bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
أثر تكنولوجيا المعلومات في تنمية الموارد البشرية: دراسة تطبيقية على كلية الآداب والعلوم الإنسانية
Authors: د. عثمان بن موسى عقيلي د. عثمان بن موسى عقيلي
Published: June 2020

هدفت الدراسة إلى التعرف على أثر تكنولوجيا المعلومات في تنمية الموارد البشرية من وجهة نظر منسوبي كلية الآداب والعلوم الانسانية. واتّبعتِ الدراسة المنهج الوصفي المسحي من خلال استخدام أسلوب دراسة الحالة، حيث قامت الدراسة الحالية على مسح الآراء لمنسوبي الكلية، وأعد الباحثون استبانةً طُبِّقت إلكترونيًّا، وتكونت عينة الدراسة من (74) فرداً من منسوبي كلية الآداب والعلوم الإنسانية في جامعة الملك عبد العزيز. وقد صمم الباحثون استبانة للدراسة تكونت من خمس مجالات رئيسية. وتوصلت الدراسة على العديد من النتائج والتي من أهمها: أن هناك وضوح لدى عينة الدراسة لأهمية استخدام تكنولوجيا المعلومات في اداره تنمية الموارد البشرية بكلية الآداب، وكذلك أدارك تام لفوائدها من قبلهم. كما بينت نتائج الدراسة بأن كلية الآداب والعلوم الانسانية تدعم عملية التحول الى استخدام تكنولوجيا المعلومات في تنمية الموارد البشرية مما يساعد تحويل جميع الأنظمة التقليدية الموجودة حاليا بكلية الآداب والعلوم الإنسانية إلى إلكترونية. وايضا اظهرت نتائج الدراسة أن استخدام تكنولوجيا المعلومات يساهم في تسهيل عمليات الاتصال بين الأقسام والإدارات المختلفة بكلية الآداب والعلوم الانسانية. كما اظهرت الدراسة أن استخدام تكنولوجيا المعلومات يساهم في توفير المعلومات اللازمة لاتخاذ القرارات في الوقت المناسب. وأظهرت الدراسة التوصيات والمقترحات الاتية: ضرورة قيام الادارة الالكترونية في المنظمات بالتوجه الرسمي والعملي نحو استخدام تكنولوجيا المعلومات في تنمية الموارد البشرية. ومواكبة التغيرات المتسارعة في مجال استخدام تكنولوجيا المعلومات في تنمية الموارد البشرية في المنظمات. الاستفادة من الخدمات الادارية والتعليمية والاكاديمية الالكترونية في انشطة ووظائف ادارة الموارد البشرية كالتدريب والتعليم والتعلم عن بعد.
Inhibition of dehydrogenase activity in S. typhimurium by ethanolic and methanolic extracts of Carica papaya and Ocimum gratissimum
Authors: Umeh SI , Umunna IP , Udensi JU
Published: June 2020

Dehydrogenase and inhibitions of dehydrogenase activities in Salmonella typhimurium by ethanolic and methanolic leaf extracts of Ocimum gratissimum and Carica papaya were investigated. Dehydrogenase activity assay was carried out using 2, 3, 5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) as the electron acceptor. Pure culture of S. typhimurium was exposed to varied concentrations of ethanolic and methanolic extracts of Ocimum gratissimum and Carica papaya [0-4000 μg/ml]. The ethanolic and methanolic extracts exhibited a concentration dependent response  against the tested organism. Results obtained revealed that  the ethanolic extracts showed a higher bactericidal effect on the test organism than the methanolic extracts at the threshold and total inhibitory concentrations. The IC50 were 45.349 and 15.697; IC100 were 43.732 and 35.526 for ethanolic extracts of Carica papaya and Ocimum gratissimum respectively while the IC50 were 7.108 and 13.696; IC100 were 40.815 and 31.104 for methanolic extracts of Carica papaya and Ocimum gratissimum respectively. This in-vitro study further revealed that the leaf of Carica papaya was more potent on Salmonella typhimurium than the leaf of Ocimum gratissimum. The findings from this study seem to provide the in-vitro evidence that justifies Carica papaya and Ocimum gratissimum as good candidate medicinal plants for the potential treatment of Salmonella typhimurium infections.
Assessment of growth performance of African catfish (Clariasgariepinus) fed with feed produced from blend of pigeon pea (Cajanuscajan) bambara groundnut (Vignasubterranea) and fish meal
Authors: Ishiwu C.N. , Opara A.G. , Obiegbuna J.E. , Okeke P.A.
Published: June 2020

A 3-factor -factorial experiment (2K) was designed to produce fish feeds from mixture of pigeon pea, bambara groundnut and fish meal as major ingredients, while maize, red palm oil, salt and micro nutrient pre-mix were added as minor ingredients. The raw materials were processed into flours. The ingredients were weighed out in various ratios and mixed. The mixture was extruded; sun-dried and packaged and labeled F1-F8 and a commercial feed labeled F9 served as control. The feeds were feed to juvenile Clariasgariepinus kept in 9 separate plastic bowels and fed for 42 days. The forty-five fish of uniform weight and age were grouped into 9 and stocked in the nine artificial ponds, each pond contained five fish. The feeds were analyzed for proximate composition, while the growth performance of the fish was evaluated at the end of the feeding period. Result showed that F3 (20g pigeon pea, 20g Bambara ground nut and 16g fish meal) contains the highest protein (33.14 %) and F1(20g pigeon pea, 30g bambara ground nut and 16g fish meal) the least (23.13 %). F3 exhibited the highest specific growth rate (1.14 %) followed by the F9 (control) which contains 1.09%. The highest weight gain (16 g) was observed in the fish fed the control feed. However, F3 and F4 (20g pigeon pea, 30g bambara ground nut and 18g fish meal) ranked next to the control with respect to growth performance. It is therefore possible to produce quality catfish feed from bend of pigeon pea, Bambara ground nut and fish meal.

