Reducing Technostress through Workstation Designs

Technostress - stress that is caused by interacting with information technology (IT) devices- is becoming a serious health problem for individuals. The aim of the project is to investigate whether active workstations, such as standing and treadmill desks, and digital wearables that can monitor a user’s physiological signals, are helpful to alleviating technostress. Researchers identify events in our interactions with technology that generate technostress, such as interruptions through pop-up messages and computer slow response time. Due to the proliferation in technology usage, technostress and consequent health problems have increased in scope. Therefore, technostress requires immediate attention by researchers to develop methods to alleviate its adverse impact on health. High levels of stress directly impact a person’s health and is a demonstrated risk factor for anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular diseases, as well as for diabetes and obesity.Our study investigates how active workstations can influence an individual’s affect and cognitive alertness in helping them cope with technostress. Affect underlies the individual’s emotional experiences and can be described as positive affect (e.g. enthusiasm) or negative affect (e.g. frustration). Decreasing negative affect and enhancing positive affect of an individual can help modulate the intensity of the stress experienced by that person. From our earlier studies, we find that body postures and movements impact individuals’ affect and their cognitive alertness, and therefore may be leveraged as stress moderators (Labonté-Lemoyne, Santhanam, et al. 2015). Hence, we propose that the use of active workstations will alleviate technostress.We plan to conduct a rigorous experiment with study participants who will be residents of the state of Oklahoma. Participants will use active workstations in conditions that can test our proposed ideas. We will record physiological signals and collect participants’ perceptual responses. Our analysis of this data will indicate effectiveness of proposed interventions of active workstations in alleviating technostress. Our research contributes to the emergent science on technostress suggesting methods to alleviate impact of stressors

Revisiting the Role and Impact of Information Technology Capability

This study is a conceptual replication of Bharadwaj (2000) investigating the impact of IT capability on a firm’s financial performance. The original study demonstrated that firms with superior IT capability will deliver superior financial performance manifested by higher profit ratios and lower cost ratios. However, conflicting findings emerged regarding the relationship between IT capability and a firm’s financial performance (Chae et al., 2014). Furthermore, in the past decade, advancements in statistical analysis, such as panel data modeling techniques that were not used in these past studies have provided more robust analytical techniques to observe patterns over time. Hence, incorporating the conceptual foundations as in prior studies on IT capability (e.g., Bharadwaj, 2000; Santhanam & Hartono, 2003), we re-investigate the impact of IT capability on a firm’s financial performance but do so by using a large longitudinal dataset and leveraging the power of panel data analysis. Our findings are consistent with the results of Bharadwaj (2000), Santhanam and Hartono (2003), and Choi and George (2016), suggesting that IT capability has a significant positive impact on financial performance. Our results do not support the findings of Chae et al. (2014), who found no association between IT capability and financial performance. We discuss the implications of our findings for the continued use of the theoretical framework of IT capability derived from the resource-based view

Fermented Parkia biglobosa seeds as a nitrogen source supplementation for bioethanol production from cashew apple juice

Nutritional requirements in the fermentation process are key parameters for optimal yeast development and ethanol production. Natural nutritional supplements rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and micro-elements can improve the performance of yeasts and offer a sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic chemicals. This study aimed at investigating the effect of a natural yeast nutrient (fermented Parkia biglobosa seeds) on bioethanol production from cashew apple juice by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The proximate and mineral compositions of fermented seeds were evaluated. Their powder was added to yeast medium at a concentration of 4–12 g/L. The behavior of two yeast strains (Angel brand super alcohol (S1) and Angel brand thermal-tolerant alcohol (S2)) was inspected. Titratable acidity, pH, °Brix, and density were evaluated during 144 h of fermentation. Sugar consumption was maximal after 72 and 48 h of fermentation for S1 and S2 yeast strains, respectively. The best ethanol yields of 0.19 and 0.22 g/g were obtained with S1 and S2 yeast strains, respectively, using 12 g/L of nutrients for the first and without nutrient supplementation for the second (control sample). The non-conventional nutrients from fermented P. biglobosa seeds seem to be favorablefor ethanol production using only S1 yeast strain

Ethyl biodiesels derived from non-edible oils within the biorefinery concept - Pilot scale production & engine emissions

Procedures and operating conditions optimized in laboratory scale for the production of ethyl biodiesels from non-edible vegetable oils (NEVOs) were successfully transferred at pilot scale, with implementation of separation and purification stages. The three NEVOs candidates are Balanites aegyptiaca (BA), Azadirachta indica (AI), and Jatropha curcas (JC), converted into BAEEs, AIEEs and JCEEs respectively via homogeneous catalysis. Quality specifications of the produced biofuels were used to explain pollutant emissions and engine performance observed via a power generator. Under the same conditions, blends of petrodiesel with crude BA or JC oil (50 wt.%) were also investigated. The selected overall methodology “feedstock-conversion-engine” led to the proposal of a sustainable alternative fuel. The candidate NEVO is BA oil to which the proposed alkali route should lead to a low cost biodiesel production process thanks to easy operating conditions, associated with a two-stage procedure (glycerol recycling) and a dry-purification method (rice husk ashes). Glycerol addition should be carried out at ambient temperature to play positively at phenomena occurring in the reacting medium (chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, phase equilibrium). Tests on power generator demonstrated that BAEEs led to cleaner combustion than petrodiesel, particularly for the most harmful emissions (light carbonyls and ultrafine particulate matter)

