bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Análise socioambiental das condições hídricas da Escola Municipal Telma de Souza Almeida em Tobias Barreto
Authors: Silva Jeane Cruz Andrade , Bastos Roseli Pereira Nunes
Published: September 2020

O fornecimento de água em condições aptas parao consumo humano é dever da administração públicae direito das pessoas. Contudo, a comunidadeda escola municipal Telma de Souza Almeida,localizada em Tobias Barreto (SE), tem enfrentadouma série de problemas socioambientaisprovenientes dos recursos hídricos fornecido aomunicípio. Algumas percepções ocasionam talsuspeita e a rejeição desta água. Face ao exposto,este estudo tem por objetivo investigar quais aspercepções da comunidade escolar sobre as condiçõesde consumo da água fornecida. Configura--se como uma pesquisa de intervenção, efetivadacom 40 alunos do 8º ano ‘A’ da referida escola,realizada no período de maio a julho do correnteano. Quanto à abordagem do problema, foi feitauma pesquisa qualitativa, além de análise documental.A coleta dos dados ocorreu com a aplicaçãode questionário. Houve ainda a realizaçãode palestras, visitas à Unidade de Tratamento deÁgua (DESO) no município e atividade de Rodade Conversas em sala de aula. A análise documentalbaseou-se no ‘Resumo mensal da Qualidadede Água Distribuída’ - DESO, 04/2015- eno Relatório de Ensaios nº 160603000003, sendoque este último apontou como insatisfatória aconclusão final de análise das amostras de águarealizadas no município. Cabe ressaltar que, deacordo com as análises, tanto documental quantodas percepções, verificou-se que a maioria dosalunos e seus familiares não consomem da águafornecida pelo município, buscando formas alternativasde abastecimento hídrico.
SENSIBILIZAÇÃO DOS DISCENTES DA ESCOLA CORREIA TITARA, PIAÇABUÇU-AL PARA A PRESERVAÇÃO DO ECOSSISTEMA MANGUEZAL
Authors: Farias Maria Carolina Lima , Farias Lucélia Lima , Oliveira Alexandre
Published: September 2020

O manguezal é um ecossistema costeirode transição entre os ambientes terrestre emarinho, ocorrendo em regiões que podemabrigar estuários, baías e lagunas e apresentacondições propícias para alimentação, proteçãoe reprodução de muitas espécies de animais,sendo considerado importante transformador denutrientes em matéria orgânica e gerador de bense serviços. Distúrbios induzidos, principalmentepor ações humanas, podem desequilibrar asrelações em ambientes marinhos e manguezaislevando à perda de populações naturais. Com basenessa realidade e a fim de levar conhecimentoambiental para diminuir o quadro preocupanteda situação do manguezal da praia do Peba,município de Piaçabuçu/AL, surge a idéia derealizar atividades de intervenção na comunidadediscente do Colégio Correia Titara na cidadede Piaçabuçu. Foram realizados debates coma comunidade discente para que as percepçõesdos alunos quanto ao ecossistema manguezalfossem identificadas. A partir destes resultados,a devolutiva, baseada nas percepções dos alunos,foram palestras com enfoques em áreas marinhase de manguezal, a fim de sensibilizar os alunos aconhecer e preservar o ecossistema no qual estãoinseridos.
Ecologia política na educação ambiental e as potencialidades pedagógicas dos conflitos ambientais
Authors: Kassiadou Anne , Sánchez Celso
Published: September 2020

O presente artigo constrói suas argumentações a partir do campo de pesquisa da Educação Ambiental Crítica (EAC) em diálogo com o corpo teórico da Ecologia Política, justificandose por seu sentido de contribuir com reflexões críticas sobre os conflitos ambientais. Partimos do entendimento que os conflitos são inerentes ao contexto social e que só ganham espaço na arena pública nas sociedades democráticas. No entanto, sem desconsiderar os casos de violências e genocídios que se revelam nos conflitos, ao mirarmos nossas análises a partir da educação, pensamos o conflito ambiental em termos pedagógicos e o sentido pedagógico do conflito, apreendendo um olhar crítico deste fenômeno social para avaliar de maneira mais cuidadosa suas possibilidades e desafios em termos educativos. Compreendemos que se trata de um fenômeno que envolve a expressão de práticas sociais de resistências e lutas que caminham junto com esperanças, horizontes e projetos de sociedade. Metodologicamente, apresentamos discussões com base numa revisão bibliográfica e na pesquisa do tipo “estado da arte”. Nesse caminho, propomos um olhar mais complexo sobre os conflitos ambientais, apontando para o que Freire denominaria de “inéditos - viáveis”, no qual buscamos contribuir com as práticas educativas ambientais comprometidas com o contexto das lutas na América Latina.
Educação Ambiental na “ComVivência Pedagógica” do Caminho de Santiago
Authors: Guimarães Mauro , Borek Granier Noeli , Luciane Klein Angela
Published: September 2020

