bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rúbrica, un camino para evaluar objetivamente el aprendizaje en el aula virtual
Authors: Casco Casco Gregoria , Calderón Alba Deyanira
Published: January 2020

La rúbrica es un instrumento de evaluación cuya finalidad es compartir criterios o indicadores, que permitan evaluar de manera objetiva y crítica el aprendizaje adquirido por los estudiantes, las habilidades desarrolladas de acuerdo a los objetivos. Por lo tanto, este instrumento se hace necesario cuando se facilitan asignaturas de manera virtual, porque a través de ella, el estudiantado es capaz de valorar sus logros y dificultades. De la misma forma, el docente retroalimenta a partir de las debilidades encontradas con el fin de la mejora y reincorporación de sugerencias. Es por ello, que es necesario reflexionar desde el punto pedagógico y didáctico sobre las características, estructura, diseño y utilización de la rúbrica para la evaluación de los aprendizajes del estudiantado; considerando que la rúbrica permite la participación e interacción de los diferentes actores del proceso de enseñanza – aprendizaje.
Importancia de Contabilidad I en la carrera de Banca y Finanzas
Authors: Montoya Díaz Eleem Patricia
Published: January 2020

El desarrollo profesional de los estudiantes de la carrera de Banca y Finanzas son profesionales capaces de desempeñar tareas de gestión y asesoramiento financiero en el ámbito empresarial, así como de desarrollar sus habilidades en las áreas de análisis y gestión de inversiones, banca, consultoría de gestión y gestión financiera, todo ello tanto en el ámbito público como en el privado. Todo este desarrollo conlleva el estudio e interpretación de los estados financieros que se estudian en la asignatura de contabilidad. Estos tienen como objetivo dar a conocer la situación financiera de cada empresa. Los estudiantes durante el mundo laboral ponen en práctica lo adquirido en la asignatura para ayudar a los propietarios de las empresas a tomar las mejores decisiones financieras.
Plan de mercadeo una oportunidad de aprendizaje de los mercados locales en la ciudad de Estelí
Authors: Ramírez Sobalvarro Yasmina
Published: January 2020

La asignatura de Plan de mercadeo es una nueva forma de visualizar la mercadotecnia dentro de la carrera, el grupo de IV año de mercadotecnia plan 16 es el primer grupo que logra desarrollar dicha materia. La mercadotecnia es una profesión dinámica y cada día se renueva como parte de la necesidad que tiene la misma para sobrevivir dentro la esfera de los negocios. En Nicaragua se ha convertido en una de las profesiones más populares en los últimos cinco años esto se evoca por la creciente ola de nuevos comercios que nacen cada día en nuestro país. El acceso a las redes de comunicación internacional, el uso del internet entre otros son algunos los factores que inciden directa e indirectamente. Pero realmente que es un Plan de mercadeo y porque es importante que los estudiantes de la carrera de Mercadotecnia lo logren hacer o desarrollar. Siendo el marketing un proceso responsable orientado a identificar, anticipar y satisfacer las necesidades del cliente, con la finalidad de fidelizarlo, de forma que la organización pueda obtener sus objetivos estratégicos.
Experiencia del primer foro de economía del desarrollo
Authors: Solis Montoya Vania Lorena
Published: January 2020

El presente ensayo es una recopilación de la experiencia en la planificación, organización, ejecución y evaluación del primer foro de economía del desarrollo, impulsado desde el cuarto y quinto año de la carrera de economía; a partir de la vinculación de las asignaturas facultativa de carrera y economía del desarrollo, impartidas en el primer semestre 2019. Poniendo en evidencia la metodología utilizada para las etapas del foro y los principales desafíos encontrados en el camino. Así mismo, una reflexión sobre la importancia de impulsar este tipo de evento, no solo en la carrera de economía, sino en el estudiantado en general, con el objetivo de motivar y desarrollar habilidades, capacidades y competencias integrales en los estudiantes.
UNAN-Managua promoviendo el cuido de la madre tierra
Authors: Pérez Rodríguez Tamara Iveth
Published: January 2020

La Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua UNAN-Managua, está encaminando esfuerzos en torno a la formación de profesionales integrales desde y con una concepción científico-humanista del mundo, en este sentido está fomentando el cuido y protección de la madre tierra que permitan apoyar y poner en valor acciones generadas ambiente saludable acorde con la ecología, como las establecidas en los Estatutos, Políticas, Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible y la Agenda 2030. La educación universitaria en valores promoverá un mundo más justo, equitativo, igualitario y sustentable.
Ernest Wilimowski – the forgotten
Polish football star
Authors: Bohdan Tomasz
Published: January 2020

The objective of this paper is to report on Ernest Wilimowski’s extraordinary sports career, with particular emphasis
on the interwar period, when he was the biggest star of the Polish national football team. Analysis of the press
corpus was applied as the basic study technique.
Ernest Wilimowski was b orn in 1916 in Katowice, in the territory of the German Reich. In 1922, Katowice and a part
of Upper Silesia were incorporated into Poland. He won league games four times with the Ruch Wielkie Hajduki club.
He made his debut on the Polish national team as a 17-year-old. He played on it until the end of August 1939. In 22
matches, he scored 21 goals. During the Nazi occupation, he acted as a native German. On June 1, 1941, he made
his debut on the German national team. He played for the team of the Third Reich 8 times and scored 13 goals. He
felt and acted like a sports star. His modern approach to football did not match the idea of amateurism that was
mainstream in this period. For him, most important were the benefi ts that could be gained from the game of football.
Residents’ Perception towards Hosting the 2019
Southeast Asian Games: Is the Philippines as
a Developing Country Ready for Sport Tourism?
Authors: Maciejewski Reylin
Published: January 2020

