bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CEF Professional Profile as an Instrument in Language Needs Assessment for Business Companies
Authors: Zela Elsa
Published: May 2018

The switch form a centralized economy to free trade during the past two decades in Albania as well as efforts to be integrated into the European Union have led to the growing prevalence of English language, which has become the leading lingua franca for communication between experts not only at international but also national level, as various business documents, contracts, reports, etc. are largely used from Economics graduates in their daily work. This paper seeks to create a Professional Profile (P.P.)for business graduates employed mainly in manufacturing companies operating in international business. Using the P.P. of the Common European Framework of References (CEFR), it identifies English language skills that graduates of Economics, employed in business companies use more often in their working environments and the communication difficulties faced by employees in carrying out the required work. Through interviews, questionnaires and language audit, the study yields vast data on the communication situations mostly needed and used in companies in their everyday work. These data are an input for syllabus design in the field of teaching English for Specific Purposes since they lay the foundation of a syllabus which is based on the real need of the students and the labour market for English Language and communication
The Health Behaviour Inventory: Initial Development, Factor Structure and Evidence of Reliability
Authors: Awabil Godwin , Anane Eric
Published: May 2018

This study explored the factor structure and reliability of a new Health Behaviour Inventory (HBI) to assess the health behaviour of adults. Data in this study were collected from a total of 581 postgraduate students of the University of Cape Coast. The HBI was subjected to principal component factor analysis with Varimax (Kaiser Normalization). The Kaiser Meyer–Olkin measure was used to verify the sampling adequacy for the factor analysis, which yielded KMO of .808. This indicated that the sample size was adequate and factor analysis could be performed on the data set. Bartlett’s test of Sphericity (χ2 = 8133.626, p = 0.000) was significant for the sample. The analysis yielded six factors with robust reliabilities. The six factors were: alcohol intake, smoking, dietary behaviour, physical exercise, salt intake and weight management. With respect to the reliability of the instrument, the HBI items yielded a Cronbach’s alpha of .792 for the total scale. The exploratory factor analyses demonstrated good factor structure and internal consistency. However, since this is the first study to explore the HBI structure, the researchers recommended that further investigations into the psychometric properties (such as the predictive validity) of the instrument be carried out.
Cognitive Strategies, Motivation to Learning, Levels of Wellbeing and Risk of Drop-out: An Empirical Longitudinal Study for Qualifying Ongoing University Guidance Services
Authors: Biasi Valeria , De Vincenzo Conny , Patrizi Nazarena
Published: May 2018

The paper concerns a longitudinal empirical study aiming to establish the relation between certain factors that facilitate (or sometimes hinder) academic achievement such as motivation to study, the cognitive strategies employed and the levels of wellness or distress expressed by indicators like anxiety and depression. It thus aimed to identify the role of these factors on the risk of student drop-out. The study was carried out on a sample of 68 self-selected students enrolled in various degree courses at “Roma Tre” University, who had fully completed the three consecutive surveys geared to investigating their academic experience over a one-year period. The measurement tools used assessed: a) “drop-out intentions” (Hardre & Reeve Scale, 2003); b) “wellness/distress levels”, (Adult Self-Report ASR; Achenbach & Rescorla, 2003); c) cognitive/study strategies (self-regulated knowledge; Manganelli, Alivernini, Mallia & Biasi, 2015); d) motivational aspects (Academic Motivation Scale AMS, validated in Italy by Alivernini and Lucidi (2008). The results show how that the drop-out risk is linked to high levels of depression or distress, poor competence in cognitive strategies adopted, and high levels of “Amotivation” and “External Motivation”. On the basis of the above empirical evidence we propose starting up specific ongoing actions within the university guidance services in order to simultaneously improve wellbeing through emotional support, redefine decisions in the study path in line with personal motivation, and develop adequate cognitive strategies to devise a functional study method.
Dissemination of Demographic and Socio-Economic Developments in Tirana with Special Attention to Youth Education
Authors: Dumani Bukuri , Bici Ruzhdie , Dumani Nexhmi , Subashi Blerina , Kondi Alma
Published: May 2018

