bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of Acoustic Performance of Oil Palm Frond Natural Fibers by Substitution of Jute Fiber
Authors: Nasir Mohammad Nazhan , Lay Sheng Ewe , Weng Kean Yew , Hai Song Woon , Ibrahim Zawawi
Published: April 2021

Noise is defined as an unpleasant or loud sound, which may cause disturbance to others. It can damage an inner ear and even cause noise-induced hearing loss, threatening health and well-being. Researchers have successfully studied and invented many different types, shapes, and sizes of sound absorbers to absorb/control unwanted noises. A simple method used to control noise is by controlling the noise source using acoustic absorption panels, reducing noise along the transmission path, and protecting the noise at the receiving end before it reaches the receiver. Presently, the market or in most developed countries uses synthetic materials for buildings to absorb sound. The commonly used synthetic materials are glass or mineral fibers as they can be produced chemically in the factory very quickly. However, materials such as foam, rock wool, and glass wool made from minerals are recognized for their poisonous and polluting effects, which are harmful to human health and the environment. This paper reported the effect of substitution of Jute on the acoustic performance of Oil Palm Frond (OPF) natural fibers (150 kg/m3) with a thickness of 19 mm. Jute is suitable for insulating, antistatic, and low thermal conductivity. It also has a promising result of sound absorption coefficient (SAC) at lower frequency range (50 - 1000 Hz), and on the contrary for OPF, the SAC is only promising at higher frequency range (2000 Hz - 6400 Hz). Thus, it will be very remarkable to study these two blending fibers' acoustic performance. The findings show the substitution of Jute to broaden the frequency range of SAC above 0.8. For 20 % of jute substitution, SAC's frequency range above 0.8 is 1600 – 6400 Hz. Whereas for both 40 % and 60 % of jute substitution, the frequency range is marginally widened to 1400 – 6400 Hz. For 80 % of jute substitution, the frequency range of SAC above 0.8 has been increased to 1000 – 6400 Hz. An impressive result has been observed, where 100 % OPF unable to reach the SAC of 0.9 throughout the frequency range of 0 – 6400 Hz. Jute has proved its ability to improve its acoustic performance at a more comprehensive frequency range.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Study on the Effect of the Number of Blades on the Performance of Double-Stage Savonius Rotor
Authors: Mohd Halmy Muhammad Syahmy , Didane Djamal Hissein , Afolabi Lukmon Owolabi , Al-Alimi Sami
Published: April 2021

Wind energy is known as renewable energy with the properties of the free, abundant and readily available source of energy. Wind power has now been seen as an alternative way to generate electricity. However, the existing wind turbines to harness this energy, which is used to transform wind kinetic energy into electricity still suffer low conversion capabilities. This study is therefore set out to evaluate the performance of a double-stage Savonius-type rotor while aiming to examine the effectiveness of this technique in increasing the efficiency while overcoming the inherent low inefficiency of the Savonius rotor. The simulations involved the use of the K-omega SST as the turbulent viscosity model. Three simulation models based on a different number of blades on the double-stage model are tested in terms of torque, power, torque coefficient and power coefficient. It is concluded that the double-stage technique was capable of enhancing the performance of the Savonius rotor. It was observed that more blades on a double-stage rotor have a negative effect on the performance of the Savonius rotor in terms of both torque efficiency and power efficiency. Comparing the three models, it was found that the two-blade model of the double-stage produced more torque and power output compared to the other three-blade and four-blade models of the double-stage Savonius rotor. Furthermore, the highest conversion efficiency in terms of power among all models occurs at the TSR of 0.6 with a corresponding maximum power coefficient of 18.4%.
Does time from previous surgery predict subsequent treatment failure in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps?
Authors: Hopkins Claire , Lund Valerie
Published: April 2021

Introduction: When considering the introduction of biological treatments for Chronic Rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), treatment guidelines must consider not only which patients will best respond to biologicals, but also which patients derive least benefit from current treatment pathways. Using data collected as part of the National Audit of Surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps, we sought to evaluate if patients with a history of prior surgery are more likely to need a further revision operation, and whether the interval between surgery may help predict the need for further surgical intervention. Methods: In the original study, patients were prospectively and consecutively enrolled at the time of sinus surgery in multiple centres in England and Wales. Follow-up captured symptomatic outcomes and revision surgery rates at 3, 12, 36 and 60 months after surgery. Revision surgery rates 5 years after the index procedure, in patients with CRSwNP were analysed with regards to baseline demographics. Results: Complete data were available for 980 subjects, with a 5 year revision rate of 15.1%. 45.9% had a history of previous surgery before the index procedure, and this group had significantly higher rates of additional surgery compared with those undergoing their first sinus surgery (20.2% versus 9.8%). Patients with an interval of 3 years or less between their previous surgery and the index procedure had the highest rates of further surgery. In a multiple regression, time interval between previous operations was a better prediction of subsequent revision surgery than asthma. Having N-ERD was the strongest predicator of need for further surgery while more extensive surgery was associated with lower revision rates. Conclusions: Patients presenting with a symptomatic recurrence within 3 years of surgery have a high risk of treatment failure, defined as the need for further surgery. Time to failure after previous surgery may be used to help select patients who may not benefit from current treatment pathways and may be good candidates for alternative strategies, including biologicals.
BAĞIMSIZ DENETİMDE VERİNİN ÖNEMİ: KURUMLAR ARASI VERİ İLETİŞİM MODELİ ÖNERİSİ
Authors: KUYUMCU Oğuz
Published: April 2021

