AIM:To compare the endomicroscopic image quality of integrated confocal laser endomicroscopy(iCLE)and sedation efficacy of propofolvs midazolam plus fentanyl(M/F).METHODS:Consecutive outpatients undergoing iCLE were p...AIM:To compare the endomicroscopic image quality of integrated confocal laser endomicroscopy(iCLE)and sedation efficacy of propofolvs midazolam plus fentanyl(M/F).METHODS:Consecutive outpatients undergoing iCLE were prospectively recruited and randomized to the propofol group(P group)or M/F group.The patient,performing endoscopist and endoscopic assistant were blinded to the randomization.The quality of endomicro-scopic images and anesthetic efficacy outcomes were blindly evaluated after iCLE examination.RESULTS:There were significantly more good quality endomicroscopic images in the propofol group than in the M/F group(72.75%vs 52.89%,P<0.001).The diagnostic accuracy for upper gastrointestinal mucosal lesions using confocal laser endomicroscopy favors the P group,although this did not reach statistical significance.Adverse events and patient assessment were not significantly different for M/F vs propofol except for more frequent intraprocedural recall with M/F.Procedure duration and sedation times were significantly longer in the M/F group,while the scores of endoscopist,anesthetist and assistant assessment were all significantly better in the P group.CONCLUSION:Sedation with propofol might increase the proportion of good quality endomicroscopic images,and may result in improved procedural efficacy and diagnostic accuracy during iCLE examination.展开更多
The basic goal of accounting is to provide quality accounting information that will aid reliable decision-making. The quality level of this accounting information comes from the company's governance practices, thereb...The basic goal of accounting is to provide quality accounting information that will aid reliable decision-making. The quality level of this accounting information comes from the company's governance practices, thereby emphasizing the importance of corporate governance in companies. Recently, following the financial crises resulting in accounting scandals, attention has been moving towards internal audit function as an important factor in the structure of corporate governance. This paper therefore examined the extent of the relationship between internal audit function and the quality of accounting information of companies. The study adopted the survey research design. The research instrument employed was questionnaire which was administered to internal auditors of the "Big Four". Linear regression analysis was employed in the analysis of the data collected with the use of Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results revealed that there is a significant relationship between the internal audit characteristics and the quality of accounting information. It was recommended that in order to provide credibility to the financial statement, there should be a law in place mandating attachment of internal auditors report to the financial statement.展开更多
Although the Indo-Australian plate near the Ninetyeast Ridge is important for understanding the formation of new plate boundaries, its tectonic problems are complex and most of them are poorly known. This paper made a...Although the Indo-Australian plate near the Ninetyeast Ridge is important for understanding the formation of new plate boundaries, its tectonic problems are complex and most of them are poorly known. This paper made a detailed tectonic analysis based on the data of bathymetry, gravity and magnetics. Bathymetry and gravity maps show morphological features of many folds, which are related to the intraplate deformation of the Indo-Australian plate due to the collision between the Indian and Asian plates. Gravity anomalies show the structure of fracture zones, which are caused by the seafloor spreading and transform faulting. The characteristics of the folds and fracture zones are consistent with the hypothesis that diffuse plate boundaries and redefined plate components would occur within the Indo-Australian plate. In addition, compiled magnetic data demonstrate magnetic lineations, abandoned spreading centers, southward ridge jumps and plate motions. These features provide useful information for rebuilding the tectonic evolution history of the study area. Magnetic anomalies suggest that an additional plate boundary of transform fault type is developing.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the effect of ranitidine on gastric mucosal changes and on GI bleeding in long distance runhers. METHODS: Twenty-four long distance runners (M: 16, F: 8, age: 18.2+ 1.5 years) participated in ...AIM: To evaluate the effect of ranitidine on gastric mucosal changes and on GI bleeding in long distance runhers. METHODS: Twenty-four long distance runners (M: 16, F: 8, age: 18.2+ 1.5 years) participated in this study. A symptom questionnaire, stool hemoccult test, and upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy were performed on the subjects prior to the study. The subjects took oral ranitidine (150 mg, b.i.d.) for two weeks. The upper GI endoscopy and stool Hemoccult tests were repeated after the treatment. RESULTS: Twenty-two of the 24 runners had at least one upper G1 mucosal lesion before the medication. The Endoscopic improvements were seen in eleven of the 14 cases of erosive gastritis and four of the 5 cases of esophagitis. Six subjects were Heine occult positive prior to the study, but only one was positive after the medication. CONCLUSION: Gastric mucosal lesions and GI bleeding in long distance runners seem to be associated to acidrelated factors mediated by the high level of regular running. Ranitidine seems to be and effective prophylaxis to prevent gastric mucosal lesions and GI bleeding.展开更多
