two ends: an agonistic one, in which contestation is the rule; and an excessively regulatory one, in which public space is over-rationalized and normalized.
Aandeelhouderskapitalisme en excessieve beloningen wakkeren fraude aan
Authors: Pheijffer Marcel
Published: September 2020

Shareholder capitalism and excessive rewards fuel fraud

This contribution examines shareholder capitalism and shareholder idealism. It is also argued that excessive rewards – often a result of shareholder capitalism – fuel fraud. Supervisory directors and shareholders should therefore act as a counterforce and fulfil a corrective role.
Chemical Burn Injury in the Scrotal Area Caused by Button Cell Battery: A Case Report
Authors: Rezaeimehr Mohammad Reza , Zargham Mahtab , Yaali-Jahromi Erfaneh , Yaali-Jahromi Atefeh , Heiat Mohammad
Published: September 2020

: Here we reported a one-year-old infant with tissue damage in the scrotum area, in which a small button cell battery had been found in his diaper. Evidence suggested that the lesion was caused by contact with the leaky battery with the scrotal skin. The treatment procedure was prescribed by a dermatologist. The healing process was tracked over the examination times. After two months, the site of the lesion showed complete remission. The findings suggested that in such cases, after removing the chemical agent, blisters, and necrotic tissues, therapeutic measures should be performed similarly to the thermal burns.
Models for Engaging Liaisons in Research Data Services
Authors: Sapp Nelson Megan , Goben Abigail
Published: September 2020

Research data services in academic libraries is often perceived as the purview of liaison librarians. A variety of models has emerged by which these services may be developed or implemented. These include hierarchical models and those based more on individual interest. Of critical importance with any model, however, is the identification of support and opportunities for engagement from library administration and management in order to grow and assess the implementation of research data services.
Keeping Waste Low through Management: The Socio-ecological Interpretation
Authors: Ghosh Arindam , Pal Dibyendu , Biswas Amitava , Acharya S. K.
Published: September 2020

Waste is a ceaselessly developing issue at worldwide and territorial just as at neighborhood levels. Due to vigorous globalization and product proliferation in recent years, more waste has been produced by the soaring manufacturing activities. The social ecology of waste recycling implies the structural, functional and managerial intervention of waste generation process. The present study takes a look into the approach, process and impact of ongoing waste management process, followed by the both kalyani and jalpaiguri municipalities. A set of agro-ecological, socio-economic and techno managerial factors have been developed by selecting two sets of operating variables. 21 independent variables and one dependent variable i.e. waste reduction methods (y4) were selected for the research. Total one fifty respondents, seventy five from each municipal area have been selected by systematic random sampling. A basket of multivariate analytic techniques have been carried out to isolate and interpret the variables.  Throughout the study it has been observed that in terms of variable behavior and responses there has been stark differences between jalapaiguri and kalyani where as some few variables like income, impact of waste management and recycling on water and micro flora and fauna have recorded the distinct contribution, for jalpaiguri volume of waste generation from household, water consumption per day have gone in the determinant way. But in both municipal areas perception of environmental impact of waste management have recorded equal contribution. So it can be said that improper waste management leads to ecological damage and waste reduction methods will reduce waste generation, improper waste disposal and save our environment and ecology.
Effects of Indigenous Reed (Typha latifolia) Salt and Iodized Commercial Salt on Total Phenolic and Total Flavonoid Contents and Antioxidant Activity of Garlic (Allium sativum L.)
Authors: Alide Thandiwe , Wangila Phanice , Kiprop Ambrose
Published: September 2020

Aim: The use of natural food additives such as garlic, ginger, turmeric and indigenous reed salts is increasing over synthetic ones due to their availability, affordability and the mental picture that ‘‘natural is safe’’. Food is usually cooked in the presence of other additives such as salt. It has been established that food additives (such as salt) and their degradation products can interact with other food additives and food constituents (additive-additive, additive-micronutrient) to form an array of products and these can have positive or negative effects on the antioxidant activity of the other additives and the food. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of indigenous reed salt (Typha latifolia) and iodized commercial salt (Kensalt) used in Kenyan culinary recipes on the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant activity of garlic.

