The fully mulched ridge–furrow(FMRF) system has been widely used on the semi-arid Loess Plateau of China due to its high maize(Zea mays L.) productivity and rainfall use efficiency. However, high outputs under this s...The fully mulched ridge–furrow(FMRF) system has been widely used on the semi-arid Loess Plateau of China due to its high maize(Zea mays L.) productivity and rainfall use efficiency. However, high outputs under this system led to a depletion of soil moisture and soil nutrients, which reduces its sustainability in the long run. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the system for the sustainable development of agriculture. The development, yield-increasing mechanisms,negative impacts, optimization, and their relations in the FMRF system are reviewed in this paper. We suggest using grain and forage maize varieties instead of regular maize;mulching plastic film in autumn or leaving the mulch after maize harvesting until the next spring, and then removing the old film and mulching new film;combining reduced/notillage with straw return;utilizing crop rotation or intercropping with winter canola(Brassica campestris L.), millet(Setaria italica), or oilseed flax(Linum usitatissimum L.);reducing nitrogen fertilizer and partially replacing chemical fertilizer with organic fertilizer;using biodegradable or weather-resistant film;and implementing mechanized production. These integrations help to establish an environmentally friendly, high quality, and sustainable agricultural system, promote highquality development of dryland farming, and create new opportunities for agricultural development in the semi-arid Loess Plateau.展开更多
In this paper, an Improved Affine-Scaling Interior Point Algorithm for Linear Programming has been proposed. Computational results of selected practical problems affirming the proposed algorithm have been provided. Th...In this paper, an Improved Affine-Scaling Interior Point Algorithm for Linear Programming has been proposed. Computational results of selected practical problems affirming the proposed algorithm have been provided. The proposed algorithm is accurate, faster and therefore reduces the number of iterations required to obtain an optimal solution of a given Linear Programming problem as compared to the already existing Affine-Scaling Interior Point Algorithm. The algorithm can be very useful for development of faster software packages for solving linear programming problems using the interior-point methods.展开更多
This paper explores entrepreneurial leadership, market orientation, and firm performance. It sorts to ascertain through the literature whether entrepreneurial leadership has an influence on market orientation decision...This paper explores entrepreneurial leadership, market orientation, and firm performance. It sorts to ascertain through the literature whether entrepreneurial leadership has an influence on market orientation decision and firm performance. The review points to the fact that entrepreneurial leadership creates visionary scenarios which they used to assemble and mobilize a “supporting cast” of participants who become committed to the vision and the discovery of strategic value creation by influencing market orientation decision and thus enhancing firm performance. The study thus developed a process model as a result of the literature reviewed. The study concludes that, entrepreneurial leadership influences the market orientation decision of a firm with the help of the “supporting cast” and this helps the firm to increase its performance.展开更多
Uni-modal rainfall pattern has long dry spell wherein sweetpotato is scarce, expensive but cheap at harvest. The crop is mostly consumed, processed or sold. Extending shelf-life of roots is crucial for Malawi and Nort...Uni-modal rainfall pattern has long dry spell wherein sweetpotato is scarce, expensive but cheap at harvest. The crop is mostly consumed, processed or sold. Extending shelf-life of roots is crucial for Malawi and Northern Ghana as the crop has high value. Trials were conducted in the countries at the community level. In the dry season, temperature is cool in Malawi while warm in Ghana, but thru harmattan, the night is cool with low relative humidity. In Malawi, orange-fleshed sweetpotato Zondeni var., white and yellow types were assessed in three types of storage, Afghan ventilated pit store, storage in dry sand of pit-steps, and of a granary In Ghana, local moistened heap and sandbox were compared. In Malawi, weight losses were calculated relative to the quantity stored at start, it was not cumulative. At 1.5 months no significant difference was among treatments. By 3.5 months the pit-steps method emerged to be superior and continued to 6.5 months. Losses in granary were due to shriveling, in the pit-stepsdue to termites and rats, and in ventilated pit due to termites, rats and Java black rot. Sprouting was high in pit-steps, but it was simply removed and roots returned to storage. At 6.5 months, the beta-carotene of Zondeni roots was traceable. Farmers gained high price when selling them as roots were scarce. Women favored the pit-steps because it was manageable. In Ghana, the sandbox was superior to local moistened heap. Methods designed were suitable for home consumption, but will require modification for commercialization.展开更多
Field experiments were conducted at Gore near Zebila in Bawku West District of the Upper East Region of Ghana during the 2015 and 2016 cropping season on four Striga tolerant maize varieties in maize/soybean integrati...Field experiments were conducted at Gore near Zebila in Bawku West District of the Upper East Region of Ghana during the 2015 and 2016 cropping season on four Striga tolerant maize varieties in maize/soybean integration alongside maize monocrop as a means of managing the devastating effects of Striga. The study determined the relative Striga tolerance of the maize varieties in terms of yield and yield components, as well as the most effective intercrop for the reduction of Striga seed bank. The treatment differences were not significant (p < 0.05) in affecting plant height, plant population, leaf area index (LAI), Striga count and Striga biomass. Similarly, yield components of maize such as height of cob attachment, cob length, cob weight, 100 seed weight, grain yield, as well as straw weight were not significantly affected by the treatments. There was no relativity of Striga stress tolerance in terms of yield and yield components of the four maize varieties. All the entries efficiently tolerated the biotic stress of Striga and further supported growth and grain yield equally. There was reduced S. hermonthica seed bank production in the soil in both cropping systems. The four maize varieties are proven tolerant materials to Striga infestation and are therefore recommended for long-term Striga seed bank depletion in the study area.展开更多
Climate change has been a global pandemic with its adverse impacts affecting environments and livelihoods. This has been largely attributed to anthropogenic activities which generate large amounts of Green House Gases...Climate change has been a global pandemic with its adverse impacts affecting environments and livelihoods. This has been largely attributed to anthropogenic activities which generate large amounts of Green House Gases (GHGs), notably carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) among others. In the Upper East of Ghana, climate change manifests in erratic rainfalls, drought, high temperatures, high wind speeds, high intensity rainfall, windstorms, flooding, declining vegetation cover, perennial devastating bushfires etc. Practices such as burning farm residues, use of dung as fuel for cooking, excessive application of nitrogenous fertilizers, and deforestation that are prevalent in the region exacerbate the situation. Although, efforts made by governmental and none-governmental organizations to mitigate climate change through afforestation, agroforestry and promotion of less fuelwood consuming cook stoves, land management practices antagonize these efforts as more CO2 is generated than the carrying capacity of vegetation in the region. Research findings have established the role of trees and soil in carbon sequestration in mitigating climate. However, there is limited knowledge on how the vegetation and soil in agroforestry interplay in mitigation climate change. It is against this background that this review seeks to investigate how vegetation and soil in an agroforestry interact synergistically to sequester carbon and contribute to mitigating climate change in Upper East region of Ghana. In this review, it was discovered soil stored more carbon than vegetation in an agroforestry system and is much effective in mitigating climate change. It was found out that in order to make soil and vegetation in an agroforestry system interact synergistically to effectively mitigate climate change, Climate Smart Agriculture practice which integrates trees, and perennials crops effectively mitigates climate. The review concluded that tillage practices that ensure retention and storage of soil organic carbon (SOC) could be much effective in carbon sequestration in the Savannah zones and could be augmented with vegetation to synergistically mitigate climate change in the Upper East region of Ghana.展开更多
