bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Pre-sowing treatments on germination and early growth of tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.)
Authors: Abubakar A.W., , Sadiq S.B. , Dangora I.I. , Mu’azu Fatima Y.
Published: August 2023

Germination of seeds is often very difficult for many useful species principally because of dormancy. In other to achieve the aim of any regeneration programme, seed collection and germination must be taken into consideration. In view of this, germination and early growth assessment of Tamarindus indica L. were conducted to determine the suitable medium for germination and early growth. The viable seeds of the study species were treated with four concentrations of cow milk and four concentrations of coconut milk (1 molar, 2 molar, 3 molar and 4 molar) and five treatments at a time (14 hours) which constituted main and sub-plot treatments, with four replications. After treatment, seeds were washed with distilled water, air-dried for 30 minutes and treated with fungicides (vinclozolin). Treated seeds were sown in 4cm depth of sterilized sand and 80ml of water per seed was applied regularly at two days interval. The data collected on the effect fresh cow milk and coconut milk on seed germination and mean germination time was subjected to two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The percentage germination value of seeds treated in all concentrations of coconut milk, for all treatments ranged from 65% to 100% while seeds soaked in all concentrations of fresh cow milk for all times of treatments ranged from 70% to 100%. Seeds soaked in all concentrations of coconut milk for all treatment time were statistically significant compared to control. However, growing T. indica with coconut milk concentration in the mixture of sand and poultry droppings after 14 hours pre-treatment was recommended.
Bacteriological assessment of hawked ready-to-eat fried prawns retailed in selected locations of Lagos Mainland, Nigeria
Authors: Kester C. T. , Daramola J. A. , Shado M.O.
Published: August 2023

Ready-to-eat (RTE) prawn product which characterizes many streets of Lagos Mainland undoubtedly exposes a large number of customers to bacteriological hazards of health risks but no ample report yet on the safety of this product in Lagos Mainland. This study examined the bacterial contaminants of health importance in the hawked RTE prawns samples. Ten nylon-wrapped RTE prawns each were randomly selected from Oshodi (OS), Ebute-metta (EM) and Ketu (KT) vending areas of Lagos Mainland and bacteriologically enumerated for Total Aerobic Bacterial Count (TABC), Total Staphylococcus count (TSC) and Total Coliform Count (TCC), all expressed in log CFU/g. Presence of Salmonella and Shigella was also determined and biochemically confirmed. The bacterial counts differed insignificantly (p<0.05) among the vending sites; lowest and highest mean TABC values (4.70±0.15, EM; 6.72 ± 0.18, KT), TSC (4.46±0.10, KT; 5.86± 0.13, OS), TCC (4.36±0.13 (OS); 5.55±0.06, (OS) and TEBC (0, (EM); 5.48±0.11, OS). Biochemically identified Staphylococcus aureus dominated the prawn products. Escherichia coli were detected with traces of Salmonella spp. The highest bacterial counts recorded in the entire RTE fried prawn products of this study are within the maximum limits recommended, implying their safe consumption. However, detection of Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. is an object of public health concern which demands an improvement in the hygiene practices of the product handlers.
Evaluation of the nutrients in locally prepared soups for optimal diabetes control: Evidence from low income communities in Zaria, Nigeria
Authors: Bello Mohammad Ahmad , Ibrahim Sani
Published: August 2023

A changing pattern towards prevention and complete remission is greatly needed in type 2 diabetes (T2D) care through lifestyle medicine especially healthy diet. The nutritionally valuable macromolecules, minerals and functional properties of benniseed (Sesamum radiatum), Melon seed (Colocynthis citrullus) and Groundnut (Arachis hypogea) soups were studied. Locally prepared soups of theses seeds' were analysed based on moisture, ash, lipid, protein, fiber, carbohydrate and minerals using AOAC standard methods. Statistical analysis employed SPSS using frequency and chi-square tools. Manganese, copper, calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The results on dry/weight and wet/weight basis showed that protein ranged from 7.04-9.05% versus 22.00-24.13%; moisture 8.5 to 10.6%; ash 6.90-12.33% versus 2.21-3.90%; crude fibre 1.75-2.53% versus 4.66%-7.91%; lipid 19.07%-16.77% versus 50.86%-54.18%; and carbohydrate 1.76-4.34% versus 5.34-12.92% respectively. The predominant mineral was calcium which varied between 4.060 and 8.600 mg/100 g. The samples were low in manganese and copper with moderate concentrations of magnesium, zinc and iron. The proximate analyses of the soups showed optimum abundance to support the management of diabetes mellitus (DM). When intensified with dose adherence, remission may be achieved to reduce DM complications in the environment with challenges attributable to access to health facility.
Nija-Onto: An ontology of The Nigerian languages version 1
Authors: Dahiru Al-amin , Lawan Abba
Published: August 2023