Este artigo é um relato de uma das iniciativas de desenvolvimento da proposta teórico-metodológica da “ComVivência Pedagógica” para a formação de educadores ambientais. Apresenta-se os resultados parciais da investigação e realização de um  processo formativo que culminou na peregrinação, ao longo de sete dias, do Caminho de Santiago de Compostela, na Galícia - Espanha, por um grupo de quatro educadores ambientais.  Vivenciar essa experiência como um ambiente educativo, de acordo com os princípios formativos da proposta, objetivou experimentar um ambiente educativo diverso do que já havíamos realizado, seus limites e possibilidades, para aprimorar e subsidiar a consolidação dessa proposta formativa.
Analysis of design decisions on establishing an aerodrome territory based on the electromagnetic factor
Authors: Nikitina Valentina N. , Kalinina N. I. , Lyashko G. G. , Pankina E. N. , Plekhanov V. P.
Published: September 2020

Introduction. Under the regulations for civil aviation aerodromes, aerodrome territories (AT) are established. The analysis of the literature data shows that when considering the hygienic aspects of the operation of airfields, the authors focus on aviation noise and pollutants in the environment.The purpose of the study: to analyze the design documentation for the establishment of the AT of many civil aviation aerodromes to study the effects of electromagnetic fields of the radio frequency range created by antennas of modern transmitting radio engineering objects (TREO). Materials and methods. We studied regulatory documents on the procedure for establishing and using aerodrome territories, radio engineering support for airfields, technical characteristics and operating modes of modern radio equipment, and regulatory documents for ensuring electromagnetic safety of the population. The analysis of the project documentation for the organization of the aerodrome territory on the electromagnetic effects of seven civil aviation airfields was carried out.Results. The study found the electromagnetic environment in an open area to depend on the power of the radio object, the frequency range, the height of the antenna installation, the radiation pattern in the vertical and horizontal plane, and the combination of two survey radars in one position. Sanitary protection zones and restricted areas for communication and navigation facilities are located within the technical territory of the airfield. Zones of restriction of radar objects fall into the seventh subzone of the AT, established by the noise factor.Conclusion. According to regulatory documents, the justification of the boundaries of the seventh subzone of the AT of civil aviation airfields is established by the factor of noise and electro-magnetic effects, and air pollution. The experience of reviewing the project documentation for the establishment of near-aerodrome territories for electromagnetic effects shows that the zone of restriction of powerful radars can influence the formation of the seventh subzone of the AT. If the restriction zones go beyond the boundaries of the aerodrome land plot, then restrictions on the use of real estate objects and activities are imposed on the territories that fall within the zone.
Changes in working conditions and character of occupational pathology in enterprise workers in the Arctic
Authors: Gorbanev S. A. , Syurin Sergei A.
Published: September 2020

Introduction. Labor in the Arctic is associated with an increased risk of developing occupational diseases.The purpose of the study was to identify changes in risk factors, structure, and prevalence of occupational pathology among employees of enterprises in the Arctic during 2007-2018.Material and methods. The analysis of the data of socio-hygienic monitoring “Working conditions and occupational morbidity” of the Russian Arctic zone population was carried out.Results. 72.6% of workers at enterprises in the Arctic were found to have contact with harmful occupational factors. Within 12 years, the proportion of individuals exposed to noise and chemical factors decreased (p <0.001), while the proportion of those exposed to whole-body vibration, fibrogenic aerosols, and having increased severity of labor increased (p<0.001). In 2007-2018, the number of occupational pathology cases among employees of mining enterprises increased significantly (from 38.8% to 62.8%, p <0.001), while in metallurgical plants-it decreased (from 33.2% to 7.3% (p <0.001). In the structure of occupational pathology, the shares of radiculopathy (p <0.001) and vibration disease (p <0.001) increased due to a decrease in the shares of chronic bronchitis (p <0.001) and mono-polyneuropathy (p <0.001). Also, characteristic features of occupational pathology were an increase in the number of diseases associated with the severity of labor (from 20.7% to 46.9%, p <0.001), diseases diagnosed in one employee (from 1.006 ± 0.004 to 1.396 ± 0.030 cases, p < 0.001) and the number of men among occupational patients (from 87.3% to 94.7%, p <0.001).Conclusion. It is necessary to continue both improve working conditions at enterprises in the Arctic, and study the reasons for the low efficiency of prevention of occupational diseases, caused primarily by increased severity of labor in the mining industry.
Clinical and hygienic evaluation of patients with occupational polyneuropathy of upper extremities
Authors: Greben’Kov Sergey V. , Mal’Kova N. Yu. , Milutka E. V. , Kochetova O. A.
Published: September 2020

