bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microalgae as a Source of Functional PUFAs: A Green Low-cost Pathway via Enzymatic Hydrolysis
Authors: Bredda Eduardo Henrique , Silva Messias Borges , Castro Heizir Ferreira De , Silva Ana Paula Teixeira Da , Rós Patrícia Caroline Molgero da 
Published: March 2019

Microalgal oil is an alternative source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that can replace conventional ones such as vegetable and fish oils. In this work, Nannochloropsis gaditana oil was investigated as a source of high-value polyunsaturated fatty acids.
The cultivation conditions were optimized using a 22 full factorial design to simultaneously assess the influence of NaNO3 (0.075 to 0.225 mg.L-1) and CH3COONa (2 to 6 g.L-1) concentrations on the lipid productivity. All cultivations were done in 4 L tank photo bioreactors for 7 days, yielding 21.87 mg.L-1.day-1 maximum lipid productivity when using 225 mg.L-1 of nitrate and 6 g.L-1 of acetate. The obtained microbial oil was further characterized revealing palmitic (22.1%), oleic (22.3%), and linoleic (17.0%) as the main fatty acids. The resulting microbial oil was employed in the hydrolysis reactions and different sources of lipases as biocatalysts. The highest performance was achieved by the lipases Burkholderia cepacia (86%), Candida rugosa (84%), and Rhizopus oryzae (82%).
Anticonvulsant Potential of Dichloromethane Extract of Aspilia africana Leaf in Mice
Authors: Ozakieoniso Kemelayefa James , Kagbo Hope Delesi 
Published: March 2019

Aim: The study was carried out to determine the anticonvulsant potential of dichloromethane leaf extract of Aspilia africana.
Study Design: Three seizure models namely: Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), strychnine (STC) and maximal electroshock (MES) were used, motor coordination behavior of the animals were also assessed.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out between the months of October and November, 2017 at Pharmacology laboratory, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Methodology: The powdered leaves of A. africana (2000 g) were extracted with 10 liters of 100% dichloromethane. Doses of 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg were administered to the test animals.
Results: The chemical models, STC & PTZ showed 50% & 100% survival respectively. The delayed onset of seizure suggested anti-seizure potential of dichloromethane extract of A. Africana leaf with the maximal latency period of seizure recorded in the 25 mg/kg dose within the following chemical models, this was significant, P = .05 compared to the normal control. The MES method showed that at doses of 25 & 50, 100 mg/kg, the animals were 66.7% & 50% free of hind limb tonic extension (HLTE). Furthermore, there was reduced motor coordination potential at 25 mg/kg by 68.5%, which was significant at the level of, P = .05, compared to healthy control.
Conclusion: From the preceding, it can be seen that the dichloromethane leaf extract of A. Africana has antiseizure potential.
Factors Determining the Membership of Farmer’s in Producer Organization (PO) a Study in the Assam State of India
Authors: Datta Prabir , Datta Jagathjhuti , Shil Sanjib 
Published: March 2019

Aim of this study to document the factors that influence farmer’s participation in producer organizations. To address these issues, the Government of Assam decided to mobilize farmers in the form of Producer organization (PO). Producer organization meant for effective management of agriculture in a specific crop field. The history of Producer Organizations indicates that after performing successfully for a period of time it almost defunct. For sustainability of Producer Organizations, factors influencing its membership pattern need to be studied. Therefore, this study was conducted in Jorhat District of Assam to address this issue. Total 240 respondents were selected (120 members and 120 non-members of Producer Organizations) by using multistage sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was questionnaire that consists of two sections. Section one contained Individual level information i.e. Age, Education, Gender, Caste, Organizational participation, Extent of public extension contact. Section two had Family level/ house hold information i.e. Primary source of income, Size of the family, annual family income, Size of operational land holding. The t test indicated that there were significant difference between age, operational land holding, the extent of government extension contact, the primary source of income and annual family income of members’ and non-members’ means in these characteristics, both the groups were heterogeneous. From forward stepwise regression analysis, it was found that extension contact, operational land holding, annual family income and caste influences the membership pattern of Producer Organization. These variables together explained 67.50 per cent (Adjusted R2 =0.675) of the variance of effective factors on farmer’s membership pattern toward producer organizations. The study recommended that extension machinery should give emphasise on these factors and manipulate these factors for enrolling more farmers.
The Impact of Employee Personality Traits on Organizational Commitment in an Apparel Industry in Trincomalee District
Authors: Herath H. M. M. L. , Shamila Faizal Antanat 
Published: March 2019

