Systematic significance of the leaf cuticle of Hypodaphnis zenkeri (Engl.) Stapf (Lauraceae) and a record of its volatile organic compounds

Hypodaphnis zenkeri is a monotypic taxon whose position is basal in the phylogenetic tree of the family Lauraceae. Cuticular information on the plant is lacking. Given the systematic relevance of this character in the family and absence of its record for the species, the leaves of the species were investigated with the aid of light and scanning electron microscopy. Also, volatile organic compounds in leaves and fruits were studied with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), for the first time. Taxonomically useful cuticular features of the species include long stomatal rim and aperture, granulated periclinal walls on the adaxial surface and superficial stomatal orientation. The leaves and fruits of the plant are rich in volatile organic compounds such as 1,2-benzene-dicarboxylic acid, hexadecanoic acid ester and stigmasta-3,5-diene. Based on these features, the species can be distinguished from other related taxa in the family

The Impact of International Broadcasting On Africa

This study examined the impact of global broadcasting on Africa. The survey research method was applied to collect data with the structured questionnaire as the research instrument. 150 respondents who were purposively selected from Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt were administered the questionnaire online through the surveymonkey.com website. However, 110 respondents properly completed and submitted their questionnaires representing 73 percent response rate. Findings revealed that Cable News Network (CNN) is the preferred global TV news channel of 41 percent of the respondents followed by Al Jezeera (32 percent), China Central Television (18 per cent) and BBC World (9 percent). This is consistent with the 2012 European Media Survey (EMS) report which declared CNN as the undisputed No 1 news brand in Africa. Findings further revealed that global TV news channels carried mostly negative stories about Africa as indicated by 86 percent of the respondents. Furthermore, 60 percent of the respondents indicated that this pattern of coverage not only gave the continent a negative perception but worsened her economic woes. The study concluded that decades after the New World Information and Communication Order debate was rested, negative coverage of the continent persists in the powerful global TV news channels. It then recommended that global TV channels still need to do more to improve on their coverage of Africa by focusing less on negative reports from the continent. It further recommended that stakeholders in the region need to take more practical steps to tell their own stories to the outside world. Key words Global television    International communication   Coverage   News   channel

Provider and lay perspectives on intra-uterine contraception: a global review

BACKGROUND: Intra-uterine contraception (IUC) involves the use of an intra-uterine device (IUD), a highly effective, long-acting, reversible contraceptive method. Historically, the popularity of IUC has waxed and waned across different world regions, due to policy choices and shifts in public opinion. However, despite its advantages and cost-effectiveness for programmes, IUC's contribution to contraceptive prevalence is currently negligible in many countries. This paper presents the results of a systematic review of the global literature on provider and lay perspectives on IUC. It aims to shed light on the reasons for low use of IUC and reflect on potential opportunities for the method's promotion. METHODS: A systematic search of the literature was conducted in four peer-reviewed journals and four electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, POPLINE, and Global Health). Screening resulted in the inclusion of 68 relevant publications. RESULTS: Most included studies were conducted in areas where IUD use is moderate or low. Findings are similar across these areas. Many providers have low or uneven levels of knowledge on IUC and limited training. Many wrongly believe that IUC entails serious side effects such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and are reluctant to provide it to entire eligible categories, such as HIV-positive women. There is particular resistance to providing IUC to teenagers and nulliparae. Provider opinions may be more favourable towards the hormonal IUD. Some health-care providers choose IUC for themselves. Many members of the public have low knowledge and unfounded misconceptions about IUC, such as the fear of infertility. Some are concerned about the insertion and removal processes, and about its effect on menses. However, users of IUC are generally satisfied and report a number of benefits. Peers and providers exert a strong influence on women's attitudes. CONCLUSION: Both providers and lay people have inaccurate knowledge and misconceptions about IUC, which contribute to explaining its low use. However, many reported concerns and fears could be alleviated through correct information. Concerted efforts to train providers, combined with demand creation initiatives, could therefore boost the method's popularity. Further research is needed on provider and lay perspectives on IUDs in low- and middle-income countries

The effect of fuel on the energy consumption and production of greenhouse gases in transport

Nowadays, the environmental aspects of transport are very actual issues, mainly the energy consumption and GHG production. The priority of EU transport strategy is to decrease the negative environmental impacts of all transport modes. The article discusses the calculation of the energy consumption and production of greenhouse gases in transport from both the primary and secondary points of view. This means, that it reflects the implications on the environment not only while operating the vehicle, but also during production, refining, distribution and storage of the fuel used in transport. The calculation is done by using the methodology of the standard EN 16 258:2012. This standard is used on all cars using various types of propellants. The results of the calculation show in a non-discriminatory manner the energy effectiveness of the individual types of fuel, as well as the rate of their production of greenhouse gases expressed in a comparison unit of equivalent CO2e