Occurrence and distribution of dibenzofurans and benzo[b]naphthofurans in the crude oils from the Northern and offshore Niger Delta basin,Nigeria

The occurrence and distributions of dibenzofurans (DBFs) and benzo[b]naphthofurans were investigated in crude oils from Niger Delta, Nigeria, by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-mass spectrometry. The distribution of DBFs was characterized by the predominance of C₂-dibenzofurans. 4-Methyldibenzofuran was the most abundant among the methyldibenzofurans isomers while dimethyldibenzofuran-2 (DMDBF-2), ethyldibenzofuran-1, DMDBF-3, and DMDBF-6 occurred in higher amounts when compared with other DMDBFs. Among the benzonaphthofurans, the abundance of benzo[b]naphtho[2,1-d]furan was higher than other isomers. The DBFs distributions in the oils were not affected by source facies and depositional environments. However, the DBFs concentrations increased with increasing maturity in oils from ADL and MJO oilfields.     

United Nations advances global environmental awareness

The need to address global environmental concerns on an international basis is discussed. Programs underway are noted. The role of the United Nations (UN) in the International Space Year is examined. Activities planned by the UN are described, and their purpose and funding are discussed     

Processing Effects on Chemical,Functional and Pasting Properties of Cowpea Flour from Different Varieties

Cowpea varieties (IT88D-867-11, IT89KD-288 and MALA) were boiled, roasted, dehulled and later milled into powder. The proximate composition, functional and pasting properties as well as anti-nutritional contents (Tannin) of the product was subsequently determined. The result of the study revealed significant increase (P < 0.05) in the crude protein, crude ash, swelling power and water absorption capacity. Conversely, significant decrease (P < 0.05) was observed in crude fat, starch content, moisture content, solubility and peak viscosity. Boiled samples have significantly higher (P < 0.05) crude protein, swelling power, water absorption capacity, with concomitantly lower solubility and tannin content. Crude ash, moisture, solubility and tannin content of dehulled samples decreased significantly with an increase in protein, swelling power and water absorption capacity. However, IT89KD-288 has the highest protein content irrespective of the processing used. But raw IT89KD-288 showed highest percentage of swelling power, solubility, water absorption capacity and Tannin content. The result revealed that both boiling and dehulling will greatly reduce tannin content of cowpea.     

The contextualization of divergent outlooks in a Greenfield master-planned community: a pathway towards reflexivity

Comprehensive design schemes and specifications have progressively shaped Master-Planned Communities (MPCs). The market largely predetermines these outcomes, with background input from communities. Therefore, this paper endeavours to define the fundamental structures that generate differences between market actors and residents within the North Lakes MPC. This study employs ‘habitus theory’, which is a sociological phenomenon describing the divergence of personal outlooks and expertise. The application of this theory is thus illustrative of the evolution of distinct observations within MPCs. Contemporary studies have under-researched these inherent gaps between communities, authorities, and critics, and these frictions could be exacerbated within restrictive developmental contexts. Epistemic and objectified content analyses collated over many years and sources will uncover the underlying differences between the relevant groups. These analyses will enable the progression of a framework for understanding power relation biases and how reflexivity can enhance current consultative methods.     

Effect of cellulase/glucanase/xylanase (Roxazyme G2) enzymes combination on nutrients utilisation of vegetable meal (Amaranthus cruentus) fed as sole dietary protein source in rat assay

Amaranthus cruentus vegetable meal (ACVM) had 23% crude protein. Ca, Na, K, Mg and Fe were abundant at 2.0 g kg^?1, 7.1 g kg^?1, 4.8 g kg^?1, 2.5 g kg^?1, 1109 mg kg^?1, respectively. P‐phosporous, oxalates and tannins were noticeable. Lysine, methionine and cystine were limiting. Weight gain for rats on the reference (casein) diet 2 at 6.30 g ±2.87 was highest (P < 0.05) followed by diet 6 (12% ACVM with enzyme supplementation) at 5.01 g ±2.42. Feed intakes were similar (P > 0.05) for rats on the reference diet and for rats on 10% and 12% with/without enzyme supplementation ranging from 42.90 g ± 4.52 in reference diet to 45.12 g ± 3.64. Nitrogen retention was highest for rats on reference diet but similar (P > 0.05) to rats on 12% enzyme supplemented diet at 0.53 ± 1.12 and 0.53 ± 2.10, respectively. Other investigated protein evaluation parameters revealed similar results among rats kept on reference diet and the rats on ACVM based diets with enzyme supplementations. Enzyme supplementation had a complimentary role in ACVM nutrition in rat trial.     