This research aims to investigate the Impact of Employee Personality Traits on Organizational Commitment among the employees of the apparel industry in Trincomalee. Based on the comprehensive literature review, two groups of variables were identifying in the workplace. Two variables were personality traits and organizational commitment. Personality traits include openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversions, agreeableness, neuroticism, Organizational commitment contains affective commitment, continuance commitment, and normative commitment.
The sample was drawn employees of the apparel industry in Trincomalee District. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the primary data from the sample. The primary data were collected through closed structure questionnaire from 200 respondents from selected garment factories in Trincomalee. Data analysis was used to analyses the primary data and data were analyzed by using univariate, bivariate and regression analyses.
These outcomes show the analyzed data revealed that the personality traits are positively and significantly impact of organizational commitment. So, it can be revealed that there is a positive and significant impact on personality traits on organizational commitment in selected garment factories in Trincomalee District.
Identifying Factors Affecting to Retailer-manufacturer Relationship Continuity Special Reference to Cosmetics Market in Kandy District
Authors: Samarathunga S. M. K. M. M. , Newton Shamini 
Published: March 2019

Aims: A key issue in the field of relationship marketing is developing and sustaining relationship continuity. By this study retailers and manufacturers can recognize the factors that effect on their relationships and those findings can use to meet their desired relational benefits. The main purpose of this study was to examine the factors affecting to retailer-manufacturer relationship continuity among cosmetic market in Kandy district.
Study Design: The descriptive survey design and cross sectional analysis were used to analyse the data.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was based on individual retailers who retail cosmetics products in Kandy district identified as the sampling element of the research. Research was conducted from August 2017 to February 2018.
Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted using a sample of 250 cosmetic product retailers. Convenience sampling method was used. The descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis were used to analyze the data.
Results: The results revealed that significant positive impact exist between Trust, Commitment & Adaptation on Retailer-manufacturer Relationship continuity. According to the findings of this study, cosmetic manufacturers should remain focused on establish their relationship continuity with their manufacturer by maintaining better trust, commitment and adaptation strategies and also it leads to gain better positive outcomes.
Conclusion: Therefore it is reasonable to conclude that Retailer-manufacturer Relationship continuity can be created, reinforced and retained by developing Trust, Commitment & Adaptation strategies between Retailer-manufacturer.
Inner Social Interactions Model of Big Data Impact on Economical Framework
Authors: Alatorre A. 
Published: March 2019

Aims / Objectives: This particular study is aimed to develop some proper mathematical model to justify the big data consuming economical framework with the proper social interactions. So that it can build some major key processes assessing several types of economical frames.
Study Design: Chain Phenomena Analysis
Place and Duration of Study: University of Guadalajara, Physics Department, Data Science Group.
Results: Model exposition.
Conclusion: I show how, as long as time change currently, social interaction impact on economical framework has become bigger. Big Data tools to manipulate high volume levels of information from this interactions have been a strongest platform to analyse economical indicators, such as those which repercussions affects financial stock markets. This process is modelled in this article.
Implementation of Public Procurement Act and Government Performance: Evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Florence F. Oyebamiji, 
Published: March 2019

This study examines the influence of implementation of public procurement Act on government performance in Nigeria. Specifically, the study determines the extent of compliance with the Public Procurement Act, identifies factors affecting compliance with the Public Procurement Act and also examines the influence of implementation of the Public Procurement Act on government performance. Judgmental sampling technique was used to select 20 Procurement Officers in Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and Local Government Areas; 20 Accounting Officers from Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Agencies and Parastatal Organizations; 20 contractors, 20 Professionals-Quantity surveyor, 20 architects and engineers, and 20 Lawyers totaling 120 respondents as sample size for the study. Structured questionnaires designed for the study were used to collect the data. Analyzed data was performed with the aid of descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The result establishes that public entities comply with the public procurement Act 2007, but lack of structures and facilities to ease procurement process and pervading corruption in Nigeria have hindered the full implementation of the Act. Furthermore, the study concludes that the implementation of the public procurement Act is a catalyst to transparency, accountability, efficiency, and value for money. Subsequently, the study recommends that there should be strong commitment and political will to implement the public procurement Act in all levels of government. This will metamorphose to transparency, competitiveness, accountability, and fairness in the award of government contracts.
Materials Management and its Effect on the Performance of Manufacturing Sector: Evidence from Nigerian Cement Industry
Authors: Florence F. Oyebamiji, 
Published: March 2019

