1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) effects on natural disease resistance in stored sweetpotato

BACKGROUND The potential of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) to maintain postharvest storage of sweetpotato was studied. In two separate experiments, the orange-fleshed sweetpotato cv. Covington was fumigated with 1-MCP (1.0 μL L-1, 24 h) and roots stored at 15 oC. During storage, samples were evaluated for the respiration rate, sprout growth, weight loss, incidence of decay and changes in dry matter. The roots were further assayed for the temporal changes in individual non-structural carbohydrates and phenolic compounds in the skin and flesh tissues of the proximal (stem end), middle, and distal (root end) regions. RESULTS 1-MCP treatment reduced root weight loss and decay but respiration rate and non-structural carbohydrates were not affected. No sprouting was recorded irrespective of the treatment. 1-MCP transiently suppressed the accumulation of individual phenolic compounds, especially in the middle and distal segments. This accentuated the proximal dominance of phenolic compounds. Isochlorogenic acid A and chlorogenic acid were the dominant phenolics in the skin and flesh tissues, respectively. CONCLUSION 1-MCP treatment may have anti-decay effect and reduce weight loss. Therefore, storage trials which involve the use of continuous ethylene supplementation to inhibit sprout growth may be combined with 1-MCP to alleviate ethylene-induced weight loss and decay in sweetpotato

Africa Rising in an Emerging World: An International Marketing Perspective

Purpose: The primary goal of this introductory article is to highlight important contemporary themes in international marketing strategy from the perspective of Sub-Saharan African firms. Design/methodology/approach: The approach adopted is a review and synopsis of the existing body of research on international marketing research in Sub-Saharan African, and a discussion of the manuscripts included in the special issue. Findings: International marketing in Sub-Sahara Africa is growing steadily, driven largely by rapid changes in socio-economic and demographic characteristics of consumers in this market. The growing appetite of multinational enterprises to explore new growth opportunities on this continent and the increasing intra-Africa cross-border transactions is driving unique approaches to international marketing that are predicated on using non-traditional means to produce, communicate and distribute products and services. Research limitations/implications: While the international marketing opportunities and challenges discussed in this article are not exhaustive, the paper highlights important research themes that need consideration regarding international marketing research in Sub-Saharan Africa. Originality/value: This introductory article emphasizes the unique international business landscape in Sub-Saharan Africa and discusses its international marketing strategy implications. The article further draws attention to a number of unanswered research questions that require additional research, and thus bring Sub-Saharan Africa to international marketing scholarly enquiry

The timing of exogenous ethylene supplementation differentially affects stored sweetpotato roots

The effects of continuous supplemental ethylene (10 μL L−1) timing on the physiology and biochemistry of sweetpotato roots during storage at 25 °C were examined. Alongside continuous ethylene or air treatments, a subset of the roots were transferred at dormancy break, from those previously stored in ethylene into air and vice-versa. The study showed distinctive ethylene-induced effects on the metabolism of individual sugars, phenolic compounds and phytohormones (abscisic acid and zeatin riboside) across the spatial gradient of the root flesh and skin tissues. Although ethylene flushing doubled root respiration, sprout growth was significantly suppressed. Supplementation of roots with ethylene after dormancy break effectively inhibited sprout growth as much as continuous ethylene alone. On the other hand, truncating ethylene application after dormancy release promoted vigorous sprout growth. After prolonged storage, ethylene treatment was associated with increased weight loss and incidence of proximal rots. Supplemental ethylene also accelerated the catabolism of monosaccharides, and promoted accumulation of phenolic compounds in the proximal root sections

Design and construction of a flexible laboratory-scale mixing apparatus for continuous ethylene supplementation of fresh produce

The design and construction of a laboratory-scale apparatus for generating variable concentrations and flow rates of exogenous ethylene for fresh produce supplementation during storage trials is described. A stock of compressed ethylene in nitrogen (5000 μl l−1) was blended into a continuous flow stream of air and diluted to the desired concentrations. The ethylene and air flow rates were controlled with calibrated mass flow control valves. An empirical mathematical model was derived for real-time variation of both the mixed concentration and flow rate during continuous flow. Validation of the model was performed using fresh sweet potato as a case study where a steady continuous ethylene concentration of 10 μl l−1 was achieved for three months. The bespoke system offers easy-to-manage ethylene supplementation for research

