bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing the Underwriting Process in Life Insurance
Authors: Toshmurzaevich Yuldashev Obiddin
Published: January 2021

Underwriting is the main factor affecting the reliability, stability of the organizational development of the life insurer and determining the quality of financial management, strategic planning, budget management of the life insurer, the economic feasibility of the life insurance process, the adequacy of the life insurer's operational management system. Underwriting is the main business process in insurance organizations and provides for the assessment and management of insurance risk accepted for insurance. This study focuses on the economic nature of underwriting, the approaches of scientists to it, the specifics of life insurance underwriting, types of life insurance underwriting and the process of their implementation, as well as directions and stages of underwriting in life insurance. The article also substantiates that digitalization of the underwriting process in life insurance is an important factor in its development. In concluding life insurance contracts, regardless of the type of insurance product, according to the author, underwriting should be carried out gradually in several directions.
Chemical Characterization of Nine Locally Made Cement Products for Quality Assurance in Nigeria Cement Industry
Authors: Odewale Stephen A. , Oladunni Atilade A. , Oyewale Babatunde O.
Published: January 2021

Chemical characterization of Portland limestone cement products collected across the nine existing cement manufacturing plants in Nigeria was conducted using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (EDXRF) with the aim of determining conformity with global and local standards and investigating likely variation in quality resulting from differences in the sources of major raw materials, especially limestone used in production. The cement samples are composed essentially of CaO, SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, MgO, Na2O, K2O and SO3 while P2O5, MnO and TiO2 were present in trace amount. In addition to oxide compositions, the mineralogical components: Alite (C3S), Belite (C2S), Celite (C3A), and Ferrite (C4AF), and other cement quality control variables such as Lime Saturation Factor, Silica Modulus and Alumina Modulus of all the nine cement samples analyzed in this study are in agreement with the specifications for Portland limestone cement published by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), and the British Standards Institution (BSI). The nine cement products also have their compositions in close proportion indicating none of the products is superior in quality irrespective of manufacturer or production site, a common misconception in the Nigerian cement market.
Potentials of Processed Palm Kernel Shell Ash (Local Stabilizer) and Model Prediction of CBR and UCS Values of Ntak Clayey Soils in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Assam S. A. , Agunwamba J. C.
Published: January 2021

It is very essential to improve on the study of stabilization, as we investigate the potential of Processed Palm Kernel Shell Ash (PPKSA) as a Local stabilizer in stabilizing clay soil. The ever-increasing cost of construction materials in Nigeria and other developing countries has created the need for improved research into locally and readily available materials and also on how to convert these local materials such as Palm Kernel Shell Ash for use in construction and soil improvement. To achieve this; soil samples were collected from Ntak – Uyo, Akwa Ibom State classified as an A-2-5 soil on AASHTO and CL on UNIFIED SYSTEM of classification, were sieved and passed through sieve No. 36. It was then stabilized with (2-7%) Processed Palm Kernel Shell Ash (PPKSA) by weight of the dry soil. The investigation includes evaluation of the engineering and geotechnical properties of the soil.

The results obtained shows that the increase in PPKSA content at 4.5% increase the Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) by 16.74%, Maximum Dry Density (MDD) by 1.89 gm/cm3, Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) by 433.12 kN/m2, California Bearing Ratio (CBR) by 55% for unsoak and 36% for soak while there was a significant reduction in the value of Liquid Limit (LL) by 30.92% and Plasticity Index (PI) by 10%. The predictive models were developed, and these models showed a good correlation with experimental results in the control tests as they possess a reasonable significant difference and a strong relationship between the measured and predicted values.

The study concluded that PPKSA can be used to improve the properties of soil for construction purposes and 4.5% PPKSA content was observed to yield maximum improvement for OMC, MDD, CBR and UCS values.
Development and Assessment of Cracking and Sorting Processes of Palm Kernel Nut Machine
Authors: Bakri A. J. , Ajayi T. B. , Oladerin K. O. , Mogbojuri A. O.
Published: January 2021

This paper presents a research on the Development and Assessment of the cracking and sorting processes of palm kernels nuts in a mechanical cracking machine. The palm kernel oil is an important agricultural produce, it has a wide range of usage aside from cooking. In attempt to reduce energy exploitation, in conjunction with the regular high rate of demand for products been extracted from palm kernel nut, the need to improve on the manual method of cracking and sorting became eminent. The mechanical cracker was made up of two units: the cracking and sorting unit. Experimental studies of properties of machine components were considered with the purpose of avoiding fatigue failure and fracture on the palm nuts during the processing duration. The mechanical cracker was designed, fabricated and performance evaluation carried out using locally sourced materials. It was developed with a 5hp electric motor to drive the machine coupled with belts and pulleys. The average data assessment shows a 2.01% of un-cracked nuts, 2.36% of partially cracked nuts, 93.58% of un-cracked nut and 2.05% broken nuts. The cracking-sorting efficiency was estimated at 94% and throughput capacity was determined to be 80kg/h while the overall palm kernel recovery efficiency was 85%. These suggest that the machine is very suitable for separating the palm kernel nuts from the cracked shells clearly and completely.
Introducing Secondary Education Students to Programming through Sound Alerts
Authors: Sklirou Theofani S. , Andreopoulou Areti , Georgaki Anastasia , Tselikas Nikolaos D.
Published: January 2021

