bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caractéristique structurale des zones marécageuses de la forêt de la Tanoé-Ehy (Sud-Est de la Côte d’Ivoire)
Authors: Missa Koffi , Seguena Fofana , Soro Dramane , Bakayoko Adama
Published: February 2021

Cette étude vise à dégager les différents états de dégradation de la végétation au sein de la forêt marécageuse de la Tanoe-Ehy, à travers 4 relevés linéaires de 100 mètres de long. L’analyse de ces relevés a montré qu’au niveau des types biologiques, l’espèce Combretum racemosum P. Beauv. (Combretaceae) représente l’essentielle des espèces lianescentes. Dans cette forêt, parmi les espèces qui contribuent fortement à la formation de la végétation, il y a la présence des espèces vulnérables de l’UICN. Concernant les recouvrements, les strates basses sont faiblement occupées. Cependant, la végétation est dense dans les strates moyennes. Ces recouvrements ont montré que la dégradation de la structure des milieux est une conséquence de l’exploitation villageoise. Par ailleurs, cette forêt marécageuse présente des recouvrements particuliers qui n’ont jamais été observés en forêt dense humide de Côte d’Ivoire.Mots clés : Structure, végétation, forêt, marécageuse, types biologiques, recouvrements.

Englsih Title: Structural Characteristic of the marshy areas of the Tanoé-Ehy forest (Southeastern Côte d'Ivoire)

This study aims to identify the different state of vegetation degradation within the Tanoe-Ehy swamp forest, through 4 linear surveys 100 meters long. Analysis of these surveys showed that at the level of biological types, the species Combretum racemosum P. Beauv. (Combretaceae) is the essential of lianescent species. In this forest, among the species that contribute heavily to vegetation formation, there is the presence of vulnerable IUCN species. For overlays, the lower strata are poorly occupied. However, vegetation is dense in the middle strata. These recoveries have shown that the degradation of the structure of the environments is a consequence of village exploitation. In addition, this swamp forest has special overlays that have never been seen in the dense rainforest of Côte d'Ivoire.

Keywords: Structure, vegetation, forest, swampy, biological types, recoveries.
Plantes médicinales de l’Afrique de l’Ouest pour la prise en charge des affections respiratoires pouvant se manifester au cours de la Covid-19
Authors: Haidara Mahamane , Diarra Mamadou Lamine , Doumbia Sékou , Denou Adama , Dembele Daouda , Diarra Birama , Sanogo Rokia
Published: February 2021

Dans le cadre de contribuer à la prise en charge symptomatique des affections respiratoires pouvant se manifester pendant la Covid-19, la présente étude a été entreprise pour recenser les plantes médicinales Africaines actives contre ces manifestations. Une étude bibliographique a été effectuée pour recenser les espèces végétales utilisées dans la prise en charge des maladies respiratoires en Afrique de l’Ouest. La fréquence de citation et un score de convergence d’usage des espèces ont été également calculés. Un total de 318 recettes issues de 145 espèces végétales a été inventorié à travers différentes publications. Guiera senegalensis, Sterculia setigera, Bridelia ferruginea, Euphorbia hirta et Terminalia avicennioides étaient les plantes les plus citées avec les meilleurs scores de convergence d’usage. Les feuilles de ces espèces étaient les plus citées tandis que la toux était la plus indiquée. Les résultats de cette étude pourraient servir de base de données des espèces végétales utilisées dans la prise en charge des maladies du tractus respiratoire en Afrique de l’ouest.Mots clés : Plantes médicinales, Affections respiratoires, Covid-19, Afrique de l’Ouest.

English Title: Medicinal plants from West Africa for the management of respiratory diseases that may appear during the Covid-19

As part of contributing to the symptomatic management of respiratory conditions that may manifest during Covid-19, the current study was undertaken to identify African medicinal plants active against these manifestations. A bibliographic study was carried out to identify the plant species used in the management of respiratory diseases in West Africa. The frequency of citation and a convergence score for the use of the species were also calculated. A total of 318 recipes from 145 plant species were inventoried through various publications. Guiera senegalensis, Sterculia setigera, Bridelia ferruginea, Euphorbia hirta and Terminalia avicennioides were the most cited plants with the best usage convergence scores. Leaves from these species were most cited while the cough was more indicated. The results of this study could serve as a database of plant species used in the management of respiratory tract diseases in West Africa.Keywords: Medicinal plants, Respiratory Affections, Covid-19, West Africa.
Characteristics of natural rubber – carbonized pawpaw seed composites
Authors: Osabohien Emmanuel , Soya Ufuoma , Ojeifo Nduka Obichukwu
Published: February 2021

The search for eco-friendly and less expensive fillers and additives has necessitated the use of renewable natural resources of plant origin in rubber compounding. This research work utilized carbonized pawpaw (Carica papaya) seeds as filler in natural rubber compounds in a bid to determining the reinforcing potentials. The carbonized pawpaw seeds (CPS) and dried raw pawpaw seeds (RPS) were separately pulverized, screened with a 75 μm sized test sieve and incorporated into natural rubber, Standard Nigerian Rubber (SNR 10), loaded between 0 – 50 parts per hundred (Phr) of the rubber. The cure characteristics, physicomechanical properties as well as the percentage swelling characteristics of vulcanizates were measured as a function of filler loading and compared with the values obtained using industrial grade carbon black (N330) as a standard reinforcing filler. Results showed that the CPS and RPS filled SNR 10 influenced the cure characteristics and physicomechanical properties of rubber vulcanizates. The scorch and cure times of the vulcanizates decreased as filler loading is increased while maximum torque increased with increase in filler loading. Tensile strength and modulus at 100% strain for all SNR 10 filled vulcanizates increased to optimum level at 40 phr respectively, thereafter decreased, and elongation at break decreased as filler loading is increased. The hardness and abrasion resistance of the vulcanizates increased with increase in filler loading, while compression set and percentage swelling in both petroleum and aromatic solvents decreased as filler loading is increased. The vulcanizates tend to swell more in aromatic solvents than in petroleum solvents. Percentage swelling of the vulcanizates (N330 – SNR 10 < CPS – SNR 10 < RPS – SNR 10) and in the order benzene > toluene > kerosene > diesel solvents. The research work showed that CPS and RPS fillers exhibited considerable reinforcing potentials but somewhat inferior to carbon black, N330.

