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Disclosure quality has been the motivation behind every corporate reporting evolution and recently integrated reporting (IR). However, the concern is its focus and coverage. Studies have shown that IR gives more protection to financial capital providers than to other stakeholders. Thus, this study examined the impact of IR on non-financial stakeholder (employee, customer, and society) protection in Nigeria with focus on Deposit Money Banks (DMBs). This study sampled and analyzed 13 DMBs listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) as at 31 December 2020. The study found that IR had a significant difference in pre- and post-IR Framework eras and a significant effect on employee, customer, and society protection. The study concluded that IR affected protection of non-financial stakeholders in Nigerian DMBs. It was recommended that regulators, corporate leaders, and researchers should pay more attention to and treat the non-financial stakeholders as capitals, rather than a means to corporate performance.

Investor protection has suffered some setback lately; however, corporate reporting and recently integrated reporting (IR) is expected to provide a solution. Thus, this study became imperative to examine the effect of value relevance of IR on the protection of financial capital providers (shareholder and creditor) in Nigeria with a focus on Deposit Money Banks (DMBs). This study adopted an ex-post facto research design. The population was 24 DMBs under CBN supervision as of 31 December 2020. A sample of 13 DMBs was selected based on their listing status on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) for the period 2005–2020. The study used inferential (correlation and regression) statistics to analyze the data. The study found that value relevance of IR had a significant effect on shareholder protection in pre-and post-IR Framework eras (Adj.R2 = 0.395, DID = 0.856, F(3, 204) = 27.43, p < 0.05), but had no significant effect on creditor protection (Adj.R2 = 0.003, DID = 0.139, F(3, 204) = 1.72, p > 0.05). The study concluded that the value relevance of IR affected shareholder protection in Nigerian DMBs but had no effect on creditor protection. It was recommended that regulators and corporate leaders should pay more attention to creditor protection.

Ferroelectric nanostructured e phase tungsten trioxide (e- W O 3 ) is emerging as an important functional material with unique gas sensing and optoelectronic properties. However, e- W O 3 phase is typically unstable in the bulk at room temperature (RT) and it has only been produced at ambient conditions by rapid solidification processes, such as Flame Spray Pyrolysis (FSP). This work aims to assess the overall stability of the e phase at the nanoscale by studying its transformation from the stable γ phase to upon cooling. In-situ Raman spectroscopy has explored the effect of crystallite size on the solid-solid phase transformation from the symmetric γ (monoclinic) phase into the acentric e (monoclinic) phase. The phase transformation onset temperature ( T o n s e t ) ranges from −43 °C for bulk state to −150 °C for crystallites of 68 nm in size and varies linearly with the inverse of the crystallite size radius ( 1 r ) .

This article discusses electrospinning as a method for obtaining nanofibers, some of the challenges and limitations of the technique, advancements in the field, and how it may be used in key functional applications. The key drawbacks of traditional electrospinning processes include relatively slow speed of nanofiber production, low product yield, and relatively high cost. The article also addresses novel high-throughput techniques and methods designed for the scalable synthesis of nanofibers and nanofibrous mats that are of reasonable cost.

Introduction Varenicline effectively helps smokers quit by reducing withdrawal symptoms and blocking the reward of smoking. However, most quitters return to smoking within one year. ‘Cue Restricted Smoking’ is a behavioral technique designed to increase quit rates by asking smokers attempting to quit to restrict smoking to the standing position, while alone, in an isolated area facing a wall, with the cigarette as the only stimulus. Methods Using retrospective clinic records we compared quit rates in 281 smokers (50% males) instructed in the cue restricted smoking cessation method during 2016–2018 to quit rates in 324 smokers (46% males) advised to completely stop smoking on the target quit date which we previously used during 2011–2014. All were prescribed varenicline for 12 weeks alone, with the addition of bupropion if needed after 4 weeks. Follow-up consisted of behavioral support at 4–6 visits during active drug treatment and telephone counselling at 24 and 52 weeks. The smoking cessation rate was confirmed with exhaled carbon monoxide at the clinic visit at 12 weeks and only by telephone at 52 weeks. Results The mean age of smokers was 49 years in both groups and the number of cigarettes smoked daily was similar (18/day in the cue restricted vs 19/day in the target quit day group). The smoking cessation rate at 12 weeks was 75% in the cue restricted versus 45% in the target quit day group (relative risk, RR=1.8; 95% CI: 1.4–2.2, p