Ontologies are becoming increasingly important as a knowledge-based resource for man and machines. Ontology is a veritable tool in computing for representing and thus preserving, domain knowledge for both human and machine processing. This paper builds a foundational ontology for Nigerian languages. Each language is annotated with its location information showing geo-political zone, states, and places where the Language originates. The ontology of Nigerian languages was built using the Methontology approach and specifically created using the Protégé 5.5.0 OWL editor. The Ontology was built on and evaluated using queries and a set of competency questions. The Nija-Onto was found to strongly align with its purpose of representing domain knowledge and thus provides visualized and highly tractable information on Nigerian languages.
Sedimentological study of Bima sandstone in Dumne and Environs, Yola Sub-basin, Upper Benue Trough, Northeastern Nigeria.
Authors: Amodu A. , Ndah Gambo I. , Valdon Yunis B. , Ahmed Hifzullah A.
Published: August 2023

Field mapping was carried out on Bima sandstone from Dumne and its environs with the aim to understand the geology and determine the paleoenvironment of deposition. The integrated (outcrop study with granulometric and pebble morphometric) studies were used to achieve this aim. Based on outcrop studies, nine (9) lithofacies were identified from the proximal alluvial fan facies to the mid-fan braided river: massive, matrix-supported, gravel-dominated facies (Gmm); matrix-supported gravel (Gmg); clast-supported gravel stratified (Gh); gravel stratified trough cross-bedded sandstone (Gt); trough cross-bedded sandstone (St); planar cross-bedded sandstone (Sp); ripple cross-laminated sandstone (Sr); massive sandstone (Sm) and silt and mud (Fsm). The outcrop sampled materials were subjected to granulometric and morphometric analyses. The result of the granulometric shows that the Bima sandstones of the study area have an average graphic mean (Mz) of 0.82 (coarse grains), an inclusive graphic standard deviation (δi) of 1.33 (poorly sorted), a graphic kurtosis (K) of 1.11 (leptokurtic), and an inclusive graphic skewness (Ski) of 0.17 (positive skewed). The result of the pebble morphometrics shows that the grains have an average elongation ratio (ER) of 0.80, coefficient of flatness (FI) of 60.6%, oblate–prolate index (OPI) of 0.35, maximum projection sphericity index (MPSI) of 0.77 and roundness (ρ) of 0.43. The roundness versus elongation ratio plot indicates a fluvial to transitional environment. Several bivariate and ternary plots that include the granulometric and pebble morphometric data suggest a river environment for the Bima sandstone in the studied area.
Acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies of 5-methylcoumarin-4-β-glucoside isolated from Vernonia glaberrima in Wistar rats
Authors: Alhassan M.A , Yeldu M.H , Kanayo N.N , Birga L.M , Abdulahi J.A , Alkali Y.I , Abubakar B
Published: August 2023

5-methylcoumarin-4-β-glucoside is a natural product isolated from Vernonia glaberrima – a plant used in African traditional medicine for the treatment of cancer and skin diseases. This compound possesses significant in-vitro antiproliferative potentials against colon cancer cell lines. However, safety assessment in several laboratory animals is required before commencing the in-vivo anticancer evaluation of the compound. This study is designed to evaluate the safety of 5-methylcoumarin-4-β-glucoside using 28 days sub-chronic toxicity model in Wistar rats. Acute toxicity study was carried out at a single oral dose of 10 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg body weight (phase 1) for 24 hours, and 1600 mg/kg, 2900 mg/kg, and 5000 mg/kg body weight (phase 2). Sub-chronic toxicity was conducted by oral administration of distilled water, 1%hydroxypropyl cellulose in distilled water as controls, and graded doses of 10 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg body weight of 5-methylcoumarin-4β-glucoside freshly prepared in 1% hydroxypropyl cellulose as vehicle to five groups of six rats each for 28 days. The result indicates that 5-methylcoumarin-4β-glucoside at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight is non-toxic as serological indices like liver and kidney functioning test, serum lipid profile, oxidative stress markers and hematological indices remained in the normal range after the 28 days sub-chronic administration of the compound. Moreover, the histopathology findings revealed no alteration in the normal tissue architecture. Overall, the findings in Wistar rats corroborate the initial findings in mice. Conclusively, the compound 5-methylcoumarin-4β-glucoside is safe at the prescribed doses for further preclinical in vivo investigations.
An Analysis of The Presentation of Human and Democratic Rights Abuses in AMELMAL’S YÄLTÄKOÄCHE GUZO (1974- 2018)
Authors: Bayisa Gemechu , Dagnew Tesfaye , Gebremeskel Tesfamariam
Published: August 2023

