An Evaluation of Cost-Effectiveness of Micro Computerized Documentation System/Integrated Set of Information System (CDS/ISIS) Software of Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Abuja

The cost implication of the use of the micro Computerized Documentation System/Integrated Set of Information System (CDS/ISIS) application software in the library and its effectiveness in performance operations was evaluated to determine the cost – effectiveness. The study population was made up of all the staff involved in the computerization and cataloguing operations of the library. A questionnaire was used to collect data, while percentage and table were used to present the data. The study revealed that the use of CDS/ISIS is more cost effective at the library of Raw Material Research and Development Council, (RMRDC) Abuja because it is given to non-profit making organizations free of charge by UNESCO. Whencompared with the manual system, the computerized system costs more but it is more effective. In spite of the effectiveness of Computerized (CDS/ISIS) had great potentials as a library application. It is recommended that computer appreciations be included in the curriculum of library schools. Library staff that are using CDS/ISIS should be sent on training and retraining especially at advanced level on how toeffectively use CDS/ISIS which will enable them fully understand how to apply (CDS/ISIS) to the functions and management of libraries and its information source, and to serve their clientele better. Since (CDS/ISIS) is not supplied with support services like training and maintenance of the software, users should form a functional user groups in their respective state. The user groups can provide relevant training on the use of CDS/ISIS

Prospects of endosperm DNA in maize seed characterization

DNA based characterisation of maize germplasm has become the easiest and fastest approach to identify genetic diversity as compared to phenotyping. The conventional DNA source for genotyping is the leaf which required at least 2 weeks waiting period from seed planting to leaves sampling. This work exploits the use of endosperm DNA (EDNA) for the genotyping of maize germplasm. Maize endosperm was excised from maize seeds using pli¬ers, ground and used for Genomic DNA extraction (gDNA). Leaves DNA (LDNA) was also extracted concurrently. The extracted LDNA and EDNA were quantified and subjected to SSR-PCR. The mean concentrations of DNA extracted were 1575 ng/ul for the leaves and 526 ng/ul for endosperm. Though the difference in quantity of EDNA and LDNA were highly significant, the quality (A260/A280) for both EDNA and LDNA fall within 1.6-1.8 range of pure DNA index. SSR-PCR products using phi032 were similar for both EDNA and LDNA, indicating the usability of EDNA in genotyping. This seed based method of gDNA extraction takes less than 24 hours from sampling to quantification and genotyping. It also allows germination of sampled seeds, selection before planting, avoids the delay of planting and waiting in leaf sampling and saves field space

Securing Programmable Analog ICs Against Piracy

International audienceIn this paper, we demonstrate a security approach for the class of highly-programmable analog Integrated Circuits (ICs) that can be used as a countermeasure for unauthorized chip use and piracy. The approach relies on functionality locking, i.e. a lock mechanism is introduced into the design such that unless the correct key is provided the functionality breaks. We show that for highly-programmable analog ICs the programmable fabric can naturally be used as the lock mechanism. We demonstrate the approach on a multi-standard RF receiver with configuration settings of 64-bit words

Efficacy of Acid-treated Sawdust in Decolourization of Tanning Wastewater

Colour removal from dye-bearing effluent is a serious challenge due to the difficulty in treating such wastewater by conventional treatment methods. The present investigation explores the decolourization of contaminated wastewater using acid-activated sawdust as an adsorbent. The physicochemical properties of wastewater samples labelled A, B, and C vizaverage temperature; pH; electrical conductivity; and total dissolved solids were determined using standard methods to be 302.63; 6.1; 284.47 µS/cm;35116.66 mg/L respectively. Colour removal efficiency of the adsorbent was studied under variable conditions (contact time, rate of agitation,loading). Experimental results demonstrated that the sawdust adsorbent has a significant capacity for colour removal from tannery effluent. There was significant variation in the absorbance of the treated samples. Adsorbent dose, stirring rate, and contact time were found to be directly proportional to colour removal while pH variation of the samples show that the effluents became less alkaline (slightly acidic) after decolourization

Environmental Tax, SME Financing Constraint and Innovation. Evidence from OECD Countries

