scholarly journals A GIS-based approach for identifying suitable sites for rainwater harvesting technologies in Kasungu District, Malawi

Water SA ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 47 (3 July) ◽  
Author(s):  
F Nyirenda ◽  
A Mhizha ◽  
W Gumindoga ◽  
A Shumba
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Rainwater Harvesting ◽  
Curve Number ◽  
Physical Factors ◽  
Retention Performance ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Suitability Map ◽  
Runoff Potential ◽  
Level Of Significance ◽  
The Impact

A GIS-based approach for identifying suitable sites for rainwater harvesting (RWH) technologies was developed and applied in Kasungu District, Malawi. Data were obtained from reports, socio-economic survey documents of the area and maps. Field surveys were conducted in the villages of Chipala Extension Planning Area (EPA), in order to identify and evaluate the performance of existing RWH interventions, and determine factors for locating suitable areas for RWH. Observed soil moisture content was used to assess the water retention performance of the prevalent RWH technologies: contour tied ridging and soil mulching. A GIS-based Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN) method was used to map runoff potential for areas with RWH technologies, using physical factors of rainfall, land use, soil type and slope to estimate runoff potential. This was then integrated in a GIS database, with social-economic factors in the form of household income level and environmental factors, including impacts of implementing RWH, to determine the suitability of land areas for RWH in Kasungu District. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test the impact of identified technologies by comparing the moisture content measurements for each of the identified technologies at 5% level of significance. The ANOVA results showed a statistically significant difference in the moisture measurements for the three technologies identified (P < 0.05). The RWH suitability map for the study area showed that 0.2% of the area considered had very high potential, 33.5% high, 55.9% moderate, 10.1% marginal and 0.3% not suitable for in-field RWH. The model was verified by locating the existing RWH on the suitability map obtained from GIS: 81% of RWH were located in the highly and moderately suitable areas whilst only 13% were located in areas of low suitability. Hence the developed model can reliably be used to predict potential areas for RWH.

scholarly journals Breakage Susceptibility of Wheat and Triticale Seeds Related to Moisture Content and Impact Energy

2012 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 5-13
Author(s):  
F. Shahbazi ◽  
A Dowlatshah ◽  
S. Valizadeh
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Impact Energy ◽  
Mechanical Damage ◽  
Moisture Contents ◽  
Seed Damage ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Impact Energies ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Content Range ◽  
Wheat Seeds

Abstract Mechanical damage of seeds due to harvest, handling and other process is an important factor that affects the quality and quantity of seeds. Seed damage result in lower grain value, storability problem, and reduced seed germination and seedling vigor and subsequent yield of crops. The objective of this research was to determine the effects of moisture content and impact energy on the breakage susceptibility of wheat and triticale seeds. The experiments were conducted at five moisture contents of 7.5, 12, 17, 22 and 27% w.b. and at the impact energies of 0.05 and 0.1 J. The percentage of breakage of both wheat and triticale seeds increased as impact energy increased. The analysis of variance showed that there was a significant difference between breakage susceptibility of wheat and triticale seeds at the 1% probability level. Triticale seeds had more breakage than wheat seeds. For both wheat and triticale seeds as the moisture content of the seeds increased, the amount of the percentage breakage of seeds decreased as a polynomial. The average values of percentage breakage of wheat seeds decreased from 43.81 to 19.88% as the moisture content increased from 7.5 to 27%. Over this same moisture content range the percentage breakage of triticale seeds varied from 81.34 to 37.77%. Below the moisture contents of 17% for the wheat and 22% for the triticale the percentage breakage of seeds increased dramatically.

scholarly journals Uncertainty of Measurement of Bulk and Shaken Density of Pulgran and Salmag

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 73-81
Author(s):  
Janusz Nowak ◽  
Wojciech Przystupa ◽  
Anna Krawczuk
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Nitrogen Fertilizer ◽  
Central Office ◽  
Average Density ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Uncertainty Of Measurement ◽  
Error Sources ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Level Of Significance ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe article presents results of research on the bulk and shaken density of two commercial fertilizers: Pulgran urea and universal nitrogen fertilizer Salmag. A statistical analysis of the obtained results of average density at the assumed level of significance proved a significant difference between shaken and bulk density investigated with the use of Engelsmann apparatus and shaken density tested with a laboratory shaker for both investigated fertilizers. The obtained test results and uncertainty of the measured values served for calculation of uncertainty of the standard complex bulk and shaken density determined in case of many uncertainties. Further, an analysis of the impact of error sources on the value of complex uncertainty was conducted. The final results of the measurement were presented according to the convention of the Central Office of Measures.