Keywords: catfish, fish feed, bambara groundnut, pigeon pea, fish meal
Application of geological and electrical resistivity methods for groundwater studies at Tatiko, North Central Nigeria
Authors: Aweda Abdulwahid Kolawole , Shehu Ibrahim Kagara , Ige Olusegun Omoniyi , Umar Mohammed Umar , David Joseph Barde
Published: June 2020

The success probability of water wells constructed in crystalline rock terrains is largely dependent on the size, location and interconnectivity of the fractures present in them as well as the amount and nature of the material that may clog the fractures. Geological and geoelectrical studies were proposed and conducted at Tatiko to determine the structures in the underlying basement rocks and evaluate their groundwater potential. Geological study was used to delineate the structural control on groundwater availability while the geoelectrical study (Vertical Electrical Sounding) was used to investigate the properties of the subsurface materials and determine their potential to host sufficient quantity of groundwater.Structural data were plotted on a rosset diagram and showed major structural control trending in the NW – SE direction. Quantitative interpretation of the geoelectric data indicates that the major fractures are within the weathered to competent basement indicating good hydraulic connection between the weathered and fresh basement. The fractures are deepest within the region that showed thicker weathering and are as shallow as 7 meters in other regions. Apparent resistivity of the fractures ranges between 100Ωm and 1200Ωm in most parts of the area with the highest values in the west. An integration of the result clearly showed that the NW and SW parts of the study area are the most favourable for drilling and further groundwater studies and drilling is recommended to a depth of 40m to 50m.

Keywords: Groundwater, Geoelectrical study, Fractures, Tatiko, Resistivity, Basement Complex.
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of aqueous and methanolic extract of Rosmarinus eriocalyx Jord. & Fourr.
Authors: Wafa Nouioua , Sofiane Gaamoune
Published: June 2020

Rosmarinus eriocalyx Jord. & Fourr is a well-known aromatic and medicinal plant whose consumption serves to remedy a number of disorders, evergreen bush endemic to Algeria. The present study aimed it investigating the in-vitro anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial for two extracts of Rosmarinus eriocalyx. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH and the reducing power essay, anti-inflammatory activity with the Human Red Blood Cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization method. However, the antimicrobial activity was tested with three bacterial strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923 and Bacillus subtilis ATCC6633. The results show an excellent antioxidant and an interesting inflammatory activities but a weak power against the used strains therefore.

© 2020 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Rosmarinus eriocalyx Jord. & Fourr, DPPH, reducing power, HRBC, antimicrobial
Variabilité des traits fonctionnels des espèces arborescentes dans la reconstitution de la végétation du Parc National d’Azagny (Côte d’Ivoire)
Authors: Adiko Adjo Estelle Genevieve , Houphlet Stéphanie Diane Konan , Dogbo Sèdoami Flora , Vroh Bi Tra Aimé , Kouame Djaha , Bi Zoro Bertin Gone , Gnagbo Anthelme , Bene Jean-Claude Koffi , Yao Constant Yves Adou
Published: June 2020

Dans le Parc National d’Azagny, des plantations de cultures pérennes ont été abandonnées, certaines détruites de même que des habitats successivement en 1986 et 2000. Ainsi donc, l’ensemble de la végétation du parc est constitué de reliques de forêts anciennes, de forêts secondaires et de jachères d’âge différents. La présente étude a évalué les changements des traits fonctionnels des espèces végétales arborescentes dans différentes formations du Parc National d’Azagny. Il s’est agi, spécifiquement de : décrire les traits de vie des espèces arborescentes et comparer la composition fonctionnelle entre les forêts anciennes, les forêts secondaires et les jachères de 19 et 33 ans. Le type foliaire, le mode de dissémination et la tolérance à la lumière ont été renseignés pour les individus arborescents de diamètre ≥ 2,5 cm recensés dans des parcelles de 0,25 ha. Le spectre fonctionnel des espèces a été déterminé et des tests de Kruskal-Wallis ont permis de comparer la composition fonctionnelle entre ces formations. L’étude des spectres fonctionnels réalisée sur 1972 individus d’arbres, répartis entre 127 espèces et 46 familles a montré une dominance des espèces à feuilles mésophylles et macrophylles, des espèces sciaphiles et de la zoochorie dans chacun des biotopes. Les tests de Kruskal-Wallis ont montré des différences significatives dans la composition fonctionnelle des habitats au niveau des modalités de traits  mégaphylles, pionnières, barochores et zoochores. Ces travaux révèlent un retour des processus écologiques initiaux, donc une bonne  reconstitution des milieux perturbés, qui sera facilitée par un renforcement des mesures de protection.Mots clés: Utilisation des terres, succession secondaire, diversité fonctionnelle, Parc National d’Azagny, Côte d’Ivoire.
Risques pluviométriques, source d’insécurité alimentaire et nutritionnelle au Niger
Authors: Hawey Tahirou , Sitou Lawali , Manssour Abdou Maman , Soumana Idrissa , Massaoudou Moussa , Zoubeirou Alzouma Mayaki
Published: June 2020