Sport tourism has been identifi ed as one of the most important industries of recent years. Research about Philippine
sport tourism, however, is scarce. The aim of the present investigation was to assess residents’ perception on
the impact of hosting an international sports event on their community. A previously validated impact questionnaire
was used in this study. The respondents were 262 (Males, n=47%; Females, n=53%) residents of the diff erent
cities hosting the 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) in the Philippines. They were generally well-educated (87%),
of prime working age (68%), average earners (76%), physically active (61.3%), and watched sports (51%) using mobile
devices (59%). The results revealed that the respondents (81.3%) generally support the present SEAG. The majority
agree that the event would signal urban development (77.8%), develop positive socio-psychological benefi
ts (84%) such as civic pride but also bring about negative consequences (57.6%) such as overcrowding and traffi c
congestion. There is general ambivalence about the positive outcomes outweighing the negative ones. Among the
demographic variables, age (p=0.002), gender (p=0.004), income status (p=0.027) and media preference (p=0.018)
have signifi cant eff ects on the respondents’ support for the event. Although there is general support for hosting
the international sports event, the respondents’ general perception was marred by domestic issues related to corruption,
environmental destruction and displacement of some ethnic groups.
Health Management: Designing and Explaining the New Health Model in Schools
Authors: Sabzianpour Zohreh , Islampanah Maryam
Published: January 2020

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to explain and elaborate a model for the competence of school principals as the health leaders. In this paper, we focused on the role of school principals in managing a healthy school. Methods: The research method is a descriptive-cross sectional type combination. In the qualitative section, thematic analysis was used and in the quantitative part a confirmatory factor analysis was used. The statistical community of the qualitative section includes all valid scientific databases in the period 2000 - 2018 in the field of school health management. In the quantitative part, the statistical society includes 823 school principals of Kermanshah province. One hundred and twenty randomly participated in this research. Results: In the qualitative section for the health management, four components of physical health, mental health, happiness and physical safety, as well as eleven sub-components were validated. Consequently, the conceptual model was extracted and the researcher-made questionnaire of health management had high validity and reliability. Conclusions: According to the results of confirmatory factor analysis, the instrument has a good fit. Also, with the meaningfulness of the paths, the appropriateness of the structural model of the research was determined.
Foreign Language Anxiety
Authors: Fondo Marta ,   International Association for Business and Society
Published: January 2020

Have you ever felt nervous, inappropriate, insecure or worried when trying to communicate in a foreign language? Have you ever feared to make mistakes, being negatively judged or misunderstood when talking to foreigners? Do you know someone who has experienced those situations? If yes, please, keep on reading. All these negative feelings are common in many and diverse situations when using a foreign language. They are the result of experiencing Foreign Language Anxiety (FLA) a situational, dysphoric and debilitating anxiety coined by Horwitz, Horwitz and Cope in 1986. Nowadays, multiculturalism and multilingualism are part of our daily lives as well as communication in a foreign language and with foreigners. Hence, FLA is not a problem restricted to foreign language learning scenarios anymore. This innovative session aims to inform and raise awareness of FLA presence and effects in professional and educational contexts, beyond FL classrooms and learning settings.
Equity Sensitivity and Stakeholder Behaviour
Authors: Hayibor Sefa ,   International Association for Business and Society
Published: January 2020

Though possible influences of a stakeholder’s fairness or equity perceptions on its inclination to impose sanctions upon a firm or, conversely, to support it, have received a modicum of attention from researchers in stakeholder theory, the limited work in this area of inquiry assumes that stakeholders are homogeneous in their sensitivity to unfairness or inequity in the firm-stakeholder relationship, though research on equity sensitivity suggests that this assumption likely will not hold. Based on work in stakeholder theory, equity theory, and equity sensitivity theory, in this paper I present and test hypotheses relating a stakeholder’s equity preferences – or equity sensitivity – to its propensity to take action against, or to support, the firm.
Crossing Borders in Business and Economics Classrooms
Authors: Fondo Marta , Withanachchi Schiro ,   International Association for Business and Society
Published: January 2020

The emerging changes in global societies challenge businesses as teams work across borders. Consequently, higher education promotes student interaction from diverse cultural backgrounds using technological tools without restricting time, cost, motivation or mobility. In this regard, telecollaboration engages students in a learning process that develops 21st century skills with peers from diverse language, socio-cultural, and educational backgrounds. This article presents a telecollaboration project designed and implemented by Queens College, City University of New York, and Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, an online university in Barcelona, in which 196 Economics and Business undergraduate students from the United States and Mexico enhanced intercultural communication. The aim of this study was to identify the effectiveness of telecollaboration as a tool for advancing diversity and transversal skills. The results showed a positive effect but detected the need to raise awareness on the importance of intercultural skills as part of 21st century skills sought by employers.
Exploring Personal Values and Job Attribute Salience Among Job Seekers
Authors: Mauger Yohann , Wasieleski David M. , Hayibor Sefa ,   International Association for Business and Society
Published: January 2020