Günümüz bilgi iletişim çağında kamu sektörü, sunmakta olduğu hizmetlerde etkinliği ve verimliliği arttırabilmek için dijital bir dönüşüm içerisindedir. Pek çok işlem e-devlet üzerinden internet ortamında yapılabilmektedir. Bu uygulama, kurumların verilerini dijital ortamda saklaması ve işlemesi sayesinde gerçekleşebilmektedir. Kurumlar, görevlerini yerine getirmek amacıyla elinde bulundurdukları verileri birbirleri ile paylaşabilmektedir. Kurumlar arası veri sunumu olarak adlandırılan bu veri paylaşımı “Birlikte Çalışabilirlik Esasları Rehberi’ne göre yapılmaktadır.

Türkiye’de bağımsız denetim faaliyetlerinin yürütülmesi ve gözetiminden Kamu Gözetim Kurumu (KGK) sorumludur. KGK’nin faaliyetlerini sürdürebilmek için ihtiyaç duyduğu bilgilerden bazılarını diğer kamu kurumlarından elde edebilir. KGK’nin bilgi ihtiyacının karşılanması, bağımsız denetim faaliyetlerinin etkinliğine ve etik ilkelerinin uygulanmasına önemli katkılar sağlayabilecektir. Ancak bu bilgi paylaşımı olması gereken seviyede yapılamadığı gibi ortaya konulmuş bir model de literatürde yer almamaktadır.

Bu kapsamda çalışmanın amacı yaşanan dijital dönüşüm çerçevesinde KGK’nin bağımsız denetim faaliyetlerinin yürütülmesi ve denetlenmesi sürecinde kurumlar arası veri sunumu hizmetinden faydalanabileceği bir model önerisi sunmaktır. Bu model, KGK’nin ihtiyaç duyduğu bilgileri diğer kamu kurumlarından alabileceği teknik ve hukuki yol haritasını içermektedir. Çalışmada önerilen modelin uygulanması durumunda bağımsız denetimin kalitesinin ve güvenilirliğinin artacağı sonucuna varılmıştır.

Bağımsız Denetçiler İçin Etik Kuralların kişilerin vicdanına bırakılmak yerine oluşturulacak bir bilişim veri sistemi ile etkinliği sağlanmalıdır. Geçmişte yaşandığı gibi finansal raporlama skandalları gerçekleştikten sonda değil öncesinde tedbirler alarak COVİD-19 gibi tüm dünyadaki ekonomik durumu olumsuz etkileyen bir süreçte ülke ekonomisinin sağlamlaştırılabilmesi açısından bir otokontrol mekanizmasının kurulması önemli bir gerekliliktir.

Çalışmamızın amacı Kamunun elinde bulundurduğu büyük veriden “Birlikte Çalışılabilirlik Esasları Rehberi” kapsamında Kamu Gözetim Kurumu bünyesinde oluşturulacak Bağımsız Denetim Sistemi (BDS)’ne ihtiyaç duyulan veri transferi sağlanarak Bağımsız Denetçiler İçin Etik Kurallar’ın tamamının olmasa bile bir kısmının, bu sistem tarafından kontrol edilmesidir. Bu kapsamda öngörülen veri alışverişi, Bağımsız Denetçiler İçin Etik Kurallar bağlamında her kural için tek tek açıklanmış ve ilgili veriye sahip kurum ve kuruluşlara değinilmiş olup, gerçekleştirilebilecek veri transferi tarif edilmiştir.
Effectiveness of Metacognitive Instruction on Students’ Science Learning Achievement: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Antonio Ronilo , Prudente Maricar
Published: April 2021