Place and Duration of the Study: Garlic bulbs and iodized commercial salt (Kensalt) were purchased from Khethia supermarket and Food Plus mall of Eldoret town (Kenya), respectively. Indigenous reed salt was purchased from vendors in Busia County of Western Kenya. The samples were analyzed at Directorate of Government Analytical Laboratory, Kampala (Uganda) between August 2019 and January 2020. 

Methodology: The TPC of fresh and salted garlic extracts were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay, TFC by aluminum chloride colorimetric method and antioxidant activity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay.

Results: The TPC, TFC and antioxidant activity of fresh aqueous garlic extract were 303.07 ± 6.58 mg gallic acid equivalent per 100 g, 109.68 ± 6.78 mg quercetin equivalent per 100 g and 56.60 ± 0.05%, respectively. Salt had a significant effect on TPC (P = .03) and antioxidant activity (P ˂ 0.05). However, the mean differences were insignificant for the effect of salt on TFC (P = .66). Changes in salt concentrations did not significantly affect the TPC, TFC and antioxidant activity of garlic.

Conclusion: Cooking garlic with salt enhances the extraction of its phytochemicals, thereby increasing its antioxidant potential.
Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of African Basil (Ocimum gratissimum L.) Leaves
Authors: Nassazi Winfred , K’Owino Isaac O. , Makatiani Jacqueline , Wachira Sabina
Published: September 2020

Aim: To determine the phytochemicals in Ocimum gratissimum leaves, their phenolic content, antioxidant potential and antiproliferative activity against human prostate (DU145), colon (CT26) and cervical (HeLa 229) cancer cells.

Place and Duration of the Study: Leaves of O. gratissimum were collected from cultivated plants in Wakiso district of Uganda. The samples were analyzed at Directorate of Government Analytical Laboratory, Kampala (Uganda) and Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Traditional Medicine and Drug Research, Nairobi (Kenya) between August 2019 and January 2020. 

Methodology: The leaves were separately extracted by maceration using hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol. The methanolic extract was further fractionated and subjected to solid phase extraction. Antiproliferative assay was done using dimethylthiazol-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay while total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay respectively. Compounds were identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Results: A total of 34 compounds were identified in the fractions. The highest mean total phenolic content was 401.07 ± 6.47 µg/ml for the methanolic extract which also had the highest antioxidant activity with minimum inhibitory concentration of 5.79 ± 0.13 mg/ml. There was a positive correlation between the antioxidant activity of the extracts and antiproliferative activity of the extracts on prostate and cervical cancer cell lines. The extracts exhibited the highest toxicity against prostate cancer cells and the least against cervical cancer cells.

Conclusion: The results of this study support the traditional use of this plant in cancer therapy in Uganda. Further research should isolate pure anticancer compounds from this plant which could act as lead candidates in the development of anticancer drugs.
Socio-Economic Status of Pineapple Growers in Moulvibazar District of Bangladesh
Authors: Datta Tumpa , Saha Jiban Krishna , Rahman Mohammad Ataur , Akter Muslima , Ahmed Md. Rashid
Published: September 2020

Socio-economic indicators are significant for determining the overall lifestyle of the Pineapple Growers. The study examines the different socio-economic variables of the pineapple farmers. The researchers selected the Sreemangal upazila of Moulvibazar district purposively and primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire during 2017-2018 cropping season from one hundred pineapple growers (small, medium and large) following simple random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics include frequency, sum, average, percentage and ratios were used to analyze the data. The study revealed that majority of the farmers were in small (44 percent) and medium (30 percent) categories and average farm size was 2.130 ha. Most of the pineapple growers were middle aged (31-40 years old) while a little portion of them were older aged (greater than 60 years).  It was found that 81 percent of the respondents were married in the study area.  In addition, almost all farmers (95 percent) were literate and more than sixty percent of them had primary education. Averagely, a family consists five members and above three members are dependent to their family in the study areas.  Majority of the respondents had 11-20 years of farming experience and the primary occupation of them (91 percent) was agriculture including pineapple cultivation. Moreover, a significant portion of farmers received training from government agricultural extension office whereas around one sixth of pineapple farmers received credit from both public and private banks as well as from NGOs. However, Extension office need to provide more and effective training facilities to the pineapple farmers for profitable production, simplification of buying, selling, renting and leasing of land to reduce production cost as well as different incentive packages can be introduced by the government for encouraging unemployed youth people to engage in pineapple production.
An Investigation into Change in Agricultural and Industrial Products Output-price Relationships Drawing from Nepalese Experience
Authors: Dhakal Ghan Shyam
Published: September 2020

