bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socioeconomic factors associated with anemia among children aged 6-59 months in Namibia
Authors: Shimanda Panduleni P. , Amukugo Hans J. , Norström Fredrik
Published: April 2020

Anemia remains a public health concern, and its prevalence varies between countries as well as between age, sex and levels of poverty. This study aims at examining the association between socio-demographic factors and anemia among children aged 6–59 months in Namibia. Data was extracted from the 2013 Namibian Demographic Health Survey. The association between anemia and other factors was examined with logistic regression. Results are reported in odds ratio (OR), with 95% confidence intervals (CI). In total, 1,383 children aged 6–59 months had complete data and included in the analyses. Our study shows that there is a statistically significantly increased risk of anemia among children from poorer households compared with the richest quintile. Also, there was a statistically significance supporting anemia being more common among boys than girls. There was also a statistically significant negative effect related to age. Our study shows that young children, boys and children in poorer households have an increased risk of anemia. Considering the adverse impact of anemia on child development, policies must prioritize factors exacerbating anemia risk.
Is exclusive breastfeeding an option or a necessity in Africa? A pooled study using the deuterium oxide dose-to-mother technique
Authors: Mulol Helen , Coutsoudis Anna , Hounkpatin Waliou A. , Urio Elisaphinate , Wabolou Philomène K. , Sissinto Yolande , El-Kari Khalid
Published: April 2020

Given the valuable health, development, and economic benefits of human milk Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) is recommended by the World Health Organisation for the first six months of an infant’s life. Many resource-limited regions in Africa do not line-up with these recommendations, therefore EBF promotion efforts on the continent need to be scaled up and monitored. This study explores the human milk intake volumes of 5 countries (Benin, Central African Republic, Morocco, South Africa and Tanzania) both at country level and in a pooled sample of children at 3 months (n= 355) and at 6 months (n=193). Mean human milk intake volumes in the pooled samples were 697.6 g/day at 3 months and 714.9 g/day at 6 months. EBF was determined both by maternal recall as well as using the deuterium oxide dose-to-mother technique, using two different cut-offs of non-milk oral intake. Comparison of these results showed substantial over-reporting of EBF by maternal recall, which suggests that actual rates of EBF are even lower than reported, thus highlighting the importance of scaling-up EBF promotion strategies.
Suspected avocado (Persea americana) poisoning in goats
Authors: Stadler P. , Van Rensburg I. B.J. , Naudé T. W.
Published: April 2020

A herd of 15 Cameroon goats was suspected of having" been poisoned by eating leaves of the Fuerte variety of avocado pear (Persea americana). Two of the affected goats were examined clinically, while necropsies were carried out on 3 of the 4 that had died. The most significant clinical findings were tachycardia, hyperpnoea and evidence of lung oedema. At necropsy severe lung oedema, hydrothorax and hydropericardium were present. Severe myocardial degeneration, necrosis and fibrosis were the major histopathological findings.
Los debates electorales de 2015 y 2016 en España. Contexto de percepción y credibilidad para los jóvenes
Authors: Arceo Vacas Alfredo , Álvarez Sánchez Sergio , Serrano Villalobos Olga
Published: April 2020

Introducción: Se describe la influencia del contexto de percepción de los debates electorales del 14 de diciembre de 2015 y el 13 de junio de 2016, en la credibilidad atribuida a los candidatos, y el grado de entendimiento alcanzado. Metodología: Se revisaron encuestas de la época; se practicó un análisis descriptivo de noticias en prensa; se celebraron dos grupos de discusión con jóvenes, sobre los juicios de credibilidad; y se realizaron análisis de contenido a los mensajes en Twitter de los candidatos. Resultados: La prensa propició un contexto de emociones negativas; los candidatos destinaron Twitter a demostrar eficacia social, pero fracasaron entre el público joven. Discusión: Que no se percibiera el subfactor de credibilidad más trabajado, debería preocupar a los equipos de campaña. Conclusiones: Los candidatos habrían ganado credibilidad trabajando otros subfactores, en vez de centrarse sólo en la eficacia social; y mostrándose más naturales (algo que logró Rajoy).
Association of Self-Reported Burnout and Protective Factors in Single Institution Resident Physicians
Authors: Wood Elena A. , Egan Sarah C. , Ange Brittany , Garduno Humberto , Williams David R. , Wyatt Tasha R.
Published: April 2020

Background

Studies examining mitigating factors associated with residents' experience of burnout have found mixed results; thus the most effective approaches for programs to prevent resident burnout are unclear.

Objective

We used mixed methods to explore the association of 4 psychological constructs thought to be important protective factors for burnout—grit, resiliency, social support, and psychological flexibility—across a wide variety of residency programs at 1 institution.