This study examined the effectiveness of metacognitive instruction on science learning achievement using a meta-analytic procedure. Statistical analyses were performed using the software Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) Version 3 developed by Biostat, Inc. Based on the findings, the overall effect size (ES=0.808) revealed that the use and integration of metacognition in science instruction has a significantly large and positive effect on student learning achievement.  Moderator analysis showed that there was a significant difference in the effect sizes of the individual studies when grouped according to the student’s level of education and the scientific disciplines being studied. However, the obtained positive and large effect sizes suggested that the use and integration of metacognition can be effectively implemented whether students are in the elementary, secondary or tertiary level, be it Biological or Physical Science. Moreover, the metacognitive strategies employed by individual studies are mostly found to be integrated with ICT mainly metacognitive prompts; other practices were student-led metacognitive discussions, concept mapping, metacognitive writing, and metacognitive practice and training. This result establishes the effectiveness of the use and integration of different metacognitive strategies to improve student learning. Thus, science teachers must be equipped with pedagogical knowledge on the implementation and integration of metacognition in classroom instruction.
Equity Trends in Mathematics Education: A Content Analysis of Meta-analytic Research
Authors: Young Jamaal Rashad , Young Jemimah L
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this quantitative content analysis (QCA) was to characterize equity-related trends in meta-analyses of mathematics education studies. An a priori keyword search and retrieval process produced an initial pool of 156 studies. After applying the prescribed inclusion criteria, the initial pool of studies was reduced to a final sample of 32 studies. These studies were coded and analyzed as part of the QCA. The coding and analysis were guided by a critical quantitative research lens, which examines how numeric trends can help to unpack systemic and systematic practices that support the agenda of the dominant cultural group. The results indicate that 62.5 percent of the reviewed studies lacked an equity focus, while most equity-focused meta-analyses examined challenges related to student ability. Moreover, 14 out of the 16 or 87.5 percent of the equity-related moderators had a statistically significant influence on effect size variance. The results of this study suggest that across most mathematics education meta-analytic studies effect size magnitude is impacted by equity-related moderators that are often absent. The researchers provide implications for meta-analytic thinking and equitable research praxis in mathematics education.
Application of Universal Design for Learning into Remote English Education in Australia amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hu Hengzhi , Huang Feifei
Published: April 2021

Confronted with the challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic, students, teachers, educators and other stakeholders have to make the best of online learning from home and look at ways of optimizing remote learning experience. Embedded in the nature of inclusive schooling and organized in a specific public secondary school in Victoria, Australia, this study explores the effectiveness of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) on English as an additional language (EAL) students’ online learning proficiency. The research findings indicate that in the discipline of EAL, with the assistance of multiple means of representation, expression and engagement as well as a range of information-communication technologies (ICTs), UDL has positive effects on students’ academic performance and can trigger their positive attitudes towards online learning experience. This sheds light on the feasibility of improving remote learning quality and promoting inclusive online schooling that engages every student via the implementation of UDL integrated with different assistive technologies, which can be summarized as that UDL is one of the possible solutions to online learning that affords ample opportunities or more precisely, technical promises for the implementation of UDL.
A Typology of Educators Using Open Educational Resources for Teaching
Authors: Admiraal Wilfried
Published: April 2021

With Open Educational Resources (OER) teachers have free access to high-quality educational resources and open licenses to prepare, enhance, or supplement their teaching practice. Yet adoption rates are understood to be low and teachers face many challenges when they want to use OER. In a survey study, 1819 educators from various educational sectors reported their use of OER, the types of OER they used, the purposes of the OER used, the challenges they face and the impact they see. Most teachers adapt OER to fit their own needs and considerably less teachers create, publish or add OER. The main challenges relate to finding resources that are relevant, up-to-date and of good quality, time issues and – to a lesser extent- acceptance at the workplace and institutional support. A typology of OER users has been developed with five types of OER users. Implications for practice for each type of educators are formulated.
Examining Hispanic Preservice Teachers’ Perceptions of Scientists in a Science Methods Course
Authors: Medina-Jerez William , Middleton Kyndra
Published: April 2021

This article describes the intervention strategies implemented in an effort to affect a group of Hispanic pre-service elementary teachers’ images of scientists during a science methods course in a teacher preparation program in the U.S.-Mexico border region. Although there is an extensive volume of research reporting on the use of the DAST-C instrument to study K-16 students’ images of scientists, the number of studies on exploring and influencing preservice teachers’ views of science and scientists is rather scarce. Findings in this study indicate that a semester-long intervention strategy focused on (a) pre-service teachers’ generated inquiry project, (b) written reflections on inquiry learning, and (c) a pre and post-drawing tests, allowed participants to reflect on their views about scientists and science, and experience a gradual shift from views conforming to stereotypical views of scientists to portrayals of science practitioners as individuals, just like other people in our society pursuing real interests.
The Paradox of Ethiopia’s Underdevelopment: Endogenous Factors in Retrospect
Authors: Feyera Senbeta
Published: April 2021

