bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Substantiation of the Technological Process Parameters of Wood Skidding with a Mini Tractor in Increment Thinning
Authors:   Ural State Forest Engineering University, Gerts Eduard F. , Mekhrentsev Andrey V. , Terinov Nikolay N. , Urazova Alina F.
Published: December 2022

The paper considers the method of the mini tractor moving when skidding timber harvested during increment thinning. We analyzed the stand’s horizontal structure formed as a result of intraspecific competition, as well as the partnership relations of the trees forming microgroups, the distance between which is less than the average distance between trees in the stand. The structure and parameters of the most typical microgroups that form stands were also observed. This allows choosing a route for a mini tractor and successfully moving it between microgroups, where the distance between trees is larger than the average distance in the stand. The article shows an analysis of the mutual arrangement of the mini tractor and trees of the neighboring microgroups, in which the passage of the mini tractor with a trailed device causes significant damage risks to trees. Based on the analysis, the maneuvering algorithm for this transport system is designed and the restrictions on its entry into the target between the trees are formulated. It is shown that the entry of a mini-tractor into the target between the trees at a right angle provides the best conditions for crossing this area. The minimum turning radius of the transport system, comprising a mini-tractor with a trailed device, when moving under the stand canopy should be less than the radius of the majority of the microgroups that form the stand. The calculation of the strip width required for the passage of a mini-tractor with a trailed device when skidding logs with length 2–6 m in the case of increment thinning in stands of the Ia, I, II and III quality classes with thinning up to the relative density of 0.7. The paper shows the possibility of substantiating the length of logs when carrying out an increment thinning depending on the quality class and age of the stand. It is found that the mini tractor parameters and the logs length correspond to the formed stand density, ensuring the smooth maneuvering of the mini tractor with a trailed device when moving under the stand canopy. Guidelines for correcting the route when the width of the required strip is larger than the average distance between trees in the resulting stand are given. Acknowledgments: The article is based on the results of work on the topic “Ecological Aspects of Sustainable Nature Management” (state registration No. FEUG-2020-0013). For citation: Gerts E.F., Mekhrentsev A.V., Terinov N.N., Urazova A.F. Substantiation of the Technological Process Parameters of Wood Skidding with a Mini Tractor in Increment Thinning. Lesnoy Zhurnal = Russian Forestry Journal, 2022, no. 6, pp. 126–138. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.37482/0536-1036-2022-6-126-138
Designing a Model of the Picea L. and Abies L. Biomass for Regional Climatic Conditions in Eurasia
Authors:   Botanical Garden of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Usoltsev Vladimir А. ,   Ural State Forest Engineering University, Tsepordey Ivan S. ,   Botanical Garden of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Danilin Igor M. ,   V.N. Sukachev Institute of Forest SB RAS
Published: December 2022

Forest ecosystems play a major role in climate stabilization, and continuous monitoring of their biomass is of paramount importance. Airborne laser scanning technology has become widespread in assessing tree biomass by remote sensing of such inventory indices of trees and stands as crown width and projection area, tree and stand height. The work uses the author’s observation database of 1550 model trees of spruce (Picea L.) and 535 model trees of fir (Abies L.) growing in Eurasia. The database provides information on tree height, crown width and length, as well as biomass of trunk, foliage, branches and roots. It was found that two-factor allometric models of biomass components, including crown width and tree height as independent variables, are the most informative. A positive correlation with crown width and tree height has been identified for all biomass components. Biomass of components of similar-sized fir trees was found to be 45–71 % higher than that of spruce at the statistically reliable level. This is possibly due to the fact that with the same height the crown width of the fir is 11 % less compared to the spruce. The contribution of winter temperatures and precipitation to the variability of biomass components was estimated. The biomass of all components of equal-sized trees is described by a propeller-like 3D dependence. In warm regions, the biomass increases with increasing precipitation; the dependence is characterized by an opposite or neutral trend with the transition to cold regions. The biomass increases with increasing temperature in humid regions, and decreases with the transition to dry climatic conditions. Inclusion of crown length as an additional independent variable in the allometric model practically did not improve its predictive ability. The contribution of inventory indices of trees, their species, and climatic variables to explaining the variability of biomass components is 72.9, 13.5 and 13.6 %, respectively. Climatic variables explain most of the variability in trunk and above-ground biomass (18 to 20 %), least of all in needles and branches (8 to 9 %). The findings can be useful for laser monitoring of forest biomass and predicting possible changes in tree biomass structure in case of climatic deviations. Acknowledgments: The research was carried out within the framework of the state assignment FEUZ-2021-0014. For citation: Usoltsev V.А., Tsepordey I.S., Danilin I.M. Designing a Model of the Picea L. and Abies L. Biomass for Regional Climatic Conditions in Eurasia. Lesnoy Zhurnal = Russian Forestry Journal, 2022, no. 6, pp. 38–54. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.37482/0536-1036-2022-6-38-54
Сardioprotective agents with biaromatic structure. Part 3. Sodium channel blockers
Authors: Mokrov G. V.
Published: December 2022