To evaluate 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain images with denoising procedures using deep learning-based reconstruction (dDLR) relative to the original 1.5 and 3 T images.Eleven volunteers underwent MRI at 3 and 1.5 T. Two-dimensional fast spin-echo T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) sequences were performed. The dDLR method was applied to the 1.5 T data (dDLR-1.5 T), then the image quality of the dDLR-1.5 T data relative to the original 1.5 T and 3 T data was qualitatively and quantitatively assessed based on the structure similarity (SSIM) index; the signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of the grey matter (GM) and white matter (WM); and the contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) between the GM and WM (CNRgm-wm) and between the striatum (ST) and WM (CNRst-wm).The perceived image quality, and SNRs and CNRs were significantly higher for the dDLR-1.5 T images versus the 1.5 T images for all sequences and almost comparable or even superior to those of the 3 T images. For DWI, the SNRs and CNRst-wm were significantly higher for the dDLR-1.5 T images versus the 3 T images.The dDLR technique improved the image quality of 1.5 T brain MRI images. With respect to qualitative and quantitative measurements, the denoised 1.5 T brain images were almost equivalent or even superior to the 3 T brain images.

One of the identified shortcomings militating against the widespread application of Ti6Al4V alloy in the aerospace sector of the economy includes its unsatisfactory hardness and proneness to high-temperature oxidation which in turn adversely impact its abrasion resistance properties in certain service conditions. The work reported in this paper forms an important aspect of the effort put together in addressing these composite issues. Precisely, the effects of the nano-reinforcements of aluminum nitride (AlN) and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) on the microstructure, phase contents, hardness, and oxidation resistance of Ti6Al4V-based composites were considered. The prepared powders were sintered by spark plasma sintering (SPS), an innovative sintering method which enables the implementation of fast heating and cooling rates. Thereafter, scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, and X-ray diffractometry were employed to observe and study the microstructure and phase contents, Archimedes’ principle was applied to evaluate the densification, Vickers’ microhardness test was used to measure the hardness values, and thermogravimetric analysis technique was used to study the oxidation resistance of the sintered composites. A homogeneous blend of the nano-reinforcements of 1.5 wt% each of AlN and h-BN gave the highest relative densification value of 99.77% while the hardness value (656.01 HV) was less than that of Ti6Al4V-3h-BN (716.80 HV) which gave more credence to the phase contents in the microstructure as the most influencing factor determining the hardness property of the composites than ordinary relative densification. Meanwhile, Ti6Al4V-1.5AlN-1.5h-BN with the minimum positive weight change (0.36 mg/cm2) exhibited the greatest thermal oxidation resistance in air.

Imitation-inhibition training, requiring the inhibition of automatic imitative tendencies, has been proposed to enhance self-other distinction. Previous studies demonstrated that the training improves the ability of not only understanding others’ visual perspectives but also empathizing with them. We investigated the relationship between training and empathy in the recognition of others’ emotional states. All participants were trained on the first day and completed the self-reported empathy and facial expression recognition task the next day. This task consisted of a facial mimicry restricted block and an unrestricted block. The facial muscle activity and facial stimuli of participants were different in the restricted block because they had to hold chopsticks horizontally with their mouths, which interferes with facial mimicry. Consistent with a previous study, imitation-inhibition training increased self-reported empathy. Regarding recognition of facial expression, the performance of the control group declined due to interference with facial mimicry; on the other hand, the performance of the imitation-inhibition training group did not decline. These results suggest that imitation-inhibition training increases self-reported empathy and allows for a similar level of recognition of others’ emotional states, regardless of discrepancy between the condition of self and others.