The person-organization fit (P-O fit) literature suggests that job seekers are attracted to organizations that match their personal values; but, to date, little is known about how individuals’ personal values might affect their preferences for particular job attributes when seeking a job. In this paper, using data from 351 job seekers at several employment agencies in Haute-Normandie, France, we examine possible connections between certain personal values and job attribute preferences among job seekers.
Crossing the Shareholder-First Border
Authors: Smith William P. , Litzky Barrie E. ,   International Association for Business and Society
Published: January 2020

This project investigates critical issues and events related to Trek Therapeutics experience as a public benefit corporation. We will present and discuss how Trek differentiates itself in an industry where the attention is on high prices supporting high investor returns. Trek’s benefit corporation status helped it garner favorable attention in some respects, but has also presented challenges, particularly when it comes to attracting new capital.
Genocide, Memory, and the Difficulties of Forgiveness in Card’s Ender Saga and Ishiguro’s The Buried Giant
Authors: Burow-Flak Elizabeth ,   Marquette University Press
Published: January 2020

Orson Scott Card’s Ender Saga and Kazuo Ishiguro’s The Buried Giant explore the role of memory in aftermath of genocide; both authors employ fantasy and the metaphor of the buried giant to represent past slaughters. Although distinct in genre, the novels together demonstrate the tension between forgiving and forgetting in memory studies following the atrocities of the twentieth century. Forgiveness in the Ender saga falls short of the accountability embedded in “difficult forgiveness” as defined by Paul Ricoeur, as does the imposed forgetfulness between previously warring parties in The Buried Giant. Similarly, the fictions demonstrate, on a corporate scale, neither “unconditional forgiveness” as defined by Jacques Derrida nor “unconditional love” as defined by Martha Nussbaum. On an interpersonal level, however, The Buried Giant demonstrates the transformative powers of all of these practices, thus inviting reflection on how they might effect larger-scale reconciliations.
Qualidade água na bacia hidrográfica do Rio das Garças/MT para fins de irrigação
Authors: Souza Claudineia Aguiar de , Queiroz Tadeu Miranda de
Published: January 2020

A água para fins da agricultura depende tanto da quantidade como da qualidade. Monitorar as variáveis físico-químicas da água é necessário, pois a utilização de água de irrigação de baixa qualidade pode acarretar problemas nos sistemas de irrigação, causar degradação do solo e interferir na absorção de nutrientes pelas plantas cultivadas. A qualidade das águas para fins de irrigação se define basicamente nos critérios de salinidade, sodicidade toxicidade e parâmetros microbiológicos. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade da água para irrigação na Bacia do Rio das Garças situado no estado de Mato Grosso. Os dados utilizados nesse estudo foram obtidos por meio do Relatório de Monitoramento de Qualidade de Água elaborado pela Secretaria de Estado de Meio Ambiente de Mato Grosso-SEMA-MT. Os resultados obtidos apontam que a qualidade da água da bacia do Rio das Garças no período estudado é favorável para uso na Irrigação.
Efecto de la edad relativa en las disciplinas de lanzamientos de los participantes españoles en el plan nacional de tecnificación de atletismo
Authors: Redondo Castán J. C. , Fernández-Martínez E. , Izquierdo J.M.
Published: January 2020

El concepto efecto relativo de la edad hace referencia a las consecuencias de las diferencias físicas y psicológicas que pueden existir entre los nacidos más temprana y más tardíamente dentro del mismo año natural. El objetivo del presente estudio fue examinar dicho fenómeno en los lanzadores y lanzadoras españoles menores de 18 años (Sub-18) y de 14 años (Sub-14), identificando la influencia de la disciplina deportiva. La muestra comprendía 1960 lanzadores participantes de las concentraciones técnicas de la Real Federación Española de Atletismo (RFEA) entre los años 2005 y 2018. El análisis estadístico se basó en la prueba chi-cuadrado con un cálculo posterior de los odds ratios y el intervalo de confianza del 95%. Los principales resultados revelan que en todas las disciplinas (disco, jabalina, martillo y peso) hay una sobrerrepresentación de los sujetos nacidos en los primeros meses, siendo mayor la diferencia en lanzamiento de peso y observándose una reducción de dicho efecto con la maduración de los lanzadores. Podemos concluir que la estructura del atletismo español fomenta la aparición de este fenómeno, probablemente por el temprano proceso de selección de lanzadores.
Lithostratigraphic classification of the Tsodilo Hills Group: a Palaeo- to Mesoproterozoic metasedimentary succession in NW Botswana
Authors: Wendorff Marek , Świąder Andrzej
Published: January 2020

