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To prolong the shelf life postharvest jujube, the effect of carbon monoxide (CO) on senescence of postharvest jujube in relation to active oxygen metabolism was investigated. Jujubes were fumigated with CO gas at 5, 10, 20 or 40μmol/L for 1 h, and then stored for 30 days at room temperature. Changes in membrane permeability, malonaldehyde (MDA), H2O2, O2•− content, and activities of active oxygen metabolism associated enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) in fruit were measured. The results indicated that a little of CO could exhibit positive physiological effect on controlling senescence of winter jujube during storage. The study further showed that fumigating jujube fruit with 10 μmol/L CO could reduce increase of MDA content and the relative membrane permeability, effectively inhibit oxidative damage to lipids, decrease H2O2 and O2•− content and maintain high activities of SOD, CAT and POD. The present data suggest that exogenous CO treatment might delay the jujube fruit senescence by regulating active oxygen metabolism. Contribution/ Originality
This study documents for the first time the effect of carbon monoxide (CO) on H2O2, O2•− content and activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT and POD) in relation to active oxygen metabolism during senescence of postharvest jujube. Agricultural Sciences » Journal of Food Technology Research » Month: 12-2014 Issue: 2
Improving SME’s Capacity through Learning and New Technologies
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice
Economic pressure and other pressure issues faced by small and medium sized companies (SMEs) require continuous improving of their capacities, of staff knowledge, of training and learning to survive or stay competitive. This issue is at the top of European, national and regional policies. But due to limited resources, often managers reduce learning activities and using new technologies in their companies. Blended learning is a suitable way to learn in SMEs to increase their efficiency, to keep up competitiveness/surviving of the companies. Scenario-based learning is one method to be used in blended learning in order to improve learner engagement and problem understanding.Cloud computing is one of the emerging ICT trends in the past seven years. It has received much hype particularly in the past two years, with many companies considering the efficiency of cloud computing for their business, reduced costs, and easy access of data and particularly of new emerging ICT applications with little overhead.This paper contributes in the existing literature with results of interviews and case studies within projects aimed at problems of SMEs like suitable learning methods, advantages of cloud computing for SMEs efficiency and presents examples. The paper’s primary contribution is finding that blended learning is a suitable form for increasing competitiveness of SMEs and could be used also by introducing cloud services which will change the landscape of business also in SMEs in the next years. Contribution/ Originality
The paper shows how European projects and cooperative work with participation of actors from different sectors can contribute to improving competitiveness and growth of SMEs Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 09-2014 Issue: 9
Dividend Policy Relevancy in Theoretical and Practical Economics
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Business, Economics and Management
The foremost purpose of this paper is to concisely explain to individuals teaching economics in an academic setting or using economics in a practical setting some of the basics of long run financial theory focusing on the dividend policy decision of a corporation. The main motivation for this study is based on observations of economists being very deficient in the discipline of finance especially in long run financial concepts. Many times practitioners or academics who are educated in the area of economics lack any type of background in finance and therefore are deficient with their knowledge of financial theory and applications. This disconnect prevents using many financial applications in their own classes, in their own businesses or with their own research. This paper serves as a primer to some of the long run dividend policy theories that individuals can use as a starting point to their additional research, study or use in teaching. Areas related to dividend policy and financial theory in general can be utilized by economists in academia and the private sector to enhance and advance their professional careers. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in the existing literature by demonstrating the usual disconnect between the disciplines of finance and economics. The paper illustrates that economists can gain substantially from a basic knowledge of financial theory. The contribution here emphasizes the dividend policy decision that corporations must make. Economics » International Journal of Business, Economics and Management » Month: 09-2014 Issue: 9
S-Dimensional Assets Portfolio Evaluation
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Business, Economics and Management