This paper examines the impact of environmental tax on SME innovation and how SME financing constraint moderates this relationship. Given the paucity of research on the implications of financing constraints on SMEs’ green innovative activities, the study adopts cross-country panel data to investigate the impact of environmental tax on SME’s innovative activities across 24 OECD countries for the period 2000-2019. Results from our study indicate that an increase in environmental tax leads to a decrease in SME innovation. Further, we also find that financing constraint positively moderates the relationship between environmental tax and SME innovation. Our findings shed new light on the theoretical and practical implications of financing constraints on SMEs’ green innovative activities

The association of HIV-related stigma and psychosocial factors and HIV treatment outcomes among people living with HIV in the Volta region of Ghana:A mixed-methods study

Stigma and discrimination have been identified as significant barriers to HIV treatment among people living with HIV (PLWH). HIV stigma affects decision to seek HIV testing and early treatment. Evidence shows that HIV stigma undermines antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence by affecting the psychological process such as adjusting and coping with social support. In Ghana, stigma toward PLWH occurs in many ways including rejection by their communities and family members, ostracism, and refusal to engage in social interactions such as eating, sharing a bed, or shaking hands. Therefore. we examined PLWH's experiences with different forms of HIV-related stigma and the impact on HIV treatment outcome in the Volta region of Ghana. We employed a convergent mixedmethod approach consisting of a survey with 181 PLWH, four focus group discussions with 24 survey respondents, and in-depth interviews with six providers. We performed independent samples t-test, ANOVA, and chi-square test to test associations in bivariate analysis and analyzed qualitative data using thematic analysis. In all, 49% of survey respondents reported experiencing high internalized stigma, which was associated with high social support and depression (p&lt;0.001). In qualitative interviews, anticipated stigma was the most salient concern of PLWH, followed by internalized and enacted stigma, which all negatively impacted HIV treatment and care. Stigma was experienced on multiple levels and affected psychosocial and treatment outcomes. Findings suggest urgent need for HIV-stigma reduction intervention among PLWH and their family, providers, and community members.</p

The association of HIV-related stigma and psychosocial factors and HIV treatment outcomes among people living with HIV in the Volta region of Ghana:A mixed-methods study

Stigma and discrimination have been identified as significant barriers to HIV treatment among people living with HIV (PLWH). HIV stigma affects decision to seek HIV testing and early treatment. Evidence shows that HIV stigma undermines antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence by affecting the psychological process such as adjusting and coping with social support. In Ghana, stigma toward PLWH occurs in many ways including rejection by their communities and family members, ostracism, and refusal to engage in social interactions such as eating, sharing a bed, or shaking hands. Therefore. we examined PLWH's experiences with different forms of HIV-related stigma and the impact on HIV treatment outcome in the Volta region of Ghana. We employed a convergent mixedmethod approach consisting of a survey with 181 PLWH, four focus group discussions with 24 survey respondents, and in-depth interviews with six providers. We performed independent samples t-test, ANOVA, and chi-square test to test associations in bivariate analysis and analyzed qualitative data using thematic analysis. In all, 49% of survey respondents reported experiencing high internalized stigma, which was associated with high social support and depression (p&lt;0.001). In qualitative interviews, anticipated stigma was the most salient concern of PLWH, followed by internalized and enacted stigma, which all negatively impacted HIV treatment and care. Stigma was experienced on multiple levels and affected psychosocial and treatment outcomes. Findings suggest urgent need for HIV-stigma reduction intervention among PLWH and their family, providers, and community members.</p

Atrial Septal Aneurysm in an 80-year-old Woman

Atrial septal aneurysm usually complicates a patent foramen ovale and atrial septal defect. An 80-year-old female presented with two weeks symptoms of chest infection. Examination revealed consolidation in the right lower zone posteriorly in the chest, a third heart sound (S3) and hepatomegaly. Sputum microscopy and culture were unremarkable and the chest radiograph revealed a mild cardiomegaly (CTR 0.53) and consolidation in the right lower zone. Echocardiography revealed an ejection fraction af 36.5% and fractional shortening of 17.6%, displacement of the middle portion of the inter-atrial septum into the left and right atria (the defect was 1.6cm) and the displacement was more than 10 mm. Atrial septal aneurysm is known to be a risk factor for cardiac failure and cerebrovascular events in middle aged and elderly individuals