Tirana, the capital of Albania, has a population of 420,000 inhabitants, with a surface area of 40 km2 and a population density of 10.5 thousand inhabitants. From the territorial point of view of the organization, Tirana has 11 administrative units. Half of the population in Tirana is less than 35 years old and half, more than 35 years old. Tirana has the highest level of socio-economic developments in the country and most of the domestic migrants who after the change of economic systems in 1990, are located in Tirana. The article analyzes the level of demographic and socio-economic developments in Tirana according to its 11 administrative units, their inequalities and similarities, with particular attention to the education of young people, the enrollment of students in secondary school after completing nine year basic education. Although Tirana has the highest socio-economic development in the country, its administrative units have quite different levels of development. The net enrollment rate at secondary school for students who have completed nine years of basic education and enroll in the secondary is low; (only 67% of students) compared with net enrollment rate at secondary school in EU countries over 85%). A student in Tirana who has a difficult economic situation, parents with low education level, school far away, the absence of one or both parents in the family, many household members, is much more likely not to enroll in secondary school, after completing basic obligatory education, nine years education. Economic and social developments in Tirana highlight a development of Tirana with many profiles. From the 11 administrative units in five-of them, the developments are relatively lower than in the other six administrative units. The less developed administrative units in Tirana are: the 6th and 11th units and the highest developments administrative unites are the 10th and 5th units. In Unit 6, one in seven people are poor although in Unit 10 one in 25 people are poor. To improve the development, it should be implemented concrete programs and projects with territorial approaches; Education has an essential role to play out of poverty and change the quality of life. This role should be empowered by the state and families by becoming more and more vulnerable to the ideology of education and the quality of education. There are used data from Census 2011 and Living Standard Measurement Survey, LSMS 2012. Descriptive, factorial, cluster analysis and regression methods were used for the analysis of sociodemographic and economic developments. For data processing were used Spss, Stata and Matlab.
Social Transformation of Africa through Music: The Nigerian experience
Authors: Odunuga Adeola Funmilayo , Yekini-Ajenifuja Isaac
Published: May 2018

Music has been found to be an instrument used in transforming lives because of its effectiveness as an agent and medium of transmitting information to the populace. It is used to pass crucial information, impart knowledge, soothe emotions, and affect lives. Music affects the ways and manner of its hearers positively and negatively, hence, it is expedient that people get right information through a good channel and medium. Music composers, performers and producers should be careful of what is composed and performed in order to achieve the desired result. This paper seeks to enlighten music composers and producers on the need to judiciously use music as an instrument of transformation in Africa and other world cultures. The use and effect of music on human being was traced from antiquity to date through library sources. It discovers that some of the recent music composition and performance in Nigeria and some other world cultures are not good enough for consumption. It recommends a viable music teacher education that will impart adequate knowledge on the music teacher trainee which will in turn transforms the music consumers.
Supervision and Teachers’ Work Performances in Primary Schools in Konye Sub-Division in Cameroon
Authors: Lyonga Ngemunang Agnes Ngale
Published: May 2018

This study examined the impact of head teachers’ instructional supervision practices on teachers’ performances in selected primary schools in Konye Sub-Division in Cameroon. The study used a descriptive survey design to explain the impact of head teachers’ classrooms visits and checking of teaching log-books (records) on teachers’ job performances. The sample size was made up of six head teachers and twenty-eight teachers selected from six schools from Konye Sub-Division, which included two state own, two confessional, and two lay private schools. A five section questionnaire was developed to collect data on head teachers’ and teachers. The questionnaire was administered during one of the researcher’s contact visits at the institutions. The researcher explained to the respondents who filled out the information on the questionnaire and returned after completion. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 for descriptive statistics that included the use of frequencies and percentages. Findings among others revealed the aspects that influence teachers’ performances during instructional supervision by head teachers was not only classroom visits but also observation of teaching (82% and 83.3%), examination of teaching and learning methods used by teachers during supervision (71.4% and 66.6%), regularly checking of records of work covered by teachers (92.9% and 83.3%), regularly checking and correcting of teachers’ lesson plans (89.3% and 100%), and holding sessions with teachers to guide on how to improve teaching and learning activities in primary schools.
Social and Economic Effects of the Menace of Fulani Herdsmen Crises in Nigeria
Authors: Ajibefun M. B.
Published: May 2018

This study investigated the social and economic effects of the menace of Fulani herdsmen crises in Nigeria. The study specifically examined the causes of Fulani herdsmen and farmers clashes in Nigeria, and the social and economic effects of the menace of Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria. The sample of the study consisted of 250 farmers and 150 respondents from Fulani tribe selected from affected Local Government areas in Southwest, Nigeria via purposive sampling technique. A questionnaire titled Economic and Social Effects of Herdsmen Clashes Questionnaire (ESEHCQ) was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics of t-test were used to analyze the data generated from respondents. The findings revealed that the major cause of the conflict was destruction of crops. The social effect of the menace of Fulani herdsmen are loss of human life, sexual harassment of human life, acquiring of weapons/arms, reduction in quality of social relationship, reduction of social support and high cases of rape while the economic effect of the menace of Fulani herdsmen are reduction in output and income of farmers/nomads, loss of produce in storage, displacement of farmers, scarcity of agricultural products, loss of house and properties and infrastructural damages. The findings also revealed that farmers and Fulani perception of the causes of Fulani herdsmen and farmers clashes in Nigeria are not different while farmers and Fulani perception of the social effects and economic effects of Fulani herdsmen and farmers clashes in Nigeria are different. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that representatives of the host communities and Fulani herdsmen should be conveyed under a public forum and involved in the decision making and permitted to take part actively in the planning procedure of restoring peace to most of the affected communities.
What are the Adequate Pedagogical Approaches for Teaching Scientific Disciplines? Physics as a Case Study
Authors: Chekour Mohammed , Laafou Mohamed , Janati-Idrissi Rachid
Published: May 2018