The Tsodilo Hills Group strata exposed in the Tsodilo Hills are an association of meta-arenites, meta-conglomerates, quartz-mica schists, sandstone, red siltstone and sedimentary breccia deposited on an open siliciclastic marine shelf between the Late Palaeoproterozic and Late Mesoproterozoic, and outcropping in NW Botswana. The succession is dominated by three micaceous quartzite units interlayered with subordinate lenses and wedges of other rock types. Facies gradients from S to N are expressed by decreasing content of muscovite at all levels of metasediment organisation from thin wedge-shaped units to thick quartzite complexes, as well as a decrease in pebble content and increase in the arenaceous matrix in some metal conglomerate beds, matching regional palaeotransport direction. Well-rounded pebbles of rocks are flat, suggesting redeposition from a beach environment. Lenticular conglomeratic bodies with erosional lower boundaries represent infills of local incisions in the sandy bottom sediments. The abundance of laterally discontinuous lithological units reflects shelf palaeotopography controlled and modified by deposition and migration of large bed forms, ranging from megaripple marks (or submarine dunes) to sand waves. Deposition was influenced by tides and two regressive events. The older regression resulted in a marker unit of tidal mudflat-related red-bed facies: mudstone, siltstone, channel-fill sandstone and sedimentary breccia. The second regression is indicated by a tabular conglomerate marker reflect-ing increased input of coarse terrigenous material.
Hard Inclusions in Armature Brass
Authors: Romankiewicz Remigiusz , Romankiewicz Ferdynand
Published: January 2020

The influence of the chemical composition of selected armature brasses on the formation of hard inclusions was investigated. In metallographic studies using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with X-ray microanalysis (EDS), it was found that hard inclusions attain sizes ranging from several hundred nanometers to several micrometers. Investigations of samples that were taken from metallurgical pigs of armature brass of various chemical compositions have shown that the contribution of components such as iron and silicon have a decisive influence on the formation of hard inclusions. These components have a dominant share in hard inclusions (60–76 wt.% Fe and 10.6–17.4 wt.% Si). In much smaller quantities there are also elements such as manganese, phosphorus, nickel and chromium. The chemical composition of hard inclusions varies. The number and size of hard inclusions depends on the contribution of iron and silicon brass. In the brass sample with 0.31 wt.% Fe and 0.08 wt.% Si, 1183 inclusions per square millimeters were identified, while in the brass sample with 0.21 wt.% Fe and 0.11 wt.% Si the amount of hard inclusions was reduced to 933 inclusions per square millimeters. In the brass sample with reduced iron content up to 0.08 wt.% and silicon up to 0.006 wt.%, no hard inclusions were identified.
Methods of limiting selected risk types in the municipal waste incineration plant
Authors: Kubinska-Jabcon Ewa , Niekurzak Mariusz
Published: January 2020

Risk has become one of the most important categories in the global economy. This term belongs to the most popular phenomena in the economy. Decision making is always connected with risk. It is an inseparable part of human history and there are no man’s actions which cannot be associated with it. The notion of risk is universal: it concerns political, economic and social activities. It takes on specific meaning in the space of economic activity: taking risk entails certain financial consequences. Due to this fact, the essence of risk, methods of its evaluation, as well as its management are the topics of a growing number of publications in various scientific fields. The key problem for an entrepreneur is to first determine sources of risk, to assess its size and the influence it may have on the business, and then–to take action in order to minimize this influence. The article analyses dangers in a municipal waste incineration plant. In incineration plants there are various risks but environmental threats, broadly analysed in this article, belong to the most serious ones. Two independent risk analysis methods have been used for this purpose to determine the most serious threats related to environmental risk and options of counteracting them.
The analysis of liberalisation of the electricity market in Slovenia
Authors: Bonjec Stefan , Papler Drago
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this paper has been to investigate wholesale-to retail-sale electricity supply management in Slovenia. The rapid increase in electricity supply in Slovenia has been determinedby increasing industry, public and household electricity demands. The paper analyses structures and dynamics in wholesale-to-retail supply chain structures and management that are important for purchases of electrical energy by electricity distribution retailers. By using Lorenz’s curve and Gini’s coefficient of concentration, there is found to be a relatively high degree of concentration of wholesale electricity suppliers in the delivery of electrical energy to the retail electricity distribution enterprises. Whereas the number of the wholesale electricity suppliers has increased, the great majority of them hold with relatively small market shares vis-à-vis the large traditional wholesale electricity supplier. The electricity supply by smaller electricity producers is largely based on renewable sources of energy, which also depends on the weather conditions.The empirical evidence suggests that wholesale-to-retail electricity supply structures are shifting slowly from a monopoly market structure towards greater competition with the characteristicsof product differentiation and market segmentation. The regression analysis for the electricity price formation for the retail electricity distribution enterprise confirms the significance of thecosts for the purchased electricity, expenses for wages and for taxes. The multivariate factor analysis confirms the importance of recognition and business trust in the wholesale-to-retail-saleelectricity supply chain management.
The immunostimulatory activity of polysaccharides fromGlycyrrhiza uralensis
Authors: Aipire Adila , Mahabati Mahepali , Cai Shanshan , Wei Xianxian , Yuan Pengfei , Aimaier Alimu , Wang Xinhui , Li Jinyao
Published: January 2020

Background

The enhancement of immunity is very important for immunocompromised patients such as cancer patients with radiotherapy or chemotherapy.Glycyrrhiza uralensishas been used as food and medicine for a long history.G. uralensispolysaccharides (GUPS) were prepared and its immunostimulatory effects were investigated.