Ethiopia is a country of diverse historical, cultural, geographical, archeological, and ecological resources and is well known as the cradle of humanity. It is also the tenth-largest country in Africa and endowed with vast land and water resources. This country was unable to translate these potential resources into positive development outcomes. This paper examines the historical perspective of Ethiopia’s underdevelopment mystery under the last three regimes (i.e., Haile Selassie (Imperial), Derg, and the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF)). Qualitative approaches mainly interview, discussion, document analysis, and personal experiences were employed in generating relevant data that were analyzed and presented thematically. The results show that Ethiopia ranked the least in many global human development indexes such as Human Development Index, Corruption Index, and Global Hunger Index in the last decade. The underlying historical development challenges include political instability, despotic leadership, corruption, dependence on foreign aid and assistance, controlled freedom of expression, lack of diversity within unity, and inconsistent development policies. Over the last three successive regimes, the state-society relationship has been characterized by conflict, disagreement, and supremacy of state which messed up available national development opportunities. If Ethiopia has to come out of poverty and underdevelopment, it needs to improve its political stability and governance. It must be governed by ‘popularly elected’ not by ‘self-elected leader’ and put in place a system of accountability for a better future and wellbeing of its population. Consistent and pro-poor policy, good working culture, and unity in diversity must be other areas of concern for future development.
The Utilization of Nile Water among the Riparian States: Tensions and Controversies on the Filling and Annual Operation of the GERD
Authors: Negasa Gelana Debisa
Published: April 2021

Despite the fear entertained by the downstream countries of the Nile basin, little attention was paid to the right of Ethiopia to utilize the Blue Nile waters. The purpose of this study is to explain the tension between upper riparian Ethiopia and downstream Sudan and Egypt on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) filling and controversies on its annual operation. A descriptive qualitative research method was employed to describe the tension concerning the filling and controversies on the annual operation of the GERD. The investigation relied on secondary sources of data obtained from YouTube videos of international broadcast media such as CGTN, Aljazeera, and TRT World. In addition, national broadcast media of Ethiopia (Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation and Ahadu Television), Sudan (Sudan Tribune), and Egypt (Daily News Egypt) accessed to make data balance. Moreover, letters from these countries sent to the UNSC have been reviewed. Besides, published and unpublished secondary sources on the Nile basin hydro-politics and the GERD were reviewed. The finding of the study reveals that the filling of the dam does not constitute significant harm as it can be seen from the first phase filling given the hydrological condition in the Eastern Nile Basin. The controversy regarding the annual operation of the GERD arises from the fear that their historical and current water use will be threatened. They wanted to conclude the binding agreement in their favor at the expense of Ethiopia’s future utilization of Blue Nile water. Their fear is Ethiopia would not remain faithful to its promises that the dam and its filling do not affect their water security. Rather than basing their claim on invalid colonial treaties, Egypt and Sudan should acknowledge Ethiopia’s right to utilize the Blue Nile water resource and fill the dam without causing significant harm. It is suggested to clear distrust and discuss issues of common concern by tolerating short-term risk for the long-term collective prosperity.
Maintaining Mutual Benefits between Investor and Local Community: Mechanisms to Reopen Lega Dambi Gold Mining, Ethiopia
Authors: Abdisa Olkeba Jima
Published: April 2021

Mining, specifically, large-scale gold mining has become one of the primary economic activities that play a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of one country. But there is no consensus among scholars whether gold mining companies maintain mutual benefits with local communities. The main objective of this research is to scrutinize the mechanism to be employed in reopening Lega Dambi large-scale gold mining by maintaining mutual benefits between the company and the local community. The researcher employed a qualitative method and a case study research design. Focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from the local community, elders, religious leaders, Abbaa Gadaas, Guji Zone, and Odo Shakiso Woreda investment office, land management office, social and labor affair, mineral, and energy office administrators, and Odo Shakiso Woreda health station and Adola hospital. Secondary sources and regulatory frameworks such as FDRE Constitution and Mining Operations Proclamation No. 678/2010 were used to triangulate with primary data. The finding shows that Lega Dambi's large-scale gold mining company failed to maintain mutual benefits between itself and the local community. Basic tenets such as national and regional corporate social responsibility, community development agreement, impact and benefit agreements, social and labor plan, and social license were not implemented properly to balance the mutual benefit between the company and the local community. The researcher concluded that Lega Dambi large-scale gold mining company disregarded the role of the local community during commencement time albeit it had a strong relationship with the central government. Consequently, the company was terminated because of a bad relationship it had with the local community. It is recommended that national and regional corporate social responsibility that shows the company’s specific joint administration of the central and Oromia region governments should be designed and implemented fully. It is also recommended that discussions should be held with local communities and arrived at a consensus concerning the reopening of the company.
The Status of Democratic Developmental State in Ethiopia: Is It Rolling Back or Rolling Forward?
Authors: Teklie Tesfamariam Berhe
Published: April 2021