A pure title compound was isolated from water soluble extraction of the fruits of Gardenia sootepensis Hutch.,and its crystal structure was determined by X-ray diffraction. The crystal, chemical formula C_7H_(10)O_5 a...A pure title compound was isolated from water soluble extraction of the fruits of Gardenia sootepensis Hutch.,and its crystal structure was determined by X-ray diffraction. The crystal, chemical formula C_7H_(10)O_5 and Mr 174. 15, is colorless,transparent and belongs to monoclinic system, space group P2_1. The crystal data are as follows:a=6.467(4), b=18.349(4), c=7. 041(4), β= 116. 21 (5)°,V=749.7(6), Z=4,Dx=1.543 g/cm ̄3,F(000)=368,μ=0.08 mm-1,λ(MoKα) =0. 7106,R=0.063. It is weak hydrobonds that result in slight conformation difference between the intermolecular H-bond associated molecules.展开更多
Based on the composite result of six major the intraseasonal variation of the East Asian La Nina events during 1979-2012, the authors reveal summer monsoon (EASM) and summer rainfall in East Asia in La Nino years. D...Based on the composite result of six major the intraseasonal variation of the East Asian La Nina events during 1979-2012, the authors reveal summer monsoon (EASM) and summer rainfall in East Asia in La Nino years. Due to a higher SST over the western Pacific warm pool in the proceeding winter and spring, warm pool convection in summer is enhanced, leading to a cyclonic anomaly in the subtropical western Pacific. As a result, the western Pacific subtropical high is located more northeastward, and the seasonal march in East Asia is thus accelerated.This anomalous pattern tends to change with the seasonal march, with a maximum anomaly in July. Besides, there is less Mei-yu rainfall in the Yangtze River basin, with an earlier start and termination. The rainfall distribution in East Asia during La Nino years is characterized bya zonal pattern of less rainfall in eastern China and more rainfall over the oceanic region of the western Pacific. By comparison, a meridional pattern is found during El Nino years, with less rainfall in the tropics and more rainfall in the subtropics and midlatitudes. Therefore, the influence of La Nino on the EASM cannot be simply attributed to an antisymmetric influence of El Nino.展开更多
Unlike traditional fiction, Virginia Woolf's "The Mark on the Wall" doesn't have lively characters, detailed setting, or intriguing plot. Discarding the traditional narrative mode of zero focalization, the narrato...Unlike traditional fiction, Virginia Woolf's "The Mark on the Wall" doesn't have lively characters, detailed setting, or intriguing plot. Discarding the traditional narrative mode of zero focalization, the narrator adopts a new fixed internal focalization, interwoven with the first person external point of view. By weakening the physical time and space, the narrator tells the story according to her psychological time and space, stressing the moment of importance, through which the writer highlights her subjective reality.展开更多
Religious perspectives which place religion as a source of conflict have initiated various attempts to reinterpret and accordingly find some common ground at a certain level which hopefully may reduce conflicts among ...Religious perspectives which place religion as a source of conflict have initiated various attempts to reinterpret and accordingly find some common ground at a certain level which hopefully may reduce conflicts among religious communities due to the existence of mutual tolerance. At the exoteric level, religions are different, but at the esoteric level, religions are not similar. All religions are viewed as equally valid paths toward God. However, in many ways, the reality shows that the tension among religious communities is closely related to the factors that are beyond the scope of religion. It is important for all religious believers to keep the peace among them. As far as the record of religious conflicts in Indonesia is concerned, it shows three major patterns: conflicts among adherents of different religions, conflicts between one religion with a group accused as heretical, and internal conflicts of the same people of faith with those who have different understanding of the religion. In any point of views, however, such conditions would be so detrimental to the human race in general, and society and the state of Indonesia in particular. This paper examines intensively about the issues and attempts to uncover the nature of the root-causes underlying them.展开更多
Titanium and its alloys are commonly used as dental and bone implant materials.Biomimetic coating of titanium surfaces could improve their osteoinductive properties.In this work,we have developed a novel osteogenic co...Titanium and its alloys are commonly used as dental and bone implant materials.Biomimetic coating of titanium surfaces could improve their osteoinductive properties.In this work,we have developed a novel osteogenic composite nanocoating for titanium surfaces,which provides a natural environment for facilitating adhesion,proliferation,and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs).Electrospinning was used to produce composite nanofiber coatings based on polycaprolactone(PCL),nano-hydroxyapatite(nHAp)and strontium ranelate(SrRan).Thus,four types of coatings,i.e.,PCL,PCL/nHAp,PCL/SrRan,and PCL/nHAp/SrRan,were applied on titanium surfaces.To assess chemical,morphological and biological properties of the developed coatings,EDS,FTIR,XRD,XRF,SEM,AFM,in-vitro cytotoxicity and in-vitro hemocompatibility analyses were performed.Our findings have revealed that the composite nanocoatings were both cytocompatible and hemocompatible;thus PCL/HAp/SrRan composite nanofiber coating led to the highest cell viability.Osteogenic culture of MSCs on the nanocoatings led to the osteogenic differentiation of stem cells,confirmed by alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization measurements.The findings support the notion that the proposed composite nanocoatings have the potential to promote new bone formation and enhance bone-implant integration.展开更多
