bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Stochastic Frontier Analysis of the Human Capital Effects on the Manufacturing Industries’ Technical Efficiency in the United States
Authors: Gheit Salem
Published: May 2022

This study seeks to establish substantive empirical evidence on the role of college and non-college labour in productivity through technical efficiency in the manufacturing sector in the U.S. economy. This investigation fits a Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier function with inefficiency effects to a set of panel data for 15 manufacturing industries over the period from 1998 to 2019. The contribution of this paper lies in the application of the stochastic frontier analysis following the approach of Caudill et al. (1995) by estimating and testing stochastic frontier production functions, assuming the presence of heteroscedasticity in the one-sided error term (inefficiency), which provides robust estimates of the technical efficiency measures. This paper also contributes to the literature in the sense that it follows the Hadri (1999) approach and its extension for panel data, Hadri et al. (2003), assuming the existence of heteroscedasticity in both error terms (the one-sided inefficiency term and the two-sided symmetric random noise). The rationale for the double heteroscedasticity estimation is that it results in more accurate measures of the effects of the technical efficiency determinants. Therefore, it adds another layer of confidence in the economic analysis of the impact of human capital components on the manufacturing sector efficiency and by extension, its productivity. The stochastic frontier results show the effects of highly educated workers and low educated workers – proxied by college and non-college labour – on technical inefficiency. This is where the maximum likelihood estimates suggest that the increase in the percentage of the hours worked by college workers tends to contribute positively to technological efficiency in the U.S. manufacturing industries. While on the minus side, it can be noted that the rise in the share of the hours worked by non-college persons seems to have negative impact on efficiency in these industries. JEL Codes: J24, D24, C23, C24, Q12 Keywords: human capital, technical efficiency, stochastic frontier production, double heteroscedasticity, panel data
Hesiod’s Place in the Economics Literature
Authors: Papanikos Gregory T.
Published: May 2022

This paper aims at putting Hesiod’s book, “Works and Days” where it belongs in the economics literature: at the beginning. There are many reasons why Hesiod’s work has been ignored by economists which are discussed in this paper. Hesiod’s work is examined from the lenses of economic theory, economic history and history of economic thought. Keywords: Hesiod, ancient economy, history, Finley, justice, ethics, institutions
PERFIL DOS USUÁRIOS DE UMA UNIDADE ESPECIALIZADA DO PARANÁ SOBRE PROFILAXIA PRÉ-EXPOSIÇÃO AO HIV/AIDS
Authors: De Sousa Kelly Elaine , Queiroz Rosimara Oliveira , Da Silva Marcelo , Góes Herbert Leopoldo de Freitas
Published: May 2022

Objetivo: conhecer o perfil dos usuários do Centro de Testagem e Aconselhamento cadastrados para utilizar a profilaxia pré exposição ao HIV/Aids no município de Maringá.

 

Métodos: estudo exploratório e descritivo, de abordagem qualitativa, realizado em prontuários do Centro de Testagem e Aconselhamento de Maringá. Cinquenta e dois usuários aderiram a nova estratégia de prevenção a profilaxia pré-exposição ao HIV no município. Os dados foram coletados em abril de 2020. Para a análise das entrevistas, foi utilizada a análise estatística descritiva.

 

Resultados: A grande maioria dos participantes da pesquisa são do sexo masculino, de cor branca, solteiros, com nível superior e possuem faixa etária entre 21 e 40 anos. Quanto ao perfil da população-chave, apenas um é transexual, dois são profissionais do sexo. 34,62% se caracterizam-se como casais sorodiferentes e 84,62% são homens que fazem sexo com homens.

 

Conclusão: conhecer e analisar o perfil e as medidas disponíveis de prevenção é fundamental para identificação de comportamentos de risco, realizando aconselhamento direcionado, buscando reduzir os casos de HIV e diminuindo o impacto na saúde e na sociedade.
Investigation of resistance of VT6 alloy plates with linearly varying gradient structure to directed high-speed impact
Authors:   Moscow Aviation Institute (National Research University), Skvortsova S.V. , Shalin A.V. ,   Moscow Aviation Institute (National Research University), Gvozdeva O.N. ,   Moscow Aviation Institute (National Research University), Stepushin A.S. ,   Moscow Aviation Institute (National Research University)
Published: May 2022

The study results of the protective (barrier) properties of oxide and nitride coatings against the penetration of hydrogen during the thermal hydrogen treatment (THT) are summarized and the formation regularities of the linearly changing gradient structure of the VT6 titanium alloy are established. It has been found out that the finely dispersed (α + β) — structure on the surface formed as a result of THT provides increased strength properties, and the large-lamellar structure in the center provides high impact strength. It is shown that plates made of VT6 alloy of 12.5 mm thick with the linearly varying gradient structure demonstrate good dynamic resistance when fired with 5.45 mm and 7.62 mm jacketed bullets with a steel core.
POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS E EDUCAÇÃO: AS CLASSES MULTISSERIADAS EM QUESTÃO
Authors: Assunção CAMARINHA Maria Wanderleia
Published: May 2022