The Democratic Developmental State (DDS) model was attempted during the tenure of the Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front’s (EPRDF) in Ethiopia. In this paper, an effort has been made hence to explore some economic blessings and political curses incurred, cases for launching and now terminating DDS, and the reform-led changes and continuities in the political economy of Ethiopia. In doing so, the researcher has depended on a qualitative approach and in-depth content analysis of secondary data sources. The finding revealed that the ideological confrontations and lusts for power coupled with the fragile institutional and structural profiles of the EPRDF-led government have precipitated the abortion of the embryonic DDS. Indeed, in the pursuit of DDS, a trade-off between promoting democracy and achieving economic development has remained at a tolerable cost. In consequence, protracted popular grievances against the unequal distribution of benefits have been accompanied by paving the birth of a new leadership submissive to the Neo-Liberal recipes. Now, the state seems as it goes to start from scratch despite some belief that the new leadership appears to regurgitate the footsteps of its predecessor EPRDF rebranding the infamous legacy. It has been found that the reformist part of the government has been facing coordination problems to materialize the political and economic reforms. To this effect, early costs of the beginnings of the reform have been encountered. For that reason, the researcher suggests that the incumbent government should constitutionally and inclusively overcome the state-wide leadership crisis to ensure positive synergy.
The Effects of Teachers’ Training on Professional Development and Teaching Practice: A Case Study of Two Selected Colleges in Bangladesh
Authors: Mohammad Jahangir Hossain Mojumder
Published: April 2021

Nowadays, demands are growing for outcome-based and transferable learning, particularly in higher education. Being the terminal formal schooling, it needs facilitation of pupils’ achievement of problem-solving skills for real-life by teachers. To this end, this qualitative research employs a case study approach, which is suitable to test an event with small samples, and a phenomenological method to analyze respondents’ perceptions and activities thematically and descriptively to assess changes. In-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and class observations are used to collect data from two selected colleges to examine the extent of professional development and methodological shift in teaching as effects of training to include active learning strategies for better learning outcomes. The data though reveals that the selected flagship training program offers a bunch of pedagogical methods (not need-based) to imbibe, yet reject the idea that the nationally arranged training remains a successful effort to increase trainees’ knowledge, skills, and polish attitudes except disseminating a few concepts superficially. Moreover, trainees lack the motivation to shift their teaching habits and are unconvinced that the application of these newly learned strategies will transform anything. Likewise, they are discontented about training contents and unenthusiastic in consort with unfavorable opinions about training procedures and trainers to some extent. Therefore, the results suggest limited or no significant professional development and modification in teaching practice, rather teachers continue conventional teacher-centered method, and the effort stays insufficient, extraneous, ‘fragmented’, and ‘intellectually superficial’. Additionally, at the colleges, large class size, inappropriate sitting arrangement, pervasive traditionality, absenteeism, and other analogous challenges limited them to change their practice. Considering all these, this study suggests that alternations should be initiated at a micro (teachers & college) and macro-level (training providers & policymakers) to offer tailor-made, autonomous, and need-based training. Last but not the least, this endeavor is limited by being entirely qualitative with a small sample size and not eliciting the views of any of the trainers and policymakers and which can be an indication of points of departure for future study.
GC-MS Analysis and Antibacterial Effects of Vernonia glaberrima n-Hexane Extracts alone and in Combination with Standard Antibiotics
Authors: Gangas P. , Aliyu A.B. , Oyewale A.O.
Published: April 2021

The occurrence of drug resistant bacteria warrant investigation on herbal plants for effective antibacterial agents. Vernonia glaberrima leaf (VGL) and stem (VGS) hexane extracts were subjected to analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and subsequently evaluated for antibacterial activity alone and in combination each with Sparfloxacin (SPX) and Ciprofloxacin (CPX) on selected bacteria including resistant species. GC-MS analysis revealed fatty acid esters, triterpenoids and aromatic derivatives largely identified as responsible for the broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. Both the VGL and VGS demonstrated potent antibacterial activities on P. aeruginosa (29 mm and 27 mm), respectively. However, combination of SPX with VGL potentiated the effects on E. coli and S. typhi by synergistic interaction. Similarly, the efficacy of CFX in combination with VGS on MRSA (30 mm) was significantly enhanced by additive action. It was observed that VGS potentiation of CFX on P. aeruginosa (32 mm) was the most effective antibacterial inhibition recorded in the study. Thus, combination of SPX and CFX each with the extracts has revealed remarkable properties for alternative or complementary therapeutic strategy. Our findings elicit enormous potentials of V. glaberrima hexane extracts as treatment adjuncts for combating drug resistant bacteria. It will be interesting to evaluate in vivo effects of extracts in combination with antibiotics against drug resistant bacteria.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE TENSILE STRENGTH AND BREAKING EXTENSION OF THE SHEEP, GOAT AND SHEEP/GOAT FELT FABRICS
Authors: Nwadiokwu E.S , Sunmonu O.K , Lawal A.S , Dauda B.M
Published: April 2021