Infrastructure development in Nigeria has attracted the attention of researchers in view of the attitudes of contractors and government lead-lag role playing. These attitudes led to the enactment of Fiscal Responsibil...Infrastructure development in Nigeria has attracted the attention of researchers in view of the attitudes of contractors and government lead-lag role playing. These attitudes led to the enactment of Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 and Public Procurement Act 2007 to reduce internal control system deficiencies and budget indiscipline in the Nigerian public sector fiscal matters and procurement process. Ironically, despite these efforts, infrastructure development is still a problem affecting the lives of Nigerians as their poverty level is on the increase. This paper tests the effects of internal control system deficiency on contractors' capability in infrastructure development in the Nigerian public sector. Data drawn from a sample of 228 infrastructures were used for analysis. Two research questions on contractors' fiduciary obligation to government and capacity were analysed. Kendall's Tau-br correlation of coefficient and Chi-square X^2 statistics were employed for data analysis. Findings show that deficient internal control system strongly and directly breeds deficiency in the contractors' capability for infrastructure development. The paper recommends that oath of bribery should complement oath of secrecy to ensure that contractors and government agencies that are responsible for execution of infrastructure play to the rules of the "games", especially the provisions of Public Procurement Act 2007 and Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007. Public-private-partnership-initiative, such as build-operate and transfer method of contracting, should be encouraged to improve on contractors' capability and stewardship.展开更多
Fish supplies 25% of the total protein source in developing countries. A techno-economic analysis was performed for developing a good business proposal for aquaculture loans to enhance aquaculture development in Niger...Fish supplies 25% of the total protein source in developing countries. A techno-economic analysis was performed for developing a good business proposal for aquaculture loans to enhance aquaculture development in Nigeria. A case study of catfish Clarias gariepinus framing was conducted in Abeokuta North Local Government of Ogun State, Nigeria. The results show that the fixed cost is N18 338 per year, and the variable cost is N459 700 per year, accounting for the largest amount of the total; therefore, a profit of N43 289 per month can be made. Sensitivity analysis was performed to assess any risk(s) that associated with unfavorable changes in government policy with particular reference to monetary policy. Positive net present value shows that the investment in fish farm is economically feasible and the net investment ratio is 3.52. Also, the benefit-cost ratio is 2.17. The internal rate of return (IRR) is 21% showing that the enterprise is able to offset the interest being charged on the loan. It is therefore worthwhile to invest into fish farm business in the study area. The study suggests that to better sustain the local aquaculture business, the government should create a good conducive environment to foster development of the fish farming. Government intervention is urgently needed to solve problems such as in traditional land tenure, grant credit facilities and subsidies, to enhance the aquacultural development in the country.展开更多
The relationship between Indian and East Asian summer rainfall variations is non-stationary in observations as well as in historical simulations of climate models.Is this non-stationarity due to changes in effects of ...The relationship between Indian and East Asian summer rainfall variations is non-stationary in observations as well as in historical simulations of climate models.Is this non-stationarity due to changes in effects of external forcing or internal atmospheric processes? Whilst ENSO is an important oceanic forcing of Indian and East Asian summer rainfall variations,its impacts cannot explain the observed long-term changes in the Indian-East Asian summer rainfall relationship.Monte Carlo test indicates that the role of random processes cannot be totally excluded in the observed longterm changes of the relationship.Analysis of climate model outputs shows that the Indian-North China summer rainfall relationship displays obvious temporal variations in both individual and ensemble mean model simulations and large differences among model simulations.This suggests an important role played by atmospheric internal variability in changes of the Indian-East Asian summer rainfall relationship.This point of view is supported by results from a 100-years AGCM simulation with climatological SST specified in the global ocean.The correlation between Indian and North China or southern Japan summer rainfall variations displays large fluctuations in the AGCM simulation展开更多
