Stomatal behavior of cowpea genotypes grown under varying moisture levels

Drought is a major limitation to crop productivity worldwide. Plants lose most of their water through stomata, thus making stomata an important organ in the control of transpiration and photosynthesis. This study assessed the stomatal behavior of four cowpea genotypes grown under four moisture levels under hot semi-arid conditions. Stomatal conductance (gs) was measured at 47, 54, 70 and 77 days after planting (DAP). Biomass and carbon isotope composition (C-13) were also determined at flowering. Genotype and moisture level significantly influenced gs. Genotypes varied in gs at vegetative stages (47 and 54 DAP) only. TVu4607 had higher gs under severe drought conditions at both 47 and 54 DAP. On the other hand, moisture level influenced gs at 54 and 70 DAP only. Stomatal conductance was severely restricted in cowpea under both moderate and severe drought conditions as gs was mostly below the threshold 0.10 mol m(-2) s(-1). Relationships between: biomass and gs, and C-13 and gs were positive under severe drought only. The findings revealed that cowpea genotypes vary in gs under dry conditions and that the variation is more prominent at vegetative stage, suggesting that cowpea productivity in dry areas could be improved through selection of genotypes that maintain higher gs under dry conditions

Frontiers of Ethnic Brutality in an African City: Explaining the Spread and Recurrence of Violent Conflict in Jos, Nigeria

There is considerable consensus among scholars of ethnic riots that ethnically mixed areas are more prone to collective violence than segregated ones. The conclusion is based on studies that compare levels of violence between segregated and mixed localities. While this addresses disparities between settlements of dissimilar ethnic composition, variations in the spread of violence across ethnically mixed areas remain a mystery. Seeking to explicate these variations, we propose an approach that examines not only the ethnic composition of a neighbourhood, but also its location in relation to adjoining neighbourhoods of similar or dissimilar ethnic makeup and their shared boundaries. Based on ethnographic fieldwork in Jos, a violence-ridden Nigerian city, we demonstrate that ethnically mixed areas located between segregated ones experience more incidents of violence than mixed neighbourhoods not comparably located. Our findings have both academic and practical implications.Forschung zu ethnischer Gewalt hat gezeigt, dass ethnisch durchmischte Siedlungsgebiete anfälliger für kollektive Gewalt sind als segregierte. Diese Schlussfolgerung basiert auf Studien, die das Ausmaß der Gewalt zwischen segregierten und durchmischten Orten vergleichen. Im Gegensatz dazu ist völlig unklar, wie sich Varianz bei der Verbreitung von Gewalt in ethnisch durchmischten Gebieten erklären lässt. Um diese Varianz zu erläutern, schlagen wir einen Ansatz vor, der nicht nur die ethnische Zusammensetzung eines Viertels untersucht, sondern auch seinen Nachbarschaft zu Vierteln mit ähnlicher oder unterschiedlicher ethnischer Zusammensetzung und deren gemeinsame Grenzen einbezieht. Basierend auf ethnographischer Feldforschung in Jos, einer nigerianischen Stadt, die wiederkehrende Gewaltkonflikt erlebt hat, zeigen wir, dass ethnisch gemischte Gebiete, die sich zwischen segregierten Orten befinden, mehr Gewaltausbrüche erfahren als durchmischte Viertel ohne eine vergleichbare Nachbarschaft. Daraus lassen sich wichtige wissenschaftliche und praktische Schlussfolgerungen ableiten

Financial inclusion and economic growth of Nigeria (the microfinance option)

The main focus of this study is to establish the relationship between financial inclusion and economic growth with particular reference of microfinance option for the period 1992 to 2013. Using Ordinary Least Square method and employing the Johansen Cointegration tests the study revealed that the activities of microfinance as one of the financial inclusion strategy significantly contribute to economic growth. While total loans and advances of microfinance banks significantly contribute to economic growth, total deposits inversely affect economic growth. The study also established the presence of long-run relationship between the variables considered (GDP, total loans and advances, total deposits, investments and number of microfinance banks) The study reveals that the growth and development of a nation is significantly dependent on the expansion of banking and financial services to the currently financially-excluded class of citizens of the country, as they possess untapped and unexplored valuable potentials that will be of tremendous to the country. In view of the benefits inherent in financial inclusion, this study recommends that microfinance banks should concentrate efforts on low cost deposits which are in line with their operations than competing with the conventional banks in mobilizing fixed deposits that has higher cost attached to it. Financial education is also recommended to enlighten the public on benefits of a financial superstructure

Anatomic Fat Depots and Coronary Plaque Among Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected and Uninfected Men in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study.