The study examined the effect of materials management on the performance of manufacturing industry with particular reference to the selected cement industry. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select Dangote Cement Plc, Ashaka Cem Plc and Lafarge Africa Plc, while judgmental technique was used to select ten (10) staff members from purchasing/store/ logistic department of the selected cement industry respectively, totalling thirty (30) respondents as a sample size for the study. The data collection instrument for the study was a structured questionnaire and a personal interview. Data analysis was conducted with the aid of multiple regression analysis. Result revealed that materials management dimensions jointly contribute significantly to firm performance. The study further revealed that materials inventory, materials procurement and inter-departmental collaboration have an insignificant effect on firm performance, while only materials storage has a significant impact on firm performance. The study concluded that effective materials management is a veritable tool to organization performance. Subsequently, the study recommended that management should embrace effective materials management especially in the area of materials inventory, materials procurement and inter-departmental collaboration, in order for the industry to achieve its vision of being a global leader in cement production and the largest employers of labour in the world by 2030.
The Effectiveness of Switching Barrier on Customer Loyalty Mediated with Customer Satisfaction: Telecommunication Industry, Batticaloa
Authors: Howshigan Shamini , Ragel V. R. 
Published: March 2019

The mobile telecommunications service providers face technical hitches to meet customer loyalty, to increase the market share. Therefore, service providers should be conscious of the factors affecting customer loyalty in building strong relationships. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of switching barrier on customer loyalty with regards to customer satisfaction in mobile telecommunication service providers. The objective of this study is to identify the level, relationship and impact of switching barrier on customer satisfaction and loyalty. Finally, the study examines the mediating role of satisfaction. This study was based on the customer’s perspectives and their experiences with mobile telecommunications service in Batticaloa. Data were obtained from the sample 200 customers, and stratified random sampling was used. The descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis were used to analyse the data.
The results revealed that the switching barrier has a significant impact on loyalty and satisfaction. Same as satisfaction has significant impact on loyalty. And also, switching barrier impact on customer loyalty significantly through customer satisfaction. The study contributes to existing theoretical and practical knowledge by providing evidence regarding the relationships between switching barrier on customer loyalty, and customer satisfaction. The telecommunication service providers, in Sri Lanka; it is growing rapidly with high competition between the service providers. Hence, this research has the potential to contribute to the overall telecommunication service providers in terms of how to maintain long-term relationships between the service providers and their customers through the strategies of switching barrier.
Exploring the Relationship between Strategic Outsourcing and Organisational Performance: A Study of Nigerian Insurance Companies
Authors: Sola Kareem, Thompson , Unachukwu J. C. , Abiodun Okegbemi, Festus 
Published: March 2019

This study examines the relationship between strategic outsourcing and the performance of insurance companies in Nigeria with specific reference to the selected insurance companies. Purposive sampling technique was used to select top 10 best ranking insurance companies in Nigeria and five (5) staff members were select from each 10 insurance company, totaling 50 respondents as a sample size for the study. A structured closed ended questionnaire designed for the study was used to collect the data from the respondents. Data analysis was performed with the aid of frequencies, percentages and correlation analysis. Result reveals that strategic outsourcing has significant relationship with the performance of insurance companies in Nigeria. The finding also establishes that core functions are largely arranged internally while security services, advertising and marketing, recruitment services and catering services functions are fully outsourced by most companies in Nigeria. Finding also reveals that company's attachment to its brand and processes; inability to develop clear objectives; inadequate supporting infrastructure; absence of performance measures and lack of top management support are the major challenges confronting the implementation of strategic outsourcing in most of the insurance companies in Nigeria. Subsequently, the study recommends that management should give maximum support for the implementation of the strategic outsourcing and enlightenment programme on the benefits of strategic outsourcing should be organised for all stakeholders to reduce the chances of resistance.
Molecular discrimination and phylogeographic patterns of clones of the parthenogenetic gecko Lepidodactylus lugubris in the Japanese Archipelago
Authors: Murakami Yuki , Hayashi Fumio 
Published: March 2019

AbstractVertebrates usually reproduce sexually in which males and females contribute their offspring genome and produce genetically diverse offspring. However, some of them are asexual without genetic contribution from males. The nocturnal gecko, Lepidodactylus lugubris, is all females and reproduces parthenogenetically. This gecko is known to consist of diploid and triploid clones in the tropical and subtropical regions, which can be identified by their dorsal marking patterns, ploidy, and protein polymorphism. This gecko is also distributed in the southern parts of Japan, and several clones have been reported. In this study, we investigated the origins and genetic diversity of Japanese L. lugubris by clonal discrimination using microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA analyses. A total of 748 individuals were collected from 21 islands of five island groups (Ogasawara, Okinawa, Miyako, Yaeyama and Daito Islands) and 17 clones were distinguished genetically. Mitochondrial cyt b sequences of these clones suggested that they were all closely related and differentiated recently. Clonal diversity was much higher (14 clones) in the Daito Islands than in the other island groups in which only one or two clones coexisted. Judging from the dorsal marking patterns and ploidy known so far, six clones were cosmopolitan and may be colonized from the outside of Japan. However, other 11 clones were endemic to the Daito Islands and explained by possible hybridization between the one female diploid clone and one male diploid clone because other 9 clones were triploid and all had the combinations of polymorphic microsatellite alleles of these female and male diploid clones. Although the males have never been recorded in the Daito Islands, males might appear in the past. These findings contribute to understanding of clonal diversity and dynamics of asexually reproducing animals. If diploid parthenogenetic geckos can produce triploid clones by mating with the diploid males, clonal diversity would increase rapidly in a small island, and such newly produced triploid clones would expand widely.
AaPP2C1 negatively regulates the expression of genes involved in artemisinin biosynthesis through dephosphorylating AaAPK1
Authors: Zhang Taixin , Gou Yuqin , Bai Feng , Bai Ge , Chen Min , Zhang Fangyuan , Liao Zhihua 
Published: March 2019