This essay is an historical, global, and intellectually oriented analytical commentary on 2013 general and quinquennial presidential election in Kenya and the factors that contributed to its outcome. The analysis and ...This essay is an historical, global, and intellectually oriented analytical commentary on 2013 general and quinquennial presidential election in Kenya and the factors that contributed to its outcome. The analysis and its interpretive conclusion have been informed via the reading of professor Sagini's two books展开更多
This study is of conceptual nature and analyzes the annual reports of agriculture ministry. Albania is an economy characterized by a high percentage of agriculture of gross domestic product (GDP) with 25%. Actually,...This study is of conceptual nature and analyzes the annual reports of agriculture ministry. Albania is an economy characterized by a high percentage of agriculture of gross domestic product (GDP) with 25%. Actually, Albania for many decades and varied reasons will remain, to the future, a country where agriculture and especially livestock will play an important role. This paper starts from the actual situation and tries to find solutions to any effective management's problems. Treatments in this paper are based on literature reviews and combined with empirical research. Part of this article clarifies the scope of modem agricultural business and the impacts of circumstances of biological parameters on a sustainable livestock.展开更多
Interspecific crossing was carried out among and between two strains of Clarias gariepinus with mouth malformation and crooked-back traits to determine the source(s) of their deformities and the effects of these mor...Interspecific crossing was carried out among and between two strains of Clarias gariepinus with mouth malformation and crooked-back traits to determine the source(s) of their deformities and the effects of these morphological deformities on their growth and survival. Synthetic ovaprim hormone was used for their inducement at 0.5 mL/kg of the brood stock body weight at FEDAK integrated farm, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Under indoor management, highest mean survival rate was 73% recorded in the hybrid of female mouth malformed C. gariepinus x male crooked back C. gariepinus and the least mean survival rate was 70% recorded in the mouth malformed C. gariepinus parental. Under outdoor rearing crooked back C. gariepinus parental had the highest mean growth rate (11.20 grammes) while the hybrid of the cross between female crooked back C. gariepinus and male with mouth malformed C. gariepinus had the least mean growth rate (8.63 grammes). High frequency of occurrence of various morphological aberrations (0.92%) was recorded in the mouth malformed C. gariepinus parental and low frequency of occurrence (0.57%) of morphological aberrations recorded in hybrid of female crooked back C. gariepinus x male mouth malformed C. gariepinus. The reoccurrence of some of these morphological deformities in Clarias is a mystery based on their consistent occurrence even under a very good hatchery management. More research works still need to be done in this area of study of Clarias to unravel the mystery behind this morphological imbalance, because the deformities play special roles in discouraging both the farmers and the consumers of this fish.展开更多
A study was carried out in the Northern region of Cameroon to assess the influence of fertilizers (chemical fertilizer NPK (15-20-15 w/w/w) or cow dung) on the growth and yield ofJatropha curcas from four origins ...A study was carried out in the Northern region of Cameroon to assess the influence of fertilizers (chemical fertilizer NPK (15-20-15 w/w/w) or cow dung) on the growth and yield ofJatropha curcas from four origins namely Cameroon, Senegal, Tanzania and Mozambique. The experimental design was factorial with 4 origins×3 fertilizers×8 month durations. After planting, growth parameters and dendrometric measurements were carried out monthly during eight months. Data were analyzed using a Statgraphics program and Duncan test. The results showed that plant of Tanzania and Mozambique origin had higher germination rate in field 75% and 69.5%, respectively. The survival rate of transplants was 100% for Cameroon origin and 98.48% for Senegal origin. NPK and cow dung significantly (P 〈 0.05) increased the growth parameters height, diameter, number of ramifications, leaves and fruits of Jatropha curcas. In addition Jatropha from Cameroon origin exhibited the highest growing conditions and high fruit yield, then highlighting its potential for the biofuel program of the country. But significant improvement needs to be done, particularly on the level of fertilizer needed.展开更多
Globalization, financial liberalization, financial integration, financial sector, and economic growth have been significant issues for many researchers. The studies have investigated the effects of the above issues to...Globalization, financial liberalization, financial integration, financial sector, and economic growth have been significant issues for many researchers. The studies have investigated the effects of the above issues to the economic growth of countries both theoretically and empirically. Since there has been conducted an enormous body of work, each of them may be grouped and studied separately. This paper focuses on the impact of financial sector development to economic growth and empirically studies the potential effect on the emerging E-7 countries, consisting of Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, the Russian Federation, and Turkey. The study employs panel regression methodology and the data set for modeling Gross Domestic Product (GDP) comprises annual data over 2001-2007, using basic variables which resemble financial sector development, namely market capitalization of listed companies (stock market capitalization), bank capital to asset ratio, stocks traded, total debt service, foreign direct investments, portfolio investments, real interest rates, and claims on private sector. The analysis indicates that the GDP may be modeled using the above stated macroeconomic variables with considerably high explanatory power, except for the real interest rates and bank capital to asset ratios.展开更多