This review continues a series of reviews on the analysis of compounds with cardioprotective properties in a number of biaromatic structures, which include a range of sodium channel blockers. Among voltage-gated sodium channels, the Nav1.5 isoform is the most abundant in the heart. Sodium channel blockers have historically been called "class I antiarrhythmics". Among the compounds of this type, a biaromatic structure mainly have the Nav1.5 late current blockers belonging to the Id subclass of antiarrhythmic drugs. Leader molecules from this subgroup, such as ranolazine, GS-458967, and F15845, reduce action potential recovery time and suppress trigger activity induced by early post-depolarization. They are effective for the treatment of stable angina and ventricular tachycardia.
O Desafio da Protecção do Ambiente em Angola
Authors: Amado Gomes Carla
Published: December 2022

Angola despertou para a necessidade de proteger o ambiente ainda no período colonial, mas só recentemente a Constituição acolheu a tarefa de preservação e promoção da qualidade ambiental. A abundância de recursos naturais no território angolano, com a inerente riqueza gerada, não facilita a missão de protecção do ambiente, dada a tensão existente entre prevenção de futuros danos irreversíveis e obtenção de ganhos imediatos. A intenção deste texto é identificar a evolução do quadro legislativo angolano de protecção do ambiente, desde o impulso constitucional às concretizações na legislação ordinário, tentando apontar as conquistas alcançadas mas também os défices de protecção ainda existentes.
Reler o Direito Clássico: Um Desafio Jurídico do Séc. XXI. Grécia E Roma, Fontes e Exemplos da Juridicidade
Authors: Ferreira da Cunha Paulo
Published: December 2022

O presente artigo empreende um retorno aos clássicos gregos e romanos, os quais podem servir de fonte de inspiração para demandas jurídicas futuras. Em um momento histórico onde o Direito se interdisciplinariza, sensibilizando-se a outros aportes e lógicas, pode-se trilhar um caminho diferenciado rumo a um novo paradigma jurídico. Nesse sentido, o texto realiza uma análise do legado helénico, da autonomização do Direito em Roma, chegando-se a uma observação dos símbolos e palavras jurídicas, visando-se suscitar questões que podem servir de prolegómenos para o Direito futuro.
Pacto Federativo: Análise Constitucional dos Países do Cone Sul
Authors: Nagao Menezes Daniel Francisco
Published: December 2022

A proposta do artigo é pesquisar os diversos modelos de Pacto Federativo na América do Sul, especialmente Brasil, Argentina e Venezuela. O problema de pesquisa a ser respondido é a existência ou não de semelhanças entre os tipos de Federação dos países indicados acima. A investigação se justifica pelas diferenças territoriais e de processos de colonização distintos que os países analisados passaram. Isto leva a pesquisar se existe um padrão único de modelo federativo, se existem blocos diferentes de modelos federativos.
A Importância da Recuperação Judicial do Produtor Rural Sob os Aspectos Sociais e Econômicos da Legislação Brasileira
Authors: Maciel Talís
Published: December 2022

