Rooting development of Sansevieria trifasciata (Mother-In-Law Tongue) as influenced by different propagation substrates

Substrates are materials, other than soils in situ, in which plants are grown, and it is often used synonymously with rooting medium. An experiment was conducted at the Crop Type Museum of the Department of Crop, Soil, and Pest Management, the Federal University of Technology, Akure, to determine the rooting development of Sansevieria trifasciata as influenced by different propagation substrates. Results showed that the performance of the Sansevieria trifasciata planted using sand as substrate enhanced growth and root development of Sansevieria trifasciata compare to other substrates used (topsoil, sawdust, and rice hull). The treatment combination of all the substrates Topsoil + Sawdust + Rice hull + Sand performed better than other treatment combinations and sole. This study provided the empirical evidence that substrate combination influenced root development of Sanseveria spp

Assessment of Climatic Factors on Growth and Yield of Maize Variety as Influenced by Rates of Sunshine Organic Manure and NPK 20:10:10 Fertilizer

Maize is one of the most important cereal crops in West Africa. Its production in Nigeria has been hindered by inconsistency in rainfall pattern and low fertility especially in Akure, Ondo State. Two experiments were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) in 2016 growing season (wet and dry seasons) to determine the effects of Sunshine Organic Manure and NPK 20:10:10 fertilizer on the growth and yield maize variety, as well in soil fertility improvement. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications per treatment. Suwan-1-SR-Ymaize varietywas used for the experiment and Sunshine Organic manure was applied at the rates of 0, 60, 90, and 120kg N ha-1while NPK 20:10:10 was used as standard at the rate of 70 kg N ha-1. Growth parameters (plant height and number of leaves per plant) were taken at two weeks interval for 12 weeks. At harvest, yield parameters (Seed weight/plant, Weight of 1000 seed (g), Number of seeds/cob, Yield in t ha-1, cob length (cm), cob girth (cm)) were determined. The following weather data were collected; Daily rainfall, maximum minimum temperature and solar radiation, while the soil data collected were; pH, total N, available phosphorus, potassium, organic carbon, and bulk density. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for the data analyses. Mean separation was done using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Results showed an increase in growth and yield parameters recorded with increasing application rates of Sunshine Organic Manure in both growing season

The "Jihadi Wolf" threat. The evolution of terror narratives between the (cyber-)social ecosystem and self-radicalization "ego-system"

The research conducted by the ECTC Advisory Group on Online Terrorist Propaganda between October 2016 and April 2017 was presented in the 1st ECTC Conference on Online Terrorist Propaganda (10-11 April 2017) and resulted in the following publication

The role of extended spectrum beta lactamases encoding genes in carbapenem resistance in escherichia coli and klebsiella pneumoniae at the American University of Beirut Medical Center -

Thesis. M.Sc. American University of Beirut. Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology 2014. W 4 C453r 2014Advisor: Dr. Ghassan Matar, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology; Committee members: Dr. Alexander Abdelnoor, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology ; Dr. Ghassan Al Awar, MD, Assistant Professor ; Dr. Elias Rahal, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 51-59)Background: Carbapenem resistance is continuously emerging worldwide, in extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) and non-ESBL producing Enterobacteriaceae. Mechanisms of carbapenem resistance have been shown in a previous study done at the Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, to be due to the effect of carbapenemases in ESBL and non-ESBL producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. However, carbapenem resistance, has also been observed in this study in ESBL producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae lacking carbapenemases encoding genes, but having outer membrane porin (OMP) impermeabilities and-or efflux pump (EP) activity. To that purpose, we attempted in this project, to assess by electroporation, 1) the effect of the ESBLs CTXM-15 and TEM-1, encoded by bla- CTXM-15 and bla- TEM-1genes, and 2) the effect of the carbapenemases OXA-48 and NDM-1, encoded by bla -OXA-48 and bla -NDM-1 genes, singly and in combination, on carbapenem resistance in electrocompetent cells, lacking OMP impermeabilities and- or EP activity, in order to determine the sole effect of these enzymes on carbapenem resistance, without the effect of intrinsic mechanisms of resistance in the bacterial cells. Methods: Seven previously stored ESBL and non ESBL producing and carbapenem resistant K. pneumoniae and E. coli isolates harboring a selection of ESBL and -or carbapenemases encoding genes, bla-CTX-M-15, bla-TEM-1, bla-NDM-1 and bla-OXA-48 were selected in this project. Three control carbapenem resistant isolates lacking ESBL and-or carbapenemases encoding genes, but having OMP impermeabilities and -or EP activity, were also previously stored and used in this project as well. Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis was performed. Extracts of total and plasmid DNA were subjected to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification of all encoding genes. Electroporation experiments utilizing E.coli GC-10 electrocompetent recipient cells were done. Antimicrobial susceptibility and PCR amplification were p

Quality in primary health care services in sub-Sahara Africa: right or privilege?

The Primary Health Care (PHC) system has been the foundation for the operation of the health system in most of Sub-Sahara Africa following the Alma Ata Declaration in 1978. Quality of care is an important determinant of health services utilization, and is a health outcome of public health importance. It is known that the perception of the users about the quality of service offered in a health facility is a determinant of patient's choice of provider and willingness to pay for the services. This paper discusses quality of primary health care services with focus on perspectives of the users and the need for a user driven and business minded delivery of PHC services in Sub-Sahara African nations.Keywords: Quality of care, Primary health care , PHC, Sub-Sahara, Afric

What is the real impact of acute kidney injury?

