Socio-Economic and Technical Characteristics of Beef Cattle Breeding in Ndé Division, West Region of Cameroon

Insight is here provided into the socio-economic and technical characteristics of cattle production in the Ndé Division (West Cameroon region). Using a semi-structured questionnaire, information on the activity was assessed following onsite visits and interviewing breeders. Through a random sampling scheme, 110 breeders in the four subdivisions of the Ndé Division were shadowed. The majority (98.18%) of breeders were men aged 20 to 40 and married (91.82%). They belong to the Mbororo ethnic group, having cumulated more than 10 years in the activity. Most respondents (50.91%) did not attend school and earn their living mainly from livestock (78.18%). Cattle were raised for sale and to feed the breeder’s family (77.27%). The main mode of acquisition of animals was through inheritance (81.82%). The cattle breeds were mostly made up of white Fulani (70%), living in private farms using a combination of stake and barbed wires (67.27%) as fences. The combination of natural fodder and cooking salt was used by most breeders (59.09%) as a daily ration. Reproduction was by natural mating (97.07%). Parasites (internal and external) and foot-and-mouth disease were the main diseases reported by the majority of farmers. Self-treatment (50%) was the main prophylactic measure taken by farmers in case of disease symptoms. Cattle herders faced several challenges, such as insufficient pasture (67.27%), agro-pastoral conflicts (76.36%) and diseases (90.91%). Cattle breeding was rather a widespread activity with no particular restriction.

A New Diverse Macrofossil Lagersttte from the Uppermost Ediacaran of Southwestern China

A new macrofossil Lagerstatte was discovered from the uppermost Ediacaran Jiucheng Member at Jinning and Jiangchuan of the eastern Yunnan, yielding numerous diverse well-preserved thallophyte macrofossils. These include the previously-known representatives of vendobionts, Vendotaenia and Tyrasotaenia, and the biggish multicellular benthos such as Chuaria-like and Tawuia- like fossiis, as well as Longfengshaniaceaens with diverse holdfast structures. There are still some other problematic macrofossils with peculiar configurations as well as uncertain relatives. The distinct dominance of the giant, unbranching thallophytes occasionally with holdfast structures distinguishes this assemblage from the other Ediacaran macrofossil Lagerstattes in the Doushantuo Formation at Miaohe, Wenghui and Lantian, and the contemporary assemblage in the Shibantan Member of Dengying Formation, Yangtze Gorges area. This paper outlines the characteristics of some of the multicellular macrofossils from the Jiucheng Member at Jiangchuan. They include some macrofossils with different types of holdfast structure, larger Chuaria-like and Tawuia-like morphology and questionable affinities as well. The discovery of greater diverse macrofossil assemblages from the Jiucheng Member of eastern Yunnan has further indicated that an important diversification and evolutionary radiation of metaphytes took place in the latest Ediacaran time. This radiation of largescale, benthic metaphyte along with phytoplankton was likely important contributors to the early Cambrian explosion of metazoans.

Is Goshinjo therapy effective in cognitive impairment after severe traumatic brain injury?

We report a case of a 21-year-old man who had severe traumatic brain injury as a result of an accident at the age of 16 years. Two years and 4 months after the trauma, at the age of 19 years, he still had severe right hemiplegia and cognitive dysfunction including aphasia and attention and memory disturbance. Conventional rehabilitation programs cou（d not resolve all of the neuropsychological problems. He started receiving Goshinjo therapy over a period of 22 months. Following the therapy, significant improvements in verbal intelligence quotient （assessed by the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Third Edition） and attention and concentration function （using the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised）, and remission of traumatic epilepsy were observed. Goshinjo therapy is suspected to be effective in the treatment of cognitive dysfunction in the chronic stage after severe traumatic brain injury.

Isolation of Integrated Optical Acousto-Optic Switch

一个新结构化的声光开关的隔离基于综合光极化无关的伪在同一直线上的声光，悦耳的过滤器详细被学习。影响光开关的隔离的因素被分析，隔离的表情被引出，并且设备的隔离在实验被测量。隔离主要取决于 TE/TM 模式紧张比率，模式裂口扑灭率，和变换效率，这被发现。

Climate change and groundwater resources in Myanmar

Myanmar is located in Southeast Asia within the Mekong River Basin. The estimated annual surface and groundwater potentials are 1 081 km^3 and 494 km^3, respectively. Based on geological conditions, 11 different types of aquifers have been classified in Myanmar. The recent alluvial formation, Irrawaddy formation, Upper Pegu Group and Plateau limestone formation are the major water-bearing geologic formations of the country. In Myanmar, 89% of the groundwater is used for agriculture, approximately 8% is used for domestic consumption, and 3% is used for industrial purposes. Climate change projections for Myanmar from 2001 to 2100 predict general increases in temperature, clear-sky days, rainfall variability and flooding risks and a greater occurrence and intensity of extreme weather events across the country. Additional technology and investments are required to achieve groundwater resource security in response to climate changes. In addition, methods of ensuring the sustainability of groundwater resources must be implemented via collaborations with other countries and international sources.