It is considered hard to teach programming in secondary education while achieving the aims of curriculum. However, when teaching is supported by suitable methodologies, learning can be ameliorated. Under this premise, this paper discusses different teaching approaches to programming in secondary education and examines the potential benefit of sound-alerts as a complementary teaching tool. Such alerts were created by pairing different sound stimuli to specific programming actions and operations. Both the selection of the sound stimuli, as well as the potential impact of the use of sound alerts on programming are evaluated through subjective studies. Results showed that participants preferred synthesized to natural (pre-recorded) stimuli for all types of alerts. It was also revealed that users prefer sound-alerts associated to pending actions, errors, successful code execution, conditional statements and code looping over alerts highlighting the step-by-step execution of the code. Finally, the test results showed that students understand both the meaning and the use of code commands more clearly when they use a sound-enriched programming environment instead of a conventional one. These results were the motivation for the initial creation of an audio and voice messages’ data base and the initial design of a new comprehensive educational tool using sound.
Experimental Study of Twin Connected Pipe Jets
Authors: Sourav Shams , Rifat Ashraful Hossain , Nayeem Muhammed Hasnain Kabir , Ali Md. Abu Taher
Published: January 2021

Two parallel pipe jets of 20 mm diameter were placed 1.2 mm diameter apart and were connected by a 4 mm wide channel all along the central plane of the jets. The mean velocity flow field of the jets was investigated for three Reynolds number 16300, 34400 and 49200. The Reynolds number was based on the exit velocity of the jets and jet diameter. The experiment was performed in an air jet facility and yaw meter was used for measurement of mean velocity and its direction. Their variations along the longitudinal, transverse, and lateral directions have been analyzed. A significant change of the jet flow field is observed near the exit of the jet. The combined effect of the jets diminishes the presence of recirculation region at the immediate exit rather enhances the energy and momentum transfer between their individual flow fields. Static pressure and kinetic energy distribution are also studied and a momentous variations have been noticed with varying Reynolds number.
Spatial Expansion of Urban Activities and Agricultural Lands Encroachment in Makurdi Metropolis
Authors: Iortyom Enoch Terlumun , Semaka John Terwase , Abawua Jonathan Ityofa
Published: January 2021

This study assessed spatial expansion of urban activities and agricultural lands in Makurdi metropolis, Benue State-Nigeria between the period of 1999 and 2012. The study employed ILWIS Academic 3.2a image processing software to conduct Land Use Land Cover Change (LULCC) analysis on Remotely Sensed (RS) data and Geographical Information System (GIS). A supervised classification was also adopted to identify land use type, and image differencing to identify the change. The study found out that there is a continuous decline in the total amount of farmland in Makurdi from 1999-2012. Specifically, it was found that in 1999, farmlands covered 43% of the study area while in 2012 it was reduced to 22%, indicating that spatial expansion of urban activities has been on the increase and may result in absolute loss in cropland with other sustainability risks and threats of livelihoods if not appropriately managed. The study therefore recommended that spatial expansion of urban activities should be well managed and controlled as well as to take into cognizance areas needed to be reserved for farming while carrying out urban development of an area.
Proximate Analysis and Bio-Digestion of Cattle Abdominal Waste for the Production of Organic Fertilizer
Authors: Balogun B. A. , Nkwocha E. E. , Balogun T. O. , Ogbuagu D. H. , Ibegbule I. L.
Published: January 2021

