Local Area Research Articles

Assessment of knowledge, attitude, practice and barriers of exclusive breastfeeding among nursing mothers in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State

Introduction: Over the years, breastfeeding has been a universal means of feeding infants and a common feature of all cultures since the survival of mankind. It is a phenomenon that is deeply rooted in the tradition of human culture. Although, breastfeeding practices have fluctuated over the years, it is widely regarded as an unequalled way of providing ideal nutrition for the healthy growth and development of infants. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, practice and some barriers of exclusive breastfeeding among nursing mothers in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. Method: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study to assess the knowledge, attitude, practice and barriers of nursing mothers towards Exclusive Breast Feeding (EBF). An interviewer-self-administered pretested questionnaire was used to collect data on maternal knowledge, Attitude, Practice and barriers of EBF. The modified Blooms criteria was adapted to grade knowledge, attitude and practice as either Good or poor. Statistical significance was considered at 95% confidence interval. Results: The results from this study showed that nursing Mother’s knowledge of EBF was good, 84.0% of the respondents displayed good knowledge of EBF, good attitude towards EBF was at 54.7% and the practice of EBF was 67.3%. Notable barriers to EBF includes, poor knowledge of EBF among nursing mothers (75.0%), followed by concurrent breast disease 6 months post-natal (66.7%), next was women who have never attended Antenatal Care Clinic (ANC) 62.5%. Conclusion: These findings suggest good knowledge and practice of EBF, however there is need to institute intervening measures aimed at reducing barriers associated with EBF in the study community.

Suitability techniques for transforming marginal lands to support building infrastructures in parts of Rivers State, Nigeria

This study examined sustainability techniques for transforming marginal lands to support building infrastructures in parts of Rivers State, Nigeria. The study adopted the cross-sectional survey research design method employing the use of standard penetration approach utilizing Geographic Information System analysis. Marginal lands were delineated as margins of watrbodies using the polygon method in ArcGIS, and were created as a feature class for polygon data (shape file). The locations, river margins and roads formed point data, polygon data and line data respectively. Digitisation was achieved using Orthophoto Image in ArcGIS 10.0 software where seven geotechnical boreholes were located and drilled using permission rig to a depth of 10.5m in five local government areas of Rivers State. In-situ standard penetration testing and soil sampling for laboratory geotechnical properties was done using standard laboratory techniques. Findings of the analysis show that silty and sandy clay are the dominant soil within the foundation depth of 1-2.5m which are underlained by clays and sands of varying densities and grain sizes with their specific gravity value of ranges of 1.9 – 2.66 depicting that the areas are underlined by organic, diatomaceous and high porosity permeability soils deposits under water logged conditions. The cohesive strength of the soils vary from 65KN/m 2 - 115KN/m 2, angle of internal friction ranged from 0o – 10o and shear strength ranged from 110KN/m 2 – 147.46KN/m 2 and the allowable bearing capacities of 180.22KN/m 2 – 236.05KN/m 2. The stability techniques for the transformation of the land to support building infrastructures are pre-construction soil stabilization and marginal land reinforcement. The study thus recommends for building summation of consolidated techniques for sustainability of infrastructures.

The Impact of Mining on Labor Absorption and the Economy of Working Families in Lasolo District, North Konawe Regency

This research aims to measure the impact of PT. XYZ towards employment and the economy of working families in North Konawe Regency. The research method used is qualitative using primary and secondary data. Data was obtained from the Central Bureau of Statistics and Company Data, with data collection techniques including observation, interviews and documentation. The research results show that the existence of PT. XYZ in Lasolo District, North Konawe Regency absorbs 35 workers from the local area and 15 workers from outside the area. Even though the number of employees is only 50 people, this company's contribution to employment reaches 0.10% of the total workforce in North Konawe. However, the role of PT. XYZ supports the economy of working families quite significantly, with an average contribution reaching 91.39% of family income. This shows that even though the number of workers absorbed is relatively small, the economic impact is quite large for the families of the workers involved.