To evaluate chronological changes on serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations and clinical prognosis in patients with status epilepticus (SE), as well as the effect of alcohol abuse and heavy alcohol use on clinicoradiological findings.This retrospective, single-centre study was approved by the institutional review board. Among 345 patients with seizures between January 2010 and October 2021, 27 patients with SE who had undergone both initial MRI (within a week after onset) and follow-up MRI (within 1 month after the initial MRI) were included. Five and three patients with concurrent or previous alcohol abuse and heavy alcohol-use history were included, respectively, and they were classified into the AL (Alcohol use) group. The remaining 19 patients were classified into the non-AL group. Two neuroradiologists independently evaluated both initial and follow-up MRI examinations of each patient; MRI findings were compared between the AL and non-AL groups using Fisher's exact test. In 15 patients, including four patients from the AL group, clinical information 6 months after the onset of SE was available; this information was compared between the two groups.Brain atrophy (5/8 versus 2/19, p=0.011; odds ratio, 12.29 [95% confidence interval, 1.32-189.2]) and unfavourable clinical course with uncontrollable seizures (3/4 versus 1/11, p=0.033; odds ratio, 30[1.43-638.19]) were significantly more frequent in the AL group than in the non-AL group.Among patients with SE, alcohol abuse and heavy alcohol-use history were associated with unfavourable seizure control and brain atrophy.

It has been shown that the tissue oxygen index (TOI) measured by near-infrared spectroscopy oscillates at very low frequencies during recovery after exercise and that this oscillation is derived from interactions among biochemical substances involved in oxidative metabolism in skeletal muscle. As a further step, we examined whether TOI in muscle interacts through oscillation with factors related to oxygen in the cardiorespiratory system. For this examination, coherence and phase difference between the TOI in the vastus lateralis and heart rate (HR) and between TOI and arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) were sequentially determined during recovery (2–60 min) after severe cycle exercise with a workload of 7.5% of body weight for 20 s. Significant coherence between TOI and HR was obtained in the very low-frequency band (approximate range: 0.002–0.03 Hz) and in the low-frequency band (approximate range: 0.06–0.12 Hz). The phase difference was negative in the low-frequency band and positive in the very low-frequency band. The coherence between TOI and SpO2 was significant in the very low-frequency band. The phase difference was negative. There were no sequential changes in these coherences and phase differences. The results suggest that TOI in skeletal muscle interrelates with factors related to the heart and lungs.

The hydrogen economy is a proposed system where hydrogen is produced and used extensively as the primary energy carrier. Successful development of hydrogen economy means innumerable advantages for the environment, energy security, economy, and final users. One major key to wholly develop hydrogen economy is safe, compact, light and cost-efficient hydrogen storage. The conventional gaseous state storage system as pressurized hydrogen gas and liquid state storage system pose safety and cost problems to onboard applications; therefore, they do not satisfy the future goals for a hydrogen economy. Fortunately, solid-state storage systems based on metal hydrides have demonstrated great potentials to store hydrogen in large quantities in a quite secure, compact, and repeatedly reversible manner and thus, becoming increasingly attractive option for hydrogen applications. However, techno-economic feasibility of hydrogen storage systems is yet to be realized as none of the current metal hydrides fulfill all the essential criteria for a practical hydrogen economy, mainly because of low hydrogen storage capacity, sluggish kinetics and unacceptable temperatures of hydrogen absorption/desorption. This article gives a brief review of hydrogen as an ideal sustainable energy carrier for the future economy, its storage as the stumbling block as well as the current position of solid-state hydrogen storage in metal hydrides and makes a recommendation based on the most promising novel discoveries made in the field in recent times which suggests a prospective breakthrough towards a hydrogen economy.