scholarly journals Impact of thymoquinone supplementation on immobilisation stress-induced changes in reproductive characteristics of male mice

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanah Abdul Rahman ◽  
Norul Athirah Mohamed Anwar ◽  
Shaik Sadak Basha ◽  
Saheera Kamarzaman
Keyword(s):  
Intraperitoneal Injection ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Reproductive Parameters ◽  
Group I ◽  
Testicular Weight ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Immobilisation Stress ◽  
Level Of Significance ◽  
Induced Changes ◽  
The Impact

The aim of the current study was to investigate changes in the reproductive parameters during stress and the impact of thymoquinone during the period. The effects of stress were measured through immobilisation stress on mice. Group I was administered normal saline daily via intraperitoneal injection while Groups II and III were subjected to 2 and 6 hours of immobilisation stress respectively. Groups IV and V were subjected to stress for 2 and 6 hours respectively followed by intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg thymoquinone which was continued on alternate days. The level of significance was set at p<0.05 and statistical analysis showed significant difference in testicular weight of mice in groups II and III compared to the controls but no significant difference was obtained for sperm count between all groups. Sperm motility, however, was significantly different among the groups under stress for 2 and 6 hours and that of 6 hours with the treatment of thymoquinone when compared to the controls. The histology of the testes also indicated a few alterations in comparison to the controls in the germinal epithelium and spermatogenic pattern in groups III and V.

scholarly journals Competency Improvement Needs of Farmers in Afforestation for Preventing and Controlling Soil Erosion in Kogi State, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 37-45
Author(s):  
Abu Mohammed ◽  
Ogbonnaya Elom ◽  
Ogechukwu Onah ◽  
Nnennaya Sinachi Monwuba
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Agricultural Extension ◽  
Extension Agents ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Level Of Significance ◽  
The Impact

Farmers’ lack of awareness of agricultural activities that contribute to soil erosion and competencies needed to prevent or control the menace through afforestation contributed to unprecedented hardship, the farmers, stakeholders and individuals in Kogi state. The purpose of this study was to determine competency improvement needs farmers in pre-planting, planting and post-planting operations in afforestation and recommend for a way forward in containing the challenges. Three research question and three hypotheses guided the study. The study made use of survey research design; it was carried out in Kogi state. The population for the study was 1,244 made up of 834 registered crop farmers and 410 Agricultural Extension Agents. The sample of the study was 540. A random sampling technique (Balloting) was used to select 330 registered crop farmers out of 834 and 210 Agricultural Extension Agent out of 410 respectively. The instrument for data collection was a 49 items questionnaire titled: Competency Improvement Needs of farmers Questionnaire (CINFQ). The instrument was validated by three experts. Cronbach Alpha method was used to determine the internal consistency of the instrument and a reliability coefficient of 0.82was obtained. Five hundred and forty (540) copies of the questionnaire were administered to the respondents for data collection, but 534 copies were retrieved and analyzed. Weighted mean and Improvement Needed Index (INI) were used to answer the research questions while t-test statistics was used and test hypotheses of no significant difference at the probability of 0.05 level of significance at 532 degree of freedom. It was found out that farmers needed improvement in all the competencies in pre-planting, planting and post-planting operations for enhancing their skills in afforestation practices on their farms and that of their neighbours as a means of reducing the impact of soil erosion in the area of the study. It was recommended that the identified competencies should be used by the extension agents to re-train farmers on the practice of afforestation along with crop production and soil conservation to reduce soil erosion menace in the State.

scholarly journals Seasonality in schizophrenia—An analysis of a nationwide registry with 110,735 hospital admissions

