bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La flèche du temps. Une lecture médiologique du voyage dans le temps
Authors: Ceccherelli Alessio
Published: April 2022

Résumé  : Cet article propose une lecture médiologique du thème du voyage dans le temps, en prenant comme point de départ le roman de H.G. Wells The Time Machine , puis en analysant l’évolution − au cours des XX e et XXI e  siècles − des nombreux récits portant sur ce thème. On identifie au moins trois hypothèses médiologiques essentielles : la relation étroite entre la perception du temps et le médium du cinéma (le second influençant et peut-être même déterminant le premier) ; la relation entre certains médias et certains types de voyages dans le temps vue dans leurs influences réciproques ; une réflexion autour des raisons pour lesquelles le thème est encore si présent dans l’imaginaire d’aujourd’hui ainsi que du rapport existant entre la difficulté d’imaginer le futur (la plupart des voyages dans le temps se déroulent dans le passé) et de percevoir la société.
Family of extended mean mixtures of multivariate normal distributions: Properties, inference and applications
Authors: Zhou Guangshuai , Yin Chuancun
Published: April 2022

A new class of skewed distributions, with a matrix skewness parameter, called extended mean mixtures of multivariate normal (EMMN) distributions, is constructed. The family of EMMN distributions includes the SN and MMN distributions as special cases. Some basic properties of this family, such as characteristic function, moment generating function, affine transformation and canonical forms of the distributions are derived. An EM-type algorithm is developed to carry out the maximum likelihood estimation of the parameters. Two special cases of this family are studied in detail. A simulation is carried out to examine the performance of the estimation method, and the flexibility is illustrated by fitting a special case of this family to a real data. Finally, the theoretical formula of the multivariate tail conditional expectation of the EMMN distribution is derived.
Gorgociles del Escabezado II (Jumilla, Murcia). Aportaciones al uso del espacio y a la arquitectura de la Edad del Bronce del sudeste de la península ibérica
Authors: Pastor Quiles María , Jover Maestre Francisco Javier , Hernández Carrión Emiliano , Basso Rial Ricardo E. , López Padilla Juan Antonio
Published: April 2022

Gorgociles del Escabezado II es un pequeño enclave cerrado por un gran muro perimetral de tendencia circular-ovalada, habitado durante un breve periodo de tiempo una vez iniciado el II milenio BC. Su estudio permite profundizar en su desarrollo arquitectónico y formas constructivas, realizadas con mampostería y amasado de barro, así como en la organización social y características del poblamiento del altiplano murciano en la Edad del Bronce. Su singular planta combina muros de tendencia recta y curva, situándonos entre rasgos arquitectónicos característicos del Calcolítico y de la Edad del Bronce. Se han podido reconocer distintas estructuras para el equipamiento interno de las estancias, incluyendo un posible troje, con una completa documentación de su materialidad en relación con sus espacios. Ello supone una aportación fundamental al conocimiento de las comunidades humanas que habitaron dicho territorio, así como a la investigación de los grupos arqueológicos del sudeste de la península ibérica en estas cronologías.
College Students' Learning Decision-Making Based on Group Learning Behavior
Authors: Li Lin , Chen Dongfang , Li Tao
Published: April 2022

In learning groups, individuals have a few similarities in terms of the regularity of learning time, requirement for learning resources, and requirement for tutoring and accompanying. Analyzing the differences and connections of the learning behavior of different groups is helpful for generating more effective, targeted, and comprehensive learning decisions, however, existing studies are not extensive or deep enough in analyzing the learning behavior of different type learning groups. For this reason, this paper attempts to explore a learning decision-making model based on the influence of group learning behavior. At first, this paper made use of the advantages of Q-learning to improve the conventional behavior tree model, constructed a new model and used it to research the group learning behavior; then, this paper combined decision-making idea with the game model, and adopted a complex network structure to explore the evolution law of group learning decision-making based on multiple games. At last, this paper used experimental results to prove the effectiveness of the constructed model.
Prediction and Management of the Quality of Classified Student Training Based on an Improved Neural Network
Authors: Wang Jiwei , Zhao Zhongwei
Published: April 2022

Personalized teaching and classified training promote each student to develop in the most suitable direction. The studies on classified student training (CST) mainly target the objects of CST, which refers to the classified training of underachievers and achievers, or the classified training of different groups of high-quality talents like doctoral students and master candidates. However, there are few research results on the implementation or quality forecast of CST. To fill up the gap, this paper explores the prediction and management of the CST quality based on an improved neural network. Firstly, a cognitive diagnosis model for CST was established to realize targeted group learning. Thereafter, an evaluation index system (EIS) was constructed for student learning quality. Next, a prediction model was built based on improved backpropagation neural network (BPNN), and the particle swarm optimization (PSO) was called to optimize the weights and thresholds of the neural network. The effectiveness of our model was proved through experiments. The relevant findings provide impetus to the timely update of CST.
An Evaluation Model of Online Autonomous English Learning Efficiency Using an Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Zhao Jiangyong , Li Yanwei , Feng Wei
Published: April 2022