Methods

Human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) and murine bone marrow-derived DCs were treated with different concentrations of GUPS. The DCs maturation and cytokine production were analyzed by flow cytometry and ELISA, respectively. Inhibitors and Western blot were used to study the mechanism of GUPS. The immunostimulatory effects of GUPS were further evaluated by naïve mouse model and immunosuppressive mouse model induced by cyclophosphamide.

Results

GUPS significantly promoted the maturation and cytokine secretion of human monocyte-derived DCs and murine bone marrow-derived DCs through TLR4 and down-stream p38, JNK and NF-κB signaling pathways. Interestingly, the migration of GUPS treated-DCs to lymph node was increased. In the mouse model, GUPS increased IL-12 production in sera but not for TNF-α. Moreover, GUPS ameliorated the side effect of cyclophosphamide and improved the immunity of immunosuppressive mice induced by cyclophosphamide. These results suggested that GUPS might be used for cancer therapy to ameliorate the side effect of chemotherapy and enhance the immunity.
Comparative Analysis of Concrete Strength Made from Selected Brands of Cement in Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: Bert-Okonkwor C. B. N. , Okolie K. C. , Ezeokoli F. O. , Ohazulume G. C.
Published: January 2020

The strength characteristics of concrete made from different brands of cement used in Anambra State, Nigeria are reported in this paper. Samples of the selected brands of cement were collected and are used in mixing concrete. The study was conducted in Anambra State, Nigeria for 10 months. Samples of the selected brands of cement were collected and are used in mixing concrete. The fine aggregates used was obtained from River Sand (Onitsha), coarse aggregate is 12 mm quarried granite and water used for the concrete mixing is fit for drinking. These samples of concrete are tested in the laboratory (Anambra State Material Testing Laboratory) for workability and compressive strength and the result obtained were presented in simple tables The study found out that the compressive strength (28th day) of BUA, SUPASET, DANGOTE and UNICEM cements were 30.5, 31.70, 29.66 and 29.08 N/mm2, respectively. Also, the result of the slump value ranges from 70–140 (indicating that the concrete mix is workable) for all the four samples. The results indicate that SUPASET yielded the highest compressive strength (28th day) while UNICEM yielded the lowest compressive strength (28th day). The study was concluded by recommending that all the selected brands of cement within the study area met with the required standard. All concrete samples achieved the minimum compressive strength of concrete (i.e., 21 N/mm2) within 7 days of production. Though the popular cement in the study area is DANGOTE, SUPASET cement is the best cement in terms of strength characteristics while UNICEM possesses the least compressive strength.
Physiochemical and Organoleptic Evaluation of Drink Produced from Pineapple (Ananas comosus) and Tigernut (Cyperus esculentus)
Authors: Elizabeth Adelakun, Oluyemisi , Tijesuni Taiwo, Omotayo
Published: January 2020

Pineapple, one of the most popular tropical fruits is largely desired for its attractive flavor and can be processed into juice. Fruit juice blends can be produced from various fruits or food materials such as tigernut an underutilized tuber, in order to give better quality drink nutritionally and organoleptically. This work therefore evaluated some quality attributes of the beverage produced from tigernut and pineapple. Tigernut and Pineapple fruit were purchased from local market at Ogbomoso. Single strength juice was produced from pineapple fruit while the tigernut milky extract was produced. The pineapple juice was blended with tigernut milky extract in different proportions (95:5, 90:10, 85:15, 80:20 and 75:25%) while 100% pineapple juice served as the control and were analyzed for physiochemical composition and sensory evaluation (Colour, flavor, taste and overall acceptability). The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. The results showed that the physiochemical properties of juice compared relatively well with the control and sensory evaluation showed that all the juice samples were well acceptable in terms of colour, flavour, taste and overall acceptability. The juice blend could be recommended to every household for its nutritional and therapeutic properties.
Evaluation of Fisheries Management Techniques in Three Wetlands in Bangladesh
Authors: Mustafa Md Golam
Published: January 2020

Aim: To evaluate the impact of community-based co-management and fisheries management techniques on fisheries production and biodiversity in three large wetlands in Bangladesh.

Study Design: A robust catch assessment approach to measure fisheries production, species composition and biodiversity in large wetlands.

Place and Duration of Study: The study sites are located in three wetlands in Bangladesh, namely Hail Haor, Kangsha-Malijhee and Turag-Bangshi for a period of two years (2010 and 2011) covering MACH and IPAC working area.

Methodology: Species wise catch and efforts by gear type was monitored through the regular sampling to estimate the annual total catch and fishing effort. Randomly selected samples of the catch by species and effort by gear are recorded for each gear type observed to be operated on the same day. The numbers and weight of all fish species in the catch were recorded. The study also compared results in the last years of MACH initiatives to observe the status of fisheries production (kg/ha) and biodiversity Index (H´).

Results: The study indicated that the 2011 annual fish production (kg/ha) increased by 125 and 271% compared to the baseline survey in 1999 in Hail Haor and Kangsho-Malijhee respectively. The results suggested that Hail Haor and Kangsha-Malijhee wetlands showed considerably enriched biodiversity over 12 years, whilst, Turag-Bangshi showed upwards from 1999 to 2006 and decreased in 2010 and 2011. In 2010, fish production was 393, 322 and 139 kg/ha, and in 2011 fishes production was 370, 556 and 88 kg/ha in Hail Haor, Kangsho-Malijhee and Turagh-Bangshi wetlands, respectively.