Keywords: Natural rubber, pawpaw seeds, fillers, vulcanizates and reinforcement.
Hétérogénéité génétique et résistance des vecteurs du paludisme (Anopheles gambiae s.l) aux insecticides en zone cotonnière au Benin
Authors: Aikpon Rock , Missihoun Antoine , Lokossou Antoine , Aikpon Gorgias , Salifou Sahidou , Dansi Alexandre , Agbangla Clément
Published: February 2021

La résistance des vecteurs du paludisme aux insecticides utilisés dans la lutte anti vectorielle est un obstacle majeur pour les programmes nationaux de lutte contre le paludisme. La présente étude avait pour but d’évaluer la diversité génétique des populations de Anopheles gambiae et la résistance aux insecticides (mutation Kdr et Ace-1) en zone cotonnière au Bénin. Deux méthodes de capture ont été utilisées pour la collecte d’échantillon. La capture sur appât humain et la récolte de la faune résiduelle matinale par spray. La PCR SINE a permis de distinguer deux espèces jumelles et d’obtenir les différents génotypes pour les deux gènes. Deux espèces du complexe An. gambiae s.l ont été trouvées en sympatrie (Anopheles coluzzii et Anopheles gambiae). La résistance kdr et Ace-1 connaissent un flux saisonnier. L’allèle résistant du gène kdr est fixé dans la population de vecteurs (Fis>0). Par contre, un déficit de l’allèle résistant est noté au niveau du gène Ace-1 (Fis<0).Mots clés : Hétérogénéité, génétique, résistance, vecteur, paludisme.

English Title: Genetic heterogeneity and resistance to insecticides in malaria vector Anopheles gambiae s.l in the cotton growing area in Benin

Resistance of malaria vectors to insecticides used in vector control is a major threat for national malaria control programs. The purpose of this study was to assess the genetic diversity of Anopheles gambiae populations and resistance to insecticides (Kdr Ace-1 mutation) in the cotton growing area in Benin. Two samples methods were used for mosquito collection: Human Landing catch (HLC) and the residual fauna collection by spray. The SINE PCR allow to identify species the different genotypes resistance genes. Two species of the An. gambiae s.l complex have been found in sympatry (Anopheles coluzzii and Anopheles gambiae). kdr and Ace-1 resistance had seasonal variation trend. The kdr resistance allele is fixed in the vector population (Fis> 0). Moreover, a deficit of the Ace-1 resistance allele was observed (Fis <0).

Keywords: Heterogeneity, genetic, resistance, vector, malaria.
On complete reducibility in characteristic $p$
Authors: Balaji V. , Deligne P. , Parameswaran A. J.
Published: February 2021

Let $G$ be a reductive group over a field $k$ which is algebraically closed of characteristic $p \neq 0$. We prove a structure theorem for a class of subgroup schemes of $G$, for $p$ bounded below by the Coxeter number of $G$. As applications, we derive semi-simplicity results, generalizing earlier results of Serre proven in 1998, and also obtain an analogue of Luna's \'etale slice theorem for suitable bounds on $p$.

Comment: Appendix is by Zhiwei Yun
Hilbert-Mumford stability on algebraic stacks and applications to $\mathcal{G}$-bundles on curves
Authors: Heinloth Jochen
Published: February 2021

In these notes we reformulate the classical Hilbert-Mumford criterion for GIT stability in terms of algebraic stacks, this was independently done by Halpern-Leinster. We also give a geometric condition that guarantees the existence of separated coarse moduli spaces for the substack of stable objects. This is then applied to construct coarse moduli spaces for torsors under parahoric group schemes over curves.

Comment: 37 pages
On the Prym variety of genus 3 covers of genus 1 curves
Authors: Ritzenthaler Christophe , Romagny Matthieu
Published: February 2021

Given a generic degree-2 cover of a genus 1 curve D by a non hyperelliptic genus 3 curve C over a field k of characteristic different from 2, we produce an explicit genus 2 curve X such that Jac(C) is isogenous to the product of Jac(D) and Jac(X). This construction can be seen as a degenerate case of a result by Nils Bruin.

Comment: Published version
Lefschetz (1,1)-theorem in tropical geometry
Authors: Jell Philipp , Rau Johannes , Shaw Kristin
Published: February 2021

For a tropical manifold of dimension n we show that the tropical homology classes of degree (n-1, n-1) which arise as fundamental classes of tropical cycles are precisely those in the kernel of the eigenwave map. To prove this we establish a tropical version of the Lefschetz (1, 1)-theorem for rational polyhedral spaces that relates tropical line bundles to the kernel of the wave homomorphism on cohomology. Our result for tropical manifolds then follows by combining this with Poincar\'e duality for integral tropical homology.