Small Punch Test to Estimate the Threshold Stress in Aggressive Environments by Incremental Step Loading

The present work is a relevant advance in the validation of the incremental step loading technique (ASTM F1624 standard) when applied to Small Punch tests (SPT) for the threshold load determination of medium- and high-strength steels in aggressive environments, as a novel alternative to conventional time-consuming tests under constant load. It completes previous works by the authors on this topic, extending a methodology to estimate the threshold stress from SPT tests in aggressive environments, covering the whole range of hardness marked by ASTM F1624 as the main goal. This is achieved by calibrating a model of the material’s hardness by the use of a coefficient in function of it. For this purpose, four medium- and high-strength steels of 33, 35, 50 and 60 HRC (Hardness Rockwell C) are exposed to three different cathodic polarization hydrogen embrittlement environments of 1, 5 and 10 mA/cm2 in 1N H2SO4 acid electrolyte connected to a platinum anode. Threshold stresses in these circumstances are obtained by uniaxial specimens following ASTM F1624 and compared to their homologous threshold loads obtained by Small Punch tests according to the authors’ original methodology proposal. Finally, the aforementioned model, consisting of a correlation based on composing an elastic and a plastic part, is calibrated for a hardness ranging 33–60 HRC, this being the main original contribution of this work; the elastic part is dependent just on the elastic-to-plastic transition SPT load, while the plastic part is ruled by a material hardness-dependent coefficient. This technique supposes an advance in engineering tools, due to its applicability in situations of material shortage, such as in-service components, welded joints, local areas, complex geometries, small thicknesses, etc., often present in aerospace, automotive or oil–gas, among others.

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF MILLET PRODUCTION IN JERE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA.

This research was carried out to determine the profitability of millet production in Jere local Government area of Borno state. Random sampling technique was adopted in this research through which data was collected from ninety (90) farms with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis and production functions. Result indicated that 58.9% of respondents were in their economically active age group, majority (76.7%) of the farmers were male, 66.7% were married, while 42.2% had farming experience of between 21 – 30 years in millet production and it was revealed that farms were on a small-scale basis. Result further showed that millet production was profitable with gross margin and net farm income of N29,743.18 and N12,868.00 per hectare respectively. Regression model estimated revealed that double-log was the lead equation with R2 of 68.5%. Also, land, labour and agrochemical had significant impact on the level of millet output at P<0.01 level of probability and F-ratio 35.212. Estimated efficiency ratios showed that land; labour and fertilizer were under-utilised, while agrochemical was over utilised. Return to scale gave a value of 1.27 which implies that millet production was in stage 1 of the production region. It can be concluded that millet production in the study area is profitably. The study recommends that farmers should employ more land; labour and fertilizer, while the use of agrochemical should be cut down in order to improved millet production output for profit maximization.

Ventricular parasystole as a new indicator suggesting ventricular arrhythmias in cardiac sarcoidosis

Abstract Background In cardiac sarcoidosis (CS), it is considered that inflammation occurs in localized areas such as the basal septum. Inflammation has been suggested to be associated with ventricular fibrillation (VF). Meanwhile, ventricular parasystole is strongly associated with VF in non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. However, the relationship between CS and ventricular parasystole remains unclear. Purpose The purpose is to examine the frequency of parasystole in cases of VF and ventricular tachycardia (VT) in CS, and whether there is a correlation between the inflammatory activity of sarcoidosis and the origin of ventricular parasystole. Methods We evaluated ventricular arrhythmias (VA) in a cohort of 213 consecutive cases diagnosed with CS from 1989 to 2021 (median age 69 years, 104 males, median LVEF 36%) in our center. We investigated parasystole in cases that developed VA, using 5,313 electrocardiograms, 94 Holter electrocardiograms, and 3,174 ICD interrogation records. Classic parasystole is defined as three ventricular ectopic beats with the same morphology at a fixed interval but different coupling intervals (CI) in a 10-second continuous ECG. A new definition of parasystole requires two ventricular ectopic beats with a CI difference of more than 120ms. We also investigated the correlation of the inflammation site with ECG morphology. Results VAs were observed in 95 individuals (33.7%), and 22 developed VF (23.2%). In the VF group, parasystole was observed in 12 of 22 individuals (classic: 5, new: 7), and in the VT group observed in 20 of 73 individuals (classic: 5, new: 15), with parasystole being significantly more frequent in the VF group (P=0.018) and classic parasystole (P=0.033). In VF patients with recorded 12-lead ECGs of parasystole, the inflammation site on PET within 3 months of the VA and PVC origin matched in all 4 out of 4 cases, but no VF starting from ventricular parasystole ectopic beats was recorded. Conclusion Ventricular parasystole was detected in 54.5% of CS patients with VF. There is a possibility that the presence of parasystole and the inflammatory activity in the CS can predict the occurrence of VF.