The main objective of the study is to examine the depiction of democratic and human rights abuses in Amelmal’s, Yältäkoäche Guzo (Unfinished Journey). One of the considerable importances of literature all over the world is its use of sympathetic and attractive literary language to expose basic human right abuses since human rights are also part of human life. Therefore, analyzing the roles of literatures that are written in Amharic language in portraying basic human rights violations is paramount. However, literatures written in Amharic language are not well studied from human rights violation perspectives. This article, therefore, explores how the violations of basic human rights are depicted in the selected novel. Because there was no computable data used, the study considered qualitative research method. Regardless of the system by which a country is ruled, human rights are inviolable because they are innate. The analysis of the novel, however, depicts that the inviolable human and democratic rights of human beings have been violated. The finding of the study showed that the depiction of human and democratic rights violations was explicit. It showed that people’s rights to life, rights to equality, rights to liberty, and rights to election were abused during the two political regimes.
Motivating Factors to Volunteers in Hawassa
Authors: Wondimneaw Habtemariam Kassa , Adal Tamirie Andualem
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate the joint and independent contributions of power, security, conformity, tradition, benevolence, universalism, self-direction, stimulation, hedonism and achievement values to the variance in motivation to volunteer. The data were collected from 153 volunteers who were providing volunteer services in Hawassa, Misrak, and Mehal Sub-Cities. Quantitative data analysis was used. Similarly, means, standard deviations, logistic regression, discriminant analyses, item and factor analyses, t-tests, and bar charts were used to examine the data gathered from the two volunteer groups. The study finding from regression analysis indicated that the three most prominent factors that significantly contributed to the variance in motivation to volunteer were: security, universalism, and selfdirection. Analysis which employed structure coefficients and discriminant analysis nonetheless added stimulation and power as important variables in predicting self-interested motivation to volunteer. Theseresults plainly highlighted that the major contributing factors to self-interested motivation to volunteer were self-expressive orientation variables. In other words, volunteers who displayed self-interested motivation to volunteer if they were not bothered by the stability of society in their relationships, had no value for the protection of all people did not want to avoid the threat of uncertainties by controlling relationships or resources, and were internally interested in personal judgment and uniqueness. This may have implications for volunteering service institutions in that there is a need for an intervention program which is intended to encourage people to develop and internalize other-oriented value priorities for volunteer involvement.
ከውሃው በላኝ ወደ ውሃ አበላኝ /Kä Wuhaw Bälañ Wädä Wuha Abälañ (from water logged me to water nourished me*): a historical analysis of rice production on enhancing livelihood in Fogera Woreda, 1970s to 2017
Authors: Ekimie Getinet Merid
Published: August 2023

This article explores the introduction of rice production in Fogera woreda mainly associated with the government initiative of ensuring food security for households at the beginning of the 1970s. The woreda has well-suited agro-ecology for the production of rice. Hence, this study attempts to investigate examine and assess the contribution of rice production to the income and food security of rural households in Fogera Woreda, South Gondar Zone. To achieve the objective, the researcher used a qualitative research method. The data was collected from primary and secondary sources. Primary sources were collected through key informant interviews and archival sources while secondary sources were obtained from relevant literature such as books, journals, articles, study reports, and theses. The study result shows that farmers in Fogera plain have benefited from rice production. The implication of rice production on the socio-economic life of society was seen since its introduction. Hence, rice production in Fogera is one of the most essential achievements of the society which changes the life of peasants incredibly well.
Post-development Thesis and African Intercultural Theory of Development
Authors: Idachaba Philip Adah , Haaga Paul Terngu
Published: August 2023

The aim of the paper is to address the question: is the end of development possible? Post-development theorists declare the end of  development. They insist that the problematisation of poverty by development theory is one of the key defects of development. The irony  in this problematisation is that development practice as an offshoot of development theory does not actually alleviate poverty, particularly in colonial spaces. Rather, the agents of development have perpetuated underdevelopment at the fringes of the colonial  metropolis. Given this perpetuation of underdevelopment, post-development theorists argue, the idea of development has run its course  and is no longer efficient; it should be put to an end. We assess this declaration of post-development theory from the perspective of  Agbakoba’s intercultural philosophy of development. Using the philosophical methods of analysis and critique, we argue that Agbakoba’s  intercultural proposal for a transition to development in Africa holds more prospects and is more feasible in addressing the  concerns of post-development scholars. This is because, Agbakoba’s intercultural philosophy of development does not insist on the end  of development, but on hybridity as the end of development.
Hegel Against Hegel and His Lumbering of Reason on the African Race
Authors: Ukwamedua Nelson Udoka
Published: August 2023

One of the scholars that made sustained contributions to the development of philosophy of history is Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel.   Hegel offers a dialectical conception of history in which the absolute spirit moves towards self-actualization. However, Hegel’s idea of  history appears prejudiced and misguided because he not only derided and battered Africans using his imprudent racial schemes, he even excluded Africa from historical considerations in his uncouth racial agenda. This paper uses the critical analytic model to deleted  ultimately show that not only was Hegel uninformed to comment on the ontology of Africa and Africans, but that even the system was  self-defeating. That is, it was a case of Hegel against Hegel. This is the novelty of this paper since a Hegelian system that is against itself  cannot muster the necessary guts and logic to lampoon and destroy another system, worse still, thoughtlessly and irrationally too. The  paper also argued that the disposition to colour-brand people using racial scheme is uncritical and inhumane.
Implications of socio-cultural practices on fisheries management: a case of the bottom-set gillnet fishery in the central region of Ghana
Authors: Ameworwor M. Y. , Aggrey-Fynn J. , Clottey M. N. K.
Published: August 2023

