Seismic Site Coefficient Model and Improved Design Response Spectra Based on Conditions in South Carolina

A new seismic site coefficient model is developed from the results of over 60,000 total stress, one-dimensional equivalent ground response simulations assuming conditions in South Carolina. Computed site coefficients ( F ) are plotted versus average shear wave velocity in the top 30 m (VS30 ) and grouped by location, spectral acceleration (Soutcrop ) and spectral period. Locations considered in the Coastal Plain include Aiken, Charleston, Columbia, Florence, Lake Marion, Myrtle Beach, and the South Carolina side of Savannah. Locations considered in the Piedmont include Columbia, Greenville, Greenwood, and Rock Hill. In all the plots of VS30 versus F , the following three distinct trends can be seen--(1) an increasing trend in F as VS30 increases from a low value; (2) a zone of peak values of F , depending on (S outcrop ); and (3) a decreasing trend in F as VS30 increases beyond the zone of peak F values. Development of the mathematical site coefficient model begins by estimating the peak coefficient (FP ) and the corresponding average shear wave velocity (VS30P ) for each VS30 -F plot. Next, the values of FP and VS30P are studied to determine the most significant influencing variables. Variables found to be most influential are Soutcrop , mean predominant period of the outcrop ground motion (Tm ), average shear wave velocity in the top 100 m (VS100 ), and depth to top of soft rock (HB-C ) or hard rock (HHR ). Then, regression analysis is applied to the values of FP and VS30P . Finally, assuming the best-fit values of FP and VS30P , median relationships for the plotted site coefficients are expressed by a linear relationship for lower values of V S30 and a linear or exponential relationship for higher values of VS30 . The amount of variability within the plotted site coefficients is characterized by 95% upper bound and 5% lower bound relationships. The 95% upper bounds are, on average, 42% higher than the median relationships; and the 5% low bounds are, on average, 36% lower than the median relationships. Computed site coefficients for the Coastal Plain are found to be greater in Myrtle Beach, followed by Savannah, Charleston, Florence, Columbia, Lake Marion and Aiken. More closely matching values of Tm and T100 may explain the higher site coefficients in Myrtle Beach and Savannah. Computed site coefficients for periods of 0.0, 0.2 and 1.0 s (designated as FPGA , Fa , and Fv , respectively) are compared with the 1994 National Hazard Reduction Program (NEHRP) Fa and Fv values, which are commonly assumed in current seismic design codes. Significant differences are found between the computed site coefficients and the NERHP values, particularly for Site Class D and E, and where the top of rock is at shallow depths. The computed FPGA , Fa and Fv median relationships are recommended for South Carolina because they are: (1) based on regional conditions; (2) continuous with VS30 , (3) considers depth to rock, and (4) consider the frequency (or period) content of the outcrop motion. If it is desired to design with more conservatism than the median relationships provide, the median coefficients can be increased by 40% to obtain values corresponding to the 95% upper bound. Because the proposed seismic site coefficient model is based on a very broad range of soil/rock conditions, much of it can be directly applied to other areas of the world. Specific variables needed to apply the model are: VS30 , VS100 , HB-C or HHR , Soutcrop , and Tm . It is important to remember that the soft- or hard-rock site coefficients selected should correspond to the Soutcrop values available for the area. A relationship to estimate Tm based on HHR and site-to-source distance is suggested for areas influenced by the Charleston Seismic Hazard Zone. This Tm relationship may not be applicable for other areas. Finally, the simplified procedure for constructing acceleration design response spectrum (ADRS), called the three-point ADRS method, is shown to be adequate when VS30 \u3e 200 m/s. When VS30 ≤ 200 m/s, significant spectral peaks may occur at periods greater than 1.0 s. The objective of the multi-point ADRS is not to replace the building code philosophy, but to present an option for the designer to make sure that longer period accelerations are not under-predicted by the three-point ADRS

Patriarchy in Buchi Emecheta’s The Slave Girl and Bessie Head’s A Question of Power: A Gynocentric Approach