Different teaching approaches have revealed that teaching is a complex process, a profession that must adapt to the specific needs of the learners, the nature of the subject taught and the general context of the training. However, the act of learning is a common activity. In the educational sciences there is no one-sided approach to the didactics of physical sciences. Therefore, teachers of the physical sciences are invited to choose the appropriate pedagogical approaches based on the performance and limitations of each approach. In this article, we will review the literature of the main pedagogical approaches used to facilitate the acquisition of physical phenomena. On the basis of this study, we will highlight the added value of the combination of a relatively recent approach, based on historical investigation and simulation of physical phenomena.
Comparison of intraocular pressure measurement with Schiotz tonometer and Tono-Pen Vet tonometer in healthy dogs
Authors: Wrześniewska Karolina , Madany Jacek , Winiarczyk Dagmara
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) in dogs has high diagnostic value because of the possibility of detecting ocular and systemic diseases. Various types of tonometers are available for this measurement in small animal practice. The aim of the study was to compare the IOP values measured with Schiotz and Tono-Pen Vet tonometers in healthy dogs. Clinical diagnostic usefulness of both models was also evaluated.

Material and Methods

The examination was performed in 62 eyes in 31 clinically healthy dogs of different races, gender, and ages.

Results

The values for intraocular pressure obtained with Schiotz tonometer were in the range of 12 to 24 mmHg, with the mean of 16.3 ± 2.1 mmHg. The intraocular pressure measured with Tono-Pen Vet tonometer was in the range of 11–25 mmHg, with a mean of 18.1 ± 3.8 mmHg. The mean results of measurements taken using the two tonometers differed statistically significantly, the difference being 1.79 mmHg and the higher values being read from the Tono-Pen Vet tonometer.

Conclusion

Correlation coefficients calculated for the results obtained in the right and left eyes using two tonometers indicated highly correlative relationships between the results. The study shows that both tonometers can be advantageously used in clinical practice to measure intraocular pressure in dogs.
Hazardous radioactivity levels and heavy mineral concentrations in beach sediments of Lake Peipsi, northeastern Estonia
Authors: Järvelill Johanna-Iisebel , Koch Rein , Raukas Anto , Vaasma Tiit
Published: May 2018

The present study discusses results of heavy mineral analyses and radioactivity of beach sediments of Lake Peipsi. Such analyses are commonly done globally, but had not yet been conducted for the fourth largest lake in Europe. The average heavy mineral content in Lake Peipsi beach sediments along the northern and western coast is higher than usual for Estonian coastal and Quaternary sediments. Concomitantly, elevated radioactivity levels have been measured in several places, with the highest concentrations observed at Alajõe (1885.5 Bq/kg), which is over five times more than the recommended limit. The aim of the present study is to find sites with higher radioactivity levels, because the northern coast of Lake Peipsi is a well-known recreational area.
Effects of environmental and anthropogenic determinants on changes in groundwater levels in selected peat bogs of Slowinski National Park, northern Poland
Authors: Chlost Izabela , Cieśliński Roman
Published: May 2018

The present study focuses on two Baltic-type peat bogs in Slowinski National Park, namely that at Żarnowskie and at Kluki, located in the Lake Łebsko catchment and both characterised by a centrally located dome with a very marshy fringe area featuring an emerging marshy coniferous forest (Vaccinio uliginosi-Pinetum). The Żarnowskie bog is under active protection. A total of 24 flow barriers were installed in drainage ditches during the years 2006 and 2007. The purpose of these barriers was to put a halt to water outflow. In addition, 30 hectares of young pine forest were cleared in order to decrease loss of water via evapotranspiration.

Kluki peat bog is only partially protected by Polish law. The lack of efforts to prevent outflow via the canal is due to the fact that the canal is utilised to drain meadows in the vicinity of the village of Łokciowe outside of the national park. Peat formation no longer occurs in this peat bog. The hydrological condition of the bog is catastrophic as a result of its main canal, referred to as Canal C9, which is 2.5 to 3.0 m deep and 10 m wide in places.

Both peat bogs are monitored for fluctuations in groundwater. Research has shown that changes in water levels fluctuate based on season of the year and geographical location, which is illustrated quite well using the two studied peat bogs.