Methods

 The explanatory sequential study design included an online survey of previously published scales measuring burnout, grit, resiliency, social support, and psychological flexibility. The survey was sent to 20 residency programs in a single institution during the 2017–2018 academic year. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ordinal logistic regressions to determine the association of protective factors and demographic variables. Interviews with 13 residents were conducted and analyzed deductively and inductively to identify when and how residents employed the protective factors.

Results

Among the 268 responders (51% response rate), grit, resiliency, social support, and psychological flexibility were individually inversely associated with burnout level. However, resiliency and relationship status were no longer associated with burnout when all 4 factors were included in the model. Interviews revealed that grit both protects from and contributes to burnout, residents prefer peer support, and they cognitively “step back” when stress is high.

Conclusions

Although many programs and institutions focus on resiliency in wellness programs, there may be other factors to consider, such as grit and equipping students with tools to disengage psychologically when feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
New Framework to Optimize Leagile Supply Chain Design
Authors: Nguyen Dang , Dao Thien
Published: April 2020

The literature of Leagile supply chain (LASC) is lacking of the concurrence between supply chain (SC) design and product design, and missing the placement of decoupling point (DP) in the SC design. Therefore, the paper aims at presenting a novel framework to optimise LASC design while fulfilling the aforementioned gaps. The first step utilises Lean tools to identify the optimal architecture of product families through the so-called Leagile bill-of-material in product design. This phrase intends to reduce the storage keeping unit of components (leaner) while increasing their combining ability in a wider range of new products (more agile). Meanwhile, the second stage outlines the preliminary configuration of the future supply chain and transforms it into the Lean system. Next, the supplier network of this chain is matched with the product structure. The last step formulates the issue in one mathematical model to define the optimal LASC’s configuration, which includes positioning the best DP in various delivery lead time. In discussing the obtained solutions, the article complements to the theoretical basis by examining the locations of DP corresponding to the product’s complexity. The whole framework is illustrated by one specific example and solved by Priority Generic Algorithm Meta-Heuristic, programed with MATLAB.
Relevance of Vocational Skill Acquisition Programmes for Employment in an Era of Dwindling Economy in Bauchi Metropolis
Authors: Idris Abubakar , Buba Umar , Suleiman Lukman , Adamu Adamu Ladan
Published: April 2020

The study was conducted to find out the relevance of vocational skill acquisition programmes for employment in an era of dwindling economy in Bauchi metropolis. Two research questions were formulated for the study. An 11 items questionnaire was developed and used to get responses from the trainees. A descriptive survey was employed for the study. The questionnaire was validated by two experts from Vocational and Technology Education Department. Mean statistical tool was used to analyze the data collected. The result of the study indicated that the most important objectives of vocational skill acquisition programmes were to enable youth to acquire vocational skills that would provide gainful employment as well as raise their standards of living. Also the trainees perceived the relevance of skill acquisition programmesas centers for imparting marketable skills that focus more on practical aspect than theory. It was recommended that training courses should be relevant to the need of the sectors and target group. Those training centers should serve as places for providing employment opportunities to the public since our economy is declining and government opportunities are less because of scarce resources.
Effect of Trade Diversification on Economic Growth of ECOWAS Countries
Authors: Kayode Ogunyemi Joseph , David Dare Funso , Adeyinka Adewole Joseph
Published: April 2020

This study investigated the effect of trade diversification on economic growth of ECOWAS countries. The study has looked at the determinants of exports and imports in some selected ECOWAS countries. The selected ECOWAS countries are Benin, Ghana, and Nigeria. The employed a model form of the GMM estimator was adopted but the empirical validation shall be based on ordinary panel regression. The study revealed that the activities of the main sector when rated as a percentage of the gross domestic product is a significant factor that influences the exports and imports in these selected countries. This means that the activities done in the main sector of these economies have significant effect on the value of exports and imports. The activity of the main sector is huge and voluminous enough to accommodate some level of significant imports in order to assist production which will also be exported. The study has also revealed that the service sector is also a significant factor that influences the exports and imports of these selected ECOWAS countries. Many experts are imported into the service sector of these countries and thus these served as a significant factor that possess influence on the performance of exports and imports in the countries. There is a negative and weak correlation between primary exports and service as a percentage of GDP. Invariably, it can be said that the level of primary exports may not be related with the service sector, thus, the association is expected. The main sector performance is found to be positively correlated with the primary exports in the selected ECOWAS countries. The author then suggested that there is urgent need for ECOWAS states to place more emphasis on the exports of manufacturers’ products and make efforts to reduce concentration on exports of primary (agriculture and fuel) products. This will help improve their international trade performance especially with respect to reducing term of trade losses and unfavorable shocks in foreign earnings. Also, the region should focus on production of products for domestic need; in doing this, the ECOWAS states will escape the trap of homogenous export and foster more intra-trade links. The region should see production as major objective rather than exports; this enhances industrial activities and innovations in the region. This attempt retains economic gains of resource within the region and foster economic well-being, the critical mass of ECOWAS challenge is weak productive capacity, this has accentuated the progress of the member states and the sole cause of social and economic evils within the region. ECOWAS should see exports as originating from domestic sufficiency.
The “Deciles Implied Inequality Indices” for Expressing Income Distribution and Measuring Public Financial Burden of Equalization Policies
Authors: Bidabad Bijan
Published: April 2020