Biodigestion of cattle abdominal waste from a slaughterhouse in Owerri West Local Government Area Imo state was studied. It was stabilized in a mobile biodigester for the production of quality fertilizer through the activities of microorganisms. Clean plastic bags were used to collect influent and effluent samples in replicate, stored and transported in iced coolers to the laboratory for analyses. Standard laboratory methods were used for sample analyses which focused on Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, pH, Organic matter, Moisture content, Organic carbon, and Carbon/Nitrogen ratio from pre-digested and digested samples as parameters of interest. Periodic sampling from biodigester was carried out at interval of 0 week (pre-digested samples- PDS), 2 weeks (digested samples1- DS1) and 5 weeks (digested samples 2 -DS2) for parameters investigated. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM- SPSS(C)) version 19.0, statistical package for windows and MS Excel was used in the analysis of data. The test of homogeneity of variance in means of the variables was carried out using the one-way ANOVA. Further structure detection was made with means plot. Results obtained on pre-digested influent show that Nitrogen varied between 2.03-2.06% (2.01±0.05), Potassium varied between 1.25-1.32mg/kg (1.28± 0.02), and Phosphorus varied between 1.45-1.54mg/kg (1.50±0.02). Carbon/Nitrogen ratio was constant at 20, Moisture content varied between 73.50-80.50% (78.00±1.56), Organic matter varied between 67.42-70.86% (69.05±0.70), Total organic carbon varied between 39.20-41.20% (40.15 ±0.46), and pH varied between 6.30–6.50 (6.41±0.04) respectively. In the digested effluent, Nitrogen varied between 1.40-1.66% (1.53±0.04), Phosphorus varied between 1.20–1.26mg/kg (1.23±0.01), Potassium varied between 1.10-1.17 mg/kg (1.13±0.01), pH varied between 7.20–7.45 (7.32±0.04), Total organic carbon varied between 25.20-29.88% (27.60±0.66), Carbon/Nitrogen ratio was constant at 18, Organic matter 43.34-51.39% (47.48±1.14), and Moisture content varied between 86.10-95.36% (90.88±1.23) respectively. General results show that there was significant inequality among the variables examined [F(12.50) > Fcrit (4.03)] at P=0.05. Total organic carbon, Organic matter and Moisture content were most responsible for the observed heterogeneity.
Wits Appraisal of a Qatari Male Population: A Comparative Study. Part II
Authors: Hashim Hayder A. , Al-Sayed Najat , AL-Qaisi Ayah
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Cephalometric analysis aims to determine skeletal and dental relationships. The ANB angle, initially suggested by Rediel and applied by Steiner. is the most used angle in establishing the anteroposterior relationship of the mandible to the maxilla. However, limitations to the accuracy of the ANB angle for this purpose have been reported. To avoid these potential sources of inaccuracy a diagnostic tool was introduced by Jenkins and later modified by Jacobson and became known as the “Wits appraisal”. Aims: The aim of this study was to establish the Wits appraisal value in a sample of Qatari males, a group which had not previously been studied in this context, and to compare the findings with those from racially and ethnically differing groups as reported in the literature.

Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 28 lateral cephalometric radiographs of Qatari males with an age range of 15 to 32 years, presenting with a well-balanced facial appearance and an acceptable profile.

Results: The mean value of the Wits appraisal for Qatari males in the present study was 0.50 ± 2.96. This differed at a statistically significant level from the mean value in the Jacobson study with no gender significant difference noted. On the other hand, significant differences were found when compared with previous reports on different races.

Conclusion: The Wits appraisal value for the Qatari male population studied was 0.5±2.96, a result which is significantly higher than that reported in Jacobson’s study. This study revealed that the Wits appraisal is not ethnicity or gender-specific, and therefore cannot be used to differentiate between different ethnic groups. However, it can find application as an alternative to the ANB angle in the treatment of borderline cases. The application of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) will enhance the diagnosis and treatment of cases by yielding three-dimensional views.
Shifting Trend of Mithila Painting: Tradition to Contemporary
Authors: Singh Raj Kishor
Published: January 2021

This article communicates the changing pattern of Mithila folk painting to fine art due to the professionals’ intervention in this realm. Besides, technological use has further altered it and the people who were unable to perform their ritual on the works of art are able to do so now. Consequently, the painting has been enhanced from its limited geography to all over the world where even the diaspora Maithils enjoy their culture with full enthusiasm. This phenomenon has led people both connected to their culture as well as uplifted to high spirituality, aware about their identity and commercializing their cultural artifacts. Thus, this fluctuating tendency of this folk art has empowered the community morally, artistically and economically.
Existential Crisis, Sexuality and Immutable Plight of Women in the Plays 'Sakharam Binder' and ‘Silence the Court is in Session'
Authors: Khan Shehnaz
Published: January 2021

“It's a men's world women are here only to assist, serve and please men. It’s the way the world has always been.”

In the world there is only one supreme culture prevailing universally in all the societies is the men-centric culture, which is all powerful and all pervasive. This patriarchal culture and its norms are so deeply engrained in the soul of people that they relegate women into fringe or secondary position.

Women's rights talk about equality in each aspects of life but in India where patriarchy has solid roots in society, it appears to be extremely hard to acquire concordance and equality in power structures. Patriarchy has clasped Indian middle class society in its stereotyped shackles and its hold on society is unbending and heavy which adversely affects the lives of women. The torture born by women is the result of brutal dominating tendency of males and Tendulkar in general, spotlights on the patriarchal society in both of his plays. He indicated how a men centric society and women's liberation are interconnected and how male domination transforms into maltreatment of women. All the power in Indian society is in the hands of the males which at last prompts the pathetic state of females. Power, when gets discordant, without a doubt results into persecution and domination whether it is mastery of man over women or the other way around. Indian middle class has the same imbalanced power structure and consequently male domination exists because of male dominated society. The ruling idea of males tosses women into a well of persecution of each sort. Such state of females is exhibited by Tendulkar in ‘Sakharam Binder' and in ‘Silence the Court is in Session' caused by the patriarchal system of culture wherein the women have to struggle hard and pass through severe plight to establish their place in society. As we see in case of these three women Miss Benare, Laxmi and Champa. All these three are discarded women who strive hard for their existence in society and have to pass through so many inextricable difficulties. But the plight goes immutable, and unending.
FPA evaluation of digital projects using IFPUG Method
Authors: Kosov Mikhail Evgenievich , Malashenko Gevorg Tevosovich , Grishina Olga Alekseevna , Popkov Sergey Yuryevich , Smirnov Vladimir Mikhailovich
Published: January 2021