The water retention rate of the Żarnowskie peat bog may be considered fairly high and is likely to improve due to protective measures enabled by Polish environmental laws. The water retention rate of the bog is consistently improving thanks to these measures, fluctuations in water level are small and the water level does not drop under 0.5 m below ground level even under extreme hydrometeorological conditions. This yields optimum conditions for renewed peat formation in this area. One potential threat is the Krakulice peat extraction facility, which is located in the southern part of the bog close to the boundary with the national park.
Coniacian sandstones from the North Sudetic Synclinorium revisited: palaeoenvironmental and palaeogeographical reconstructions based on trace fossil analysis and associated body fossils
Authors: Chrząstek Alina , Wypych Monika
Published: May 2018

The Coniacian quartz sandstones (Żerkowice Member, Rakowice Wielkie Formation) that crop out at quarries near Czaple-Nowa Wieś Grodziska (North Sudetic Synclinorium) contain a low-diversity assemblage of trace fossils:Gyrochorteisp.,Ophiomorpha nodosaLundgren, 1891,Ophiomorphaisp.,Phycodescf.curvipalmatum(Pollard, 1981), ?Phycodesisp.,Planolitescf.beverleyensis(Billings, 1862),Thalassinoides paradoxicusWoodward, 1830 and ?Thalassinoidesisp. Moreover, interesting compound burrow systems, here referred to asThalassinoides-Phycodescf.palmatusand ?Thalassinoides-Phycodes, were recognised at the Czaple Quarry. Additionally, ?Gyrochorteisp.,Phycodescf.flabellum(Miller and Dyer, 1878) and ?Treptichnusisp. were encountered at correlative levels in the Rakowice Małe Quarry. Some of these ichnotaxa have not been recorded previously from Coniacian sandstones of the Żerkowice Member. Additionally, in slabs of these sandstones, the gastropodNerinea bicinctaBronn, 1836 and the bivalveLima haidingeriZittel, 1866 were found. These interesting finds, in particular the gastropods, were already noted from the study area in the first half of the twentieth century by Scupin (1912–1913). Ethologically, the trace fossil assemblage is represented by domichnia or domichnia/fodinichnia (Ophiomorpha,Thalassinoides), fodinichnia (Phycodes) and pascichnia (Gyrochorte,Planolites). The compound burrow systems (Thalassinoides-Phycodes) are interpreted as dwelling/feeding structures. The possible tracemakers are crustaceans (Ophiomorpha,Thalassinoides) or worm-like animals (annelids and other) (Planolites, ?Phycodes,Gyrochorteand ?Treptichnus). The assemblage of trace fossils is characteristic of theSkolithosichnofacies andCruzianaichnofacies, typical of shallow-marine settings. Ichnological studies, as well as the presence of accompanying fossils (bivalves, gastropods), confirm the palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of the Żerkowice Member sandstones by Leszczyński (2010). That author interpreted the Coniacian sandstones as bar and storm deposits laid down in a shallow epicontinental sea (mainly the foreshore-upper shoreface; up to the middle shoreface) under normal oxygenation and salinity, in soft substrate, above fair-weather wave base. The deposition of the Żerkowice Member sandstones is linked to a regression that started after uplift of the southeastern part of the North Sudetic Synclinorium.
Characteristics of the Ahmadabad hematite/barite deposit, Iran – studies of mineralogy, geochemistry and fluid inclusions
Authors: Babaei Amir Haji , Ganji Alireza
Published: May 2018

The Ahmadabad hematite/barite deposit is located to the northeast of the city of Semnan, Iran. Geostructurally, this deposit lies between the Alborz and the Central Iran zones in the Semnan Subzone. Hematite-barite mineralisation occurs in the form of a vein along a local fault within Eocene volcanic host rocks. The Ahmadabad deposit has a simple mineralogy, of which hematite and barite are the main constituents, followed by pyrite and Fe-oxyhydroxides such as limonite and goethite. Based on textural relationships between the above-mentioned principal minerals, it could be deduced that there are three hydrothermal mineralisation stages in which pyrite, hematite and barite with primary open space filling textures formed under different hydrothermal conditions. Subsequently, in the supergene stage, goethite and limonite minerals with secondary replacement textures formed under oxidation surficial conditions. Microthermometric studies on barite samples show that homogenisation temperatures (TH) for primary fluid inclusions range from 142 to 256°C with a temperature peak between 200 and 220°C. Salinities vary from 3.62 to 16.70 NaCl wt% with two different peaks, including one of 6 to 8 NaCl wt% and another of 12 to 14 NaCl wt%. This indicates that two different hydrothermal waters, including basinal and sea waters, could have been involved in barite mineralisation. The geochemistry of the major and trace elements in the samples studied indicate a hydrothermal origin for hematite and barite mineralisation. Moreover, the Fe/Mn ratio (>10) and plots of hematite samples of Ahmadabad ores on Al-Fe-Mn, Fe-Mn-(Ni+Co+ Cu)×10, Fe-Mn-SiX2 and MnO/TiO2 – Fe2O3/TiO2 diagrams indicate that hematite mineralisation in the Ahmadabad deposit occurred under hydrothermal conditions. Furthermore, Ba and Sr enrichment, along with Pb, Zn, Hg, Cu and Sb depletion, in the barite samples of Ahmadabad ores are indicative of a low temperature hydrothermal origin for the deposit. A comparison of the ratios of LaN/YbN, CeN/YbN, TbN/LaN, SmN/NdN and parameters of Ce/Ce* and La/La* anomalies of the hematite, barite, host volcanic rocks and quartz latite samples to each other elucidate two important points: 1) the barite could have originated from volcanic host rocks, 2) the hematite could have originated from a quartz latite lithological unit. The chondrite normalised REE patterns of samples of hematite barite, volcanic host rocks and quartz latite imply that two different hydrothermal fluids could be proposed for hematite and barite mineralisation. The comparison between chondrite normalised REE patterns of Ahmadabad barite with oceanic origin barite and low temperature hydrothermal barite shows close similarities to the low temperature hydrothermal barite deposits.
Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric investigation of n-alkanes and carboxylic acids in bottom sediments of the northern Caspian Sea
Authors: Kenzhegaliev Akimgali , Zhumagaliev Sagat , Kenzhegalieva Dina , Orazbayev Batyr
Published: May 2018