Different ways have been proposed to measure income inequality; there is no best way to calculate the inequality index that expresses income distribution as it is. Popular inequality indices provide information about some points on the distribution function and analyze the inequality of income without reference to the amount of the budget needed to improve the income distribution. In this paper, we propose a set of “Deciles Implied Inequality Indices”. By using this index, we can show how much transfer payment is needed as a redistribution policy to achieve a desired income distribution consistent with the perceived economic goals of the society. That is, we try to find a fiscal-compensation-based index for reducing inequality. By using “Deciles Implied Inequality Indices”, we may measure how much income (tax and subsidy) may be redistributed to reach the targeted income distribution policy.
Bandwidth Enhancement by Corner Truncation in Rectangular Patch Antenna
Authors: Prabhu M. Ramkumar , Rajalingam A. , Latha J.
Published: April 2020

A method of improving operating bandwidth of a microstrip patch antenna by simply improving the structural shape, without affecting the size of an antenna is proposed in this paper. Simple calculations proved that Rectangular Microstrip Patch antenna of bandwidth 845.1 MHz can be efficiently transformed into microstrip patch antenna having bandwidth 9147.4 MHz . Two different approaches have been proposed and compared for better results.
Output Commercialization as Three-Way Traffic for Sugarcane Farming Households in Kwara State of Nigeria
Authors: M.S Sadiq, , I.P Singh, , M Lawal, , P.B Yisa,
Published: April 2020

The study empirically determined the factors that influenced household sugarcane output commercialization in Kwara State of Nigeria using undated data elicited via structured questionnaires complemented with interview schedule from 105 active sugarcane farmers chosen through multi-stage sampling design during the 2017 production season. The collected data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The empirical findings showed poor extension services, inadequate credit facilities, failure of the farmers to utilize their social capital, lack of scientific storage facilities and health-related issues to be the major factors that affected sugarcane output commercialization the studied area. Therefore, the study recommended that the farmers in the studied area should be advised to pool their social capital together in order to become economically viable thereby maximizing the pecuniary economic advantages of sugarcane value chain in the studied area.
Optimizing Animal Productivity under Heat Stress Conditions Using Conventional and Recent Technologies
Authors: Habeeb Alsaied Alnaimy Mostafa
Published: April 2020

When the animals exposed to the high environmental temperature most of the physiological and biochemical parameters are disturbances. The heat-induced changes in each of thermoregulatory parameters as well as water, protein turnover or balances and hormonal levels may be used for evaluation the animal's adaptability to hot climate. Detection of such phenomena in the animals could be achieved by different indices. Most of indices which may be used for detecting the heat adaptability in animals are reviewed in this article paper.
Assessment of Passengers’ Satisfaction of Public Transport System in Akure-Owo Axis, Nigeria
Authors: Samuel Oluwaseyi Olorunfemi, , Adetayo Olaniyi Adeniran,
Published: April 2020

This study assesses passengers’ satisfaction of public transport system in Akure-Owo axis, Nigeria. It was necessitated by the poor nature of transport system which has created impediments to the smooth movement of people, goods and services in some of urban centres in Nigeria. Meanwhile, the importance of public transport in cities of many developing countries lies in the fundamental fact that accessibility and mobility are essential for economic growth and also for effective and efficient movement of goods and services. Twelve bus services were identified. The study was conducted using questionnaires and field observation to collect the required data at the terminals (i.e. Akure and Owo Park). One hundred and twelve (112) questionnaires were administered to the passengers across the two terminals. Descriptive tool such as weighted mean and standard deviation were employed. Also, Gap analysis was used to achieve descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that passengers were not satisfied with the competence of drivers, condition of vehicle, overloading and over-speeding, attitude of drivers, driver’s compliance with road safety rules and order, and the cost charge per trip. Based on the dissatisfactions, recommendations were suggested.
Association between Excessive Use of Mobile Phone and Insomnia among Pakistani Teenagers Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Farooq Lubna , Ali Akhtar , Mahmood Sehrish , Farzand Mahnoor , Masood Hina , Mujahid Sumreen
Published: April 2020

Introduction:In the era of modern technology mobile phones have becoming popular, especially in teenagers. Besides of its uses there are various undesirable psychological and physical impact on heath. Aims and objectives: The purpose of this study was to access the link among Excessive Use of Smart Phone and there sleep pattern among Pakistani Adolescents.

