scholarly journals Impact of Nypa Palm (Nypa fruticans Wurmb) and Mangroves Forest on Benthic Macro Invertebrate Community in Andoni River, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 77 ◽  
pp. 51-62
Author(s):  
Udi O. Emoyoma ◽  
Aroloye O. Numbere ◽  
Godfrey N. Woke

It is postulated that the presence of nypa palm (Nypa palm) in mangrove forest affect the reproductive function of fish by inhibiting the growth of macro invertebrates. The impact of Nypa fruticans (Wurmb) and mangroves on the benthic macro invertebrate community of Andoni River was carried out between January and August, 2017. A total of four stations were chosen based on nypa palm and native mangrove species’ presence and absence, station 1 (Open water), Station 2 (Nypa palm dominance), station 3 (Rhizophora and Avicennia dominance), Station 4 (Mixed). Results of water quality parameters include; pH 6.99±0.16, Temperature 28.20±0.05°C, DO 4.71±0.18mg/L, Conductivity 19.52±0.20µm/s, Salinity 10.76±0.07ppt, TDS 13.45±0.27ppt. Mean values of the physico-chemical parameters (P > 0.05) were not significantly different. Twelve taxa of benthic macro-invertebrates in eleven families were collected. The crustaceans were more in diversity (38.46%), while bivalvia, pisces and oligochaete had the least percentage composition (7.69%). The gastropods were more in species dominance (44.69%), while the Oligochaeta were least in abundance (0.61%). Shannon Weiner’s index across the stations for benthos was highest in station 2 (1.840) and lowest in station 1 (1.103). Simpson’s index was highest in station 2 (1.990) and lowest in station 1 (1.938). Pielou’s index of evenness was highest in station 2 (0.767) and lowest in station 1 (0.616). All the macro-invertebrates recorded were clean water and pollution tolerant species, and showed no significant difference across stations (P>0.05). In conclusion this study indicates that nypa palm does not affect the proliferation of macro invertebrates, which supports fishery population along the food chain.

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dermot McCarthy ◽  
Ping Wei ◽  
Fabian Homberg ◽  
Vurain Tabvuma

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to statistically test if the public service motivation (PSM) measure operates in the same way across the public and private sectors of a municipal district in China. It also contrasts the relationship between PSM and workplace outcomes across sectors and employee age groups. Design/methodology/approach Survey data from independent samples of public (n=220) and private (n=230) sector employees in the Changsha Municipal District of China is used. The analysis tests for invariance across groups, before comparing mean values and regression weights. Findings Only in respect of one PSM dimension do findings show a significant higher mean in the public sector. No significant difference is found on the impact of PSM on employee performance across sectors, while it is in the private sector that PSM has the greater impact on intention to leave. Findings also show no marked impact of age upon outcomes. Research limitations/implications This study provides an initial set of results and further research will need to be undertaken to verify them. The limited sample size and narrow geographical focus, although in line with similar studies on China, means the ability to draw generalisations is limited. The reliance on self-reported measures means issues with common method bias cannot be ignored. Measures were taken during data collection to minimise issues of bias and a set of post-hoc test results are provided. Practical implications The recruitment of employees with higher levels of PSM can be expected to play a role in achieving better outcomes, regardless of sector and age profile. Originality/value The PSM measure has been applied by researchers across various economic sectors. This paper is one of the first to statistically test if the concept and its measure operates in the same way across sectors. The paper contributes to the on-going debate on PSM in the context of China and its relationship with a number of key output variables. Finally, the paper contributes to the emerging debate on changing workforce demographics and their role in shaping outcomes.


Water ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 2550 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masoud Meshkat ◽  
Nosratollah Amanian ◽  
Ali Talebi ◽  
Mahboobeh Kiani-Harchegani ◽  
Jesús Rodrigo-Comino