This article considers Function Point Analysis (FPA) as a tool for price substantiation and specification of liabilities for development of digital project, since each new project in the company is analyzed. Information acquired during the analysis forms basis for adoption of critical decisions regarding complexity, resources, frames, terms, expenses, etc. Even strictly defined projects may fall out at later stages without accurate analytical method. Reducing risks of software projects is the most important issue. In general, this starts from definition of exact measures regarding scale, productivity, duration, quality, and other key performances of project efficiency. Advanced methods of analysis, such as FPA, provide clear presentation of each of these metrics related mainly with the amount of project, personnel, expenses and time, which supports management, control, adjustment of software development at early stages of planning.
Pedagogical design of academic disciplines and lessons in blended learning
Authors: Shumakova Serafima Yurievna , Orlova Inga Konstantinovna , Kagosyan Ashot Saratovich , Dandanova Svetlana V. , Kasatkina Natalia
Published: January 2021

A central issue during the implementation of innovative learning forms is the choice of the perfect ratio between the traditions of the existing educational system, modern pedagogical innovations and the instrumentarium of information and communication technologies. From practice and a number of studies, one can see that there is a clear trend for blended learning as a process that creates a comfortable informational educational environment and the systems of communication that provide all necessary educational information. The article deals with the pedagogical design of academic disciplines and lessons in the context of blended learning. A theoretical analysis is carried out of the pattern of using blended learning in the educational process within higher education. Based on the results of an expert survey, pedagogical design stages are defined in the context of blended learning and lessons that utilize the flipped learning model.
Assessment of the role and significance of the cost formation process in the activities of organizations
Authors: Gura Dmitry A. , Sekisov Aleksandr N. , Kuznetsova Oksana A. , Mulamba Victoria I. Kalombo , Tishchenko Evgeniya S.
Published: January 2021

The article presents a comparative analysis of various approaches to the formation of production costs. The study estimates the role of costs in the production and economic activities of companies in a market environment. At the same time, the assessment considered the impact of the problem of limited resources on the activities of production systems, which is possible to solve only with the active use of alternative ways in organizing the functioning of the cost-effective mechanism of enterprises.
Bölgesel kalkınmada kurumsal sosyal sorumluluk faaliyetlerinin önemi: Torku örneği
Authors: BAHAR Ozan , NAS Yahya
Published: January 2021

Bölgesel kalkınma farklılıklarının giderilmesinde, sermaye gücünü elinde bulunduran firmaların etkin rol oynadığı düşünülmektedir. Firmaların bölgelerin kalkınmasındaki etkisinin yönünü ve boyutunu belirlemek, bölgeler arası kalkınmışlık farklarının azaltılması için uygulanacak politikalara yön verebilir. Bu çalışmanın amacı bölgesel kalkınma ile kurumsal sosyal sorumluluk faaliyetleri arasındaki ilişkiyi ortaya koymaktır. Bu kapsamda, TR5 Batı Anadolu Bölgesinde faaliyet gösteren ve Torku ismiyle bilinen Konya Pancar Ekicileri Kooperatifinin kurumsal sosyal sorumluluk faaliyetleri ve bu faaliyetlerin bölge kalkınmasına etkileri incelenmiştir. Çalışmada, nitel veri toplama yöntemlerinden biri olan söyleşi yöntemi kullanılarak Kooperatifin üretim faaliyetleri hakkında bilgi edinilmiştir. Birbirine entegre olan çok sayıda üretim tesisi yoluyla atıklar yeniden üretime sevk edilerek, bir yandan doğaya olası zararın önüne geçilirken bir yandan da katma değeri daha yüksek ürünlere dönüştürülmektedir. Üretim süreçlerinde yerelleşmeye, beşeri ve sosyal sermayenin gelişmesine, bölge potansiyelinin açığa çıkarılmasına ve bölgenin üretim hacminin artırılmasına önemli ölçüde katkı sağlanmaktadır.
E-participatory Approaches in Urban Design
Authors: Turken Araf Oyku , Eyuboglu Engin Eyup
Published: January 2021

The phenomenon of planning involving citizen’s participation in planning literature has been from the second half of the 20th century. Indeed, different methods and techniques have been used in the process. However, participatory practices are time-consuming and negotiations are tiresome. Accordingly, the integration of developing digital technologies into participatory processes has been seen as a potential to reach large audiences and provide time-space independence. Within the scope of this research, a detailed literature review was done regarding e-participation, and ten (10) examples representing the upper levels at the ladder of participation were examined within the context of the project, participation, and socio-technical criteria. SWOT analyzes were structured by grouping similar applications, and current trends for the use of e-participation in urban design have been revealed. The analysis showed that citizens e participation- participation tend to allow citizen design or location-based interaction, playful interfaces and game elements which can be sources for encouragement.
Community Participation in Decision Making Processes in Urban Planning: The Case of Kaunas
Authors: Jankauskaite-Jureviciene Laura , Mlinkauskienė Aušra
Published: January 2021