An approach to calculate the upper limit to any given portfolio with s assets (corporate stocks or government bonds) in it is provided, which does not require the relative weight of each asset in the portfolio. The value obtained is contrasted with the traditional weighting approach to calculate the portfolio’s value. The process followed is the scientific method, starting with observation and hypothesis and after analyzing two examples, a synthesis is performed by generalizing the concepts and the main thesis that the Pythagorean approach here proposed constitutes an upper limit for the portfolio’s value. Contribution/ Originality
This study uses a new estimation methodology to calculate the upper limit value of a portfolio of assets without the need to incorporate the weight of each asset. If there are no weights assigned to each asset, this upper limit may be the only way to calculate the portfolio’s value. Economics » International Journal of Business, Economics and Management » Month: 09-2014 Issue: 9
Gender and Job Satisfaction: A Study of Library Staff in Private University Libraries in Ogun State, Nigeria
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: Journal of New Media and Mass Communication
This paper examined the influence of gender on job satisfaction among library staff in private university libraries in Ogun State, Nigeria. The survey research design was adopted for the study. The study population was made up of 162 library staff in seven private university libraries. Sampling was enumerative as all members of the population were given the opportunity to participate in the study. A questionnaire was used for data collected which was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed moderate level of job satisfaction across gender with male making up 27.2%, and females 35.1% of the total percentage of 62.3% for job satisfaction. Gender was found to have no significant influence on job satisfaction while other factors such as stringent conditions for promotion, denied access to benefits and lack of job security were identified as major constraints to job satisfaction. Based on the findings, the study recommends that library administrators adopt a policy of equal treatment for each gender and review the conditions attached to promotion, among others as measures for enhancing job satisfaction. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in the existing literature on job satisfaction among librarians. While a number of studies have considered various other factors that may or may not contribute to librarians’ job satisfaction, this study considered the gender dimension. It has revealed that gender does not influence librarians’ level of job satisfaction. Social Sciences » Journal of New Media and Mass Communication » Month: 03-2014 Issue: 1
Diversity, Use Pattern and Management of Forest Resources in the Eastern Himalaya: A Case Study of Mizoram, India
This paper examines forests diversity, their use pattern and management in the Eastern Himalaya with a case study of Mizoram state. The Eastern Himalaya is one of the bio-diversity hotspots of the world where the forest diversity varies from the tropical rainforest to temperate and alpine types because of the altitudes. In the case study area i.e. Mizoram, forest types vary from tropical evergreen forests to montane and temperate with rich biodiversity. Forests are lifeline for livelihoods sustainability in Mizoram as it is the second largest source of income after agriculture. Total forestland is 90.68%. They are conserved by the community people and the state forest department. Even, the whole country received decrease in forestland; Mizoram has registered about 1.4% increase. A study on forest cover and changes in the eight sister states of the Eastern Himalaya during the last decades was carried out to penetrate the current status of forest. Data from the secondary sources were gathered largely from the Forest Survey of India (FSI) 1991, 2001 and 2011. Similarly, data from the Department of Environment and Forest, Government of Mizoram on forest diversity and their distribution were also collected. Further, wide range of discussion was made with the officials working in the forest department and with the local people to elaborate the other aspects of forest resources such as use pattern of forest products. Personal observations on forest diversity use pattern and management of forest resources in Aizawl district was also carried out. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes the existing literature of forest resources in the Eastern Himalaya with spec Agricultural Sciences » Journal of Forests » Month: 03-2014 Issue: 1
Selected Saturated Chlorinated Hydrocarbons and Their Properties in Relationship of Resistance of Butyl-Rubber Polymeric Materials
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Advances in Life Science and Technology
The article describes how to test isolative resistance times of the protective folio based on a polyamide carrier fabric coating with butyl-rubber polymer mixture measured by the linear substituted saturated chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons. Information about quality of means of isolative protection is very important. Their availability may be limited, and therefore, in some cases will need to rely on the value of breakthrough times for basic hydrides of hydrocarbons, which are not substituted. Contribution/ Originality