Traditional classroom teaching model is constantly impacted by online education model. To enhance the online English learning efficiency of college students, one of the primary paths is to cultivate their autonomous learning ability. However, the existing research is limited to quantitative research. Therefore, this paper devises an evaluation model of online autonomous English learning efficiency based on artificial neural network. Firstly, the students participating in online English learning were classified, the evaluation indices of online autonomous English learning efficiency were determined and weighed, and the classification method was introduced for the evaluation results. Next, the improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) was adopted to optimize the traditional backpropagation neural network (BPNN). The improved BPNN was employed to evaluate the online autonomous English learning efficiency. The superiority of the improved model was demonstrated through experiments.
Opinions of Pre-Service Teachers Toward Positions of Visual Elements in Instructional Videos
Authors: Nonthamand Narin
Published: April 2022

This study aims to explore the opinions of pre-service teachers toward various positions of visual elements in instructional videos using a survey method. The samples were 240 undergraduate pre-service teachers at the University of Phayao. The data were collected using a questionnaire to survey pre-service teachers’ opinions on visual elements placed at different positions in instructional videos. The questionnaire’s face validity ranged from .600 to 1.000, and the overall face validity of the questionnaire was .840, while using the Alpha Cronbach test, the questionnaire’s reliability ranged from .754 to .925, with an average reliability of .878.    The findings from descriptive statistical analysis were as follows: (1) Regarding the opinions of the pre-service teachers toward different templates of instructional videos, it was found that they preferred instructional videos that contained presentation graphics and a lecturer video with a transparent background. (2) Concerning the opinions of the pre-service teachers toward specific positions of visual elements in instructional videos, it appeared that they preferred instructional videos containing presentation slides and a lecturer video with a transparent background in the bottom right corner. (3) In terms of the appropriate lengths of instructional videos, the pre-service teachers felt that the appropriate length of an instructional video for each topic was between 3-5 minutes.
Top 100 Cited Publications for The Last Thirty Years in Digital Learning and Mobile Learning
Authors: Prahani Binar Kurnia , Amiruddin Mohd Zaidi Bin , Jatmiko Budi , Suprapto Nadi , Amelia Tan
Published: April 2022

Digital learning and mobile learning are two different things but have something in common. This research aims to find trends, topics, similarities, differences, advantages, and disadvantages of digital learning and mobile learning over the last thirty years (1992 – 2021). The method used in this research is bibliometric analysis with the help of Ms-excel, VOSViewer, and Wordcloud to visualize the metadata obtained from Scopus. The findings show that the trend of digital learning continues to increase from year to year. In addition, it can explain that mobile learning is an innovative part of digital learning with almost the same differences, similarities, advantages, and disadvantages. In the future, it is hoped that further research related to digital learning will continue to develop along with technological developments.
New Hierarchical Routing Protocol Based on K-Means Clustering with Exploiting Free Time Slot for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Echoukairi Hassan , Idrissi Abdellah , Omary Fouzia
Published: April 2022

The operation time of LEACH protocol is divided into several frames. Each frame consists of a number of equal time slots where the selection of cluster heads and the re-establishment of clusters are periodic. Each member of the cluster exploits its own time slot to transmit the data, then it turns off its radio to reduce energy consumption. Here, the clusters generated are not uniformly distributed and the time slots of the dead member nodes are not allocated. We propose an improved version, which is based simultaneously on the integration of the clustering approach K-Means and the exploitation of the free time slot in favor of cluster head in the transmission phase. The results show that the proposed protocol allowed us to achieve increased throughput, improved reliability of the packet delivery ratio, low routing load and an effective reduction in energy consumption for low node density in WSNs.
Is Schema Theory Helpful in Teaching and Learning Based on Visualizing Research?
Authors: Xia Xinhong , Chen Xianglan , Zhang Jing , Lou Hongliang , Duan Yachao
Published: April 2022

Schema theory is one of the critical theories in cognitive linguistics. It has been applied to teaching and learning in recent years. With the question of how schema theory can be used and a benefit for practical application in education, this paper visualizes studies of the use of schema theory in education through the VOSviewer. Co-occurrence and bibliographic analysis provide the directions for the results of the research which will improve teaching and learning. With a close look at the research, we can see that the application of schema theory both in and after class can facilitate teaching and can also strengthen memory, reducing the degree of knowledge forgetting at the same time. This study of schema theory in education can give some suggestions for teachers and students.
Awareness towards the main ILD among primary care physicians
Authors: Silva Mariana , Fernandes Amélia , Pereira Ana Rita , Madanelo Sofia , Clemêncio Tatiana , Ferreira Pedro Gonçalo
Published: April 2022