The study was conducted to examine the effect of some socio-cultural practices on fisheries management in Ghana. A case study was done on the bottom set gillnet fishery at Apam and Egyaa No.1 in the Central Region of Ghana. Data were collected through field observations and interviews. The study revealed that male children in fishing communities in Ghana were introduced to fishing at younger ages to ensure continuation of the family trade. Fishing partnership systems practiced had the potential to cause underestimation of fishing effort, while exceptions to the fishing holiday practiced in Ghana served as a loophole for violation of the taboo. Some socio-cultural practices hinder the success of some fisheries management strategies. The study recommended that natural resource managers should understand the objectives of the socio-cultural practices of resource users to guide them in the development of their management strategies. Also, alternative livelihood programmes aimed at reducing fishing effort should target the younger age group in fishing households as well, to expose them to other livelihood choices other than fishing. Again, estimation of fishing effort in Ghanaian marine small-scale fisheries should be based on number of fishing gears to ensure reliable estimates.
Morphological and morphometric features of the common rustgill mushroom (Gymnopilus penetrans, (Fr; Fr) Murray) in Ghana
Authors: Odamtten G. T. , Wiafe-Kwagyan M. , Addo J.
Published: August 2023

A novel mushroom in the genus Gymnopilus was observed in the rainy season (June – November 2022) in the Adenta Municipality of the Greater Accra Region, on a pile of dry wood earmarked for firewood. The fruiting body produced prolific basidiospores akin to the order Agaricales of the gilled mushrooms. The fruiting body was small to medium in size and was solitary in small groups, appearing cream to brown in colour and later turning rusty with age. The stipe was solid tapering towards the attachment and was 4.5 - 7.0 cm long and cylindrical in diameter (0.6 – 1.2 cm). The pileus was 5.0 – 9.0 cm in diameter, convex to applanate, silky growth with a central depression. Its orange, brown colour without scales compared favourable with reported 4.0 – 8.0 diameter for G. penetrans. The gills were adnate, crowded to radiate, yellow to golden brown in colour. The basidiospores were golden brown to rusty brown colour, ellipsoidal in shape (6.0 - 9.0 μm x 3.0 – 5.0 μm) akin to what obtains in the taxonomic records for G. penetrans (7.0- 9.0 μm x 4.0 – 5.5 μm). The reported biologically active components found in this mushroom are discussed and the use of the compounds for pharmaceutical and medical therapy are highlighted.
Community library for education for sustainable development in Nigerian Digital age
Authors: Omigie Christopher Agbeniaru , Makinde Theresa Osasu , Oboite Anthony Solomon
Published: August 2023

This paper is on Community Library for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in Nigerian Digital age. The paper is an analytical perspective of literature and recognizance survey conducted on community library as a fundamental hub that connect communities with preserved information and cultural heritage for the Nigerian ESD. In the paper are the relevance of library information resources for the speedy advancement of research and development for a digital Nigeria. The idea of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) as a school curriculum package with a worldwide standard of teaching and learning is treated to equip the indigenous learners with skills and knowledge to be able to work in a global market place with a universal knowledge base. Correspondingly is the correlation between community library and the ESD through digital access and use of resources for new novelties in the society. Various challenges of the Nigerian Education system and as they affect the ESD were identified and the ways forward suggested.
Effect of Microbial Cell-Size on Solid State Fermentation of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) and Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) by Rhizopus oligosporus
Authors: Aganbi E. , Egbune E. O. , Orororo O. C. , Ezedom T. , Egbune O. U. , Tonukari N. J.
Published: August 2023

The solid state fermentation of Vigna unguiculata L. Walp (cowpea) and Arachis hypogaea L. (groundnut) was carried out using Rhizopus oligosporus at different inoculum size (1.89 x 102, 3.78 x 102, 5.67 x 102, 7.56 x 102, 9.45 x 102 and 11.34 x 102 CFU g-1).  Following fermentation for 72 hours, biochemical parameters were determined in fermented and unfermented samples. All inoculum sizes produced significantly more phenol and flavonoids in the fermented groundnut samples as compared to the control, with the 15% inoculum size providing the most phenols (255.0 mg GAE/g). The fermentation of cowpea showed a similar pattern. The recognized antioxidant molecules flavonoids and phenols have sufficient capacity to reduce the negative effects of free radicals. The fermented samples' 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical increased significantly as compared to the unfermented sample. Comparing the fermented samples to the unfermented sample (control) at various inoculum sizes, amylase activity rose dramatically. Solid-state fermentation (SSF) can be employed to enhance the nutritional characteristics of cowpea and groundnut as soluble protein, glucose, and reducing sugars were also significantly increased in fermented cowpea and groundnut (at the different inoculum sizes) compared to the control. From this study, it is obvious that the selected fungus isolate, R. oligosporus showed high enzymatic activities and increased value added product of cowpea at varying inoculum size. This is an important characteristic for possible biotechnological applications.
Dental Caries Risk Assessment in Primary School Children Aged 11 to 12 years: Case of Nyarugenge District, Rwanda
Authors: Nsabimana Usiel , Isyagi Moses , Rutayisire Reverien , Nyirazinyoye Laetitia
Published: August 2023