Materials and Methods: A detailed cross sectional study was performed on a total of 500 medical graduates range between 18 and 24 years who were using mobile phone atleast a year. Self-designed Questionnaire is given to them having details of their frequency and pattern of using smart phone. Sleep quality was analyzed by using Pittsburg Sleep Quality index .Chi square test was also perform to check the link between frequency of mobile phone and quality of sleep.P value < 0.005 were considered as significant.

Result: Out of 500 participants, the frequency of mobile phone usage was more in males 70% as compare to females30%. Their age varied from 21to 24 with mean age of 20 ± 1.9 years.  Most of students use mobile phone in night 188 (38%)and 202 (40%) participants using mobile phone unlimited. 366 (73%) students mentioned that they start using mobile phone at intermediate level and claimed that no surveillance of the mobile phone being done by the parents . Students who were using unlimited mobile phone reported that they take more than 1 hour to sleep that showed a significant (p-value <0.001) correlation between more mobile phone use and time taken to sleep.

Conclusion: The results of our study conclude that excessive mobile phone usage leads to sleep disturbances and poor quality of sleep. That may implement negative effects on student’s mental and physical health along with this it can also affect the students’ educational performance and daily life activities.
Corruption as Cankerworms towards Economic Development in Nigeria
Authors: Suleiman Ibrahim
Published: April 2020

Corruption has been corrosively eating the fabrics of the Nigerian nation. Its persistence in the form of fraud, mismanagement, misappropriation, diversion of public funds, tax evasion, money laundering etc. has led Nigeria into unfortunate national and even international circle of criminal minded persons. This therefore has made the development of the country and its attendant benefits only a paper work or rather an illusion. This paper conceptualizes corruption beyond the point of public officers taking bribes and gratification, committing fraud, stealing public funds and assets to equally include, deliberate violation of standards for gainful ends which may be in cash or kind. It therefore, encompasses any decision, act or conduct that is considered pervasive to democratic norms and values. The method utilized by this work is incidence analysis and documentary research. The paper which is divided into five sections concluded that, only anti-corruption policies and programs anchored on ethical, balanced, independent, and self-sustained, people oriented can succeed in Nigeria and thereby ensure national economic development. The paper recommended among other things for a successful anti-corruption crusade in third world countries that, international agencies such as Paris Club, IMF, World Bank, UNO should review their policies and conditions to reflect war against corruption especially among third World leaders even while in office. That a mandatory involvement of all community based organizations be considered in annual budget formulation, monitoring and evaluation to avoids misappropriation and looting in the country.
Space-Base Disaster Management and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria
Authors: Okon Emmanuel Okokondem
Published: April 2020

Poverty level in Nigeria is at variance with the country’s immense wealth and natural disasters are on the increase and claiming lives as well as properties. This paper looks at the use of space base technology in disaster management and how disaster management can be integrated into poverty reduction to help reduce the vulnerability of poor and protect their livelihoods and development gains. It starts by conceptualizing poverty and vulnerability and proceeds to examine Nigeria’s economy, poverty and natural disaster. Thereafter, the paper looks at the introduction of space technology in disaster mitigation and management in Nigeria and the challenges associated with it. Suggestions are made for effective use of space technology for disaster management and poverty reduction in Nigeria.
Violence Against Women in Bangladesh and How We Can Prevent it?
Authors: Bint-E-Basar Kaniz Tania , Al-Amin Dewan Md. , Mostofa Md.
Published: April 2020

This paper examines Violence against women (VAW) takes place in different sectors in Bangladesh. There are various types of violence in our country i.e. physical, sexual, domestic violence, killing, rape etc. Socio-Economic aspect also plays a pivotal role in violence against women. There are some common features of VAW like polygamy, extra-marital or pre-marital relations, lack of social and economic security, lack of proper education and cybercrime. Unemployment is also one of the main reasons of VAW in Bangladesh. Prevention measures should be taken by family, society and also by the state machine to prevent VAW. Implementation of domestic laws of VAW and monitoring system and social awareness will be the effective measures to prevent this criminal activity from the society and from the state.
Impact of Group Dynamics on Team
Authors: Naveenan R.V. Naveenan , Kumar B. Ravi
Published: April 2020

