The Impacts of Changing Trade Policies, the Pandemic, and the Russia-Ukraine War on Trade Volumes, Jobs, and Economic Growth in Louisiana Port City Regions and the State of Louisiana

On March 1, 2018, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order that imposed a 25 percent tariff on steel and a 10 percent levy on aluminum. Citing national security concerns and Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, the President described the tariffs as an effort to “level the global economic playing field.” Over the next several months, he also imposed tariffs on other goods imported from China as well as ally nations, such as Mexico, Canada, and countries within the European Union. The U.S. is both a consumer of imported steel and aluminum and a major exporter of corn and soybeans. The steel and aluminum tariffs have had far-reaching effects, including retaliatory tariffs imposed by affected nations, and especially China, on U.S. agricultural products. The Lower Mississippi River Port Complex is the largest port complex in the world and a major international trade hub that is critical to the global supply chain system. Trade policies that impact the Louisiana ports can have far-reaching effects that go well beyond their immediate boundaries. The research carried out in support of this dissertation seeks to increase our understanding of how international trade policies can affect the productivity of ports and the economies of the communities that support them. It measures the cargo volumes through the ports following imposition of the steel and aluminum tariffs and the retaliatory tariffs on corn and soybean exports and measures the impacts of the trade policies on employment in the Transportation and Warehousing sector and the economic growth of the port city regions and the state of Louisiana. It also examines the impact on the ports of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia- Ukraine War; global events that occurred concurrently with imposition of the tariffs. Overall, the analysis found that the tariff policy had significant implications for trade dynamics, import volumes, local economic performance, and supply chains. The findings underscore the complex and evolving nature of international trade, which necessitates careful consideration of trade policies and their potential effects on local and regional economies and supply chain dynamics before they are enacted

Influence of waste glass and effective microorganism on the mechanical properties of concrete

The high demand for concrete in construction leads to the depletion of natural resources such as natural aggregates and clay. The use of waste material in concrete could assist in reducing natural resource depletion and carbon footprints. The use of waste glass in concrete as fine aggregate replacement affects the Interfacial transition zone (ITZ) of glass aggregate concrete and using glass powder as a cement substitute results in low early strength. The purpose of this research was to investigate the properties of concrete with windscreen waste glass as cement and fine aggregates replacement together with effective microorganism (EM) and to establish the appropriate mix proportion that will contribute to enhancing the properties of windscreen glass fine aggregate concrete. Concrete ingredients were altered to contain glass powder (GP) from windscreen glass waste as partial cement replacement (20%) and glass fine aggregate (GFA) as fine aggregate replacement in a proportion of 0-100% (in 20% increments) with EM as water substitute (10%). The laboratory work involves the characterization of waste glass materials and formulation of the size particle of glass aggregate to be used in concrete as fine aggregate replacement. The characterization includes sieve analysis, strength activity index, X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). The fresh and hardened properties of glass fine aggregate effective micro-organism concrete (GFAEMC) were investigated. The properties assessed include the workability, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, and water absorption. Further studies were carried out on the microstructural properties of concrete using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) to ascertain the filling mechanism and bonding effect at the micro-scale level. In addition, three reinforced concrete beams containing waste glass with two containing EM and one without EM, as well as a control concrete beam, were cast and tested to assess the behaviour of reinforced concrete beams under flexure. Based on the findings, the use of waste glass as fine aggregate and cement replacement in concrete improved concrete properties. Adding waste glass with EM in concrete mix improved the compressive strength, flexural strength, splitting tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity (MOE) by 3.37%, 3%, 6%, and 1%, respectively compared to the control, after 28 days. Also, the water absorption of GFAEMC with a 100% GFA as fine aggregate substitute is slightly lower by 2% than that of the control concrete. The microscale analysis showed that GFAEMC samples had a denser microstructure with more CSH gel when compared to the control. In addition, the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) of GFAEMC samples also indicates a denser microstructure. In addition, the ultimate loads of beams glass fine aggregate effective microorganism (BGFAEM), glass powder (BGP20), glass fine aggregate - glass powder effective microorganism (BGFAGPEM) were all higher than BC (control beam). Beam BGFAEM recorded higher stiffness value than beam BC by 18%. The flexural behaviour of reinforced concrete beams with windscreen glass waste and EM is comparable with the control beam. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that incorporating windscreen waste glass as cement and fine aggregates replacement with EM show positive effects and enhanced concrete properties