Background: Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) comprise a group of multiple entities sharing some clinical, functional and radiological similarities. In many countries primary care setting has been devoid of pre- and post-graduate educational interventions focused on basic knowledge on ILD. This, along with usual nonspecificity of symptoms at presentation, may contribute to diagnostic delay in this disease setting.Methods: We designed a study questionnaire to assess the level of awareness on basic diagnostic and management aspects of core ILDs – idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), hypersensitivity pneumonitis, sarcoidosis, connective tissue disease related-ILD and drug-induced ILD - among primary care physicians (GPs) from five “ACeS Baixo Vouga” health centres and to perceive possible weaknesses. Differences in awareness between GPs under 45 and over 45 years-old were also assessed.Results: Globally, 69% of questions were correctly answered but only 21.9% of GPs considered to have a satisfactory self-perceived level of knowledge on ILD. Except sarcoidosis (p=0.017) and some isolated questions on other diseases, no significant differences were found between physicians below 45 years and above. Though, there was a trend to higher awareness in the younger group. The best awareness was seen in sarcoidosis. IPF questions had the worst performance and only 48.5% of GPs recognized the importance of velcro-type crackles in suggesting a possible diagnosis.Conclusion: Specific attention should be devoted to educational interventions directed to GPs on basic notions on the main ILDs. This could improve the usual diagnostic delay in many ILDs, as a timely diagnosis is essential for an early treatment and prolonged patient survival.
Scanning Electron Microscopic Comparative Analysis of Smear Layer Removal using Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid and Chitosan Activated by Ultrasonics and Diode Laser
Authors: Vineetha Chakravarthy S. , Ravi Vaiyapuri , Sampathkumar Sivakumar Jambai , Prasad Shiva Anjaneya , Soundappan Saravana Priyan , Chittrarasu M.
Published: April 2022

Context:

The inorganic component of the smear layer is traditionally removed using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA).

Aims:

This study was done to compare the ability of smear layer removal by ultrasonic activation and diode laser activation of EDTA with Chitosan – which is a novel nanoparticle-based chelating agent.

Settings and Design:

Prospective in vitro experimental study conducted in a tertiary care Dental college and hospital for 6 months.

Subjects and Methods:

Seventy-five mandibular premolars with single canal were decoronated to standardize the root length to 14 mm. Canals were prepared up to Protaper F3 and the specimens were randomly divided into three groups and two subgroups based on the irrigation protocol. Group A (Normal saline), Group B1 and B2 (ultrasonically activated–EDTA and Chitosan, respectively), Group C1 and C2 (Diode laser-activated– EDTA and Chitosan, respectively). Samples were processed for scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis. Photographs were taken in the apical, middle, and coronal thirds. Data were collected using Gutmann's scoring criteria.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test (P < 0.05).

Results:

Diode laser-activated EDTA had the highest efficacy of smear layer removal at the coronal third. In the middle and apical third, ultrasonically activated EDTA had the highest efficacy.

Conclusions:

Chitosan may be considered as an alternative to EDTA, in the removal of smear layer considering the drawbacks of EDTA.
Measurable equidecompositions for group actions with an expansion property
Authors: Grabowski Łukasz , Máthé András , Pikhurko Oleg
Published: April 2022

Given an action of a group

\Gamma

on a measure space

\Omega

, we provide a sufficient criterion under which two sets

A, B\subset \Omega

are

\textit{measurably equidecomposable}

, i.e.,

A

can be partitioned into finitely many measurable pieces which can be rearranged using some elements of

\Gamma

to form a partition of

B

. In particular, we prove that every bounded measurable subset of

\mathbb{R}^n

,

n\ge 3

, with non-empty interior is measurably equidecomposable to a ball via isometries. The analogous result also holds for some other spaces, such as the sphere or the hyperbolic space of dimension

n\ge 2

.
$A$-эргодичность операторов свертки в групповых алгебрах
Authors: Mustafaev H S , Huseynli A
Published: April 2022

Пусть $G$ - локально компактная абелева группа и $\Gamma$ - группа, двойственная ей по Понтрягину. Предположим, что $\mu$ - мера на $G$ с ограниченными степенями и $A=[ a_{n,k}]_{n,k=0}^{\infty}$ - сильно регулярная матрица. Показано, что последовательность $\{\sum_{k=0}^{\infty}a_{n,k}\mu^{k}\ast f\}_{n=0}^{\infty}$ сходится по $L^{1}$-норме для каждого $f\in L^{1}(G)$ тогда и только тогда, когда множество $\mathcal{F}_{\mu}:=\{\gamma \in \Gamma :\widehat{\mu}(\gamma) =1\} $, где $\widehat{\mu}$ - образ меры $\mu$ при преобразовании Фурье-Стилтьеса, открыто-замкнуто в $\Gamma $. Если $\mu $ - вероятностная мера, то $\mathcal{F}_{\mu}$ открыто-замкнуто в $\Gamma $ тогда и только тогда, когда замкнутая подгруппа, порожденная носителем меры $\mu $, компактна.
Noise reduction method using a variance map of the phase differences in digital holographic microscopy
Authors: Kim Hyun‐Woo , Cho Myungjin , Lee Min‐Chul
Published: April 2022