After a brief review of integrative small group learning models that have appeared in the educational psychology literature, this article then looks into the group dynamics literature and describes one of that field’s most well-documented findings: that interactions among group members change somewhat predictably over time. How theorists from various traditions within educational psychology might explain and explore the phenomenon of “group development” is proposed, followed by a description of the theoretical and practical features of an increasingly popular post-secondary instructional strategy designed to stimulate group development and leverage it to instructional ends. So group dynamics can be called as a life base of a team. So in this study the researcher has conducted a study on various aspects of group dynamics. The researcher has collected data using collection techniques and has used various tools to analyze the outcomes to get considerable results.
Lion Motif used in Buddhist Architecture of Ancient Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Sk. Zohirul
Published: April 2020

Lion is the king of the animal world. They live in the plains and grassy hills. The male lion's job is to protect the clan from enemies. However, lions do not have any natural enemy. Due to these characteristics, the lion has been considered through all ages in the world as a symbol of royalty and protection as well as of wisdom and pride. In Buddhism, lions are symbolic of the Bodhisattvas. In Buddhist architecture, lion motifs or figure were used as protectors of Dharma and therefore support the throne of the Buddha’s and Bodhisattvas. The lion motifs (symbol) were also used at the entrance of the monasteries and shrines possibly for the same reason.  In ancient Bangladesh, there are various types of Lion motif used in terracotta plaques of Ananda Vihara, Rupbhan Mura and Shalban Vihara at Mainamati in Comilla district, Vashu Vihara, Mankalir Kundo at Mahasthangarh in Bogra district and Somapura Mahavihara at Paharpur in Naogaon district. This paper aims to address the cultural significance of the lion motif in Buddhist architecture of ancient Bangladesh and relates it to various types of representation to understand its origin and evaluation.
Internally Displacement and Cognitive Reasoning in Children of North Central, Nigeria
Authors: Agashua Philemon Atume , Grace Awopetu Ronke , Ugese Jonathan Iornenge
Published: April 2020

The cognitive progression of displaced children has suffered major setback in Nigeria in recent time as a result of boko haram insurgency, Fulani herdsmen militia and communal clashes. Therefore, this study examines the cognitive reasoning of the children of primary and secondary school ages that are currently seeking refuge at internally displaced camps in North-Central, Nigeria. 1,222 internally displaced children were assessed using visual, numerical and verbal reasoning analysis tests respectively, developed by Barrett (2004). Of the total number of participants, 29.8% responded correctly to numerical reasoning tests, 15.6% answered correctly the verbal reasoning tests and 31.7% responded to visual analysis tests. The result showed that majority of the children could not respond correctly to reasoning and analysis tests.  The study concludes that children are worst vulnerable to current ongoing displacement in the country and this has resulted into downfall in the educational system and cognitive improvement of the children. It is therefore recommended that quick response to IDP children in the area of education should not be ignored or neglected in case of displacement of any type by government, philanthropists and non-governmental organizations.
Multimedia Aided Language Teaching: An Ideal Pedagogy in the English Language Teaching of Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Md. Kawser
Published: April 2020

Teaching English language around the globe is not only concentrated on grammars, series of writings and face to face interviews through conventional style but also centralized on the modern equipment, information and technology. Day to day updated accessories have made a tremendous progress in the pedagogy of English and ensured maximum benefits and acceptability among teachers and learners simultaneously. Observing the global usability and frequency, English language has appeared as a technology-but not as a language only but also as a channel of communication and language teaching. Application of multimedia in teaching-learning of English has earned best appreciation at any level of education and students have found English as an easy means of communication, conversation and interact with teachers with the blessing of multimedia and updated materials of language teaching. On the contrary, it is pitiful to observe that unavailability of modern accessories and elements in teaching English shows the namesake picture of multimedia used in third world countries especially in Bangladesh. This paper will focus on the significant progresses in the application of multimedia; take up of class with the aid of modern equipment and practical scenario of the use of multimedia in schools, colleges and universities of Bangladesh where multimedia based classroom is getting popular between teachers and students equally.
Personality Traits and Financial Strain as Determinants of Gambling Behaviour among Youth in Nigeria: A Case Study of Youths in Oyo State and Ekiti State
Authors: Temitope Bankole Emmanuel , Oyekola Adebunmi , Mary Bankole Abimbola
Published: April 2020

This study aims to assess personality characteristics and financial strain as a determinant of gambling behaviour among youth in Nigeria. Three instruments were used in the study which include Gambling behaviour scale developed by Jeffery (2010) used in measuring prevalence and pattern of gambling behaviour, Big five personality scale developed by Goldberg (1993) used in assessing personality domain of an individual and Financial strain scale developed by Aldana & Liljenquist (1998) used in measuring the rate of financial strain experienced by people. Three hundred and twenty participants (320) were used in this study but two hundred and ninety seven participants (297) responses were retrieved for analysis. Hypotheses were tested using regression analysis and independent t-test and the result were discussed according to literatures. It was concluded from the study that personality characteristics and financial strain predicts gambling behaviour and also there is sex differences in gambling behaviour. As a result of this, it was however recommended that youths are to be trained on how to improve their behavioural attitudes and should be well guided so as to avoid gambling because it has serious effects on their psychological health and overall well-being.
Factor Analysis of Passengers’ Satisfaction in Nigerian Airports
Authors: Ben Sidiq Okwudili
Published: April 2020