The geometry of hillslopes (plan and profile) affects soil erosion under rainfall-runoff processes. This issue comprises of several factors, which must be identified and assessed if efficient control measures are to be designed. The main aim of the current research was to investigate the impact of surface Roughness Coefficients (RCs) and Complex Hillslopes (CHs) on runoff variables viz. time of generation, time of concentration, and peak discharge value. A total of 81 experiments were conducted with a rainfall intensity of 7 L min−1 on three types of soils with different RCs (i.e., low = 0.015, medium = 0.016, and high = 0.018) and CHs (i.e., profile curvature and plan shape). An inclination of 20% was used for three replications. The results indicate a significant difference (p-value ≤ 0.001) in the above-mentioned runoff variables under different RCs and CHs. Our investigation of the combined effects of RCs and CHs on the runoff variables shows that the plan and profile impacts are consistent with a variation in RC. This can implicate that at low RC, the effect of the plan shape (i.e., convergent) on runoff variables increases but at high RC, the impact of the profile curvature overcomes the plan shapes and the profile curvature’s changes become the criteria for changing the behavior of the runoff variables. The lowest mean values of runoff generation and time of concentration were obtained in the convex-convergent and the convex-divergent at 1.15 min and 2.68 min, respectively, for the soil with an RC of 0.015. The highest mean of peak discharge was obtained in the concave-divergent CH in the soil with an RC of 0.018. We conclude that these results can be useful in order to design planned soil erosion control measures where the soil roughness and slope morphology play a key role in activating runoff generation.


2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 832-838 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine E. Dziedzic ◽  
Megan L. Ross ◽  
Gary J. Slater ◽  
Louise M. Burke

Context:There is interest in including recommendations for the replacement of the sodium lost in sweat in individualized hydration plans for athletes.Purpose:Although the regional absorbent-patch method provides a practical approach to measuring sweat sodium losses in field conditions, there is a need to understand the variability of estimates associated with this technique.Methods:Sweat samples were collected from the forearms, chest, scapula, and thigh of 12 cyclists during 2 standardized cycling time trials in the heat and 2 in temperate conditions. Single measure analysis of sodium concentration was conducted immediately by ion-selective electrodes (ISE). A subset of 30 samples was frozen for reanalysis of sodium concentration using ISE, flame photometry (FP), and conductivity (SC).Results:Sweat samples collected in hot conditions produced higher sweat sodium concentrations than those from the temperate environment (P= .0032). A significant difference (P= .0048) in estimates of sweat sodium concentration was evident when calculated from the forearm average (mean ± 95% CL; 64 ± 12 mmol/L) compared with using a 4-site equation (70 ± 12 mmol/L). There was a high correlation between the values produced using different analytical techniques (r2= .95), but mean values were different between treatments (frozen FP, frozen SC > immediate ISE > frozen ISE;P< .0001).Conclusion:Whole-body sweat sodium concentration estimates differed depending on the number of sites included in the calculation. Environmental testing conditions should be considered in the interpretation of results. The impact of sample freezing and subsequent analytical technique was small but statistically significant. Nevertheless, when undertaken using a standardized protocol, the regional absorbent-patch method appears to be a relatively robust field test.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ebaa Ibrahim Alagha

Abstract Aim of the study: This study evaluated the impact of two remineralizing agents containing casein phosphopeptideamorphous calcium phosphate (CPPACP), and Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) on white spot lesions. Materials and Methods: A total of ninety freshly extracted upper premolars were divided in three equal groups (30 each). Group A: Control group. Group B: Varnish containing CPP–ACP. Group C: Varnish containing TCP. The teeth were subjected to Diagnodent test after inducing white spot lesions to assess any surface changes present on the teeth. The readings were repeated post demineralization and post-remineralization. Results: Statistically significant difference was present in the mean values between the tested groups. CPP-ACP group recorded higher mean value at demineralization when compared to TCP group. Statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001) was present between the baseline and the demineralization values. CPP-ACP group presented higher remineralization results when compared to TCP group. T-test proved a significant difference between the tested groups. Conclusion: CPP-ACP containing varnish had higher remineralizing effect when compared to TCP containing varnish. Clinical Significance: Recently, the focus of restorative dentistry has been directed toward a conservative approach. Prevention and non-restorative treatment of initial enamel caries is the main concern. Remineralization procedures are the most preferred way of regeneration of lost tooth structure.


2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 145
Author(s):  
Maja Račić ◽  
Bojan N. Joksimović ◽  
Smiljka Cicmil ◽  
Srebrenka Kusmuk ◽  
Nedeljka Ivković ◽  
...  