Au cours des dernières décennies, le Niger a subi des nombreux aléas climatiques qui ont pour conséquences une diminution de la production agricole et une recrudescence des crises alimentaires et nutritionnelles. L’objectif de cette étude, vise à analyser le lien entre l'insécurité alimentaire nutritionnelle et les risques pluviométriques. La méthodologie utilisée est surtout basée sur des enquêtes (entretiens en groupe et entretiens individuels) dont les populations cibles sont celles des régions de Maradi, Tahoua et Tillabéri. Les résultats relèvent qu’il existe une différence significative entre les précipitations des trois régions. Les résultats, ont aussi, montré que les deux risques pluviométriques sont : les sécheresses et les inondations. Mais, au vu de la population rurale, les sécheresses impactent beaucoup négativement sur la sécurité alimentaire et nutritionnelle car elles engendrent une diminution de la production céréalière et une augmentation des prix des céréales locaux. La sécheresse contribue fortement au déterminisme de l’insécurité alimentaire et nutritionnelle au Niger.Mots clés : Risques, sécheresse, inondation, sécurité alimentaire et nutritionnelle.

English Title: Rainfall risks, source of food and nutritional insecurity in Niger

In recent decades, Niger has suffered from numerous climatic hazards which have resulted in a decrease in agricultural production and a resurgence of food and nutrition crises. The objective of this study is to analyze the link between nutritional food insecurity and rainfall risks. The methodology used is mainly based on surveys (group interviews and individual interviews) whose target populations are those of the regions of Maradi, Tahoua and Tillabéri. The results show that there is a significant difference between the precipitation in the three regions. The results also showed that the two rainfall risks are: droughts and floods. However, in view of the rural population, droughts have a very negative impact on food and nutrition security because they cause a reduction in cereal production and an increase in local cereal prices. Drought contributes significantly to the determinism of food and nutritional insecurity in Niger.

 Keywords: Risks, drought, flood, food security and nutritional.
Experimental assessment of the performance of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with carbon fiber reinforced polymer laminates
Authors: Yusuf N. , Kaura J.M. , Ocholi A. , Abbas M.
Published: June 2020

In this study, experimental research is carried out to assess the flexural performance of RC beams strengthened with different amount of CFRP laminates at the tension face. Twelve rectangular RC beams were fabricated and three are un-strengthened and used as reference beams and the remaining nine are strengthened with different amount of CFRP varying from single to triple layers and all are tested to failure under three points bending test. The increase of ultimate strength provided by the bonded CFRP laminates is assessed and failure modes is identified and compared to the un-strengthened RC beams. The results indicated that the flexural capacity of the beams was significantly improved as the amount of the laminates increases that ranged from 20% to 52% increased for single to triple layers laminates. It is concluded that the attachment of CFRP laminates has substantial influence on the performance of CFRP strengthened RC beams. Based on the observed results, recommendations are made that externally application of CFRP laminates can be used for a significant enhancement of the strength deficient RC beams in increasing the ultimate load carrying capacity.

Keywords: CPRP laminate, Reinforced concrete, ductility, index, epoxy resin, flexural strengthening
Pressure distribution of a horizontal well in a bounded reservoir with constant pressure top and bottom
Authors: Orene J.J. , Adewole E.S.
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study is to develop a mathematical model using Source and Green’s functions for a Horizontal Wells in a Bounded Reservoir with Constant Pressure at the Top and Bottom for the interpretation of pressure responses in the reservoir based on dimensionless pressure and pressure derivative. Reservoir and well parameters investigated revealed what sets of reservoir/ well parameters combination that will prolong infinite activity of the reservoir before steady state sets in. Results show that dimensionless lateral extent does not directly affect the dimensionless pressure and dimensionless pressure derivative for very short well lengths as used in this paper. Dimensionless pressure increases with reservoir pay thickness and delay the time for steady state conditions. In fact external fluid invasion is strongly affected by the size of the pay thickness, thus the minimum time for steady state period to set in is according to the relation TD ≥ LD/5.

Keywords: Bounded, reservoir, steady-state conditions, horizontal well, constant pressure.
Effectiveness of geophysical assessment of boreholes drilled in basement complex terrain at Afe Babalola University, using Electromagnetic (E.M.) method
Authors: Oyegoke S.O. , Ayeni O.O. , Olowe K.O. , Adebanjo A.S. , Fayomi O.O.
Published: June 2020

In this research, an Electromagnetic (E.M) method of groundwater investigations was used as an on-spot assessment tool to test the integrity of the  developed borehole in Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti. Some randomly selected functional and abandoned boreholes developed by the Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) methods were chosen for this study, with the aim to know the potential of the boreholes. Four transverses were  established across the institution consisting of two functional and two abandoned boreholes selected from the existing forty boreholes. These weresubjected to E.M method of groundwater investigation using a PQWT S500 series machines. The results obtained from this study produced curve graphs and subsurface profile maps of each transverse location. It was observed that boreholes TR 1 and TR 3, were accurately sited on vertical fractures and weathered formations while TR 2 and TR 4 were wrongly sited at the locations of poor groundwater yielding zone.