Methods.  In a cross-sectional substudy of the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study, noncontrast cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanning for coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring was performed on all men, and, for men with normal renal function, coronary CT angiography (CTA) was performed. Associations between fat depots (visceral adipose tissue [VAT], abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue [aSAT], and thigh subcutaneous adipose tissue [tSAT]) with coronary plaque presence and extent were assessed with logistic and linear regression adjusted for age, race, cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, body mass index (BMI), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) parameters. Results.  Among HIV-infected men (n = 597) but not HIV-uninfected men (n = 343), having greater VAT was positively associated with noncalcified plaque presence (odds ratio [OR] = 1.04, P < .05), with a significant interaction (P < .05) by HIV serostatus. Human immunodeficiency virus-infected men had lower median aSAT and tSAT and greater median VAT among men with BMI <25 and 25-29.9 kg/m(2). Among HIV-infected men, VAT was positively associated with presence of coronary plaque on CTA after adjustment for CVD risk factors (OR = 1.04, P < .05), but not after additional adjustment for BMI. There was an inverse association between aSAT and extent of total plaque among HIV-infected men, but not among HIV-uninfected men. Lower tSAT was associated with greater CAC and total plaque score extent regardless of HIV serostatus. Conclusions.  The presence of greater amounts of VAT and lower SAT may contribute to increased risk for coronary artery disease among HIV-infected persons

Supply Chain Integration and Marketing Success of Agricultural Producers in South-East Nigeria

This study examined the relationship between supply chain integration and marketing success of agriculture producers in Nigeria. The study adopted a positivist research philosophy and the correlational research design. The population of this study is made up of all the agricultural producers in South-East Nigeria. The exact population of agricultural producers in the South-East Geopolitical Zone is unknown, hence the Cochran’s formula was used to arrive at a sample size of 384 agricultural producers. The 384 agricultural producers were drawn from the five (5) states in the South-East Geopolitical Zone. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data from the respondents. The data collected were analyzed statistically while the Pearson Product Moment Correlation (r) was used to test the hypotheses. The Pearson Correlation Coefficient (r) was computed using SPSS 23.0 version. The findings revealed that internal integration has significant relationship with sales growth of agricultural producers. The study also found a significant relationship between internal integration and market share growth of agricultural producers. A significant relationship was reported between supplier integration and sales growth of agricultural producers. The study also confirmed a significant relationship between supplier integration and market share growth of agricultural producers. The study equally found a significant relationship between customer integration and sales growth of agricultural producers. The study also discovered a significant relationship between customer integration and market share growth of agricultural producers. Based on these findings, it was concluded that supply chain integration is a significant predictor of marketing success of agricultural producers in South- East Nigeria. In line with the findings and conclusion, it was recommended that agricultural producers and marketers should embrace supply chain integration as it would enable them achieve marketing success

Inflammatory Markers Associated With Subclinical Coronary Artery Disease: The Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study.

BackgroundDespite evidence for higher risk of coronary artery disease among HIV+ individuals, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. We investigated associations of inflammatory markers with subclinical coronary artery disease in 923 participants of the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (575 HIV+ and 348 HIV- men) who underwent noncontrast computed tomography scans for coronary artery calcification, the majority (n=692) also undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography.Methods and resultsOutcomes included presence and extent of coronary artery calcification, plus computed tomography angiography analysis of presence, composition, and extent of coronary plaques and severity of coronary stenosis. HIV+ men had significantly higher levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), intercellular adhesion molecule-1, C-reactive protein, and soluble-tumor necrosis factor-α receptor (sTNFαR) I and II (all P<0.01) and a higher prevalence of noncalcified plaque (63% versus 54%, P=0.02) on computed tomography angiography. Among HIV+ men, for every SD increase in log-interleukin-6 and log intercellular adhesion molecule-1, there was a 30% and 60% increase, respectively, in the prevalence of coronary stenosis ≥50% (all P<0.05). Similarly, sTNFαR I and II in HIV+ participants were associated with an increase in prevalence of coronary stenosis ≥70% (P<0.05). Higher levels of interleukin-6, sTNFαR I, and sTNFαR II were also associated with greater coronary artery calcification score in HIV+ men (P<0.01).ConclusionsHigher inflammatory marker levels are associated with greater prevalence of coronary stenosis in HIV+ men. Our findings underscore the need for further study to elucidate the relationships of inflammatory pathways with coronary artery disease in HIV+ individuals

HIV infection is an independent risk factor for decreased 6-minute walk test distance.