Detection of ApoE E2, E3 and E4 alleles using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and the homogeneous mass-extend technology

Apolipoprotein (Apo) E is one of the five main types of blood lipoproteins (A–E). It is synthesized primarily in the liver and brain and helps in transporting lipids from one place to another as well as facilitates the clearing of dietary fats, such as triglycerides, from the blood. The ApoE gene exists in three different forms: E2, E3 and E4. E3 is considered to be the normal form. Variants of the ApoE gene have been associated with various diseases. Developing an assay for the genotyping of ApoE variants for use both in clinical and large cohort based association settings would be extremely valuable and would require the use of a platform that has high-throughput capabilities and is highly accurate. Here we describe an assay for the simultaneous genotyping of the ApoE variants in a single bi-plex reaction and a single well using the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry and the homogeneous mass-extend (hME) technology. The assay is robust, highly accurate and suitable for both clinical applications and for the genotyping of large disease cohorts. Moreover, the prevalence of ApoE variants in a cohort of Caucasians from the central Wisconsin area is outlined

Flexural performance of steel fiber reinforced concrete beam

Steel fibers are generally used as resistance of cracking and strengthening of concrete. According to previous research, it has been found that steel fiber (SF) reinforced concrete beam had higher flexural strength compared to conventional reinforced concrete beam. In this research, flexural performances of steel fiber reinforced concrete beams were studied for concrete grade 35. Optimum fiber content was found to be 1% and this was determined using compressive strength test with different SF dosages (0%, 1% and 2%). Mechanical properties of steel fiber reinforced concrete were determined through compressive strength, tensile strength and flexural strength. The result indicates that there is a slight increment in compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of SFRC of about 15% and 30%, respectively compared to control sample. The flexural strength shows a significant increase of more than 100% at 28 days compared with the control sample. The flexural behavior of steel fiber reinforced concrete beams at 28 days were studied under four points loading and the results were compared with conventional reinforced concrete beam. Beam 1 and Beam 3 failed at almost the same ultimate load. This shows that reinforcing the tension zone only has the same effect to that of reinforcing in both tension and compression zones. Beam 2 with steel fiber has slightly higher ultimate load, although the area of reinforcement was reduced. The use of steel fiber in concrete shows a significant improvement on the ductility and stiffness characteristics of the beams than the control beam

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueous extract of the root bark of Combretum sericeum in rodents

Combretum sericeum (Combretacae) is used traditionally in Northern Nigeria for the treatment of fever. In this study, the activities of the aqueous extract of the root bark of this plant against nociception andinflammation were investigated in mice and rats. The studies were carried out using acetic acid writhing, hot plate algesia and carrageenan induced inflammation in rats. The results showed that the extractexhibited significant (P < 0.001) anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in all the models used. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, glycosides alkaloids and anthraquinones. The intraperitoneal median lethal dose (LD50) of the extract was found to be 177.48 mg/kg in mice. The observed activities might be the scientific basis for the traditional use of the plant in the treatment of fever. This study also paves way for the possible development of the plant extract as a phytodrug against pain and inflammatory conditions.Keywords: Combretum sericeum, anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, hot plate algesi

Pupils’ and teachers’ experiences of school-based physical education: A qualitative study