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical problem. Studies have documented the incidence of AKI in a variety of populations but to date we do not believe the real incidence of AKI has been accurately documented in a district general hospital setting. The aim here was to describe the detected incidence of AKI in a typical general hospital setting in an unselected population, and describe associated short and long-term outcomes. Methods: A retrospective observational database study from secondary care in East Kent (adult catchment population of 582,300). All adult patients (18 years or over) admitted between 1st February 2009 and 31st July 2009, were included. Patients receiving chronic renal replacement therapy (RRT), maternity and day case admissions were excluded. AKI was defined by the acute kidney injury network (AKIN) criteria. A time dependent risk analysis with logistic regression and Cox regression was used for the analysis of in-hospital mortality and survival. Results: The incidence of AKI in the 6 month period was 15,325 pmp/yr (adults) (69% AKIN1, 18% AKIN2 and 13% AKIN3). In-hospital mortality, length of stay and ITU utilisation all increased with severity of AKI. Patients with AKI had an increase in care on discharge and an increase in hospital readmission within 30 days. Conclusions: This data comes closer to the real incidence and outcomes of AKI managed in-hospital than any study published in the literature to date. Fifteen percent of all admissions sustained an episode of AKI with increased subsequent short and long term morbidity and mortality, even in those with AKIN1. This confers an increased burden and cost to the healthcare economy, which can now be quantified. These results will furnish a baseline for quality improvement projects aimed at early identification, improved management, and where possible prevention, of AKI

Factors Influencing Consumer Purchase Intention: A Study of Bookstores in Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Background problems: Due to the weakness of the banking system infrastructure, there is no online bookstore or E-commerce business in Kurdistan. Many customers complain about the problem of the parking facility, most of the bookstore locations have not enough parking space nearby for the customers to be able to visit the bookstores and spend quite enough time to search for books and buying them. Main objective: So, the researcher has decided to study the impact of social media marketing on customer purchase intention toward bookstores in Kurdistan region. Research methods: The sample of the study consists of 300 respondents of which 231 are males, and 69 are females. The instrument of the study is adapted from previously established studies. The first part of the survey was designed to investigate respondents’ demographics, whereas, the second part focused on the independent and dependent variables of the study. Finding: The results showed that all the independent variables significantly influenced customer purchase intention toward bookstores in Kurdistan. Contribution: The findings of the study implied valuable contribution in two aspects. Theoretically, the study findings showed evidence for the establishment of TAM. In terms of managerial implication, the study provided a practical recommendation for the practitioners. The research findings come to validate SMM as a potential promotional strategy for bookstores in the region. Conclusion: So, bookstore marketers need to include social media marketing to their promotional strategy and improve social media marketing skills which can give advantage for the bookstores

Advances in Arts and Aesthetics: Paradigm of Michael Olusegun Fajuyigbe’s Pottery Sculpture

Through the ages, artists have explored art and aesthetics to interpret issues, beautify environment, and document history and social advancements. This paper examines the evolvement of forms, including the content, context and meanings, in the pottery sculpture created by Michael Olusegun Fajuyigbe. It also discusses the relationship between the formal characteristics of art objects and their significance as rooted in the Yoruba philosophy and aesthetics. Interviews and relevant literature are employed in data collection, while analysis of works follows the descriptive method in art historical studies. Seven works are purposively selected and analysed to gain a better insight into the aesthetics of his art forms. The study reveals that art often speaks the language of its creator, and that every artist reflects his age and cultural environment while the average observer finds it difficult to construe the intricacies entrenched within the art forms produced by the artist. However, the analysis of selected works conveys pottery sculpture as carriers of values and information; thereby drawing viewers’ attention to inherent aesthetic pleasure and meanings. The paper concludes that art is a window to the artist’s world; and is interpretative of the environment and experiences the artist has lived. It submits therefore that like Fajuyigbe, contemporary academic potters should strive towards achieving a balance between aesthetics and form for a sustained relevance of pottery in contemporary Nigerian art. Keywords: Art; Pottery Sculpture; Aesthetics; Yoruba Values; Symbolism

Between desire and distaste: perception of persons near and above retirement age in South Western, Nigeria towards old people's homes

Background: Due to urbanization, modernization and financial constraints, there has been older people abuse and neglect. Study assessed the level of awareness about old peoples' homes, willingness to retire therein and factors influencing such among persons near and above retirement age.Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Ikeja and Lagos Mainland Local government areas (LGA), Lagos state, Nigeria among 385 people aged ≥50years selected via a multi-stage sampling technique. Data collection tool was a pre-tested semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire and SPSS version 17.0 soft-ware was used for data analysis with level of statistical significance set at p-value <0.05Results: There was high level of awareness (68.1%) and willingness to retire into old peoples' homes (69.9%) by the respondents. Participation in religious activities alone was significantly associated with both awareness (p<0.001) and willingness to retire therein (p<0.001). Neither sex nor age of respondents significantly predicted willingness to retire into old people's homes. Respondents with perception of old age as a period of economic insecurity (p=0.47), loneliness (p=0.08), with old people's home as places meant for the sick (p=0.32) were less likely to retire into old people's homes than those who perceived it as a period of relaxation (p<0.001).Conclusion: There's a fairly high level of awareness about old people's homes and willingness to retire into same in order to receive better care and enjoy companionship among respondents in the LGA studied. . However, there's need for proper stakeholder engagement and improved strategies to increase demand for old people's homes.Keywords: Awareness, Willingness to retire, Elderly, Old People's Home