Resumo: Durante muito tempo a atividade rural não obteve a devida relevância do âmbito do Direito. As atividades pertinentes ao campo eram tratadas, basicamente, como agricultura familiar ou questões fundiárias, de onde originou o Direito Agrário. No entanto, este cenário está mudando a cada dia. O Agronegócio é uma potência econômica no Brasil, que engloba desde pesquisas tecnológicas, passando pelo cultivo e criação de animais, chegando até o consumidor final, ou seja, trata-se de cadeias agroindustriais fortes e fundamentais para o crescimento econômico do país. O Brasil, sob o ponto de vista internacional, vem sendo citado como promessa na produção de alimentos e, por isso, o Direito do Agronegócio está sendo tratado com mais seriedade. Pensando nisso, elaborou-se o presente estudo visando trazer uma breve análise sobre a importância do produtor rural sob o prisma das cadeias agroindustriais, no sentido de serem essenciais para a manutenção da ordem econômica nacional, consoante preceitua a Constituição Federal. Assim, a aplicação da Recuperação Judicial ao produtor rural deve ocorrer baseada em princípios basilares como preservação das cadeias agroindustriais, função social da atividade agrícola e equilíbrio da ordem econômica, preservando a participação do produtor em dificuldade, porém, com chances concretas de restabelecimento de suas atividades, satisfazendo, deste modo, a previsão constitucional que determina a participação ativa da produção agrícola na ordem econômica.
A CONSTRUÇÃO DO CONCEITO DO DIREITO NA OBRA DE ROBERT ALEXY E SUA IMPORTÂNCIA NA FILOSOFIA CONTEMPORÂNEA
Authors: Serpa Paola Flores , Félix Ynes da Silva
Published: December 2022

O presente artigo tem como objetivo apresentar uma visão geral acerca do conceito do direito desenvolvido na obra de Robert Alexy. Primeiramente, será apresentado o conceito do direito na filosofia jurídica, com a breve discussão da construção dessa definição ao longo da história, bem como a apresentação de diversas correntes, as quais auxiliaram na construção e embasamento nas teorias contemporâneas modernas do direito. Após, será analisado o conceito de direito apresentado por Alexy, suas principais críticas ao pensamento positivista e sua importância hodierna, no intuito de demonstrar a influência do seu pensamento na discussão acerca da relação do direito e da moral, e enfim chegar à conclusão de uma definição.
UMA VISÃO SOBRE AÇÃO, PROVA E PENA AO LOGO DA HISTÓRIA
Authors: Brambilla Taciany Amaral de Figueiredo
Published: December 2022

Este trabalho está centrado na verificação da evolução dos institutos penais: ação, prova e pena no decorrer da história, nas civilizações que influenciaram a formação do pensamento criminal ocidental. Com isso pretende-se oferecer bases para a compreensão dos referidos institutos e lançar luzes sobre seu desenvolvimento atual, de forma a evitar equívocos cometidos no passado. Para tanto, será realizado um excurso histórico que remonta as sociedades arcaicas e clássicas, ao processo pré-moderno, processo moderno, processo contemporâneo e ao 11 de setembro juntamente com suas repercussões nas ciências criminais. Para desenvolver a referida pesquisa foi utilizada a abordagem dedutiva e indutiva a partir da pesquisa bibliográfica, na qual a análise de dados se realizou mediante a análise de conteúdo para a produção de uma pesquisa com finalidade descritiva.   Palavras-chave: Ação; Prova; Pena; História; Pensamento Criminal Ocidental.
An Insight into Forensic Accounting
Authors: Gurleen Kaur  , Debhjit Mukherjee
Published: December 2022

Forensic accounting comes under the category of relatively new profession that utilizes various methodologies andimplementation of various techniques. This field of forensic science is structured and constructed by keeping inmind the world’s economy, society and legislation. With the increasing number in financial accounting deceptionsand frauds in the global economy, forensic accounting has become the field tagged as savior for the safety forthe financial administration process of academic, research and commercial institutions. The total combination ofaccounting, auditing and investigative skills signify this specific field. Just as forensic science has been implementedto capture the criminals for long, forensic accounting is fast emerging in the arena of corporate accounting fraudsto play a similar role. The purpose of this study is to develop an innovative approach of combating economic crimeusing the forensic accounting techniques by reviewing the previous studies made on this field of forensic science.
A Group of Iraqi Patients with type II Diabetes Mellitus have a Correlation between HbA1c, lipids, and Thyroid Hormone
Authors: Ahmed Arnaoty  , Ibrahim Ismail Shahad  , Dina Suhail  , Saad Abdul Kareem Mohammed  , Jinan MJ Al Saffar
Published: December 2022