非木材纤维在造纸中的应用

在森林资源匮乏的国家，非木材纤维原料是一种重要的纤维来源。如今，人工林越来越多地被用来作为制浆原料。然而，在那些肥沃的土地必须用来生产粮食的国家，人工林所能供给的仅仅是所需纤维的一部分。在这些国家非木浆能够增加纤维供应自给率，从而降低对进口纸浆和废纸的依赖。

Floristic Composition, Structure and Soil Properties of Mixed Deciduous Forest and Deciduous Dipterocarp Forest: Case Study in Madan Watershed, Myanmar

Patterns of woody regeneration in terms of species composition and diversity were studied in mixed deciduous forest (MDF) and deciduous dipterocarp forest (DDF) in Minbyin reserved forest of Lewe Township. A total of 57 plant species of MDF belonging to 28 families and 342 individuals and 25 plant species of DDF consist of 15 families and 285 individuals were identified. Plant species diversity was quantitatively higher in the MDF (H' = 3.68) compared to the DDF (H' = 2.39). Tectona grandis showed the highest density (30), dominance (4.40 m2) and IVI (27.01) of MDF and Dipterocarpus tuberculatus also composed the highest density (109), dominance (9.02 m2) and IVI (81.87) in DDF. The smallest diameter class (10 - 20 cm) comprised with 29 species, 103 individuals in MDF and 18 species, 85 individuals in DDF. The size class distribution displayed a reverse J-shaped pattern. The largest numbers of species were concentrated in the smallest height class in both investigated forests because of height and diameter distribution is closely related. The total densities of seedlings and saplings were 1219 and 531 ha-1 in MDF and 988 and 444 ha-1 in DDF respectively. Although soil texture of (40 - 50 cm) and (90 - 100 cm) were sandy clay loam in mixed deciduous forest, the other layers of both investigated forests were sandy loam.

An Analysis of Competition over Interest Rate among Banks in China

In 2000, the central bank of China adopted a policy to gradually liberalize its interest rate, and thus raised the curtain of competition over interest rate among the banks in China. The objective of this study is to put a focus on the existing banking market environment and thereafter the gaming behaviors of the banks on different stages given the interest rate is loosened gradually as scheduled.

Photocatalytic Activity of Titanium Dioxide Powder Fabricated from an Anodized Titanium Sheet under Ultra-Violet and Visible Light Irradiation

A commercially pure titanium sheet with titanium carbide (TiC) precipitated in its surface layer was anodized in NH4NO3 aqueous solution and heat treated in air. The photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide powder collected from the surface of the anodized titanium sheet was evaluated under ultra-violet and visible light irradiation. It showed relatively high photocatalytic activity in 0.1 mol/l potassium iodide solution, which was almost equal to the activity level of TiO2 powder (P-25) manufactured by Degussa Corporation. The better photocatalytic activity under ultra-violet irradiation is considered to be related to the formation of anatase type titanium dioxide. Photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation was also observed, which was considered to be attributable to impurity doping, (carbon), in the titanium dioxide powder.

Asymptomatic dengue infection in adults of major cities of Pakistan

Objective: To determine the asymptomatic dengue infection in adults of Pakistani population.Methods: This study was conducted in five major cities(Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore,Multan, and Peshawar) of Pakistan.A total of 5 230 adults aged 18 years and above without a history of dengue fever at any point in their life were enrolled from participating laboratories.Those who were confirmed for dengue previously were excluded.Of the total, 62.6%(n = 3 276) were male with an average age of 34.6 years.Participants were briefed about the objectives of the study, and written consent was obtained to perform dengue Ig G test using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.The brief information related to age, gender and area was also taken on proforma.Results: Overall 32.3%(n = 1 691) was having asymptomatic dengue infection which was 67.5%(n = 756) in Karachi followed by 39.1%(n = 391) in Islamabad, 29.9%(n =316) in Lahore and 21%(n = 228) in Peshawar and none from Multan.More males were affected with asymptomatic dengue infection than females.The asymptomatic dengue infection was significantly higher in different cities; however, there was no significant difference with respect to age groups.Conclusions: The asymptomatic dengue infection is higher in cities i.e.Karachi,Islamabad and Lahore which are at risk of developing secondary dengue infections.There is a need of awareness among the public about secondary dengue infection.