Objectives: To explore pupils’ and teachers’ experiences of P.E. Study Design: A qualitative investigation employing semi-structured interviews. Self Determination Theory was used as a guiding theory and Template Analysis was used to analyse the data. Setting: A secondary school in the North East of England. Participants: 14 pupils (aged 13 and 14, boys and girls) with a range of self-perceived competencies regarding P.E. and 4 P.E. teachers of the pupils (3 male, 1 female). Primary and secondary outcomes: (1) Attitudes and perceptions of P.E. pupils regarding their experiences of compulsory school P.E. lessons. (2) P.E. teachers experiences of teaching P.E. Results: Key results from pupils and teachers suggest pupils enjoy participation in P.E. when they feel competent, in control and supported by others. Feeling competent depended on i) the activity within P.E. and ii) the pupils perceived physical capabilities/aptitude. Feeling in control related to i) having a choice of activities, ii) being able to set exertion levels and iii) control over clothes worn whilst taking part. Relationships within pupil groups and between pupils and teachers were perceived as important. Teachers could positively influence their pupils’ enjoyment by understanding and supporting their personal goals, as opposed to dictating and controlling what they did and for how long, and by promoting a non-threatening atmosphere between pupils. Conclusions: Rising obesity levels and concerns over the fitness of children and young people has returned the focus of P.E. to its potential as a vehicle for promoting health. This study suggests schools and P.E. teachers in particular can positively influence the P.E. experience of both boys and girls by providing more choice of activities and letting pupils make their own decisions based on their personal needs

A phenomenological study in the behavioural patterns of users in the adaptation of enhanced information system applications : the case of a South African University

Magister Commercii (Information Management) - MCom(IM)In this thesis, the author explores the phenomena of attitudinal behaviour of some users (management and administrative support personnel) in the adaptation of enhanced information system applications (EISAs) during the last decade of the programme lifecycle of the Student Enrolment Management System (SEMS) programme at a South African university, hereinafter referred to as the University. Using the qualitative approach through Case Study Methodology and IPA in this research, the author uses research methods such as observation, content analysis, semi-structured interviews, case studies, or focus groups based on the lived experience of the interviewees. The outcome reveals that EISAs do not fail the users; instead the users of the systems failed to achieve the objectives of the EISAs at the University. It is found that personal beliefs and attitudes must be divorced from what the institution-wide objectives of the EISAs are. The notion of continually challenging and reworking previously agreed concepts and strategies is counter-productive and can become a very expensive exercise. This is evident if the total amount of money and effort spent on the SEMS programme is evaluated over the last decade. The general consensus reached at the conclusion of this research is that user attitude impacts the functionality of an application system. One of the fundamental issues highlighted is the state of mind of the people utilising EISAs in their daily work-related activities. It is found that a majority of administrative staff utilising the EISAs are physically present at the University but psychologically and emotionally absent whilst performing their daily student administrative duties. It would be useful to determine if they (the users) would be willing and able to radically change their behaviour to fit the ideal of rational discourse

The Role of Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomographic (PET/CT) Imaging for Radiation Therapy Planning: A Literature Review

PET/CT is revolutionising radiotherapy treatment planning in many cancer sites. While its utility has been confirmed in some cancer sites, and is used in routine clinical practice, it is still at an experimental stage in many other cancer sites. This review discusses the utility of PET/CT in cancer sites where the role of PET/CT has been established in cases such as head and neck, cervix, brain, and lung cancers, as well as cancer sites where the role of PET/CT is still under investigation such as uterine, ovarian, and prostate cancers. Finally, the review touches on PET/CT utilisation in Africa

Studies on four cultivars of groundnut (Arachis hypogeae) grown in Mubi, Adamawa State of Nigeria

The choice of Groundnut (Arachis hypogeae.) cultivar suitable for cultivation for either commercial, protein requirements or other reasons is very crucial. This research work was conducted to evaluate the cultivar performance for different purposes. Different cultivars of Groundnut were cultivated and data were collected on number of pod per cultivar, wet weight of pod and crude protein content. They were subjected to mean and standard deviation. Results showed that highest pods were found in Gargajiya (860) while lowest number of pod was obtained in Amariya (116), Kampala had the highest mean plant height of 18.22cm while amarya recorded the least (16.82cm). Amarya and Gargajiya had the highest dry pod weight (5.8 and 5.7) respectively while Sebia recorded the least (3.3). Kampala had the least crude protein content among the cultivars (28.68%). Amarya and Sabiya recorded 31.56% and 30.70% crude protein respectively while Gargajiya cultivar had the highest crude protein content of 33.47%.Keywords: Groundnuts, germination, amarya, gargajiy