Introduction. The article presents the results of a study of working conditions and the health status of patients with occupational polyneuropathy (PNP) of the upper limbs. Such a clinical and hygienic assessment of people with occupational PNP contributes to the optimal examination and treatment of patients with the preliminary diagnosis who are referred to occupational pathology centers.Material and methods. The study included 236 patients of two main occupations (painters-plasterers and miners): 113 women and 123 men. Results. The average age of patients at the time of the examination was: for painters-plasterers (women) - 55.5 ± 5.7 years, for miners (men) - 53.9 ± 6.3 years. Work experience of patients with physical overload at the time of diagnosis of occupational PNP accounted for plasterers - 25.1 ± 8.0 years, for miners - 20.4 ± 6.7 years. Working conditions of plasterers and miners were revealed to contribute to the development of occupational diseases of the peripheral nervous system and musculoskeletal system from the effects of physical overload and functional overstrain of the muscles of the upper extremities. Most often occupational PNP of the upper limbs is accompanied by the parallel development of professional chronic shoulder-scapular periarthrosis, epicondylosis, myofibrosis of the forearms, and shoulder girdle (a complex of occupational pathology of the «working hand»); radiculopathy of the cervical and lumbosacral levels.Conclusions. The main common harmful factor in the examined patients is the severity of the labor process. In less than one-fourth of the examined patients (15,7%) occupational PNP of the upper limbs was the only occupational disease. In other cases, its development was accompanied by the appearance of other occupational diseases of the peripheral nervous system and the musculoskeletal system. Patients referred to the examination in occupational pathology centers with a diagnosis of “PNP of the upper extremities” need a comprehensive examination to verify a possible complex of occupational pathology.
Hygienic characteristics of the functional state of the cardiorespiratory system of children exposed to combined effects of air pollution in different climatic conditions
Authors: Levanchuk A. V. , Kopytenkova Olga I.
Published: September 2020

Introduction. Economic activity without taking into account the ecological potential of the territory, the possibilities of self-purification of the natural environment, as well as the adaptive capabilities of the population has led to irreversible changes in many territories. This reduces the level of health of the population and hinders the socio-economic development of the regions.Material and methods. The research was conducted in seven cities located in four climatic zones with varying degrees of air pollution. To assess the level of atmospheric air pollution, the P-Pinigin index was used, and the WBGT index was used for meteorological factors. Data on a medico-biological and social nature were obtained through a questionnaire survey of parents (2380 children). The incidence rates were studied based on the materials of primary accounting documents of forms F. 112-u and F. 026-u (2400 children). In 506 children, indices of the functional state of the cardiorespiratory system, the function of the respiratory system, as well as the functional state of children before and after dosed physical activity were studied.Results. The study revealed more numerous groups of frequently and long-term ill children, children with lower indices of respiratory function, and adverse responses to the dosed physical activity. A more adverse effect of the combined effects of harsh climatic conditions and high levels of atmospheric pollution on the studied indices of children’s health was found.Conclusion. The results obtained should be taken into account when organizing medical services and ensuring the sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the population living in the industrial cities of the Northern regions.
Functional state of the main body systems of students involved in the educational process in the conditions of modern medical support
Authors: Setko Nina P. , Bulycheva Ekaterina V. , Zhdanova Olesya M.
Published: September 2020

Introduction. Modern medical support for students does not always include all the necessary components providing high-quality monitoring of the health of students and, above all, the functional systems of the body involved in the educational process.The aim of the study was to determine the functional state of the main body systems of students involved in the educational process in the conditions of modern medical care.Material and methods. Among 300 students of the Orenburg secondary school, the functional state of the vegetative nervous system was studied with variation pulsometry method on the ORTO-expert hardware-software complex; central nervous system - with the variation chronoreflexometry method; respiratory system using spirography.Results. The imbalance in the intrasystemic interactions of the autonomic nervous system was shown to increase by 2.5 times from the initial to the senior level, and the number of students with a satisfactory level of biological adaptation decreased by 2 times. Against the background of an increase in students from primary to senior level by up to 1.4 times the functional indices of the central nervous system, a decrease by to 6 times of indices reflecting the functional state of the respiratory system is determined, which is caused, including, probably, by vegetative disturbances in its regulation.Conclusion. The obtained results need including in the screening research a modern model of medical support for methods for assessing the vegetative status, functional state of the respiratory, and central nervous systems to develop and implement the effective personalized preventive measures in medical institutions.
Organ-specific expression of protective proteins under the conditions of dust exposure to the body (experimental study)
Authors: Zhukova Anna G. , Zhdanova Natalya N. , Kazitskaya Anastasiуa S. , Mikhailova Nadezhda N. , Sazontova Tat'yana G.
Published: September 2020