Comment: 27 pages, 6 figures, published version
A characterization of finite vector bundles on Gauduchon astheno-Kahler manifolds
Authors: Biswas Indranil , Pingali Vamsi Pritham
Published: February 2021

A vector bundle E on a projective variety X is called finite if it satisfies a nontrivial polynomial equation with integral coefficients. A theorem of Nori implies that E is finite if and only if the pullback of E to some finite etale Galois covering of X is trivial. We prove the same statement when X is a compact complex manifold admitting a Gauduchon astheno-Kahler metric.
Hamiltonian actions of unipotent groups on compact K\"ahler manifolds
Authors: Greb Daniel , Miebach Christian
Published: February 2021

We study meromorphic actions of unipotent complex Lie groups on compact K\"ahler manifolds using moment map techniques. We introduce natural stability conditions and show that sets of semistable points are Zariski-open and admit geometric quotients that carry compactifiable K\"ahler structures obtained by symplectic reduction. The relation of our complex-analytic theory to the work of Doran--Kirwan regarding the Geometric Invariant Theory of unipotent group actions on projective varieties is discussed in detail.

Comment: v2: 30 pages, final version as accepted by EPIGA
Pluricomplex Green's functions and Fano manifolds
Authors: McCleerey Nicholas , Tosatti Valentino
Published: February 2021

We show that if a Fano manifold does not admit Kahler-Einstein metrics then the Kahler potentials along the continuity method subconverge to a function with analytic singularities along a subvariety which solves the homogeneous complex Monge-Ampere equation on its complement, confirming an expectation of Tian-Yau.

Comment: EpiGA Volume 3 (2019), Article Nr. 9
P-adic lattices are not K\"ahler groups
Authors: Klingler Bruno
Published: February 2021

In this note we show that any lattice in a simple p-adic Lie group is not the fundamental group of a compact Ka\"hler manifold, as well as some variants of this result.

Comment: Final version
Sur l'hyperbolicit\'e de graphes associ\'es au groupe de Cremona
Authors: Lonjou Anne
Published: February 2021

To reinforce the analogy between the mapping class group and the Cremona group of rank $2$ over an algebraic closed field, we look for a graph analoguous to the curve graph and such that the Cremona group acts on it non-trivially. A candidate is a graph introduced by D. Wright. However, we demonstrate that it is not Gromov-hyperbolic. This answers a question of A. Minasyan and D. Osin. Then, we construct two graphs associated to a Vorono\"i tesselation of the Cremona group introduced in a previous work of the autor. We show that one is quasi-isometric to the Wright graph. We prove that the second one is Gromov-hyperbolic.

Comment: 29 pages, en Fran\c{c}ais
Irregular Hodge numbers of confluent hypergeometric differential equations
Authors: Sabbah Claude , Yu Jeng-Daw
Published: February 2021

We give a formula computing the irregular Hodge numbers for a confluent hypergeometric differential equation.

Comment: 9 pages. V2: typos corrected
On the B-Semiampleness Conjecture
Authors: Floris Enrica , Lazić Vladimir
Published: February 2021

The B-Semiampleness Conjecture of Prokhorov and Shokurov predicts that the moduli part in a canonical bundle formula is semiample on a birational modification. We prove that the restriction of the moduli part to any sufficiently high divisorial valuation is semiample, assuming the conjecture in lower dimensions.

Comment: 26 pages
On the group of zero-cycles of holomorphic symplectic varieties
Authors: Marian Alina , Zhao Xiaolei
Published: February 2021

For a moduli space of Bridgeland-stable objects on a K3 surface, we show that the Chow class of a point is determined by the Chern class of the corresponding object on the surface. This establishes a conjecture of Junliang Shen, Qizheng Yin, and the second author.
The equivalence of several conjectures on independence of $\ell$
Authors: van Dobben de Bruyn Remy
Published: February 2021

We consider several conjectures on the independence of $\ell$ of the \'etale cohomology of (singular, open) varieties over $\bar{\mathbf F}_p$. The main result is that independence of $\ell$ of the Betti numbers $h^i_{\text{c}}(X,\mathbf Q_\ell)$ for arbitrary varieties is equivalent to independence of $\ell$ of homological equivalence $\sim_{\text{hom},\ell}$ for cycles on smooth projective varieties. We give several other equivalent statements. As a surprising consequence, we prove that independence of $\ell$ of Betti numbers for smooth quasi-projective varieties implies the same result for arbitrary separated finite type $k$-schemes.

Comment: Published version. 27 pages
Gushel--Mukai varieties: intermediate Jacobians
Authors: Debarre Olivier , Kuznetsov Alexander
Published: February 2021

We describe intermediate Jacobians of Gushel-Mukai varieties $X$ of dimensions 3 or 5: if $A$ is the Lagrangian space associated with $X$, we prove that the intermediate Jacobian of $X$ is isomorphic to the Albanese variety of the canonical double covering of any of the two dual Eisenbud-Popescu-Walter surfaces associated with $A$. As an application, we describe the period maps for Gushel-Mukai threefolds and fivefolds.