Prior to the start of experimental oil production in the Kashagan field (northern part of the Caspian Sea), n-alkanes and carboxylic acids contained in samples obtained from bottom sediments in the area of artificial island “D” were investigated by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Concentrations of 10 n-alkanes (composed of C10-C13, C15-C20) and 11 carboxylic acids (composed of C6-C12, C14-C16) were identified and measured. Concentrations of individual alkanes and carboxylic acids in bottom sediments of the various samples varied between 0.001 ÷ 0.88 μg/g and 0.001 ÷ 1.94 μg/g, respectively. Mass spectra, in particular the M+ molecular ion peak and the most intense peaks of fragment ions, are given. The present study illustrates the stability of molecular ions to electronic ionisation and the main fragment ions to the total ion current and shows that the initial fragmentation of alkanes implies radical cleavage of C2H5 rather than CH3. All aliphatic monocarboxylic acids studied were characterised by McLafferty rearrangement leading to the formation of F4 cation-radical with m/z 60 and F3 cation-radical with m/z 88 in the case of ethylhexanoic acid. The formation of oxonium ions presents another important aspect of acid fragmentation. Using mass numbers of oxonium ions and rearrangement ions allows determination of the substitution character in α- and β- C atoms. The essence of our approach is to estimate the infiltration of hydrocarbon fluids from the enclosing formation into sea water, comprising an analysis of derivatives of organic compounds in bottom sediments. Thus, concentrations of derived organic molecules can serve as a basis for estimates of the depth at which hydrocarbon fluids leak, i.e., to serve as an auxiliary technique in the search for hydrocarbon deposits and to repair well leaks.
Did plate tectonics control the generic diversity of Jurassic brachiopods? One point of view
Authors: Ruban Dmitry A.
Published: May 2018

Possible plate tectonic controls on faunal diversity dynamics have been discussed in the geological literature for around 50 years. The new model of plate tectonic processes is here linked to Jurassic generic diversity (simple α-diversity) of brachiopods. This comparison offers three observations, four hypotheses and three unresolved issues. Most importantly, changes in the global plate root mean square speed coincided with brachiopod diversity dynamics, which can be explained hypothetically by either environmental disturbance triggered by more active plate motion or activity of any process (such as eustasy) tied to plate tectonic mechanisms and with an impact on marine benthic communities. It is also established that global generic diversity dynamics of brachiopods during the Jurassic coincided with the regional picture as established for the Northern Caucasus and the Swiss Jura Alps; this coincidence is difficult to explain with regard to plate tectonics. These and other speculative considerations do not clarify the role of the plate tectonic factor in Jurassic generic diversity dynamics of brachiopods, and, thus, they indicate important issues for further research.
A Mathematical and Conceptual Model Regarding Social Inclusion and Social Leverage
Authors: Reyes Giovanni E. , Govers Mark , Ruwaard Dirk
Published: May 2018

This article discusses a comprehensive conceptual mathematical model to specify main theoretical concepts and their relationships, regarding social inclusion and social leverage. The particular elements of the model are related to: (i) key aspects of theoretical principles; (ii) major links among principal aspects; and (iii) interrelations regarding social and economic issues within any particular society. One of the principal aims of this research is going beyond the strictly economic elements, to complement a more holistic perspective with social aspects and public policy. This study is part of a broader research project that studies social investment in Latin America, particularly focused in the health sector. More specifically, this study will identify relationships between variables and indicators of social inclusion and social leverage, as basis for carrying out empirical studies on investments that Latin American countries make in health services. The model presented here allows the identification of elements of differentiated public policy, the role of public services aimed to assist especially the most vulnerable social sectors and the support of such services in relation to a country's competitiveness, social well-being and sustainable basis of human development.
Generation Y: Investigation of Their Role in the Contemporary Life Conditions and Job Market
Authors: Argiro Adamou , Danai-Eleni Katsarou , Stefanos Koffas , George Aspridis , Dimitrios Tsiotas , Labros Sdrolias
Published: May 2018