Keywords: Electromagnetic, Vertical electrical Sounding, transverse, Groundwater.
Bromide: A potential risk to livestock production in South Africa
Authors: Casey N.H. , Lucht H.L. , Reijnders B
Published: June 2020

No Abstract

Keywords: animals, groundwater, halides, toxicity, water quality
Effect of an extruded linseed diet on meat quality traits in Nero Lucano pigs
Authors: Tarricone S , Colonna M.A. , Giannico F , Ragni M , Lestingi A , Facciolongo A.M.
Published: June 2020

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of a diet containing extruded linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) on growth performances, carcass traits and meat quality in Nero Lucano pigs. Sixteen male piglets were weaned at about 50 days of age and divided into two homogeneous groups fed a control diet (C) or a diet containing 3% extruded linseed (EL). The trial lasted 32 weeks and pigs were slaughtered at 9 months of age. Samples from the Longissimus dorsi (Ld) muscle were analysed to assess physical and chemical parameters and intramuscular fatty acid composition. Average daily gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not affected by the diet. Pigs fed the C diet showed a significantly greater slaughter weight in comparison to the EL group (116.50 vs 108.25 kg) Meat pH and chemical composition were not influenced by the diet. No differences were found for shear force (WBS) in raw meat, while cooked meat of the EL group showed a lower WBS value. The EL diet significantly lowered total SFA and increased total PUFA, of both n-6 and n-3 series. Among the n-6, significant differences between dietary treatments were found for linoleic acid. As for the n-3 series, EL feeding significantly enhanced linolenic acid, EPA, DPA and DHA. Feeding EL also significantly lowered the PUFA/SFA and n-6/n-3 ratios and the AI and TI, with benefits for human health. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 3% EL didn't affect growth performance while it improved the fatty acid profile of meat.

Keywords: fatty acid profile, feeding, flaxseed, pork
Including protein yield and mastitis resistance in dairy cattle breeding goal optimizes response to selection
Authors: Sagwa C.B. , Okeno T.O. , Kahi A.K.
Published: June 2020

Selection response from a two-tier nucleus breeding scheme using the current Kenyan breeding goal was compared with an alternative that also accounts for protein yield (PY) and mastitis resistance (MR). The economic value for PY was estimated using a bio-economic model. For mastitis resistance, like other disease resistance traits, the economic value cannot be estimated with profit equations because they have multi-fold effects on input and output, which affects profitability. Therefore, selection index methodology was used. Somatic cell count (SCC) was used as an indicator trait for MR. The ZPAN computer program was used to model the breeding schemes and evaluate response to selection. The alternative breeding goal, which included PY and MR, realized additional KES358.48, 613.55, and 613.65 in annual genetic gain, returns and profit per cow per year, respectively, compared with the current breeding goal. Economic values for PY and MR were KES778.99 and -2364, respectively. Relative economic values for milk yield (MY, kg), fat yield (FY, kg), protein yield (PY, kg), MR, calving interval (CI, days), preweaning daily gain (DG, g/day), postweaning daily gain (PDG, g/day), live weight (LW, kg), preweaning survival (SR1, %), postweaning survival (SR2, %), and length of productive life (PLT, days) were 23 689.80, 4 146.77, 34 665.50, -992.88, 33.66, 62.40, 159.80, 391.94, 987.04, 4 474.37, and 7.56, respectively. This implies that including milk quality traits such as PY in the breeding goal would optimize response to selection in dairy cattle production.

Keywords: breeding objective, economic values, genetic evaluation, milk quality, traits, udder health
Potential alternative feed sources for ruminant feeding from the biodiesel production chain by-products
Authors: Pinto C.S. , Magalhães A.L.R. , Teodoro A.L. , Gois G.C. , Véras R.M.L. , Campos F.S. , Nascimento D.B. , Andrade A.P. , Oliveira L.P. , Lima I.E.
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, fractionation of nitrogen compounds and carbohydrates, digestibility parameters, gas production kinetics and ruminal fermentation of fruit seed cakes. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three fruit seed cakes (treatments) and four replications. The cakes were made of seeds of custard apple (Annona squamosa), soursop (Annona muricata) and passion fruit (Passiflora edulis), which were collected in a biodiesel plant. The passion fruit seed cake presented the highest content of dry matter, neutral detergent fibre crude protein (NDFcp), acid detergent fibre (ADF), lignin and total carbohydrates (P<0.05). The custard apple seed cake presented high proportions of crude protein, condensed tannins and digestible energy (P<0.05). The soursop seed cake presented higher values for ether extract and total digestible nutrients (P<0.05). For potential degradability, the authors detected a difference between the custard apple, soursop and passion fruit seed cakes. The total volume of gases was higher for custard apple and soursop seed cakes. Custard apple seed cake presented higher proportions of in vitro degradation parameters (P<0.05). Thus this cake could provide greater nutrient levels when supplied in ruminant diets, followed by soursop seed cake and passion fruit seed cake.