Comment: 48 pages. Latest addition to our series of articles on the geometry of Gushel-Mukai varieties; v2: minor stylistic improvements, results unchanged; v3: minor improvements; v4: final version, published in EPIGA
Taguchi Yöntemleri Kullanılarak Frezeleme İşleminde Kesme Parametrelerinin Yüzey Pürüzlülüğüne Etkisinin Araştırılması
Authors: MAMEDOV Ali
Published: February 2021

Bu çalışmada, kalıp çeliğinin işlenmesi esnasında kesme parametrelerinin yüzey pürüzlülüğü üzerindeki etkisinin araştırılması yoluyla frezeleme operasyonunun optimizasyonu amaçlanmıştır. Deneysel çalışmaların sonuçları, kritik parametrelerin bulunmasında etkili olan sinyal-gürültü oranı hesaplaması ve varyans analizi gibi farklı Taguchi yöntemleri kullanılarak değerlendirilmiştir. İlerleme hızı, iş mili devri, kesme derinliği ve radyal dalma oranı gibi dört kesme parametresinin yüzey pürüzlülüğü üzerindeki etkileri araştırılmıştır.
Sivas Jips Karstında Dolin Yoğunluğunun CBS Tabanlı Analizi
Authors: POYRAZ Murat , ÖZTÜRK Muhammed Zeynel , SOYKAN Abdullah
Published: February 2021

Yukarı Kızılırmak Havzası’nda, özellikle Sivas –İmranlı arasındaki jips alanı Türkiye’nin en önemli jips karstı alanını oluşturmaktadır. Sivas-İmranlı arasındaki jipsler üzerinde gelişmiş olan dolinler birçok çalışmada ele alınmıştır. Ancak bu çalışmaların hiçbirisi tüm alanı kapsamadığı için alandaki dolin yoğunluğunun alansal dağılış özellikleri tam olarak bilinmemektedir. Bu eksiklikten dolayı, çalışmada Sivas-İmranlı arasındaki jipsler üzerinde gelişmiş dolinlerin alansal dağılış özellikleri CBS tabanlı yapılan haritalama çalışmaları ile ortaya konulmuştur. Çalışmada dolin dağılışlarını belirlemek için 1/25.000 ölçekli topoğrafya haritaları ve 1/3.000-1/5.000 ölçekli uydu görüntüleri kullanılmıştır. Yapılan haritalama çalışmaları sonucunda Sivas-İmranlı arasındaki 1609 km2’lik jips alanı içerisinde topoğrafya haritalarında 10.651 dolin, uydu görüntülerinde 42.127 dolin tespit edilmiştir. Kernel yöntemiyle hesaplanan yoğunluklara göre topoğrafya haritalarında maksimum dolin yoğunluğu 127 dolin/km2’ye ulaşırken, uydu görüntülerinde yoğunluk 237 dolin/km2’ye kadar ulaşmaktadır. Topoğrafya haritalarına göre jips alanının %47’sinde, uydu görüntülerinde ise %26’sında dolin gelişimi görülmemektedir. Dolin yoğunluk sınıfları açısından düşük ve çok düşük yoğunluktaki alanlar her iki veride de %46’lık orana sahiptir. Uydu görüntülerinde daha küçük boyutlu dolinlerin haritalanabilmesinden dolayı topoğrafyada sadece %0.7’lik bir alan kaplayan yüksek ve çok yüksek yoğunluktaki alanlar uydu görüntülerinde %15.3’lük bir alan kaplamaktadır. Yoğunluk bölgelerinin alansal dağılışlarına göre, maksimum yoğunluklar jipsi kuzeyde sınırlayan bindirme hattına paralel olarak doğu-batı doğrultusunda uzanan, yüksek plato karakterindeki alan üzerinde görülür. 1255-2335 metreleri arasında dağılış gösteren dolinlerin %90’dan fazlası 1300-1700 metreleri arasında bulunur. Yoğunluğun en fazla olduğu yükselti basamağı uydu görüntülerinde 1500-1550 metreleri iken (%19.2), topoğrafya haritalarında 1600-1650 metreleridir (%19.94).
A Study on the Settlement Morphology of Tipra ethnic group in Sreemangal, Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Sazdik , Safwat Ravhee Shahla , Mohammad Adnan Shah
Published: February 2021

Tipra community is one of the major ethnic groups living in Bangladesh. In Bangladesh Tipra tribes are living in the Chittagong Hills tract, Cumilla, Noakhali, and Sylhet region. They have a distinct culture, socio economic pattern, food habits, marital customs, rites and rituals and other customs from the rest of the people of the country. Their large historical background and lifestyle is manifested in their significant housing and settlement pattern. Their neighborhood and community life is strong though they have a poor economic condition. This paper attempts to search for the settlement pattern and archetype of their settlement. A limited work had been done on settlement pattern of Tipra ethnic group also their socio-cultural condition and socio-economic situation needs more to be revealed .Moreover, this study tries to collect information from a Tipra village called Dolubari Tipra Village at Sreemangal, Moulovibazar. It is expected that after examining all the information about Tipra ethnic group an archetype and settlement pattern of ethnic housing can be construct.
The educational research landscape on GIS integration and challenges – globally and in South Africa
Authors:   Cedar International Academy, South Africa, Fleischmann Elfrieda , van der Westhuizen Christo ,   North-West University, South Africa
Published: February 2021

As Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have only been included in the curriculum in the last decade, many educators globally struggle to integrate GIS practice into their teaching strategies. Following the global trend, South African educators might feel ill equipped as they did not receive formal GIS training in a higher education institution. This paper highlights key global and South African challenges regarding GIS integration. To compare the challenges that South Africa faces with those experienced elsewhere, this mixed method study gleaned data from student educators (n=78) who completed a questionnaire regarding their GIS FET Phase education, followed by in-depth interviews with FET Phase educators (n=10) and two provincial heads of Geography for the Department of Basic Education (DBE). Results from this study indicate a clear global and national pattern of barrier categories.
Exploring Lenses Used in Case Study Research in Literacy Over Time
Authors: Barone Diane
Published: February 2021