BackgroundDental caries in children is a public health concern affecting 60-90% of children worldwide. Dental caries perturbs children’s eating ability, school performance as well as overall quality of life. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of dental caries and its risk factors among children aged 11 to 12 years in Nyarugenge District in Kigali, Rwanda.MethodsThe cross-sectional analytical study design involved 400 children from Nyarugenge district. By stratified sampling, we selected Gitega and Butamwa primary schools and used systematic sampling to choose the pupils into the sample. An interview and oral examination were performed. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were done.ResultsDental caries was observed in 25.5% of children. Deep pits and fissures carried a two-fold risk of getting dental caries than children without deep pits and fissures (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = [1.5; 4.0], P-value < 0.001). Dental plaque was identified as a risk factor for getting dental caries (OR=2.2, 95% CI = [1.2; 3.3], P-value: 0.01).ConclusionDental caries is a public health concern associated with poor oral hygiene, deep pit, and fissures among children aged 11 to 12 years old. Oral hygiene education, application of ART, and regular screening programs are in need.

Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2023;6(2):113-122
Neonatal surgical mortality and morbidity at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, a tertiary university hospital in Rwanda: analysis of predicting factors
Authors: Maniraguha V. , Robin P. , Richard J. , Ntaganda E.
Published: August 2023

INTRODUCTION: Globally, high morbidity and mortality is associated with neonatal surgicalconditions. This study aimed to determine the factors influencing the mortality in neonates withsurgical conditions at Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Kigali (CHUK).METHOD: This was a prospective study from October 2019 to March 2020. Analysis of patientswas divided based on a diagnosis of gastroschisis versus non-gastroschisis conditions. Odds ratioswere calculated at a confidence interval of 95%. Factors with p-value <0.05 on bivariate analysiswere considered.RESULTS: Eighty-two neonates were enrolled. 45.1% were admitted within the first 24 hours of life,61% were males, 26.9% were preterm, and 51.2% had birth weight less than 2500g. Gastroschisis(n=43, 52.4%) was the most common diagnosis, followed by intestinal atresia (12.2%). The overallmortality rate was 57%. Mortality was more likely to occur among neonates with gastroschisiscompared to neonates with non-gastroschisis surgical conditions (76.7% vs 35.9%, OR=5.893,p<0.001). Among neonates with gastroschisis, factors associated with mortality were the failureof initiation of enteral feeding (100%, p=0.002) and sepsis (82.5%, p=0.001).Among neonates with non-gastroschisis surgical conditions, factors associated with mortalitywere prematurity (87.5%, OR:24, p=0.001), low birth weight (72.7% vs 21.4%, p=0.003), initiationof enteral feeding at more than 48 hours (33.3% vs 25.8%, p=0.006), sepsis (64.7% vs 13.6%,OR:11.61, p<0.001), and need of mechanical ventilation (63.6% vs 25%, OR:5.25, p=0.024,).CONCLUSION: Neonatal surgical mortality is still a burden and has many predicting factors.Improvement and advocacy are needed to reduce neonatal mortality.
Behavioral intention to use mobile health (mHealth) technologies among caregivers of cancer patients
Authors: Iskandar Yulita Hanum P. , Chia Yen Au
Published: August 2023

INTRODUCTION: According to an analysis by the World Health Organization (WHO), thenumber of deaths caused by cancer has increased every year from 1990 to 2017. Mobile health(mHealth) technologies are powerful tools to improve cancer awareness by providing educationalinformation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine factors affecting the behaviorsamong caregivers of cancer patients in Malaysia using mHealth technologies.METHODS: The study applied the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2)model as a theoretical framework, with the I-Change Model (ICM) to extend the UTAUT2. Thepopulation element in this research study focused on caregivers of cancer patients who own asmartphone capable of accessing the internet and can download mobile applications. SmartPLSwas used for model and construct testing. A total of 131 sets of valid data were collected from thetarget population through an online survey.RESULTS: Results showed Effort Expectancy (EE), Facilitating Condition (FC), Habit (HT),Awareness Factor (AWN), and Perceived Privacy Risk (PPR) were found to be significant constructs.Performance Expectancy (PE), Social Influence (SI), Hedonic Motivation (HM), and Price Value (PV)were not significant constructs.CONCLUSION: This study provided baseline data on the use of mHealth technologies to thecaregivers of cancer patients in Malaysia to reduce their caregiving burden.
Omoluabi: An African Conception of moral values
Authors: Azenabor Godwin
Published: August 2023