This study determined complex factors influencing passengers’ satisfaction in Nigerian Airports. Theoretical evidence was examined and factor analysis was carried out to identify the main groups of factors affecting passengers’ satisfaction at the Airport. Primary data was gathered from domestic air passengers with random and systemic sampling techniques. 71.1 percent of questionnaires were retrieved from respondents in Lagos, and 61.9 percent of questionnaires were retrieved from respondents in Abuja. The findings of the study show that the most important five factors affecting it are: courtesy of staff, availability of staff, effective way finding signs, availability of telecommunications, and cleanliness of restrooms. The results obtained from this study will help airport managers in the Nigeria to better serve their passengers through improved attitudes of airport staff and improved technologies.
Perceptions of Inmates on Social Work Intervention in Osun State Prisons, Nigeria
Authors: Akinyemi Eyitayo Olufunmilayo
Published: April 2020

The study investigated the inmates on social work intervention in Osun State prisons, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study identified the age range of the inmates, inmates’ perception towards a societal valued life, level of engagement in skill acquisition and formal education, attitude of government and prison service employees towards inmates’ reformation. The study adopted descriptive research design. The sample consisted of 88 inmates randomly selected from the 880 inmates and eight (8) warders from Ilesa prison yard. The research instrument was a close ended questionnaire and focus group discussion. Data obtained were analysed using percentages and frequency counts. Results showed that inmates’ ages range mostly between 21 and 25 years. Findings also showed inmates perceived they could still live a good and societal acceptable life; the societal services rendered to them were good to an extent that they had positive attitudes towards skill acquisition and formal education; inmates were satisfied with the services rendered by prison workers and welfare provisions from the government. Findings concluded that the inmates believed they could still live an acceptable life during and as an ex-convict. The study recommended that individual inmate could be tailored and encouraged on the need to better their lives in the prison yard and become acceptable and self-reliant ex-convict.
Impacts of Formative Assessment on EFL Students’ Academic Performance at Kandahar University
Authors: Sahibzada Javed , Himat Abdul Nafi
Published: April 2020

This study investigated the implementation of formative assessment and its impacts on EFL students’ academic performance at Kandahar University. The study is descriptive in nature; quantitative questionnaire was used to collect data from one hundred and fifty EFL students at all four levels selected through random sampling method. The collected data was analyzed by using IBM 24 version of SPSS and results are reported in tables by showing means, standard deviation, percentage and frequency. The major findings revealed that teachers are using formative assessment as part of their plan, allocating time for peer feedback, methods and tools of assessment teachers are using are group work, assignment, homework, presentation, project work which had positive impacts on students’ academic performance and improved final exam grades. Study also disclosed that teachers are valuing more summative assessment than formative, some important methods of assessment are ignored by teachers aversively affected their lower performance.
In-Service Teachers’ Perception of Continuing Education Programmes in Two African Universities
Authors: Olaniyi Francis O. , Nzima Dumisani R.
Published: April 2020

The study compared the in-service teachers’ perception of continuing education programmes from two universities in Africa; University of Zululand, South Africa (UZ), and Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria, (AAU). The study covers the impact, effectiveness and efficiency of UZ and AAU on in-service teachers’ of continuing education programmes. The target population and sample for the study were the current teachers of continuing education programmes of these universities. The instrument tagged ‘Questionnaire for Perceptions of Continuing Education Programmes by in-service Teachers’   (QPCEPIT) was designed and used for data collection. The descriptive survey research design of ex-post facto was adopted for the study. 150 questionnaires were randomly used for pilot study, carried out at Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria, whilst 500 questionnaires each were administered at both UZ and AAU of which 365 and 321 responses were valid and analysed respectively. Four research questions were carefully formulated to ascertain the perceptions of continuing education programmes by in-service teachers in the selected universities. Inferential statistics was used to draw conclusions and test the research questions for the study. The results of the comparative study revealed that the conclusiveness of the learning environment, the nature and quality of student support services provided, the quality and learners’ perception of course modules or materials, accommodation problems and venue of the programme were the major predictors for motivation of in-service teachers of the programme. Based on the findings of the study recommendations were made on how the programme will have impact on the in-service teachers and how the universities that are running the programme will be effectively and efficiently manage the programme for the acceleration and advancement of socio-economic growth in South Africa, Nigeria, and the world at large.
A Comparisonal Study on Circle Detection for Real-World Images
Authors: Faruq Md. Omar , Alam Md. Almash , Hossain Md. Muktar
Published: April 2020