This study is a case study analysis where book length case studies were aggregated for review. The review focused on the lenses that researchers used to analyze their data. The results indicated most case studies used a neutral lens where careful description of a literacy event was the goal. A few researchers moved to a critical lens of positioning theory to describe their results. Historical shifts and issues were shared that included a focus on participants and lenses and views of teachers.
Literasi Media Sosial Pelajar Politeknik Terhadap Aspirasi Kerjaya Keusahawanan Digital
Authors: Khalil Nur Farahin , Buang Nor Aishah , Othman Norasmah
Published: February 2021

Kajian ini dijalankan bertujuan mengenal pasti tahap literasi media sosial dalam kalangan pelajar Politeknik Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah (PSA) terhadap pemilihan kerjaya keusahawanan digital. Responden kajian terdiri daripada pelajar semester akhir di Jabatan Perdagangan. Kajian ini berbentuk tinjauan dengan menggunakan kaedah kuantitatif. Data dikumpulkan dengan menggunakan instrumen borang soal selidik serta diedarkan menggunakan Google form. Data dianalisis menggunakan perisian Statistical Package Social Science (SPSS) versi 26. Item kajian menggunakan Skala Likert 5 bagi menerangkan item soal selidik. Data kajian yang diperoleh dianalisis menggunakan statistik deskriptif yang melibatkan nilai min dan sisihan piawai. Hubungan antara literasi media sosial terhadap pemilihan kerjaya keusahawanan digital diuji menggunakan ujian Korelasi Pearson. Dapatan kajian ini menunjukkan skor min tahap literasi media sosial adalah tahap sederhana tinggi. Berdasarkan hasil kajian, terdapat beberapa implikasi penting dalam menekankan lebih banyak aktiviti pengajaran dan pembelajaran berasaskan media sosial untuk menggalakkan pelajar PSA memilih bidang keusahawanan digital setelah tamat pengajian. Secara keseluruhan, terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara literasi media sosial pelajar PSA terhadap pemilihan kerjaya keusahawanan digital. Seterusnya, kajian ini diharapkan dapat membantu pensyarah untuk merancang strategi dan pendekatan aktiviti kepada pelajar kearah pemilihan kerjaya keusahawanan digital pada masa hadapan.
Core Self-evaluations and Psychological Health among Nurses: The Mediating Role of Work-family Conflict
Authors: Mohd Hanifa Suzana , Ismail Zanariah
Published: February 2021

Changes in the workforce demographics have led many individuals, particularly women, to experience work-family conflict as they juggle between their work and family roles. However, not much is known about the role of work-family conflict in the relationship between positive personality traits, namely, core self-evaluations and psychological health, among nurses. Thus, this study presents a model which examines the impact of core self-evaluations on nurses’ psychological health (i.e., psychological distress and life satisfaction) and whether work-family conflict will have a mediating influence on such relationship. Based on the ecological systems theory and the conservation of resources theory, the model proposes that core self-evaluations will have a direct effect on work-family conflict, life satisfaction and psychological distress in nurses. In addition, it is hypothesised that core self-evaluations will have an indirect effect on life satisfaction and psychological distress through work-family conflict. Finally, this model highlights the importance of core self-evaluations as personal resources that can protect nurses from work-family conflict and enhance their psychological health.
A review on Innovation and its Strategic Importance to the Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
Authors: Musneh Siti Noraisah , Azwa Ambad Sylvia @ Nabila , Mohd Roslin Rosmimah
Published: February 2021

This is a conceptual paper to review the innovation concept and determine the strategic importance of innovation towards the growth of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) globally. The study reviews the extant literature on the role of innovation in keeping SMEs competitive and sustainable in their business. This study’s findings show the evidence from past literature on the importance of innovation to SMEs’ growth, and its effect on SMEs if they failed to innovate. Another information that SMEs can gain when reading this paper is the definitions of innovation viewed from different perspectives and help SMEs get involved with relevant innovation activities.
www.msocialsciences.com Living Heritage Village of Kampung Morten Melaka: Local Community Involvement in Tourism
Authors: Ab. Rahman Syakir Amir , Mohd Fauzi Wan Amerul Akhyar , Bachok Syahriah , Asmawi M. Zainora , Ponrahano Zakiah , Rosni Nur Aulia , Masuda Yukihiro , Najib Nadiah
Published: February 2021

Community-based Tourism (CBT) involves high community participation at the highest level of decision-making processes, to economic involvement and the giving opinion of the lowest level goal. The purpose of this study is to explore the local community participation in the tourism activities in Kampung Morten, Melaka. The questionnaire survey was conducted using a simple random sampling method among 152 respondents and the results were analysed using crosstabulation analysis. The main findings are the majority of respondents participated in tourism activities and deliberation in tourism activities. Less number of respondents were giving opinions on tourism development and plans. This study is benefitable to the tourism stakeholders to ensure the relevancy of communities staying in living heritage villages to contribute to the domestic tourism industry.
www.msocialsciences.com Kesan Pembelajaran Reflektif menerusi Blog bagi Tajuk Teorem Pitagoras ke atas Pencapaian dan Motivasi Murid Tingkatan Empat
Authors: Tasir Zaidatun , Mohd Esa Nur Lidiana Edyanti
Published: February 2021

Kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengenal pasti kesan pembelajaran blog reflektif bagi tajuk Teorem Pitagoras ke atas pencapaian dan motivasi murid tingkatan 4. Seramai 30 orang murid tingkatan empat yang dipilih berdasarkan teknik persampelan rawak mudah terlibat dalam kajian ini. Instrumen kajian ini merupakan soal selidik motivasi dan ujian pencapaian. Semua dapatan dalam kajian ini dianilisis secara statistik inferensi iaitu ujian t sampel berpasangan dan Wilcoxon signed rank test melalui perisian IBM SPSS. Dapatan kajian ini menunjukkan bahawa terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara penggunaan blog reflektif melalui kaedah inkuiri terhadap pencapaian dan motivasi murid. Penggunaan blog didapati mempengaruhi peningkatan dalam pencapaian dan motivasi pembelajaran topik teorem pitagoras dalam kalangan murid. Kajian ini telah memberikan sumber maklumat kepada guru matematik bagaimana caranya untuk melaksanakan proses pengajaran dan pembelajaran melalui penggunaan blog reflektif dengan berkesan.
Minat Murid Terhadap Gaya, Kaedah Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran Guru dalam Pendidikan Sejarah
Authors: Mat Lui Muhammad Zulfiqar , Ahmad Anuar
Published: February 2021

Kajian ini dijalankan adalah untuk melihat tahap minat murid dalam gaya pengajaran dan juga kaedah pengajaran dan pembelajaran guru dalam pendidikan sejarah. Kajian tinjauan ini dengan pendekatan kuantitatif ini melibatkan seramai 100 orang murid dalam Daerah Kuantan. Borang soal selidik dalam bentuk Google Form digunakan untuk mendapat data atau maklumat yang berkaitan dengan maklumat yang berkaitan dengan kajian. Maklumat data yang diperolehi dianalisis dengan menggunakan perisian SPPS Version 22.0 (Statistical For Social Science). Hasil dapatan kajian ini dianalisis menggunakan statistik deskriptif yang merangkumi taburan frekuensi , peratusan, min dan sisihan piawai serta analisis inferensi yang menggunakan ujian t-tidak bersandar untuk melihat perbezaan minat terhadap gaya pengajaran dan pembelajaran guru berdasarkan jantina. Dapatan kajian mendapati kaedah penggunaan buku teks mempunyai frekuensi dan peratusan yang tertinggi dan penggunaan bahan bantu mengajar seperti animasi, animasi bercetak, drama dan filem mendapat frekuensi dan peratusan yang terendah. Begitu juga dengan gaya pengajaran dan pembelajaran guru yang diminati oleh murid. Dapatan mendapati murid berminat apabila guru memberikan latihan yang sesuai dengan tahap dan kemahiran mereka dalam subjek sejarah. Dapatan untuk analisis inferensi iaitu ujian T-Tidak bersandar mendapati bahawa terdapat perbezaan yang signifikan dalam gaya pengajaran dan pembelajaran guru dalam pendidikan sejarah yang diminati murid berdasarkan jantina. Ini bermakna kaedah pengajaran dan pembelajaran guru masih lagi menggunakan buku teks sebagai kaedah pengajaran utama tetapi disertakan dengan penggunaan teknologi maklumat dan komunikasi sebagai alat bantu mengajar. Gaya pengajaran dan pembelajaran juga ialah guru menyediakan soalan yang sesuai dengan tahap dan pencapaian pelajar dalam pendidikan sejarah.
Buracos Negros: mais de 100 anos de história
Authors: Rodrigues Almeida Carla
Published: February 2021

A existência de buracos negros é uma das consequências mais contraintuitivas da teoria da relatividade geral de Einstein. A descoberta destes enigmáticos objetos não aconteceu em uma data específica, nem por uma pessoa em particular. O desenvolvimento teórico do conceito moderno de buracos negros se estende por um período de mais de cem anos de estudos, marcado por controvérsias e avanços impressionantes, que se inicia com o nascimento da relatividade geral em 1915 e com marcos recentes, sendo o último o reconhecimento do comitê do Prêmio Nobel de Física em 2020. Este artigo sumariza essa história, apontando os principais eventos e pincelando o contexto de cada conquista. Esta é uma prévia de um livro em andamento da autora.
Effects on the Listening Comprehension of Different Non-native English Accents of Chinese Learners of English
Authors: Jidong Wu , Fatema Kaniz , Yeboah Joyce
Published: February 2021

Purpose: This study assessed the effects on the Listening Comprehension of Different Non-native English Accents on Chinese Learners of English. The study aimed to determine, first of all, the reaction of Chinese learners of English to different non-native English accents. Second, it sought to investigate the differences in the difficulties that Chinese learners of English face while listening to English spoken with accents native (Chinese English accent) or non-native. Third, the study attempted to find out the relationship between English spoken with the native Chinese accent and/or non-native English accents and listening comprehension.
Methodology/Approach/Design: The sample included 16 participants majoring in International Education of Chinese Language. They were selected randomly for the study. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were employed to collect and analyze data.
Results: The findings revealed that non-native English accent plays a more important role than the native English accents in listening and comprehension. The findings also revealed a listening comprehension advantage for test-takers who are familiar with accents, in this case, the Chinese non-native English accent.
Practical Implications: For a better understanding of the teaching and learning process of English as a foreign language, learners or listeners need to assess the influence of non-native accents on their listening comprehension to find better ways in improving their listening skills. This study contributes significantly to this field.
Originality/Value: This study employed multi non-native accent including African English accents. It attempted to contribute significant value in this field as most of the teachers who teach English globally are non-native English Speakers and they, in essence, have considerable influence on the learners’ listening comprehension.
New Approaches to Simulation-Based Science Instruction to Enhance Reasoning and Communication Skills in Lebanese Elementary Education
Authors: Temsah Layal , Safa Nehme
Published: February 2021