BackgroundAmbulatory function predicts morbidity and mortality and may be influenced by cardiopulmonary dysfunction. Persons living with HIV (PLWH) suffer from a high prevalence of cardiac and pulmonary comorbidities that may contribute to higher risk of ambulatory dysfunction as measured by 6-minute walk test distance (6-MWD). We investigated the effect of HIV on 6-MWD.MethodsPLWH and HIV-uninfected individuals were enrolled from 2 clinical centers and completed a 6-MWD, spirometry, diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Results of 6-MWD were compared between PLWH and uninfected individuals after adjusting for confounders. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to determine predictors of 6-MWD.ResultsMean 6-MWD in PLWH was 431 meters versus 462 in 130 HIV-uninfected individuals (p = 0.0001). Older age, lower forced expiratory volume (FEV1)% or lower forced vital capacity (FVC)%, and smoking were significant predictors of decreased 6-MWD in PLWH, but not HIV-uninfected individuals. Lower DLCO% and higher SGRQ were associated with lower 6-MWD in both groups. In a combined model, HIV status remained an independent predictor of decreased 6-MWD (Mean difference = -19.9 meters, p = 0.005).ConclusionsHIV infection was associated with decreased ambulatory function. Airflow limitation and impaired diffusion capacity can partially explain this effect. Subjective assessments of respiratory symptoms may identify individuals at risk for impaired physical function who may benefit from early intervention

Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin Levels Are Inversely Associated With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in HIV-Infected and -Uninfected Men.

BackgroundNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a leading cause of liver disease worldwide. Elevated sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels have been observed in the setting of HIV and may protect against some metabolic disorders. We aimed to investigate whether higher SHBG levels may protect against NAFLD in men with/without HIV.MethodsNAFLD was assessed using noncontrast computed tomography in 530 men in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) who drank <3 alcoholic drinks/d and were uninfected with chronic hepatitis C or B (340HIV+, 190HIV-). Morning serum samples were tested for SHBG, total testosterone (TT), and adiponectin. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations between HIV, SHBG, TT, adiponectin, and NAFLD.ResultsMedian SHBG was highest among HIV+/NAFLD- men and lowest among HIV-/NAFLD+ men. Adjusted for demographics, HIV, visceral adiposity, HOMA-IR, TT, and PNPLA3 genotype, higher SHBG was associated with lower odds of NAFLD (odds ratio [OR], 0.52 per doubling; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34-0.80). In separate multivariable models without SHBG, HIV (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.26-0.79) and higher adiponectin (OR, 0.66 per doubling; 95% CI, 0.49-0.89) were associated with lower NAFLD odds, whereas TT was not significantly associated (OR, 0.74 per doubling; 95% CI, 0.53-1.04). Adjusting for SHBG attenuated the associations of HIV (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.34-1.08) and adiponectin (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.54-1.02) with NAFLD.ConclusionsSHBG levels were higher among HIV+ men, were independently associated with lower NAFLD, and could partially explain the associations of HIV and higher adiponectin with lower NAFLD in our cohort. These findings suggest that SHBG may protect against NAFLD, supporting further prospective and mechanistic studies

The Reliability of Using Vitek 2 Compact System to Detect Extended-Spectrum Beta-lactamase-producing Isolates in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in Accra, Ghana

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) are plasmid-mediated beta-lactamases that are capable of hydrolysing ?-lactams except carbapenems and cephamycins. The global increased prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria creates an urgent need for laboratory diagnostic methods that will accurately and rapidly identify the presence of ESBL phenotypes in clinical isolates. The Vitek 2 System (bioMérieux, France) is a rapid automated microbiological system used for bacteria and yeast identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), resistance mechanism detection and epidemiologic trending and reporting using its advanced expert system. This present work sought to determine the reliability of routinely using Vitek 2 System to accurately and rapidly detect ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae in Accra. The ESBL phenotypes for 400 E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates were determined using the Vitek 2 system and combined disc synergy method. The results were used to determine the sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value and positive predictive value of the Vitek 2 ESBL test through comparative analysis with the combined disk synergy method which is the reference method recommended by CLSI. The findings of this work indicated that the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of Vitek 2 system was 98.5%, 98.9%, 99% and 98.5% respectively. Consequently, Vitek 2 system is a reliable semi-automated microbiology system which may be used for routine, accurate and rapid detection of ESBL strains in health facilities in Accra, Ghana. Keywords: Vitek 2 Compact System, Extended spectrum beta-lactamase, bioMérieux, E. coli and K.  pneumoni