Effects of gender and agricultural cooperatives on biodiversity conservation farming practices: evidence from an emerging economy

PurposeThis study explores the effects of gender and participation in agricultural cooperatives on biodiversity conservation farming practices in vegetable production.Design/methodology/approachThis study used data collected from a survey of 627 vegetable farmers in Viet Nam and employed the Ordered Probit regression model to examine the effects of gender and participation in agricultural cooperatives on biodiversity conservation farming practices.FindingsWe find that female vegetable farmers are more likely to conduct biodiversity conservation farming practices than male farmers. This gender difference is, however, removed when participation in agricultural cooperatives is controlled, suggesting that agricultural cooperatives effectively facilitate biodiversity conservation farming practices.Research limitations/implicationsIt is noted that our study is not free from some limitations. First, we conducted our study on vegetable farmers only. The biodiversity conservation practices in vegetable cultivation might be different from other types of farming. Future studies should be conducted with other types of agricultural cultivation. Second, we do not have enough data to explain why female farmers are more likely to adopt biodiversity conservation practices than male farmers. Future studies should capture biological and social aspects of gender differences to address this limitation.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature on biodiversity conservation by presenting empirical evidence on the effects of gender and agricultural cooperatives. Participation in agricultural cooperatives is revealed to facilitate the adoption of biodiversity conservation practices. In addition, we find that the education of farmers, the number of years that farmers have been living in the local area and the quality of land and water are positively related to the adoption of biodiversity conservation practices in vegetable production.

A matter of measurement? Segregation and all-cause mortality in Sweden’s three metropolitan regions

Abstract Background Residential segregation can be operationalized and measured in many ways, along distinct dimensions. There are multiple mechanisms through which segregation and health mutually affect each other. Consequently, contextual health effects of segregation may vary depending on how segregation is measured. Methods We used longitudinal Swedish register data to compare associations between local measures of residential segregation (migrant density, migrant isolation, and the mutual information index) and all-cause mortality among the adult migrant and native-born populations in Sweden’s three largest metropolitan regions between 2004-2016. Results Among migrants, modest positive mortality gradients were observed across measures of migrant density and isolation, where a higher level of segregation was associated with higher risks of all-cause mortality (Q5 RR ranged from 1.08-1.20 across cities and measures). However, these effects were largely attenuated by individual-level socioeconomic factors, and reversed when further controlling for neighborhood economic deprivation (Q5 RR ranged from 0.74-0.87). Among the native-born, a positive gradient for mortality was found (Q5 RR ranged from 1.31-1.45), although this was reduced when accounting for neighborhood deprivation (Q5 RR ranged from 1.01 -1.11). For both migrants and the native-born, the mutual information index showed no clear association with mortality, although a mortality advantage is observed for migrants in the most segregated areas after individual and neighborhood level adjustments (Q5 RR ranged from 0.73-0.86). Conclusions Our findings show that the manner in which residential segregation is conceptualized and operationalized alters associations with health. However, individual and other contextual level confounders are important determinants which influences the patterns. Much of the negative health effects of residential segregation can be perceived through the lack of economic opportunities. Key messages • Associations between segregation and all-cause mortality depends on how segregation is conceptualized and measured. • The mortality disadvantage observed in local areas with high migrant density may be attributed to the lack of economic opportunities in the neighborhood.

The Impact of Financial and Non-Financial Rewards on Employee Migration Intentions in Lagos Banking Sector

The Nigerian banking sector has been facing a significant exodus of skilled employees in recent times which has continued to threaten the sector's development. However, despite numerous studies to address this phenomenon, fewer empirical studies have explored how financial and non-financial rewards impact the migration intention of employees in the banking sector in Nigeria. This study therefore examines how reward systems including financial and non-financial affect the migration intention of employees in Lagos banking sector. A cross-sectional design with purposive and proportionate sampling was adopted for the study. The purposive sampling was adopted to select eight banks in the Mainland Local Government Area of Lagos, Nigeria while a proportionate sampling was used to sample the respondents to ensure adequate representation across the banks. A structured questionnaire was used for collecting data from a sample size of 99 which was determined from a population of 131 in the selected banks using the Yamane formula. However, only 89 responses were obtained across the selected banks and were then statistically analysed using descriptive statistics for the socio-demographic data. Correlation with multiple regressions was utilised for hypothesis testing at a 5% significance level and the study found that both financial and non-financial rewards significantly affect employees’ migration intention. Therefore, the management of banks should improve on the existing financial reward systems to make them more globally competitive as this would enhance talented employees’ retention and reduce employees’ migration intention in the banks.