Background: The objectives of this study were to: (1) find out the levels of thyroid hormones, lipid profile, andglycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in diabetic patients type II; and (2) examine the relationship between thyroidhormones and HbA1c, as well as distinctive sorts of lipids and HbA1c in the patient groups.Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review study for the group of patient’s vs control was carriedout at Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital in Baghdad Al-Karkh, Iraq. From December 2020 to February 2022, 100male and female patients with type II diabetes mellitus and 100 non- diabetic males and females as controls wereincluded, respectively, in this study. The biochemical laboratory tests were obtained from a laboratory databaseof the hospital. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21 to estimate the P-value from the T-test ofindependent groups.Results: For the patient groups compared with the control groups, there was an increase in the mean levels of bothHbA1c (7.84%) and TSH (7.65 μlU/ml), while T4 (10.31 μg/dl) and T3 (1.44 ng/ml) were normal. It also increasedmean levels of triglycerides (191.46 mg/dl) and normal total cholesterol (185.94 mg/dl). The results of the patientgroups showed an insignificant correlation between HbA1c and TSH (P = 0.96844) and a significant correlationbetween HbA1c with T4 and T3 (P = 0.00323) and (P = 0.00001) respectively. Significant and positive relationshipbetween HbA1c and total cholesterol and triglycerides (P = 0.00001), (P = 0.00001) respectively.Conclusion: Increased blood glucose did not cause the anterior pituitary gland to enhance TSH production,although there was a clear link between increased glycemic index and the rate of thyroxin secretion. Furthermore,there is a link between blood glucose and several lipid markers, according to the findings.
Efficacy and Safety of Prophylactic-Dose Anticoagulation Therapy with Intermediate-Therapeutic Doses in Covid-19 Patients
Authors: Diva Rachma Kurniawati  , Agus Subagjo  , Lilik Djuari
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARSCoV-2) was declared a worldwide pandemic on March 11, 2020 and globally, on April 29, 2022, there were 510,270,667 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 6,233,526 deaths, reported to WHO. As of April 2022, the Government of the Republic of Indonesia has reported 4,249,323 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There have been 143,592 COVID-19-related deaths reported and 4,096,194 patients have recovered from the disease. COVID-19 is associated with a high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), however, to date, optimal prophylactic anticoagulant therapy remains uncertain and may depend on the severity of COVID-19.Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the difference in efficacy and safety in administering prophylactic doses with intermediate/therapeutic doses in confirmed COVID-19 patients.Results: This study used 6 studies that met the inclusion of differences in efficacy and safety in administering prophylactic doses with intermediate/therapeutic doses in confirmed COVID-19 patients.Conclusion: From 6 studies, there were 2 studies comparing anticoagulant prophylactic doses with intermediate doses and 4 studies comparing anticoagualnt prophylactic doses with therapeutic doses. In all studies, there were no significant differences in thromboembolic events or all-cause mortality in COVID-19 patients. The incidence of bleeding at the intermediate and therapeutic doses increased compared to the prophylactic dose, but the difference was not significant.
A Study of Seropositivity of HIV, HBV, HCV and SYPHILIS in Blood Donors in Tertiary Care Hospital, Rajkot
Authors: Gauravi A. Dhruva  , Khevana N. Karavadiya  , Amit H. Agravat
Published: December 2022

Background: Blood is elixir of life. Although blood transfusion plays important role in the supportive care of medical and surgical patients, use of unscreened blood transfusion keep the patient at risk of acquiring many TTIs like hepatitis virus (HBV, HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), syphilis.Aim: To study the seroprevalence of the HIV, HBsAg, HCV, VDRL and malaria in blood donors. To compare the seroprevalence of these disease in male and female donors. To compare gender and age wise seroprevalence. Methods: The study was conducted in blood bank, Department of pathology, P.D.U medical college and hospital, Rajkot, India from 1st June 2021 to 31st May 2022. Blood samples were collected from blood donors who came to donate at blood bank or donated in voluntary blood donation camp. We collected data from total a total of 18951 donors out of which 18804 were accepted and 147 were rejected.Results: A total of 18,951 donor samples were analyzed during the said period. Out of 18,804 accepted donors, a total of 156 (0.82%) were diagnosed positive for TTI infection.Conclusion: Comprehensive, screening of blood donors for HIV, HBV, HCV, VDRL and malaria, strict selection of donors with emphasis on getting Young voluntary on remunerated donors rather than replacement donors, reestablishment of strict guidelines for blood transfusion and use of sensitive laboratory screening tests may be possible to reduce the incidence of transfusion transmitted diseases in India.
Platelet Rich Plasma in Erectile Dysfunction A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Jihad Anad Khalef  , Shaymaa Abed Hasan  , Ahmed Nazar
Published: December 2022