The objective of the study was to evaluate the organ-specific features of the expression of protective proteins of the HSP family in response to prolonged dust exposure in an experiment.Material and methods. The experiments were performed on 60 male Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g. The animals were divided into groups: rats inhaled coal-rock dust in the priming dust chamber for 4 hours daily for 6 weeks (average concentration 50 mg/m3), and the control rats (they were in an equal volume chamber, where the same temperature and air exchange conditions were maintained, but without the supply of coal-rock dust). In the cytoplasmic fraction of the lungs, heart, liver, and brain, the levels of HSP72 and heme oxygenase-1 (HOx-1) were determined by Western blot analysis.Results. The prolonged exposure of coal-rock dust to the body changed the level of intracellular proteins HSP72 and HOx-1 in the lungs, heart, liver, and brain. An increase in both HSP72 and HOx-1 levels occurred in the lungs and brain tissue; a significant increase in HOx-1 was recorded in the heart and HSP72 in the liver. These data indicate the organ-specific expression of intracellular proteins during dust exposure to the body. The following molecular mechanisms are involved in the development of the response to prolonged inhalation of coal-rock dust: 1) in the lungs and brain - both stress (HSP72) and hypoxic (HOx-1) components; 2) in the heart - a hypoxic component, manifested by the intensive synthesis of HOx-1 throughout the study period; 3) in the liver - a stress component due to significant expression of HSP72, which is associated with the manifestation of a protective effect for both the organ itself and the body as a whole.Conclusion. The results obtained indicate the organ-specificity of the cellular response of the body to the prolonged exposure to industrial dust. A change in the expression level of HSP72 and HOx-1 characterizes the degree of protection of organs from damage caused by inhalation of coal-rock dust, which grows in the series as liver < heart < lungs and brain.
Report of Objective Responses of Glioma Patients to Pharmaceutical Grade Synthetic Cannabidiol
Authors: Kenyon Julian , Kenyon Julian , Davies Andrew , Stott Colin
Published: September 2020

This is an observational study of objective responses of Glioma patients to Pharmaceutical Grade Synthetic
Cannabidiol. 14 assessable cases were identified, 9 showed a clinical response, 5 showed no effect.
Report of Objective Responses of Prostate Cancer Patients to Pharmaceutical Grade Synthetic Cannabidiol
Authors: Kenyon Julian , Kenyon Julian , Davies Andrew , Stott Colin
Published: September 2020

This is an observational study of objective responses of Prostate Cancer patients to Pharmaceutical Grade
Synthetic Cannabidiol. The total number of patients in the study was 12, 11 had a response of one kind or
another.
Patterns of Socio-Economic Relations in Gold Mining in Bombana Regency
Authors: Patunduk  , Hos Jamaluddin , Upe Ambo
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this study was to determine the pattern of socio-economic relations in gold mining in Bombana Regency. This research was carried out in Tahi Ite Village, Rarowatu District, Bombana Regency by using a qualitative approach. The results showed that the pattern of socio-economic relations in gold mining in Tahi Ite Village, Rarowatu Subdistrict, Bombana District intertwined, among others; 1) Government's Social-Economic Relationship with the Community, namely the transfer of management with consideration of income. 2) Government's Socio-Economic Relations with Investors, namely increasing regional own-source revenue (PAD) through profit-sharing/royalty 3) Investor's Social-Economic Relationship with the Community, namely the opening of employment opportunities. 4) Socio-Economic Relations Among Communities, namely land management by way of profit sharing or percent of the land.
Livelihood Strategy of Scavengers in Kendari City
Authors: Anggriawati Rati , Kasim Syaifudin S. , Anggraini Dewi
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this study was to determine the various barriers faced by scavengers in satisfying the needs of family life and livelihood strategies of scavengers in the Final Waste Disposal Site (TPAS) in Kendari City. The research approach used is a qualitative descriptive approach. Informants in this study include the Head of Rukun Tetangga, Kendari City Sanitation Department staffers and 11 scavengers. The results of this study indicate that various barriers faced by scavengers in fulfilling the needs of family life in TPAS in Kendari City are scavengers who do not have their production assets, the difficulty of getting credit under the pattern of livelihoods, lack of alternative livelihoods. The strategies undertaken in fulfilling the life needs of scavenger families in TPAS in Kendari City include active strategies, passive strategies, and network strategies. Active strategy, when fulfilling the needs of life by a person or family by maximizing all the resources and potential possessed by their family. The passive strategy is a survival strategy that is done by minimizing family expenses. While the network strategy is a strategy carried out by utilizing social networks.
Analysis of Development Performance of the New Autonomous Region in Indonesia 2010-2014: Profile and Determinant
Authors: Wijayanto Lambang Haris , Muin Muhamad Fathul
Published: September 2020

Blossoming territory is one of the efforts made by the government to improve the welfare of the community. This research is motivated by the high interest of the people and the People's Representative Council (PRC) to make their regional autonomous. On the other hand, according to the Ministry of the Interior of the New Autonomous Region, the results of the autonomous region still failed to develop. To see the welfare of the people in the region resulting from the autonomous, researchers tried to look at it based on the results of regional macro development. Therefore, a Regional Development Index (RDI) constructed, which uses the factor analysis weighting method. RDI can be used to see the achievements of the regional development in Indonesia by looking at the comparison of development outcomes. So that RDI can see the development performance of the new autonomous regency/city and see the comparison with the origin regency/city. Besides, researchers looked at the effect of the share of mining Regional GDP, the share of agricultural Regional GDP, the average length of school for workers (ALSW), the percentage of roads in a minimum good condition, and the growth of Regional Original Income (ROI) to development performance in the autonomous regency/city using the method of regression analysis with panel data. Based on the results obtained, development in the area of new autonomy is not much different from the development in the origin area. Also, the average length os school for workers (ALSW) and minimum road percentage both have positive and significant effects on RDI, while the share of agricultural GRDP has a negative and significant effect on RDI.
EFFECT OF CAPITAL ALLOWANCE INCENTIVE ON THE PERFORMANCE OF EPZ FIRMS IN KENYA
Authors: Kuria John Njoroge , Omboi Dr. Bernard , Achoki Dr George
Published: September 2020