Artemisinin is biosynthesized in Artemisia annua and widely used for the treatment of malaria. Abscisic acid (ABA)‐responsive kinase 1 (AaAPK1), a member of the SnRK2 family, is involved in the regulation of artemisinin biosynthesis through the phosphorylation of AabZIP1, which directly transactivates genes involved in artemisinin biosynthesis. Through diverse assays – including yeast two‐hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays – we report that the ABA‐responsive protein phosphatase AaPP2C1 physically interacts with AaAPK1. In addition, phos‐tag mobility shift assays indicate that AaPP2C1 dephosphorylates AaAPK1. Moreover, dual‐luciferase assays demonstrate that the presence of AaPP2C1 reduces the transactivation of artemisinin biosynthesis genes by AabZIP1. These results further refine the post‐translational regulatory network of artemisinin biosynthesis, showing that AaPP2C1 is negatively involved through dephosphorylation of AaAPK1.
Impact of Patient's Global Assessment on Achieving Remission in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Multinational Study Using the METEOR Database
Authors: Ferreira Ricardo J. O. , Carvalho Pedro David , Ndosi Mwidimi , Duarte Cátia , Chopra Arvind , Murphy Elizabeth , van der Heijde Désirée , Machado Pedro M. , da Silva José A. P. 
Published: March 2019

ObjectiveThere is an ongoing debate about excluding patient's global assessment (PtGA) from composite and Boolean‐based definitions of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remission. This study aimed at determining the influence of PtGA on RA disease states, exploring differences across countries, and understanding the association between PtGA, measures of disease impact (symptoms), and markers of disease activity (inflammation).MethodsCross‐sectional data from the Measurement of Efficacy of Treatment in the Era of Outcome in Rheumatology international database were used. We calculated the proportion of patients failing American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism Boolean‐based remission (4‐variable remission) solely due to PtGA (PtGA‐near‐remission) in the overall sample and in the most representative countries (i.e., those with >3,000 patients in the database). Multivariable linear regression models were used to identify the main determinants of PtGA, grouped in predominantly inflammatory impact factors (28 tender joint counts, 28 swollen joint counts, and C‐reactive protein level) and disease impact factors (pain and function).ResultsThis study included 27,768 patients. Excluding PtGA from the Boolean‐based definition (3‐variable remission) increased the remission rate from 5.8% to 15.8%. The rate of PtGA‐near‐remission varied considerably between countries, from 1.7% in India to 17.9% in Portugal. One‐third of the patients in PtGA‐near‐remission group scored PtGA >4 of 10. Pain and function were the main correlates of PtGA, with inflammation‐related variables contributing less to the model (R2 = 0.57).ConclusionPtGA is moderately related to joint inflammation overall, but only weakly so in low levels of disease activity. A considerable proportion of patients otherwise in biologic remission still perceive high PtGA, putting them at risk of excessive immunosuppressive treatment.
Magazine‐Bending‐Inspired Architecting Anti‐T of MXene Flakes with Vertical Ion Transport for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Lu Ming , Han Wenjuan , Li Haojie , Li Haibo , Zhang Bingsen , Zhang Wei , Zheng Weitao 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMXenes have shown distinctive advantages as active materials for supercapacitors due to their 2D open structure and high electronic conductivity. However, the horizontal stack and random orientation of MXene flakes on a current collector lead to the limited accessible surface area and transport pathways. Blocking the ion transport is largely deteriorated for the electrochemical performance of an MXene electrode. Herein, a vacuum filtration process, affording with the entwined mental mesh as filter membranes, is employed for constructing an “anti‐T‐shape” MXene film electrode. The resultant vertical ionic tunnels improve the kinetics of electrolyte ion transport. Consequently, a lower interfacial charge transfer impedance and an increased pseudo‐capacity are achieved in the sulfuric acid electrolyte. This work may inspire further investigations on anisotropic properties of MXenes beyond electrochemical energy storage.