Tomato(Solanum lycopersicum L.)is a commercially farmed vegetable belonging to the Solanaceae family,the third most important vegetable after potato(Solanum tuberosum L.)and onion(Allium cepa L.).It is cultivated for ...Tomato(Solanum lycopersicum L.)is a commercially farmed vegetable belonging to the Solanaceae family,the third most important vegetable after potato(Solanum tuberosum L.)and onion(Allium cepa L.).It is cultivated for its fresh fruits and processed paste,with over 153 million metric tons of global production.However,modern tomato cultivars have limited sugars,acids,and volatiles allelic diversity as flavor has generally been less prioritized in breeding programs.Invertase is an essential regulator of flavor and sugar metabolism in tomato.Genetic control of tomato flavor is still incomplete without a clear understanding of the roles of invertase and sucrose metabolism.This review provides an overview of our current understanding of the invertase mode of action in sucrose metabolism,their evolutionary and functional divergence in the tomato genome,role in stress response,genetic and hormonal control of fruit flavor and quality.We summarized the primary roles of invertase in sugar metabolism and fruit flavor.展开更多
Nonpoint source(NPS)pollutants resulting from land degradation(LD)have been a key influential factor on the deterioration of water quality.Consequently,sustainable land use management(SLM)practices have been employed ...Nonpoint source(NPS)pollutants resulting from land degradation(LD)have been a key influential factor on the deterioration of water quality.Consequently,sustainable land use management(SLM)practices have been employed to reduce the impacts of LD globally.However,the adoption of SLM practices is often not effective to protect water resources despite its capability of improving water quality.Empirically,evidence shows that activities of land users directly influence SLM practices and NPS pollution of water resources in watersheds,but invariably this has not been clearly understood.Understanding how SLM practices adoption could prevent NPS pollution of water resources in watershed is a necessity.Therefore,the primary aim of the investigation is to comprehend the status of SLM practices with the legal framework supporting the adoption of such practices in the Ashi River watershed.A survey instrument involving structured questionnaire was implemented to collect data.A randomly based lottery method was applied to sample information from 150 land users in two control units’communities.Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyze the data.This research revealed that there is low adoption of SLM practices of the study site.The low adoption is due to weak capacity building and enforcement of regulations in the watershed.Occupation and age of the residents are the strongest predictors of SLM adoption rate.Residents connected with farming are more sensitive to the adoption status of SLM.It is our recommendation that policy makers should ensure capacity building,and enforcement of regulations can specifically compel farmers to adopt SLM technologies.This approach would complement other strategies to solve the NPS pollution issue of Ashi River.展开更多
To explore the variations in symbiotic N2 fixation and water use efficiency in cowpea, this study evaluated 25 USDA cowpea genotypes subjected to drought under field conditions at two locations (Kpachi and Woribogu) i...To explore the variations in symbiotic N2 fixation and water use efficiency in cowpea, this study evaluated 25 USDA cowpea genotypes subjected to drought under field conditions at two locations (Kpachi and Woribogu) in the Northern region of Ghana. The 15N and 13C natural abundance techniques were respectively used to assess N2 fixation and water use efficiency. The test genotypes elicited high symbiotic dependence in association with indigenous rhizobia, deriving between 55% and 98% of their N requirements from symbiosis. Consequently, the amounts of N-fixed by the genotypes showed remarkable variations, with values ranging from 37 kg·N-fixed·ha-1 to 337 kg·N-fixed·ha-1. Most genotypes elicited contrasting symbiotic performance between locations, a finding that highlights the effect of complex host/soil microbiome compatibility on the efficiency of the cowpea-rhizobia symbiosis. The test genotypes showed marked variations in water use efficiency, with most of the genotypes recording higher δ13C values when planted at Kpachi. Despite the high symbiotic dependence, the grain yield of the test cowpeas was low due to the imposed drought, and ranged from 56 kg/ha to 556 kg/ha at Kpachi, and 143 kg/ha to 748 kg/ha at Woribogu. The fact that some genotypes could grow and produce grain yields of 627 - 748 kg/ha under drought imposition is an important trait that could be tapped for further improvement of cowpea. These findings highlight the importance of the cowpea-rhizobia symbiosis and enhanced water relations in the crop’s wider adaptation to adverse edaphoclimatic conditions.展开更多
In light of the use of Lannea barteri in the management of diverse illnesses and treatment of wounds in traditional medicine, the current study was conducted to assess the wound-healing efficacy of crude aqueous extra...In light of the use of Lannea barteri in the management of diverse illnesses and treatment of wounds in traditional medicine, the current study was conducted to assess the wound-healing efficacy of crude aqueous extract of the stem bark of Lannea barteri and its shea butter formulated ointment using an excision wound model in the rabbit. The herbal ointment (5%, w/w) exhibited a significant wound healing activity, showing 99.9% ± 0.3% wound contraction at the end of the experiment (24th day). There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the 5% (w/w) herbal ointment compared with Silver Sulphadiazine cream (positive control), which showed a 97.8% ± 1.0% rate of excision wound contraction on day 24. Compared with the negative control group (administered with only shea butter), the wound healing activity of the ointment was significant (p Lannea barteri for the treatment of wounds and demonstrates that shea butter usage as a base in formulating an herbal ointment might aid in topical application for wound repair and regeneration, as well as the potential for enhanced wound healing.展开更多
This study investigated a natural indicator for acid-base titration which is extracted from guinea corn leaves popularly called “waakye leaves” in Ghana. Four types of acid-base titration were studied: strong acid v...This study investigated a natural indicator for acid-base titration which is extracted from guinea corn leaves popularly called “waakye leaves” in Ghana. Four types of acid-base titration were studied: strong acid versus (v/s) strong base, strong acid versus weak base, weak acid versus strong base, and weak acid versus weak base. The indicator color change, pH range and the average titre values were determined for each type of acid-base titration. These values were comparable to those obtained from three standard indicators: methyl orange, methyl red and phenolphthalein. Total flavonoids (TF) and condensed tannin (CT) from the crude leaves extract were determined which might be the major reasons for the activity of the extract as an indicator for simple acid-base titration. The authors suggest that the natural indicator is cheap, available, simple to extract, user and environmentally friendly and could be an excellent replacement for standard indicators.展开更多