This study intended to investigate the influence of the effect of capital allowance incentives on the performance of EPZ firms in Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive and explanatory research design. The study used a stratified sampling approach because the number of the EPZ firms in Kenya was categorized into 4 strata. The total numbers of firms used in the study were 86 registered EPZ firms in Kenya according to Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA). The study adopted a census survey design. Census survey was adopted because the population of interest was small.  A sample size of all the 86 registered EPZs firms was used in this study. Primary data was obtained using questionnaires. Secondary data from the registered firms was collected on; ROA, number and value of jobs created and the length of stay of the firms. The secondary data was collected from operating EPZ firms in Kenya annual report. The study assessed the performance of EPZ firms against the tax incentives they benefited for the last ten years. The study used both descriptive and inferential statistics to conduct data analysis. Descriptive statistics included frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviations while inferential statistics were correlations and regression analysis. The study findings revealed that at 5% significance level, capital allowance tax incentive had a positive and significant relationship with performance of EPZ firms measured using ROA, number of jobs created and length of stay. The study concluded that increase in capital allowance tax incentive resulted to increase in both ROA of the firms and  the number of jobs and length of stay. The study recommended that stakeholders in tax policy should reconsider the economic value of capital allowances.
MANAGEMENT CAPABILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY OF KENYA’S INSURANCE COMPANIES
Authors: Kitaka Johannes Mwangangi , Kiragu Dr. David , Marwa Prof. Simmy M.
Published: September 2020

Purpose: The study explored how management capability influences sustainability of insurance companies in Kenya.

Study Methodology: The study adopted the positivist research philosophy and employed a descriptive research design. The target population of the study was the 51 insurance companies as registered by the Insurance Regulatory Authority of Kenya as at 31st December 2016. The study took a proportionate sample of 30 companies from 10 life assurance companies, 15 from those conducting general insurance business and 5 from those performing both life and general business as composite companies. The primary data collection was through a structured questionnaire with closed questions. A pilot study was carried out before questionnaire distribution, which ensured the research instrument validity and reliability, before distribution through both hand delivery and email, followed by a telephone call to the respondents and a research assistant later visiting the respondents to collect the filled questionnaires, while secondary data was collected using data collection sheets. The raw data was cleaned, edited, coded and analyzed using SPSS analytical tool to generate descriptive and inferential statistics. The study performed data analysis using multiple regressions to determine the relationship of the independent variable to the dependent variable. Using descriptive statistics such as the mean, standard deviation and frequencies the data was analyzed.   Further, the study applied inferential statistics such as the ANOVA and the T-test.  

The Study Findings: The findings of the study were that management capability has a positive and significant effect on sustainability of Kenya’s insurance companies. In conclusion, the slogan of people being companies’ most valued asset should not just be mentioned in passing in employee-management and board meetings, but must be practiced across the company.

Unique Contribution: The Kenyan insurance companies should review their operating organizational structures so that the mix of employees in the middle management, senior management and junior staff is adjusted to achieve an efficient and effective structure to enhance customer experience, as this is critical and is a significant cost driver in the management cost structure of an insurance company. There should be more staff assigned to operations that is policy administration, renewal retention units, customer service and claims management. Specialists and management should be few and either internal staff or outsourced services.  In conclusion insurance companies should ensure embedment of their recruitment, hiring, training and development policies in their business processes.
EFFECT OF ACCESS TO FINANCE ON FINANCIAL PERFOMANCE OF PROCESSING SMES IN KITUI COUNTY, KENYA
Authors: Mbuva Muli Dickson , Wachira Kevin
Published: September 2020

Purpose: The SMEs play critical role in creating job opportunities and growth of the economy.  Currently, the rate at which the new firms formed have stagnated and those with less than 5 years are closing down is very high. This has triggered research on the financial performance of the SMEs especially in areas with high levels of poverty since most studies concentrate on developed economies and urban centres. This study investigated the effect of access to finance on financial performance of processing SMEs in Kitui County.

Methodology: Descriptive research design was applied to conduct the study. The target population was the 25 processing SMEs in Kitui County where for each firm; the Chief Executive Officer, the finance manager and the Chief accountant were considered as respondents giving rise to a total of 75 respondents. An interview and Semi- structured questionnaires were used to collect primary data from the respondents. The data was inspected for completeness, accuracy, reliability and consistency then analysed using SPSS Version 20 Software. Descriptive statistics such as mean, and the standard deviation were computed to describe the data collected. Moreover, inferential statistics at 95% confidence level were used.