Achieving sustainable solutions to today’s burning environmental problems like atmospheric pollution, waste management etc requires some effective long term result oriented actions. These can be correlated with energy resources generations and its uses. An understanding of laws of Physics particularly thermodynamics laws can help in providing a sustainable solution to these serious problems. This article discuss how efficient energy resources utilization is related to waste and environmental problems. The renewable energy appear to provide an effective solution to waste production and its management . The various laws of physics give an idea of their future energy utilization patterns. These laws do not offer complete solution to such waste production and environmental degradation but provide ways to minimize them to such an extent that it remains within the limit of human tolerance. This can also show that efficient and economic utilization of energy resources particularly renewable energy can results in sustainable solution to waste. Contribution/ Originality
The paper’s primary contribution is finding that it is renewable source of energy not only produce waste within tolerance limit but also help in managing many environmental issues. Energy & Environmental Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Research » Month: 09-2014 Issue: 3
Applied Optimization and Approximation
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Mathematical Research
The present work deals with optimization in kinematics, generalizing previous results of the author. A second theme is maximizing the constrained gain linear function and minimizing the constrained cost function. Elementary notions of optimal control are considered as well. Finally, polynomial approximation results on unbounded subsets in several variables are applied to the moment problem. The existence of the solution of a two dimensional moment problem is characterized in terms of quadratic forms. Contribution/ Originality
The paper contributes the first logical analysis of the problems solved in the theorems 2.1, 2.2 (optimization in kinematics), 3.3 (minimization of the total cost), Lemma 4.2 (approximation), Theorem 4.3 (solving the moment problem). The paper’s primary contribution is finding that suitable polynomial approximation yields solving the multidimensional moment problem. This study documents how practical and theoretical problems can be solved. Arts and Education » International Journal of Mathematical Research » Month: 08-2014 Issue: 4
Prognostic Factors in Patients with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Tongue Treated With Adjuvant Therapy Following Surgery
Background. There is limited data on adjuvant treatment following surgery in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue. Aims. This retrospective study investigates prognostic value of different factors for local relapse-free survival (LRFS), regional relapse-free survival (RRFS), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) in patients with oral tongue cancer treated with adjuvant therapy following surgery. Materials and methods. Forty six patients with surgically treated oral tongue cancer were enrolled in the analysis. Adjuvant therapy consisted of postoperative radiotherapy (PO-RT) or postoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy (PO-CCRT). All patients received three dimensional conformal radiotherapy. Weekly cisplatin was given as concurrent chemotherapy. Identification of prognostic factors for survival was done with univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis was used for factors confirmed as significant on univariate analysis. Results. Independent prognostic factors negatively influencing LRFS, DFS, and OS were ECOG performance status (p = 0.002, p = 0.013 and p = 0.022, respectively), overall stage (p = 0.011, p = 0.010 and p = 0.009, respectively), and pathologic nodal classification (p = 0.016, p = 0.011 and p = 0.015, respectively). Surgical margin status was an independent prognostic factor for RRFS, DFS, and OS (p = 0.032, p = 0.027 and p = 0.028, respectively). The type of adjuvant treatment used was independently prognostic for lower rates of LRFS and DFS (p = 0.029 and p = 0.010, respectively).Conclusions. Positive postoperative nodal status and close or positive resection margins had the most prominent negative prognostic influence on patients’ survival. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated potential prognostic factors that might influence treatment outcome exclusively in patients with squamous cell carcinoma originating from the oral tongue whose adjuvant therapy following surgery consisted of postoperative radiotherapy or postoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Medical Sciences » Cancers Review » Month: 06-2014 Issue: 1
Globalization and Environmental Issues: A New Framework for Security Analysis
This paper is situated within the growing literature on globalization and environment issues as a vital sector in international security. Using a game theoretic approach, it makes hypothetical assumptions on how the impact of globalization on the environment will lead to future security problems in two dimensions- horizontal and vertical. It presents the threat of cross- border pollution between nations sharing geographical boundaries (horizontal dimension) and between developed and developing nations (vertical dimension) as a result of environmental scarcity. Contribution/ Originality