Participation in decision-making processes foreshadows enabling citizens, communities, non-governmental organizations and other interested parties to influence the formulation of policies and laws affecting them.  The purpose of this study is not only to review Lithuanian legal documents but also to analyse recent processes in Kaunas city planning. Kaunas city is undergoing various urban processes, which do not always meet the needs of the community. This study presents an analysis of the forms of community involvement in the urban planning processes and survey data on the effectiveness of community involvement. The methodology requires using a sociological survey with representatives of the city community and a comparative analysis between legal obligations and actual urbanization process.
The Impacts of Urban Morphology on Housing Indoor Thermal Condition in Hoi An City, Vietnam
Authors: LUU Huong Thien , Rojas-Arias Juan Carlos , Laffly Dominique
Published: January 2021

Assessing the impact of urban morphology on the indoor thermal condition of housing in a tourism city in central Vietnam — Hoi An City is the main objective of this study. The research process is carried out by a variety of methods including in situ surveys, measuring with temperature sensors, data analysis and map analysis. Four houses, located in two areas with different urban forms, were selected for measurement within one month to investigate the differences in housing indoor temperature. The impact of urban morphology on housing was thereafter determined. Temperature sensors were permanently installed in 4 houses; based on these empirical measurements and data collected, the paper addresses solutions to improve urban morphology and indoor thermal condition.
The Open Government and People Engagement in State Management
Authors: Giao Vu Cong , Thu Le Anh
Published: January 2021

In order to mobilize people's involvement in the state management in a practical, effective and sustainable manner, appropriate strategies and measures are required. One of the most comprehensive and effective measures among which is applying the Open Government model. The paper analyzes theoretical asspects and best practices of some countries on the relationship between citizen involvement and the open government model, thereby draws some suggestions for Vietnam in applying this model to promote and improve the efficiency of people's engagement in state management in Vietnam in the coming years.
Vietnamese Feudal State with Anti-Corruption Work
Authors: Minh Do Duc
Published: January 2021

Corruption is a “disease of power” that exists early in human society, since the division of power and establishment of social classes and states. It is an “abnormal behaviour of public servants for private benefits” - a “disease” of rulling force then corruption is a problem of states during historical process. In Vietnam, since feudal states, our fathers recognized harm of corruption and fought against it throguh many effective measures, among them, legislation is a main ones.
Compensation Liability for Damages Caused by Self-driving Cars in the Tort Law of German and Japan
Authors: Phuong Cham Nguyen Thi
Published: January 2021

At the request of society, self-driving cars is entering the practical stage for the purpose of solving a lot of social problems, stimulating the development economy. However, to put Full Automated Driving system into practical use, we must deal with many, various legal concerns. Automatic Driving Technology will reduce the number of transportation accident, but never make it disappear. So in term of responsibility for accident, international law and national law of all countries in the world have identified and found the solutions to reform the law on the issue of self-driving cars. The study of the laws of countries with developed industrial science as Japan and German about “Compensation liability for damages caused by self-driving cars in the tort law” is particularly important for Vietnam.
Proses Fraksionasi Biomassa dari Tandan Kosong Kelapa Sawit melalui Metode Organosolv Etanol dengan Penambahan Katalis
Authors: Darojati Harum Azizah , Purwadi Ronny , Rasrendra Carolus Borromeus
Published: January 2021

Tandan kosong kelapa sawit (TKKS) merupakan salah satu biomassa lignoselulosa dengan komposisi utama terdiri atas selulosa, hemiselulosa, dan lignin. Pemisahan komponen lignoselulosa dapat dilakukan dengan fraksionasi melalui metode organosolv. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendapatkan kondisi operasi dari proses fraksionasi biomassa lignoselulosa TKKS dengan metode organosolv berkatalis NH4OH. Penelitian dirancang menggunakan Metode Placket-Burman dengan variasi rasio fraksi berat, rasio etanol:air, temperatur, konsentrasi katalis, dan waktu. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa fraksionasi dapat dilakukan dengan baik pada rasio fraksi berat biomassa 10%, perbandingan etanol:air sebanyak 1:1, temperatur 160°C, dan konsentrasi katalis 5% NH4OH, selama 120 menit. Kondisi tersebut dapat menghasilkan perolehan selulosa 98,07%, perolehan hemiselulosa 98,71% dan penghilangan lignin 60,28%. Penggunaan kembali pelarut dilakukan dengan memisahkan lignin melalui presipitasi H2SO4 1M pada pH 2. Penggunaan pelarut untuk kedua kali dapat menghasilkan perolehan selulosa 98,03%, perolehan hemiselulosa 65,61% dan penghilangan lignin 59,81%. Sementara itu, dari perhitungan neraca massa, dapat dilihat bahwa proses tersebut dapat dilakukan karena kehilangan pelarut dan padatan relatif sedikit. Kehilangan padatan berkisar pada 19,06% dari umpan TKKS, sedangkan pelarut yang dapat diambil adalah sekitar 59,34% dari umpan etanol.
Assessment of Pharmacognostic and Preliminary Physicochemical Investigations of Ethnomedicinal Plant Leea Asiatica (L.) Ridsdale of Valmiki Tiger Reserve, West-Champaran District, Bihar
Authors: Anurag Pandey  , Rajani Srivastava  , Sunil Kumar Mishra
Published: January 2021