Human evolution in connection with contemporary globalization has created a new Generation: Generation Y. It consists of young people with specific qualitative characteristics and abilities, as well as a broad-minded and extrovert approach to their lives. Nevertheless, they were unlucky enough to be born and grow up in a period of intense economic crises and social upheaval. As a result they face, especially now, the spectrum of the total breakdown of job prospects and established labour rights; consequently they resort to the less frustrating reflection, that of obligatory migration. In order to better understand this Generation it was deemed necessary to develop and send a questionnaire to young people in Greece and abroad. The use and analysis of the research provides the opportunity to form a complete picture of the extent and manner in which the economic and social uncertainty influenced the development of their character, the differences in their mentality, as well as their true opinion of their own generation. The results are assessed to be very useful for understanding them and their role in the prevalent life conditions and especially the job market.
The Eco-space and Female Agency in Bole Butake’s Lake God
Authors: Nkongmenec Vivian Ntemgwa
Published: May 2018

The ever-increasing environmental crises and the subsequent decay of the earth is a veritable call for concern which has stimulated man’s consciousness vis-à-vis his own very existence and his natural surroundings. There is therefore, the need for continuous resistance against the socio-cultural, political and economic manoeuvres that place man and his environment at extreme ends. This paper, therefore, focuses on the study of Bole Butake’s play: Lake God. It adopts both the eco-critical and eco-feminist approaches and hypothesizes that Butake’s depiction of a panoply of issues that centre around the female body and the land foreshadow a quest to overcome ecological and female oppression in order to render the land a more fertile ground for sustainable development and female empowerment. The paper contends that Butake’s play resonates a feminist self-consciousness which is suggestive of the need to seek alternative means of combating land exploitation in order to sustain a symbiotic relationship between man and his eco-space. In reading Butake’s work from an eco-feminist perspective, this paper intends to show that the characters he creates and the milieu in which they are positioned place the woman in a precarious state. Drawing therefore, from the global tenets of eco-feminism which posit that the woman and nature are related based on their history of domination and exploitation, this paper intends to revisit the eco-space and female agency in Butake’s work to postulate that the woman has the power to preserve the land and to create a healthy and conducive atmosphere. The paper, thus, exemplifies the author’s admiration for one’s native land which must be treasured and protected.
Practical and Theoretical Limitations of Inclusion of Gender Mainstreaming Strategy in Development Activities of Agencies
Authors: Monday Aliu
Published: May 2018

The paper examines some practical and theoretical constraints accompanying the inclusion of gender mainstreaming as a gendered strategy of equality in development by agencies. The paper employs the documentary method of research with reliance on the secondary sources of data collection. The thrust of the paper is that as a transformative strategy, gender mainstreaming transcends focus on women concerns only and embraces women and men equality matters. The incorporation of the concerns and experiences of both women and men into policy-making, planning and decision-making of organisations and governments as envisaged with the gender mainstreaming strategy holds the potential for huge success for development and society. Yet, the paper argues that the implementation of gender mainstreaming by agencies largely seems to lack proper coordination due to conceptual, institutional, operational, and political problems, making it difficult for the strategy to achieve the expected outcome. The paper recommends that reaching a consensus on the concept of mainstreaming and its approaches among stakeholders and a radical reorganisation of the institutional and political structures of organisations are central to achieving the gender equality goal of mainstreaming.
The Ontology of Social Reality from Critical Realism’s Perspective; Focusing on the Ideas of Margaret Archer and Andrew Sayer
Authors: Banifatemeh Hossein , Shields Rob , Golabi Fatemeh , Ghoreishi Fardin , Bayani Farhad
Published: May 2018

This essay seeks to present the ontological perspectives of Margaret Archer and Andrew Sayer on social reality. Archer and Sayer represent two key sociologists who have taken advantage of philosophical school of critical realism for explaning the social world. Methodology is based on descriptive-analytical method. Archer introduces two notions of morphogenesis (dynamic aspect of society) and morphostasis (stability and continuation of society) and offers a new type of theoretical conflation relying on morphogenesis. Accordingly, she propounds some differences between culture, structure and action and this distinguishes her efforts from the ideas of other conflationary theoreticians, especially Anthony Giddens. Besides paying attention to the existing complexities in the nature of social reality, Sayer struggles to introduce a specific model with which one can come up with a new formulation of the process of knowledge of social reality. Sayer believes that his model provides a clearer ontology of social realities. Sayer’s thought is based on the dialectical relation between the researcher (subject), research topic (object) and other researchers who work in a common linguistic community and this dialectic is among the mechanisms that give rise to the complexities of the social world.
The Sustainable Leadership for Vocational Schools in Thailand: A Structural Equation Model
Authors: Silalaiy Khukrit , Ratanaolarn Thanin , Thaveesuk Malai
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this research was to study the leaders’ characteristics, situation management, behaviors and roles affecting sustainable leadership development and examine the compatibility of the structural equation model regarding sustainable leadership for vocational education administrators, as developed from the empirical evidence and determined influence of each factor. The quantitative research utilized questionnaires, given to a sample of 404 vocational education principals and vice-principals, derived using a multistage sampling method from 413 vocational public schools in Thailand. To test the confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation model were conducted. This research findings suggest that the structural equation models for sustainable leadership development of vocational education administrators were in accordance with the empirical data. The leaders' characteristics factors had the weight of the maximum gross effects towards the sustainable leadership development. This study suggest that the sustainable leadership development for vocational education administrators can be carried out by developing leaders’ characteristics.
The Perspective of Demographic Variables on Dynamic Capabilities in the Context Indonesian Traditional Market Trader
Authors: Najib Moh Farid
Published: May 2018