The paper contributes the first logical assumptions on how the environmental impact of the economic agents of globalization will become an issue in future international security. Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 12-2014 Issue: 4
Screening of Mycotoxins Producer Fungal and Aflatoxins Level in Dried and Smoked Fish (Clarias Sp.) and (Oreochromis Sp.) from Lake Fitri - Chad
Fish is a protein source of high nourishing value consumed in the entire world. In Saharan countries it is consumed fresh, however as dried or smoked. However, fish is subject to both fungal and mycotoxins contamination. This study aims to identify fungal presumed producing mycotoxin and to evaluate the contamination level of aflatoxins B1, B2, and G2. A total of 150 samples of dried and smoked fish (Clarias sp. and Oreochromis sp.) have been collected in different islands of the Fitri lake. Standard methods of microbiology have been used for fungal isolation and identification. Aflatoxins content in fish has been determined using HPLC associate to GCMS. Fifty samples (50) were contaminated by four major fungal kinds. Frequency of fungal was to 40 % (Aspergillus niger), 26 % (Aspergillus fumigatus), 20 % (Mucor sp), 8% (Curvularia spp) and 6% (Scycadium). Twenty (20) samples suspected to be contaminated and analyzed, only seven (7) was contaminated with aflatoxins (B1, B2 and G2). The aflatoxin contamination level vary according to the fish species. Clarias sp. samples are 50 % contaminated by aflatoxins when Oreochromis sp are 20 % contaminated. Aflatoxins rates ranged from 0.01 to 2.78 and 0.09 to 0.32 µg/Kg respectively for aflatoxin B1 and aflatoxin B2 for Clarias sp and from 0 to 0.4 µg/Kg of aflatoxin B2 for Oreochromis sp. The mycotoxins level is in average high than the European Union recommendation for dried product. These results call for more sensitization and training for producer for safe dried and smoked fish. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of the very few studies which have investigated the contamination level of aflatoxins B1, B2, and G2 in dried and smoked fishes (Clarias sp and Oreochromis sp.) from Fitri lake in Chad. Agricultural Sciences » Journal of Food Technology Research » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1
Government Borrowing Behaviour: Implications for Private Sector Growth in Nigeria
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Policy
This study seeks to examine the relationship between government borrowing behaviour and private sector growth in Nigeria. It utilises the Structural Vector Auto-regressions (SVAR) model to analyse the dynamics of government borrowing behaviour on the growth of private sector in Nigeria. The results from impulse response functions and variance decomposition appear to provide evidence that government borrowing behaviour has the tendency of impacting negatively on the effectiveness of private sector grow in Nigeria. This result can be explained, based on the fact that government has higher capacity to borrow than the private sector and this tends to crowd-out private sector in mobilising funds for investment and thus impacted negatively on their capacity to grow. The study, therefore, recommends that both fiscal and monetary authorities should improve on measures and policies that could enhance private sector growth, as higher government debt could create burden for future generations, disrupt movements in interest and exchange rates as well as hinder private investment. Doing this has the potentials of improving performance of private sector and the aggregate economy in Nigeria, since empirical literature is replete with evidence of existence of these channels. Contribution/ Originality
This study improves on the existing literature by examining the channels and extent of the impact of government borrowing behaviour on the private sector growth in Nigeria, as previous literature has shown varying and often conflicting results due to diversity in the structure of the economy and governance. The study, therefore, confronts the existing theories with recent data and tailor-made methodology. Economics » International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Policy » Month: 06-2019 Issue: 2
Exploring Internet of Thing on PCA Algorithm for Optimization of Facial Detection and Tracking
This work was able to integrate Internet of Things expertise on Principal Count Analysis (PCA) algorithm for facial recognition optimization. An internet-based real-time facial recognition system was developed using PCA algorithm that can detect and track faces, a label name that indicates the face identified was also incorporated to easily track the face in situations where multiple faces are identified at the same time. A router was used to set up a wireless connection with an internet protocol (IP)-camera via the IP-camera firmware. As the router broadcast this connection, a link is set up with a personal computer through the network and sharing centre tab on the computer system, thereby creating a wireless connection between the computer and the camera on the internet. Graphical interface designed on MATLAB was used to access the feed from the camera which PCA algorithm explored in detecting and tracking faces in real-time. Security features such as timestamp and database were also integrated with the system developed. Contribution/ Originality