Assessing the Level and Impact of Financial Literacy on African Americans

Individuals are faced with making important economic decisions regarding retirement, savings, investing, and insurance. Across the globe, developed and emerging economies are experiencing growth in the sophistication of financial markets and products. Individuals require a greater degree of financial literacy to understand and explore these sophisticated and emerging financial markets and products. A review of literature revealed African Americans, however, lack the decision-making tools to function in the financial world. The purpose of this study was to assess the extent to which African Americans have financial knowledge. The sample size was 382 African Americans residing in Columbus, Ohio. The study was based on the planned behavior theory, self-determination theory, and transtheoretical theory, all of which emphasize autonomy and competency. Data were collected utilizing the Jump-$tart Coalition survey instrument for measuring financial knowledge. Survey questions focused on personal finance topics including income, money management, savings and investment, and spending and credit. Data were analyzed using t test and ANOVA. On average, participants demonstrated a lower knowledge level of personal finance. Results (M = 45$tart Coalition national average (M = 48%). Results however, indicated that, formal financial education has a positive impact on knowledge of personal finance. There was significant knowledge difference (t = 12.921, p = .00) between participants who took courses in finance and economics and participants who did not. This study has positive social change implications in that it could lead to improvement in economic well-being of African Americans as well as the health of the nation\u27s economy

Alpha spectrometry in emergency preparedness

A study to assess the choice of science as a vocation and career, considering alpha spectrometry in emergency preparedness, was carried out. The development of a career or a vocation by any individual in the field of science could better be achieved through consolidated plan towards a goal. In this assessment, a number of required variables for developing skills by scientists for the future have been analyzed and considered to be essential in a strategic build-up to a career. Through the various fields of scientificradiation technology from their operation through to waste management, contamination measurement and other radiological analysis are identified to be very important. To make this approach more proficient, certain required variables for developing skills by scientists for the future have been elaborated in this study. Some of the requirements considered are; Education, Creativity, Culture, Employment, Finance and Governance. It was resolved that in evaluating the choice of a career, the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis relating to the parameters (requirements) indicated above cannot be overemphasized in the buildup of a modern scientific career

Factors associated with the utilisation of skilled delivery services in Papua New Guinea: evidence from the 2016–2018 Demographic and Health Survey

BackgroundWe sought to determine the prevalence and factors associated with the use of skilled assistance during delivery in Papua New Guinea.MethodsWe analysed nationally representative data from 5210 women in Papua New Guinea using the 2016-2018 Demographic and Health survey. Both bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed. Statistical significance was set at pResultsThe prevalence of skilled assistance during delivery was 57.6%. The richest women (adjusted OR [AOR]=3.503, 95% CI 2.477 to 4.954), working women (AOR=1.221, 95% CI 1.037 to 1.439), women with primary (AOR=1.342, 95% CI 1.099 to 1.639), secondary or higher education (AOR=2.030, 95% CI 1.529 to 2.695), women whose partners had a secondary or higher level of education (AOR=1.712, 95% CI 1.343 to 2.181], women who indicated distance was not a big problem in terms of healthcare (AOR=1.424, 95% CI 1.181 to 1.718), women who had ≥4 antenatal care (ANC) visits (AOR=10.63, 95% CI 8.608 to 13.140), women from the Islands region (AOR=1.305, 95% CI 1.045 to 1.628), those who read newspapers or magazines (AOR=1.310, 95% CI 1.027 to 1.669) and women who watched television (AOR=1.477, 95% CI 1.054 to 2.069) less than once a week had higher odds of utilising skilled attendants during delivery. On the contrary, women in the Momase region (AOR=0.543, 95% CI 0.438 to 0.672), women in rural areas (AOR=0.409, 95% CI 0.306 to 0.546), as well as women with a parity of 3 (AOR=0.666, 95% CI 0.505 to 0.878) or ≥4 (AOR=0.645, 95% CI 0.490 to 0.850) had lower odds of utilising skilled attendance during delivery.ConclusionThere is relatively low use of skilled delivery services in Papua New Guinea. Wealth, employment status, educational level, parity and number of ANC visits, as well as access to healthcare and place of residence, influence the utilisation of skilled delivery services