O presente artigo versa sobre a temática das “Políticas Públicas e Educação: As classes multisseriadas em questão”, objetivando: Analisar as condições em que se desenvolvem as políticas públicas voltadas para educação, em especial as que circundam o ensino escolar multisseriado. Em termos metodológicos, optamos por trabalhar com a abordagem qualitativa, no qual foi possível a partir dos referenciais teóricos que adotamos dialogar sobre a realidade em que se inserem as políticas públicas, especialmente as do campo da educação e que se relacionam com o ensino multisseriado. Para que fosse possível a construção dessa produção, trabalhamos com a pesquisa bibliográfica no qual a primeira etapa consistiu no levantamento bibliográfico, seguido da seleção do referencial teórico e se encerrando com a categorização das questões relacionadas às políticas públicas e as classes multisseriadas. Em linhas gerais é possível perceber ao longo do artigo que as políticas públicas emergem dos anseios e necessidades da população que se organiza e reivindica condições para acesso aos direitos. No âmbito da educação, as políticas educacionais tem se desenvolvido a partir da ideia de universalização do ensino, bem como, elevação do nível de escolaridade dos sujeitos para ingressar com a qualificação necessária no mercado de trabalho. Percebemos nesse sentido, que a estratégia da multissérie para elevação da escolarização dos sujeitos, ainda não é suficiente para atender a demanda, mas se mostra mais apropriada com base nas contribuições dos referenciais teóricos que o processo de nucleação dessas instituições que muitas vezes leva os alunos a percorrerem longa distâncias de sua comunidade para ter acesso ao ensino escolar.
ETIKA PENGAMBILAN KEPUTUSAN ETIS PELAYANAN PAULUS DAN BARNABAS DALAM KISAH PARA RASUL 15 : 35 – 41
Authors: Lio Natal
Published: May 2022

Ladang pelayanan merupakan bagian yang tidak luput dari perbedaan pendapat yang mengharuskan setiap orang yang terlibat di dalamnya jeli dalam bertindak menentukan keputusan terbaik. Demikian halnya dengan pelayanan misi yang diemban oleh Paulus dan Barnabas yang pada suatu kali terlibat perselisihan pendapat yang sengit dan berujung pada perpisahan di antara keduanya dalam Kisah Para Rasul 15 : 35 – 41. Banyak pihak yang kemudian menganggap bahwa Paulus dan Barnabas gagal dalam menyatukan pandangan dan pendapat yang berbeda satu-sama lain dari keduanya. Jalan perpisahan yang mereka tempuh juga dianggap menjadi acuan bagi perpisahan gereja-gereja di kemudian hari. Padahal, ini adalah tindakan terbaik namun dibungkus oleh sesuatu yang bernilai negative dalam pandangan orang kebanyakan. Mereka berdua mempertahankan pendapat dengan alasan masing-masing yang sama logisnya. Ada pertimbangan etis dalam keputusan tersebut sehingga pada akhirnya tidak berdampak buruk pada pelayanan mereka masing-masing. Justru dalam kasus perpisahan Barnabas dan Paulus, hasilnya bukan bencana, melainkan pembentukan dua tim misi penyebaran visi Allah ke seluruh dunia.
PENGEMBANGAN ETIKA KEPEMIMPINAN KRISTEN DIERA MODERN
Authors: Nopin
Published: May 2022

Abstrak: Etika kepemimpinan Kristen di era modern, Kata etika berarti kumpulan asas atau nilai yang berkenan dengan akhlak atau nilai yang mengenai benar dan salah yang dianut suatu golongan atau masyarakat. Adapun kata etiket tatacara atau adat, sopan santun dan lain sebagainya. Melayani dengan sepenuh hati adalah hal yang sanngat di harapkan dari sosok seorang pemimpin, seorang pemimpin harus mampu melayani orang lain, rendah hati, rajin, tekun, setia dan berintegrasi. Namun kepemipinan di zaman sekarang ini banyak terlihat hanya memperdulikan orang-orang yang di kenal akrab atau membeda-bedakan sesema, itulah sebabnya seorang pemimpin yang seperti itu telah kehilangan karakter seperti Kristus. Jadi seorang pemimpin yang mampu merangkul, mendorong anggotanya dalam mencapai visi tersebut. Pemimpin dapat dikatakan baik ketika ia mampu menjadi pemimpin berkriteria rohani. sehingga beraklak, beretika, bermoral baik yang mana diperuntukan untuk masa depan.
pasar monopoli
Authors: AMELIA RESKI
Published: May 2022

pasar monopoli adalah pasar dimna hanya terdapat satu perusahaan saja, dimna perusahaan ini menghasilkan barang yg tidak mempunyai barang pengganti yang sangat dekat oleh karena itu dalam pasar monopoli perusahaan menghadapi seluruh permintaan pasar.
Tugas PB
Authors: Pasedan Berlin
Published: May 2022

Jurnal “Analisis Peran Kepemimpinan Gembala dalam menjadi kembali relasi antara jemaat dengan mantan ketua pembangunan Gedung Gereja Jemaat Pos PI Opang Klasis Pare-Pare”, ini penulis angkat karena mendapatkan sebuah kasus yang ada di Gereja Toraja POS PI Opang, klasis Pare-Pare. Yang mana penulis akan menggunakan model kepemimpinan yang dipakai oleh para rasul pada gereja mula-mula. Dan juga model kepemimpinan Yesus Kristus dalam memimpin.
VI-I TEOLOGI FEBRIANI
Authors: Pasedan Berlin
Published: May 2022