Purpose: This research article explored the relationship between change in output and domestic price of both agricultural and industrial products and the variability or consistency of the annual growth rate of change in price and output of both agricultural and industrial sectors of Nepal.

Objectives: The research aimed to establish the relationship between change in the price of agricultural products and change in the price of industrial products in Nepal.

Methods: The study applied descriptive and analytical approaches to measure the relationship or correlation between changes in output and prices of products in the agricultural and industrial sectors. The parameters were analysed by comparing the standard deviation and coefficient of variation. The relation of agricultural and industrial product output with price is established by using a simple correlation analysis.

Limitations: Based on secondary data collected from various economic surveys of Nepal covering 17 years from fiscal year 2002/03 to 2018/19. It measured the relationship between the annual change in price and output of agricultural and industrial production using simple statistical tools like mean, standard deviation, and correlation.

Results: It was found that there is a moderate positive correlation between the change in price of agricultural and industrial products. Similarly, there is a low degree negative correlation between change in output and price in both the agricultural and industrial sectors.

Implications: There was a positive relationship between the price of agricultural products and industrial products. Therefore, it is necessary to give high priority to the development of the agricultural sector. Industrial development is impossible without the development of the agricultural sector because they are interdependent with each other. The agricultural sector and industrial sector are uplifted simultaneously. There was a low degree negative correlation between price and output of the product of both the agricultural and industrial sectors. Therefore, output increasing activities must be performed by private and public sectors.
Leisure Agriculture in the Era of Alternative Tourism
Authors: Yen Tsai-Fa(TF) , Xiong Jianlin , Yan Yu-Ming
Published: September 2020

The concept of alternative tourism mainly focuses on reducing the impacts to the tourism development on the ecological environment and driving the tourism industry into the direction of the sustainable development through different types of tourism mode (activities), such as agricultural tourism, rural tourism, industry tourism, and cultural tourism, etc. However, fewer studies discuss the feasibility of leisure agriculture as a possible tool of alternative tourism. The objectives of this study is to verify the advantages of alternative tourism and to assess the feasibility of leisure agriculture as a possible tool of alternative tourism based on literature review. Findings show that the development of leisure agriculture will have positive and negative impacts on the rural environment, economy and social culture. In general, the positive benefits outweigh the negative ones. Therefore, leisure agriculture is one of the feasible tools to achieve the purpose of developing alternative tourism, and the development of leisure agriculture is indeed one of the feasible alternatives to tourism.
The Effect of Addition of Nilem Fish Protein Concentrate Flour on the Proximate Characteristics of Mochi Cake
Authors: Junianto . , Finef Kintan Prameswari , Apriliani Izza Mahdiana , Rostini Iis
Published: September 2020

Nilem fish (Osteochilus hasselti) is a type of freshwater fish that is widely farmed in West Java. Another application of nilem fish is made into fish protein concentrate (FPC) flour. The addition of fish protein concentrate flour to the mochi cake can affect the proximate characteristics. This study aims to determine the proximate characteristics of mochi cake added by nilem fish protein concentrate flour. This research was conducted from August 2019 - January 2020 at the Laboratory of Fisheries Product Processing, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, and the Chemical Research and Services Laboratory, Basic Science Service Center (PPBS), Padjadjaran University. The method used in this research was experimental with two treatments, that were the addition of 0% and 4.5% nilem fish protein concentrates from white glutinous rice flour was used. The parameters observed were proximate characteristics including carbohydrate, water, protein, fat, and ash content. The results showed that mochi cake with the addition of 4.5% of nilem fish protein concentrate had proximate characteristics namely carbohydrate content 59.57%, water content 29.93%, protein content 8.71%, fat content 1.41%, and ash content 0.38%.
Decline in the Quality of Urban Life in Selected Oil-Rich Cities in the Niger Delta: A Retarded Discernment or Denied Reality
Authors: Ibama Brown, , Nengi Dapa, Idaminabo
Published: September 2020