基金Supported by Grants from Ministry of Health of China(2010)Shandong Province Science and Technology Committee,No.2007BSB02087Graduate Independent Innovation Fund of Shandong University
文摘AIM:To compare the endomicroscopic image quality of integrated confocal laser endomicroscopy(iCLE)and sedation efficacy of propofolvs midazolam plus fentanyl(M/F).METHODS:Consecutive outpatients undergoing iCLE were prospectively recruited and randomized to the propofol group(P group)or M/F group.The patient,performing endoscopist and endoscopic assistant were blinded to the randomization.The quality of endomicro-scopic images and anesthetic efficacy outcomes were blindly evaluated after iCLE examination.RESULTS:There were significantly more good quality endomicroscopic images in the propofol group than in the M/F group(72.75%vs 52.89%,P<0.001).The diagnostic accuracy for upper gastrointestinal mucosal lesions using confocal laser endomicroscopy favors the P group,although this did not reach statistical significance.Adverse events and patient assessment were not significantly different for M/F vs propofol except for more frequent intraprocedural recall with M/F.Procedure duration and sedation times were significantly longer in the M/F group,while the scores of endoscopist,anesthetist and assistant assessment were all significantly better in the P group.CONCLUSION:Sedation with propofol might increase the proportion of good quality endomicroscopic images,and may result in improved procedural efficacy and diagnostic accuracy during iCLE examination.
文摘The basic goal of accounting is to provide quality accounting information that will aid reliable decision-making. The quality level of this accounting information comes from the company's governance practices, thereby emphasizing the importance of corporate governance in companies. Recently, following the financial crises resulting in accounting scandals, attention has been moving towards internal audit function as an important factor in the structure of corporate governance. This paper therefore examined the extent of the relationship between internal audit function and the quality of accounting information of companies. The study adopted the survey research design. The research instrument employed was questionnaire which was administered to internal auditors of the "Big Four". Linear regression analysis was employed in the analysis of the data collected with the use of Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results revealed that there is a significant relationship between the internal audit characteristics and the quality of accounting information. It was recommended that in order to provide credibility to the financial statement, there should be a law in place mandating attachment of internal auditors report to the financial statement.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 41606069 and 31500411)the Key Laboratory of Marginal Sea Geology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (MSGL15-04)+6 种基金the Key Laboratory of Marine Mineral Resources, Ministry of Land and Resources of China (No. KLMMR-2014-B-06)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province in China (No. 2015A030310374)the Director Grant for Oceanic technology of South China Sea Branch, State Oceanic Administration (1501)the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of China (50603-54)the Key Laboratory of Integrated Marine Monitoring and Applied Technologies for Harmful Algal Blooms, State Oceanic Administration (No. MATHAB201501)the Key Laboratory for Ecological Environment in Coastal Areas, State Oceanic Administration (201504)the Mariana Trench Project of the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
文摘Although the Indo-Australian plate near the Ninetyeast Ridge is important for understanding the formation of new plate boundaries, its tectonic problems are complex and most of them are poorly known. This paper made a detailed tectonic analysis based on the data of bathymetry, gravity and magnetics. Bathymetry and gravity maps show morphological features of many folds, which are related to the intraplate deformation of the Indo-Australian plate due to the collision between the Indian and Asian plates. Gravity anomalies show the structure of fracture zones, which are caused by the seafloor spreading and transform faulting. The characteristics of the folds and fracture zones are consistent with the hypothesis that diffuse plate boundaries and redefined plate components would occur within the Indo-Australian plate. In addition, compiled magnetic data demonstrate magnetic lineations, abandoned spreading centers, southward ridge jumps and plate motions. These features provide useful information for rebuilding the tectonic evolution history of the study area. Magnetic anomalies suggest that an additional plate boundary of transform fault type is developing.