The comparative analysis of the tensile strength and breaking extension of the sheep, goat and sheep/goat blend has been done. This research shows that the sheep felt fabrics has higher tensile strength followed by the sheep/goat felt fabric and lastly by the goat felt fabrics. While the goat felt fabrics has higher breaking extension followed by the sheep/goat felt fabrics and lastly by the sheep felt. This can be attributable to the nature of their felt fabrics which depends on their fibre characteristics. The sheep felt fabric is regarded as a strong fabric and less extensible because of the ease in which the protruding fibre scales interlocks and therefore can withstand more stress. The goat felt fabric has higher breaking extension properties because of the elastic nature of their fibres and as such can be regarded as a tough fabric.
EFFECT OF FIBRE PRE-TREATMENT AND PROCESSING ON THE WATER ABSORPTION AND MOISTURE PROPERTIES OF THE NIGERIAN SHEEP FIBRES
Authors: Nwadiokwu E.S , Sunmonu O.K , Lawal A.S , Dauda B.M
Published: April 2021

The effect of fibre pre-treatment and processing on the water absorption and moisture properties of the Nigerian sheep fibres has been studied. The sheared fibres were pretreated by soaking, washing, rinsing and drying in order to remove the unwanted impurities and inherent constituents present in the fibres. They were further processed by separating and carding to evaluate the changes that occur in their rate of water absorption at each stage. It can be observed that the fibres at the pre-treated stage absorbs more water and has higher moisture content because of the increased pore size due to its overlapping scales which reduces when separated and carded. Therefore, this research shows that the water absorption and moisture retention ability of the sheep fibres can be affected by different stages of pre-treatment, separation and carding.
The teaching of Arabic language by Zumratul - Muminiin of Nigeria: problems and prospects
Authors: Salami Is-haq
Published: April 2021

There are numerous Arabic Literary groups in the Southern and Northern part of Nigeria concerning themselves with the spread of Arabic knowledge by establishing Arabic institutes for this noble cause. Among those groups is Zumratul- Muminiin instilling Arabic expertise in people without collecting fee as this is the norm to other Arabic groups. This group stands out among its equals with teaching Islamic knowledge and the rudiments of Arabic language coupled with technical ideas of establishing Arabic learning centre after their students complete tutelage under them, hoping to make them active players in the development of their immediate communities. Upon all these vital contributions for this group, there are many hindrances in their Arabic institutes which is not allowing them to grow as expected. This research aims at studying those challenges and proffering solutions that could change their narratives. This is done by using Historical method to relate the history of this group and their journey so far. Descriptive method was also used to carefully navigate the challenges facing the learning of Arabic language to that group and offer antidotes for this menace. The research arrived at a conclusion alluding to the fact that Zumuratul Muminiin had been contributing immensely to the advancement of Arabic language in their domain, it’s only that they are facing challenges in their teaching style which is cutting them short to compete with other Arabic learning institutes both locally in Nigeria and internationally among the Arabic and Islamic leagues. At the end of this study, suggestions and recommendations are given to propel Arabic learning by this group both in their present and futuristic moment.
FACTOR AFFECTING STUDENTS CHOICE FOR DEGREE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Authors:   Dadabhoy Institute of Management Sciences, Waseem S. Nazneen
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Primary purpose of this research was to understand the reasons for emergence of business management in higher education in Pakistan. This study was conducted to explore the core reasons and factors behind the students' attitude while selecting management studies as their study option. Methodology/sample: The research work is quantitative one based on field survey. Primary data were collected from 210 students from 10 different private, semi-private and public sector universities of Karachi, studying management science. Analysis of the data was undertaken through statistical software SPSS. Regression, ANOVA and Correlation tests were applied for analysis. Findings: The results have shown most of the students got admission in management sciences programs due to their personal interest, but the choice does not vary due to market trend. Other two variables, larger number of institutes offering management science and employment opportunities do have a significant impact on the students' choice to study management sciences Practical Implications: Findings of this research are likely to help the think tanks, higher education commission, government and other stakeholders pay attention to understand the impact of rising trend of business education in Pakistan and overall dynamics and mechanism of providing business education in Pakistan.
DETERMINANTS OF CAPITAL STRUCTURING: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF GROWTH AND FINANCING BEHAVIOR OF FIRMS OF TEXTILE SECTOR IN PAKISTAN
Authors:   KASB Institute of Technology, Karachi., Chhapra Imran Umer
Published: April 2021

Purpose- Purpose of this study is to investigate the determinants of optimal capital structuring that affect growth and financing behavior of textile sector firms in Pakistan keeping in view the important role capital structuring plays in any firm's financial management decisions and the positive contribution it makes to the creation of firms' value and profitability. Methodology/sample- Size of the firm (capital), profitability, fixed assets structure and taxes were used as control variables to investigate the determinants of optimal capital structuring of textiles companies. A sample size of 90 textile companies across the country were selected and their data for the 2005 - 2010 period was used. The determinants of optimal capital structure were examined using correlation and regression analyses. F-value was calculated to test the fitness of the overall model. Findings- Results of the study showed a negative relationship between dependent variable financial leverage and independent variables. The statistical analysis of spinning and composite unit also showed consistency of results with the overall textile sector but the outcome of weaving unit showed a significantly positive relationship between dependent and independent variables. Practical Implications- The findings enhance the knowledge base of determinants of optimal capital structure and are likely to help companies take effective decision related to capital structure needs. Furthermore, the study is likely to help the decision makers better adjust themselves towards adopting and considering proficient ways of managing capital structure of a firm.
IMPACT OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ACTIVITIES OVER THE EMPLOYEES OF THE ORGANIZATION: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY
Authors:   Bahria University, Pakistan., Bashir Rizwana
Published: April 2021