Conclusions: The assessment indicated that the overall fish production and biodiversity has been improved due to community-based co-management and this lesson could be replicated widely to sustain wetland resources.
Impact of Climate Change on Cereal Yield and Production in the Sahel: Case of Burkina Faso
Authors: Sossou Shéïtan , Babatounde Igue Charlemagne , Diallo Moussa
Published: January 2020

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century. It affects all countries in the world, especially Sahelian countries in Africa. This paper aimed at evaluating the impact of climate change on cereal yield in Burkina Faso. The ordinary least squares (OLS) was applied to time-series data from 1991 to 2016 collected on the World Bank website. The results have shown that temperature adversely affects yield and cereal production, while precipitation has positive effect. An increase in rainfall of 1 millimetre would increase cereal production by 385 tons in the long term and 252 tons in the short term. In the same, an increase in rainfall of 1 millimetre would increase agricultural yield by 9 kg per hectare in the long term. However, in the short term, an increase in temperatures of 1ºC would result in a decrease in cereal production and agricultural yield of 134748 tons and 72 kg per hectare, respectively. However, in the long term, a rise in temperatures of 1ºC would result in a decrease in cereal production and cereal yield of 154 634 tons and 1074 kg per hectare, respectively. Besides, the results indicate that the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) has no significant effect on yield and cereal production. Implementing effective adaptation strategies, such as access to improved seed, introduce smart agriculture in the system of cereal in Burkina Faso and increasing irrigation infrastructure could reduce the cereal production's vulnerability to climate shocks.
A New Look at Weekdays Effect of Stock Prices in the Weak Form: Evidence from Nigerian Stock Exchange
Authors: E. Peter Ayunku , Nelson Johnny
Published: January 2020

Efficiency intensity of stock exchange market has policy implications in any economy. The focus of this work is to assess the intensity of efficiency in the weak form of the Nigerian stock exchange market. This study stands to examine predictability level of Monday trading, Tuesday trading, Wednesday trading, Thursday trading and Friday trading in the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). Monday NSE all share index covered August 6, 2018 to October 28, 2019; Tuesday NSE all share index covered August 7, 2018 to October 29, 2019; Wednesday NSE all share index covered August 8, 2018 to October 30, 2019; Thursday NSE all share index covered August 9, 2018 to October 31, 2019; Friday NSE all share index covered August 10, 2018 to November 1, 2019. The data was analyzed employing Jarque-Bera check for normality, ADF unit root test, graphs and GARCH term. The Jarque-Bera examination for normality indicates that all the data are normally spread. The ADF unit root shows that the factors employed were not stationary @ level series but stationary @ 1st difference. The GARCH term shows that all the variables were not significant at 5% level. From the above findings, stock prices on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays stock prices studied exhibited significant random walk, the investigation therefore concludes that, NSE market is efficient in the weak form. It is thus recommended that Government should continue to allow the invisible hands to determine the direction of stock prices in order to boast NSE trading activities.
Effect of Manihot esculenta and Manihot utilissima Cyanide Extract on Some Biochemical Parameters of Albino Rats
Authors: Abuh Amodu , Agada Reuben , Thagariki Dluya
Published: January 2020

Cassava roots (Manihot esculenta and Manihot utilissima) are largely consumed as staple food in African but contain a toxic compound, cyanogenic glycosides. This study evaluated the effect of Manihot esculenta and Manihot utilissima cyanide content on biochemical parameters and histological examination of male albino rats. A total of thirty rats were used for the acute toxicity study while thirty-five rats were used to determine the effect of Manihot esculenta and Manihot utilissima cyanide on biochemical and histological parameters. The results revealed that Manihot esculenta and Manihot utilissima cyanide were toxic to rats even at a lower dose (10 mg/kg body weight) and cause death. Studies on the cyanide concentration determined using the standard curve revealed a high amount of cyanide in Manihot esculenta compared to Manihot utilissima. Biochemical parameters determined include Aspartate transaminases (AST), Alanine transaminases (ALT), Alanine Phosphatase (ALP), Urea, Creatinine, Acid Phosphates, and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH). The results revealed a significant (p< 0.05) increase of AST, ALP, Creatinine, Acid Phosphates, and LDH on rats administered with Manihot esculenta cyanide compared to normal rats and Manihot utilissima cyanide while Manihot utilissima cyanide showed significant (p< 0.05) increase on the activity of AST, ALT, ALP, Urea, and Creatinine compared with normal rats. Histological examination of livers and kidneys of the rats revealed that rats administered with Manihot esculenta cyanide showed disruption of the liver and kidney cells with distorted hepatic portal areas and necrosis compared to rats fed with Manihot utilissima cyanide and normal rats. The deleterious effect of the hydrogen cyanide is more pronounced on the tissues of the rats treated with Manihot esculenta as compared to those treated with Manihot utilissima as depicted by the photomicrographs. This study, therefore, concluded that Manihot esculenta is toxic causing alteration on some biochemical and histological parameters, this toxicity was correlated to dysfunction of vital organs which are a reconfirmation of the need for adequate processing of certain food crops prior to consumption. Cassava is a rich source of cyanide, highly documented for its adverse effects on the living system.
Effects of Liming on Dithionate and Oxalate Extractable Aluminium in Acid Soils
Authors: Mwende Muindi Esther
Published: January 2020