Results: The findings of the study indicated that financial performance positively correlated with the access to finance. The findings were supported by the literature reviewed by the study. With reference to the findings, various recommendations were made.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: To start with, the study recommended financial institutions to create favourable policies to enable SMEs access loans easily. Secondly, the study recommended government to offer incentives and funding to SMEs at a lower cost to boost their financial performance. Finally, the study recommended more studies to identify other factors that influenced the financial performance of SMEs in Kenya.
EFFECT OF MOBILE MONEY SERVICES ON KENYA’S FINANCIAL INCLUSION
Authors: Wakaba Vincent , Wepukhulu Dr. Joshua Matanda
Published: September 2020

Purpose: The main objective was to determine the effect of Key mobile money services on financial inclusion in Kenya.

Materials and Methods: The study adopted a census research design. The target population was limited to the 4 firms (Safaricom, Airtel, Equity and Telkom) providing mobile money services in Kenya.  The study relied on secondary data. The study review period was between 2013 and 2018. Descriptive statistical approaches, regression and correlation analysis was used to analyze secondary data. Data was analyzed quantitatively by use of SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Scientist) V21 program.

Results: The study established that the Mobile money deposit services, Mobile money saving services, Agency banking services and Mobile bill payment services positively and significantly affected Kenya’s financial inclusion.

Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that the providers of mobile money services should increase accessibility of these services to citizens since their continued usage leads to positive and significant growth of Kenya’s financial inclusion. The providers can achieve this by encouraging many citizens to be their agents in offering the services. Availability of many agents acting on behalf of the mother company in various parts of the country increases the levels of access of the financial services.

Key words: Deposit Services, Saving Services, Agency Banking Services, Mobile Money Financial Inclusion
The Millon Behavioral Medicine Diagnostic: Profiles of Dementia and Depression
Authors: Scoggins Chris , Scott Ciera , Hyer Lee
Published: September 2020

Dementia (or cognitive decline) either results in or causes changes in personality and treatment patterns as the person declines. From a sample of older adults with memory complaints who have varying problems of dementia, depression or both, we address two issues: (1) we provide a personality, stress moderator and treatment prognostic profile of older adults with and without dementia; and (2) we consider the question of the added influence of depression related to these variables. For question 1, older subjects (N=112) were disaggregated by dementia and non-dementia status; for question 2, the older adults (N=62) were further separated into those with a dementia, those who are depressed, and those with both dementia and depression. Patients were interviewed and self-report scales were given to all subjects. All patients had a caregiver. Cognitive and personality styles, treatment and stress markers, and Axis I variables, as well as background and adjustment, were measured. For dementia/non-dementia groups, results show that the dementia group was more detached, had more problems with depression and cognitive dysfunction, and showed less concerns about Informational Fragility. Of the three groups, the combined and dementia groups had the most problems, including more fixed personality features, more psychiatric problems, more stress moderators and more problematic treatment prognostics. We also show profiles of treatment prognostics and stress moderators of each personality type for a dementia, depression and dementia/depression. We highlight the importance of depression at later life whether with or without a dementia.
pac-1 enhances Ras-Raf-Erk Signaling in C.elegan Vulval Cell Fate Patterning
Authors: McMillian Brittany M , Monahan Kimberly
Published: September 2020

The Ras-Raf-Erk signaling pathway is essential for proper vulva development in C.elegans and proper response to stimuli in human cells. The importance of the conservation of these pathways shows how vulva development and cancer cells function like each other. The effect of Ras-Raf-Erk signaling in vulva development was examined by targeting pac-1 with RNAi and then quantifying the number of vulva protrusions. The results from the experiment showed that the loss of pac-1 inhibits ERK signaling in vulva development by decreasing the amount of vulva protrusions. This determined that normally pac-1 increases ERK signaling in vulva development. The Ras-Raf-Erk pathway is activated in cancer and further understanding of the targets of this pathway will help us better understand how cancer develops.
Public Attitudes Toward Special Needs Students as a Result of the DSM
Authors: Lentino Amanda Elizabeth
Published: September 2020

Although the Diagnostic Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM) is universally used in the field of psychology to diagnose individuals, it is more of a political document than a scientific one. In the original version of the DSM (1952), students with mental disorders were diagnosed solely on IQ scores. But who has the power to determine what IQ score is “normal?” The American Psychiatric Association (APA) decides who is sane and who is not, and they persuade the public to accept their claims as being objective (Caplan, 1995). Thus, as the eminent philosopher Michel Foucault (1975) argues, mental professionals create the discourse on mental disorders, and they define the roles of madness and normalcy, deficiency and intelligence. In the first DSM, one was diagnosed as severely mentally deficient if he/she had an IQ score below 50. Part of the reason as to why the term special needs has a negative connotation is due to this abysmal score. Society and medical professionals only diagnosed severe cases of mental disorders. As the years progressed, the DSM gradually changed the criteria for being “mentally deficient” or having a “mental disorder.” In order to be diagnosed with profound mental deficiency, one must have an IQ score below 20. This new criterion adds to the negative connotation for special needs students. Although these students do not fit the criterion and may have incredible IQ scores, society erroneously holds the notion that people requiring special academic needs are severely deficient. This research paper shows how the DSM has shaped public attitudes toward mental disorders while it also criticizes the concept of IQ scores.
Correlation of Human and Horse Heart Rates During Equine-Assisted Therapy Sessions with At-Risk Youths: A Pilot Study
Authors: Drinkhouse Macy , Birmingham Sheri SW , Fillman Robyn , Jedlicka Holly
Published: September 2020