This study motivated by the need to understand the determinants of dynamic capabilities in the traditional market traders in the context of the Indonesian traditional market. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship of demographic variables such as gender, level of education and experience with the dynamic capabilities of traditional market traders. A survey has a to 400 traders of traditional markets in 16 traditional markets around Bandung, Indonesia. One-way ANOVA is used to test different groups, and previously the reliability and homogeneity of variance. The result of this research that there is no difference of demography (gender, level of education and experience) on the dynamic capabilities of traditional market traders in Bandung. The same is true for each dimension, they are; sensitivity capability, absorption capability, integration capability and innovation capability. Nevertheless, there are several dimensions with different capabilities seen from a gender for absorptive the and innovation capabilities, and experience for sensitivity capabilities.
Gender Diversity: An Analysis of Belize Banks
Authors: Duncan Philippa S.
Published: May 2018

This study aims to increase insights into the underrepresentation of women at the top echelon of banks and reveal new challenges for women to attain bank leadership positions. Content analysis was applied to information collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with primarily male senior leaders from banks in Belize, and the interview data was triangulated with data from relevant documents and Belize banks’ succession plans to demonstrate consistency. Participants unanimously indicated that banking skills are not gender specific, women bankers possess talent and knowledge to satisfy senior appointments, and differences in employee performance occur at the individual-level and not genderlevel. Other findings show new challenges for aspiring female bank leaders, namely, competing in a pool expanded to include foreign men and demonstrating business development with male customers can occur professionally outside normal banking hours. The setting reflects Belize’s banking sector. Awareness of non-traditional challenges can assist women with self-preparation and influence greater transparency in banks’ succession plans and selection of leaders. This was the first such study on Belize banks; it raised awareness and could influence more deliberate decision-making on achieving gender equity in the sector’s leadership. The study confirmed traditional elements of the glass ceiling and underscored challenges of overcoming Belize banks’ mores.
System Thinking, Evaluations and Learning – Experience from Road Construction Megaproject in Algeria
Authors: Zidane Youcef J-T. , Elvenes Bjørn Otto , Samset Knut F. , Hussein Bassam A.
Published: May 2018

Ex-post evaluation is starting to be recognized in the Algerian different government institutions (e.g., ministries); and evaluation is becoming part of any program or project for two main reasons, justify the legitimacy of the programs and projects, and collect lessons learned for the next similar programs and projects. On the other hand, academicians believe that programs and projects can be improved by conducting proper evaluations and extracting lessons learned. Program/Project evaluation is comprehensive evaluation, which mainly applies to ex-post evaluation. This paper will look closer at an ex-post evaluation of an Algerian highway megaproject based on PESTOL model, this evaluation is already conducted in the period of 2014 – 2016. Considering ex-post evaluation of projects has many purposes and among them is linked to learning and knowledge sharing and transfer. In this regard, the paper describes very briefly the approach used to the post project evaluation. In addition, link it to learning and to other types of evaluations – i.e., ex-ante, monitoring, midterm, terminal evaluations, and using system-thinking approach, and proposes a framework for learning in projects by evaluations. This paper is based on qualitative case study approach.
Relationship between Self-Esteem and Indulgence in Behavior Problems among Secondary School Students in Kenya
Authors: Aomo John Agwaya , Aloka Peter J.O. , Raburu Pamela A. , Ogolla Peter O.
Published: May 2018