The phase reconstruction process in digital holographic microscopy involves a trade‐off between the phase error and the high‐spatial‐frequency components. In this reconstruction process, if the narrow region of the sideband is windowed in the Fourier domain, the phase error from the DC component will be reduced, but the high‐spatial‐frequency components will be lost. However, if the wide region is windowed, the 3D profile will include the high‐spatial‐frequency components, but the phase error will increase. To solve this trade‐off, we propose the high‐variance pixel averaging method, which uses the variance map of the reconstructed depth profiles of the windowed sidebands of different sizes in the Fourier domain to classify the phase error and the high‐spatial‐frequency components. Our proposed method calculates the average of the high‐variance pixels because they include the noise from the DC component. In addition, for the nonaveraged pixels, the reconstructed phase data created by the spatial frequency components of the widest window are used to include the high‐spatial‐frequency components. We explain the mathematical algorithm of our proposed method and compare it with conventional methods to verify its advantages.
Vehicle Level Validation Test Procedures for V2V Safety Communications
Authors:   C-V2X Technical Committee
Published: April 2022

This document provides vehicle-level data collection, data analysis, and data verification procedures that may be used to verify that an instrument under test (IUT) satisfies the vehicle-level requirements specified in SAE J3161/1. For the purposes of this report, “vehicle-level requirements” primarily consist of those requirements which can be verified external to the vehicle. The IUT for these procedures is a configured LTE-V2X vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) device as defined in SAE J3161/1 and is installed on a light vehicle1 or public safety vehicle2. While the IUT is conceptually separated from the vehicle it is installed on, the tests outlined in this document are primarily vehicle-level so the terms “vehicle” and “IUT” can generally be considered interchangeable. Additionally, non-vehicle-level complimentary tests, not included in this document, are required to verify that the entire set of requirements specified in SAE J3161/1 is satisfied.

This document also includes a Traceability Matrix to provide traceability between SAE J3161/1 sections and the test procedures. This can be used to ensure thoroughness of testing coverage. The traceability matrix in Section 7 correlates test procedures from this document with the sections in SAE J3161/1 being tested.

The SAE J3161/1 sections that are addressed in this document are indicated in Table 1. SAE J3161/1 major section numbers that are indicated as N/A do not contain any requirements (subsections may include requirements). Sections that are not in scope, such as standards profiles, are expected to be tested and verified as part of device-level certification, done prior to the vehicle-level testing described in this document.
LTE Vehicle-to-Everything (LTE-V2X) Deployment Profiles and Radio Parameters for Single Radio Channel Multi-Service Coexistence
Authors:   C-V2X Technical Committee
Published: April 2022

This SAE Standard describes a reference system architecture based on LTE-V2X technology defined in ETSI Release 14. It also describes cross-cutting features unique to LTE-V2X PC5 sidelink (mode 4) that can be used by current and future application standards. The audience for this document includes the developers of applications and application specifications, as well as those interested in LTE-V2X system architecture, testing, and certification.
Use of botulinum toxin type A in giant ventral postoperative hernia
Authors: Vitalievich Protasov Andrey , Yurievich Podolskiy Mikhail , Fakhry Mekhaeel Shehata , Leonidovna Kulakova Anna , Gennadievna Kulchenko Irina , Elhariri Sherreen
Published: April 2022

Postoperative ventral hernia represents one of the causes of anterior abdominal wall hernias. Repair of this hernia can be very challenging for surgeons, as they are associated with cardiovascular and respiratory complications, development of compartment syndrome, and high recurrence rates. Our case is a 48-year-old woman was operated on twice. The first time was in 2015 due to perforation of colonic diverticulitis for which abdominal exploration and Hartmann’s procedure was performed. In 2016, the reverse of Hartmann’s procedure was done. Forty days after the second operation, she noticed a small hernia in the scar area that increased rapidly. After 1 year, it became irreducible with dimensions (30X17 cm) reached the para-umbilical region without any sign of intestinal obstruction. We decided to do hernioplasty using self-gripping mesh. Six weeks before surgery, botulinum toxin type A was injected intramuscularly to induce muscle weakness and restore the normal biomechanics of the anterior abdominal wall, facilitating closure and repair. Postoperative results and follow-up after 6 months were satisfactory.
Research and training during the pandemic
Authors: Morales-Taborda Juan Camilo , Camargo-Cardenas Anamaria , Gómez-Ríos Esteban , Duarte-Valencia Edgar Julián , Lozada-Martínez Ivan David
Published: April 2022

No abstract
Sentinel lymph node biopsy using methylene blue dye and intraoperative palpation method in node-negative early breast cancer
Authors: Patil Nilesh , Das Prafulla Kumar , Panday Kalyan , Goutam Kunal , Satpathy Bharat Bhusan
Published: April 2022