This study integrates PCA algorithm to detect, recognize and match faces detected with a GUI design on MATLAB in real-time. Most importantly a label was created to easily identify the face when multiple faces are detected concurrently. Computer Sciences » Review of Computer Engineering Research » Month: 06-2019 Issue: 2
Feasibility of Chatbot for Mehran UET Examination Department
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: Review of Information Engineering and Applications
A chatbot system enables communication between computer and users through natural language. The university students face many problems for the queries and details regarding their examination and it is also difficult for them to physically visit the examination department frequently. The concerned authorities find it challenging to handle thousands of student queries in parallel, thus, consuming a lot of time. At present, majority of the chatbot system are available in English language. Therefore, people who are not fluent in English language cannot use these systems due to the obvious reason of language barrier. This paper focuses on the viability of a chatbot system for the examination department of Mehran University of Engineering Technology (MUET) Jamshoro. The chatbot discussed in this paper has been designed to support both Urdu and English languages. Three chatbot interfaces have been developed, Urdu typing based chatbot, English typing based chatbot and English voice based Chabot. The typing based chatbots (both English and Urdu) have been developed using AIML, and voice based chatbot is based on dialogflow called as API.ai. This study is not only concerned with the development of three interfaces of chatbot systems, but also covers their evaluation. To find best chatbot interface, a survey was conducted with engineering students of MUET Jamshoro. The results revealed that the among the three chatbot interfaces, English typing-based interface is the best due to the usability, easiness and the general understanding of queries. Contribution/ Originality
This paper contribution is twofold, first is the development of a chatbot system that enables communication in Urdu and English languages. Second is the comparison of both chatbots by performing the user testing. Computer Sciences » Review of Information Engineering and Applications » Month: 06-2019 Issue: 2
Studies on Life Fecundity Tables of Tobacco Leaf Eatingcaterpillar, Spodoptera Litura (Fabricius) On Tobacco, Nicotiana Tabacum (Linnaeus)
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Advances in Life Science and Technology
Studies on Life tables of Spodoptera litura, were carried out on bidi tobacco cv ABD-101 under laboratory condition at 26 ± 1 °C temperature at Bidi Tobacco Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Anand (Gujarat). The results on number of individuals survived during development revealed that there was no mortality during egg stage and the maximum durations of egg, larva and pupa were 4, 22 and 14 days, respectively. The number that survived from 100 eggs to adult emergence was 76. The pre-oviposition period was ranged from 41 to 42 days of pivotal age. Females contributed highest number of progeny (mx = 328.12) in the life cycle on the 45th day of pivotal age. The net reproductive potential (Ro) was 758.93 females with the mean length of generation period (T) of 45.67 days. The innate capacity for increase (rm) and finite rate of increase () were found to be 0.1462 and 1.1574 females/ female/ day, respectively with a weekly multiplication rate (λ)7 of 2.78 times. The hypothetical F2 females were found to be 575974.70. Results on per cent contribution of different growth stages in stable age distribution revealed that the egg stage contributed was maximum (52.64%), while the contribution of larvae, pupae and adults were 45.86, 1.36 and 0.12, respectively at stable age distribution of S. litura on tobacco cv. ABD-101. Contribution/ Originality
Aquaculture is becoming a very important source of income to many people as well as a source of protein in their diets. This study examined the influence of the entrepreneur and enterprise characteristics on small-scale cage fish enterprises in the Asuogyaman and South Dayi Districts. The research employed a descriptive-correlation survey design, which used quantitative method to collect data from 105 owners and managers of small-scale cage fish enterprises. The findings revealed that age of entrepreneurs influenced customer satisfaction as entrepreneurs experience also influenced growth in sales. It was observed that technical know-how, attitude towards work, and managerial skills, had a significant relationship with profitability, and customer satisfaction. Finally, age of the enterprise was found to have a significant relationship with growth in sales. In conclusion, all the variables had positive relationships with enterprise success, but not all the relationships were significant. It is recommended that cage fish farmers should be encouraged to invest more in technical education, which will help improve on the success of their enterprises. Furthermore, farmers should take precautions to reduce the risk of failure to increase their chances of success and survival. Contribution/ Originality