Characterization of Surface Oxide Layers on Black-Colored Titanium

Black-colored titanium was obtained by anodic oxidation of a commercially pure grade-1 titanium sheet in a 0.06 M NH4NO3 solution, followed by heat treatment at 773 K for 1 h in a vacuum furnace. The resulting oxide layer on the titanium substrate was examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, glow discharge spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the oxide layer on the black-colored titanium sheet was several micrometers thick and mainly consisted of rutile TiO2 exhibiting a sponge like nanoporous structure. It is considered that the black-colored appearance of the titanium sheet is due to the sponge like nanoporous structure of the oxide layer absorbing the incident light. The photocatalytic activity of the black-colored titanium sheet was examined by observing the decomposition of a methylene blue (MB, C16H18N3SCl) solution under ultraviolet irradiation due to the existence of rutile TiO2. The sheet also exhibited photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation. It is believed that the photocatalytic response upon irradiation with white light is due to carbon doping of the titanium oxide layer on the titanium substrate.

Photocatalytic Activity of Anodized Titanium Sheets under Ultra-Violet and Visible Light Irradiation

A commercially pure titanium sheet precipitated TiC in the surface layer was fabricated by anodic oxidation in NH4NO3 solution and heat treatment in air. The fabricated sheet showed relatively high photocatalytic activity in 0.1 M KI solution, which was close to the activity level of the P-25 particle made by Degussa Corporation. It exhibited photocatalytic activity in antifungal and antivirus tests under black light irradiation. The better photocatalytic activity under black light irradiation is considered to be related to the formation of anatase and rutile type titanium dioxides and rough surface. It also showed photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation, which is considered to be attributable to carbon and nitrogen doping in titanium dioxide.

China Becomes Globe's Second Largest Oil Refiner

China’s refining capacity of crude oil reached 477 million tons by the end of last year, ranking the second in the world. CNPC and Sinopec now own 27 percent of the country’s oil refineries with a combined refining capacity amounting to 76 percent of the country’s total. As

Driver Management and Service Delivery: Insights within State-Owned Enterprises in Zimbabwe

Driver management may be considered an organization’s most valuable asset, and State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) must invest in it to secure their survival and growth. The study sought to establish the effect of driver management on service delivery in SOEs. Various empirical studies reveal that there is a lack of understanding of the impact of driver management on service delivery in public organizations, notably SOEs, resulting in sectorial and contextual research gaps that must be filled. The study used a mixed-method research strategy and a pragmatic research philosophy. In addition, 344 respondents from 86 SOEs were given standardized questionnaires to complete. The researchers employed stratified and purposive sampling. Statistical package for social scientists (SPSS) version 20 was used to generate descriptive statistics. All study items were subjected to exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and research hypotheses were assessed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) in AMOS version 21. The study findings revealed that despite having clear driver recruiting procedures, there is bad driver conduct and a lack of driver recognition programs to reward good driving. The study concluded that driver management has a positive effect on service delivery. In light of these conclusions, the study suggests that SOEs should ensure that drivers understand their responsibilities when using company vehicles. Furthermore, drivers should be periodically trained in line with the tenets of the New Public Management Theory which advocates for quality service delivery, customer centrism and reduction in rigidity.

Assessing Biomedical Solid and Liquid Waste Management in University Hospital Centers (CHU) in Togo, 2021

Introduction. Biomedical waste represents an environmental concern and a risk to healthcare workers, users of healthcare services, and the surrounding population. This study aimed to assess the management of solid and liquid biomedical waste in University Hospitals Centers (UHC) in Togo in 2021. Methods. This is a cross-sectional, evaluative and analytical study undertaken in 2021. It involved 3 UHCs, 25 departments, 340 care providers and departments randomly selected, 72 directors or deputies, supervisors and heads of departments, 27 collection and incineration agents selected by a reasoned choice technique, and 44 patients and attendants selected by an accidental choice technique. Data analysis was done using Pearson’s Chi2 statistical test for comparing proportions and logistic regression. Results. Solid and liquid waste management was “poor” due to non-use of waste management guidelines (ORa = 3.50;p = 0.0000), insufficient training of healthcare providers and collection agents (ORa = 6.55;p = 0.0000 and ORa = 6.08;p = 0.0000 respectively), insufficient user awareness sessions (ORa = 4.04;p = 0.0001), insufficient coordination of activities (ORa = 5.07;p = 0.0002), insufficient supervision of service providers and collection agents (ORa = 2.34;p = 0.0000), insufficient monitoring and follow-up of activities (ORa = 20.40;p = 0.0000). The sorting was not systematic (74.1%), and the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) of the effluents were relatively high. Conclusion. Managing solid and liquid biomedical waste is insufficient in Togo’s university hospitals and represents a potential risk to human health and the environment.