Background: Early breast cancer with clinical or radiological node-negative axilla is treated with breast conservation surgery where lumpectomy with axillary dissection is done. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is an acceptable alternative to axillary clearance and has relatively lesser morbidity. SLNB methods include radioisotope (RI)-guided, blue dye-guided, or a combination of both. However, access to RI can be limited in certain geographic locations. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effectivity of methylene blue (MB) dye-guided SLNB as an alternative to RI. Methods: In this investigation, 43 clinically nodenegative early breast cancer patients were prospectively enrolled. SLNB was performed using MB dye (1%) administered to the peritumoral or periareolar region. The histopathology reports of the harvested nodes were studied, and the results were computed using SPSS and 2×2 contingency table. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, false-negative rate (FNR), and accuracy of MB-guided SLNB in our study were 92.8%, 100%, 7.14%, and 97.7%, respectively. Conclusion: The use of MB dye along with intraoperative palpation after meticulous lymph node dissection in each level is more effective and has lower FNR than RI.
Early experience with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in Nigeria
Authors: Olusoji Olugbenga Oluseyi , Ogunleye Ezekiel Olayiwola , Olugbemi Augustine Jeremai , Ojo Olugbenga Olalekan , Sanni Saheed Babatunde , Akerele Oluwaseye Francis
Published: April 2022

Background: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a minimal access surgery that can be used for various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. However, this tool is underused in our setting because of various reasons, ranging from equipment availability to expertise. Objective: This study aimed to review our early experience with VATS, highlighting the clinical attributes, outcomes, and challenges in our setting. Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients who underwent VATS between November 2015 and May 2019. Patients’ demographics, clinical presentation, diagnosis, procedural success, complications, and length of hospital stay were analyzed. Results: The study included 25 patients (mean age, 41.26±12.78 years). The most common preoperative diagnosis was right catamenial pleural effusion. The conversion rate was 20%, and the average length of hospital stay was 3.4 days. Conclusion: The scope of VATS is very narrow in our setting. Only one center in Nigeria has reported good success rate and minimal complications albeit longer hospital stay. The identified limitations to use of VATS include lack of investment in procurement of appropriate equipment and expertise, which need to be overcome.
Effect of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors in double J stent removal
Authors: Rulianov Rulianov , Santoso Jumadi , Abriansyah Aryo Teguh , Siregar Safendra
Published: April 2022

Background: Celecoxib is a selective cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) inhibitor that can reduce the inflammatory process during double J (DJ) stent removal procedure. This study aimed to determine the differences in pain levels in patients undergoing DJ stent removal under local anesthesia by oral administration of celecoxib before the procedure. Materials and methods: A total of 46 male patients who underwent removal of DJ stent under local anesthesia from December 2019 to February 2020 were included. Patients were divided into two groups according to oral administration of celecoxib 3 hours before the procedure. The visual analog scale (VAS) and side effects were compared between the two groups. Results: The mean patient age was 50.26 ±14.92 years in the group without celecoxib and 50.35 ±15.61 years in the group with celecoxib. The mean intraoperative VAS score was significantly higher in the group without celecoxib (6.87 ± 1.51) than that in the group with celecoxib (3.74 ± 1.65) (p=0.04). The VAS scores on the first day after the procedure were 2.08 ±0.79 and 1.34 ± 0.98 in the groups without and with celecoxib, respectively (p=0.53). Only 1 patient had nausea as side effect of celecoxib. Conclusion: Celecoxib can reduce pain during DJ stent removal.
Critical attributes for selecting contractors for long-term collaborative relationships
Authors: Ayegba C. , Root D.
Published: April 2022

The construction industry is increasingly embracing long-term collaborative relationships for project delivery. Since it is not all contractors that are suitable for collaboration and long-term relationships, and most clients are familiar with traditional practices of selecting contractors, there is need for an understanding on the critical attributes to consider in selecting contractors for long-term collaborative relationship contracts. The aim of this study is to determine the appropriate attributes required of contractors to successfully perform in long-term collaborative relationship contracts. The qualitative research methodology was adopted in this study, consisting of multiple case studies of organisations employing framework contracts in South Africa. Data for the study were collected via semi-structured interviews with 16 key informants of eight purposively selected organisations. The data were analysed with the aid of Nvivo 11 qualitative data analysis software utilising thematic qualitative data analysis techniques and presented using word clouds and direct quotes from key informants. The findings indicate that the critical attributes to consider when selecting contractors for long-term collaborative relationships are: team working attribute, commitment, innovativeness, and attributes relating to the behaviour and attitude of the contractors, such as openness, honesty, trust, transparency, ethical and being realistic. These critical attributes are add-ons to other general attributes (such as technical capacity, experience, and price) for contractor selection which are already sufficiently articulated in literature. The study result provides knowledge that can aid better decision making in selecting appropriate contractor for long-term collaborative relationship contracts in the construction Industry
Safety risk assessment of building construction work items in Abuja
Authors: Mamman E. J. , Mohammed D. Y. , Shittu A. A. , Adamu D. A.
Published: April 2022