基金Supported by the 2005 research fund of Wonkwang University
文摘AIM: To evaluate the effect of ranitidine on gastric mucosal changes and on GI bleeding in long distance runhers. METHODS: Twenty-four long distance runners (M: 16, F: 8, age: 18.2+ 1.5 years) participated in this study. A symptom questionnaire, stool hemoccult test, and upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy were performed on the subjects prior to the study. The subjects took oral ranitidine (150 mg, b.i.d.) for two weeks. The upper GI endoscopy and stool Hemoccult tests were repeated after the treatment. RESULTS: Twenty-two of the 24 runners had at least one upper G1 mucosal lesion before the medication. The Endoscopic improvements were seen in eleven of the 14 cases of erosive gastritis and four of the 5 cases of esophagitis. Six subjects were Heine occult positive prior to the study, but only one was positive after the medication. CONCLUSION: Gastric mucosal lesions and GI bleeding in long distance runners seem to be associated to acidrelated factors mediated by the high level of regular running. Ranitidine seems to be and effective prophylaxis to prevent gastric mucosal lesions and GI bleeding.
文摘A pure title compound was isolated from water soluble extraction of the fruits of Gardenia sootepensis Hutch.,and its crystal structure was determined by X-ray diffraction. The crystal, chemical formula C_7H_(10)O_5 and Mr 174. 15, is colorless,transparent and belongs to monoclinic system, space group P2_1. The crystal data are as follows:a=6.467(4), b=18.349(4), c=7. 041(4), β= 116. 21 (5)°,V=749.7(6), Z=4,Dx=1.543 g/cm ̄3,F(000)=368,μ=0.08 mm-1,λ(MoKα) =0. 7106,R=0.063. It is weak hydrobonds that result in slight conformation difference between the intermolecular H-bond associated molecules.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China[grant number 41475052]
文摘Based on the composite result of six major the intraseasonal variation of the East Asian La Nina events during 1979-2012, the authors reveal summer monsoon (EASM) and summer rainfall in East Asia in La Nino years. Due to a higher SST over the western Pacific warm pool in the proceeding winter and spring, warm pool convection in summer is enhanced, leading to a cyclonic anomaly in the subtropical western Pacific. As a result, the western Pacific subtropical high is located more northeastward, and the seasonal march in East Asia is thus accelerated.This anomalous pattern tends to change with the seasonal march, with a maximum anomaly in July. Besides, there is less Mei-yu rainfall in the Yangtze River basin, with an earlier start and termination. The rainfall distribution in East Asia during La Nino years is characterized bya zonal pattern of less rainfall in eastern China and more rainfall over the oceanic region of the western Pacific. By comparison, a meridional pattern is found during El Nino years, with less rainfall in the tropics and more rainfall in the subtropics and midlatitudes. Therefore, the influence of La Nino on the EASM cannot be simply attributed to an antisymmetric influence of El Nino.
文摘Unlike traditional fiction, Virginia Woolf's "The Mark on the Wall" doesn't have lively characters, detailed setting, or intriguing plot. Discarding the traditional narrative mode of zero focalization, the narrator adopts a new fixed internal focalization, interwoven with the first person external point of view. By weakening the physical time and space, the narrator tells the story according to her psychological time and space, stressing the moment of importance, through which the writer highlights her subjective reality.
文摘Religious perspectives which place religion as a source of conflict have initiated various attempts to reinterpret and accordingly find some common ground at a certain level which hopefully may reduce conflicts among religious communities due to the existence of mutual tolerance. At the exoteric level, religions are different, but at the esoteric level, religions are not similar. All religions are viewed as equally valid paths toward God. However, in many ways, the reality shows that the tension among religious communities is closely related to the factors that are beyond the scope of religion. It is important for all religious believers to keep the peace among them. As far as the record of religious conflicts in Indonesia is concerned, it shows three major patterns: conflicts among adherents of different religions, conflicts between one religion with a group accused as heretical, and internal conflicts of the same people of faith with those who have different understanding of the religion. In any point of views, however, such conditions would be so detrimental to the human race in general, and society and the state of Indonesia in particular. This paper examines intensively about the issues and attempts to uncover the nature of the root-causes underlying them.