Production de matières premières et fabrication des médicaments à base de plantes médicinales

Les plantes constituent un réservoir pour les pharmacopées du monde. Plusieurs médicaments importants sont fabriqués à partir des substances actives d’origine végétales. En outre de nombreux médicaments modernes ont été fabriqués à partir de ces matières premières. Les plantes médicinales sont utilisées directement sous forme fraîche, sèche ou transformée, stabilisée, ou extrait ou formulée avec d’autres plantes ou excipients de synthèse. Dans tous les cas, la matière végétale utilisée pour fabriquer la forme posologique doit faire preuve de son efficacité, son innocuité et être de qualité conforme aux exigences de la Pharmacopée Européenne pour les phytomédicaments, garantissant ainsi sa sécurité d’emploi. Pour ce faire, l’Organisation Mondiale de la Santé (OMS) a mis à la disposition des états membres des guides et standards permettant d’harmoniser et de sécuriser leur utilisation. Ainsi de nombreux pays africains ont adopté ces outils après des modifications appropriées pour faire progresser la recherche et le développement (R&D) de médicaments à base de plante. Le but de ce travail était de faire une synthèse des différentes étapes de production, de contrôle qualité et de  standardisation des matières premières issues des plantes médicinales et des médicaments à base de plantes médicinales.Mots clés : Pharmacopée, médicaments, médecine traditionnelle, sécurité d’emploi, phytomédicaments. English title: Production of raw materials and manufacturing of drugs from medicinal plants Plants are a reservoir for the world's pharmacopoeias. Several important medicines are made from active substances of plant origin. In addition, many modern medicines have been made from these raw materials. Medicinal plants are used directly in fresh, dry or processed, stabilized, or extracted form or formulated with other plants or synthetic excipients. In all cases, the herbal material used to manufacture the dosage form must demonstrate its efficacy, safety and be of a quality that meets the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia for phytomedicines, thus ensuring its safe use. To this end, the World Health Organization (WHO) has made available to Member States guides and standards to harmonize and secure their use. Thus, many African countries have adopted these tools after appropriate modifications to advance research and development (R&D) of plant-based drugs. The aim of this work was to make a synthesis of the different stages of production, quality control and standardization of raw materials from medicinal plants and herbal medicines.Keywords: Pharmacopoeia, drugs, traditional medicine, safe use, phytomedicines

Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Balanites aegyptiaca, Securidaca longepedunculata and Acacia gourmaensis Used against Seed-borne Fungi in Burkina Faso

Aims: Hydro-ethanolic extracts of Balanites aegyptiaca, Securidaca longepedunculata and Acacia gourmaensis from Burkina Faso were investigated for their phytochemical composition and their antioxidant activities. Methods: High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method was used for phytochemical screening. The total phenolic, total flavonoid and anthocyanin contents of extracts were assessed. The antioxidant potentials of the extracts were also evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-l­picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Results: Phenolic compounds, flavonoids and anthocyanins were present in all these plant extracts. Tannins were only found in Acacia gourmaensis extract. Acacia gourmaensis extract exhibited the highest total phenolics ( mg GAE/g), total flavonoids ( mg QE/100 g), total anthocyanins () contents and had the highest antioxidant activity by DPPH ( and FRAP methods). Balanites aegyptiaca and Securidaca longepedunculata showed the lowest phenolic compounds ( mg GAE/g and 76.69±1.84 mg GAE/g respectively); total flavonoids ( mg QE/100 g and mg QE/100 g respectively), anthocyanins (24.49±1.43 µg/g and 24.57±0.52 µg/g respectively) contents and had the lowest antioxidant activity for DPPH method ( and µg AAE/g respectively) and FRAP method ( and µg AAE/g respectively). Conclusion: Balanites aegyptiaca, Securidaca longepedunculata and Acacia gourmaensis represent natural sources of phenolic antioxidant compounds that can be used as a bio-fungicide

Ampleur de la dengue dans la ville de Ouagadougou, Burkina-Faso, 2016: Magnitude of dengue fever in the city of Ouagadougou, Burkina-Faso, 2016