Work-related injuries pose major public health and development challenges, with serious health, social, and economic consequences for workers and their employers. The study's aim is to assess the level of safety risk associated with building construction work items in Abuja. Purposive sampling technique was adopted for data collection. The mean score method was used to analyse the most hazardous work items in building construction projects, result revealed that lift installation, electrical work, roof work, and steel structure, with mean scores of 4.03, 4.00, 3.40, and 3.80, respectively were the riskiest work items. The risk prioritization number were used to analyse safety risk assessment, result revealed that the highest medium risk level was installation of electrical work, roof work, and installation of lift, with average risk scores of 11.48, 11.01, and 10.74, respectively. It was concluded that most building construction activities in Abuja are deemed to be of medium risk; nonetheless, employees are still at risk of injury and accidents on sites that are tolerable. It is recommended that all construction safety plans include an acceptable risk assessment technique, with proper risk identification and prioritization being a requirement for effective risk management and control. It is expected that stakeholder understanding of the construction sector will extend in terms of identifying work items with high or low severity or frequency of risk, hence improving construction safety.
Forceful eviction and non-inclusive gentrification: The post-occupational assessment of Maroko Area, Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Iweka A. C. O.
Published: April 2022

The option of induced eviction, dislocation or displacement of lower-income residents of decrepit inner-city neighbourhoods in order to achieve physical and socio-economic transformation oftentimes yields varied implications for the stakeholders. This study is about Maroko, a sprawling working-class settlement in highbrow area of Lagos where gentrification tactics of total eviction was deployed to exclude long-term residents from benefiting from the redevelopment initiatives. The aim was to evaluate the magnitude and impact of Maroko’s forced eviction and associated gentrification on the near-environment and community demographics. Specifically, the research focuses on a sequential evaluation of the magnitude of specific existential situations before and after the eviction. A case study of Maroko that relied on retrospective and succession principles was used to collect data from observation, interviews, archival and historical secondary sources. The analysis was mainly through comparisons of past trends before eviction and current conditions after the eviction. Data were distilled and analysed based on three thematic areas of buildings, demographics, and social-mix. A major finding indicates that though the objective of physical upgrading was achieved, the total obliteration of erstwhile residents created a non-inclusive demographic stratum that did not encourage social mixing and relationship building in the day-to-day activities.
Appraisal of the housing delivery mandate of selected government agencies in Nigeria
Authors: Oyewobi L. , Agoi O. , Medayese S. , Bilau A. , Martins V. , Jimoh R.
Published: April 2022

In spite the concerted efforts made by housing stakeholders in formulating and implementing the 2012 National Housing Policy to bridge the gap between housing demand and supply, the housing situation remains in crisis and hampering on existing policies, sustainable housing delivery with consequent socio-economic, environmental, and political implications. These challenges call for an appraisal of the 2012 National housing policy towards identifying effective mechanism for the policy’s implementation. This paper assessed the roles of the housing policy’s implementing agencies (Federal Housing Authority and Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria), identify the challenges faced by the agencies and provide strategies for effective implementation of the National housing policy in Nigeria. In conducting this study, a mixed methods approach was adopted. The study identified the roles played by the designated agencies towards ensuring effective implementation of the National housing policy to include facilitating the development and management of real estate across all states, provision of sites and services for all income groups. Some of the major challenges found to be affecting the provision of adequate housing include increasing cost of procuring land and building materials, poorly developed mortgage finance system and high interest rates on mortgages and cumbersome building plans approvals processes. Though the agencies made concerted efforts in living up to their responsibilities, the efforts are not enough as housing deficit continues to increase. It is therefore suggested that all the tiers of government should ensure the provision of adequate infrastructure and appropriate land titles for both implementing agencies and private firms, create enabling environment for private sector participation in long-term housing finance and encourage the use of indigenous and alternative building materials to reduce construction cost.
Assessment of the relationship between community services and taxpayers’ willingness to pay residential property tax in Lagos metropolis
Authors: Adepoju A. S. , Ajayi M. T. A. , Kemiki O. A.
Published: April 2022

Property tax which is considered a suitable local source of revenue is facing serious threats as a result of the present state of Nigeria community services. This study therefore assessed the condition of community services in Lagos metropolis with the view to determining taxpayers’ willingness to pay (WTP) residential property tax. Primary data was used for the study. The data were sourced through the use of questionnaire administered to the users of the residential properties that have been assessed for rating purposes in the study area. 4026, questionnaires were administered to Residential property owners. While 2181(54.17%), were returned and analysed. The community service condition index (CSI), an index number that indicates the current condition of the services measured in relation to its ideal ‘Perfect’ condition, adopted from Australian Association of Higher Education facilities officers (2010) was used to rate the community service condition in the study area. The result revealed that there is direct relationship between improvement in the condition of community services and taxpayers’ willingness to pay residential property tax. The study concludes that Lagos state government has the potential to generate the largest share of its revenue from property tax, if judiciously spend the revenue for the provision and upgrading of the existing community services in the study area. The study therefore recommends that Lagos state government should declare state of emergency in the provision of community services, this will improve rental value of residential properties in the area, thus increases taxpayers’ willingness to pay residential property tax.
Variation in land use cover and surface temperature of Kubwa, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
Authors: Abbas Y. A. , Morenikeji O. O. , Dalil M. , Ohadugha C. B. , Musa H. D.
Published: April 2022