Liming and phosphorus (P) applications are recommended practices for improving crop production in acid soils of the tropics. Although considerable work has been done to establish liming rates for acid soils in many parts of the world, information on the effects of lime on the forms of aluminium which actively sorb P in such soils is minimal. A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted at Waruhiu Farmers Training Centre, Githunguri to evaluate the effect of liming on oxalate and dithionate extractable aluminium in acid soils. Extremely (pH 4.48) and strongly (pH 4.59) acidic soils were evaluated. Four liming (CaO) rates namely 0, 2.2, 5.2 and 7.4 tonnes ha-1 for extremely acidic and 0, 1.4, 3.2, and 4.5 tonnes ha-1 for  strongly acidic soils were evaluated. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. Data collected included: initial soil chemical properties, oxalate (Alo) and dithionate (Ald) aluminium levels. The tested soils had high exchangeable Al (> 2 cmol Al kg-1), Al saturation of (> 20% Al) and low extractable P values (< 15 mg P kg-1 soil). Liming significantly (p=.05) reduced Alo by 70% and 68% in extremely and strongly acidic soils respectively and Ald by 78% in both extremely and strongly acidic soils compared to control. Use of 7.4 tonnes ha-1 of lime in extremely acidic soils and 4.5 tonnes ha-1 of lime in strongly acidic soils significantly (p=.05) reduced both Alo and Ald by > 68% compared to no lime. It was, therefore, concluded that liming contributes to the reduction of soluble Alo and Ald in acid soils of the Kenya highlands leading to increased soluble P availability. Studies are required to provide short and long term optimal liming rates that reduce Alo and Ald without distabilizing availability of other nutrients in field conditions under wide range of acid soils.
Effect of Plant Density on Growth and Yield of Maize [Zea mays (L.)] Hybrids at Luyengo, Middleveld of Eswatini
Authors: Sibonginkosi Ndzimandze , Mzwandile Mabuza , Tamado Tana
Published: January 2020

Maize is staple food and the most cultivated crop in Eswatini. However, its yield is very low partly due to use of non-optimum plant density for different maturity group maize varieties. Thus, an experiment was conducted at Luyengo, Middleveld of Eswatini during the 2018/2019 cropping season. The experiment consisted of factorial combinations of two varieties [SC 403 (early maturing) and PAN 53 (medium maturing)] and three plant densities (44444 plants/ha, 50000 plants/ha, 57143 plants/ha) in randomised complete block design in three replications. Results showed that medium maturing maize variety PAN 53 had higher leaf area, leaf area index, plant height, cob height (139.4 cm), days to 90% anthesis (69 days), dry biomass, thousand kernels mass (374.0 g), grain yield (43.1 t/ha), and stover mass (59.8 t/ha) than the early maturing variety SC 403. With respect to the effect of plant density, as the plant density increased from 44444 to 57143 plants/ha, leaf area, dry biomass at V12 and R5 growth stages, number of cobs per plant, grain yield, stover mass, and thousand kernels mass (g) were decreased while the leaf area index was increased. The interaction effects of variety and plant density were not significant on all the parameters recorded. Thus, it can be concluded that medium maturing variety PAN 53 and plant density of 44444 plants/ha (90 cm ´ 25 cm) are best options to maximum productivity of maize in the study area. However, it is recommended that the experiment be repeated with inclusion of more varieties and densities to reach at more conclusive recommendation.
Microencapsulation: Toward the Reduction of the Salinity Stress Effect on Wheat Plants Using NPK Rhizobacteria
Authors: M. Saad Maged , Abo-Koura Hanaa A. , M. Bishara Mounira , M. Gomaa Ibrahim
Published: January 2020

Salinity is one of the most vicious environmental factors controlling the productivity of crop plants as most of the crop plants are sensitive to salinity affected by high concentrations of salts in the soil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the inoculation with the encapsulated and liquid culture of three halo-tolerant plants growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) strains of Paenibacillus polymyxa MSRH5, Bacillus nakamurai MSRH1 and Bacillus pacificus MSR H3 on the growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The three strains MSRH1, MSRH3 and MSR H5 were characterized as salt-tolerant bacteria. P. polymyxa MSRH5 had nitrogen fixation ability while B. nakamurai MSRH1 and B. pacificus MSRH3 were able to solubilize phosphate and K respectively. All strains can produce indole acidic acid (IAA) and exopolysaccharides (EPS) under saline conditions. Encapsulated beads were observed under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Colonization of encapsulated bacteria on the root of the wheat plant was studied by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Under soil salinity conditions in two consecutive field tries, results cleared that strains in two forms succeed to colonize the plant root, the reduction in shoot proline was 35.8% with capsules inoculation as well as improved relative water content (%) to 60.57% and improved the electrolyte leakage recorded 18.1% respectively compared to control. Generally, halo-tolerant PGPR inoculation increased DHA (?), acidic and alkaline phosphatase activities compared to control, inoculation with capsules exhibited a reduction in catalase enzymes 46.00%, 37.5% in ascorbate peroxidase and 40% in superoxide dismutase respectively in shoots of the wheat plant. There is a significant increase in all yield parameters, the highest plant height 115.8 cm, spike length 21 cm and 1000 grains 71.3 g respectively recorded with capsules inoculation, it had considerable effects on the content of N, P, K and Na in shoots of wheat plants and reduced the value of Na/K ratio in all treatments inoculated compared to un-inoculated wheat plant.
The Generalised Newton’s Gravitational Field Equation Based upon Riemann’s Great Metric Tensors
Authors: G. Nyam G. , O. Adeyemi F. , E. J. Omaghali N.
Published: January 2020