Minimal research has been done to examine the cause of the positive results of animal-assisted therapy.  This study examines the correlation between horse and human heart rate, an involuntary stress response, which may allow the mechanisms of potential therapeutic benefits to be further understood. Horse and human heart rates were recorded during equine-assisted therapy sessions, compared, and the significance of human/horse heart rate correlation was documented. Results indicate that each incidence of correlating changes in the heart rates appeared to be the result of external stimuli. Findings are discussed and recommendations for future trials with controlled environments are made.
Chief Diversity Officer and the Diversity Office
Authors: Cherenfant Sabine
Published: September 2020

Six universities and colleges were analyzed in this research to assist Robert Morris University in finding a structure for its chief diversity officer and diversity office. Those universities and colleges were chosen because of their already established diversity-related departments. Among other observations, title XI was explored in regards to who is responsible for its coordination. After thoroughly examining those institutions, the RMU potential CDO job description was shared and recommendations were offered.
Increased culturability of soil bacteria from Marcellus shale temperate forest in Pennsylvania
Authors: Lutton Evan Mitchell , Schellevis Rosa , Shanmuganathan Anupama
Published: September 2020

Soil bacteria comprise a largely untapped resource with only 1-10% of bacterial species predicted to live in soil being culturable in the laboratory. Establishing culture-dependent protocols that identify unique operational taxonomic units (OTUs) is an important research topic in soil bacterial ecology. The culturability of soil bacteria may be improved by employing different culture media due to inherent preferences of growth substrate utilization. Soil-extract agar, R-2A agar, and 1% nutrient agar were used in this study to isolate bacteria obtained from soil samples collected in winter months to increase the understanding of bacterial diversity in Abernathy Field Station, a Marcellus shale temperate forest in Washington, Pennsylvania. Changes in bacterial diversity can be used to assess the early impact of anthropological factors, such as hydraulic fracturing in the Marcellus shale region, which may lead to severe environmental problems. For the purpose of long term ecological monitoring, data obtained from this year’s sample collection were analyzed in conjunction with previous years’ assessments. Bacterial isolates were analyzed taxonomically and phylogenetically. Unique OTUs were identified through comparative analysis of 16S rDNA. The Shannon-Weaver and Simpson’s diversity indices ranked isolates on soil-extract agar highest for species richness, and rarefaction analysis suggests that sampling saturation of OTUs identified on soil-extract agar has not yet been reached. Each culture medium studied supported isolates of four common phyla: Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria. Soil-extract agar supported the greatest proportion of pigmented colonies including a Cyanobacterium which exhibited intra-16S rDNA polymorphism. Each culture medium supported the growth of unique OTUs and genera with Bacillus, Flavobacterium, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium, and Streptomyces found on each. This study suggests that utilizing different culture media can increase the culturability of soil bacteria.
Prevalence of Strongyloides robustus in tree squirrels (Sciuridae) in South-Central Pennsylvania and potential impacts for the endangered northern flying squirrel, Glaucomys sabrinus.
Authors: Espenshade Jessica L , Stewart Richard L
Published: September 2020

Strongyloides robustus is a unique parasite that has conservation impacts for sciurid populations in North America. In some squirrel species, like the southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans), the eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) and the red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), pathology is relatively benign. However in the northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus), S. robustus infestation can result in high mortality. The objective of this project was to survey the prevalence of S. robustus within the squirrel species currently found in south- central Pennsylvania so that the risk to the northern flying squirrel could be evaluated in light of the parasite mediated competition hypothesis. Fecal samples from eastern gray, red, and southern flying squirrels were obtained through nest boxes, road kills and hunting. A modified Sheather’s sugar floatation was prepared with a specific gravity of 1.27 to evaluate parasite prevalence. Ten of the 40 nest boxes examined had flying squirrel evidence in the form of feces deposited within the nest. Strongyloides robustus was present in 30% of the 10 samples. The prevalence of S. robustus was 77.3% in the 22 road-killed and hunter-killed eastern gray squirrels. The single hunter-killed red squirrel examined in this study demonstrated S. robustus infestation. This study evaluated infection in possible reservoirs that are understudied in Pennsylvania and supported the idea of parasite mediated competition.
The Black Box Module for Low-Level Fluorescence Detection Targeting Optogenetic Studies
Authors: Maret Elizabeth , Diagne Mohamed
Published: September 2020