Traceability for strengthening supply chain systems and enhancing real-time visibility: Focus of NAFDAC on advancing vaccine traceability in Nigeria

This study explores the successful implementation of activities aimed at scaling traceability for COVID-19 and routine immunization (RI) vaccines to the local government area and selected healthcare facilities in Nigeria, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The study was executed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and sought to enhance supply chain systems by deploying advanced traceability mechanisms and ensuring real-time stock visibility. The article discusses the accomplishments, challenges, and regulatory framework of NAFDAC, emphasizing GS1 technology-driven traceability, and presents the results of the field scanning activities conducted in July 2023. The approach involved a phased public sector pilot, showcasing the feasibility and challenges of tracking vaccine movement through the supply chain. The result shows the detection of 43 unique products across 1022 facilities from a total of 110,113 scans, offering valuable insights into vaccine distributions. The strategic goals of the project aligned with developing safety surveillance systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to facilitate patient access to global health products. Similarly, significant improvement in traceability through automated data capture (barcode scanning) and expanded coverage for COVID-19 and selected RI vaccines in Nigeria was found. Against this background, the information derived from this report will build confidence in patients regarding vaccine authenticity, establish a transparent and robust supply chain, and foster pharmacovigilance capability through integration with the track-and-trace systems. Thus, the study provides invaluable insights and opportunities for global health practitioners, policymakers, and researchers to incorporate track-and-trace into regulatory systems by other national regulatory authorities.

Impact of Corporate Entrepreneurship and Market Orientation on the Performance of Small Medium-Sized Enterprises in Ibadan Nigeria

The performance of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) is pivotal to economic development, particularly in emerging economies like Nigeria. This paper explores the intersection of Corporate Entrepreneurship (CE) and Market Orientation (MO) and their collective impact on the performance of SMEs in Ibadan, Nigeria. Two research questions were raised, and two hypotheses were tested. The study employed the survey research design with five hundred and forty-six (546) respondents as subjects. Representative SMEs were purposively selected from each of the 11 local government areas in Ibadan Metropolis. Primary data was employed using the questionnaire to elicit information from the respondents. Data collected were analysed using Canonical Correlation and Multiple Regression. Findings indicated a combined impact of CE and MO on the performance of SMEs with a Canonical Correlation of 0.510 at p < 0.0. The results also showed that corporate innovation, corporate pro-activeness, risk taking, entrepreneurial culture, intelligence generation, intelligence dissemination and responsiveness using Multiple Regression jointly predicted SMEs performance at F = 19.501; R= .450, R2 = 202, Adj. R2 = .192; P < 000. Based on these results, it is recommended that SMEs should emphasise the practices of CE and put more effort into market research specifically to make confident, progressive business decisions based on market development and market entry opportunities that can lead to sustainable competitive advantage and superior organisational performance.

Sense of community, life satisfaction and psychological distress among seniors – HUNT4 study, Norway