Real-life objects have different characteristics such as form characteristics, texture characteristics, and color characteristics and so on. The circular objects are the most common shape in our day to day lives and industrial production. So circle detection algorithm is ever ending research today. The most common algorithm is Circular Hough Transform which is used to detect a circle in an image. It is not very robust to noise so a simple approach to modified Circular Hough Transform algorithm is applied to detect the circle from an image. The image is pre-processed by edge detection. A comparison between Circular Hough Transform and modified Circular Hough Transform algorithm is presented in this research.
Application of Single-Server Queue System in Performance Analysis of Shuttle Bus Operation: A Case Study of Federal University of Technology Akure
Authors: Adedotun Kanyio Olufunto
Published: April 2020

This study has examined the performance of University transport bus shuttle based on utilization using a Single-server queue system which occur if arrival and service rate is Poisson distributed (single queue) (M/M/1) queue. In the methodology, Single-server queue system was modelled based on Poisson Process with the introduction of Laplace Transform. Also, PASTA was introduced in queuing systems with Poisson arrivals. It is concluded that the performance of University transport bus shuttle is 93 percent which indicates a very good performance such that the supply of shuttle bus in FUTA is capable of meeting the demand. This study can be improved upon by examining the peak and off-peak period of traffic in the two major corridors (North gate and South gate) of FUTA, the economic cost of operating bus shuttle services can also be examined.
Macroeconomic Variables and Retained Earnings of Quoted Manufacturing Firms in Nigeria: A Time Variant Study
Authors: Iheduru Ngozi G. , Okoro Charles U.
Published: April 2020

This study examined external factors that determine retained earnings of quoted manufacturing firms in Nigeria. Annual time series data were sourced from Central Bank of Nigerian Statistical Bulletin, and Annual Reports of the selected manufacturing firms, the study modeled retained earnings the function of money supply, exchange rate, oil price, inflation rate and interest rate. The ordinary Least Square method was employed with multiple regression model based on Statistical Package for Social Sciences version (22.0). The Durbin-Watson statistics show the presence of multiple serial autocorrelation.The result shows collinearity that corresponds with the Eigen value condition index and variance constants are less than the required number, while the variance inflation factors indicate the absence of auto-correlation.It was found that Oil price have positive impact on retention rate of the selected manufacturing firms while exchange rate and interest rate have negative impact on the dependent variable. It was also found that   money supply have negative effect on dividend payout rate while inflation rate have positive impact on retention rate. From the findings we conclude that oil price, interest rate, exchange rate and money supply have no significant relationship with dividend policy while inflation rate have significant relationship with dividend policy of the selected quoted manufacturing firms. We recommend the need for the manufacturing firms to formulate policies that leverage the negative effect of macroeconomic variables on retained earnings of the manufacturing firms and interest rate should properly be defined in the Nigerian financial market that is either full deregulated or regulated to determine the market rate of return, investment and the profitability of manufacturing firms. The operational efficiency of Nigerian capital market and the financial environment should be deepened, existing laws that does not encourage profitable investment should be changed and new laws enacted to enhance investment that will affect the profitability of manufacturing firms positively.
Job Attitude and Employee Performance: An Empirical Study of Non-Academic Staff of Bauchi State University Gadau Nigeria
Authors: Inuwa Mohammed , Mashi Munir Shehu , Salisu Isyaka Mohammed
Published: April 2020

Getting the best out of an employee has always been a major challenge an employer face in today’s competitive environment. These might be however, connected to the fact that an employee is most dynamic and unpredictable aspect of business resources. It has therefore become imperative for organisations to realise the significance of an employee and also the device strategic means through which an employee can be influenced in order to develop positive job attitudes that can lead to higher performance. Hence, the study aims to examine the relationship between job attitude and employee performance by using the non-academic staff of Bauchi State University Gadau as unit of analysis. An aggregate of two hundred and seventy questionnaires were distributed non- academic staff of BASUG based on systematic random sampling and data collected was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The outcome of the analysis shows that there is positive and significant relationship between job attitude and employee performance. Also, the study is limited due to the fact that it adopts only two variables and concentrate in one institution only. Thepaper recommends that employers should prioritise important motivational factors that will bring about positive job attitude so as to achieve highest performance level of an employee. Furthermore, the study will serve as a policy guide to the management of the Nigerian Universities in areas relating to employee performance improvement through job attitude and it will also further make an impetus the field of organisational behaviour and human resource management.
Exploration of Human Resource Challenges Faced by the Teachers in Transferring Training
Authors: Suleiman Wasilu , Adamu Muhammad , Inuwa Mohammed
Published: April 2020