Pemuridan adalah istilah yang sudah tidak asing lagi digunakan dalam pelayanan penggembalaan atau penginjilan. Namun, pemuridan juga bukanlah sesuatu yang mudah dilakukan oleh seorang pendeta, gembala, atau yang berada dalam lingkup kerohanian. Banyak orang kristen yang sudah menjadi kristen tetapi hanya memakai status kekristenan itu sebagai suatu status yang dianggap mereka sebagai sesuatu yang biasa saja. Tidak banyak orang kristen yang memaknai kekristenannya sebagai sesuatu anugerah yang patut disyukuri. Tidak sedikit juga orang kristen hanya fokus kepada keselamatannya saja atau cukup dengan menyandang status sebagai orang kristen, tetapi mereka lupa memperhatikan sesama mereka yang masih belum mengenal Kristus. Istilah yang kemudian dipegang oleh orang kristen adalah kerjakanlah keselamatannya, namum hal ini disalah artikan yang kemudian membuat beberapa oknum orang kristen bersifat egois dan tidak memperhatikan sesamanya yang membutuhkan Yesus pula dalam hidupnya. Tidak banyak Kristen yang menyadari bahwa siapapun bisa memberitakan kabar sukacita tentang Yesus, pandangan keliru yang ada dalam masyarakat kristen adalah hanya pendeta dan majelis saja yang bertanggung jawab akan hal itu.
KAJIAN TEOLOGIS TENTANG GELAR-GELAR YESUS YANG TERDAPAT DIDALAM INJIL SINOPTIK
Authors: Fransiska Elionora
Published: May 2022

jurnal ini berfokus kepada apa yang menjadi gelar-gelar Yesus yang terdapat pada injil sinoptik. dengan Melihat dari sudat sejarah, keteranagan- keterangan tentang Yesus memberikan rujukan didalamnya yang mengisih hampir setiap lapisan tertua dari segalah Tulisan-tulisan Rasuli. Lapsian-lapisan inilah yang kemudian membetuk sumber utama dan berwibawa tentang apapun juga yang dapat kita ketahui tentang Yesus. oleh sebab itu, hal tentang Yesus yang akan digali ulang, atau yang ingin kita hadirkan ulang. Gelar-gelar Yesus yang terdapat didalam injil sinptik ini hadir untuk bahaiman kemudian oarang-orang yang percaya kepadanya dapat mengenali dia lebih lagi.
KONFLIK DALAM GEREJA MULA-MULA DAN KAITANNYA DENGAN PERPECAHAN GEREJA
Authors: Palimbu Mariana Manda
Published: May 2022

Artikel terkait dengan konflik dalam gereja mula-mula dan kaitannya dengan perpecahan gereja
KESEIMBANGAN PASAR UANG DAN PASAR BARANG DALAM EKONOMI ISLAM
Authors: Nurfitri
Published: May 2022

Pasar barang merupakan pasar yang dimana tempat bertemunya penawaran dan permintaan atas sebuah barang atau jasa. Biasanya pasar barang ini disebut atau lebih dikenal dengan istilah sektor rill. Kurva IS merupakan sebuah kurva yang dapat menghubungkan antara suku bunga ( I atau r ) dengan pendapatan nasional (Y) yang menunjukkan titik tingkat keseimbangan pada pasar barang yang akan sellau berpatokan kepada pendapatan nasional pendekatan pengeluaran (ependatur apporoah) hanya saja yang membedakannya pada investasi.
HUBUNGAN PEMERINTAH DENGAN GERAKAN KOPERASI
Authors: Nurfitri
Published: May 2022

Gerakan koperasi dunia dipelopori oleh negara-negara Eropa Barat. Hendrojogi (2010: 291-296), menjelaskan pertumbuhan gerakan koperasi dilihat dari segi hukum di Inggris, Jerman, Belanda, dan Swedia.
You get us, so you like us: Feeling understood by an outgroup predicts more positive intergroup relations via perceived positive regard
Authors: Livingstone Andrew G , Bedford Summer Lea , Afyouni Aya , Vu Ngoc , Kapantai Ioanna , Makanju Damilola , Chayinska Maria , Gonzalez Roberto , Carozzi Pia J. , Contreras Camila , Byrne Sarosha , Guy Jennifer , King Lara , Lo Clarissa H C , Pearson Harriet , Tapp Calandra
Published: May 2022

Intergroup felt understanding – the belief that outgroup members understand and accept ingroup perspectives – has been found to predict positive intergroup outcomes, but the mechanism through which it has its positive effects is unclear. Across eight studies, we tested the hypothesis that felt positive regard – the perception that outgroup members like and respect ingroup members – mediates the positive effects of felt understanding on outcomes like outgroup trust. Studies 1-6 (total N = 1366) included cross-sectional and experimental designs, and a range of intergroup settings such as Sunni-Shia relations in Lebanon, gender relations, and support for ‘Brexit’ in the UK. Results of meta-analytic structural equation models across these studies provided evidence of the indirect effect of felt understanding via felt positive regard on outcomes including trust and positive relational emotions. Study 7 then tested the causal effect of felt positive regard through a direct manipulation. Findings confirmed that felt positive (vs. negative) regard did lead to more positive intergroup perceptions. Finally, Study 8 (N = 410) tested the indirect effect as a within-person change process using a year-long, two-wave study of the conflict in Chile between Indigenous Mapuche and non-Indigenous Chileans: Change over time in felt understanding indirectly predicted change over time in trust, via change in felt positive regard. We consider the theoretical implications of the findings for how intergroup relations may be improved, and the possibilities presented by felt understanding for intervention development.
Posttraumatic stress disorder symptom trajectories in a 16-month COVID-19 pandemic period
Authors: Lopez-Castro Teresa , Papini Santiago , Bauer Alexandria , Swarbrick Margaret , Paul Lynn K. , Nizzi Marie-Christine , Stanley Damian Alexander , Hien Denise
Published: May 2022