Purpose: The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of a self-instruction intervention received by teachers on the reasoning and communication skills of sixth and fifth graders. It comprised training elementary science teachers to integrate the Five-E Inquiry-based-computer-simulations.
Approach/Methodology/Design: A mixed-methods quasi-experimental design was employed in this study to investigate the effect of the intervention on students’ reasoning and communication skills from the results of tests, interviews, and observations. The sample included five private schools in the region of Beirut and Mount Lebanon. Participants included 434 students and 10science teachers. Qualitative data were collected from the interview replies of ten science teachers, and 22 pre-post observations. Quantitative data were collected from the pre-post-test results in reasoning and communication over a sample of 434 students from grades five and six.
Findings: The integration of the Five-E Inquiry Model-Computer-Simulation-approach enhanced students’ reasoning skills particularly at the levels of “Analysis”, “Interpretation” and “Conclusion”. Post-test results indicated a significant improvement in students’ reasoning and communication skills. Teachers tackled written communication skills more through writing laboratory reports, and the post-test results for written communication showed significant improvement. Therefore, there was a statistically significant difference between post-test scores of the experimental schools and those of the control schools.
Practical Implications: The study will contribute to the proper integration of computer simulations in an inquiry-based learning environment to enhance elementary students’ reasoning and communication skills in science.
Originality/value: This study responded to students’ lack of reasoning and communication skills and teachers’ lack of technological pedagogical knowledge. The study provided instructional strategies for the proper integration of computer simulations based on the Five-E instructional model that enhanced students’ reasoning and communication skills.
LEVELS OF STRESS AMONG THE PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS: A CASE OF PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN NAIVASHA DISTRICT
Authors: Omondi Isabel Sadya , Kariuki Dr. M. W.
Published: February 2021

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to establish the levels of stress among the public primary school teachers: a case of primary schools in Naivasha district.Methodology: The study used descriptive research design. The target population in this study was 665 public primary school teachers. The sample of the study was 66 public primary school teachers from the four zones in Naivasha district. Primary data was collected through the administration of the questionnaires. A questionnaire is a pre-formulated written set of questions to which the respondents record the answers usually within rather closely delineated alternatives. Responses to the questionnaires were tabulated, coded and processed by use of a computer Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software to analyze the data using descriptive statistics. This generated quantitative reports through tabulations, percentages, and measures of central tendency.Results: Results from the study revealed that pressures of assessments targets and inspection, changes to pay and benefits, teacher student interaction and excessive workload and level of stress among public primary teachers are positively and significant related.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommended that the Ministry of education and TSC should develop a policy on stress management to guide the induction; operation and counseling of public primary school teachers in their day to day duties so as to sufficiently support them manage stress and prevent further job performance effects of stress.
THE INFLUENCE OF MALE ADOLESCENT REBELLION ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS
Authors: Macharia Jane , Shikuku Dr. Mulambula M
Published: February 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine influence of male adolescent rebellion on academic performance in public secondary schools in Kiambu district. Methodology: The study used ex-post facto research design. Stratified sampling was used to select the participants in the study. Schools were stratified into single sex and co-education schools.  Systematic sampling using the class lists was used to identify the students who constituted the sample. The research instruments were the students’ questionnaire, the deputy principal’s and the teacher counsellor’s interview guide. The sample constituted 240 male students, six deputy principles and six teacher counselors. A pilot study was done to pre-test the research instruments so as to estimate their reliability and validity. Data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings were presented using descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics included, frequency distribution, means, bar graphs, and tabulated according to the research objectives. Inferential statistics used included Chi Square and pearson correlation to test the hypotheses at 90% and 95% level of confidence; correlation coefficient was used to measure the strength of linear relationship between the variables of the study.Results: The results indicated that there was no statistically significant relationship between adolescent rebellion and academic performanceUnique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study came up with a model that is recommended to schools for adoption by guidance and counselling teachers to help create awareness and understanding to both the students and parents with the aim of improving or bettering their relationship, academic performance and prevent rebellion in public secondary schools.
NATURE OF TELEVISED ANIMATED CARTOONS WATCHED BY CHILDREN AGED SEVEN TO ELEVEN YEARS IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA
Authors: Kidenda Mary Claire Akinyi
Published: February 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the nature of televised animated cartoons watched by children aged seven and eleven years in Nairobi County, Kenya. It is about cartoon-consumer relationship in an effort to discover the impacts of animated cartoons on children in Nairobi. It also raises awareness on the implications of raising children in Nairobi on an animated cartoon content that is designed mainly from Euro-American and not local values, attitudes and sensibilities. It is hoped that the findings and conclusions herein will help generate cartoons that can educate Kenyan children to live in ways that are socially and culturally desirable.  Methodology: The study used descriptive survey method to collect information through casual interviews and self-administered questionnaires.Findings: This study suggests that animated cartoons have discernible impacts on children in Nairobi in that they influence the children to construct their worldview and create perceptions that are alien to Kenya. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Between the ages of seven to eleven years children are excellent imitators but poor evaluators, therefore, the non-African ideals and values portrayed in the animated cartoons are increasingly defining the perception and attitudes towards gender roles, sexuality, body images and role modelling of children who consume animated cartoons in Nairobi. This is because these children are in that stage where images and impressions from diverse environments play a big part in how they construct their world.
Teachers’ Instructional Practices for Promoting Primary One Learners’ Mathematics Competence: A Comparative Study of Busiro and Luuka, Uganda
Authors: Kisa Sarah , Ejuu Godfrey , Asiimwe Joyce Ayikoru
Published: February 2021