This research was to evaluate the quality of life of the urban dwellers in Yenagoa, Amarata and Ekeki cities to ascertain if there is a decline in the quality of life residents in those selected neighbourhoods with a view to highlight such causal factors. The study adopted the Passive-Observational survey design such that the research respondents were observed in-situ without experimental manipulation. The research population was purposively drawn, and data was drawn from primary and secondary sources. Objective and subjective dimensions of quality of life were viewed in the form of physical, social and economic domains were assessed with emphasis on the type of housing, recreational preferences and employment status of respondents. Findings indicate that the quality of life of residents in Yenagoa, Amarata and Ekeki has progressively declined from when Yenagoa was a local government headquarters to becoming a capital city of an oil and gas producing state. As evident, the predominant housing type is rooming housing that does not befit its status, with limited recreational space and a phenomenal 45% unemployment rate. Findings further depict a bleak and rapidly declining quality of life of residents. The study recommends that there should be deliberate government intervention to improve housing conditions, provision of adequate functional recreational facilities that would enhance social interaction and physical wellbeing. There should be deliberate government policy with the requisite framework to stimulate industrial growth to reduce the phenomenal unemployment were recommended.
A Review of Potential of Lignocellulosic Biomass for Bioethanol Production in Kenya
Authors: Otieno John Odhiambo , Ogutu Fredrick Onyango
Published: September 2020

Lignocellulosic biomass is the earth’s most abundant and renewable resource, and, lignin is its strongest component. The lignocellulosic biomass has a potential to produce bioethanol for both domestic and industrial use. The presence of lignin in the biomass, however, hinders the processing and production of bioethanol from the biomass. Hence, to enhance the chances of bioethanol production from the lignocellulosic biomass, lignin has to be pre-treated. The pre-treatment process efficiently separates the interlinked complex components. During the pre-treatment process, the strong lignin component that is highly resistant and a major barrier to solubilization is broken down by hydrolysis of cellulose and hemicellulose. Pre-treatment of lignocellulosic biomass is therefore, necessary to make it more susceptible to microorganisms, enzymes, and pathogens. The initial pre-treatment approaches include physical, physicochemical, and biological methods. The major drawback of this pre-treatment process is its cost implications, as it’s very costly. Studies suggest that even though it’s a costly affair, the pre-treatment methods, however, have a significant impact on the efficient production of ethanol from biomass.

Situation Analysis: Bioethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass has mostly been undertaken in Brazil, USA, China, and India. In Kenya, however, little research on bioethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass has been done and adopted. The present review paper seeks to outlay the benefits of bioethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass, the composition of lignocellulosic biomass, its properties, different pre-treatment methods alongside advantages, and, disadvantages, and challenges encountered during bioethanol production. This review eventually will be of great assistance to researchers while developing bioethanol from different lignocellulosic biomass. Research, technology adaption/adaptation, and policy targeted at growing bioethanol industry, could enable Kenya to grow her bioethanol industry.
Cost and Returns Analysis of Groundnut Production in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: Dalla A. A. , Vihi S. K. , Jesse B. , Tor L. G.
Published: September 2020