Leea asiatica (L.) Ridsdale is synonymously known as Phytolacca asiatica L. and Leea crispa L.. Leea asiatica is a  perennial shrub or small tree in the family Vitaceae. According to a survey, any report was not available on macroscopic, microscopic, and physicochemical investigations of Leea asiatica (L.) Ridsdale. The present  study was aimed to evaluate macroscopic, microscopic characters, and physicochemical investigations of Leea asiatica (L.) Ridsdale. All parameters were established according to the Pharmacognostical standards procedure. Leaves were found to be petiolate, leaflets 5-7, oblong or elliptic-ovate. Stems are soft wooded, erect, and pubescent. Transverse sections of the midrib of leaf displayed a single layer of the epidermis, glandular, and non-glandular trichomes. Powder  microscopy of the leaf and stem showed the presence of rosette crystals of calcium oxalate, trichomes, and starch grains. Physiochemical studies like ash values, extractive values, and LOD of Leea asiatica leaves have also been established. The present studies have established parameters for the correct identification of Leea asiatica. The present investigation was carried out to focus on pharmacognostic and preliminary physicochemical investigations of plant, Leea asiatica (L.) Ridsdale., which will assist in standardization for authenticity, quality, and identification of herbal products.
Melastoma malabathricum stem bark acetone extract as an anti-bacterial agent against Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Rohazila Mohamad Hanafiah  , Siti Aisyah Abd Ghafar  , Nur Syahirah Salehuddin  , Wan Syaidatul Aqma  , Nazlina Ibrahim
Published: January 2021

Melastoma malabathricum, also known as 'senduduk' in Malaysia, has been used as traditional medicine for diseases such as toothache, dysentery, haemorrhoids and stomachache. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the biological activity of Melastoma malabathricum stem bark extracts (MMSBE) towards Streptococcus mutans. This investigation involved a few methods, which at first is the determination of minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Next is by analyzing the time-kill curve, anti-biofilm activity, scanning electron and transmission electron microscopic analyses. Later, next-generation sequencing (NGS) was done to determine differential regulation genes of treated and non-treated S. mutans. Lastly, confirmation of differential regulation genes was done by RT-PCR analysis. As for the results, M. malabathricum stem bark acetone extract (MMSBAE) showed the greatest inhibition concentrations towards S. mutans, followed by M. malabathricum methanol extract (MMSBME). Values of MIC and MBC (MMSBAE) were 1.25 mg/mL and 5 mg/mL. Meanwhile, MIC and MBC values of MMSBME were 5 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL. MMSBAE was chosen to further analyze its anti-bacterial activity against S. mutans. Time kill curve analysis found that MMSBAE possessed bacteriostatic properties against S. mutans. Besides, SEM and TEM analyses revealed that there were some changes to S. mutans cell morphology after treated with MMSBAE while Next gene sequencing analysis revealed significant (p<0.05) gene expression with multiple targets by MMSBAE, which caused inhibition of S. mutans biofilm formation activity. As for the conclusion, this study highlights the potential of MMSBAE as a new promising anti-S. mutans agents.
Comparative Study of Ultrasound Doppler and 128-Multi-Detector CT in Assessment of Upper Extremity Ischemia in High-Risk Patients
Authors: Afaf M. Eladl  , Mona M. Eladl  , Rania M. Hassan  , Ahmed M. Gomaa  , Hanan A. Bahaaeldin
Published: January 2021

Ischemia at the upper extremity is considered one of the disabling and frequent causes of blind medical care failure. Non- invasive techniques as CTA and Doppler could effectively determine stenosis grades up to occlusion of the upper extremity, particularly if they impact the vessels proximal to the wrist also they can characterise the thrombus characters and recanalisation. The study was a prospective study carried out on 30 patients with upper extremity ischemia during the period from April 2019 to April 2020 at the Radiology department of ZagazigUniversity hospitals. All patients presented with signs of ischemia as claudication, colour changes, pulselessness and their age ranged between 45 to 70 years. All patients underwent complete history taking and clinical examination, the results were correlated to conventional angiography. Overall, in the present study, Doppler US has a sensitivity of 86.6 %, a specificity of 100%, PVP of 100% and PVN of 91.3%. CTA has a sensitivity of 93.3 %, the specificity of 100%, PVP of 100% and PVN of 95.45 %.CTA was more sensitive in milder degrees (Grades I& II) of thromboembolism and stenosis but no significant difference in severe cases (Grades III &IV). Segmental length assessment and collateral circulation were better noted on CT Angiography.
Efficacy of Sensory Rehabilitation on Pain and Hand Function in Patients with Median Nerve Entrapment
Authors: Youssef M Elbalawy  , Ebtesam M Fahmy  , Rasha M ElRewainy  , Fairouz H Ameen  , Dina O Galal  , Hager R El-Serougy  , Abdel El- Hamied I El Sherbini  , Shreen I Taha
Published: January 2021