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Hinterbuchinger ◽  
D. König ◽  
A. Gmeiner ◽  
S. Listabarth ◽  
M. Fellinger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Variations ◽  
Multiple Testing ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Seasonal Pattern ◽  
Influencing Factor ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Seasonal Patterns ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Level Of Significance ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background. Seasonal patterns in hospitalizations have been observed in various psychiatric disorders, however, it is unclear whether they also exist in schizophrenia. Previous studies found mixed results and those reporting the presence of seasonality differ regarding the characteristics of these patterns. Further, they are inconclusive whether sex is an influencing factor. The aim of this study was therefore to examine if seasonal patterns in hospitalizations can be found in schizophrenia, with special regard to a possible influence of sex, by using a large national dataset. Methods. Data on all hospital admissions within Austria due to schizophrenia (F20.0–F20.6) for the time period of 2003–2016 were included. Age standardized monthly variation of hospitalization for women and men was analyzed and the level of significance adjusted for multiple testing. Results. The database comprised of 110,735 admissions (59.6% men). Significant seasonal variations were found in the total sample with hospitalization peaks in January and June and a trough in December (p < 0.0001). No significant difference in these patterns was found between women and men with schizophrenia (p < 0.0001). Conclusion. Our study shows that schizophrenia-related hospitalizations follow a seasonal pattern in both men and women. The distribution of peaks might be influenced by photoperiod changes which trigger worsening of symptoms and lead to exacerbations in schizophrenia. Further research is necessary to identify underlying factors influencing seasonal patterns and to assess whether a subgroup of patients with schizophrenia is especially vulnerable to the impact of seasonal variations.

scholarly journals The Effect of Sorbitol and Conservation Period on The in Vitro Evolution of Solanum Tuberosum L. Plantlets

2012 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 79-86
Author(s):  
Iustina Brînduşa Ciobanu ◽  
Dana Constantinovici
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Impact Energy ◽  
Solanum Tuberosum L ◽  
Mechanical Damage ◽  
Moisture Contents ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Impact Energies ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Wheat Seeds

Abstract Mechanical damage of seeds due to harvest, handling and other process is an important factor that affects the quality and quantity of seeds. Seed damage result in lower grain value, storability problem, and reduced seed germination and seedling vigor and subsequent yield of crops. The objective of this research was to determine the effects of moisture content and impact energy on the breakage susceptibility of wheat and triticale seeds. The experiments were conducted at five moisture contents of 7.5, 12, 17, 22 and 27% w.b. and at the impact energies of 0.05 and 0.1 J. The percentage of breakage of both wheat and triticale seeds increased as impact energy increased. The analysis of variance showed that there was a significant difference between breakage susceptibility of wheat and triticale seeds at the 1% probability level. Triticale seeds had more breakage than wheat seeds. For both wheat and triticale seeds as the moisture content of the seeds increased, the amount of the percentage breakage of seeds decreased as a polynomial. The average values of percentage breakage of wheat seeds decreased from 43.81 to 19.88% as the moisture content increased from 7.5 to 27%. Over this same moisture content range the percentage breakage of triticale seeds varied from 81.34 to 37.77%. Below the moisture contents of 17% for the wheat and 22% for the triticale the percentage breakage of seeds increased dramatically.

scholarly journals Pattern of Oral and Maxillofacial New Referrals During COVID-19 Lockdown

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 199-208
Author(s):  
Syed Nabil ◽  
Muhammad Aiman Mohd Nizar ◽  
Muhd Fazlynizam Rashdi ◽  
Szu Ching Khoo ◽  
Muhammad Kamil Hassan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Departments ◽  
Maxillofacial Surgery ◽  
Demographic Factors ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery ◽  
Bivariate Statistics ◽  
Home Address ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Level Of Significance ◽  
The Impact

The study aimed to quantify the impact of lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic on new case referrals to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) service. The researchers retrospectively reviewed all new referrals received during a government-imposed 47-day lockdown period and a similar period pre-lockdown as a control group. The main outcome was the differences in the number of new case referrals between the two periods. The contributing clinical and demographic factors were also explored. Appropriate bivariate statistics were computed and the level of significance was set at 0.05 for all tests. A total of 309 referrals were received during the study period. There was a reduction of new referrals due to the lockdown from five to two cases per day. There was a statistically significant reduction of cases referred from outpatient and emergency departments. There was also a statistically significant difference with regard to home address distance to the centre. Medically compromised and orofacial infection referrals were not affected by lockdown. The lockdown imposed due to the pandemic has significantly impacted the pattern of new OMS referrals. Referrals for orofacial infections, the medically compromised and inpatients were minimally affected by lockdown.

scholarly journals Integrating WaTEM/SEDEM model and GIS-based FAHP Method for Identifying Ecological Rainwater Harvesting Sites in Ziz upper watershed, SE Morocco

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Manaouch ◽  
Sadiki Mohamed ◽  
Fenjiro Imad
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Rainwater Harvesting ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Curve Number ◽  
Residential Areas ◽  
Thematic Layers ◽  
Ecological Sites ◽  
Gis Tools ◽  
Suitability Map ◽  
Spatio Temporal