This study assessed cost and returns analysis of groundnut production in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to determine the socio economic characteristics of groundnut producers in the study area, estimate the cost and returns of groundnut production, determine the input and output relationship in groundnut production and identify the constraints faced by groundnut farmers in the study area. Multistage sampling technique was used in selecting 150 respondents for the study. Primary data were collected through the use of structured questionnaires and interview technique and were subjected to both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results obtained from the study revealed that the mean age of the respondents was 38 years with males dominating (82%) the groundnut production enterprise in the study area. Greater (85%) percentages of respondents were married with majority (64%) of them having primary school education. The respondents had an average household size of nine (9) persons, a mean farming experience of 9.3 years and an average farm size of 3.0 hectares. The result also revealed that majority (72%) of the respondents did not belong to any cooperative/ farming association. The result indicates that majority (79%) of the groundnut farmers acquired their farmland by inheritance. Groundnut production in the study area is profitable. The average output obtained per hectare was 696 kg at the prevailing selling price of ₦280/kg. The total revenue (TR), gross margin (GM) and, net farm income (NFI) per hectare obtained were ₦194880, ₦139380 and ₦123730 respectively. The return on naira invested (RNI) by farmers in the study area was ₦1.70 indicating that for every one naira invested, ₦1.70 profit was gained. The result of the double log production function analysis shows that farm size, cost of fertilizer and cost of labour were statistically significant and influenced the profitability of groundnut production.  Major constraints to groundnut production in the study area include; high cost of inputs (64 %), high cost of labour (49 %), lack of organized market system (47%), land tenure (42%) among others. The study recommends that groundnut stakeholders and research institutes should work more on introducing new improved groundnut varieties. Government should subsidize groundnut inputs like recommended fertilizer and herbicides so as to motivate farmers to grow groundnut. Government should establish organized marketing systems where farmers will have proper and reliable linkages with buyers thereby reducing the undue exploitative tendencies of the middlemen.  Improved storage facilities should be provided so that farmers could store their produce to avoid spoilage and for sale during times of scarcity.
Brassinosteroids: A Multifunctional Phytohormone of Plant Development and Stress Responses
Authors: Praveena Jannela , Dash Satyanarayan , Behera Laxmipreeya , Rout Gyana Ranjan
Published: September 2020

Brassinosteroids (BRs) act as immune-modulators for generating plant growth and development. It regulated either activation or suppression of various key enzymatic reactions, activation of synthesis of protein, and generation of various defense modulating compounds for the plant kingdom. BRs play a vital role in regulating cellular differentiation, pollen development, fruit ripening, and quality seed formation.   BRs regulates the various physiological process including root growth during nutrient deficiency such as nitrogen, phosphorus, boron and tends to signal the nutrient distribution in the rhizosphere level for better growth and high yield in crop plants. This review highlighted the role of BRs in plant growth and development and stress response, understanding the BR pathway, the molecular mechanism of BR signaling in various tissues, crosstalk between BRs and other phytohormones, gene involves in the brassinosteroids signaling pathway, biosynthesis and  role of  BRs  in  biomass production and crop yield.
The Electromagnetic Field Representation of the Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Xu Wei-Xing
Published: September 2020

In this work a new representation of quantum mechanics, that is, the electromagnetic field representation, is proposed, which is different from the Schr dinger`s equation and Heisenberg`s Matrix. It is pointed out that even though the results from Schr dinger`s equation, Heisenberg`s Matrix and electromagnetic field representation in describing the quantum system are the same, the principles and procedures in describing the quantum system are totally different. The further result regarding the application of the electromagnetic field representation of quantum mechanics to different atomic and molecular systems will be presented later.
Ethnobotany, Phytochemical, Pharmacological Potentials of Murraya koenigii, and Its Health Benefits – A Review
Authors: Goyal Priyanka , Chhabra Rohit , Vij Lavanya
Published: September 2020

Murraya koenigii, also widely known as curry leaves and curry patta, is a noticeably significant plant recognized all around the world for its tremendous therapeutic, medicinal worth and characteristic aromatic properties. It is one of the major export commodities originated from east and southern part of India bringing good foreign revenue. This review article is designed to assess and compile all the currently available literature on ethnobotanical aspects and phytochemical, pharmacological potentials of M. koenigii. Morphologically, it is a semi deciduous small shrub or aromatic shrub having slender but strong woody stem with branches covered with grey bark. The whole plant of M. koenigii viz., as stem, leaf, fruits, root and seeds have been accounted to have anti-oxidant, anti-fungal, anti-candidal, anti-bacterial, anti-hypersensitive and various biological properties. It is also additionally used in hormonal therapy in traditional medicines as a dysenteric, blood purifier, diuretic, febrifuge, hair tonic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic and anti-diarrheal. M. koenigii oil is said to have massive impact in the pharmaceuticals and in aromatherapy enterprises as a powerful ingredient. Many researchers have worked on all parts of M. koenigii, from roots, stem, leaves up its bark. This review is an attempt to summarize all the diverse literature available so as to compile a reliable review article on M. koenigii providing detailed information on therapeutic potential, health benefits and pharmacological applications of the plant.
Mineral Content and Antisickling Activity of Annona senegalensis, Alchornea cordifolia and Vigna unguiculata Used in the Management of Sickle Cell Disease in the Kwilu Province (Congo, DR)
Authors: Kitadi Jules M. , Inkoto Clément L. , Lengbiye Emmanuel M. , Tshibangu Damien S. T. , Tshilanda Dorothée D. , Ngbolua Koto-te-Nyiwa , Taba K. M. , Mbala Blaise M. , Schmitz Brigitte , Mpiana Pius T.
Published: September 2020