Using PLS-SEM technique to model construction organizations' willingness to participate in e-bidding

The push for the use of e-bidding is on the increase. In many countries, e-bidding has become part of the public procurement reform. However, previous studies have reported the low uptake of e-bidding in the construction industry. This study develops a theoretical structural model representing the impact six latent variables on the willingness of construction organizations to participate in e-bidding. Data from a questionnaire survey of 64 respondents from clients, contractors, consultants, and suppliers organizations was used to analyze the model. The result of the data analysis suggests that perceived barriers, cost, the perceived benefits of e-bidding and security concerns are the factors influencing willingness participate in e-bidding with perceived barriers being the most significant influencing factor. The perception about the adequacy of the existing traditional paper-based tendering and the perception about the non-readiness of business partners are the underlying barriers that need to be addressed when introducing e-biding. This study also discovers that when the respondents concern about the cost of e-bidding is high, their reported willingness to participate in e-bidding is higher when the perceived benefits is high that when the perceived benefits is low. To enhance the participation of the industry in e-bidding, public sector and large private clients would need to take leadership by making bidder's capability for e-bidding and e-project management at all project phases a criteria in bid evaluation. E-bidding developers and promoters need to use test project cases to monitor, measure, and document the benefits of e-bidding. To disseminate the perceived benefits, promoters would need to work closely with industry professional associations to develop promotional programmes linked to continuous professional development (CPD) points. The analytical approach used in this study should assist other researchers who might wish to address a similar research problem under a similar data and model constraints.     

Legal Framework for Alternative Dispute Resolution: Examination of the Singapore National Legal System for Arbitration

Effectiveness of any alternative dispute resolution (ADR) method depends on the national legal system to which it is subjected. In Singapore, the increasing growth in the use of ADR methods may be adduced to developments in the Singapore legal environment. This paper reviews the characteristics of the Singapore national legal system for arbitration. It examines how the legal system facilitates effective use of ADR. By its features, the Singapore national legal system ensures parties’ autonomy but deters parties from taking opportunistic advantage of the voluntary nature of ADR. It enables procedural flexibility, and confidentiality of arbitration proceedings. It insulates the arbitration process from intervention from the Singapore courts and from corruption; and it provides maximum judicial support in the arbitral process. Hence, it ensures that disputes can be brought to a conclusion within a reasonable amount of time, at a reasonable cost, as well as preserving business relationships. The Singapore legal system insures the integrity of arbitration and the independence of arbitrators and arbitral institutions by immunity provisions. In addition, the legal system enhances the use of mediation and conciliation in a sequential tier with arbitration by providing a time limit for mediation or conciliation to terminate should they fail to produce a mutually acceptable settlement. In Singapore, the court system is generally known to be efficient; hence, ADR faces the practical challenge of becoming lengthier than court proceedings. The continuing search for and use of expedited arbitration procedures by arbitral institutions such as the Singapore International Arbitration Centre should reduce this challenge. This paper provides useful information on how a national legal system may be designed to support the use of ADR methods and facilitate their effectiveness.     

放电等离子烧结对纳米TiN增强Ti-6Al-4V显微组织和磨损行为的影响（英文）

采用放电等离子烧结(SPS)成功制备Ti-6Al-4V/TiN复合材料。加入Ti-6Al-4V中的TiN含量变化范围为1%~5%(体积分数)。研究添加TiN对Ti-6Al-4V材料致密度、显微组织、硬度和磨损行为的影响。实验结果表明,随着TiN含量的增加,材料的烧结密度从99%降低至97%;而显微硬度值却从HV_(0.1) 389增加至HV_(0.1) 488。X射线衍射(XRD)分析表明,伴随着少量二次Ti_2N相的形成,复合材料中TiN相的衍射峰强度增加。SEM分析表明,SPS烧结Ti-6Al-4V纳米复合材料具有细化的α/β相组织及均匀分散的TiN颗粒。与无添加烧结Ti-6Al-4V相比,Ti-6Al-4V/TiN复合材料的磨损表面呈现非连续的凹槽,抗磨粒磨损性能得到提高。     

Analysis for selected pathogens in water used during rinsing of broiler carcasses in small processing operations in Trinidad

The study was undertaken to quantitatively and/or qualitatively determine the level of selected bacterial pathogens in the water used during the rinsing stage at small retail broiler processing operations utilizing a stagnant rinsing system in Trinidad. Water samples (n=6) were collected weekly from thirteen “pluck shops”, across Trinidad, over a 6-week period. Standard media and procedures were used for isolation, detection and quantification of bacterial pathogens. A significant difference was noted for the prevalence (P=0.004) and mean counts (P=0.03) of Campylobacter spp. across counties. Total aerobic plate count ranged from log₁₀ mean±SD, 4.0±1.3 in Caroni to 5.4±1.0 in St. Andrew/St. David and was significantly different (P=0.01). The differences in the prevalence of Campylobacter for tub-style plucking (83.3%) and drum plucking (58.3%) and mean counts for medium sale log₁₀ mean±SD (2.6±0.8) and low sale shops (2.2±0.9), as well as for tub-style plucking (2.5±0.8) and drum plucking (1.8±0.9) were statistically significant (P<0.05). The prevalence of E. coli, the prevalence and mean count of staphylococci were significantly higher (P<0.05) in operations where tub-style plucking was used compared with drum plucking. Since the quality of the in-process rinse water would affect the quality of the final product, it is recommended that the use of running water or a high frequency of changing the rinse water be implemented in these shops.