The existing theories of gravitation are founded mostly on the Euclidean theoretical Physics in which the influence of gravitational field is ignored. In this paper we derive the Newton’s dynamical gravitational field equation based upon the great metric tension in which the influence of gravitation is consider.
Development of Static Flat-bed Batch Dryer for Small Scale Grain Drying
Authors: Sadaf Anchal Lubna , Dubey Abhinav , Kumar Prasanna
Published: January 2020

A Static Flat Bed Batch Dryer was developed at Department of Agricultural Engineering GKVK, Bangalore with a capacity of 20 kg and mainly to be used for drying paddy from harvesting moisture content (20 – 22%) to 12% for safe storage. The dryer mainly consists of Blower, Heating chamber, Plenum chamber and drying chamber. Drying characteristics such as drying rate, drying time and temperature of inlet air were studied for paddy grain and results were analysed. The decrease in moisture content, static pressure developed in the dryer and relative humidity in the dryer was studied at two different air flow rates of 1 m3/min and 1.26 m3/min. It was observed that the moisture reduction up to the desired 12% was completed in 90 minutes of operation of the dryer. The relative humidity of drying air inside the dryer as well as the static pressure was found to decrease with time. The developed technology is low cost and can be easy constructed at farm level.
Antidiabetic and Modulatory Effect of Ethanol Extract of Neem Leaf on Some Essential Biochemical Parameters of Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Obiajulu Christian Ezeigwe , Chukwuemeka Ezeonu Francis
Published: January 2020

The study was conducted to investigate the modulatory activity of ethanol extract of neem leaf on the essential biochemical parameters of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The 24-hour acute toxicity test of the orally administered ethanol extract was determined using Finney’s method. Diabetes was induced in the rats by a single intraperitoneal dose of 50 mg/kgbw of streptozotocin (STZ). Blood was collected after 28 days of treatment and used for biochemical analysis. Biochemical analysis was done using standard biochemical methods. The acute toxicity study of the ethanol extract reveal that the median lethal dose was 5.0 g/kg body weight. The anti-diabetic study carried out for a period of 28 days showed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in the fasting blood glucose levels of the animals treated with ethanol extract compared with the diabetic untreated rats. The urea, creatinine, ALT, AST, ALP and bilirubin levels increased significantly (p<0.05) in the diabetic untreated rats compared with the groups treated with the ethanol extract of neem leaf. The serum alpha-amylase activity of the treatment groups decreased significantly (p<0.05) compared with the diabetic untreated group. The diabetic untreated rats showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in their insulin level compared with the insulin levels of animals treated with the ethanol extract of neem leaf. The ethanol extract of neem leaf is efficacious in lowering blood glucose level in STZ-induced diabetic rats by regenerating the beta cells integrity which was seen from the increase in the insulin level of the extract treated rats. It modulates the essential biochemical parameters of diabetic rats favourably towards recovery and improved health.
Water Safety Planning and Implementation in a Ghanaian Small-scale Water Supply System
Authors: Asirifua Obeng Panin , Appiah Obeng Peter , Awere Eric
Published: January 2020

This study looked at the Assin Fosu Small Town Water Supply System in Ghana to verify whether the operation of the scheme is based on a comprehensive water safety plan and how the practice of water safety planning affects the quality of water delivered to the consumers. The study employed document reviews, structured observations, interviews and laboratory analysis of water samples. System design data files and an Operation and Management Contract document were reviewed along with in-depth interviews with key stakeholders of the water supply system. Structured observations were made to assess the management practices of the system managers. Three rounds of sampling of water were done at monthly intervals from 10 randomly selected public standpipes, 3 boreholes and 2 filtration units. Samples were analysed to assess their bacteriological safety and aesthetic (physical) quality (turbidity and colour). Upon detection of bacteriological contamination, the adequacy of disinfection was assessed by measuring the levels of residual chlorine. It was found that the recommended schedule for some key documented water

quality control and monitoring activities were not complied with.  Consequently, the quality of water delivered to consumers at several public standpipes failed to meet the WHO guidelines for drinking water. Forty percent (40%) of all samples were found with faecal contamination, with 60% and 50% exceeding the WHO’s guideline levels for turbidity and colour respectively. It is recommended that the Community Water and Sanitation Agency in Ghana intensifies on-going efforts at ensuring that small-scale water supply systems in the country are managed with comprehensive water safety plans to prevent microbial contamination which could pose significant health risks to the consumers.