Aphid complex associated with potato in agro-climatic conditions of Kosovo

Field surveys for aphids infesting potato crops in three most important localities for potato production in Kosovo (Podujevë, Prishtinë and Vushtrri) were conducted in vegetation seasons of 2018–2019. With the purpose to monitor and confirm the aphid composition in potatoes, aphid leaf count was used as a method which is applied worldwide. Sampling for aphids from the leaves of potato plants was undertaken during cropping season, every 10 days, where 100 leaves were taken at random and checked in triplicates, from each field. During of this experimental work, the following aphid species were registered Myzus persicae, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, Aphis nasturtii and Aulacorthum solani. From the total number of aphids recorded (4,210 individuals), the following percentage belongs to the different aphids: M. persicae (57.24%), A. nasturtii (25.72%), A. solani (7.77%), M. euphorbiae (5.68%), and other none identified aphids (3.59%). Relying on the results of this research we have confirmed to exist statistical significant differences with regard to the number of aphid’s species according to the localities and aphids that infests the potatoes. With the goal to manage and control aphids spread infields with potatoes, it is extremely useful to evaluate and to see the possibility for an Integrated Management against these pests at farmer level

The Impact of Obajana Cement Company as a Growth Pole in Obajana, Kogi State, Nigeria

The establishment of Obajana Cement Company in 2003 brought about speedy development in Obajana by deliberately or in-advertently stimulating growth and development at strategic point(s) within the region, though exhibits some problems such as rapid population increase without commensurate provision of facilities, utilities and services, as a result of which planning challenges of various dimensions originate. This research is therefore, carried out with the aim of assessing the spread and multiplier effects of the industry in the region and is fostered by the objectives which examine the pre and post Cement industry, socio spatial and economic spatial development in Obajana and the entire region. It also examines the extent of the multiplier effects induced. The data sourced for the work included primary data, through personal observation, oral interview, questionnaire administration and application of check list in a Focus Group Discussion while the secondary data was sourced from related journals, text books, the internet, news reports and encyclopaedia. The analysis of data was done by computing frequencies, and percentages. Results of analysis are discussed and presented in tables, graphs and pictures. The study found that the region of study is definitely being rapidly transformed economically, socially and physically/spatially. To check this regional development in-balance associated with the establishment of the industry, city development strategy (CDS) planning approach was recommended in all the activities/efforts aimed at fostering balanced and sustainable regional development. This approach is to be applied with paramount regard to the need for equitable regional development practice.Key words: Economic Development, Growth pole, Multiplier effect, Regional development, Spatial developmen

The In Vitro Bactericidal Activity of Normal and Activated Mouse Macrophages against Salmonella typhimurium C5sr

A comparison of the in vitro bactericidaL activity of normaL and activated macrophages indicated that killing of the viruLent strain of opsonized Salmonella typhimurium C5sr by normaL macrophages was enhanced by the presence of fresh serum in the cuLture medium. In contrast, there was no such requirement for the bactericidaL activity of activated macrophages. The enhanced killing ojfthe bacteria by activated macrophages occurred both in the presence and absence of serum, and this was not accounted for by the existence of macrophagebound immunogLobuLin. The factors in normaL rabbit serum which potentiated the killing of bacteria by normaL macrophages were suspected to be components of the compLement system. Heat-stabLe jactors (immunogLobuLins) in normaL rabbit serum were effective only if they were surface bound immunogLobuLins

Heterogeneity of Mouse Macrophages in Terms of Their Bactericidal Activity

These studies confirm that not all cells in a macrophage population express efective bactericidal functions. Two subsets of macrophages with cell-surface markers recognized by two monoclonal antibodies, designated M43 and 1\157 were shown to be involved in the bacteicidal activity of a macrophage population. B)' indirect radio immunoassay (RIA), it was found that these two subset markers were expressed more on the 5tu/ace of activated manipulates than on normal cells. It seems possible that these two markers may se11Je as markers for macrophage activation in terms of enhanced bactericidal activity

Pengendalian Mutu Pada Proses Produksi Di Tiga Usaha Kecil Menengah Tahu Kabupaten Bogor