Purpose: Mathematics is a globally compulsory school subject and plays a fundamental role in an individual’s daily life activities. Elementary school teachers’ instructional practices are key in fostering among learners the foundational competences in basic number operations. This study explored the instructional practices Primary One teachers in Busiro North and Luuka North Counties can adopt from each other in order to enhance their learners’ mathematics competence.Methodology: A qualitative approach with an observational multiple case study design was employed to obtain data from 74 purposively selected teachers. Data was collected through non-participant observation. Each teacher was observed teaching mathematics to Primary One learners and interviewed after the lesson. Data obtained was analysed descriptively.Findings: Findings indicate that teachers use songs, rhymes and games involving mathematical concepts, in both English language and the local languages   to help learners attain competence. Teachers have also embraced use of locally available materials like woven plastic propylene bags (buveera) and banana fibres to make and decorate charts in the classrooms’ mathematics learning areas. Attention grabbers like “Good children, Good teacher”; “We, Work”; are common verbal interactions between teacher and learners when the class seems to lose concentration. Teachers recognise learners’ efforts when they correctly answer oral, written or practical tasks by asking the class to give a classmate “flowers” or “the pa-pa-pa clap”.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: For teachers to help learners’ master mathematical concepts and augment their competence, they should build on learners’ experience and prior knowledge, give learners opportunities to explain their mathematical ideas and use the think – pair – share strategy during problem solving.
UCHUNGUZI WA UUNDAJI WA VITAMBULISHO VYA UTAIFA KATIKA TAMTHILIA YA MSTAHIKI MEYA
Authors: Mung`ala Margaret June Achieng` , Nyandoro George Obara , Moochi Charles Nyandoro
Published: February 2021

Utafiti huu ulichunguza uundaji wa vitambulisho vya utaifa katika tamthilia ya Mstahiki Meya, Arege (2009).Tamthilia ni kazi ya kidrama na ya kimaongezi ambayo huigizwa mbele ya hadhira au ni kazi iliyoandikwa ili kusomwa na hadhira. Isitoshe maagizo haya huakisi hali halisi katika jamii. Lengo kuu la kutunga tamthilia ni kuadilisha na kuwawezesha wananchi kutambua baadhi ya mambo yanayotendeka katika jamii halisi kwa kuwa, fasihi ni ukweli wa maisha. Vitambulisho ni sifa, hisia ama imani ambazo humtofautisha mtu au kabila au raia wa nchi fulani na nyingine. Huku utaifa ni hali ambapo wananchi wote hujitambua kuwa sawa katika taifa fulani na hushiriki kwa pamoja katika kuleta amani na maendeleo taifani mwao.Utafiti huu ulinuia kujibu swali lifuatalo, Kwanza, dhana ya vitambulisho vya utaifa vimejitokezaje kwa mujibu wa tamthilia ya Mstahiki Meya? Utafiti huu uliongozwa na nadharia ya uhistoria mpya ikishirikiana na nadharia ya utaifa. Umuhimu wa utafiti huu ni kwamba, utaongeza maarifa katika nadharia na mbinu za uhakiki wa tamthilia za Kiswahili nchini Kenya, kwa kurejelea na kuweka wazi vitambulisho vya utaifa, pia utaweza kutumika katika taaluma ya fasihi hususan tamthilia, kama marejeleo na itawasaidia wanafunzi na watafiti watakaotaka marejeo ya tamthilia ya Kiswahili nchini Kenya ili kuweka wazi vitambulisho vya utaifa na jinsi vinavyojitokeza  katika tamthilia, vilevile ni malighafi kwani utatoa mchango mkubwa katika historia ya tamthilia nchini Kenya na kutajirisha maktaba ya chuo kikuu cha Kisii. Aidha, tume ya utangamano wa taifa nchini Kenya (NCIC), itagundua umuhimu wa fasihi kupitia tamthilia, katika uundaji wa vitambulisho vya utaifa inayoendeleza utangamano nchini hivyo basi itawawezesha kufadhili tafiti zitakazonuia kushughulikia suala hili. Uchunguzi huu ulifanywa maktabani. Muundo wa utafiti uliotumiwa ni utafiti elezi. Kwa hivyo matokeo yaliwasilishwa kupitia maelezo
Knockdown of Microrna-1260 Promotes Up-Regulation of Both Collagen Type 1 Alpha 1 and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells from Human Abdominal Aortic Tissues
Authors: Tung CHAN Crystal Yin , Yee CHEUK Bernice Lai , Keung CHENG Stephen Wing
Published: February 2021

Objectives: MicroRNA (miR)-1260 was identified to be down-regulated in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from human abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) tissues in our previous microarray profiling assay. MiR-1260 was predicted to target and down-regulate collagen type 1 alpha 1 (COL1A1), which is closely related to AAA formation, from a bioinformatics analysis. However, the role of miR-1260 in VSMCs for AAA formation still remains uncertain. This study aims to investigate the role of miR-1260 in human VSMCs. Methods: Stable overexpression and knockdown of miR-1260 using lentivirus were performed in VSMCs cultured from human abdominal aortic tissues. Expression of COL1A1 protein was investigated, followed by investigating the expressions of several key components involved in AAA pathogenic features: monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) for inflammation; matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)- 1 and TIMP-2 for elastin fragmentation. Apoptosis of VSMCs was also examined. Results: Both COL1A1 and MCP-1 were significantly down-regulated upon miR-1260 overexpression, whereas they were significantly up-regulated upon miR-1260 knockdown. Neither protein expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 nor apoptosis were significantly different between miR-1260 overexpression/knockdown and corresponding controls. Conclusions: Our findings suggested suppression of miR-1260, which was previously found associated with AAA VSMCs, may promote up-regulation of COL1A1 and MCP-1 in human VSMCs, possibly promoting compensatory collagen synthesis and inflammation for AAA formation.