The moral experience is a reality in every social and cultural life, with variations being in the interpretations given to experience. A people’s value system defines their identity.  Consequently, this paper interrogates an example of an African theory of moral value against a moral developmental model, using the philosophical, expositional, analytical and comparative methods. The reflections in this paper focus on the Yoruba cultural context in Nigeria. The paper posits a relationship between a moral value system and development. It argues that the inability of the Nigerian state to attain enviable developmental status can be attributed to moral decadence, apart from inept leadership, ethnicity, antagonism, endless vendetta, political jingoism and cultural sub-nationalism. Since the goal of morality is peaceful co-existence, harmonious interaction, social cohesion and character development, the paper argues that Omoluabi traits can be appropriated to tackle moral problems and questions in contemporary Nigerian society. It concludes that the cultural heritage of Omoluabi can serve as a corpus of raw material for contemporary moral life, and contribute to tackling existential, moral and developmental challenges.
Scholarly Journal Publishing Forums in Tanzania Universities:
Authors: Samzugi Athumani S. , Kagugu Azizi H.
Published: August 2023

The paper provides insights into scholarly journal publishing forums in Tanzania universities. It contextualises the current state of scholarly publishing and factors militating them in addition to providing possible palliatives for addressing them. The study employed a survey research design to collect both qualitative and quantitative data from websites, editors of journals, and directors of research at the universities under review.   The results show that 63 (98.4%) of the scholarly journal forums are available at the selected universities. Journal editors indicated that 46 (71.9%) of their journals are both in print and electronic formats, followed by 11 (17.2%) who indicated only the electronic format as the mode of publication, whereas seven (10.9%) indicated only the print format. The results also show that 43 (67.2%) have adopted the open access philosophy, 16 (25%) have yet to do so and five (7.8%) remain non-committal. Considering the present journal publication realities, there is a need to review the publishing process to accommodate the online journal system (OJS) for the submission and processing of manuscripts.  Furthermore, the study found the preferred mode to be a hybrid because the ICT infrastructure, cost of bandwidth, internet connectivity, and electricity remained an impediment to shifting to the purely online mode. Implicitly, academic journals for Tanzania’s universities should currently be accessible in both print and electronic formats until when technologies dictate otherwise.
Establishing historical benthic cover levels for coral reefs of the Western Indian Ocean
Authors: Gudka Mishal , Aboud Swaleh , Obura David
Published: August 2023

Data on coral reef health prior to large-scale disturbances are unavailable in most parts of the world including the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). Robust coral reef health baselines could improve the understanding of changes occurring to reefs in the 21st century and prevent the “shifting baseline” phenomenon, enabling researchers and managers to evaluate the success of management measures, and set achievable targets for new interventions. To make this data accessible to the WIO coral reef community, a literature review was conducted to identify and compile data collected prior to 2008 for two principal measures of reef health; hard coral and fleshy algae cover. Baseline hard coral and algae cover levels were calculated using data from selected sites that were known to be in healthy condition prior to (or just after) the 1998 bleaching event. Mayotte had the highest mean hard coral cover with 80.9 % (95 % bootstrap confidence interval (95 % CI) =65.8-95.9 %), followed by Comoros with 62.1 % (95 % CI=53.2-78.8 %) and Madagascar with 55.6 % (95 % CI=49.8-62.5 %). Mean fleshy algae cover varied from 8.4 % in Mayotte (95 % CI=2.4-17.4 %) to 35.4 % in Mozambique (95 % CI=20.6-50.8 %). At a regional scale, mean baseline hard coral cover is estimated to be between 41 and 47 %; reefs were in a coral-dominant state, with more than double the amount of coral compared to algae.
Comparison of growth and survival rates of big blue octopus (Octopus cyanea, 1849) fed on natural and formulated diets in captivity
Authors: Iraba Nancy , Yahya Saleh , Mang'ena Jerry , Malesa Fadhil
Published: August 2023

Comparative studies on growth and survival rates of Octopus cyanea fed on natural and formulated diets in captivity have never been conducted in Tanzania. This study aimed to investigate the growth and survival rates of O. cyanea using natural and formulated diets. The three formulated diets were made up of a mixture of sardines, fish waste, and alternating ratios of crab paste content across the different diet treatments. Treatment B had 75 % crab paste content, Treatment C had 50 % crab content and Treatment D had 0 % crab content while Treatment A was based on a natural diet of frozen crabs (Scylla serrata) and was used as a control. After five weeks of feeding, the effect of each diet was analyzed on growth performance and survival rates for the octopus. Results showed that there was a significant difference in growth rate in all the diet treatments (H=13.243, p=0.004, DF=3). Specific growth rates (SGR) were higher in octopuses fed in feed treatment A and lowest in feed treatment D. The survival rates were 100 % for treatment A and feed treatment B and 75 % for treatments C and D respectively. More research is needed to develop optimal nutritional diets for faster growth rates of O. cyanea in captivity.
Dominant Factors Influencing the Performance of Principals of Vocational High Schools
Authors: Darwin Darwin , Mudjisusatyo Yuniarto
Published: August 2023