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research<span style="font-family:;" "="">-</span><span style="font-family:;" "="">Savanna Agricultural Research...Council for Scientific and Industrial Research<span style="font-family:;" "="">-</span><span style="font-family:;" "="">Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) in collaboration with University of California, Riverside phenotyped 300 Recombinant Inbred Lines (RILs) of Multi</span><span style="font-family:;" "="">-</span><span style="font-family:;" "="">parent Advanced Generation Inter-Cross (MAGIC) cowpea population from eight elite cowpea cultivars in Northern Ghana. Among the traits targeted in the phenotyping is extra early maturity suitable for Sudan Savanna agro ecological zone of Ghana. Ten selected extra early genotypes from the MAGIC population were intercropped with maize to identify genotype(s) that can maintain agronomic performances and grain yield. A field experiment was carried out at the Manga Station of SARI, Ghana during the 2018 and 2019 growing season to evaluate the ten extra-early cowpea genotypes in maize/cowpea intercrop. The experimental design used was split plot with three replications. The cropping patterns (row, strip and sole cropping) were assigned to the main plot. Ten cowpea genotypes (MAGIC 008, MAGIC 043, MAGIC 048, MAGIC 055, MAGIC 076, MAGIC 118, MAGIC 154, MAGIC 176, CB27, and SARC 1-57-2) were assigned to sub-plots. The results indicated that the number of seed per pod of the cowpea was not affected by cowpea genotype and intercrop pattern interaction;however, the interaction influenced grain yield, pod <span>per plant, plant height, 50% flowering and 100 seed weight of cowpea. MAGIC</span> genotypes, M008, M048, M055, M154, recorded higher grain yield under both strip intercropping and sole cropping. SARC1-57-2 also recorded the highest grain yield under row intercropping. M048, M055, M076, M176 and SARI’s collection SARC1-57-2 were the top five genotypes in fodder production. Intercropping advantage was compared with sole cropping. Land equivalent ratio greater than 1 was observed for all the genotypes with MAGIC 048 recording the highest LER at strip intercrop. Benefit Cost Ratio also showed that there is advantage of intercropping than sole cropping.</span>展开更多
In the global south wide range of studies highlight the limitations of the single-modelled public urban water system to meeting the endogenous water preferences of the urban population. Studies also touched on the com...In the global south wide range of studies highlight the limitations of the single-modelled public urban water system to meeting the endogenous water preferences of the urban population. Studies also touched on the complementary roles of private water actors to the single-modelled public water supply system in the urban water supply network. Multiple of urban water supply systems （multi-model） co-exist in the urban landscape of global south. However, it is unclear and largely inconclusive on the suitable and satisfactory urban water supply model that meets the water consumption needs of informal settlement dwellers in the global south. This study draws the experiences of households in the informal settlements using a case-study with cross-sectional survey strategy to assess the suitability of the multi-model urban water supply system for sustainable urban water supply in the informal settlements. A total of 292 households were randomly sampled alongside 35 purposively sampled private water actors and public water departments. The data were collected through face to face interviews. Findings show that water supply services of the multi-model water supply system are inevitably suitable for the water consumption needs of informal settlements’s dwellers. The operation of the multi-model water supply system is flexible and able to accommodate the diverse water consumption preferences and choices of the different socio-economic groups in the informal settlements. We observed that multiplicity of urban water supply system increases households’ access to water but does not necessarily improve the quality of water serve in the informal settlements. The paper recommended for the formalisation and adoption of the multi-model urban water supply system to meet the growing demand for improved water supply and services in the informal settlements.展开更多
Background: Malaria infection during pregnancy is a major public health problem in tropical and subtropical regions globally. Anaemia is often an adverse outcome of severe parasitic infections during pregnancy in deve...Background: Malaria infection during pregnancy is a major public health problem in tropical and subtropical regions globally. Anaemia is often an adverse outcome of severe parasitic infections during pregnancy in developing countries. Pregnant women in malaria-endemic communities are more susceptible to Plasmodium falciparum infections than non-pregnant women of child-bearing age. Objective: To comparatively investigate malaria and anaemia in pregnant and non-pregnant women of child-bearing age. Design: A cross-sectional comparative study. Three hundred and eighty pregnant women and 380 non-pregnant women were screened for the study. Setting: The study was conducted at the University Hospital, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. Measurements: Participants’ demographic data were collected via the administration of questionnaires. In addition their blood samples were analyzed for haemoglobin level and malaria parasites, while stool samples from the pregnant women were examined for intestinal parasites. Results: The study revealed that pregnant women have higher malaria parasitaemia (12.6%) and anaemia (62.6%). The species of Plasmodium isolated from the pregnant women were P. falciparum (85.4%), P. malariae (4.2%) and P. ovale (10.4%). Malaria parasitaemia was higher in the primigravidae (14%). However multigravidae recorded the highest anaemia prevalence (67.1%). Age of pregnant women was a factor affecting malaria parasitaemia with a significant P-value and OR (P value = 0.0041, 0R = 7.61). Conclusions: Pregnant women were more susceptible to malaria and anaemia than non-pregnant women of child-bearing age. Most of the pregnant women reported at antenatal clinic during the second trimester. Primigravidae however recorded the highest malaria parasitaemia. The main species of Plasmodium observed in the blood samples was falciparum.展开更多
Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to provide predictive models for optimisation of extraction of selected polyphenolic compounds from cider apple pomace under aqueous acetone. The design of experiment (Do...Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to provide predictive models for optimisation of extraction of selected polyphenolic compounds from cider apple pomace under aqueous acetone. The design of experiment (DoE) was conducted to evaluate the influence of acetone concentration % (v/v), solid-to solvent ratio % (w/v), temperature (˚C) and extraction time (min) and their interaction on phenolic contents, using the Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD). The experimental data were analysed to fit statistical models for recovery of phenolic compounds. The selected models were significant (P 0.05), except for Chlorogenic acid and Quercetin 3-glucoside which had significant lack of fits (P R2 > 0.9000 and adjusted? ?reasonable agrees with predicted . Coefficient of variation < 5% for each determination at the 95% confidence interval. These models could be relied upon to achieve optimal concentrations of polyphenolic compounds for applications in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.展开更多