In the aftermath of mass trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms follow prototypical trajectories of resilience, recovery, or chronic distress. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic represented an unheralded opportunity to better understand heterogeneous trajectories of PTSD symptoms across a prolonged period of social disruption and stress. We tracked the PTSD symptoms of trauma-exposed individuals in the U.S., sought to identify population-based variability in PTSD symptom trajectories, and understand what, if any, early pandemic experiences would predict their membership in one trajectory over others. As part of a large-scale longitudinal study of U.S. residents during the pandemic, participants who reported at least one potentially traumatic event in their lifetime (N = 1206) at Wave 1 (April 2020) were included in the current study. PTSD symptoms were assessed with the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 at four time points extending to July 2021. Latent growth mixture modeling was used to identify heterogeneous symptom trajectories. Trajectory membership was regressed on baseline demographics and experiences from the early stage of the pandemic as measured by the Epidemic-Pandemic Impacts Inventory. Four trajectories (Resilient [73%], Recurring [13.3%], Recovering [8.3%], and Chronic [5.5%] were identified. Age, trauma load, and early pandemic experiences (emotional/physical health problems and positive changes) were each significant predictors of trajectory membership. Predictors primarily differentiated the Resilient from each of the other three trajectories. Distinct PTSD symptom trajectories during the COVID-19 pandemic point to the need for targeted efforts helping those at most risk for ongoing distress.
Frenemies: Acting like friends but feeling like enemies
Authors: Mills Carol Bishop , Yu Panfeng , Mongeau Paul A.
Published: May 2022

Frenemies, partners who appear to be friends on the surface, yet purport to dislike one another, have received less attention in the scholarly literature than friends and enemies. To explore the discordant and complicated relationship known as frenemyship, 72 undergraduates completed an open-ended online survey that was coded using inductive thematic analysis. Findings indicate that frenemies play a significant role in people’s lives and represent not just a behavioral form (e.g., relational aggression), but an independent relational type characterized by disguised disdain. Results indicate that people maintain frenemyships because relational benefits (e.g., saving face, maintaining social networks, and sustaining potential instrumental connections) outweigh negative ramifications of dealing with the relationship or terminating it. From these findings, we propose a definition of frenemyship as a discordant relationship in which one or both parties engage in cordial interactions, while simultaneously evaluating the other in a distrustful, unfriendly, even hostile, manner.
Performance and Emission Characteristics of Jatropha Biodiesel Blends in a Direct Injection CI Engine
Authors: Bhatta Khem Raj , Karna Rupesh Lal , Jha Ajay Kumar , Adhikari Surya Prasad
Published: May 2022

The Jatropha seed oil is non edible, contains high amount of oil and less expensive feedstock. So, in this study a methyl ester biodiesel was produced from Jatropha seed oil following two step transesterification process using methanol, sulphuric acid and sodium hydroxide. The effect of Jatropha biodiesel blends and petroleum-based diesel on the performance and emission of four strokes, naturally aspired, water cooled and a direct injection diesel engine at five engine loads with a constant engine speed of 1500 rpm were examined. The physical and thermal properties of 20 % Jatropha-biodiesel and 80 % diesel (JB20) were tested on American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards and found to be within the standard. The engine performance parameters for biodiesel blends such as Indicated Power (IP), Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE), Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC), Torque, Mechanical Efficiency (ME) and Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGR) were obtained and compared   with diesel fuel. At higher load, the IP of 15 % Jatropha-biodiesel and 85 % diesel (JB15) is lower than diesel and other blends. BTE of 10 % Jatropha-biodiesel and 90% diesel (JB10) increases to 5 % mainly on 50 % loading condition and at higher loading BTE of diesel is higher than jatropha biodiesel blends. For Jatropha biodiesel blends SFC was 19 % higher than diesel but at high load, SFC was nearly same for all test fuels. Mechanical efficiency of JB15 was found to be 18 % higher than diesel at higher loading. The highest exhaust gas temperature was 352.46 0C, 358.61 0C, 353.51 0C and 343.79 0C for diesel, JB10, JB15 and JB20, respectively at 3kW loading. Also, experimental results show that the smoke opacity reduced by 31.6 % with JB20 compared to diesel. From the fuel property, engine performance and emission characteristics, it is concluded that the Jatropha biodiesel up to 20 % can be blended with diesel and can be used as an alternative fuel in existing diesel engine without any modification.
Utilization of Safety Facilities in Building Construction Sites in Federal Capital Territory Abuja and Niger State, Nigeria
Authors: Garba Umar , Ibrahim D. , Karem W.B
Published: May 2022

The study was designed to determine the utilization of safety facilities in building construction sites in Federal Capital territory Abuja and Niger State, Nigeria. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The study was conducted in FCT Abuja and Niger State, Nigeria. A total of 181 respondents consisting of 20 contractors, 71 builders and 90 tradesmen with 43 items structured questionnaire were used. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was determined using Cronbach alpha method and coefficients of A ꞊ 0.889 & B ꞊ 0.727 respectively. Weighted mean and standard deviation were used to analyze the research questions while ANOVA was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that the respondents agreed with that of the safety facilities were utilized by the construction site worker while some were not complied. This implies that, safety facilities needs to be utilized in building construction. The findings revealed that there was significant difference in the mean ratings of the responses of the three groups of respondents (20 contractors, 71 builders and 90 tradesmen) as regard the of safety facilities. Similarly, there was no significant difference in the man ratings of the respondents as regards the extents of utilizing safety facilities in building construction sites. It was therefore recommended among others that contractors, builders and tradesmen require appropriate training/induction regularly on the use of safety facilities in building construction site base on their peculiarities. There should be appropriate information concerning the use personal protective equipment (PPE) at work to prevent accident from site. Working environment should always be cleared and kept free from all objects that can cause harm or injure the workers in building construction site.
Impact of Climate and Land Use Changes on the Livelihood of Residents in Calabar River Basin, South-eastern Nigeria
Authors: Tariah Ibiso Michael Inko , Abali Temple Probyne , Aminigbo Leonard Michael Onyinyechi
Published: May 2022