The study contributes to existing literature to emphasize the relevance of human resource development in the areas of technical education and entrepreneurs’ attitude towards work to the success of cage fish farming. Therefore investment in human resource of entrepreneurs is necessary for the success of cage fish farmers’ enterprises. Business & Management » International Journal of Management and Sustainability » Month: 08-2014 Issue: 8
Earnings Management and Stock Market Returns
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Business, Economics and Management
This paper investigates the variability of real business activities in the form of discretionary expenditures (accounts receivable, selling, general and administrative expenses, and net change in accruals), and the firm’s stock price performance in relation to the frequency of meeting or beating analysts’ earnings forecast. In addition, the study investigated the relationship between the firm’s stock price performance, and the variability of these financial statement accounts. The objective was to examine if these selected financial statement of accounts could be used by management to manipulate earnings in order to meet and/or beat analysts’ earnings forecasts so as to enhance the firm’s stock performance. The study found that there is a significant difference between the variance of SG&A, NCA and stock returns of the firms that meet and/or beat the analysts’ forecast and those that do not. It was also found that there is a significant difference in stock returns based on meeting and/or beating the analysts’ estimate. Contribution/ Originality
This study adds to the literature by demonstrating another avenue for earnings management that does not rely on the Jones’ model. It also shows how the variance of financial statement accounts can be used to detect earnings management. Finally, this paper shows that the change in stock price as a result of earnings announcement is temporary. Economics » International Journal of Business, Economics and Management » Month: 10-2014 Issue: 10
Coping in Silence: Challenges Faced By Pregnant-Students at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice
Post Beijing Conference has seen tremendous efforts by governments especially in developing countries such as Ghana to improve access to education at all levels and most critically to females. Over the last two decades, Ghana has put in place various interventions tailored to increasing female school enrolment and reducing the gender gap in education. Commendable results have been achieved. For instance, there is gender parity at the basic education and an increasing enrolment figures at the tertiary level. What has over the years been overlooked is how female students cope on campus as a result of combining academic work with other roles. The study is situated within this context, and using the seven roles framework and the bio-psychosocial model, it assesses the challenges pregnant-students face and how they cope at University of Cape Coast campus. A combination of accidental and snowball sampling techniques were employed to contact 62 respondents as well as conduct 12 in-depth interviews. More than 90 percent of the respondents were married. Common among the roles played include individual, occupational, and conjugal roles. These contributed to various challenges including psychological, socio-economic and academic-related challenges. Emotion-based coping strategies were mostly adopted to deal with the challenges. In the short term, the University must develop interventions to assist pregnant-students to cope effectively on campus, while in the long term, develop a policy to that effect. Contribution/ Originality
This study was undertaken to ascertain the extent to which career guidance/counselling can serve as a tool for functional education and graduate employability. The study was conducted in Kogi State University, Anyigba. A sample size of 500 was selected using stratified and simple random sample techniques, across the faculties of the final year students. The data collected from the sample were analyzed using simple percentage and mean. The results obtained among others were as follows; that the level of guidance and counselling services among the students in the university was not significantly high. There was significant influence in academic performance of students who had received guidance and counselling services as against those who had not. That guidance services serves as motivation for acquisition of skills. It was recommended that guidance and counselling services should be improved upon, and that guidance/counsellors should be employed by university authority. Priority should be focused on the attitude of students toward guidance service and that guidance/counselling services should be given at the point of entry and should be guided to point of graduation. A functional guidance counselling units should be established in all tertiary institution in Nigeria. Fund should be raised by the federal/state governments to maintain guidance units in all our university campuses. By so doing, students focus on their course of studies and those who need change of course to suite their career choice could be assisted through follow up, on graduation they could easily be employed and become functional and useful to themselves and society at large. Contribution/ Originality
Abstract