Several studies have reported a significant yearly decrease in forest cover globally, using satellite images. This is especially true in West Africa, where rapid urbanisation acerbates the problem, and both of these c...Several studies have reported a significant yearly decrease in forest cover globally, using satellite images. This is especially true in West Africa, where rapid urbanisation acerbates the problem, and both of these changes lead to alterations in rainfall regime and other changes in climatic parameters. Several studies reveal that adaptation which reduces vulnerability to adverse climatic variation effects is the key to developing resilience against climate change. In this region, over 90% of farmers are engaged in small-scale rainfed crop cultivation and rely on their own weather perception, instincts and what they observe from the surrounding biota (flora and fauna) to forecast the weather and plan their agricultural activities. The pressing nature of the problem of climate variability in Africa had provoked a lot of research into developing and testing several adaptation strategies to control the situation. Various strategies to improve and localize global, regional and national climate services (Local Forecast, Scientific Forecast and Integrated Forecast) needed by the farmers are being developed to build resilience against climate change. This review illustrates the situation in Ghana and identifies various forecast strategies developed to mitigate the adverse effects of climate variability on agricultural productivity. These mitigation methods include the development of climate services to provide users with forecast information in order to make climate-smart decisions to minimize the risk.展开更多
Most parts of the world are rapidly urbanizing. In sub-Saharan Africa, towns are urbanizing at a faster pace than earlier predicted. Also, large portions of rural settings have been gradually moving towards urbanizati...Most parts of the world are rapidly urbanizing. In sub-Saharan Africa, towns are urbanizing at a faster pace than earlier predicted. Also, large portions of rural settings have been gradually moving towards urbanization. The Tamale Metropolis has been rated as the fastest-growing metropolis in Sub-Saharan Africa. City planning and concerns about the need for open-space creation have been a major challenge due to poor adherence to standards in the building codes. This study was conducted to assess the role of open space in human settlement development in the Tamale Metropolis. The study sampled the views of 157 residents who stay closed to community open spaces in five suburbs of the metropolis. Key informant interviews were also conducted with officials from the Town and Country Planning Department. The study revealed that most residents spend leisure by taking a walk in the neighborhood or idling in outdoor spaces. Also, the majority of the residents had poor knowledge of institutional and land administration. This often led to non-adherence to regulations and this affects open spaces in the metropolis. Common among residents is also a poor appreciation of the importance of open space and this results in encroachment. The Town and Country Planning Department should institute sanctions and stringent measures to deter offenders. Also, public seminars should be used to educate residents on the need to adhere to planning and building codes. Lastly, the study recommends strong collaboration between the various institutions engaged in land administration to facilitate effective provision and preservation of quality open spaces in the metropolis.展开更多
Sweetpotato is an important crop for food security in many developing countries which is cultivated using vine cuttings. Studies have revealed that there are at least fifteen well characterized viruses known to infect...Sweetpotato is an important crop for food security in many developing countries which is cultivated using vine cuttings. Studies have revealed that there are at least fifteen well characterized viruses known to infect sweetpotato of which 10 are economically important that contribute to yield reduction. Planting materials use by farmers are often infected by one or more of these viruses. The aim of this study was to evaluate three different sources of planting materials of different health status for their field performance and virus presence. The sources of planting materials were in vitro generated platelets, symptomless Field materials and Farmer’s materials. Four sweetpotato varieties Apomuden, Bohye, Ligri and Dadanyuie were selected from each source of planting material. The trial was laid in a split plot design with the sources of planting material allocated to main plots and the varieties to sub-plots. The plantlets of the four varieties were planted at Botanga Irrigation Scheme in Northern region of Ghana. Viral symptom scores were taken twice, score 1 being the average from 4 - 7 weeks after planting (WAP) and score 2 being the average from 8 - 11 WAP. Nitrocellulose Membranes Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (NCM-ELISA) kits were employed for the detection of sweetpotato viruses on the field. The source of planting materials significantly influenced (P In vitro generated material showed the least symptoms of virus followed by Field materials. Apomuden and Bohye varieties recorded the highest virus score in the first and second virus symptom observational score respectively. NCM-ELISA revealed that the viruses SPFMV, SPMMV, SPMSV, SPCFV, SPCSV, and CMV were significantly present among the different sources of planting materials. In vitro, Field and Farmer materials recorded NCM-ELISA score of 0.225, 1.075 and 1.500 respectively. Apomuden variety recorded the highest virus score in the assay. Vine and root yield was higher among the in vitro generated material. Farmers should use laboratory cleaned material however, in the absence of such material they should select field material showing no symptom of virus.展开更多
Haden, Kent, Palmer, and Keitt mango varieties were studied to establish the relationship of harvest time to 1) seasonal accumulated day-degrees or heat units (<span style="white-space:nowrap;">...Haden, Kent, Palmer, and Keitt mango varieties were studied to establish the relationship of harvest time to 1) seasonal accumulated day-degrees or heat units (<span style="white-space:nowrap;">˚</span>C), 2) daily rainfall amount (mm), and 3) physical fruit development attributes in order to fix maturity standards for export and local markets. Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications was used. In each case of Haden, Kent, Palmer, and Keitt varieties, physical fruit development attributes established as standard harvest maturity values were: weight (640 g, 836 g, 837 g, and 1104 g, respectively), length (16.31 cm, 16.19 cm, 21.22 cm, and 19 cm, respectively), width (30.97 cm, 33.47 cm, 30.86 cm, and 35.91 cm, respectively), volume (598 cm<sup>3</sup>, 807 cm<sup>3</sup>, 772 cm<sup>3</sup>, and 959 cm<sup>3</sup>, respectively), density (1.147 g/cm<sup>3</sup>, 1.076 g/cm<sup>3</sup>, 1.084 g/cm<sup>3</sup>, and 1.189 g/cm<sup>3</sup>, respectively), and indentation (0.25 cm, 0.49 cm, and 0.50 cm, respectively). The intensity of grooves around the stylar-scar end of Palmer fruits was studied and used as maturity index. Index values of 0.075 mls, 0.150 mls, 0.425 mls, and 0.116 mls, respectively, for Haden, Kent, Palmer, and Keitt varieties were recorded as latex exuded at harvest since these values tallied with the other physical harvest maturity index values, and also with those of rain fall and temperature values. Temperature, rainfall, and physical characteristics are therefore important non-destructive criteria for fixing maturity index values for mango fruits.展开更多