Human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and fuel combustion have caused climatic and land use changes, affecting the livelihood of residents negatively in Calabar River Basin, South-eastern Nigeria. In the region, there has been a constant and prolonged rise in temperature. To determine the status of climatic change, data sets spanning 43 years (1971-2014) were obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and compared to NIMET's historical meteorological data maps of Nigeria between 1941-1970 and 1971-2000, commonly known as the base period. In contrast, utilizing imageries from several satellites (Landsat), multi-temporal dates (MSS 1980, TM 1990, ETM 2000, and ETM+2010) and ArcGIS, researchers were able to determine the Land Use Changes / Land Covers (LULC) that have occurred in the Calabar river basin through time (1980-2020). Climate data revealed a historical sequence of temperature rises, as evidenced by late beginning and early cessation of rainfall, which had a negative influence on agriculture. Similarly, the investigation found that the environment has been warmer as temperatures have risen significantly, and that the harmattan dust haze has also increased in recent years. The investigation for LULC came up with six broad classifications: urban (built-up), water bodies, forest, farm, grass, and bare areas. Built-up area and farmland land uses have increased dramatically (3.19%-20.73%) and (10.20% -23.79%), respectively; forest (35.85%- 24.84%), water bodies (8.77%- 5.27%), Grassland (24.68%- 12.67%), and bare land uses have decreased dramatically (17.31%-12.69%). Since 1941 through 2020, temperatures have risen at a pace of 0.14° F (0.08° C) every decade, and the rate of warming is more than twice that: 0.32° F (0.18° C) per decade. The shortening of the rainy season has been forced by the late start and early cessation of rains. This has had a negative impact on the region's farming activities. The study recommends reforestation and the formation of forest reserves, greater energy efficiency, a shift to renewable resources / cleaner sources of energy (solar and wind), and reduced deforestation to mitigate the risks connected with climate and land use changes.
Effects of Palm Leaf Ash and Palm Kernel Fibre on Properties of Compressed Laterite Earth Brick
Authors: Jude K. , Igwe C. O. , Mohammed B. M.
Published: May 2022

This study was designed to compare the effects of the properties of compressed laterite earth brick (CLEB) stabilized with palm leaf ash (PKA) and palm kernel fiber (KPF). The study was carried out in Building Technology Department, Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger State. Bricks of 222×110×70 were produced using manual pressed machine where nine bricks each were stabilized with palm kernel fiber for 1%, 2%, and 3%. Also 9 bricks each were stabilized with palm leaf ash for each percent 5%, 10% and 15%. The materials used were Palm Kernel Fiber, Palm Leaf Ash laterite soil, and water. The abrasion resistance test and water penetration test were carried out. The findings revealed that the water penetration rate for the CLEB bricks stabilized with PKF recorded average penetration rate of 10.18 at 1%, 11.52 at 2% and 12.19 at 3%. Only 3% produced higher penetration rate while CLEB stabilized with PLA recorded average water penetration rate of 11.58 at 5%, 10.63 at 10%, and 11.27 at 15%. All were in conformity with NBRRI specification of 12.5%. The abrasion resistance of the 28 day CLEB stabilized with PKF recorded average abrasion of 1.40 at 1%, 1.28 at 2% and 3.68 at 3%. All result were conformity with the NBBRI specification of 6.9. While the abrasion resistance of the 28 day CLEB stabilized with PLA recorded average abrasion of 2.39 at 5%, 2.22 at 10% and 2.32 at 15% which were in conformity with the NBBRI specification of 6.9. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that the CLEB stabilized with palm kernel fiber at  1% and 2% are in conformity with NBRRI specification of compressive strength, water absorption rate and abrasion resistance. While compressed laterite bricks stabilized with palm leaf ash should be improve to conform to NBRRI specification.
Measurement of Activity Concentration of 40K, 226Ra and 232Th in Commercial Wall Paints Used in Nigeria and Inherent Radiological Hazards
Authors: Echeweozo E. O. , Onwunyiriuwa G. M. , Nwigwe P. A.
Published: May 2022

Ionizing radiations from building materials portend serious health risk to atoms and molecules of body cells by damaging tissues and altering the DNA in genes. In this study, the measurement of radioactivity concentration of 40K, 226Ra and 232Th to determine inherent radiological hazards in major brands of commercial wall paints used in Nigeria was carried out. Twenty paint samples were selected based on the popularity and quantity of sales of these paints’ brands as obtained from oral interview with these paints’ marketers. A NaI (Tl) detector (76×76 mm) was employed in the measurements. High mean levels of the radioactivity of 40K, 226Ra and 232Th were observed in emulsion paints 174.73, 58.18 and 56.98 Bq/kg while oil paints gave lower values of 119.66, 44.66 and 37.86 Bq/kg for 40K, 226Ra and 232Th respectively. From results obtained, most of the emulsion and oil paints available in Nigeria present low level of radioactivity concentration which does not pose significant radiological risk to user population. However, average excess lifetime cancer risk of these paints gave a value higher than the recommended limit. Based on this, regulation, quality control and constant monitoring of raw materials used for paint production in Nigeria is highly advised.
Assessment of Task, Activities and Working Materials Used in Non-Formal Training of Solar and Satellite System Installation in Niger State
Authors: Kuta J. I. J. , Yusuf O. O. , Raymond E.
Published: May 2022