Keywords: alternative food, by-products, ruminant feeding, seed cake, semi-arid
The diversity and distribution of dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) in University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, south-west Nigeria
Authors: Kemabonta K.A. , Adu B.W. , Nwabueze O.F. , Ogbogu S.S. , Ohadiwe A
Published: June 2020

The presence of dragonflies and damselflies may be taken as an indication of good ecosystem quality. The greatest numbers of species are found at sites that offer a wide variety of microhabitats. A survey of Odonata fauna inhabiting the University of Lagos, Akoka Lagos, south-west Nigeria was carried out between July and December 2014, with a view of determining its diversity and distribution. Four study sites used were Distance Learning Institute (DLI), Lagoon, Faculty of Science, and High Rise Area. Data collected were subjected to inferential statistics and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Diversity indices were used to compare the odonate species in the study sites. Seven hundred and fifty (750) individuals representing 39 species in 22 genera and four families (Aeshnidae – 3%, Coenagrionidae – 13%, Libellulidae – 81% and Calopterygidae – 3%) were recorded. Orthetrum (18%) was the most dominant genus, followed by Ceriagrion (10%) while Palpopleura and Trithemis (8%) were the least dominant genera. The site with most diverse Odonata fauna (H’ = 2.70, E = 0.27), was High Rise Area while the least was the Lagoon Area (H’ = 1.97, E = 0.27). Odonata in High Rise Area were significantly lower (p>0.0128) than those in DLI and Science Area which were not significantly different from each other (0.00039 and 0.00368 respectively). The paucity of species with narrow range of adaptation at the university especially at Lagoon Area where they were expected to occur is an indication that the forested part of the campus is under considerable human disturbance. Urgent measures are needed to preserve the natural the natural habitats of these Odonata species.

Keywords: Diversity indices; Odonata; fauna; diversity; distribution; University of Lagos; Nigeria
Effects of bottom-up and top-down interactions on the productivity of Iyieke Lake, Afikpo North, Ebonyi State, south-east Nigeria
Authors: Nwonumara G.N. , Idumah O.O.
Published: June 2020

The bottom-up and top-down interactions of the abiotic and biotic components of Iyieke Lake were studied for eleven months covering a pre-flood, flood and post-flood periods. During the study, some water quality parameters were measured while plankton samples were collected for identification in the laboratory using standard method. The results of the water quality parameters measured showed that water temperature was highest (35.00R”C) in February. pH (7.10) and transparency (0.98 m) were highest in August. Highest TDS (28.0 mg/L) and conductivity (56.00 μS/cm) were recorded in March (pre-flood period) while dissolved oxygen level was lowest (4.00 mg/L) in the pre-flood period (February and March). Nitrate (0.18 mg/L) was highest in August (flood period) and phosphate (0.25 mg/L) at the two extreme periods (pre-flood and post flood). The depth of the lake was highest (3.2 m) in August which was the period of inundation. The phytoplankton (Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta, Cyanobacteria) and zooplankton (Rotifera, Cladocera, Copepoda) of the lake were made of three divisions and taxa each, respectively. Bacillariophyta dominated among the phytoplankton while Rotifera was the most abundant among the zooplankton. The study revealed that nutrients and zooplankton grazing were the major factors that affected phytoplankton abundance and biomass during the study.

Keywords: Flood; phytoplankton; Iyieke; water quality; zooplankton
Length-weight relationship and relative condition factor of Gorean snapper, Lutjanus goreensis (Valenciennes, 1830) in the coastal zone of Lagos, south-west Nigeria
Authors: Fakoya K.A. , Anetekhai M.A. , Saba A.O.
Published: June 2020

Snappers are highly recommended as choice seafood and as viable candidate for cage culture in the brackish water and marine environments. However, very limited data exists on biological parameters of the snappers, Lutjanus species throughout their distribution range. Hence, the present study sought to improve knowledge on Length-Weight Relationship (LWR) and relative condition factor (Kn) of the Gorean snapper, Lutjanus goreensis (Valenciennes, 1830) sampled between December 2008 and December 2009 in the coastal zone of Lagos, Nigeria. Specimens were collected from landings of artisanal fisheries and inshore trawl fisheries. A total of 822 unsexed estuarine (7.90 to 34.90 cm and 9.51-695.60 g) and 377 sexed marine (21.90 to 56.10 cm and 156-2 975 g) specimens were analyzed. The overall value of the slope, b for the LWR indicated negative allometric growth for unsexed estuarine (2.860); marine male (2.856) and female (2.917) specimens, respectively. The relative condition factor, Kn did not vary significantly from 1. Sex-wise variations of b values and Kn were not significant either. The present study presents, for the first time, baseline information on the length-weight relationship parameters and condition of L. goreensis in the marine waters of Nigeria and in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean. The results are useful indicators to assess the well-being of wild Gorean snapper populations in Lagos coastal zones for management and under culture conditions.