Prolonged expression of the CRISPR-Cas9 nuclease and gRNA from viral vectors may cause off-target mutagenesis and immunogenicity. Thus, a transient delivery system is needed for therapeutic genome editing applications. Here, we develop an extracellular nanovesicle-based ribonucleoprotein delivery system named NanoMEDIC by utilizing two distinct homing mechanisms. Chemical induced dimerization recruits Cas9 protein into extracellular nanovesicles, and then a viral RNA packaging signal and two self-cleaving riboswitches tether and release sgRNA into nanovesicles. We demonstrate efficient genome editing in various hard-to-transfect cell types, including human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, neurons, and myoblasts. NanoMEDIC also achieves over 90% exon skipping efficiencies in skeletal muscle cells derived from Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patient iPS cells. Finally, single intramuscular injection of NanoMEDIC induces permanent genomic exon skipping in a luciferase reporter mouse and in mdx mice, indicating its utility for in vivo genome editing therapy of DMD and beyond., Expression of Cas9 and gRNA from viral vectors in vivo may cause off-target activity. Here the authors present NanoMEDIC, which uses nanovesicles to transiently deliver editing machinery to hard-to-transfect cells.

CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. However, measuring the effectiveness and impacts of these trade regulations for commercially exploited aquatic species remains challenging. This study highlights observed or documented changes in elasmobranch fisheries in eight Southeast Asian countries before and after the listing of sharks and rays in CITES’ Appendix II, and the influence of CITES across five pillars or sectors of a “fishery assessment framework” developed especially for this purpose. Fisheries experts reported change was most common in the “governance” (e.g., policy, regulation and compliance) and “fisher(y)” sectors (e.g., structure and effort) of the assessment framework. The smallest change was recorded in “markets” (e.g., structures and prices) and “sociocultural” sectors (e.g., consumption, livelihoods and community awareness). Overall, the study demonstrates a measurable, albeit small, mostly positive influence of CITES in five of eight countries, while noting predominantly negative influences across two, and ongoing challenges for all in maintaining legal trade of these CITES-listed species. The study concludes by offering guidance on future needs: most notably, more effort for long-term collection of fundamental fisher-, stock- and market-related data to inform adaptive management and facilitation of legal trade where it is shown to be sustainable. Furthermore, as many of the shark and ray species under CITES provisions are transboundary stocks, increased support for communication and cooperation among regional fishery stakeholders is an ongoing need.

A reversible electrochromic effect has been observed for the first time in flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) processed e-WO3 thin films without the use of an ion storage layer and an electrolytic layer. The dark coloration that appears upon the application of a voltage in films deposited on top of interdigitated gold electrodes is localized to the low voltage (-) electrode arm and it switches to the opposite arm upon a reversal of the polarity. Raman spectroscopy indicated that the coloration was not due to intercalation. It is argued here that the coloration is driven by the asymmetric ferroelectric properties of the e-WO3 crystals and that this electrochromic reversibility is intrinsically coupled with the polarization switching of the device. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Physical symptoms for which there is no accountable anatomical pathology are common in acute hospital and primary care settings. They can be challenging and frustrating for the physician, who may feel a lack of skill in providing care or intervention for patients. These symptoms cause significant functional impairment and distress for patients, and there is often a disproportionately high level of healthcare utilization. This article looks at current nomenclature, assessment and management options that can be provided by the physician to improve clinical outcomes in this patient group in the acute medical unit.

Soil Stabilization usually enhances performance properties of soil. This can foster waste to wealth policy in country like Nigeria. The aim of this study is to assess performance properties of a stabilized lateritic soil with a view to obtain a cheap and more effective additive. Soil samples were collected from the study area and subjected to Compaction and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) laboratory tests with the addition of 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% Rice Husk Ash (RHA) and Egg Shell Ash (ESA). Results showed that MDD, OMC and CBR values varied from 1575Kg/m3 to 1930Kg/m3, 7.55% to 18.50% and 20% to 131% respectively for sample A. And 1566Kg/m3 to 1896Kg/m3, 7.53% to 16.90% and 16% to 98% respectively for sample B. The MDD values decrease with increase in the additives contents due to the replacement of soil by the additives in the mixture, coating of the soil by additives which resulted in large particles with larger voids and density; and addition of the additives which decreased the quality of free silt, clay fraction and coarse materials with large surface areas formed. OMC values also increase as the additives increase, though, that of RHA increases more than that of ESA. This is due to the increase in additives which resulted to increase in the amount of water required in the system to adequately lubricate all the particles in the mixture equally increase. Generally, CBR values also increase with increase in the additives contents. This could be attributed to gradual formation of cementitious compound between the additives and Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) present in the soil, thus increase in coarse particles of the soil through cementation.