The study was designed to assess the tasks, activities and workings materials in the non-formal training of craft man in solar and satellite systems installation in Niger State of Nigeria. Descriptive survey research method was adopted. The population for the study comprised of 243 trainees and 99 master trainers. For this study, the entire population of the trainee and the master trainers was used; hence, sampling was not carried out. The research instrument used in this study was a structured questionnaire, and it involved the use of a Likert scale. The instrument was validated by experts in the Department of Industrial and Technology Education, Federal University of Technology, Minna. Cronbach Alpha co-efficient was used to determine the internal consistency of the instrument and it yielded reliability coefficient of 0.99. Data were collected through questionnaire with the help of six research assistants. SPSS was used to perform analysis of the data. Mean and standard deviation was used to evaluate research questions, while z test was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings from the hypothesis of the study revealed that that there is no significant difference between the mean responses of trainers and trainee on tasks in non- formal training of solar system installation with a the mean and standard deviation of trainer are 3.55 and 0.70 while the mean and standard deviation of trainee are 3.39 and 0.73 respectively, since the p-value (0.52) is greater than 0.05. The study concluded that the need for training of trainee in the working environment and the participation of master trainers in the structuring of the apprenticeship learning to learn comprehensively. The study recommends that master trainers should be appropriate in planning tasks in non-formal training of trainees in solar system installation. The government should provide working materials for trainers and trainee in non-formal training of solar and satellite system installation.
Microplastic- An Imposing Commination to the Aquatic Ecosystem and its Removal Strategies in Wastewater Treatment Plants: A Systematic Review
Authors: Modak Anirudh , Basu Shamayita
Published: May 2022

Plastic is broadly used for various human interests (technological devices, food packaging, medical products, etc.) and there is an increasing concern about the risks for our surrounding environment and health. In particular, microplastics (MPs), both primary and secondary, occur in all environmental pockets and constitute a potential warning, since they easily enter into the food chain. Moreover, microplastics have the ability to absorb diverse pollutants, which thereby get accumulated inside human body via processes of bioaccumulation and biomagnification. A systematic review was conducted to determine the effectiveness of wastewater treatment facilities (WWTPs) in removing microplastics. Published research on the effectiveness of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) for microplastic removal were searched using international databases (PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus). Contamination of MPs in aquatic environment has presently been recorded as a transpiring environmental threat because of their fatalistic impact on the ecosystem. Their sources are numerous, but, undoubtedly, all are from synthetic matters. The sources of MPs are cosmetics and products of personal care, textile and tyre, abrasion processes of some other plastic products, bitumen and paints for road marking. Due to their low density and tiny particle size, MPs get easily extravasated into the wastewater drainage systems. Therefore, the municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are designated to be the foremost recipients of MPs prior to getting excreted into the natural water reservoirs. The focus of this article is to put forward an all-inclusive review in order to preferably understand the channels of MPs into the environment, their characteristics in wastewater, and most importantly, the removal efficiency of MPs of the subsisting wastewater treatment technologies, as arrogated by the WWTPs. This review also encompasses the expansion of budding microplastics treatment technologies that have been investigated till date. Then, in the not-too-distant future, effective and standardised techniques for measuring MPs should be developed, as well as a greater understanding of sources and strategies for reducing microplastics contamination of treated effluent.
Pattu Weaving: A Sustainable Fabric Manufacturing Technique
Authors: Srivastava Ankita , Saxena Ankur
Published: May 2022

Sustainability is the need of the hour and the world is now looking for the environment-friendly options while choosing the materials, techniques, processes and disposal systems. In textiles, handloom weaving is considered as the sustainable way of fabric manufacturing. Many ancient crafts clusters are still existing and re-inventing themselves to create sustainable products. The craft of ‘Pattu weaving’ is one of them which is known as a traditional weaving technique. Pattu weaving is a traditional craft using extra weft weaving technique which is widely practised by the weavers in India. The study has reviewed the materials, tools, techniques and processes used in this craft, along with the challenges and opportunities for the upliftment of the craft. A comparative study of traditional and contemporary materials, colour palette, motifs and product range of the craft are also covered in this paper. Major part of the information and images have been collected during craft research documentation activity while visiting the craft cluster at Bhojasar and Karwa villages in Rajasthan where Pattu craft has been practiced by the weavers since ages. Along with this, secondary research has also been included in this document to strengthen the study.
शास्त्रीय बहरको प्रयोगमा नेपाली गजल {Nepali ghazal in the use of classical behr}
Authors: शर्मा Sharma गणेश Ganesh
Published: May 2022

फारसी भाषामा प्रयुक्त शास्त्रीय बहरको प्रयोग नेपाली गजल सिर्जनामा हुँदै आएको पाइन्छ । बहर फारसी भाषाको शब्द हो, यसलाई नेपाली भाषामा छन्दले चिनिन्छ । परम्परागत रूपमा चल्दै वा प्रयोग हुँदै आएका छन्दलाई नै शास्त्रीय बहर भनिएको पाइन्छ । फारसी भाषामा प्रयोग हुँदै आएका शास्त्रीय बहरका प्रकारहरू उल्लेख गर्दै तिनको प्रयोग नेपाली गजल सिर्जनामा के कसरी गरिएको छ भन्ने उद्देश्यमा प्रस्तुत अध्ययन केन्द्रित रहेको छ । पुस्तकालयीय कार्यबाट द्वितीयक स्रोतका सामग्री सङ्कलन गरी वर्णनात्मक अध्ययन विधिको प्रयोगमार्फत् तथ्याङ्कको विश्लेषण गरिएकाले प्रस्तुत अध्ययन गुणात्मक प्रकृतिको रहेको छ । बहरको सैद्धान्तिक आधारलाई प्रस्तुत गर्दै आवश्यकतानुसार तालिका साथै नेपाली गजल सिर्जनामा प्रयोग भएका फारसी बहरका साक्ष्यलाई समेत यस कार्यमा अध्ययन गरिएको छ । अरबी फारसी भाषामा बहरको सङ्ख्या एकिन नभए पनि बहरलाई मूलतः मुफरद, मुरक्कब र मुजाहिफ गरी ३ प्रकार र यीभित्र विभिन्न बहर समावेश नेपाली गजलमा गरिएको निष्कर्ष यसमा प्रस्तुत गरिएको छ ।
Role of Lumboperitoneal shunt in CSF diversion: Outcome in common indications and beyond
Authors: Aryal Sameer
Published: May 2022