Today the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is increasing significantly along with the rise in competitiveness in this field. Accordingly entrepreneurs who want to get into the competition and do not want to be left behind by other SMEs in the business field have to pay attention to the quality of their product. The purpose of this study are: (1) to analyze the quality control (QC) on the production process in SMEs of Tofu (soybean cake) as Tahu Bambu, Tahu Bandung Ashor and Tahu Bandung; (2) to identify the factors which cause damage of Tofu as Tahu Bambu, Tahu Bandung Ashor and Tahu Bandung; (3) to identify the most influential factor affecting the quality of Tofu as Tahu Bambu, Tahu Bandung Ashor and Tahu Bandung; and (4) to assess the QC on the production process in the above three unit. The data used in this study were primary and secondary data. Primary data were obtained through direct observation and interviews with the SMEs, while the secondary data were taken from the internet and references such as books, journals and theses. Analysis tool used were Pareto Diagram, Cause and Effect Diagram and Control Chart. It is from Cause-Effect diagram that the factors affecting damage in three SMEs of Tahu were revealed, i.e human, raw materials, machines and tools, methods and environment with the main cause of most influence through analysis Pareto diagram is one piece. Quality control of the SMEs Tahu Bambu and SMEs Tahu Bandung analyzed using by p Control Charts indicated that they were controlled

Numerical modelling of coupled thermo-hydraulic problems for long-term geothermal reservoir productivity

The advent of geothermal energy has opened a new chapter in global energy demand, for clean, renewable, and sustainable sources. This energy form is harnessed by creating a reservoir in a formation that serves as a heat exchanger. Modelling provides a means of representing concepts and approaches in reservoir simulation. Several methods are proposed to simulate geothermal reservoir behaviour under long-term performance, but it is very hard to specify the most powerful and realistic approach in forecasting reservoir lifespan. The aim of this work is to evaluate two different approaches: equivalent porous media (EPM) and dual porosity- permeability (DPP) model, for simulating geothermal reservoir long-term performance and to assess the adequacy of these approaches. The finite element method is employed to develop and simulate the numerical models based on the two different approaches in forecasting the productivities of the reservoirs during exploitation period of 30 years. The parameters investigated are the temperature, density, and viscosity distribution under the influence of coupled thermal and hydraulic processes. The simulation results are analysed and compared with the different approaches using those parameters. The analysis indicates that both the approaches can efficiently estimate the long-term performance of a reservoir to some extent, but further investigations are required regarding the effect of other coupling terms

Leadership Succession Problem: an Examination of Small Family Businesses

The greatest challenge facing the Small Family Businesses (SFBs) is the problem of succession (continuity) in today’s dynamic world. This phenomenon is caused by lack of proper planning by the business founders for the succession when they retire or die. The aim of this study is to examine the problem of succession among small family businesses in Nigeria. Drawing from eight small family businesses in Gombe metropolis, Gombe State of Nigeria, we examine why these businesses failed after the death of their founders. Primary data was used from former employees of the businesses under investigation and the children and relatives of the founders which, was qualitatively discussed. We also discussed some of the factors that prevent smooth succession or continuity of small businesses in Nigeria. The findings show that lack of proper planning by the founders for succession is the backbone of this problem. However, this happens due to fear of losing control of the business to subordinate or any of the family members by the founders. In addition, there is inheritance problem among the members of the founder’s family which tie down the business. The study suggests that SFB founders should have a long term succession management strategy by training a member of the family or hiring an expert to manage the business, alternatively, they should sale some shares of the business to the public or a partner. Keywords: Small business, succession problem, family business, business founder, and Gombe

A stochastic frontier approach to technical efficiency analysis of smallholder dairy farmers in Swaziland