Background: The studies postulate that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections improve key elements of neovascualrity to erectile dysfunction (ED).Aim: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial assessing the efficacy and safety of PRP injections in patients with mild and moderate ED. Exclusion criteria were patient undergo sever EDMethods: Study is accomplished in Alnuman teaching hospital 2019 and 2022 over 59 patients were complaining mild to moderate ED, four sessions of P-shot 2 weeks apart each session.Results: In period 3, 6 months’ interval, a response was achieved by 35/42 (83%) patients in the PRP group compared to 5/17 (29%) in the placebo group.Key words: Platelet rich plasma, erectile dysfunction, p-shot, intracavernosal injection.
Determining Carboxyhaemoglobin levels in Children with Asthma and Recurrent Wheezing in Relation to Exposure to Second-hand Smoking and Solid fuel
Authors: Richa Choudhury  , Priyanka Rai  , Shamrendra Narayan  , Dipti Agarwal
Published: December 2022

Background: This study aimed to see association of exposure to solid fuel for cooking and second-hand smoking(SHS) with asthma and recurrent wheezing in children. Carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb) levels were also estimatedlevels in these children and their relation to exposure to solid fuels and SHS was assessed.Methods: The study enrolled 124 children in two groups; 72(58.1%) in Group 1 with asthma/recurrent wheezingand 52(41.9%) in Group 2 as controls. Exposure to SHS and solid fuel were assessed using a simple questionnairein both the groups. COHb levels were estimated non-invasively and it’s relation to demographic variables,occurrence of asthma, exposure to SHS and solid fuel was estimated.Conclusion: The study reported significant association of SHS and use of solid fuel among children with asthmaand recurrent wheezing seen in 26(36.2%) and 26(36.2%) respectively. The study showed that COHb levels weregreatly elevated among children with asthma and wheezing conditions (5.45%) as compared to controls (2.95%).The study showed association of COHb levels with use of SHS and solid fuel exposure which were found tobe (5.31%, 5.98%) respectively, thus emphasizing the need for interventions to reduce these potential sources ofcarbon monoxide exposure.
A Search for Neuropsychological Indicators: A Comparative Study with Children with Conflict in Law
Authors: Saranya Banerjee  , Sanchari Roy  , Atanu Kumar Dogra  , Sanjukta Das
Published: December 2022