Keywords: Lutjanus goreensis; length-weight relationships; condition factor; Lagos; Nigeria
Resistance levels of selected rice genotypes to Sitophilus oryzae L. and Rhyzopertha dominica F. infestations
Authors: Ajao S.K. , Popoola K.O. , Mande S , Togola A
Published: June 2020

The need to screen new rice genotypes for resistance to stored product insect pests is important to boost production and availability of rice for food security. Therefore, thirteen rice genotypes and varieties included ten interspecific rice genotypes from two crossed parents Oryza sativa (WAB 56-104) and Oryza barthii (IRGC 106107), the two parents and NERICA8 variety were collected from Africa Rice Center, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Ibadan, to examine their resistance level to infestation by Sitophilus oryzae L. and Rhyzopertha dominica F. The resistance of the varieties were assessed by artificial infestation with 12 unsexed adults each in 10 g of the rice varieties in four replicates under laboratory conditions of 26 ± 2oC temperature and 75 ± 5% relative humidity in a completely randomized design. Number of adult insect emergent, per cent grain damage, percent weight loss of infested samples and index of susceptibility were determined. Correlation analysis between nutritional contents of the varieties and infestation variables were also obtained. Results indicate differential responses of the two insects on the rice genotypes/varieties. The O. barthii parent was resistant, while the O. sativa parent was moderately resistant using the susceptibility index. Of the ten rice genotypes, G4, G3, G1, G7, G2, G10 and G9 were resistant in descending order, while G5 and G6 were moderately resistant, whereas only G8 was susceptible. NERICA8 was also found to be susceptible to infestation. In addition, the resistant grains had lower ash content. Modification in genetic variations and nutritional contents of new rice varieties may be a critical factor in insect resistant genotype pro-grammes to reduce post-harvest losses incurred by farmers.

Keywords: Rice resistant genotypes; Rhyzopertha dominica; Oryzae sativa; Oryzae barthii; Sitophilus oryzae; susceptibility index
Traditional Music and an Organological Study of Some Musical Instruments of Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: Igbi Oghenemudiakevwe , Ogbeide Rebecca Ufuomaroghene
Published: June 2020

Music is one of the oldest and most practiced arts in Nigerian traditional societies. The revered place of music in the lives of Nigerians is indisputable, as a consequence of its towering roles in nearly all communal events and activities. In Nigeria, music is utilized in diverse facets especially in religious, economic, martial, and political life of the people. In other words, it is unusual to preclude music from any societal event. Though these attributes pervade all Nigerian traditional societies, it is even more fascinating that every ethnic group or culture has their peculiar music with which they are recognized. Thus, there is bound to be dissimilarities in the manner in which various societies regard music as a concept, phenomenon, or how it functions in traditional life. The thrust of this paper therefore, is to examine music as a phenomenon, its roles in society, and how it is conceived by the people of Plateau. Data were gathered using ethnographic method, while interviews formed a significant part of the research tools. Some existing videos and those collected from the field were analysed by the authors. Findings from data gleaned reveal that there is a plethora of music types among the Plateau people. It is also gathered that music forms a fundamental aspect of life on the Plateau, and is widely used in virtually all communal events. However, research efforts into the different traditional music types of the people of Plateau need to be intensified and sustained over time, in order to document findings that will further lead to addressing the protracted challenge of dearth of literature in the traditional music of the area under study.
A Non-Naturalised Methodology for Social Sciences
Authors: Badejo Omobola Olufunto
Published: June 2020

At the rise of the twentieth century, armed with the success of natural sciences, the school of naturalism argued that the appropriate methodology for all disciplines, including social sciences, is that of natural science. The paper argued that social sciences cannot be naturalised and has its own appropriate methodology. The paper examined the arguments for naturalism and non-naturalism of the method of philosophy of social sciences. The paper employed both primary and secondary sources of data. Data collected were subjected to critical analysis and philosophical argumentation. The results showed that the nature of social sciences is such that it cannot be subjected to only scientific methods. The paper concludes that there is a need for a methodology that understands the subject matter of social sciences to address issues in social sciences. The paper addressed some key issues in philosophy of social sciences.

Keywords: Methodology, Natural sciences, Naturalism, Social sciences.
AI as a Design Material: Dealing with new agencies
Authors: Sangüesa Ramon , Guersenzvaig Ariel
Published: June 2020

As Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Big Data, and other technologies become widespread they could be seen as new materials for design. But what are the special traits of these materials? How should design incorporate them in its practices? How does it change design research? HCI? UX? What are their ethical implications?
Hybrid fuzzy neural network versus backpropagation neural network: An application to predict the Ibex-35 index stock
Authors: Oliver Muncharaz J.
Published: June 2020

The use of neural networks has been extended in all areas of knowledge due to the good results being obtained in the resolution of the different problems posed. The prediction of prices in general, and stock market prices in particular, represents one of the main objectives of the use of neural networks in finance. This paper presents the analysis of the efficiency of the hybrid fuzzy neural network against a backpropagation type neural network in the price prediction of the Spanish stock exchange index (IBEX-35). The paper is divided into two parts. In the first part, the main characteristics of neural networks such as hybrid fuzzy and backpropagation, their structures and learning rules are presented. In the second part, the prediction of the IBEX-35 stock exchange index with these networks is analyzed, measuring the efficiency of both as a function of the prediction errors committed. For this purpose, both networks have been constructed with the same inputs and for the same sample period. The results obtained suggest that the Hybrid fuzzy neuronal network is much more efficient than the widespread backpropagation neuronal network for the sample analysed.
Addressing aggressive commercial practices: Some critical aspects of its regime in the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive
Authors: González Pons E.
Published: June 2020