Introduction: En Octobre 2016, le Burkina Faso a connu une flambée de cas de dengue dont l’ampleur est peu connue. Aussi aucune étude n’a été réalisée durant les dix dernières années, donnant lieu à un manque d’information actualisée sur sa prévalence et son incidence. Cette étude avait pour objectif de déterminer l’ampleur de la dengue à Ouagadougou et le type de virus circulant. Méthodes: Nous avons mené une étude transversale sur les cas de dengue enregistrés dans les formations sanitaires (FS) de la ville de Ouagadougou du 1er août au 31 décembre 2016. Un cas de dengue était défini comme toute personne résident dans la ville de Ouagadougou présentant une maladie fébrile aiguë (2-7 jours), avec au moins deux des symptômes suivants : céphalées, douleur rétro-orbitale, myalgie, arthralgie, éruption cutanée, manifestations hémorragiques, syndrome de choc et un test biologique positif à la PCR ou avec TDR-Dengue positif ayant un lien épidémiologique avec un cas confirmé. Nous avons réalisé une recherche active des cas à travers une revue documentaire des registres de laboratoire, consultation et/ou d’hospitalisation des FS, Une fiche de collecte a été utilisée pour recueillir les caractéristiques sociodémographiques, cliniques, biologiques des cas. Résultats: Au total, 5094 cas de dengue ont été enregistrés dans les FS. L’âge médian était de 27 ans avec un intervalle interquartile de 16 à 37 ans. Quinze cas (51,72%) ont été testés positifs à la PCR dont 10 (66,67%) au DENV2 et 5 (33,33%) au DENV3. Parmi les cas, 2569 (50,76%) étaient de sexe féminin et 1494 (28,16%) cas avaient été hospitalisés. Sur les cas recensés, 73% avaient été notifiés par les structures privées et 3174 (88,88%) étaient des éleves/étudiants ou fonctionnaires ou commerçants. Le taux d’attaque global était de 201 cas (5094/2532311) pour 100000 habitants. Le taux de létalité était de 35/5094 (0,69%). Conclusion: Le taux d’attaque global de la dengue en 2016 était de 201 cas pour 100000 habitants. La dengue touchait plus les adultes jeunes surtout les élèves/étudiants et les fonctionnaires et était causée par les types 2 et 3. Les cas étaient plus notifiés par les structures privées. Une surveillance hebdomadaire associée à une surveil-lance sentinelle et la sensibilisation de la population sur la dengue contribueraient à endiguer ce fléau au Burki-na Faso. Background: In October 2016, Burkina Faso experienced an outbreak of dengue fever that the magnitude is little known. Also, no studies have been performed in the past ten years, giving rise to a lack of updated information on its prevalence and incidence. We conducted an investigation to determine the magnitude of dengue fever in Ouagadougou’s city and the type of virus circulating. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on the cases of dengue recorded in health facilities (HF) in Ouagadougou’s city from August 1st to December 31st, 2016. We defined a case of dengue as any person resident in the city of Ouagadougou with acute febrile illness (2-7days), with at least two of the following symptoms (headache, retro-orbital pain, myalgia, arthralgia, rash, hemorrhagic manifestations, shock syndrome) and a positive PCR test or with dengue-RDT positive, having an epidemiological link with a confirmed case. We carried out an active search for cases through a documentary review of laboratory, consultation and/or hospitalization registers of HF, used a file to collect the socio-demographic, clinical and biological characteristics of the cases. Results: A total of 5094 cases of dengue fever were recorded in the HF. The median age was 27 years with an interquartile range of 16 to 37 years old. Fifteen (51.72%) cases tested positive with PCR including 10(66.67%) for DENV2 and 5(33.33%) for DENV3. Among the cases, 2,569(50.76%) were female and 1,494(28.16%) cases were hospitalized. Of the cases listed, 73% were notified by private’s hospitals and 3,174 (88.88%) were pupils/students or civil servants or traders. The overall attack rate was 201 cases (5094/2532311) per 100,000 populations. The case fatality rate was 35/5094 (0.69%). Conclusion: The overall dengue attack rate in 2016 was 201 cases per 100,000 populations. Dengue more affected young adults especially the pupils/students or civil servants and was caused by types 2 and 3. The cases were more notified by the private hospitals. We recommend weekly surveillance, sentinel surveillance and public awareness of dengue fever

Both Lewis and Secretor Status Mediate Susceptibility to Rotavirus Infections in a Rotavirus Genotype–Dependent Manner

Background. The live oral rotavirus (RV) vaccines have shown a reduced efficacy in Africa. Recent in vitro studies have shown binding of the RV surface protein (VP4) to histo–blood group antigens (HBGAs) in an RV genotype–dependent manner, suggesting them to be putative receptors for RV. The diversity of HBGA phenotypes in different ethnic populations, combined with prevalence/absence of specific RV genotypes, led us to hypothesize whether the genetic variations in HBGAs in a population limit susceptibility to certain RV genotypes, plausibly leading to reduced vaccine efficacy