Background: Despite the advances in anesthetics and non-pharmacological techniques, the prevalence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in all patients remains high. It is one of the most common distressing symptoms t...Background: Despite the advances in anesthetics and non-pharmacological techniques, the prevalence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in all patients remains high. It is one of the most common distressing symptoms that cause dissatisfaction among patients after anesthesia and surgery. A sub-hypnotic dose of propofol has been shown to reduce morphine-induced postoperative nausea, vomiting, and pruritus. This review article will provide sufficient knowledge on the role of propofol in minimizing opioid-induced postoperative nausea, vomiting, and pruritus by providing detailed information on propofol antiemetic and antipruritic effects, as well as discussions based on empirically available data. Method: We conducted a narrative review of the literature published between 1990 and 2023 from a range of databases;PubMed, BioMed Central, Biosis Previews, Nature, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Springer-Link, and Elsevier. Discussion and Conclusion: The literatures reviewed in this study have demonstrated that propofol may have diverse therapeutic effects including antiemetic and antipruritic. The antiemetic effect of propofol may be an effective therapeutic approach for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting. The literature also demonstrated that the use of propofol for sedation during surgery may as well ameliorates opioids induced postoperative pruritus, which may be beneficial to surgical patients. Also, it was demonstrated that prophylactic use of propofol may be an effective way of preventing nausea and vomiting and pruritus during opioid use.展开更多
基金supported by the Major Special Research projects in Gansu Province, China (22ZD6NA009)the National Key R&D Program of China (2022YFD1900300)+4 种基金the State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, Gansu Agricultural University, China (GSCS-2022-Z02)the Fostering Foundation for the Excellent Ph.D. Dissertation of Gansu Agricultural University, China (YB2020002)the Innovation Star Project for Excellent Graduate Student of Department of Education of Gansu Province, China (2021CXZX-369)the Young Instructor Fund Project of Gansu Agricultural University, China (GAU-QDFC-2020-03)the Science and Technology Project of Gansu Province, China (20JR5RA033)。
文摘The fully mulched ridge–furrow(FMRF) system has been widely used on the semi-arid Loess Plateau of China due to its high maize(Zea mays L.) productivity and rainfall use efficiency. However, high outputs under this system led to a depletion of soil moisture and soil nutrients, which reduces its sustainability in the long run. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the system for the sustainable development of agriculture. The development, yield-increasing mechanisms,negative impacts, optimization, and their relations in the FMRF system are reviewed in this paper. We suggest using grain and forage maize varieties instead of regular maize;mulching plastic film in autumn or leaving the mulch after maize harvesting until the next spring, and then removing the old film and mulching new film;combining reduced/notillage with straw return;utilizing crop rotation or intercropping with winter canola(Brassica campestris L.), millet(Setaria italica), or oilseed flax(Linum usitatissimum L.);reducing nitrogen fertilizer and partially replacing chemical fertilizer with organic fertilizer;using biodegradable or weather-resistant film;and implementing mechanized production. These integrations help to establish an environmentally friendly, high quality, and sustainable agricultural system, promote highquality development of dryland farming, and create new opportunities for agricultural development in the semi-arid Loess Plateau.
文摘In this paper, an Improved Affine-Scaling Interior Point Algorithm for Linear Programming has been proposed. Computational results of selected practical problems affirming the proposed algorithm have been provided. The proposed algorithm is accurate, faster and therefore reduces the number of iterations required to obtain an optimal solution of a given Linear Programming problem as compared to the already existing Affine-Scaling Interior Point Algorithm. The algorithm can be very useful for development of faster software packages for solving linear programming problems using the interior-point methods.
文摘This paper explores entrepreneurial leadership, market orientation, and firm performance. It sorts to ascertain through the literature whether entrepreneurial leadership has an influence on market orientation decision and firm performance. The review points to the fact that entrepreneurial leadership creates visionary scenarios which they used to assemble and mobilize a “supporting cast” of participants who become committed to the vision and the discovery of strategic value creation by influencing market orientation decision and thus enhancing firm performance. The study thus developed a process model as a result of the literature reviewed. The study concludes that, entrepreneurial leadership influences the market orientation decision of a firm with the help of the “supporting cast” and this helps the firm to increase its performance.
文摘Uni-modal rainfall pattern has long dry spell wherein sweetpotato is scarce, expensive but cheap at harvest. The crop is mostly consumed, processed or sold. Extending shelf-life of roots is crucial for Malawi and Northern Ghana as the crop has high value. Trials were conducted in the countries at the community level. In the dry season, temperature is cool in Malawi while warm in Ghana, but thru harmattan, the night is cool with low relative humidity. In Malawi, orange-fleshed sweetpotato Zondeni var., white and yellow types were assessed in three types of storage, Afghan ventilated pit store, storage in dry sand of pit-steps, and of a granary In Ghana, local moistened heap and sandbox were compared. In Malawi, weight losses were calculated relative to the quantity stored at start, it was not cumulative. At 1.5 months no significant difference was among treatments. By 3.5 months the pit-steps method emerged to be superior and continued to 6.5 months. Losses in granary were due to shriveling, in the pit-stepsdue to termites and rats, and in ventilated pit due to termites, rats and Java black rot. Sprouting was high in pit-steps, but it was simply removed and roots returned to storage. At 6.5 months, the beta-carotene of Zondeni roots was traceable. Farmers gained high price when selling them as roots were scarce. Women favored the pit-steps because it was manageable. In Ghana, the sandbox was superior to local moistened heap. Methods designed were suitable for home consumption, but will require modification for commercialization.
文摘Field experiments were conducted at Gore near Zebila in Bawku West District of the Upper East Region of Ghana during the 2015 and 2016 cropping season on four Striga tolerant maize varieties in maize/soybean integration alongside maize monocrop as a means of managing the devastating effects of Striga. The study determined the relative Striga tolerance of the maize varieties in terms of yield and yield components, as well as the most effective intercrop for the reduction of Striga seed bank. The treatment differences were not significant (p < 0.05) in affecting plant height, plant population, leaf area index (LAI), Striga count and Striga biomass. Similarly, yield components of maize such as height of cob attachment, cob length, cob weight, 100 seed weight, grain yield, as well as straw weight were not significantly affected by the treatments. There was no relativity of Striga stress tolerance in terms of yield and yield components of the four maize varieties. All the entries efficiently tolerated the biotic stress of Striga and further supported growth and grain yield equally. There was reduced S. hermonthica seed bank production in the soil in both cropping systems. The four maize varieties are proven tolerant materials to Striga infestation and are therefore recommended for long-term Striga seed bank depletion in the study area.