Audit of documentation accompanying referred maternity cases to a referral hospital in northern Ghana: a mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: Effective referral of maternity cases, which cannot be managed at the primary healthcare level, with detailed referral forms is important for reducing possible delays in the provision of higher-level healthcare. This is the first study to audit documentation or referral forms that accompany referred maternity cases to a referral hospital in the northern region of Ghana. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study employed an explanatory sequential mixed-method design, starting with a quantitative review of referral forms that accompanied all patients referred to four units (antenatal, antenatal emergency, labour and neonatal intensive care) of a referral hospital in northern Ghana. In-depth interviews were held with the heads of the four units afterwards. Descriptive statistics were computed for the quantitative data. The qualitative data was subjected to content analysis. Integration of the data occurred at the data interpretation/discussion level. RESULTS: A total of 217 referral forms were analysed. Nearly half of the cases were referred from the Tamale Metropolis (46.5%) and 83.9% were referred for advanced care, whilst 8.3% were referred due to a lack of medical logistics and equipment such as oxygen and skilled personnel (6%). Completion rates of the referral forms were as follows: < 50% completion (n = 81; 37.3%), 50-75% completion (n = 112; 51.6%) above 75% completion (n = 24; 11.1%). Some of the handwriting were not legible and were quite difficult to read. The key informants stated that incomplete forms sometimes delay treatment. The head of the antenatal care unit at the referral hospital suggested professional development sessions as a strategy for supporting clinicians to fill the forms as expected. CONCLUSION: The Ghana Health Service should conduct regular audits, develop job aides and provide incentives for health professionals who accurately complete referral forms. Completing forms and digitizing health records can help ensure further efficiencies in the health information system and sustain good maternity referral documentation practices

Green Supply Chain Management and Environmental Performance: The moderating role of Firm Size

This study examined the impact of internal and external green supply chain practices on environmental performance among construction firms. The study used the quantitative survey research design in its methodology. A total of 217 employees were sampled from fifty (50) construction firms. Structural Equation Modeling was used to analyze the data. The results showed that green design does not have a significant positive relationship with environmental performance. However, green design has a positive impact on external green practices namely green purchasing and green construction. Green purchasing and green construction have direct positive relationships with environmental performance. Green design through external green practices have a significant positive relationship with environmental performance. The study found that firm size moderates the relationship between green design, through external green supply chain practices and environmental performance among construction firms

Intestinal obstruction in older children in Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital: A tertiary referral centre in Kumasi, Ghana

Background Childhood intestinal obstruction can either be congenital or acquired and both types result in high morbidity and mortality in  developing countries, mainly as a result of late presentation and diagnosis.Patients and methods From January 2007 to December2010, a retrospective analysis of all older children with  intestinal obstruction admitted to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (Kumasi, Ghana) was carried out. This was to establish the causes of intestinal obstruction and to determine its morbidity and mortality among the children studied.Results There were 98 children who were treated with a diagnosis of intestinal obstruction during the period. The mean age of the children, in months, was 34.7 ±5.0 SEM (range 3–180, median age 10 months), with a male : female ratio of 1.5 : 1. About 70.6% of the children were  admitted with acquired causes of intestinal obstruction and 29.4% with congenital causes of intestinal obstruction. In all, 21.2% of the children, treated for intestinal obstruction, underwent bowel resection as a result of nonviability of a segment of the intestine; the majority of the bowel resections were performed in the intussusception group. The mean length of hospital stay, in days, was 8.2± 5.7. There were 15 children (15.3%) with various postoperative complications, mainly surgical site infections; the mortality rate was 11.2%. Here again, most of the deaths occurred in the intussusception group of children.Conclusion Intestinal obstruction is a serious emergencyin children and must be diagnosed early and treated  promptly to avoid high morbidity and unnecessary deaths among children in our subregion