The study investigated the relationship between students’ self-esteem and indulgence in behavior problems in Kenya. The Theory of Planned Behaviour by Ajzen, and Person Centered Theory by Carl Rogers were employed to guide the study. A concurrent triangulation design was adopted. The Self- Esteem Scale and indulgence in behavioral problems questionnaire were used to collect data for the study. Interview schedule were used to collect data from the students. A sample size of 378 was students drawn from girls, mixed and boys’ schools where boys to be used in the study will be 60% which is (270), and girls 40 % (155). Quantitative data was analyzed by using inferential statistics such as Pearson product moment correlation coefficient while qualitative data was analyzed by using the thematic framework. The findings indicated a plausible negative (r = -.564) correlation between students’ self-esteem and his/her indulgence in behaviour problems. Thus students with high level of self-esteem were associated with low level of indulgence in behaviour problems. The study recommended that, the parents also should identify the best parenting practices that promote students’ self-esteem so that at school level they will be fully adjusted to following learning instructions other than involving in behaviour problems.
An Islamic Model of Conflict Management and Conflict Resolution: Lahad Datu in Sabah as a Case Study
Authors: Malik Ahmed Abdul , Mahyuddin Muhammad Khairi Bin , Abdisamad Najib Sheikh , Ibrahim Mikail
Published: May 2018

Conflict is an inevitable part of human life. In any situation involving more than one person, conflict can arise. The causes of conflict range from philosophical differences and divergent goals, to power imbalances. When conflict arises, it is easy for people to be stubborn and remain entrenched in their positions and for tempers to flare, voices to rise and body language to become defensive or aggressive. Conflict is an unexpected inconvenience. This can be proved by the Lahad Datu Sabah conflict which occurred in 2013, where armed men landed in Lahad Datu to enforce an ancestral land claim. During the conflict, 12 security police were killed and some of them were mutilated. A week-long impasse in a coastal village ended in bloodshed, as a Malaysian ground assault gave way to air strikes. The aims of this research is to analyze the issues of Lahad Datu, to examine the strategies that can be used to promote peace and stability and to introduce an Islamic model of conflict resolution. A self-constructed survey instrument was distributed to 236 residents of Lahad Datu, who voluntarily participated in the study. The results indicated that a level of awareness and a resolution of conflict effects peoples’ reaction towards a government’s response to invaders, their perceptions about the causes of the conflict and their stance during a conflict. Furthermore, the study found that gender, religion, education, occupation and marital status had no effect on the dependent variables. Finally, the findings of the research disclosed that an Islamic model of conflict resolution can be used to resolve the conflict of Lahad Datu or similar social conflicts.
Millenial Consumer Syndrome in a Developing Nation: Exploring the Attitude of Nigerians to Locally Made Goods
Authors: Vincent-Osaghae Gloria , Ugiagbe Ernest Osas
Published: May 2018

Today the Nigerian consumer seems to be undergoing a shift in terms of personality, buying motives, interest, attitudes, beliefs, and values when he or she opts for imported rather than locally made goods. This study empirically explores the attitude of Nigerians towards locally made goods in Benin Metropolis, Edo State, Nigeria. The study adopted the survey research design and both quantitative and qualitative sources of data collection were employed. A total of 420 questionnaires were administered to the research participants using the stratified random sampling method but 400 questionnaires were eventually used for analysis because 20 questionnaires were rejected for mutilations. The data collected were analyzed with aid of inferential statistics and variables were cross-tabulated. The findings revealed that the effects of band wagon, peer influence and the belief that foreign goods are superior in quality to locally manufactured goods because of their high level of durability make Nigerians to crave for foreign goods. This has far reaching socio-economic impact on the quest to bring about sustainable development in Nigeria. Recommendations on how to remedy the situation were made in order to positively influence Nigerians ‘attitude to locally made goods.
Value Addition Policy in Nigeria’s Export Processing Zones: Lessons from the Asian Economies
Authors: Harry Deinibiteim Monimah
Published: May 2018

The study examined the value addition in the Nigeria’s export processing zones, comparing it with the experiences from Asian economies. Upon the recommendation of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Nigeria adopted the EPZ scheme via Decree No 63 of 1992 to accelerate industrialization through increasing manufacturing for exports, among others. The Calabar Free Trade Zone was established as the pioneer zone in the country. The objective of this research work is to determine the extent of Value Addition at the zones in Nigeria. As at 2008, 25 zones have registered with NEPZA, the regulatory authority in the country. Out of the 25 registered zones, 11are operational, 9 under construction and 5 merely declared. Four (4) zones, namely, Calabar, Oil and Gas and Snake Island Integrated Free Trade Zones and Alscon Export Processing zone, were systematically selected from the 11 operational zones for the study. Two hundred and ninety copies of questionnaire were administered on 290 respondents drawn from 54 firms and 4 zonal management boards. Out of the 290 copies of questionnaire 242 copies were properly filled and returned. The 242 copies of questionnaire returned served as the primary source of data, while textbooks, journals, fasimiles, etc served as the secondary sources of data. The paper argued that for EPZs to help in the industrialization of a nation value addition and production segmentation must be made central to the manufacturing/ production processes; because the higher the level of value addition the greater the impact/contribution of EPZs to socio-economic development. The study revealed that the level of value addition in the Nigerian zones is very low, only labour element of value addition is visible, technology and material elements were absent. Hence, the paper recommends that value addition should be made compulsory in the production processes at the zones and emphasis should be on the technology and material elements. This, it is believed would enhance backward linkages with the domestic economy.