In optogenetics, genetic labeling by enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) indicates transfected neurons expressing light-gated channel proteins, Channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) and Halorhodopsin (NpHR) for millisecond timescale optical manipulation of neurons.  However, poor spatial understanding of transfection relative to probing is responsible for blind stimulation in complex mammalian systems and necessitates histological analysis of brain tissue.  Repeatable optogenetic studies on well-trained and valuable subjects are therefore impossible. We report here the Black Box Module as a novel fluorescence detection system targeting EYFP emission and used in conjunction with a co-axial waveguide “optrode.” Results of the Black Box Module’s fluorescence detection performance in a bench-top environment simulating EYFP fluorescence with rhodamine 6g are presented.  We show the Box’s filtration system to be sensitive to the EYFP-like fluorescence of rhodamine and its concentration dependent emissions behaviors.  We anticipate these results to be the initial foundation in integrating the Box into optogenetic studies as a tool for locating areas of ChR2 and NpHR transfection.
ACTH Enhances Lipid Accumulation in Bone-marrow derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells undergoing Adipogenesis
Authors: Rhodes Thomas J. , Pazienza Michelle , Evans Jodi F.
Published: September 2020

ACTH is a major hormone of the stress axis or hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.  It is derived from pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) the precursor to the melanocortin family of peptides. POMC produces the biologically active melanocortin peptides via a series of enzymatic steps in a tissue-specific manner, yielding the melanocyte-stimulating hormones (MSHs), corticotrophin (ACTH) and ?-endorphin. The melanocortin system plays an imperative role in energy expenditure, insulin release and insulin sensitivity.  Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells circulate in the blood stream and as progenitor cells have the potential to differentiate into many cell types such as osteoblasts, chondrocytes and adipocytes. Here we examine the effects of ACTH on the mouse D1 bone-marrow derived MSC.  ACTH significantly increased lipid accumulation during the adipogenic differentiation of D1 cells in a concentration- dependent manner. ACTH also shifts the temporal pattern of D1 adipogenic differentiation to the left i.e. differentiation occurs earlier with ACTH treatment. No significant differences in protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-?2), a regulating transcription factor of adipogenesis were found.  Therefore the effects of ACTH are suggested to be mediated by an alternative pathway. Overall the results indicate a connection between increased adipose deposition and the elevated circulating ACTH associated with stress.
Red Cabbage Methanol Extract inhibits the growth of Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis during Kirby-Bauer Disk Diffusion Susceptibility Test
Authors: Varghese Priju
Published: September 2020

This study was designed to establish whether the red cabbage methanol extract can inhibit the growth of various strains of bacteria which include Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE), Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The red cabbage methanol extract discs were resisted by all the strains of bacteria except for VRE and Enterococcus faecalis. While the antibiotic streptomycin was resisted by VRE, the red cabbage methanol extract caused a remarkable zone of inhibition.
Yeast Ssu72 Protein as a Mediator of Gene Loop Formation at Bidirectional Promoters
Authors: Lopez Kevin Jose , Henderson Jeffrey Odell
Published: September 2020

Research over the past ten years has revealed that bidirectional promoters are a common feature of eukaryotes from yeast to metazoans.  Gene loops are three-dimensional structures that inhibit divergent transcription at bidirectional promoters.  Ssu72, a multifunctional protein phosphatase, has been identified as a key component in directing gene loop formation.  Molecular genetic characterization first identified Ssu72 as a component of the transcription initiation complex through an interaction with TFIIB.  More recently, Ssu72 has been shown to inhibit divergent transcription by simultaneously binding to both promoter and terminator elements.  Here, we describe the path of Ssu72 research from its discovery as a transcriptional regulatory protein to its role in the maintenance of transcriptional memory and repression of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs).  Finally, we consider the role of Ssu72 and gene loops in human health.
A critical look at the terms feminism, Feminism, and womanism and the applicability, or not, of each in conversation with Toni Morrison’s First and Last Novels The Bluest Eye and Home
Authors: Malotra-Gaudet Lauren
Published: September 2020

For the purpose of this paper lower-case-f feminism is used as the umbrella term for the organized activity in support of women's rights and interests founded in the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities.  Hegemonic Feminism, aka Radical Feminism, has historically left out women who face issues alongside oppression based on gender, namely women of colour.  Capital-F Feminism represents this hegemonic Feminism.  Alice Walker’s womanism creates a type of feminism specifically for black women and women of colour.  In this paper I explore and contrast three different types of feminism, hegemonic “Feminism” and “womanism”, to show how Toni Morrison’s first and last novels The Bluest Eye and Home are definitely womanist texts but are not necessarily considered feminist under the constraints of hegemonic Feminism.  I look at the differences between the three terms to show how these novels can and do slip through the cracks and are not labeled as “feminist” texts because they do not comply with “Feminism.”  Through plot and character examples I show how these novels are womanist, and because of that they are not able to be considered examples of Feminist texts and are therefore not regarded as canonical Feminist literature, though they do exemplify feminist principles, themes and ideals.