<div class="WordSection1"><p><strong>Objectives</strong>. Interprofessional teamwork is best attained through education that promotes mutual trust and effective communication. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of interprofessional learning on knowledge about diabetes. <strong>Methods</strong>. The cross-sectional study included students of medicine, dentistry and nursing at the Faculty of Medicine Foča, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The students were randomly allocated into one of two groups. Group 1 attended an interprofessional course on diabetes while group 2 was divided into three subgroups and each of the subgroups attended an uniprofessional diabetes course. The measuring instrument used in the course in order to assess the participants’ knowledge about diabetic care was a test containing multiple-choice questions about diabetes. The Interprofessional Questionnaire was used to explore the attitudes, views, values and beliefs of students regarding interprofessional education (IPE). <strong>Results</strong>. No statistically significant difference in total score on the test was found between the groups at baseline, but at follow-up the difference was highly statistically significant (F=10.87; p=0.002). The students from Group 1 had better results (21.82 points), compared to Group 2 (18.77 points). The statistically significant difference was observed in mean values (t=-3.997; p=0.001), between Groups 1 and 2; the students from Group 1 obtained 20.42 points, which is considered to indicate a respectively positive self-assessment of communication and teamwork skills. However, Group 2 indicated a negative self-assessment of communication and teamwork skills. <strong>Conclusion</strong>. The findings suggest that IPE activities may provide health profession students with valuable collaborative learning opportunities.</p></div>


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4-s) ◽  
pp. 142-147
Author(s):  
ZINE CHARAF KHALLOUA ◽  
IMENE CHEBLI ◽  
SAMIRA MEZIANI ◽  
DALILA FERRAG ◽  
AMINA ITATAHINE ◽  
...  

Background: In last few years .; it’s  increasingly being recognized  that  Reproductive function is controlled by the hypothalamic–pituitary– gonadal axis, which is regulated by numerous endogenous and environmental factors  such us adipose accumulation in obesity  contributing to reproductive failure  such as menstrual disorders and infertility, gestational failure and obstetric complications, and infertility , Distinct changes in circulating sex hormones appear to underline these abnormalities. The objective: The aim of this study was to elucidate the possible correlation between body mass index as fatness indicator and hormonal profile in infertile women from the west of Algeria. To identify the impact of overweight  and obesity on female hormonal profile ; we  conducted a prospective study  measuring pituitary hormones  (FSH  and LH and prolactin ) , steroid sex hormones ( progesterone , testosterone and estradiol ) , anti miulleian hormone , and thyroidal hormones (FT3 , FT4 and TSH) in 360 women  consulting for subfertility in private genecologycal and obstetrical centers in SID BELABESS (West of Algeria ) Result: Our study showed that the majority of patients were aged between 20 and 29 years, representing a percentage of 47.8%, with the average age in sample (31.65 ± 6,93ans). The majority of subjects was obese   46.4%, or overweight (39.4%) with an average BMI of (29.76 ± 4,85Kg / m2). No statistically significant association was found between the BMI as obesity indicator with hormonal levels of pituitary hormones  (FSH  and LH and prolactin ) , steroid sex hormones ( progesterone , testosterone and estradiol ) , anti miulleian hormone , and thyroidal hormones (FT3 , FT4 and TSH). A negative and statistically significant correlation between the age of the patients and the AMH level (R = -0.60, P <0.01) was noted. Conclusion: The results of our study showed that the majority of women included in our study had a high BMI but no statistical significant difference was found between underweight , normal , overweight and obese women , that’s why more studies should be conducted to elucidate the in which level does obesity impair the reproductive outcomes. Keywords: Female infertility, hormonal profile, BMI, SBA, Algeria.


2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sadaf Anwar ◽  
Shveta Singh ◽  
P. K. Jain

According to a recent survey by McKinsey and Company, the Indian manufacturing sector is expected to touch US$ 1 trillion by 2025.This study analyses the impact of the announcement of cash dividends on the stock price returns of the manufacturing companies listed on Bombay Stock Exchange using event study methodology. Further, it explores whether the US financial crisis recession impacted average abnormal returns (AARs) in the period of study. The empirical results show that cash dividend announcements have positive AARs. Overall, the results lend support to the signalling and informational content hypotheses of dividends. The paired samples t-test indicates a significant difference in the mean values of AARs in the pre-and post-recession phases, highlighting the impact of recession.