Dr. Sameer Aryal1, Dr. Ramchandra Shrestha1, Dr. Alok Deo1, Dr. Gopal Raman Sharma1
1Dhirghayu Guru Hospital, Chabahil, Kathmandu
Introduction: A Lumboperitoneal shunt is a procedure of diverting Cerebrospinal Fluid from the lumbar thecal sac to peritoneum. Common indications are Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH), Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), recurrent CSF fistulas, growing skull fractures etc. It has been often used as a last resort in patients with communicating hydrocephalus who underwent multiple failed ventriculostomy procedures. We present our study of 14 cases of LP shunting done for common indications, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of these cases and present our outcome.
Objective: Objective of this study was to evaluate the outcome of Lumboperitoneal Shunt and assess its overall role in cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedures.
Materials & Methods: Retrospective Study (June 2015- January 2020)
Results: A total of 14 cases (6 males and 8 females) were operated from June 2015 to January 2020.Majority of the cases 64.3% (n= 9) were IIH, 21.4% (n=3) were cases of NPH and 14.3% (n=2) were cases of communicating hydrocephalus. Two cases presented with repeat of symptoms after initial improvement and underwent shunt revision. Blockage of thecal catheter due to kinking was found in both cases. Symptomatic improvement was seen in all cases.
Conclusion: These results show that Lumboperitoneal Shunt is an excellent option in cerebrospinal fluid diversion whenever indicated. It carries low risk and has good outcome.
 
Key Words: Lumboperitoneal, shunt, theco-peritoneal, idiopathic, benign, intracranial, hypertension, cerebrospinal, fluid, diversion, normal, pressure, hydrocephalus
Non epileptic attack disorder, Psychiatric co morbidities and their outcomes: NEAD & Psychiatric Comorbidity
Authors: Sawant Neena , Umate Maithili
Published: May 2022

Background: NEAD is a common presentation in epilepsy clinics and is often misdiagnosed. This study was therefore planned to understand the prevalence of psychiatric co morbidities in patients diagnosed as NEAD and to study the outcome of both the conditions over 6 months with pharmacotherapy and supportive psychotherapy.

Material & Method: 71 patients of NEAD were enrolled and assessed on SCID 1 to diagnose psychiatric co morbidity with rating of severity of anxiety & depression on HDRS & HARS.

Patients were divided into Groups A & B depending on the presence or absence of existing co-morbid psychopathology respectively and were followed up over 6 months to assess outcomes. Psychiatric medication was given to Group A patients and both groups received supportive psychotherapy on follow up.

Results: Group A had 50 patients with psychiatric co morbidity and Group B included 21 patients.  Depressive disorders were common psychopathology and follow up at 3& 6 months revealed a reduction in the total mean scores of HARS and HDRS from baseline. Outcome of NEAD at the end of 6 months revealed 100% reduction in 28% and 50% reduction in 15 – 16% of both group patients.

Conclusions: There are very few Indian studies on short or long term outcomes of NEAD and there is a need to create awareness among the treating physicians regarding the impact of associated psychiatric co morbidities which would affect the prognosis of NEAD.
Exploring the Reciprocal Relationship Between Serious Victimization and Criminogenic Networks
Authors: Ryu Hana , McCuish Evan
Published: May 2022

Reducing explanations of victimization to a person’s risky lifestyle has stalled growth in theories of victimization. Drawing from Carlo Morselli’s contributions to social network analysis, the current study extended past research on community-based co-offending networks and victimization in two ways. First, the current study more comprehensively measured a person’s criminogenic network by also examining the contribution of conflict ties and social ties to victimization. Second, we investigated whether serious victimization was prospectively associated with social network characteristics. Data were used on 99 participants from the Incarcerated Serious Violent Young Offender Study who had criminogenic connections within the city of Surrey, BC. Time-dependent covariate survival analysis was used to model the relationship between network characteristics and time to victimization. Time-series ordinary least squares regression was used to examine whether serious victimization predicted network characteristics. Participants with a greater number of co-offending ties experienced serious victimization significantly later. As evidence of the reciprocal nature of the victimization–network relationship, victimization predicted a greater number of future criminogenic connections in the co-offending tie, social tie, and prison tie networks. Findings have implications for network-based intervention models.
Practical Tips for Setting Up and Running OSCEs
Authors: Hall Emily J. , Baillie Sarah , Hunt Julie A. , Catterall Alison J. , Wolfe Lissann , Decloedt Annelies , Taylor Abi J. , Wissing Sandra
Published: May 2022

Objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) are used to assess students’ skills on a variety of tasks using live animals, models, cadaver tissue, and simulated clients. OSCEs can be used to provide formative feedback, or they can be summative, impacting progression decisions. OSCEs can also drive student motivation to engage with clinical skill development and mastery in preparation for clinical placements and rotations. This teaching tip discusses top tips for running an OSCE for veterinary and veterinary nursing/technician students as written by an international group of authors experienced with running OSCEs at a diverse set of institutions. These tips include tasks to perform prior to the OSCE, on the day of the examination, and after the examination and provide a comprehensive review of the requirements that OSCEs place on faculty, staff, students, facilities, and animals. These tips are meant to assist those who are already running OSCEs and wish to reassess their existing OSCE processes or intend to increase the number of OSCEs used across the curriculum, and for those who are planning to start using OSCEs at their institution. Incorporating OSCEs into a curriculum involves a significant commitment of resources, and this teaching tip aims to assist those responsible for delivering these assessments with improving their implementation and delivery.
OSTEOCALCIN ROLE IN THE REGULATION OF INSULIN SECRETION AND OSTEOTROPIC EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT CLASSES OF ANTI-DIABETIC DRUGS (LITERATURE REVIEW AND OWN RESEARCH)
Authors: Kovalchuk A. V.  , Zinich O. V.  , Prybyla O. V.  , Kushnareva N. M.  , Kovalchuk V. M.  , Shyshkan-Shyshova K. O.
Published: May 2022

Background. Current data suggest that bone tissue produces hormonally active factors - modulators of metabolic processes throughout the body. The most significant osteoproteins is osteocalcin, the non-collagen structural protein of the bone matrix, which is synthesized by osteoblasts and enters the bloodstream during the resorption of bone tissue. Osteocalcin is involved in the regulation of energy balance, insulin secretion, peripheric insulin sensitivity, and adipocyte’s function, while being an important marker of bone remodeling. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between osteocalcin levels and metabolic parameters in 97 patients with type 2 diabetes over 50 years of age, in the course of pharmacotherapy using different classes of antidiabetic drugs, namely human insulin, glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists (aGLP), and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, depending on presence of obesity. Results. There was found the highest serum osteocalcin level in patients without obese who received a metabolically active therapy with insulin or aGLP-1, comparing to nonobese subjects of SGLT2 inhibitors therapy group. The lowest level of HbA1c and triglycerides observed in non-obese patients on the background of taking aGLP-1. Conclusion. It can be assumed that the factor determining the hypoglycemic efficacy of investigated drugs may be the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes which depends on the degree of obesity, while the type of antidiabetic therapy has a corrective effect, probably mediated by changes in body weight and fat distribution.
INFLUENCE OF VEGETATION ON SOIL CARBON STOCKS IN FORESTS (REVIEW)
Authors:   Center for Forest Ecology and Productivity of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kuznetsovа A. I.
Published: May 2022

Existing estimates of carbon stocks in taiga and coniferous-broadleaf forests show that almost half of the total organic carbon in these ecosystems is accumulated in forest soils. Vegetation as the main source of organic matter in the soil interacts with soil biota, which processes plant litter, and, with abiotic environmental factors, determines the processes of formation and accumulation of soil organic matter. Changes in the composition of vegetation are the driver of the dynamics of soil carbon stocks; however, insufficient attention has been paid to the analysis of this issue. This review analyzes the main ways of transferring carbon from the vegetation pool to the soil pool and the influence of three main predictors of vegetation that affect the carbon stock in soils: the amount and quality of litter of individual plant species (species identity) and the structural diversity of the plant community; it identifies gaps in knowledge and proposes some ways of developing this field of research.
MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF THE FOREST FIRE IMPACT ON THE BRANCH OF A CONIFEROUS TREE
Authors:   Tomsk Polytechnic University, Baranovskiy N.V. , Menshikov D. S. ,   State Specialized Design Institute
Published: May 2022

It is necessary to develop quantitative methods to assess the formation of thermal burns in the morphological parts of coniferous trees. The purpose of the study is mathematical modeling of heat transfer in the layered structure of a coniferous tree branch under the influence of a forest fire front. The heat propagation in the «branch — needles — flame zone» system is described by a system of non-stationary differential equations of heat conduction with the corresponding initial and boundary conditions. As an object of research, a digital model of a branch of a coniferous tree for various species, namely, pine, larch and fir, was used. Temperature distributions are obtained for different variants of the branch structure and conditions of the impact of the forest fire front. Conclusions are made about the need for further modernization of the mathematical model. The developed model is the basis for creating software tools for specialized geographic information systems.
REVIEW OF OPEN SOURCE QGIS FORESTRY PLUGINS
Authors:   Center for Forest Ecology and Productivity of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Podolskaia E. S.
Published: May 2022

To date, the forestry industry has obtained certain experience in implementing Open Source software. The article describes Open Source QGIS-plugins for the tasks of forest fires and forest resources monitoring and management in research and applications. The functionality analysis performed aimed to simplify the selection of tools for a forest geoinformation project in desktop and web versions. The article presents a brief description of presently downloadable QGIS (version 3.18.1) forestry plugins. The analysis of external QGIS-plugins for working with forest resources and fires has shown the heterogeneity of research. This prevents from identifying trends so far. An option for future research subjects may be development of plugins with available data as cartographic services for territories of different spatial coverage, taking into account that archived data and their availability is a key asset in the forestry. Subject-related forest scope in the present-day repository of QGIS-plugins tends to be relatively limited. Transport and environmental applications implemented in the form of GIS tools are more numerous and can solve individual tasks in the orest project. A review of plugins functionality, compatibility to the core QGIS and their performance should be performed on a regular basis, following new QGIS versions.