Abstract Moroccan southeast areas have limited water ressources, vulnerable to climate change and characterized by a significant spatio-temporal variability. In response, to ensure the availability of water for local comunity, it is advised to develop some alternatives that improve the local water resources management throughout these areas. Rainwater harvesting (RWH) has been used widely as an alternative technique towards water scaricity. However, taking into account socio-economic constraints for identifying ecological sites for RWH remains a complex task for water managers. The present study was conducted using WaTEM/SEDEM model, GIS techniques and Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) method to identify important ecological RWH sites. For this purpose, several data sources were employed to generate needful thematic layers. The soil conservation service curve number (SCS-CN) method was utilized for preparing a yearly runoff potential map. Then, the thematic layers were weighted for generating RWH suitability map. The results show that yearly surface runoff ranges from 136 to 500 mm. Moreover, the spatial distribution map of soil erosion of WaTEM/SEDEM shows that Ziz upper watershed can be classed into four classes: (i) slight (very suitable), (ii) moderate (suitable), (iii) high (less suitable) and (iv) severe (not suitable). Aproximatly 76.1% of the study area falls within slight soil erosion class. The GIS tools were used for generating the important ecological RWH suitability map. The GIS’s intersect tool was used to eliminate insuitable soil erosion classes and the buffer tool was used for integrating the socio-economic factors including the distance from residential areas and agriculltural fields. Prediction accuracy of the resultant map of RWH suitability showed the value of the area under the curve (AUC) equal to 59.6% for FAHP method in this study. Ecological RWH map, mainly, introduced western areas and some central parts of Ziz upper watershed as suitable RWH areas. The present study demonstrated that coupling WaTEM/SEDEM model with FAHP method and GIS tools provide a valuable approach for identifying the ecological RWH sites in large semi-arid areas.

scholarly journals Impact of geometrical construction on students’ creativity skills for sustainable development

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 40-49
Author(s):  
Jane Itohan OVIAWE ◽  
P. S. O. Uddin
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Divergent Thinking ◽  
Technical Colleges ◽  
Geometrical Construction ◽  
Technical Drawing ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
Edo State ◽  
Level Of Significance ◽  
The Impact

The study investigated the perception of teachers and students on the impact of geometrical construction on students’ creativity skills for sustainable development in Edo State technical colleges using descriptive survey research design. The sample for comprised of 20 technical drawing teachers and 150 year II students randomly selected from the six technical colleges Edo State. A 20-item questionnaire was derived from literature reviewed was the instrument for data collection. The instrument was subjected to face validation by three experts. Cronbach Alpha method was used to establish the internal consistency of the instrument and a reliability index of 0.85 was obtained. Mean statistic was used to answer the research questions while the t-test was used to test the null hypothesis at .05 level of significance. The findings from the study indicated among others that geometrical construction enhances students’ diversity thinking; there was no significant difference between the perception of technical drawing teachers and students on the impact of geometrical construction on students’ creativity skills for sustainable development. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended among others that: technical drawing teachers should utilize problem-solving instructional methods and strategies in their lessons in order to carry each student along, enhance students divergent thinking and creative skills, foster scientific and technological discoveries.

scholarly journals The impact of demonetization on Indian firms’ performance: does company’s age make a difference?

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 71-82
Author(s):  
Waleed M. Al-ahdal ◽  
Najib H.S. Farhan ◽  
Mosab I. Tabash ◽  
T. Prusty
Keyword(s):  
Financial Performance ◽  
Stock Exchange ◽  
Nonparametric Test ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Signed Rank Test ◽  
Financial Consultants ◽  
Level Of Significance ◽  
The Impact

The main aim of this paper is to evaluate the impact of demonetization on Indian firm’s quarterly financial performance before and after demonetization period (March-December, 2017), and to find out if companies’ age helps to face financial disruption. Four variables, which are net sales, total income, net profit after tax, and earnings per share, were taken as proxies for analyzing the quarterly financial performance of 2,892 companies listed on Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), National Stock Exchange (NSE), and Calcutta Stock Exchange (CSE). Nonparametric test, particularly Wilcoxon Matched-Pairs Signed Rank Test and Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance, were applied in analyzing the data. Results reveal that there is a statistically significant difference between the financial performance before and after demonetization at 5% level of significance. It was also found that the decrease/increase in the financial performance of all the firms was affected by the demonetization process, irrespective of their ages. The findings could be useful for financial managers and financial consultants, as they would be able to focus on the issues that matter most at the time of financial disruption.

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