Purpose- This study is aimed at identifying internal impact of the corporate social responsibility activities - an impact on the employees of the organizations engaged in these activities. It explores as how the organizations' engagement in these activities positively affects the employees' feelings towards the organizations reshaping their level of motivation, performance and intention of remaining with the organizations for a longer time. Methodology/sample- Philosophy we used in this research is interpretivism. Because we interpreted meaning out of the activities and data collected. Sample size for the study was 30 employees working for different business organizations of Karachi comprising 14 female and 16 male employees. The participants were between 24 and 50 years of age Findings- The study concluded that organizations' indulgence in corporate social responsibility activities positively impacts employees' attitude towards the organization resulting into better level of organizational belongingness and job satisfaction among them that, in turn, is likely to improve organizational productivity. Practical Implications- This study suggests that employees' positive perception towards an organizations' social ethics and social services may influence their attitudes and performance, which in turn may affect the organizational productivity. In this sense, this study hints at another benefit of the CSR activities to the organizations suggesting a lucrative rate of return on their investment.
Review Study of Antioxidants and the Cinnamon Oil Effects
Authors: Kadhim Esraa Mohammed
Published: April 2021

The aim of the study to estimate the antioxidant action and protecting effect of ethanolic cinnamon extract against CCl4 induced toxicity in male rats. To determine the effect of different concentrations of ethanolic cinnamon extract on male rats that fed a high cholesterol diet that induced hyperlipidemia. The experiment has been conducted in the present study., aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective, role of Cinnamomum zeylanicum ethanolic extract in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxic male rats, The cinnamon and its oil reported to have many beneficial uses in food preservation due to antioxidant of cinnamon. The Phenolic compounds extracted from cinnamon such as hydroxyl cinnamaldehyde and the hydroxycinnamic acid act as scavengers of peroxide radicals and avoid oxidative damage (Mathew and Abraham, 2006; Leela, 2008). Ranjbar et al, (2006) observed individuals consuming cinnamon tea showed increased total serum antioxidant status, increased thiols such as glutathione, NADPH, NADH, SOD, and decreased lipid peroxidation.
Histopathological Effects of Prazosin Drug on Lung of Rats
Authors: Mohammed Dr. Zainab Sajid
Published: April 2021

This study was conducted at the laboratory of histology and anatomy, Faculty of Medical and Health Techniques/Kufa, and laboratory of post Graduate/ Department of biology, Faculty of Science/University of Kufa, The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of Prazosin hydrochloride on some organs in male rats (Rattus norvegicus), about 25  mature male rats with the average body weight of 210-290gram and three months age were randomly divided into four groups (5rats / group). The first group was given orally with distilled water as a control group and the other groups (second, third, and fourth) were also given orally with three doses of Prazosin (25, 50,75 mg /kg. b.wt.) daily for a period of eight weeks.  At the end of the treatment period (eight weeks), rats were sacrificed, blood samples obtained, and organs lung, and spleen. The histopathological changes of lungs in the rats treated with prazosin at dose 25 mg/kg.b.wt for 8-weeks showed emphysema and dilation in some of the alveoli, hemorrhage distributed inside the tissue of the lung, polymorphic nuclear infiltration due to pneumonia, the pulmonary artery revealed degenerative changes in the tunica media structure (smooth muscle) and hyperplasia in the connective tissue around pulmonary artery and alveoli. These symptoms which occur in rats treated with prazosin at dose 50 and 75 mg/kg b.wt. as well as the histopathological changes of rat lung demonstrate severe hemorrhage, emphysema, thickening in the wall of some alveoli, pneumocyte necrosis (pneumocyte type 1 and pneumocyte type 2), and showed exudate among lung tissue. Histopathological changes of Spleen in the rats treated with prazosin at doses(50 and75)mg/kg b.w. for 8-weeks revealed histopathological changes, which represented by proliferation in the white pulp lead to fused white pulp together and destruction of some components of red pulp, stenosis in many splenic venous sinuses, the germinal artery show thickening in the tunica media and stenosis occurs, degenerative change in many nuclei of lymphocytes, and proliferation in the component of the white pulp.
Cost estimation of a school-based intervention for improving Hiv/Aids risk perception among secondary school adolescents in Enugu State, Nigeria
Authors: Njideka Dorathy Eneogu  , Jovita Chinelo Ejimonye  , Sylvester N Ogbueghu  , Robert Azu Nnachi  , Michael Eskay  , Chinyere Augusta Nwajiuba
Published: April 2021