Aims: To determine the mineral composition of some plants (Annona senegalensis Pers., Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. & Thonn.) Müll. Arg. and Vigna unguiculate (L.) Walp.) used in the management of sickle cell disease by traditional practitioners in Kwilu province and to evaluate their antisickling activity in vitro. 

Study Design: Plant collection in the Kwilu province, sample preparation,  antisickling tests and fluorescence spectrometric analysis.

Place and Duration of Study: This work was performed at the Faculty of Science, University of Kinshasa, Congo DR, from October 2016 to January 2018.

Methodology: These three plants were harvested in the province of Kwilu in Democratic Republic of the Congo. The mineral composition analysis was carried out using the fluorescence spectrometric method while the in vitro antisickling activity was evaluate using Emmel and hemolysis tests.

Results: Twenty three mineral elements were identified in each of these three plants: Potassium (K), Phosphorus (P), Calcium (Ca), Sodium (Na), Magnesium (Mg), Sulphur (S), Chlorine (Cl) and trace elements as: Aluminum (Al), Silicon (Si), Vanadium (V), Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Selenium (Se), Brome (Br), Molybdenum (Mo), Tin (Sn), Iodine (I), Barium (Ba) and Lead (Pb). Annona senegalensis Pers., Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. & Thonn.) Müll.Arg. and Vigna unguiculate (L.) Walp. aqueous extracts showed the capacity to prevent the sickling and the hemolysis of red blood cells.

Conclusion: The obtained results confirm the antisickling activity thus justifying the use of these plants in Traditional Medicine for the management of sickle cell disease. The presence of some mineral elements like Fe, Zn, Mg and Se are useful for sickle cell disease patients.
Correlation between Serum Sodium and Potassium Levels in Preeclampsia
Authors: Saha Sneha , Singh Yanglem Ajitkumar , Naorem Sangeeta , Marbaniang Racheal Sweet , Kshetrimayum Victoria , Das Tina , Devi Potsangbam Jenny , Mathew Medowelie
Published: September 2020

Aims: The aim of this study was to find the correlation between serum sodium and serum potassium with preeclampsia.

Study Design: This is a cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Conducted in Department of Biochemistry in collaboration with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, (RIMS), Imphal (Manipur) from September 2016 to August 2018.

Methodology: Blood samples of 30 diagnosed patients of preeclampsia and above 18 years of age admitted in the obstetrics antenatal ward of RIMS, Imphal was taken. Samples were analysed for serum sodium and potassium by randox rx imola autoanalyser. The data were analyzed using statistical tools like Chi-square test through SPSS 21.0.

Results: Serum sodium levels were high in 63.34%of study group, low levels were seen in 3.33% followed by normal levels in 33.3%of study group. Serum potassium levels were low in 56.6%of study group, normal in 40% and high in 3.33% of study group. There was positive correlation between serum sodium and proteinuria which was statistically significant at P-value <0.01 and negative correlation was seen between serum potassium levels with proteinuria which was statistically significant at P-value 0.04.

Conclusion: In this study hypernatremia and hypokalaemia were associated with preeclampsia, and may have important causative role in this syndrome therefore constant monitoring of serum sodium and potassium level in pregnant women may help in early detection, management and prevention of preeclampsia.