Investors and company managements often rely on traditional performance evaluation indicators, such as return on equity, return on assets, and other financial ratios, to explain changes in a company’s market value added (MVA). However, the effectiveness of these traditional measures in explaining market value fluctuations remains uncertain. This research aims to investigate the impact of various profitability measures, namely return on equity, gross profit margin, operating profit margin, and return on assets, on explaining changes in the MVA of pharmaceutical and chemical companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange. To achieve the study’s objectives, we analyzed the published financial statements of a sample consisting of 14 industrial companies out of a total of 53 companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange during the period from 2008 to 2022. Relevant financial indicators were extracted from these statements to serve the purposes of the study. Correlation coefficients were employed to measure the extent to which the independent variables (profitability measures) could interpret changes in the dependent variable (MVA). One of the most significant findings of the study is that three dimensions of profitability measures have a statistically significant impact on explaining changes in the MVA of pharmaceutical and chemical companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange, albeit to varying degrees. This suggests that traditional profitability measures still play a crucial role in influencing market perceptions of a company’s value, despite the potential limitations of these measures in capturing the full scope of a company’s performance and potential.
Catfish (Pangasianodon hypothalamus) are known in Asia, specifically in Southeast Asia. Currently, this fish has been exported to almost all countries in the world. This research aimed to examine the existing conditions of the solid waste produced, analyze the chemical composition of the waste, and look for alternatives for the policy and economical use of waste in the catfish processing business. Using the survey method, data were gathered through measurement at the research location and laboratory, interviews with business owners, and field observations. Proximate analysis was conducted on pink slime meat, belly fat, bones, and fish innards. Analysis of acid number, saponification number, iodine number, and fat fatty acid was carried out on stomach fat. Meanwhile, amino acid analysis was carried out for pink slime meat. Handling catfish industrial waste has yet to be carried out properly, which causes a foul smell and disturbs the environment. The catfish industry waste’s chemical content (protein, fat, water content, carbohydrates, and fatty acids) (pink slime meat, belly fat, fish bones, and innards) is still relatively applicable. The study processed fish waste into products like instant porridge, analogous fish sago rice, and fish sago noodles. The proximate analysis results of these products show figures that exceed the minimum standards for similar products.
Water physico-chemical parameters, such as pH and salinity, play an important role in the larval development of Aedes aegypti, the primary vector of dengue fever. although the role of these two factors is known, the interaction between pH and salinity in various aquatic habitats is still not fully understood, especially in the context of endemic areas. this study explored how the interaction between pH and salinity affects the development of Aedes aegypti larvae in dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) endemic areas. this study used a pure experimental design with a posttest-only control group approach. Aedes aegypti instar iv larvae were obtained from eggs collected in north kolaka regency, a dhf endemic area. the independent variables tested were pH (6 and 8) and salinity (0.4 gr/L and 0.6 gr/L), with the control group using pH 7 and no salinity. a two-way anova test was used to evaluate the interaction between pH and salinity, followed by tukey’s hsd post-hoc test to compare treatment groups. the results showed that, independently, pH and salinity had no significant effect on larval survival. however, the interaction between the two variables had a significant effect (p < 0.001). the combination of pH 8 and salinity 0.4 gr/L resulted in the highest survival rate, while pH 6 and salinity 0.6 gr/L caused a significant decrease in larval survival. the combination of alkaline pH (pH 8) and low salinity (0.4 gr/L) is the optimal condition for Aedes aegypti larval survival. the results of this study highlight the importance of considering the interaction between pH and salinity in environmental-based vector control strategies in endemic areas. further research is needed to explore other factors, such as aquatic microbiota and environmental variations, that may affect mosquito larval development.
Soil salinity is a major abiotic stress that drastically hinders plant growth and development, resulting in lower crop yields and productivity. As one of the most consumed vegetables worldwide, tomato (Solanum lycropersicum L.) plays a key role in the human diet. The current study aimed to explore the differential tolerance level of two tomato varieties (Rio Grande and Agata) to salt stress. To this end, various growth, physiological and biochemical attributes were assessed after two weeks of 100 mM NaCl treatment. Obtained findings indicated that, although the effects of salt stress included noticeable reductions in shoots’ and roots’ dry weights and relative growth rate as well as total leaf area, for the both cultivars, Rio Grande performed better compared to Agata variety. Furthermore, despite the exposure to salt stress, Rio Grande was able to maintain an adequate tissue hydration and a high leaf mass per area (LMA) through the accumulation of proline. However, relative water content, LMA and proline content were noticeably decreased for Agata cultivar. Likewise, total leaf chlorophyll, soluble proteins and total carbohydrates were significantly decreased; whereas, malondialdehyde was significantly accumulated in response to salt stress for the both cultivars. Moreover, such negative effects were remarkably more pronounced for Agata relative to Rio Grande cultivar. Overall, the current study provided evidence that, at the early growth stage, Rio Grande is more tolerant to salt stress than Agata variety. Therefore, Rio Grande variety may constitute a good candidate for inclusion in tomato breeding programs for salt-tolerance and is highly recommended for tomato growers, particularly in salt-affected fields.
Medicinal herbs have been extensively utilized in the remediation of various health conditions. Dialium guineense fruit pulp, also well known as Velvet Tamarind is widely consumed in West Africa for its dietary and medicinal properties. The study aims to analyze the phytochemical constituents, vitamin content and the in vitro antioxidant effect of Dialium guineense fruit pulp (DGFP). The phytochemical constituents, vitamins (C, E, B1-12) composition, and in vitro antioxidant activity were examined utilizing standardized analytical methods. The qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening of the fruit pulp of Dialium guineense was also carried out; the result indicated the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, phenols, steroids, and cardiac glycosides in varying concentrations. The vitamin composition revealed that vitamin C was higher than other vitamins in the fruit pulp. The DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and nitric oxide scavenging assay showed high radical scavenging activity while the FRAP (Ferric reducing antioxidant power) assay revealed significant reducing power. This indicates that Dialium guineense fruit pulp has potential health benefits.
Nigeria’s palm oil processing industry poses significant environmental pollution risks, jeopardizing the country’s ability to meet the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Traditional processing methods generate palm oil mill effluent (POME), contaminating soil and shallow wells. This study investigated water samples from five locations (Edo, Akwa-Ibom, Cross River, Delta, and Imo states) with high effluent release. While some parameters met international and national standards (WHO guidelines, ASCE, NIS, and NSDWQ) others exceeded acceptable limits, detrimental to improved water quality. Results showed, pH values within acceptable ranges (6.5–8.5), high total conductivity and salinity (800–1150 µS/cm), acceptable hardness values (200–300 mg/L), nitrite concentrations (10–45 mg/L), excessive magnesium absorption (> 50 mg/L), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) indicating significant pollution (75–290 mg/L), total dissolved solids (TDS) exceeding safe limits in four locations, total solids (TS) exceeding allowable limits for drinking water (310–845 mg/L), water quality index (WQI) values ranged from “poor” to “very poor”. POME contamination by metals like magnesium, nitrite, chloride, and sodium compromised shallow well water quality. Correlation analysis confirmed robust results, indicating strong positive correlations between conductivity and TDS (r = 0.85, p < 0.01) and pH and total hardness (r = 0.65, p < 0.05). The study emphasizes the need for environmentally friendly palm oil processing methods to mitigate pollution, ensure safe drinking water, and achieve Nigeria’s SDGs. Implementation of sustainable practices is crucial to protect public health and the environment.
Copyright © by EnPress Publisher. All rights reserved.