文摘Climate change has been a global pandemic with its adverse impacts affecting environments and livelihoods. This has been largely attributed to anthropogenic activities which generate large amounts of Green House Gases (GHGs), notably carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) among others. In the Upper East of Ghana, climate change manifests in erratic rainfalls, drought, high temperatures, high wind speeds, high intensity rainfall, windstorms, flooding, declining vegetation cover, perennial devastating bushfires etc. Practices such as burning farm residues, use of dung as fuel for cooking, excessive application of nitrogenous fertilizers, and deforestation that are prevalent in the region exacerbate the situation. Although, efforts made by governmental and none-governmental organizations to mitigate climate change through afforestation, agroforestry and promotion of less fuelwood consuming cook stoves, land management practices antagonize these efforts as more CO2 is generated than the carrying capacity of vegetation in the region. Research findings have established the role of trees and soil in carbon sequestration in mitigating climate. However, there is limited knowledge on how the vegetation and soil in agroforestry interplay in mitigation climate change. It is against this background that this review seeks to investigate how vegetation and soil in an agroforestry interact synergistically to sequester carbon and contribute to mitigating climate change in Upper East region of Ghana. In this review, it was discovered soil stored more carbon than vegetation in an agroforestry system and is much effective in mitigating climate change. It was found out that in order to make soil and vegetation in an agroforestry system interact synergistically to effectively mitigate climate change, Climate Smart Agriculture practice which integrates trees, and perennials crops effectively mitigates climate. The review concluded that tillage practices that ensure retention and storage of soil organic carbon (SOC) could be much effective in carbon sequestration in the Savannah zones and could be augmented with vegetation to synergistically mitigate climate change in the Upper East region of Ghana.
基金supported by grants from the National Key Research and Development Plan of China (2018YFD1000800)National Natural Science Foundation of China (31991182,31972426)+1 种基金Hubei Hongshan Laboratory Project (2021hszd 007)Wuhan Frontier Projects for Applied Foundation (2019020701011492).
文摘Tomato(Solanum lycopersicum L.)is a commercially farmed vegetable belonging to the Solanaceae family,the third most important vegetable after potato(Solanum tuberosum L.)and onion(Allium cepa L.).It is cultivated for its fresh fruits and processed paste,with over 153 million metric tons of global production.However,modern tomato cultivars have limited sugars,acids,and volatiles allelic diversity as flavor has generally been less prioritized in breeding programs.Invertase is an essential regulator of flavor and sugar metabolism in tomato.Genetic control of tomato flavor is still incomplete without a clear understanding of the roles of invertase and sucrose metabolism.This review provides an overview of our current understanding of the invertase mode of action in sucrose metabolism,their evolutionary and functional divergence in the tomato genome,role in stress response,genetic and hormonal control of fruit flavor and quality.We summarized the primary roles of invertase in sugar metabolism and fruit flavor.
基金the Heilongjiang Province Applied Technology Research and Development Program(Grant No.GA20C014).
文摘Nonpoint source(NPS)pollutants resulting from land degradation(LD)have been a key influential factor on the deterioration of water quality.Consequently,sustainable land use management(SLM)practices have been employed to reduce the impacts of LD globally.However,the adoption of SLM practices is often not effective to protect water resources despite its capability of improving water quality.Empirically,evidence shows that activities of land users directly influence SLM practices and NPS pollution of water resources in watersheds,but invariably this has not been clearly understood.Understanding how SLM practices adoption could prevent NPS pollution of water resources in watershed is a necessity.Therefore,the primary aim of the investigation is to comprehend the status of SLM practices with the legal framework supporting the adoption of such practices in the Ashi River watershed.A survey instrument involving structured questionnaire was implemented to collect data.A randomly based lottery method was applied to sample information from 150 land users in two control units’communities.Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyze the data.This research revealed that there is low adoption of SLM practices of the study site.The low adoption is due to weak capacity building and enforcement of regulations in the watershed.Occupation and age of the residents are the strongest predictors of SLM adoption rate.Residents connected with farming are more sensitive to the adoption status of SLM.It is our recommendation that policy makers should ensure capacity building,and enforcement of regulations can specifically compel farmers to adopt SLM technologies.This approach would complement other strategies to solve the NPS pollution issue of Ashi River.
文摘To explore the variations in symbiotic N2 fixation and water use efficiency in cowpea, this study evaluated 25 USDA cowpea genotypes subjected to drought under field conditions at two locations (Kpachi and Woribogu) in the Northern region of Ghana. The 15N and 13C natural abundance techniques were respectively used to assess N2 fixation and water use efficiency. The test genotypes elicited high symbiotic dependence in association with indigenous rhizobia, deriving between 55% and 98% of their N requirements from symbiosis. Consequently, the amounts of N-fixed by the genotypes showed remarkable variations, with values ranging from 37 kg·N-fixed·ha-1 to 337 kg·N-fixed·ha-1. Most genotypes elicited contrasting symbiotic performance between locations, a finding that highlights the effect of complex host/soil microbiome compatibility on the efficiency of the cowpea-rhizobia symbiosis. The test genotypes showed marked variations in water use efficiency, with most of the genotypes recording higher δ13C values when planted at Kpachi. Despite the high symbiotic dependence, the grain yield of the test cowpeas was low due to the imposed drought, and ranged from 56 kg/ha to 556 kg/ha at Kpachi, and 143 kg/ha to 748 kg/ha at Woribogu. The fact that some genotypes could grow and produce grain yields of 627 - 748 kg/ha under drought imposition is an important trait that could be tapped for further improvement of cowpea. These findings highlight the importance of the cowpea-rhizobia symbiosis and enhanced water relations in the crop’s wider adaptation to adverse edaphoclimatic conditions.
文摘In light of the use of Lannea barteri in the management of diverse illnesses and treatment of wounds in traditional medicine, the current study was conducted to assess the wound-healing efficacy of crude aqueous extract of the stem bark of Lannea barteri and its shea butter formulated ointment using an excision wound model in the rabbit. The herbal ointment (5%, w/w) exhibited a significant wound healing activity, showing 99.9% ± 0.3% wound contraction at the end of the experiment (24th day). There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the 5% (w/w) herbal ointment compared with Silver Sulphadiazine cream (positive control), which showed a 97.8% ± 1.0% rate of excision wound contraction on day 24. Compared with the negative control group (administered with only shea butter), the wound healing activity of the ointment was significant (p Lannea barteri for the treatment of wounds and demonstrates that shea butter usage as a base in formulating an herbal ointment might aid in topical application for wound repair and regeneration, as well as the potential for enhanced wound healing.