Increasing human activity within the urban area brings massive changes in Land/Land Cover patterns and has an obvious effect of changes to urban ecosystems that make urban areas fragile. These conversions result in the appearance of numerous micro and mesoscale climates, warmer than the original climate and that of surrounding areas. This paper analyzed urban surface temperature variation on vegetal cover loss in Kubwa, FCT, Abuja. The study employed the used Landsat imageries of (1990, 2000, 2010 and 2020) to analyse land cover changes and land surface temperature. The study revealed that built-up area increase from 1990-2000 with 166% and 80% in 2010 and the year 2020 recorded an average of 23%. Bare surface decreased by -25% between (1990 -2000); further decreased from 3028.5 to 1979.6 hectares and -14% between 2010-2020. The study established that the LST value in 1990 Kubwa was 15℃ and 32.4℃ with a mean value of 23.7℃. The minimum and maximum LST of Kubwa in 2000 was 25℃ and 35℃ with mean of 30℃. The trend further continues, in the year 2010, minimum and maximum LST of 25℃ and 35℃ with a mean of 30℃ and in 2020 with a minimum and maximum LST of 25℃ and 40℃ with mean of 32.5℃. The analysis revealed that temperature variation increases between 1990, 2000, and 2010 were 0.4°C. There was 2°C in LST between the 2010 and 2020 due to urban expansion, infrastructure development, population growth and anthropogenic activities. The study recommends improvements of urban green infrastructure; and the FCT administration should embark into afforestation in order to restore the depleted vegetal land cover of the study area.
Development of a forced convection electric fish drying machine
Authors: Isinkaye J. T. , Oghenekaro J. S. , Isinkaye O. D.
Published: April 2022

A forced convection electric fish dryer was developed in this study to provide an efficient means of drying fish in urban and rural areas and serve as a substitute for the largely inefficient local means of drying fish. The machine was designed to accommodate 126 kg of fish distributed accordingly within the drying chamber. Six flat electric coils of 3 kW capacity each and a fan blower were provided to induce a saturating forced convective current within the drying chamber. The machine was evaluated at a drying temperature of 60oC with a total of 126 kg catfish, 21 kg on each tray. The result showed that percentage moisture contents of 81.8%, 72.7%, 62.7%, 54.1%, 47.7%, and 40.9 % were evaporated from the fish on the sixth to the first tray respectively in one hour. The mean percentage of moisture evaporated from all the trays was 60 %.
Assessment of the impact of participation in recreational activities on mental health of participants in Abuja
Authors: Mustapha I. O. , Muhammad A. Y. , Muhammad B. B.
Published: April 2022

This study is aimed at assessing the impact of participation in recreational activities on mental health of participants. The survey was carried out in the city of Abuja using City Park and National stadium as study areas. To achieve the objectives, the methodology used for the survey employed primary data collection through the administration of 250 copies of questionnaire using stratified and random sampling technique. With the aid of the SPSS and EXCEL packages, data was coded and analyzed using frequency tables, percentage, mean score analysis, the Pearson product moment correlation coefficient and Regression analysis. Study evidence revealed that males, particularly youths participate more in recreational activities with a higher involvement in swimming activities. However, the effects vary amongst different respondent, the level of impact ranges from 60% - 90% amongst 50% of the respondents. Statistical analysis showed 39% and 14% correlation between duration and frequency of recreational participation and impact of recreation on respondents’ mental health. While highest educational attainment and religion is significant to variation of impact, Age, gender, marital status, occupation and income showed no significance to variation of impact. The study recommends that there should be continued advocacy campaigns through collaborative efforts of the government, non-governmental organizations, faith and community-based organizations using symposia, workshops, and the radio to enlighten the public on the importance and disadvantages of recreation. The study concludes that recreation could have a positive or negative effect on mental health depending on the duration and frequency of participation as well as the religion and highest educational attainment of participants.
Determinant factors of resource conflict between farmers and herdsmen in Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: Abugu Nkechinyere Anthonia , Oliatan Odele Muyiwa , Awaisu Aliyu Haruna , Bello Yero Ahmed
Published: April 2022