Abstract Background Strong sense of community with one’s neighbors may benefit psychosocial well-being. Moreover, local communities with high level of belonging and social cohesion can have a positive impact on public mental health. This study aims to investigate associations between sense of community and life satisfaction - at both an individual and local community level in a Norwegian county. Methods Data from Trøndelag Health Study 4 (HUNT4: 2017-2019) on 22 939 participants were linked to geographic data of residence from Statistics Norway. The basic statistical unit in Norwegian, known as “grunnkrets,” serves to identify participants’ local communities. These units are subdivisions of municipalities, covering geographically contiguous areas that typically include a few hundred inhabitants. This population-based study enables investigation of variation in sense of community, trust, life satisfaction and psychological distress on individual and community level. Results Seniors (median age 70.3 years) with strong sense of community with their neighbors had more than three times higher odds (95%CI 3.08-3.93) of high level of life satisfaction and less than 0.3 times lower odds (95%CI 0.26-0.33) of psychological distress symptoms vs those with low sense of community, adjusted to sociodemographic variables. The average sense of community varied between local communities (N = 284). At this local geographical unit, strong sense of community was associated with high level of trust, enjoying the neighborhood and high life satisfaction. Conclusions The study can inform public health policy to consider development of social infrastructures that bolster sense of community among seniors within neighborhoods. Policy and action plans targeting to increase the overall sense of community in neighborhoods may contribute to create mental health-promoting and age-friendly local communities in Norway. Key messages • At individual level, sense of community with neighbors are associated with life satisfaction and psychological distress among Norwegian seniors. • The average sense of community varies between geographic local areas and are associated with level of trust, enjoying the neighborhood, average life satisfaction, and psychological distress.

Setting targets for antibiotic use in general practice in Europe: a scoping review

Abstract Background National Action Plans (NAPs) aim to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR) understanding and awareness but struggle to translate targets into clinically relevant guidance for general practice. This scoping review aims to identify and map antibiotic use targets in European general practice and explore if and how these targets are linked to NAPs. Methods A systematic search strategy was carried out in MEDLINE (OVID), EMBASE and SCOPUS, with additional manual searches. Two research questions were addressed: ‘What are existing targets for antibiotic use in general practice in the 31 European countries?’ and ‘How are these targets linked to the NAPs on AMR?’. The results are presented narratively. Results 77 reports were included, of which 33 focused on national targets and general practice or linking national targets to local areas. Reports describe local strategies or initiatives to achieve targets, such as feedback to prescribers, systems with benchmarks (at local, regional, and national levels) and financial incentives. However, these reports provide aggregated targets for general practice, such as a percentage reduction of antibiotics prescribed. These targets are set in general, for a specific type of antibiotic, for an amount per number of patients, in defined daily doses (DDD) or in items. None of the reports translate national targets into clinically relevant or practical targets for general practitioners (GPs). Conclusions Most European countries have a NAP with national targets. The type of targets and their implementation at the national and local level vary between countries. Translating national targets into daily clinical practice is challenging and often lacks the involvement and input of prescribers (GPs). Key messages • Translating targets into daily clinical practice is challenging and often lacks the involvement and input of prescribers (GPs). • Local strategies, feedback to prescribers, benchmark systems (local, regional, national), and financial incentives drive successful target achievement.

Novel Applicator Utilizing HIFES and Enhanced Synchronized Radiofrequency+ for Subcutaneous Fat Reduction: Porcine Model Study.

Submental fullness has been associated with being perceived as unattractive. Technology combining radiofrequency and muscle stimulation offers submental contouring through fat reduction, muscle stimulation, and skin tightening. This study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of fat reduction aspect with a novel submentum applicator delivering HIFES and synchronized radiofrequency+ (RF+) energies. Six white pigs (sus scrofa domesticus, n = 6, 60-80 kg) were recruited for this study, five in the active group (n = 5) received four treatments on the abdominal area, one sow served as a control (n = 1). Ultrasound, histological, and RT-qPCR methods were used as evaluation methods. Fat thickness decreased at 1 month by -17.35% and at 2 month by 31.40%. Proapoptotic caspase-9 gene expression increased (at 1 h, 6 h, 24 h to +43.45%, +21.22%, -8.36%), as well as caspase-3 (+15.28%, +21.77%, -6.71%), while bcl2l1 activity decreased (-11.46% at 1 h, -17.02% at 6 h, -3.9% at 24 h). While the AI in the control animal had minimal change (at 1 h -0.08%, at 6 h -0.09%, and at 24 h -0.025%), the active group's AI increased from the baseline of 9.14 to 44.85 at 1 h (+391%), peaked at 6 h to 53.50 (+485%), and at 24 h to 38.17 (+318%). The study results indicate the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous fat reduction following the novel technology combining HIFES and RF+ energies, designed to target small localized areas.