Aggressive commercial practices are a type of conditioning factor imposed by businesses on consumers to modify their freedom of choice. Today, no-one is in any doubt about the financial and social impact aggressive commercial practices can have on consumer wellbeing. In fact, this type of unfair practices has caused, and continues to cause, significant damage to the interests of consumers, as evidenced by the financial crisis which has recently beset Europe. Aware of this problem, European institutions have made consumer protection from unfair commercial practices a priority in their legislative policies. Some of these initiatives have already been in place long enough to allow their results to be analysed (for instance, Unfair Commercial Practices Directive). Others, on the other hand, are still at an early stage (for instance, the New Deal of Consumers legislative proposals), but nevertheless invite reflection. In the light of current trends which argue in favour of greater protection for consumers than has been the case to date, this study will review the European regime of aggressive commercial practices, and analyze the most relevant decisions, especially focused on the financial sector.
Combining Cloud Computing and Artificial Intelligence Scene Recognition in Real-time Environment Image Planning Walkable Area
Authors: Jia-Shing Sheu  , Chen-Yin Han
Published: June 2020

This study developed scene recognition and cloud computing technology for real-time environmental image-based regional planning using artificial intelligence. TensorFlow object detection functions were used for artificial intelligence technology. First, an image from the environment is transmitted to a cloud server for cloud computing, and all objects in the image are marked using a bounding box method. Obstacle detection is performed using object detection, and the associated technique algorithm is used to mark walkable areas and relative coordinates. The results of this study provide a machine vision application combined with cloud computing and artificial intelligence scene recognition that can be used to complete walking space activities planned by a cleaning robot or unmanned vehicle through real-time utilization of images from the environment.
Rewards and Work Engagement of Non-Academic Staff: A Case of a Public University in Uganda
Authors: Mugizi Wilson , Odetha Katuramu Abeera , Ogaga Dafiewhare Augustina , Kanyesigye John
Published: June 2020

This study examined the relationship between employee rewards on work engagement of non-academic staff in a public University in Uganda. Specifically, the study analyzed relationship between intrinsic rewards and extrinsic rewards with work engagement of the support staff. Using a quantitative approach, the study adopted the correlational research design. Data were collected using a questionnaire survey. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive statistics were means while the inferential statistics included correlation and regression analysis. Descriptive results revealed that while the respondents rated intrinsic rewards, vigour and dedication high, absorption and extrinsic rewards were moderate. Inferential analyses revealed that both intrinsic and extrinsic rewards had a positive and significant relationship with work engagement. It was concluded that both intrinsic and intrinsic rewards are essential for work engagement of employees. Therefore, it was recommended that management of universities such as human resource directorates should design jobs that offer intrinsic rewards to employees and provide extrinsic rewards that are attractive to employees.
Akım Verilerinin Bulanık Mantık Yöntemiyle Tahmini: Bendimahi Çayı Örneği
Authors: ÜÇLER Nadire
Published: June 2020

Bu
çalışmada; Van İli, Muradiye İlçesinde yer alan Bendimahi Çayına ait aylık ortalama
akım verileri aynı ilçenin aylık ortalama sıcaklık ve aylık toplam yağış verilerine
bağlı olarak Bulanık Mantık Yöntemi ile tahmin edilmiştir.  Sadece sıcaklık, sadece yağış ve hem sıcaklık
hem yağış verilerinin girdi olarak kullanıldığı ve akım değerinin çıktı olarak
seçildiği üç farklı model oluşturulmuştur.  Modeller, 1970-2008 yılları arasına ait
veriler kullanılarak hazırlanmış, 2009, 2010 ve 2011 yıllarına ait veriler ile
test edilmiştir.  Modellerin
performansını karşılaştırmak amacı ile karekök ortalama hata (KOH) ve
determinasyon katsayıları (R2) hesaplanmış olup en iyi sonuç hem
sıcaklık hem de yağış verilerinin girdi olarak kullanıldığı üçüncü modelden
elde edilmiştir.
Yüksek Katlı Yapının Sarsma Tablası Üzerinde Deprem Performansının İncelenmesi
Authors: AĞCAKOCA Elif
Published: June 2020

Yerkabuğu
içinde oluşan kırılmalar nedeniyle ortaya çıkan deprem titreşimleri, dalgalar
halinde yayılarak binaları etkilemektedir. Binalar özellikle tasarım
aşamasında, etkileneceği deprem titreşimlerini karşılayacak performansa sahip
olacak şekilde tasarlanmalıdır. Teknolojideki ilerlemeler sayesinde, mevcut ya
da üretilmiş deprem kayıtları kullanılarak, yapıların deprem sırasında
göstereceği performans gözlemlenebilmektedir. Çalışmamızda balsa ağacından
yapılan 30 katlı bina, sarsma tablasına yerleştirilerek, mevcut deprem
kayıtları kullanılarak, yapının gösterdiği performans bulunmuştur. Binanın en
üst katına yerleştirilen ivme ölçerden elde edilen ivme kayıtları yardımı ile
binada oluşan çatı ivme ve deplasman değerlerini hesaplanmıştır. Ayrıca yapılan
bu deneysel çalışma, Sap2000 sonlu eleman programında zaman tanım alanında
hesap kullanılarak, nümerik analizi yapılmıştır. Nümerik analiz ve deneysel
çalışma sonuçlarından elde edilen tepe ivme, hız ve yer değiştirme değerleri
kıyaslanmıştır. Yapılan kıyaslama sonucunda, oluşturulan sonlu eleman modelinin
deneysel model davranışını yaklaşık olarak doğru tespit edildiği anlaşılmıştır.
Francesco Redi’nin Biyogenez Deneyi
Authors: GÜNAY Can Abdullah
Published: June 2020