The predominant acid-producing organism isolated from Nigerian cassava mixed fermentation cultures was Streptococcus faecium . Corynebacterium manihot was also abundant in the mixed cultures, but contrary to earlier reports, this organism grew slowly and lacked significant acid-producing capabilities. Cultural characteristics of S. faecium indicated that it was the primary fermentation organism in acidic cassava fermentations rather than the earlier indicated C. manihot . Diacetyl production in both milk cultures and fermented cassava was demonstrated for S. faecium . Detection of diacetyl in fermented cassava products indicated that S. faecium may also play an additional role in the flavor development of these products.

The efficiency of a composite prepared from bentonite and ackee apple seed (CBAAS) to remove Congo red and malachite green from aqueous solutions was explored. The CBAAS was characterised using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and porosimetry techniques. Batch adsorption method was used to assess the variations of pH of the medium, contact time, temperature and initial concentrations of Congo red and malachite green. Kinetic and equilibrium data were properly described by general order kinetic and Liu model, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacities obtained from the Liu model are 1439.9 mg g−1 and 706.72 mg g−1 for Congo red and malachite green, respectively. Adsorption of the two dyes was spontaneous and exothermic. Acetone was able to desorb the two dyes from the surface of CBAAS. The CBAAS could serve as an alternative adsorbent for treatment of contaminated water that contains Congo red and malachite green.

The effects of different refractory nitrides: aluminium nitride (AlN), titanium nitride (TiN) and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) reinforcements on the microstructure, densification and microhardness characteristics of spark plasma sintered Ti6Al4V-based binary composites were studied. The microstructure was examined by optical microscopy, densification was evaluated according to the method of Archimedes and the microhardness of the sintered composites was measured by Vickers microhardness tester. The SPS technique was successfully used to consolidate Ti6Al4V powder and 3 wt.% nanoparticles of AlN, TiN and h-BN respectively. The binary composites produced attained nearly full theoretical densification (98.22 to 99.54%) due to enough diffusional mass transport ensuing in solidly bonded compact of the matrix and the refractory nitride reinforcements. Ti6Al4V-3h-BN composite gave the optimal combination of relative densification and microhardness values of 99.54% and 7.03 GPa which exceeds 200% that of the monolithic alloy and about 48% superior to both composites with TiN and AlN reinforcements.

Ti6Al4V alloy combines excellent mechanical and chemical characteristics attractive in some important applications in the automotive and aerospace industries but its insufficient hardness and high-temperature oxidation subdue its extensive use. This work was undertaken to modify the microstructure and improve the current limitation of Ti6Al4V alloy with the intention of not affecting its desirable properties. Therefore, the effects of different refractory nitrides: aluminium nitride (AlN), titanium nitride (TiN) and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) reinforcements on the microstructure, mechanical, chemical and oxidation properties of spark plasma sintered Ti6Al4V-based binary composites were investigated. Spark plasma sintering technique was effectively utilized to consolidate the Ti6Al4V powder and 3 wt% nanoparticles of AlN, TiN and h-BN respectively. The microstructure and phase composition of the sintered composites were examined by scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, and X-ray diffractometry; densification was evaluated according to Archimedes' principle and microhardness was measured by Vickers’ microhardness test. The corrosion and oxidation behaviour of the samples were studied by linear polarization experiment and thermal gravimetric analysis respectively. It was found that the binary composites produced attained almost full theoretical relative densification (98.23–99.54%) due to adequate diffusional mass transport in solidly bonded particles at the matrix-reinforcement interfaces. Ti6Al4V-3h-BN composite gave the optimal combination of relative densification (99.54%) and microhardness (7030 MPa) which exceeds 200% of the monolithic alloy and about 48% superior to both composites with AlN and TiN reinforcements. The yield and ultimate tensile strengths of the matrix were improved by approximately 47% via the AlN and TiN nanoparticle additions and significantly by 116% through the nano-h-BN addition. Ti6Al4V–3AlN demonstrated most superior electrochemical corrosion resistance with a current density of 3.66 μA/cm2 and a polarization resistance of 8760.2 Ω in the sulphuric acid medium while Ti6Al4V–3TiN with the least normalized weight gain of 0.85 mg/cm2 showed the greatest resistance against oxidation in the high-temperature oxidizing environment.

