Annotated checklist and illustrated key to braconid parasitoids (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) of economically important fruit flies (Diptera, Tephritidae) in Brazil

The braconid parasitoids of fruit-infesting flies have been more intensively studied from the middle to late 1990s, when taxonomic research was restarted in Brazil. At the same time, efforts toward the biological control of fruit flies intensified, and an exotic species, Diachasmimorpha longicaudata, was introduced. In the decade 2010, another exotic species, Fopius arisanus, was introduced, and two new species of Doryctobracon were described. Currently, 12 species of braconids from the subfamilies Alysiinae (two species) and Opiinae (10 species) are associated with fruit flies of economic importance in Brazil, two of which are introduced species. More than half of the species belong to the genus Doryctobracon, with D. areolatus (Szépligeti) the most widely distributed species in Brazil.Fil: Fidelis Marinho, Claudia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencia de Catamarca. Universidad Nacional de Catamarca. Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencia de Catamarca; ArgentinaFil: Costa, Valmir A.. Universidade Estadual de Campinas; BrasilFil: Zucchi, Roberto A.. Universidade do Sao Paulo. Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz; Brasi

The Influence of Corporate Ethical Codes of Conduct on the Production of Quality Products among Pharmaceutical Companies in Nigeria

Business ethics is an important topic for all companies to consider today. Unfortunately, over the last decade, the number of business scandals has increased in the industry, and this change has been highlighted by the media. This trend presents pharmaceutical companies as well as NAFDAC with a challenge to ensure that ethical behavior and ethical decision making are evident to those both inside and outside the industry. This study used a sample of 280 managers drawn from pharmaceutical companies listed on NSE using a random sampling technique. Based on the findings and conclusions, the study thus recommends that managers of pharmaceutical companies should ensure that their firms have written code of ethics that crystallizes the basic rules, standards and behaviors necessary to achieve production of quality products in the industry. Key words: Corporate ethical codes, adherence to code of conduct and quality products

MANAGING QUALITY ON CONSTRUCTION SITES IN SOUTH AFRICA: AN EASTERN CAPE STUDY

Published ArticleIn South Africa, construction projects still experience non-conformance to quality requirements as well as cost and schedule overruns to the detriment of clients. For project success to be attained, conformance to these parameters is the minimum expectation in the face of other considerations related to client satisfaction. Thus, through the use of existing literature, and a field study conducted among site management employees working for general contractors (GCs) in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, the management of quality on construction sites was examined. The study that was descriptive in nature shows that lack of skilled general workers and artisans contribute to poor quality control and management processes; while defects and rework form the main reason for project quality deviations on the sampled sites. The quality deviations in turn influence the level of cost and time overrun experienced on construction projects. The study corroborates the literature reviewed in that there is an interrelationship between cost, quality, and time in South African construction. For example, when the quality of work is below the required threshold, it leads to cost and time overruns due to rework that requires extra effort and expense. The value of this explorative study is that both site management and workers should be hands-on in terms of managing quality on project sites as failure to do so could have a domino effect relative to other project consideration

The Petrophysical Evaluation and Depositional Environment of Harrison 1 Well Using Core Data and Wireline Logs

A comprehensive petrophysical evaluation is essential to optimise development and production in complex environments in different prolific regions including West Africa. In this study petrophysical parameters in the Harrison 1 well, central Niger Delta were carefully evaluated using cores and wireline logs zones of hydrocarbon saturation were deduced using a combination of conventional logs including Gamma ray, Resistivity (Schlumberger’s platform Express-Array induction tool (PEX-AIH) and Neutron/density combination log. Cored interval ranged from 11915ftah to 12005ftah within which several analyses were carried out to deduce lithofacies, environment of deposition and prospective reservoirs for hydrocarbon. Reservoirs are located between 11933-11952ftah, 11960-11965ftah, 11975 -12005ftah. These reservoirs have excellent porosity values (though permeability decreased with depth because of increased clay content), low water saturation percentage (? 20%), high hydrocarbon saturation (?80%), favourable values of ROS and MOS. The depositional model comprises a prograding shoreface deposit which passes upward into stacks of channel deposits characterised by features typical of estuarine setting. Studies of Hydrocarbon fill using cores from Harrison 1 well under UV-light reflected recognisable fluorescing unit between  11956-12005ftah stratigraphic interval and a non-fluorescing unit between 11915 – 11955ftah meaning these intervals contains oil and gas , however  gas -oil ratio of 45:55 affirms the gas prone nature of the reservoirs within the interval of study. Keywords: Conventional logs, hydrocarbon saturation, reservoir, ROS, MOS, UV-light, water saturation

Impacts of Lake Victoria Level Fluctuations to Livelihoods Missungwi District Case Study