文摘Titanium and its alloys are commonly used as dental and bone implant materials.Biomimetic coating of titanium surfaces could improve their osteoinductive properties.In this work,we have developed a novel osteogenic composite nanocoating for titanium surfaces,which provides a natural environment for facilitating adhesion,proliferation,and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs).Electrospinning was used to produce composite nanofiber coatings based on polycaprolactone(PCL),nano-hydroxyapatite(nHAp)and strontium ranelate(SrRan).Thus,four types of coatings,i.e.,PCL,PCL/nHAp,PCL/SrRan,and PCL/nHAp/SrRan,were applied on titanium surfaces.To assess chemical,morphological and biological properties of the developed coatings,EDS,FTIR,XRD,XRF,SEM,AFM,in-vitro cytotoxicity and in-vitro hemocompatibility analyses were performed.Our findings have revealed that the composite nanocoatings were both cytocompatible and hemocompatible;thus PCL/HAp/SrRan composite nanofiber coating led to the highest cell viability.Osteogenic culture of MSCs on the nanocoatings led to the osteogenic differentiation of stem cells,confirmed by alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization measurements.The findings support the notion that the proposed composite nanocoatings have the potential to promote new bone formation and enhance bone-implant integration.
文摘Infrastructure development in Nigeria has attracted the attention of researchers in view of the attitudes of contractors and government lead-lag role playing. These attitudes led to the enactment of Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 and Public Procurement Act 2007 to reduce internal control system deficiencies and budget indiscipline in the Nigerian public sector fiscal matters and procurement process. Ironically, despite these efforts, infrastructure development is still a problem affecting the lives of Nigerians as their poverty level is on the increase. This paper tests the effects of internal control system deficiency on contractors' capability in infrastructure development in the Nigerian public sector. Data drawn from a sample of 228 infrastructures were used for analysis. Two research questions on contractors' fiduciary obligation to government and capacity were analysed. Kendall's Tau-br correlation of coefficient and Chi-square X^2 statistics were employed for data analysis. Findings show that deficient internal control system strongly and directly breeds deficiency in the contractors' capability for infrastructure development. The paper recommends that oath of bribery should complement oath of secrecy to ensure that contractors and government agencies that are responsible for execution of infrastructure play to the rules of the "games", especially the provisions of Public Procurement Act 2007 and Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007. Public-private-partnership-initiative, such as build-operate and transfer method of contracting, should be encouraged to improve on contractors' capability and stewardship.
文摘Fish supplies 25% of the total protein source in developing countries. A techno-economic analysis was performed for developing a good business proposal for aquaculture loans to enhance aquaculture development in Nigeria. A case study of catfish Clarias gariepinus framing was conducted in Abeokuta North Local Government of Ogun State, Nigeria. The results show that the fixed cost is N18 338 per year, and the variable cost is N459 700 per year, accounting for the largest amount of the total; therefore, a profit of N43 289 per month can be made. Sensitivity analysis was performed to assess any risk(s) that associated with unfavorable changes in government policy with particular reference to monetary policy. Positive net present value shows that the investment in fish farm is economically feasible and the net investment ratio is 3.52. Also, the benefit-cost ratio is 2.17. The internal rate of return (IRR) is 21% showing that the enterprise is able to offset the interest being charged on the loan. It is therefore worthwhile to invest into fish farm business in the study area. The study suggests that to better sustain the local aquaculture business, the government should create a good conducive environment to foster development of the fish farming. Government intervention is urgently needed to solve problems such as in traditional land tenure, grant credit facilities and subsidies, to enhance the aquacultural development in the country.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China[grant number 2016YFA0600603]the National Key Basic Research Program of China[grant number 2014CB953902]the National Natural Science Foundation of China[grant number 41661144016],[grant number 41530425],[grant number 41475081],and[grant number 41275081]
文摘The relationship between Indian and East Asian summer rainfall variations is non-stationary in observations as well as in historical simulations of climate models.Is this non-stationarity due to changes in effects of external forcing or internal atmospheric processes? Whilst ENSO is an important oceanic forcing of Indian and East Asian summer rainfall variations,its impacts cannot explain the observed long-term changes in the Indian-East Asian summer rainfall relationship.Monte Carlo test indicates that the role of random processes cannot be totally excluded in the observed longterm changes of the relationship.Analysis of climate model outputs shows that the Indian-North China summer rainfall relationship displays obvious temporal variations in both individual and ensemble mean model simulations and large differences among model simulations.This suggests an important role played by atmospheric internal variability in changes of the Indian-East Asian summer rainfall relationship.This point of view is supported by results from a 100-years AGCM simulation with climatological SST specified in the global ocean.The correlation between Indian and North China or southern Japan summer rainfall variations displays large fluctuations in the AGCM simulation
文摘This essay is an historical, global, and intellectually oriented analytical commentary on 2013 general and quinquennial presidential election in Kenya and the factors that contributed to its outcome. The analysis and its interpretive conclusion have been informed via the reading of professor Sagini's two books
文摘This study is of conceptual nature and analyzes the annual reports of agriculture ministry. Albania is an economy characterized by a high percentage of agriculture of gross domestic product (GDP) with 25%. Actually, Albania for many decades and varied reasons will remain, to the future, a country where agriculture and especially livestock will play an important role. This paper starts from the actual situation and tries to find solutions to any effective management's problems. Treatments in this paper are based on literature reviews and combined with empirical research. Part of this article clarifies the scope of modem agricultural business and the impacts of circumstances of biological parameters on a sustainable livestock.