This study aims to determine the effect of self-efficacy, job satisfaction, and perceptions of position on the performance of principals of public vocational high schools in DKI Jakarta Province. The research was conducted using a survey method. The data were analyzed using path analysis. The population of this study was 61 school principals in six cities/districts. This research questionnaire tested 21 school principals. Therefore, using proportional random sampling, the sample for this study was 40 school principals who were selected proportionally and randomly. The results of the study are as follows: (1) there is a positive direct effect of self-efficacy on the performance of school principals, (2) there is a positive direct effect of job satisfaction on the performance of school principals, (3) ) there is a positive direct effect of position perceptions on the performance of school principals, (4) there is a positive direct effect of self-efficacy on job satisfaction, and (5) there is a positive direct effect of self-efficacy on perception of position.
Investigation of the Effects of the Training Program on Negative Nutrition and Technology Addiction in Young Athletes
Authors: Tarjibayeva Saule , Adilova Valentina , Tsitsurin Vladimir , Sadykov Sagdat , Akhmetova Botagoz
Published: August 2023

In this study, the effect of a training program developed for healthy nutrition, increasing physical activity and reducing technological addiction on the related behaviors and habits of young athletes was examined. In the study, which was carried out according to the pre-test post-test model with control group, the curriculum developed for the research variables in the experimental group was applied in 4 modules. In the study, no experimental application was applied to the participants in the control group. There were 30 young athletes in the experimental group and 30 young athletes in the control group. Young athletes in the experimental and control groups were equal to each other in terms of gender, age, eating habits and physical activity. 'Dutch Nutrition Behavior Scale', 'Technological Addiction Scale' and 'Physical Activity Questionnaire' were used as data collection tools in the study. According to the findings of the study, it was found that the negative nutritional behaviors and technological addiction of the athletes in the experimental group decreased, while their physical activity levels increased compared to their peers in the control group.
Autonomous Emergency Water Station
Authors: Menezes Winona , Reynolds Elyse , Swallow Robert , Thweatt Jacob , Aminian Farzan , Aminian Mehran , George Darin
Published: August 2023

An emergency water station for migrants crossing the Texas-Mexico border is designed and implemented. This station uses satellite communication to send the number of remaining water jugs to the volunteers in charge of replenishment. This paper outlines the features of the complete design and discusses the primary functions of the main three subsystems of the station. The first subsystem is the station structure, which holds the water jugs, electronics equipment and the flagpole. The second subsystem consists of the electronics/communication system which tallies and transmits the number of water jugs remained in the station. The third component is the solar-based power system to charge the batteries and provide power to the electronic components. The fully constructed design fits within a standard truck bed (78” x 64”) for easy transportation. It can withstand an operational temperature of 20°F - 140°F and a maximum wind speed of 40mph. Special attention is paid to the operational cost of the communication system to keep it under $5 per month. The number of one-gallon water jugs remained in the station is reported at least once per day within the accuracy of ±1 jug. The station is visible at night from at least one mile away by using LED mounted on top of a 25-foot pole.
The Good, The Bad, What HBCUs Wish They Had: The Benefit of Data Warehouse Technology
Authors: Sigur Dennis
Published: August 2023

In the middle of a technological revolution, we are working in a global market and organizations are all competing to survive. As these organizations try to develop strategies, many have determined that the solution is data. Planning, development, and implementation of data warehouses will provide the infrastructure for organizations to integrate decision support systems and business tools to generate reporting and data visualizations to assist in decision-making. Many organizations are taking advantage of this technology but many are lagging behind, one example is Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). HBCUs serve a unique population of students that other institutions may not offer an opportunity to. Due to low enrollment and a harsh economy, many institutions struggle with recruitment and retention, and HBCUs struggle more than others. HBCUs lack the data warehouse and decision support systems as their peers. HBCUs would benefit in the area of retention and recruitment if given data warehouse and decision support system technology.
Identity and War: The Role of Biometrics in the Russia-Ukraine Crisis
Authors: Gofman Mikhail I. , Villa Maria
Published: August 2023

On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. While many experts have examined the conflict from geopolitical, economic, and humanitarian angles, few have formally studied biometric technologies' role in the conflict. Our analytical survey helps fill this gap. On one hand, the faces and fingerprints of refugees are being used to protect the national security of asylum countries in what has become the worst refugee crisis since WWII. Biometric passports simplify travel for Ukrainian refugees to countries in the European Union through a visa-free traveling regime. Meanwhile, the United Nations (UN) uses fingerprinting to distribute cash aid to eligible Ukrainian refugees securely. Biometrics may also become a potent weapon for fighting the war-exacerbated human trafficking crisis in Ukraine. On the other hand, refugees applying for Canadian, UK, and other visas were subject to long waiting times to fulfill the biometric registration requirement of the visa application. Biometrics were also forcefully collected from Ukrainians deported to Russia from Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia uses public face recognition to identify, arrest, and prosecute anti-war activists. From the refugee crisis to the battlefield to information warfare, our work analyzes reports of how the use of biometric technologies has impacted the ongoing conflict. We also present potential solutions to problems stemming from the use of biometrics during the ongoing conflict. Our examination of the conflict through a lens of biometrics applications can help researchers and analysts deepen their comprehension of the ongoing war as well as other and future conflicts. The information presented here is current as of the time of the writing. The reader interested in the subject presented here is highly encouraged to follow the latest reports and analyses from the sources tracking the conflict
Use of Several Grids in the Knight Tour’s Game to Find Shorter or Longer Biochemistry’s Sentences
Authors: Centelles Josep J. , Moreno Estefania , De Atauri Pedro Ramon
Published: August 2023