2007 ◽  
Vol 23 (5-6-2) ◽  
pp. 153-161
Author(s):  
D. Miocinovic ◽  
Anka Kasalica ◽  
J. Miocinovic-Djerovski

This research paper presents the results obtained based on a study on the impact of crossing the Svrljig pramenika and East Friesian sheep breed on the milk protein content and yield in the F1 generation of crossbreeds in the course of lactation. In all the three sheep breeds, while the difference between the first and last lactation months was of exceptionally high significance. The average protein content in the milk yielded by the East Friesian sheep and crossbreeds is very similar and amounts to 5.32% and 5.37%, while in the Svrljig Pramenka it was 5.53%. Based on the statistical significance appraisal of the differences in mean values of protein content in each stated breeds for the whole lactation period a highly significant difference between the Svrljig Pramenka and East Friesian sheep (p<0.01) can be observed, as well as a significant difference between the Svrljig Pramenka and crossbreeds (p<0.05), and an insignificant difference between the East Friesian breed and crossbreeds(p>0.05). The crossing of the stated breeds had an impact on the increase in the total yield of milk protein in the half-breeds (5948.72g), which is an increase of 1755.36g compared with that in the Svrljig Pramenka, and a decrease of only 237.36g in relation to that in the East Friesian sheep breed.


Author(s):  
Ngozi Rodney Nwaogu ◽  
Vincent Weli ◽  
Mbee Daniel Mbee

Background of Study: Cult related activities such as inter and intra cult clashes have been prevalent in communities in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. The clashes which are violent in nature are carried out by youths who belong to one cult group or the other. The clashes occur when members of a cult group attack members of another or other cult groups or invade a community in order to take control of an area and the proceeds accruing from crude oil exploitation and exploration by multi- national oil companies. Among the major cult groups perpetrating the violent acts include Deybam, Deywell, Iceland and Greenland. Due to the violent clashes many lives have been lost, properties destroyed, women raped, residents displaced, houses burnt and residents kidnapped/abducted. These affected socio-economic activities and livelihood means of the people.  Materials and Methods: This research analyzes the effectiveness of amnesty program as a response tool in mitigating cult related activities in Niger Delta region. Specifically, the study examines the magnitude of cult impact, relationship between frequency of cult attacks and fatalities, and examines the impact of cult activities before and after the amnesty. Adopting Cross- sectional research resign and using data chiefly collected from Nigerian Police, a total of 36 communities were purposively selected from 2 States in Niger Delta where amnesty was offered in 2016. The data were subjected to Pearson’s correlation and T-test statistical analysis. Results: Pearson’s correlation showed that there was a positive significant relationship between cult attacks and fatalities over a ten year period, with r = 0.83 at 99% probability level. The Student’s t-test showed a statistically significant difference on cult attacks before and after amnesty with t-cal of 2.55> t-tab of 2.01 at 95% probability level. The t-test also showed a statistically significant difference on cult fatalities before and after amnesty with t-cal of 2.41> t- tab of 2.01 at 95% probability level. Findings further revealed that mean values of cult attacks (3.20) and fatalities (2.70) after the amnesty were greater than mean values of cult attacks (2.13) and fatalities (1.37) before the amnesty. Conclusion: This showed that despite the amnesty, cult impact was still high in the study area and it was concluded that administration of amnesty is not an effective response tool to mitigation and containment of cult related activities in Niger Delta region, owing to its poor implementation and the desire to join cult groups by many youths who felt that joining the cult group will accord them protection and power over others. It is recommended that government should involve the local communities in designing an intervention program for youths.


2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 219-229
Author(s):  
Snežana Ivanović ◽  
Marija Pavlović ◽  
Ivan Pavlović ◽  
Aleksandra Tasić ◽  
Jelena Janjić ◽  
...  

Abstract. The potential of goats to produce a high-quality meat is mainly reflected in their healthy fats, low calorie intramuscular fats, saturated fats, and, especially, their high ratios of unsaturated (UFA) and saturated (SFA) fatty acids, as well as hypocholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic fatty acids. The aim of this study was to collect and compare meat quality parameters for domestic Balkan, Alpine and Saanen goats of the same age. Samples for all tests were taken from musculus gluteus superficialis. Chemical composition, pH value, fatty acid composition, content of volatile compounds, color and overall sensory quality (appearance, texture and smell) were determined. In chemical composition, moisture, fat, protein and ash varied significantly between each of the examined groups as opposed to pH values. Furthermore, among all the examined groups a significant difference was found for fatty acids and volatile compounds. Determined ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to SFAs was 0.089, 0.085 and 0.071 for Balkan, Alpine and Saanen goat meats, respectively. Regarding that ratio, Saanen goat meat had the most favorable characteristics. Saanen goat meat showed the highest nutritional value. On the other hand, Balkan goat meat had the lowest intramuscular fat content. Measurements of the meat color from all three groups, as well as overall acceptability, showed significant differences between breeds. Obtained results point to the impact of breed on chemical composition and fatty acid profile of goat meat.


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