African literature has been dominated by male African writers. However, there are a number of female African writers who contributed to the literary landscape of the continent significantly. In line with this, researches that deal with issues of gender in African literature are increasing (Fonchingong, 2006; Salami-Boukari, 2012; Stratton, 1994). In this study, I aim to expose patriarchal oppression in two selected post-colonial African novels. I ask “How do postcolonial African female writers expose gender oppression and patriarchy in their novels?” I ask how the female characters in the selected novels resist patriarchal dominance and oppression. I seek to uncover any thematic patterns and/or overlaps that would emerge across the selected novels. To achieve this, I analyze two feminist Anglophone African novels by female writers of the continent, namely ‘The Slave Girl’ and ‘A Question of Power’. Gynocentrism is used as an approach to achieve this purpose. The analyses of the novels make it feel that patriarchy is used as a tool to stabilize the discrimination of the feminine gender. The heroines in both novels are found to be patriarchal women with some attempt to reverse the gender order. The major female characters in the novels stand against the intersectional discrimination of the feminine from the male personhood, religion, as well as colonial culture. These discussions about patriarchy revive the vitality of African feminist novels to the present readers

Response of Seed Size and Plant Density on Growth, Yield and Grain Quality of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Varieties Under Vertic Luvisols of Kulumsa in Arsi Zone

With November the objectives of to determine the optimum plant density levels of bread wheat by identifying the most cost-effective variety, a field experiment was conducted at Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center from June to 2018 cropping season, Three bread wheat varieties (Hidassie, Dendea and Shorima) representing different seed sizes of large, medium, small, respectively and four plant density levels of 250, 300, 350 and 400 plants m-2 were tested. The main effect of the varieties seed size on days to 50% of heading, days to 90% of maturity, thousand kernel weight and hecto liter weight showed significant (p<0.01) variations, while number of tillers and spike length indicated statistically significant (p<0.05) variations. The use of 300 plants m-2 plant density for the variety Hidassie /large seed size/ resulted in highest seedling number (26.30), of tillers (7.50), days to 50% of heading (63.00), days to 50% of maturity, (116.00), spike length, (7.50 cm), thousand kernel weight (48.22 gm.), hecto liter weight (78.30 kg/hL). The main effect of plant population on number of seedlings and harvest index showed significant (p<0.01) variations. Number of seedlings and harvest index resulted in (25.31) and (44.05) respectively. The interaction effects of variety and plant density on harvest index, indicated significant (p<0.001) variation, while grain yield showed statistically significant (p<0.01) variation, likewise biomass yield and straw yield indicated significant (p<0.05) variations. The harvest index, resulted in (43.63%), while grain yield is (4.309 Ton ha-1), similarly biomass yield and straw yield are (11.00 Ton ha-1) and (5.28 Ton ha-1) respectively, and it suggests that these traits are generally enhanced by the genetic makeups of the variety Hidassie /large seed size/. Economic analysis using partial budget procedure was performed on grain yields to determine the treatment with most profitable returns. The beneficial marginal rate of return (8.50) and benefit cost ratio (8.07) was obtained from the variety Hidassie /large seed size/ at a plant density of 300 seeds m-2 followed by a marginal rate of return (9.55) and benefit cost ratio (8.05) were also recorded again from the variety Hidassie /large seed size/ at plant density of 250 plants m-2. So the most cost-effective variety and plant density level for farmers with low cost of production and higher benefits were identified to be the variety Hidassie /large seed size/ at the plant density level of 300 plants m-2 in the rain fed cropping season is identified as low cost of production with highest benefit and can be recommended for the producers of wheat crop. The plant density level of 250 plants m-2 for variety Hidassie /large seed size/ was also cost-effective with highest net-benefit and can be recommended as another possible choice. But, as this study was conducted at one experimental site, it is required to repeat the experiment across locations, soil type, and over-seasons to make agronomically consistent recommendations and economically feasible levels of plant density for bread wheat.   Keywords: Bread Wheat Yield, Economic Benefit, Plant Density, Grain Quality, Varieties Seed Size. DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/11-15-01 Publication date:August 31st 202

The Impediments of Export-oriented Economic Growth Strategy’s Implementation in Ethiopia