文摘This study investigated a natural indicator for acid-base titration which is extracted from guinea corn leaves popularly called “waakye leaves” in Ghana. Four types of acid-base titration were studied: strong acid versus (v/s) strong base, strong acid versus weak base, weak acid versus strong base, and weak acid versus weak base. The indicator color change, pH range and the average titre values were determined for each type of acid-base titration. These values were comparable to those obtained from three standard indicators: methyl orange, methyl red and phenolphthalein. Total flavonoids (TF) and condensed tannin (CT) from the crude leaves extract were determined which might be the major reasons for the activity of the extract as an indicator for simple acid-base titration. The authors suggest that the natural indicator is cheap, available, simple to extract, user and environmentally friendly and could be an excellent replacement for standard indicators.
文摘Council for Scientific and Industrial Research<span style="font-family:;" "="">-</span><span style="font-family:;" "="">Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) in collaboration with University of California, Riverside phenotyped 300 Recombinant Inbred Lines (RILs) of Multi</span><span style="font-family:;" "="">-</span><span style="font-family:;" "="">parent Advanced Generation Inter-Cross (MAGIC) cowpea population from eight elite cowpea cultivars in Northern Ghana. Among the traits targeted in the phenotyping is extra early maturity suitable for Sudan Savanna agro ecological zone of Ghana. Ten selected extra early genotypes from the MAGIC population were intercropped with maize to identify genotype(s) that can maintain agronomic performances and grain yield. A field experiment was carried out at the Manga Station of SARI, Ghana during the 2018 and 2019 growing season to evaluate the ten extra-early cowpea genotypes in maize/cowpea intercrop. The experimental design used was split plot with three replications. The cropping patterns (row, strip and sole cropping) were assigned to the main plot. Ten cowpea genotypes (MAGIC 008, MAGIC 043, MAGIC 048, MAGIC 055, MAGIC 076, MAGIC 118, MAGIC 154, MAGIC 176, CB27, and SARC 1-57-2) were assigned to sub-plots. The results indicated that the number of seed per pod of the cowpea was not affected by cowpea genotype and intercrop pattern interaction;however, the interaction influenced grain yield, pod <span>per plant, plant height, 50% flowering and 100 seed weight of cowpea. MAGIC</span> genotypes, M008, M048, M055, M154, recorded higher grain yield under both strip intercropping and sole cropping. SARC1-57-2 also recorded the highest grain yield under row intercropping. M048, M055, M076, M176 and SARI’s collection SARC1-57-2 were the top five genotypes in fodder production. Intercropping advantage was compared with sole cropping. Land equivalent ratio greater than 1 was observed for all the genotypes with MAGIC 048 recording the highest LER at strip intercrop. Benefit Cost Ratio also showed that there is advantage of intercropping than sole cropping.</span>
文摘In the global south wide range of studies highlight the limitations of the single-modelled public urban water system to meeting the endogenous water preferences of the urban population. Studies also touched on the complementary roles of private water actors to the single-modelled public water supply system in the urban water supply network. Multiple of urban water supply systems （multi-model） co-exist in the urban landscape of global south. However, it is unclear and largely inconclusive on the suitable and satisfactory urban water supply model that meets the water consumption needs of informal settlement dwellers in the global south. This study draws the experiences of households in the informal settlements using a case-study with cross-sectional survey strategy to assess the suitability of the multi-model urban water supply system for sustainable urban water supply in the informal settlements. A total of 292 households were randomly sampled alongside 35 purposively sampled private water actors and public water departments. The data were collected through face to face interviews. Findings show that water supply services of the multi-model water supply system are inevitably suitable for the water consumption needs of informal settlements’s dwellers. The operation of the multi-model water supply system is flexible and able to accommodate the diverse water consumption preferences and choices of the different socio-economic groups in the informal settlements. We observed that multiplicity of urban water supply system increases households’ access to water but does not necessarily improve the quality of water serve in the informal settlements. The paper recommended for the formalisation and adoption of the multi-model urban water supply system to meet the growing demand for improved water supply and services in the informal settlements.
文摘Background: Malaria infection during pregnancy is a major public health problem in tropical and subtropical regions globally. Anaemia is often an adverse outcome of severe parasitic infections during pregnancy in developing countries. Pregnant women in malaria-endemic communities are more susceptible to Plasmodium falciparum infections than non-pregnant women of child-bearing age. Objective: To comparatively investigate malaria and anaemia in pregnant and non-pregnant women of child-bearing age. Design: A cross-sectional comparative study. Three hundred and eighty pregnant women and 380 non-pregnant women were screened for the study. Setting: The study was conducted at the University Hospital, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. Measurements: Participants’ demographic data were collected via the administration of questionnaires. In addition their blood samples were analyzed for haemoglobin level and malaria parasites, while stool samples from the pregnant women were examined for intestinal parasites. Results: The study revealed that pregnant women have higher malaria parasitaemia (12.6%) and anaemia (62.6%). The species of Plasmodium isolated from the pregnant women were P. falciparum (85.4%), P. malariae (4.2%) and P. ovale (10.4%). Malaria parasitaemia was higher in the primigravidae (14%). However multigravidae recorded the highest anaemia prevalence (67.1%). Age of pregnant women was a factor affecting malaria parasitaemia with a significant P-value and OR (P value = 0.0041, 0R = 7.61). Conclusions: Pregnant women were more susceptible to malaria and anaemia than non-pregnant women of child-bearing age. Most of the pregnant women reported at antenatal clinic during the second trimester. Primigravidae however recorded the highest malaria parasitaemia. The main species of Plasmodium observed in the blood samples was falciparum.
文摘Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to provide predictive models for optimisation of extraction of selected polyphenolic compounds from cider apple pomace under aqueous acetone. The design of experiment (DoE) was conducted to evaluate the influence of acetone concentration % (v/v), solid-to solvent ratio % (w/v), temperature (˚C) and extraction time (min) and their interaction on phenolic contents, using the Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD). The experimental data were analysed to fit statistical models for recovery of phenolic compounds. The selected models were significant (P 0.05), except for Chlorogenic acid and Quercetin 3-glucoside which had significant lack of fits (P R2 > 0.9000 and adjusted? ?reasonable agrees with predicted . Coefficient of variation < 5% for each determination at the 95% confidence interval. These models could be relied upon to achieve optimal concentrations of polyphenolic compounds for applications in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
文摘Several studies have reported a significant yearly decrease in forest cover globally, using satellite images. This is especially true in West Africa, where rapid urbanisation acerbates the problem, and both of these changes lead to alterations in rainfall regime and other changes in climatic parameters. Several studies reveal that adaptation which reduces vulnerability to adverse climatic variation effects is the key to developing resilience against climate change. In this region, over 90% of farmers are engaged in small-scale rainfed crop cultivation and rely on their own weather perception, instincts and what they observe from the surrounding biota (flora and fauna) to forecast the weather and plan their agricultural activities. The pressing nature of the problem of climate variability in Africa had provoked a lot of research into developing and testing several adaptation strategies to control the situation. Various strategies to improve and localize global, regional and national climate services (Local Forecast, Scientific Forecast and Integrated Forecast) needed by the farmers are being developed to build resilience against climate change. This review illustrates the situation in Ghana and identifies various forecast strategies developed to mitigate the adverse effects of climate variability on agricultural productivity. These mitigation methods include the development of climate services to provide users with forecast information in order to make climate-smart decisions to minimize the risk.