The impact of collaborative agglomeration of manufacturing and services on carbon emission efficiency: spatial effect and mechanism analysis

ABSTRACT Urban economic development benefits from industrial agglomeration by enhancing efficiency, but it may also bring negative effects, such as environmental pollution. This research uses data from 283 Chinese cities from 2007 to 2019, and applies the Spatial Durbin Model to investigate the spatial effects of industrial agglomeration on carbon emission efficiency, along with its impact mechanisms at various stages of collaborative agglomeration between the manufacturing and service sectors. The results indicate that: (1) The upgrading of the service industry from consumption-oriented to production-oriented has proved to be conducive to enhancing carbon emission efficiency and alleviating the environmental problems associated with manufacturing agglomeration. (2) The industrial collaborative agglomeration exerts a spatial spillover effect on carbon emission efficiency. Over time, as the degree of industrial collaborative agglomeration reaches a specific threshold, it positively impacts the carbon emission efficiency within the local area but exerts an inhibitory effect in neighboring regions. (3) The urban agglomerations of Yangtze River Delta, Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, and Pearl River Delta regions, along with low-carbon pilot cities, demonstrate a greater capacity to enhance the positive impact of industrial collaborative agglomeration on carbon emission efficiency. (4) Collaborative industrial clustering fosters technological progress through domestic technology transfer and green technology innovation. It also mitigates mismatches between labor and capital, enhances land-intensive utilization efficiency, and optimizes resource allocation, ultimately leading to improve carbon emission efficiency. This research contributes to China’s economic and social transition towards a low-carbon future and provides valuable insights for the green development and industrial upgrading of developing countries.

Household Solid Waste Management and Environmental Impacts in the Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria

Given the current rate of urbanization, municipalities in most Nigerian cities have struggled with the collection, transportation, and disposal of solid waste. This is due to waste generation, both residential and commercial, occurring in a dispersed manner across homes, buildings, streets, parks, and even vacant spaces within communities. This manuscript aims to evaluate the state of municipal solid waste management in Ibadan, household solid waste storage practices, and the locations of solid waste storage containers (skip points) in relation to accessibility and health risks to the community, in accordance with Nigerian National Solid Waste Management Standards and other pertinent international standards. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 21 micro and small firms and 250 homes in each of the three local government areas of the metropolis, with descriptive statistics used to interpret the data. According to the study results, inadequate Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM) service delivery in the Ibadan metropolitan area can be attributed to several issues, including a lack of institutional coordination among urban planners. The study’s conclusions indicate that the state of MSWM in the sampled areas is either inadequate or has poor spatial coverage and container utilization. Lastly, the study primarily suggests that these measures can reduce problems associated with MSWM by encouraging public-private partnerships, fostering effective institutional coordination with urban planner consultants in MSWM and skip-point location, and motivating the community to adopt integrated sustainable Solid Waste Management (SWM) strategies.

Comparative analysis of the physicochemical properties and trace metal content of palm oil, from selected markets in Jos south and Jos north LGA, Plateau state, Nigeria

The quality of palm oil samples collected from three different markets in Jos South and Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State were analyzed and evaluated using standard analytical laboratory procedures. The relative ranges of the physicochemical values obtained were as follows; Moisture Content (MC): 0.56 - 1.89, Iodine value (IV); 51.88 - 55.57 g I2/100g, Peroxide Value (PV): 0.98 - 4.16 mEq02/kg, Saponification Values (SV): 198.46 - 201.54 mgKOH/g, Acid Value (AV): 9.93 - 57.65, and Refractive Index (RI), 1.4576 - 1.4580. The moisture content, iodin value, pH values and acid values were found to exceed the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) permissible limits of moisture content (0.29 mgKOH/g), iodine value (45 - 53 mg I2/100g), pH (5 - 7 mg/L), and acid value (0.7 max mg/L) for edible oils respectively while the refractive index, saponification values, peroxide values falls within the SON allowable limits of refractive index (1.4612-1.4707 mg/L), saponification value (195-205 mgKOH/g) and peroxide value (10 mEq02/kg) respectively . The amounts of trace metals (Cu, Zn, Fe, Pb and Cd) determined in the palm oil using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer ranged from Cu(0.34 - 0.52 mg/l), Zn(1.58 - 2.33 mg/l), Fe(19.18 - 26.74 mg/l), Pb(2.87 - 4.06 mg/l) and Cd(1.58 - 2.24 mg/l). However, the levels of Zn, Fe, Pb and Cd exceeded the WHO/FAO recommended values of (1.50, 1.00, 0.05 and 0.02 mg/L) respectively while only Cu concentration was below the WHO/FAO limits of 2.00 mg/L for trace metals in edible palm oil. Consequently, the results of this study shows that the palm oil consumed from these selected markets does not meet the standard quality specification for edible palm oils and hence can post significant health threat to consumers. Therefore, food regulatory agencies should strengthen their surveillance to promote food and health safety of the populace.