Çalışmamızda,
İtalyan biyolog Francesco Redi (1626-1697)’nin Spontan Nesil Teorisi’ni test
ettiği deneyi incelenmiştir. F. Redi, bu deneyine, Esperienze Intorno alla Generazione degl'Insetti (Böceklerin Jenerasyonu
Üzerine Denemeler, 1668) isimli eserinde yer vermiştir.  Redi,
bu çalışmasında, “kontrollü deney” yöntemini uygulamıştır. Deney, canlıların
yine canlı maddelerden oluştuğunu savunan Biyogenez Teorisi’ni ampirik olarak
desteklemiştir.
Tech in Fin before FinTech
Authors: Pierri Nicola , Timmer Yannick
Published: June 2020

Motivated by the world-wide surge of FinTech lending, we analyze the implications of lenders’ information technology adoption for financial stability. We estimate bank-level intensity of IT adoption before the global financial crisis using a novel dataset that provides information on hardware used in US commercial bank branches after mapping them to their parent bank. We find that higher intensity of IT-adoption led to significantly lower non-performing loans when the crisis hit: banks with a one standard deviation higher IT-adoption experienced 10% lower non-performing loans. High-IT-adoption banks were not less exposed to the crisis through their geographical footprint, business model, funding sources, or other observable characteristics. Loan-level analysis indicates that high-IT-adoption banks originated mortgages with better performance and did not offload low-quality loans. We apply a simple text-analysis algorithm to the biographies of top executives and find that banks led by more “tech-oriented” managers adopted IT more intensively and experienced lower non-performing loans during the crisis. Our results suggest that technology adoption in lending can enhance financial stability through the production of more resilient loans.
Predicting Downside Risks to House Prices and Macro-Financial Stability
Authors: Deghi Andrea , Katagiri Mitsuru , Shahid Sohaib , Valckx Nico
Published: June 2020

This paper predicts downside risks to future real house price growth (house-prices-at-risk or HaR) in 32 advanced and emerging market economies. Through a macro-model and predictive quantile regressions, we show that current house price overvaluation, excessive credit growth, and tighter financial conditions jointly forecast higher house-prices-at-risk up to three years ahead. House-prices-at-risk help predict future growth at-risk and financial crises. We also investigate and propose policy solutions for preventing the identified risks. We find that overall, a tightening of macroprudential policy is the most effective at curbing downside risks to house prices, whereas a loosening of conventional monetary policy reduces downside risks only in advanced economies and only in the short-term.
Republic of Uzbekistan
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. Middle East and Central Asia Dept.
Published: June 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted Uzbekistan. Growth is projected to slow to 1.5 percent in 2020, while lower exports and remittances are expected to widen the current account deficit to almost 10 percent of GDP. Addressing the external shock and the domestic impact of COVID-19 is expected to require additional external financing of about US$ 4 billion (7 percent of GDP). At the same time, weaker than expected revenues and additional crisis-related expenditures are expected to widen the fiscal deficit from near balance to about 4 percent of GDP. Uncertainty about the severity and length of the global downturn and the impact on Uzbekistan’s economy is large.
Benin
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. African Dept.
Published: June 2020

Program implementation continues to be strong, with all end-December 2019
quantitative performance criteria (QPCs) and the structural benchmarks (SB) under
review being met. Economic activity is expected to decelerate sharply in 2020 due to the
COVID-19 pandemic. The authorities have prepared a response plan of 1.7 percent of
GDP to contain health risks and support the economy. As a result of the projected
revenue shortfall and the new measures, the 2020 fiscal deficit is revised upward to 3.5
percent of GDP.
Editorial: Knowledge democracy for a transforming world
Authors: Hall Budd , Tandon Rajesh
Published: June 2020

The past five decades have seen enormous, worldwide growth in, and appreciation of, knowledge democracy – the discourse which we have found best contains the various theoretical approaches, values and practices within which participatory research exists. This Introduction outlines our understanding of knowledge democracy, which can be expressed by a number of principles: (1) Recognition of a multiplicity of epistemologies and ways of knowing; (2) Openness to assembling, representing and sharing knowledge in multiple forms (including traditional academic formats and all manner of social and arts-based approaches); (3) Recognition that knowledge emerging from the daily lives of excluded persons is an essential tool for social movements and other transformational strategies; and the (4) Requirement to carefully balance the need to protect the ownership of communities’ knowledge with the need to share knowledge in a free and open access manner. We are pleased to present five articles from around the world that broaden and deepen our understanding of knowledge democracy – from a theoretical perspective, a practice perspective, an ontological perspective, and an action or political perspective.