文摘Most parts of the world are rapidly urbanizing. In sub-Saharan Africa, towns are urbanizing at a faster pace than earlier predicted. Also, large portions of rural settings have been gradually moving towards urbanization. The Tamale Metropolis has been rated as the fastest-growing metropolis in Sub-Saharan Africa. City planning and concerns about the need for open-space creation have been a major challenge due to poor adherence to standards in the building codes. This study was conducted to assess the role of open space in human settlement development in the Tamale Metropolis. The study sampled the views of 157 residents who stay closed to community open spaces in five suburbs of the metropolis. Key informant interviews were also conducted with officials from the Town and Country Planning Department. The study revealed that most residents spend leisure by taking a walk in the neighborhood or idling in outdoor spaces. Also, the majority of the residents had poor knowledge of institutional and land administration. This often led to non-adherence to regulations and this affects open spaces in the metropolis. Common among residents is also a poor appreciation of the importance of open space and this results in encroachment. The Town and Country Planning Department should institute sanctions and stringent measures to deter offenders. Also, public seminars should be used to educate residents on the need to adhere to planning and building codes. Lastly, the study recommends strong collaboration between the various institutions engaged in land administration to facilitate effective provision and preservation of quality open spaces in the metropolis.
文摘Sweetpotato is an important crop for food security in many developing countries which is cultivated using vine cuttings. Studies have revealed that there are at least fifteen well characterized viruses known to infect sweetpotato of which 10 are economically important that contribute to yield reduction. Planting materials use by farmers are often infected by one or more of these viruses. The aim of this study was to evaluate three different sources of planting materials of different health status for their field performance and virus presence. The sources of planting materials were in vitro generated platelets, symptomless Field materials and Farmer’s materials. Four sweetpotato varieties Apomuden, Bohye, Ligri and Dadanyuie were selected from each source of planting material. The trial was laid in a split plot design with the sources of planting material allocated to main plots and the varieties to sub-plots. The plantlets of the four varieties were planted at Botanga Irrigation Scheme in Northern region of Ghana. Viral symptom scores were taken twice, score 1 being the average from 4 - 7 weeks after planting (WAP) and score 2 being the average from 8 - 11 WAP. Nitrocellulose Membranes Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (NCM-ELISA) kits were employed for the detection of sweetpotato viruses on the field. The source of planting materials significantly influenced (P In vitro generated material showed the least symptoms of virus followed by Field materials. Apomuden and Bohye varieties recorded the highest virus score in the first and second virus symptom observational score respectively. NCM-ELISA revealed that the viruses SPFMV, SPMMV, SPMSV, SPCFV, SPCSV, and CMV were significantly present among the different sources of planting materials. In vitro, Field and Farmer materials recorded NCM-ELISA score of 0.225, 1.075 and 1.500 respectively. Apomuden variety recorded the highest virus score in the assay. Vine and root yield was higher among the in vitro generated material. Farmers should use laboratory cleaned material however, in the absence of such material they should select field material showing no symptom of virus.
文摘Haden, Kent, Palmer, and Keitt mango varieties were studied to establish the relationship of harvest time to 1) seasonal accumulated day-degrees or heat units (<span style="white-space:nowrap;">˚</span>C), 2) daily rainfall amount (mm), and 3) physical fruit development attributes in order to fix maturity standards for export and local markets. Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications was used. In each case of Haden, Kent, Palmer, and Keitt varieties, physical fruit development attributes established as standard harvest maturity values were: weight (640 g, 836 g, 837 g, and 1104 g, respectively), length (16.31 cm, 16.19 cm, 21.22 cm, and 19 cm, respectively), width (30.97 cm, 33.47 cm, 30.86 cm, and 35.91 cm, respectively), volume (598 cm<sup>3</sup>, 807 cm<sup>3</sup>, 772 cm<sup>3</sup>, and 959 cm<sup>3</sup>, respectively), density (1.147 g/cm<sup>3</sup>, 1.076 g/cm<sup>3</sup>, 1.084 g/cm<sup>3</sup>, and 1.189 g/cm<sup>3</sup>, respectively), and indentation (0.25 cm, 0.49 cm, and 0.50 cm, respectively). The intensity of grooves around the stylar-scar end of Palmer fruits was studied and used as maturity index. Index values of 0.075 mls, 0.150 mls, 0.425 mls, and 0.116 mls, respectively, for Haden, Kent, Palmer, and Keitt varieties were recorded as latex exuded at harvest since these values tallied with the other physical harvest maturity index values, and also with those of rain fall and temperature values. Temperature, rainfall, and physical characteristics are therefore important non-destructive criteria for fixing maturity index values for mango fruits.
文摘Background: Despite the advances in anesthetics and non-pharmacological techniques, the prevalence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in all patients remains high. It is one of the most common distressing symptoms that cause dissatisfaction among patients after anesthesia and surgery. A sub-hypnotic dose of propofol has been shown to reduce morphine-induced postoperative nausea, vomiting, and pruritus. This review article will provide sufficient knowledge on the role of propofol in minimizing opioid-induced postoperative nausea, vomiting, and pruritus by providing detailed information on propofol antiemetic and antipruritic effects, as well as discussions based on empirically available data. Method: We conducted a narrative review of the literature published between 1990 and 2023 from a range of databases;PubMed, BioMed Central, Biosis Previews, Nature, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Springer-Link, and Elsevier. Discussion and Conclusion: The literatures reviewed in this study have demonstrated that propofol may have diverse therapeutic effects including antiemetic and antipruritic. The antiemetic effect of propofol may be an effective therapeutic approach for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting. The literature also demonstrated that the use of propofol for sedation during surgery may as well ameliorates opioids induced postoperative pruritus, which may be beneficial to surgical patients. Also, it was demonstrated that prophylactic use of propofol may be an effective way of preventing nausea and vomiting and pruritus during opioid use.