The Swazi nation is traditionally an agricultural nation with almost every homestead on Swazi Nation Land(SNL) keeping a variety of livestock for beef and milk. The country has potential to produce more milk but stillimports 85% of milk from South Africa. The study evaluated the technical efficiency and constraints of the milksupply chain. A descriptive quantitative research design was used in the study and data were collected in 2014using structured questionnaires. The data were collected from 93 farmers, 16 retailers and 1 processor. Data wereanalysed using descriptive statistics, Cobb Douglas function, and Tobit regression model. There were 73.1%males farmers and 50.5% had between 8-14 years of formal education. All the farmers fed their cows with forageand 97.8% used concentrates. The efficiency analysis results indicated that frequency of extension visit and ageof the farmer were negatively associated with technical efficiency, while market information positively affectedefficiency. The technical efficiency mean was 78.2%. This indicates that overall, there is potential to increaseefficiency among dairy farmers by 21.8%. Farmers had problems of scarcity of grazing lands, high feed costs,unavailability of inputs and shortage of water and labour. There is a need for improving extension service,encouraging cooperatives and improving producer’s price of milk in order to enhance productivity and efficiencyof farmers.Keywords: Dairy farmers, Swaziland Dairy Board, supply chain of milk, technical efficiency, stochastic frontierapproach

Selection of procurement systems in the South African construction industry : an exploratory study

Purpose of this paper: Procurement systems are vital in ensuring the successful implementation of construction projects precisely in all the phases of any particular project. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate in a systematic manner the factors that influence the selection of a procurement system in the South African construction industry. Research methodology: An extensive theory and literature review of procurement systems was conducted. The literature reviewed included a sample of case studies of procurement systems successfully implemented in completed building and civil engineering projects in South Africa. A questionnaire using a four-round Delphi survey method was used to conduct the empirical study in order to obtain participants' opinions about factors influencing the selection of procurement systems as well as the utility value of various procurement systems on each factor as identified. Finally, data analysis of both qualitative and quantitative techniques was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings: After qualitative analysis, findings of the literature reviewed suggest that factors that influence the selection of procurement systems cut across all the phases of the project as identified in this paper. Therefore, these factors are categorically classified into internal and external factors. Factors from the internal environment were further classified into client characteristics and project characteristics, with client characteristics comprising of variables such as clients' level of knowledge and control, political and social consideration, familiarity of procurement systems, competition, funding arrangement, government public/private sector projects and risk allocation whereas project characteristics comprise of factors (variables) such as size and technical complexity of the project, influence of the project life cycle, expedited project delivery, time, quality and price certainty. Factors from the external environment include variables such as market competition, information technology, regulatory environment, natural causes and globalisation. Research limitations: In terms of its scope this study focused on both national and international literature reviews and the empirical survey of this study was conducted within South Africa. Its target participants were limited to civil engineers, quantity surveyors, construction/project managers, architects and contractors located in three provinces of South Africa, namely Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces. Value: This study investigates factors that influence the selection of procurement systems in South Africa for the purpose of assisting and guiding construction practitioners in selecting suitable procurement systems for their planned projects. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that due to changes in the construction industry both factors from the internal and external environments such as size and complexity of construction projects, macro and micro economic conditions, political and social and information technology prevailing, traditional procurement method need to be supplemented with contemporary procurement systems in order to meet the new demands of the industry

THE GOVERNMENT POLICY IN STRENGTHENING THE ECONOMY TO SEAWEED FARMERS IN SOUTH SULAWESI PROVINCE, INDONESIA

Abstract: This research was a survey research, which aims at revealing the facts of a phenomenon by using the questionnaire as an instrument of primary data collectors. The data were then evaluated and interpreted relating to the activity of seaweed farmers scattered in several districts of South Sulawesi province. The results showed that there is a convenience obtained by the public in the form of government policy in supporting the seaweed farmers. Nearly, all the citizens who live on the coastal area conduct the cultivation of seaweed such as in the regency of Takalar, Jeneponto, Bantaeng, Pangkep, and Barru. Therefore, the production of seaweeds in South Sulawesi has increased significantly since 2005. The seaweed production in South Sulawesi in 2004 was approximately 20.141 tons. It increased in 2007. It was about 42.000 tons. By realizing the production development of the main export commodity of South Sulawesi, the local government is optimistic that the economic growth in this area will be getting better. In addition, other business opportunities can be developed. For example, along the coastal area of Takalar to Sinjai, South Sulawesi Province, there was virtually no longer the location for drying fish. The coastal area has turned into drying seaweed. Keywords: Government, Policy, Seaweed, Productio