We report a novel series of cobalt(iii)-polypridyl complexes, 4-6, that can selectively release diflunisal, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, under reducing conditions. Remarkably, the 1,10-phenanthroline-bearing complex 5 displays selective potency towards hard-to-kill cancer stem cells (CSCs) (IC50 = 2.1 ± 0.1 μM) over bulk cancer (IC50 = 3.9 ± 0.2 μM) and normal cells (IC50 = 21.2 ± 1.3 μM). This complex induces CSC apoptosis by DNA damage and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition.

An assessment of the groundwater in areas underlain by pegmatite in Ede, southwestern Nigeria was carried out to determine the concentration of Potassium-40 (40K), Uranium-238 (238U) and Thorium-232 (232Th) radionuclides. In the earlier work, it was established that zircons in these pegmatites have suffered a high degree of metamictization that has enhanced continuous loss of some radionuclides since the time of emplacement of the pegmatite host rock to the present. The aim of this work is to determine whether or not there is corresponding increase in the concentration of radionuclides in groundwater in the study area. Fifteen groundwater samples were collected from both hand dug wells and boreholes in the area. Ten samples were from Ede town, two samples each from nearby communities of Iddo and Ekuro and one from Iwoye, where the bedrocks were not pegmatites. All the 15 samples were analyzed with the Sodium Iodide scintillator (NaI [Tl]) detector at the Centre for Energy Research and Development, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The results showed varying concentrations of the radionuclides in the water samples. Activity concentrations of Potassium-40 (40K) indicated an average value of 17.149 Bq/L for samples from Ede, 9.265 Bq/L for Iddo, 6.6 Bq/L for Ekuro, while Iwoye has a value of 21.21 Bq/L. The Uranium-238 (238U) series had an average value of 13.64 Bq/L for Ede, 13.49 Bq/L for Ekuro, 11.685 Bq/L for Iddo and 12.04 Bq/L for the lone sample from Iwoye. Thorium-232 (232Th) series had an average value of 11.182 Bq/L for Ede, while average values of 7.79 Bq/L and 9.025 Bq/L, respectively, were recorded for Iddo and Ekuro and 12.25 Bq/L for Iwoye. The annual effective dose level of 40K is generally below the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended dosage of 0.1 mSv/y except for three locations, while those of 238U and 232Th are in excess of the standard values. The high radionuclides in the groundwater in the study area were not due to anthropogenic sources but directly due to geological processes which release the radioisotopes from rocks after weathering, continuous loss from metamict minerals and natural lateral mobility from regions of radionuclides’ release to other areas. There is thus the need to carry out systematic studies of the radionuclides concentrations on regional scale in the area which could lead to investigating on both short- and long-term health effects on organic species in these areas, and development of purification systems before utilizing water from the areas for domestic and industrial purposes.