Investigation of the hygrothermal effects on in-plane failure mechanisms of fine Z-pinned laminates

Hygrothermal effect on the in-plane behavior of fine Z-pinned laminates were studied and the failure mechanisms were explained. Artificial seawater aging experiments were carried out on Z-pinned laminates prepared by ultrasonic vibration equipment. A compression progressive damage numerical model of fine Z-pinned laminates based on moisture-induced interface degradation was proposed to analyze the damage initialization and development of composites. The mechanical results show that the unpinned and Φ0.11 mm Z-pinned laminates have similar in-plane strength retention after 6 months of aging, and the tensile and compressive strengths decrease by 20% and 29%, respectively. EDS analysis confirms that Z-pin provides an additional moisture channel, leading to more elements with high relative atomic mass inside the laminates. It is found through the simulation studies that moisture leads to matrix compression and interlaminar interfacial damage regions to localized areas, weakening the interlayer effect of Z-pins and leading to the decrease of the ultimate bearing capacity of laminates. It denotes that Φ0.11 mm fine Z-pin has the potential to be used in composite marine structures.

Forecast of Sugarcane Yield in Chongzuo, Guangxi—LSTM Model Based on Fusion of Trend Yield and Meteorological Yield

Purpose: This paper develops a high-precision yield fusion prediction model for the sugarcane industry in Chongzuo, Guangxi, based on the trend yield and meteorological yield using the long short-term memory (LSTM) model to cope with the multiple factors affecting sugarcane production. Decision support is provided to agricultural producers, policymakers, and supply chain managers so that they can plan resource allocation, market strategies, and policy directions more effectively. Methods: The paper modeled trend yield and weather yield separately to explore the complex relationship between the two in influencing sugarcane production. Trend yields were predicted using the exponential smoothing and multilayer perceptron (MLP) models, while meteorological yields were modeled using stepwise regression. The predicted yields were used again as input variables into the LSTM deep learning network to fit the nonlinear relationship between the two yields. Results: The results showed that (1) the fusion strategy of meteorological yield and MLP trend yield adopted by the model was superior to the fusion strategy of meteorological yield and exponentially smoothed trend yield, achieving a very low mean square error (MSE) of 0.011 and a goodness of fit as high as 0.979, which indicated that the model prediction was highly in agreement with the actual yield, confirming the validity of the method. (2) The prediction curve is basically consistent with the trend of actual sugarcane yield, which predicts that the sugarcane yield in Chongzuo, Guangxi, is expected to maintain a stable and small growth trend in the next eight years. (3) The fusion prediction model proposed in this study provides an accurate and practical solution for sugarcane yield prediction in Chongzuo, Guangxi, with the unique advantage of effectively analyzing and integrating the natural and socio-economic factors affecting the yield, which is of significant reference value for the prediction of sugarcane yield in the local area and even in similar ecoregions.

The Local Declines in Child SSI Applications and Awards During COVID

Child applications and awards for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) fell sharply at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cumulative applications from April to September 2020 were about 30% lower than applications over the same period in 2019 with substantial variation in rates of decline across local areas. In this article, we explore the factors correlated with the change in applications and awards across localities at the beginning of the pandemic. Our findings point to three particularly important factors influencing the magnitude of the change in applications and awards: (a) the restriction of in-person services in all Social Security Administration field offices in March 2020, (b) the pandemic’s disruptions to social and service networks through which people may learn about SSI, and (c) new economic stabilization policies, such as economic impact payments and supplemental unemployment insurance payments. These results highlight the substantial local variation in SSI participation. This variation is especially important in considering general issues around access to SSI, particularly for policies that aim to improve SSI access through outreach. Our findings underscore the importance of local networks in creating program awareness at local levels, and that they might be fruitful avenues for further outreach efforts.