Knight tour is a mathematical problem that was first solved by Leonhard Euler (1707-1785). The problem consists in finding if it is possible that the knight piece of chess can tour through all the boxes of a chess grid, passing only once through each box. Bishop piece can only move to diagonal boxes of one color, and pawns can only move in one column. It can be easily seen that king, queen and rook can move through all the boxes. But it was not clear that the knight could move all through. Euler found several solutions for the 8x8 grid, and he numbered all the boxes of the grid in the order through which the knight passed. Surprisingly, he obtained some solutions with semi-magic squares, in which the sum of all the numbers of each row and column was the same. Nevertheless, diagonals didn’t sum the same, as happens in the magic squares. One of the typical games in word game’s books is the knight tour, with a 5x5 grid, that hides a 25-syllable sentence. The objective of this work was to study other grids, to obtain different sentences length with 3x3 (9-syllables), 4x4 (16-syllables), 5x5 (25 syllables), 6x6 (36 syllables) or 7x7 (49 syllables) grids. Thus, this game would be more versatile and could be used more extensively than limiting it to 25-syllable sentences.
The Effect of the Control Light on the Result in the Transformation of Design Studies into Printed Products
Authors: Kisa Mustafa
Published: August 2023

The aim of visual design is to ensure that the product reaches the target audience in a high-quality way and is accepted by the target audience. Quality printed products attract the attention of the target audience and provide an idea about the product. The product printed closest to the original will also create a positive impression and a sense of trust about the brand and business. In addition, a high-quality printed product is an indication of how much the target audience is valued and how much they care. Printed products will create a positive or negative impression to the target audience about the main product it contains. The visual quality of the packaging will also increase the confidence in the product. In the study, the effect of ambient light and control panel light lighting intensities, which are among the factors affecting quality, on the printing result, was examined. The visual designer and the printing operator who performs the printing of the product perform all the stages from the graphic to the end of printing in order to obtain a quality product. Although the lighting intensity of the control table where printing controls are performed has no effect on either the carrier or the structure of the ink, it has been found that it directly affects the print result and quality due to the negative effect it has on the visual perception of the operator. In the study, it was observed that the lighting intensities of the lights used in the workshop environments where printing takes place and the printing control units below the daylight values or do not have close values have negative effects on the print quality.
Reflections of STEAM Education on Children According to Early Childhood and Primary School Teachers
Authors: Erol Mustafa , Erol Ahmet
Published: August 2023

In this study, we examined STEAM education's reflections and implicit functions on children according to the views of early childhood and primary school teachers who applied STEAM education. We conducted the study within the scope of phenomenology design, one of the qualitative research designs. The participants were ten teachers who had previously received STEAM education and applied STEAM education in their classroom and were determined by the snowball sampling method. We collected the data with semi-structured interviews and analyzed them with content analysis. We explained our findings with three themes: 1) opportunities for collaborative learning with peers, 2) values, and 3) opportunities for skill development. According to the results, STEAM education encouraged children to make friends, work together, have fun, develop positive commitment, and take responsibility. STEAM education enabled children to cooperate, share, take responsibility, and develop friendships among children. In addition, STEAM education contributed to many skills of children, such as empathy, problem-solving, scientific process, analytical thinking, aggressiveness, self-control, and critical thinking. In this respect, the study provides evidence for the illusions of STEAM education for children.
Implementation of Functional Behavior Assessments for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Exhibiting Sexually Inappropriate Behaviors
Authors: Ostryn Cheryl , Wolfe Pamela S. , Wertalik Jennifer L.
Published: August 2023

A functional behavior assessment is an evidence-based process that identifies the function of challenging behaviors in order for educators to develop behavior intervention plans for students with disabilities. All behaviors are under stimulus control and research indicates that behaviors typically serve four functions: tangible, escape, attention, and automatic. However, when individuals with developmental disabilities engage in inappropriate sexual behaviors such as exposing their genitalia in public places or groping a stranger, it is not typical for practitioners to implement this functional behavior assessment process as these sexual behaviors are often viewed as different from non-sexual inappropriate behaviors like screaming in class or throwing school materials. This article presents information of how to complete a comprehensive functional behavior assessment for three students with developmental disabilities who exhibit sexually inappropriate behaviors in school settings to highlight the usefulness of the functional behavior assessment process for developing behavior intervention plans for long lasting behavior change