A common Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is aneuropathic entrapment for the upper limbs with middle-aged people being at higher risk. To study how sensory rehabilitation impacts pain and functional outcome of hand in carpal tunnel syndrome patients. Twenty females with CTS, aged 25-45 years were enrolled. They were allocated at random to two groups; Group I: provided for sensory rehabilitation in addition to a standard physical therapy program and Group II: received only the standard physical therapy program only.  Pre and post-treatment assessment included Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ). In both post-treatment groups, the decrease of mean VAS and BCTQ scores was statistically significant. No substantial difference between the two groups in the measured parameters pre or post treatment. Adding sensory rehabilitation has nearly the same efficacy as the standard physical therapy program alone in decreasing pain, enhancing hand function in mild and moderate patients with CTS.
Biochemical Changes in the leaf galls of Cinnamomum Verum Presl. (Syn. Cinnamomum zeylanicum) induced by unknown Eriophyes sp.
Authors: Asha Renjith  , Payal Lodha
Published: January 2021

The genus Cinnamomum is a member of a tropical evergreen tree of the Lauraceae family. In its wild state, it grows up to 7m (56 ft). Cinnamomum verum Presl. (Syn. Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is of commercial value and is  extensively used in culinary as a spice in food and the ayurvedic system of medicine. One of the major diseases, causing severe losses in yield, thus affecting the economy in India is the leaf gall disease of Cinnamon. To understand the host-pathogen interactions, it becomes obligatory to estimate the proteins, carbohydrates, enzymes, etc. present in a particular host plant quantitatively, to draw meaningful conclusions on host-pathogen interaction. The pathogen is always associated with the infection caused to a healthy plant. Eventually, biochemical changes take place in the diseased tissue. The pathogenic organism releases cell secretion, which comprises of various cell metabolites which alter the metabolism of the diseased tissue. In the present investigation, changes in the biochemical profile of healthy and  diseased leaf of  Cinnamon has been attempted, and the results have been discussed in the light of pathogenicity, induced by unknown Eriophyes sp.
Molecular dynamic properties and Insilico screening of neuroprotective activity of Clitoria ternatea against Glutamate receptors
Authors: Gejalakshmi S  , Harikrishnan N  , Anas Mohammied
Published: January 2021

Multiple sclerosis is a popular autoimmune disease attack mainly the Central nervous system. It attacks the age group of people from 20-50, mostly women are attacked than men. During multiple sclerosis, demyelination takes place along with axon damage and paralytic effect. Various symptoms of multiple sclerosis include muscle weakness, weak reflexes, muscle spasm, movement difficulty. Moreover, treatment of multiple sclerosis vai drugs includes various side effects. Medicinal plants possess many phytochemicals of greater therapeutic value and many of the possess effective to treat multiple sclerosis, Chemical constituents exhibit its effect over multiple sclerosis by inhibiting many proteins involved in demyelination. Molecular docking is a computational design approach which facilitates the best molecule from a group which may bind with the highest affinity with the intended target by providing a biological system. This process enables on the basis of the specific algorithm and involves a scoring function in order to rank molecules that fit the target. The study has been made to investigate the potential of phytochemicals from clitoria ternatea -inositol and quercetin as inhibitors of glutamate receptors. Drug likeness property determined based on molinspiration.com. The affinities of those selected chemical constituents over various glutamate receptor were studied for scoring function. Receptors with PDB code 1EQ8,4E0W,3KR2 were chosen to dock against the chemical constituent Inositol richest chemical constituent in Clitoria ternatea and scoring function was found to be -3.45,-4.56, -5.67kcal/mol.
Toward Sustainable Power Supply and Consumption of an Emerging Economy (Nigeria)
Authors: Okafor Chukwuebuka Chukwujindu , Madu Christian Ndubuisi , Ajaero Charles Chimezie , Agomuo Kingsley , Abu Ezekiel
Published: January 2021

Electricity supply offers significant and immense benefits to human society, and it is instrumental in driving economic growth, increased standard of living and technological developments. Its sustainable supply and consumption is related to many ecological discussions, and thus, present emphasis on renewable sources, such as solar and hydro. In Nigeria, however, challenges associated with electricity generation, transmission, distribution and consumption have not been adequately tackled. Poor electricity supply has adversely impacted the economy resulting to poor production, higher prices of goods and services, closure of industries, and loss of competitive advantage of Nigerian businesses. Conversely, energy-inefficient and non-conservation consumption behaviour of Nigerian electricity consumers contributes to the electricity demand - demand gap. Energy-efficiency and conservation is a sustainable tool for efficient power system. The paper show that the use of mostly post-paid and unmetered billing system is implicated in energy-inefficient consumption. The paper advocates for deployment of pre-paid meters to every electricity consumer; fiscal management, enforcement of energy saving policies such as use of compact fluorescent lamps (CFL); and emphasis on renewable energy (hydro and solar) sources, for electricity generation.
Difference in Funding Decision Based on the Growth Potential of the Company in Indonesia
Authors: Darmawan Darmawan
Published: January 2021