Exports have a vital role in driving economic growth. For a number of countries including Ethiopia, international trade, especially exports has a critical role namely, an impetus for the national economy. Successively, in the past several years’ the Ethiopia’s government has used export promotion policies and approaches to increase trades and generate export-driven economic development by establishing a comprehensively possible export sectors. Nevertheless, due to the declining exports which resulted in a negative balance of payment, acute shortages of foreign exchange, and mounting international obligations, the country’s export-oriented growth strategy was not successful as intended. Hence this study aimed to investigate the impediments of export-oriented growth strategies implementation in Ethiopia using a mixed research approaches.The result of the study revealed that, it has been found that in spite of some progress or improvements in the export sectors of the study country (i.e., Ethiopia), when compared to past couple of years, the implementation of export-led growth strategies has led to lack of quality services due to poor planning, inadequate resources and poor monitoring and evaluation of the strategies being implemented. This has compromised the quality of each service being delivered. It has also led to a situation where the study country is unable to meet the ever-increasing demand for each of the services or commodities sufficiently. Evidence has confirmed also that the said services rendered are inadequate and not effective. The study also found that the implementation of the existing export-led growth strategy impacts negatively (affects or not as intended) on the provision of quality services and not successful as stipulated in the trade policy of the country. Hence, there is a need to critically consider the specific gaps identified by the study in designing strategies for accelerating development of exports in the country through holistic and integrated approaches. To this end, the outcomes stand important for redesigning export trade policy/strategies to boost the performance of exports and the overall ultimate economic growth in the country, Ethiopia. Keywords: Ethiopia, Export–oriented growth strategy, Impediments, Implementation DOI: 10.7176/JESD/13-19-02 Publication date:October 31st 202

The Impediments of Export-oriented Economic Growth Strategy’s Implementation in Ethiopia

Exports have a vital role in driving economic growth. For a number of countries including Ethiopia, international trade, especially exports has a critical role namely, an impetus for the national economy. Successively, in the past several years’ the Ethiopia’s government has used export promotion policies and approaches to increase trades and generate export-driven economic development by establishing a comprehensively possible export sectors. Nevertheless, due to the declining exports which resulted in a negative balance of payment, acute shortages of foreign exchange, and mounting international obligations, the country’s export-oriented growth strategy was not successful as intended. Hence this study aimed to investigate the impediments of export-oriented growth strategies implementation in Ethiopia using a mixed research approaches. The result of the study revealed that, it has been found that in spite of some progress or improvements in the export sectors of the study country (i.e., Ethiopia), when compared to past couple of years, the implementation of export-led growth strategies has led to lack of quality services due to poor planning, inadequate resources and poor monitoring and evaluation of the strategies being implemented. This has compromised the quality of each service being delivered. It has also led to a situation where the study country is unable to meet the ever-increasing demand for each of the services or commodities sufficiently. Evidence has confirmed also that the said services rendered are inadequate and not effective. The study also found that the implementation of the existing export-led growth strategy impacts negatively (affects or not as intended) on the provision of quality services and not successful as stipulated in the trade policy of the country. Hence, there is a need to critically consider the specific gaps identified by the study in designing strategies for accelerating development of exports in the country through holistic and integrated approaches. To this end, the outcomes stand important for redesigning export trade policy/strategies to boost the performance of exports and the overall ultimate economic growth in the country, Ethiopia. Keywords: Ethiopia, Export–oriented growth strategy, Impediments, Implementation DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/13-1-04 Publication date: January 31st 202

Host-Defense Activities of Cyclotides

Cyclotides are plant mini-proteins whose natural function is thought to be to protect plants from pest or pathogens, particularly insect pests. They are approximately 30 amino acids in size and are characterized by a cyclic peptide backbone and a cystine knot arrangement of three conserved disulfide bonds. This article provides an overview of the reported pesticidal or toxic activities of cyclotides, discusses a possible common mechanism of action involving disruption of biological membranes in pest species, and describes methods that can be used to produce cyclotides for potential applications as novel pesticidal agents

Semienzymatic cyclization of disulfide-rich peptides using sortase A

Background: Sortase A (SrtA) is a transpeptidase capable of catalyzing the formation of amide bonds. Results: SrtA was used to backbone-cyclize disulfide-rich peptides, including kalata B1, -conotoxin Vc1.1, and SFTI-1. Conclusion: SrtA-mediated cyclization is applicable to small disulfide-rich peptides. Significance: SrtA-mediated cyclization is an alternative to native chemical ligation for the cyclization of small peptides of therapeutic interest

Global burden and strength of evidence for 88 risk factors in 204 countries and 811 subnational locations, 1990–2021:a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