The influence of varied process parameters involving three levels of temperature, pressure, heating rate and dwell time on the microstructure, densification and microhardness of spark plasma sintered Ti-6Al-4V/h-BN binary composite was studied. Taguchi design method was adopted to randomize the SPS process parameter levels. The microstructure was analyzed by optical microscopy, densification was determined based on the principle of Archimedes and Vickers microhardness tester was used to evaluate the microhardness of the sintered composite. The consolidation of Ti-6Al-4V powder and nanoparticles of 3 wt.% of h-BN via SPS produced nearly full theoretical densification of 99.77% and the sintered composite gave a microhardness value of 710.37 HV which is more than 200% that of the monolithic alloy. The best combination of relative densification and microhardness were obtained at the sintering parameters of 1000 °C of temperature, 40 MPa of pressure, 100 °C/min heating rate and 15 min of dwell time. Generally, it was found that improved microstructure, densification and microhardness were influenced by the high temperature of sintering and low rate of heating that gave room for adequate diffusional mass transport resulting in solid bonding between the particles of the matrix and the ceramic reinforcement.

During joint action, two or more persons depend on each other to accomplish a goal. This mutual recursion, or circular dependency, is one of the characteristics of cooperation. To evaluate the neural substrates of cooperation, we conducted a hyperscanning functional MRI study in which 19 dyads performed a joint force-production task. The goal of the task was to match their average grip forces to the target value (20% of their maximum grip forces) through visual feedback over a 30-s period; the task required taking into account other-produced force to regulate the self-generated one in real time, which represented cooperation. Time-series data of the dyad's exerted grip forces were recorded, and the noise contribution ratio (NCR), a measure of influence from the partner, was computed using a multivariate autoregressive model to identify the degree to which each participant's grip force was explained by that of their partner's, i.e., the degree of cooperation. Compared with the single force-production task, the joint task enhanced the NCR and activated the mentalizing system, including the medial prefrontal cortex, precuneus, and bilateral posterior subdivision of the temporoparietal junction (TPJ). In addition, specific activation of the anterior subdivision of the right TPJ significantly and positively correlated with the NCR across participants during the joint task. The effective connectivity of the anterior to posterior TPJ was upregulated when participants coordinated their grip forces. Finally, the joint task enhanced cross-brain functional connectivity of the right anterior TPJ, indicating shared attention toward the temporal patterns of the motor output of the partner. Since the posterior TPJ is part of the mentalizing system for tracking the intention of perceived agents, our findings indicate that cooperation, i.e., the degree of adjustment of individual motor output depending on that of the partner, is mediated by the interconnected subdivisions of the right TPJ.

BackgroundThe economic development of any nation is centered on research. Unfortunately, research activities had suffered serious setback in tertiary research institutions in Nigeria. This study explores the attitudes, perceptions and barriers to research and publishing among academic staff in Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology, (NILEST) Zaria Nigeria.MethodA structured self-administered questionnaire was distributed among 130 research and teaching staff at the various Directorates in NILEST. Data are presented in frequencies and percentages for questionnaire responses.ResultExactly 93.85%of the questionnaires were validated for the study which included 81.15% male and 18.85% female. The participant were researchers (26.23%), lecturers (31.15%), Technologist (20.49%) and Instructors (22.13%). The majority of participant agreed that research is important for the institute (90.98%). A total of 81.15% believed that conducting research should be mandatory for all academic staff. Only 44.26% was self-reported to have ongoing research. Some of the obstacles reported to have prevented research activities included: lack of funding (72.13%), lack of professional mentorship (84.43%) and inadequate research facilities (89.34%). Participants without a single published paper were 54.545%. Some of the reasons given for not having published papers were “no writing experience (95.65%), high publishing fee (79.71%) and long waiting period for peer review (97.10%)”. The suggestions to improve research status by respondents included“ provision of research grants/funds (92.62%), provision of internet facilities (95.10%), mandatory publication (26.23%) and appropriate mentorship (34.43%).ConclusionMajority of the respondents believed that research is relevant, only a few were engaged in active research and published articles as evidence. It is therefore recommended that policy makers should devise strategies to focus on active research activities in order to achieve the desire research mandate and goal of institutions in the development of the nation’s economy.