Lake Victoria experienced drastic levels changes in 2005 causing great inconveniences to lakeside communities. This study investigated effects of these changes on livelihoods through questionnaire surveys, focused group discussions, interviews and analysis of fish catches, diseases, crops, and lake levels data. Results indicate recession of levels had various socio-economic impacts. The changes caused severe water shortage due to drying up of shallow wells and a remarkable increase in prevalence of schistosomiasis because of increased utilization of lake water. There was no evidence for impact of level changes on malaria and diarrhea. Decline of water levels caused decline in fish catches due to retreat of water from breeding sites. However receding waters created a new land for cultivation which helped to boost Maize and sweet potatoes production. The results emphasize on ensuring stability of lake levels to avoid negative impacts on livelihoods and to maintain ecological integrity of the lake

Regenerative ideas for urban roads in South Africa

Published ArticleSafer and reliable infrastructure in cities is a necessity for urban dwellers. The question is whether conventional planning practices would provide solutions before urban roads are labelled as unmanageable sources of fatalities, especially in developing economies. This paper presents how smart mobility can be achieved. Using Bloemfontein in South Africa, a case study was performed to examine the causal feedback relations among the factors prompting mobility. The study revealed that: (a) the use of information and communication technology in everyday functions, instead of large-scale physical movement is crucial; and (b) efficient public transportation systems would assist in developing smart mobility in urban areas. In effect, regenerative ideas that are based on prioritised causal feedback relations should bring about smart mobility, which engenders traffic safety in urban areas

ACCREDITATION BY PROFESSIONAL BODIES IN SOUTH AFRICA: PERCEPTIONS OF UNIVERSITY ACADEMICS

Published ArticleProfessional bodies have vital roles to fulfil in relation to the regulation and enhancement of concerned professions. Among other reasons, academic programmes are subjected to the accreditation process to ensure that such programmes are of acceptable quality in the higher education system. However, there is a perception that an intensifying influence is exerted on universities by professional bodies focused on disciplines affiliated with the South African construction industry. This has resulted in a concern that the nature and extent of involvement of some professional bodies amounts to undue interference, with possible consequences for academic freedom

Antioxidant and Antioxidant capacity of raw and processed Nigerian Beetroot (Beta vulgaris)

Raw and processed Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) were assessed for the natural antioxidants; Total phenol, flavonoids, vitamin C using Folin-Ciocalteau, potassium acetate and dinitophenyl hydrazine. The antioxidant radical scavenging abilities were evaluated using 2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) [ABTS] and ferric reducing antioxidant property [FRAP] respectively. Raw beetroots and the beetroot juice contained the highest amount of total phenol (98.08. ± 8.16mg/g and 98.08. ± 5.77mg/GAE/g) respectively. Oven dried beetroot have the lowest value for total phenol (94.23 ± 2.72mg/GAE/g. The heat treated beetroot had the highest flavonoids of 96.67±10.10mgGE/g. Flavonoids were lowest for the raw beetroot (63.34±4.72mg/QE/g). Oven dried and Beetroot juice have a total flavonoid value of 83.34 ± 4.471mg/GE/g and 83.34 ± 3.34mg/GE/g respectively. Vitamin C content was highest in Beetroot juice (44.34±2.84mgAAE/g) and lowest in heat treated beetroot (30.18±0.61mgAAE/g). Heat treated Beetroot have the highest value for ABTS scavenging ability. FRAP value (33.33 ±0.00) was highest in oven dried beetroot. Raw Beetroot and its juice possess significant antioxidant and radical scavenging abilities which correlated positively with the natural antioxidants. Heat treatment however, increased the flavonoids present in the beetroot samples with a corresponding increase in the ABTS and FRAP scavenging abilities (19.85± 4.15 and 33.33 ±0.00) respectively. Beetroot in its natural and processed form is a rich source of antioxidants and free antioxidants scavenging abilitiesKeywords: Antioxidants, Antioxidant capacity, free radicals, Beetroot

POTENSI PERTUMBUHAN USAHA BUDIDAYA IKAN HIAS DISCUS SJA

The fishing industry in Indonesia has great potential, and has the opportunity to become a source of new economic growth in Indonesia. This happens because fishery commodities in Indonesia have a comparative advantage in the international market in terms of quality, price, and availability of species. One sector or part of the fishing industry is aquaculture or aquaculture. Ornamental fish is a type of fish that is in great demand by the wider community because it has various advantages and beauty, as well as its own uniqueness. The uniqueness of ornamental fish can be seen from the very diverse shapes, colors, and patterns. Discus fish is a fish that is famous among ornamental fish lovers, so it is nicknamed 'The King of Aquarium Fish'. This is because of its beautiful shape and unique variety of patterns and colors. Seeing the great opportunities and potential in the fisheries industry, especially ornamental fish cultivation in the national and international markets, as well as the increase and higher demand for ornamental fish, this is an opportunity for Sinar Jaya Aquatic