BackgroundUnderstanding the health consequences associated with exposure to risk factors is necessary to inform public health policy and practice. To systematically quantify the contributions of risk factor exposures to specific health outcomes, the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021 aims to provide comprehensive estimates of exposure levels, relative health risks, and attributable burden of disease for 88 risk factors in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, from 1990 to 2021.MethodsThe GBD 2021 risk factor analysis used data from 54 561 total distinct sources to produce epidemiological estimates for 88 risk factors and their associated health outcomes for a total of 631 risk–outcome pairs. Pairs were included on the basis of data-driven determination of a risk–outcome association. Age-sex-location-year-specific estimates were generated at global, regional, and national levels. Our approach followed the comparative risk assessment framework predicated on a causal web of hierarchically organised, potentially combinative, modifiable risks. Relative risks (RRs) of a given outcome occurring as a function of risk factor exposure were estimated separately for each risk–outcome pair, and summary exposure values (SEVs), representing risk-weighted exposure prevalence, and theoretical minimum risk exposure levels (TMRELs) were estimated for each risk factor. These estimates were used to calculate the population attributable fraction (PAF; ie, the proportional change in health risk that would occur if exposure to a risk factor were reduced to the TMREL). The product of PAFs and disease burden associated with a given outcome, measured in disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), yielded measures of attributable burden (ie, the proportion of total disease burden attributable to a particular risk factor or combination of risk factors). Adjustments for mediation were applied to account for relationships involving risk factors that act indirectly on outcomes via intermediate risks. Attributable burden estimates were stratified by Socio-demographic Index (SDI) quintile and presented as counts, age-standardised rates, and rankings. To complement estimates of RR and attributable burden, newly developed burden of proof risk function (BPRF) methods were applied to yield supplementary, conservative interpretations of risk–outcome associations based on the consistency of underlying evidence, accounting for unexplained heterogeneity between input data from different studies. Estimates reported represent the mean value across 500 draws from the estimate's distribution, with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs) calculated as the 2·5th and 97·5th percentile values across the draws.FindingsAmong the specific risk factors analysed for this study, particulate matter air pollution was the leading contributor to the global disease burden in 2021, contributing 8·0% (95% UI 6·7–9·4) of total DALYs, followed by high systolic blood pressure (SBP; 7·8% [6·4–9·2]), smoking (5·7% [4·7–6·8]), low birthweight and short gestation (5·6% [4·8–6·3]), and high fasting plasma glucose (FPG; 5·4% [4·8–6·0]). For younger demographics (ie, those aged 0–4 years and 5–14 years), risks such as low birthweight and short gestation and unsafe water, sanitation, and handwashing (WaSH) were among the leading risk factors, while for older age groups, metabolic risks such as high SBP, high body-mass index (BMI), high FPG, and high LDL cholesterol had a greater impact. From 2000 to 2021, there was an observable shift in global health challenges, marked by a decline in the number of all-age DALYs broadly attributable to behavioural risks (decrease of 20·7% [13·9–27·7]) and environmental and occupational risks (decrease of 22·0% [15·5–28·8]), coupled with a 49·4% (42·3–56·9) increase in DALYs attributable to metabolic risks, all reflecting ageing populations and changing lifestyles on a global scale. Age-standardised global DALY rates attributable to high BMI and high FPG rose considerably (15·7% [9·9–21·7] for high BMI and 7·9% [3·3–12·9] for high FPG) over this period, with exposure to these risks increasing annually at rates of 1·8% (1·6–1·9) for high BMI and 1·3% (1·1–1·5) for high FPG. By contrast, the global risk-attributable burden and exposure to many other risk factors declined, notably for risks such as child growth failure and unsafe water source, with age-standardised attributable DALYs decreasing by 71·5% (64·4–78·8) for child growth failure and 66·3% (60·2–72·0) for unsafe water source. We separated risk factors into three groups according to trajectory over time: those with a decreasing attributable burden, due largely to declining risk exposure (eg, diet high in trans-fat and household air pollution) but also to proportionally smaller child and youth populations (eg, child and maternal malnutrition); those for which the burden increased moderately in spite of declining risk exposure, due largely to population ageing (eg, smoking); and those for which the burden increased considerably due to both increasing risk exposure and population ageing (eg, ambient particulate matter air pollution, high BMI, high FPG, and high SBP).InterpretationSubstantial progress has been made in reducing the global disease burden attributable to a range of risk factors, particularly those related to maternal and child health, WaSH, and household air pollution. Maintaining efforts to minimise the impact of these risk factors, especially in low SDI locations, is necessary to sustain progress. Successes in moderating the smoking-related burden by reducing risk exposure highlight the need to advance policies that reduce exposure to other leading risk factors such as ambient particulate matter air pollution and high SBP. Troubling increases in high FPG, high BMI, and other risk factors related to obesity and metabolic syndrome indicate an urgent need to identify and implement interventions.FundingBill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation.<br/