The purpose of the study, The research objective was to To find out the differences in funding decisions between companies that have high growth potential and companies that have low growth potential. Research is a quantitative study. Mean difference test is preceded by Common Factor Analysis to analyze which factors in the Investment Opportunity Set can represent the growth ratio of the company so that it can be used to separate companies with high and low growth potential. Furthermore, the analysis is carried out with a regression model to determine the difference in funding decisions on the growth potential of different companies. The results showed that The consumer goods industry and mining sector sectors that have not proven to be significant are the differences in funding decisions between companies that have the potential to grow high and those with low growth potential. In other sectors, it is evident that there are significant differences in funding decisions between companies that have the potential to grow high and those with low growth potential.
Nigeria’s First Republic and Post 1966 Federalism: A Comparative Study
Authors: Mohammed Isah Shehu , Fuad bn Othman Muhammad , Binti Osman Nazariah
Published: January 2021

Objective: The objective is to make a comparative study of the Nigeria’s First Republic (1954-1966) and the post 1966 federalism. The two periods saw Nigeria practicing federalism with different power sharing and governmental components arrangements. The study is significant at this time of search for a viable federalism, incessant agitations for restructuring the Nigerian state, and increasing threats to her unity and cohesion over the federal arrangement.

Methodology: The study used non-numerical, secondary and historically documented sources to collect data and also used the historical method and practical events in Nigeria’s journey of federalism to analyse the data.

Result: In the First Republic, it was a fiscal federalism with greater regional autonomy and limited constitutional powers to the Central Government, while the post 1966 federalism had more and strategic powers constitutionally allocated to the Central Government. First Republic federalism was more disciplined in financial and residual matters and power with greater autonomy and competition between regions which greatly fostered development and accountability among them, with less constitutional frictions between the Central and Regions.

Implication: The study fills an existing gap in the study of Nigeria’s federalism viz-a-viz more calls for restructuring and or true federalism, number of units and devolution of constitutional powers, corruption, slow and discouraged development, which result in over-reliance on statutory allocations from the Centre, and intensifies struggle for resource control, although it on the other hand controversially guarantees the unity of the Nigerian state.
Macroscopic Traffic Flow Characterization for Stimuli Based on Driver Reaction
Authors: Imran Waheed , Khan Zawar H. , Gulliver T. A. , Khattak Khurram S. , Saeed Salman , Aslam M. Sagheer
Published: January 2021

The design and management of infrastructure is a significant challenge for traffic engineers and planners. Accurate traffic characterization is necessary for effective infrastructure utilization. Thus, models are required that can characterize a variety of conditions and can be employed for homogeneous, heterogeneous, equilibrium and non-equilibrium traffic. The Lighthill-Whitham-Richards (LWR) model is widely used because of its simplicity. This model characterizes traffic behavior with small changes over a long idealized road and so is inadequate for typical traffic conditions. The extended LWR model considers driver types based on velocity to characterize traffic behavior in non lane discipline traffic but it ignores the stimuli for changes in velocity. In this paper, an improved model is presented which is based on driver reaction to forward traffic stimuli. This reaction occurs over the forward distance headway during which traffic aligns to the current conditions. The performance of the proposed, LWR and extended LWR models is evaluated using the first order upwind scheme (FOUS). The numerical stability of this scheme is guaranteed by employing the Courant, Friedrich and Lewy (CFL) condition. Results are presented which show that the proposed model can characterize both small and large changes in traffic more realistically. Doi: 10.28991/cej-2021-03091632 Full Text: PDF
Studying the Effects of Roads Geometry and Design Parameters on the Pavement Drainage System
Authors: Awwad Mohammad
Published: January 2021

Background: Water floods have a considerable impact on roads sustainability by creating roads cracks, breaking down and holes, and failure for some other parts. The existence of good drainage system serviced the road and draining the water resulted from rain floods is crucial. These significant influences can be classified as positive or negative, low, moderate, or high. Aim and Objectives: This paper discusses the water floods and rainfall effects on roads and highways in Jordan as well as the drainage system on road sustainability and performance. The main aim of this paper is to investigate and analyse water as rainfall or floods affecting roads and highways in Jordan. The importance of this study is represented by studying and analysing the effects of rainfall and water floods on road construction and sustainability in Jordan after the latest high rain sizes of this winter and water floods, which affect the roads and highways in a good percentage. The other importance of the study is represented in offering solutions to problems caused by the environmental effects, specially floods and high rainfall rates. Methodology: all data and information about status of Jordanian roads during winter and floods are collected from real cases of about 40 main and semi-main roads in Jordan.  Results and Conclusions: A good drainage system and repair operations and maintenance generally have a positive impact on road sustainability and survival age. The effects of slopes of the road and surface of the asphalt, rainfall intensity, and water flow velocity on drainage length and drainage time and water depth are discussed here. Doi: 10.28991/cej-2021-03091636 Full Text: PDF