The determinant factors of resource conflict between farmers and herdsmen in Benue State were analysed. Objectives were to assess the prevalence of resource conflict factors in Benue state and determine factors most responsible for the resource conflict in Benue state. Field survey of three hundred and eighty-two (382) residents was conducted using questionnaire, interview and focus group discussion. Data collected were analyzed using percentage and Factor Analysis. Results showed that factors such as drought, flood, erosion, pollution, politics, greed, proliferation of arms, religion, tribalism, expansion of farmland, increases in herds, poverty, unemployment, cattle rustling, destruction of crops by herds, population growth and urbanization are responsible for the conflict. However, further, analysis of result shows that only 1.38% of respondents posited that environmental/climatic factors, 30% economic factors, 32.78% greed/insecurity, 13.75% and 22.08% posited cultural and population factors respectively. It was concluded that human factors such as economic, greed/insecurity, cultural and population are the major drivers of the resource conflict between farmers and herdsmen than environmental factors like erosion, flood and draught. promote skill acquisition and create jobs to engage youths to boast the economy and reduce conflict.
Transboundary water governance and water conflicts in the Lake Victoria Basin: an adaptive and integrative management approach
Authors: Mwebesa Nicholas Mwebaze
Published: April 2022

Lake Victoria Basin is a transboundary natural resource shared by five East African Community countries. The Basin experiences unsustainable water resource utilization and management which creates conflicts among the users. This objective of this study was to examine the contribution of transboundary water governance systems in managing the water conflicts in the Basin. Qualitative data were collected through interviews and focused group discussions where respondents were clustered and purposively selected while quantitative data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS. Lake Victoria Basin Governance Performance Composite Index was also used to assess the effectiveness of governance systems in the Basin. The study findings revealed that: transboundary water governance systems with participation, integration, legal frameworks, collaboration, equity and adaptability, all with P < 0.05 negatively and significantly influence the causes of conflicts and water management challenges; integration (20%) and equity (19%) contribute highly to the model; and both adaptive and integrative water governance systems are less effective with a score of 34% and 35% respectively. The study concludes that the current management systems require an adaptive and integrative governance system. The study recommends harmonization of regional laws and policies governing the Basin and involvement of local communities in decision making.
Development of optimal pump schedules for improved energy efficiency in water supply systems (case of NWSC)
Authors: Kikomeko Samuel , Sempewo Jotham
Published: April 2022

The water utility in Uganda (NWSC) was under pressure from regulators, environmentalists and board members to reduce energy costs. However, achieving energy efficiency in the water distribution systems of Kampala that is characterized by variable demands and prescribed pressures would be impossible if this utility continued operating on trial and error methods. This research was undertaken in the year 2016-2017 and aimed at exploring how pump schedule optimization could enable NWSC to deal with the challenge of high energy costs and improve water utility performance. In this research, the energy consumption of existing pumps was obtained from historical data, data was diagnosed and based on the diagnostic findings, decision variables were selected and optimal pump schedules were formulated. The formulated schedules were applied to the Gabba Muyenga supply system of National Water and Sewerage Company (Uganda) as a proof of concept. The formulated pump schedules when applied on different pumps classified as models 1, 2 and 3 based on pump flow ratings and motor voltage ratings, results show that scheduling pump operations based on time of the day tariffs enabled NWSC to save about 0.373 Million kWh annually. On the other hand pump scheduling based on pressure, modulation had the potential to reduce water losses enabling NWSC to save 12 m3/hr equivalent to 0.068 million kWh per year in energy terms without compromising customer service levels and this was only for the established DMA within the case study area and not for the entire NWSC water distribution network. The data presented were obtained through field measurements, statistical analysis and hydraulic design calculations
Barriers to inclusion in the WASH sector: insights from Uganda
Authors: Kulanyi R. , Jonga M. , Vos E. , Van Soelen S.
Published: April 2022

In the WASH SDG Programme, Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) is a transversal topic in the different phases of the programme. As such, there was a GESI assessment done in 2018 during the inception phase of the programme to identify who is left behind and which barriers the socially excluded groups are often facing. From this assessment, our assumptions and expectations on barriers to inclusion were challenged by the relationships and differences we found in the field. In order to make sure “no one is left behind” it is vital to research why and how certain groups are excluded. We have to know the root causes of exclusion to reach inclusion and have to be context specific. There could be different types of barriers hindering socially excluded groups (e.g. social/cultural, economic, technical, political and technological) and these need to be well understood in order to address and remove them. WASH (Eau, ASsainissement et Hygiène) programmes need to go beyond inviting marginalised groups to participate in meetings. Attending a meeting does not naturally translate into the voices of the marginalized being heard or will not contribute to removing the barriers that hinder social inclusion. Incorporation of GESI into the WASH programme cycle can help addressing gender and inclusion differences and change these relations over time.
Znaczenie podmiotu i jego wartości
Authors: Steć Małgorzata
Published: April 2022

The Significance of the Subject and Its Value

The article presents the answer to a number of questions concerning the axiological involvement of developmental psychology. One of the aspects of the answer is pointing to the problem of specifying the subject of psychology without losing its essence. The issue of discussion with the dualistic vision of the world adopted by scientist-oriented psychology is also raised. The importance of autonomy and subjective freedom is emphasized in the context of trying to understand the human being as a reference point in developmental psychology.