Early sexual debut is common in Nigeria and increases HIV risk among adolescents. About 152,000 adolescents are living with HIV. Lack of knowledge and appropriate sexual reproductive health services are some factors responsible. This paper estimated the cost of secondary school-based HIV/AIDS intervention for schools in Enugu State, Nigeria. The rationale for estimation is to avoid unaffordable and ineffective interventions. The cost was estimated between March to October 2019 for schools in urban and rural areas with a population of 1595 students. The cost estimation was aided through UNAID proposed guideline. The estimation was done by classifying the intervention into the cost of training, cost of services and cost of commodities. The cost was estimated at $5954. The estimated cost in the urban is lesser than that of rural. 
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Rolling out COVID-19 vaccine: half the battle won
Authors: Alishba Adnan  , Chanchal Maheshwari  , Syed Muhammad Ashraf Jahangeer
Published: April 2021

According to the World Bank forecast COVID19 economic consequences have been estimated as the deepest recession since the Second World War. To date COVID19 has claimed 1.4 million lives, leaving millions in varying levels of morbidity and emerges as a bigger problem in the high income than in the low middle income countries. The only hope to put a stop to this monster and go back to the normal is the man's old friend, the vaccines. Extraordinary circumstances require extraordinary measures and we have seen that the development of vaccines which was usually thought as a years of business is being prepared and ready to be rolled out under ten months of concentric efforts. A certain percentage of adverse effects are expected from any medication and the same is true for vaccines. However even within the expected numbers of any untoward effects from vaccines, the same are highlighted and become under media limelight for no scientific reason. In this regard manageing mthe mass media is imperative. In the recent history of infections and vaccines, the world has seen both causal and spurious adverse relationships claimed to be associated with vaccines. Whatever the truth was, news of vaccines causing adverse reactions can not only affect the uptake of the very vaccine itself, but can also avert people to go for other routine vaccinations. In the low and middle income countries of the world this could prove as an impending community health disaster. In a country like the UK the Wakefield reports caused decline in the vaccine uptake and a surge in the infections, so what worse we can be expected in other parts of the world. Considering the tight rope of a newly developed vaccine administration in the first stage, ‘the first few thousands’ in the population would be a make or break situation, specially in the low middle income countries where rumors spread faster than anything. In the second stage, targeting a bigger population for vaccine delivery, diligent planning at both macro and micro levels would be required to avoid problems related to vaccine storage, safe delivery, administration and follow up of the vaccine receivers. This pandemic provided us with an opportunity to uncover our potential in a time constraint Global health crisis. The precious achievements of scientists and vaccine manufacturers in this regard must be capitalized upon and be secured from mishaps and mismanagement.
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INFLUENCE OF PRODUCTION PROCESES ON METALLURGICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF MILD STEEL
Authors: Durojaye R.O. , Adefuye O.A. , Raji N.A. , Oyetunji E.O.
Published: April 2021

It is highly sacrosanct to have a thorough understanding of the effects of high temperature on some of the properties of mild steel materials. Most designers make use of raw data obtained from design manual at room temperature while carrying out engineering design analysis. Moreover, at high temperature, some of these properties do not fall within the range as expected at room temperature; therefore, any design analysis carried out based on such data will definitely have some error margin. It is therefore very important for designers of engineering components or equipment to put these considerations in their designs in order to avoid component or equipment premature or untimely failure. In order to achieve this goal, samples of mild steel material originally purchased for the construction of equipment were subjected to various metallurgical and mechanical tests. Samples from the fabricated equipment were equally subjected to similar tests using standard test facilities and equipment. Results obtained were compared so as to ascertain the effects of production processes such as machining, flame cutting, welding etc on the original mild steel material. Results obtained from these tests show that the carbon content ofthe fabricated equipment has slightly increased and as a result, an increase in hardness value was also discovered. The wear rate of the fabricated material also increased when compared to that of the original mild steel material. The ultimate tensile strength of the material dropped significantly due to production processes undergone by the material. Results from scanning electron microscopy also revealed changes in micro structure of the material. The study demonstrated the need to make use of appropriate data in engineering analysis for the design of engineering components and equipment.
Some generalized three-term conjugate gradient methods based on CD approach for unconstrained optimization problems
Authors: Arman Ladan , Xu Yuanming , Liping Long
Published: April 2021

Abstract In this paper, based on the efficient Conjugate Descent (CD) method, two generalized CD algorithms are proposed to solve the unconstrained optimization problems. These methods are three-term conjugate gradient methods which the generated directions by using the conjugate gradient parameters and independent of the line search satisfy in the sufficient descent condition. Furthermore, under the strong Wolfe line search, the global convergence of the proposed methods are proved. Also, the preliminary numerical results on the CUTEst collection are presented to show effectiveness of our methods.