文摘Interspecific crossing was carried out among and between two strains of Clarias gariepinus with mouth malformation and crooked-back traits to determine the source(s) of their deformities and the effects of these morphological deformities on their growth and survival. Synthetic ovaprim hormone was used for their inducement at 0.5 mL/kg of the brood stock body weight at FEDAK integrated farm, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Under indoor management, highest mean survival rate was 73% recorded in the hybrid of female mouth malformed C. gariepinus x male crooked back C. gariepinus and the least mean survival rate was 70% recorded in the mouth malformed C. gariepinus parental. Under outdoor rearing crooked back C. gariepinus parental had the highest mean growth rate (11.20 grammes) while the hybrid of the cross between female crooked back C. gariepinus and male with mouth malformed C. gariepinus had the least mean growth rate (8.63 grammes). High frequency of occurrence of various morphological aberrations (0.92%) was recorded in the mouth malformed C. gariepinus parental and low frequency of occurrence (0.57%) of morphological aberrations recorded in hybrid of female crooked back C. gariepinus x male mouth malformed C. gariepinus. The reoccurrence of some of these morphological deformities in Clarias is a mystery based on their consistent occurrence even under a very good hatchery management. More research works still need to be done in this area of study of Clarias to unravel the mystery behind this morphological imbalance, because the deformities play special roles in discouraging both the farmers and the consumers of this fish.
文摘A study was carried out in the Northern region of Cameroon to assess the influence of fertilizers (chemical fertilizer NPK (15-20-15 w/w/w) or cow dung) on the growth and yield ofJatropha curcas from four origins namely Cameroon, Senegal, Tanzania and Mozambique. The experimental design was factorial with 4 origins×3 fertilizers×8 month durations. After planting, growth parameters and dendrometric measurements were carried out monthly during eight months. Data were analyzed using a Statgraphics program and Duncan test. The results showed that plant of Tanzania and Mozambique origin had higher germination rate in field 75% and 69.5%, respectively. The survival rate of transplants was 100% for Cameroon origin and 98.48% for Senegal origin. NPK and cow dung significantly (P 〈 0.05) increased the growth parameters height, diameter, number of ramifications, leaves and fruits of Jatropha curcas. In addition Jatropha from Cameroon origin exhibited the highest growing conditions and high fruit yield, then highlighting its potential for the biofuel program of the country. But significant improvement needs to be done, particularly on the level of fertilizer needed.
文摘Globalization, financial liberalization, financial integration, financial sector, and economic growth have been significant issues for many researchers. The studies have investigated the effects of the above issues to the economic growth of countries both theoretically and empirically. Since there has been conducted an enormous body of work, each of them may be grouped and studied separately. This paper focuses on the impact of financial sector development to economic growth and empirically studies the potential effect on the emerging E-7 countries, consisting of Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, the Russian Federation, and Turkey. The study employs panel regression methodology and the data set for modeling Gross Domestic Product (GDP) comprises annual data over 2001-2007, using basic variables which resemble financial sector development, namely market capitalization of listed companies (stock market capitalization), bank capital to asset ratio, stocks traded, total debt service, foreign direct investments, portfolio investments, real interest rates, and claims on private sector. The analysis indicates that the GDP may be modeled using the above stated macroeconomic variables with considerably high explanatory power, except for the real interest rates and bank capital to asset ratios.