Organizations hope that their employees are able to learn and acquire new knowledge and skills in the events of training and effectively transferring it back to the workforce, but it is deteriorating day by day. This paper explores challenges faced by trainees in transferring training through focus group interviews. Content analysis was the procedures and techniques employed to analyze the gathered data. The findings uncover and highlighted some major challenges that hinder employees to properly transfer what they might have learned in the training session on their jobs. The ability of the management to overcome those challenges would drive workers to be them to be desirous in making persistent and intense efforts towards utilizing skills and knowledge learned in the work settings. Human resource trainers need to overcome the identified challenges on employees’ training transfer in the organization.
Finance: An Islamic Perspective
Authors: Islam K. M. Anwarul
Published: April 2020

Islamic finance was practiced predominantly in the Muslim world throughout the Middle Ages, fostering trade and business activities with the development of credit.In Spain and the Mediterranean and Baltic States, Islamic merchants became indispensable middlemen for trading activities.In fact, many concepts, techniques, and instruments of Islamic finance were later adopted by European financiers and businessmen. The aim of this research work is to examine the finance as an Islamic Perspective.
Bail Financial Sharing (BFS): A Financial Subsystem of Rastin PLS Banking
Authors: Bidabad Bijan
Published: April 2020

To cover producers and consumers against future prices fluctuation risk, depositors can forward-purchase raw materials or products to be delivered at a specified time in the future through Bail Financial Sharing (BFS). Bail Financial Sharing is a subsystem of Rastin Profit and Loss Sharing (PLS) banking system, and in this regard, instructions, organization and application methods, and electronic devices and contracts are similar to the context defined in the Base System of Rastin PLS banking system. Bail Financial Sharing (BFS) enjoys from Bail Certificate innovation, which can play an important role in stabilizing and increasing efficiency of money and financial markets. Depositor (financer) receives digital Bail Certificate for this kind of participation, which is negotiable in the secondary Rastin Certificate market. Regarding the characteristics of this certificate and its clear substantial differences with futures derivative, it prevents unreal paper markets formation. The latest owner of the certificate is the owner of the commodity. Moreover, the depositor can ask the bank that the entrepreneur sells the commodity and pays the money –instead of commodity- to him at the end of the contract.
Human Resource Management: An Islamic Perspective
Authors: Islam K. M. Anwarul , Barghouthi Orobah Ali
Published: April 2020

The point of this paper was "Practically equivalent to the different subjects in the board, HR is an exceptional topic as it manages living creatures rather than advertising where the most noteworthy subject is the "item/administration" or business morals where basic leadership in circumstances is the topic.
Sayyid Mawdudi's Contribution towards Islamic Revivalism in the Contemporary Islamic Political thought
Authors: Suleiman Ibrahim , Gadau Ya’u Idris
Published: April 2020

This paper discussed the role and ideas of Sheikh Mawdudi in religion and politics in India and later Pakistan, Lahore. It is very paramount that Islamic scholars are considered to be relevant in moulding the minds of Muslims Ummah towards adherence to their religion and participation in politics and electoral process. Therefore, this article highlights the major contributions made by Mawdudi and outlines his role in terms of revivalism during his life-time and beyond. This is accomplished by investigating his major works and his teachings especially in shaping participation in political circle so as to ensure that Muslims are participated in the political and electoral process in India and Pakistan. In his political thought, Sheikh Mawdudi believed strongly in the formation of Islamic state and participation of Muslims in politics and governance as against the other views of anti-democratic arguments. His major concern is to encourage Muslims Ummah to adhere to the teaching of Islam and participate in all government activities in order to protect the interest of their religion considering the diverse nature of these countries. Therefore, assessing the role played by Mawdudi will significantly improve our understanding of Islamization movement towards determining social reality, justice and equity along Islamic ethics and values.
Review of the Literatures on Stock Price Behavior of Malaysia
Authors: Ruhani Fatima , Islam Md. Aminul , Ahmad Tunku Salha Tunku
Published: April 2020

Stock price behavior is one of the core concerns of researchers and finance scholars from more than a half-century of years. Most of the times, they have tried to identify unexplored anomalies that could be used to explain stock price movement in the different stock market. As a result, we have found different models and theories relating to stock price behavior as well as the efficiency of the stock market. Malaysian stock market is considered the second among the largest South East Asian stock markets according to its domestic market capitalization. A considerable number of researches have already been done on the stock price behavior of Malaysian stock market. This study reviews the existing literatures on the stock price behavior of Malaysian stock markets within two wings, literatures on efficient market hypothesis of Malaysian market and the effect of economic and financial variables on the stock price.