Law violation amongst adolescents have become a very important area of concern for the nation as a whole. Inthe current study, the objectives are to find whether there exist any neuropsychological markers that will help todifferentiate children in conflict with law (CCL) from neurotypicals who have never engaged in law violation andalso to find whether there exists any significant difference between CCL-I, CCL-E and CCL-M with respect to theneuropsychological markers. The sample included 59 adolescents out of which 10 were neurotypicals, 14 CCLwith predominantly internalising manifestation (CCL-I), 17 CCL with predominantly externalising manifestation(CCL-E), 18 CCL with both internalising and externalising manifestation (CCL-M). The tools used in the study areChild Behaviour Checklist- Youth Self Report(CBCL/YSR), Bhatia Battery of Performance tests and three subtestsfrom Delis- Kaplan Executive Functioning System. Statistical analysis was done using Kruskal Wallis test. Testresults included significant differences between the groups with respect to ‘Twenty Questions Test’ and ‘ColourwordInterference Test’.
Study of Assessment of Medico-Legal Knowledge among Interns and Post Graduate Students
Authors: Shilpa Rani G.R  , Sunil Kumar C. A  , Nagaraj R Shetkar  , Sathyashree H
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Forensic Medicine and Toxicology is an essential subject for medical students as it deals mainly withlegal aspectsAim and objectives: To assess medico legal knowledge and awareness in interns and post graduate students.Materials and methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire with 20 questions was designed and distributed to120 interns and 80 post graduate students from January 2022 to April 2022. The data was collected and analyzedstatistically for number and percentage using EPI-Info statistical software.Results: Total 200 students were included in our study. We found that 84 (70%) interns and 32 (40%) postgraduate students had no proper knowledge in handling medico legal cases independently. 55 (45.83%) internsand 63 (78.75%) post graduate students were of opinion that the present UG teaching is not sufficient for them totackle medico legal cases. Only 36 (30%) interns and 33 (41.25%) post graduate students were aware about the besttype of consent in MLC and 25 (20.83%) interns and 65 (81.25%) post graduate students were aware of ConsumerProtection Act.Conclusion: We detected that the knowledge about various medico-legal aspects needs to be freshened up timeto time chiefly at internship and postgraduate levels. They need be refreshed about various medico-legal aspectswhich can be done by giving training to them.
Clinico-Haematological Profile of Geriatric Anaemia (A Study of 300 Cases)
Authors: Vaidya Tejas H.  , Amit H. Agravat  , Gauravi A. Dhruva  , Nikita A. Machhi
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Anaemia in the elderly patients is associated with increased morbidity and poor health relatedquality of life. It is an emerging global health problem for 21st century which negatively impacts quality of life.Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study is to know clinico-haematological patterns and morphological typesof anaemia in elderly.Material and Methodology: The present study is a descriptive cross-sectional study, which was conducted inPathology Department of P.D.U. Government Medical College, Rajkot in which all the indoor patients of 60 yearsand above and clinically diagnosed as anaemic were included. Haematological investigations, factors like age,gender, symptoms and signs, peripheral blood smear, cause and grade of anaemia were utilized in this.Result: Total 300 cases were studied; anaemia of chronic disease in age group 60-65 years was most common.Males were affected more than females. Smoking was the most common associated factor. Mostly respiratorysystem involved. Normochromic normocytic anaemia mostly seen. Grade-1 (mild) anaemia was most common.Conclusion: Geriatric anaemia being under-reported and inadequately investigated, especially when mild, thereis need of evaluation of even mild cases. Further studies with larger population and wider parameters should beencouraged.
New Pliocene hominid fossils from Baringo County, Kenya
Authors: Pickford Martin , Senut Brigitte , Gommery Dominique , Kipkech Joseph
Published: December 2022

During field surveys between 2005 and 2011 in the Tugen Hills by the Franco-Kenyan Kenya Palaeontology Expedition, several hominid specimens were discovered in the Pliocene Mabaget Formation. One mandible fragment, three isolated teeth and a pedal phalanx collected from the Pelion Member (base of the formation aged 5.0–4.5 Ma) are compatible in dimensions with Orrorin tugenensis and Ardipithecus ramidus whilst a mandible from the Sinibo Member, a younger level in the formation (ca. 3.4–3.0 Ma) represents an appreciably larger species, as big as, or bigger than, Praeanthropus afarensis (ex-Australopithecus afarensis) from locality AL 333, Ethiopia. The small hominid mandible and an isolated p/3 were found in the type section of the Mabaget Formation at localities 2/211 and 2/210 respectively, in deposits aged ca. 5.0–4.5 Ma. An isolated upper milk molar, a lower third molar and a pedal phalanx are from Sagatia, near Rondinin, also aged between 5.0 and 4.5 Ma. The large mandible was collected at Sinibo, near Kipcherere, from sediments above the local occurrence of the Tulu Bor Tuff (= Sidi Hakoma Tuff) which is dated at 3.446 Ma. The aim of this paper is to describe and interpret these hominid fossils and to place them within their geological, stratigraphic and palaeoenvironmental contexts.
Pre-Reading Activities and Their Effects On English Reading Comprehension of ESL Basic School Pupils
Authors: Agbevivi Shine Lillian Gifty , Adogpa James Nsoh
Published: December 2022

The study sought to ascertain the effect of pre-reading activities on the English reading comprehension of upper primary pupils in Ho-West Basic Schools of the Volta Region of Ghana. The study adopted the concurrent mixed method design which aimed at gathering both quantitative and qualitative data simultaneously. The sample size of the study consisted 18 upper primary teachers and 99 upper primary pupils. The sample was drawn using census, simple random and purposive sampling techniques. A structured questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Questionnaire data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviation while the interview data were thematically discussed. The findings showed that pre-reading activities motivate and sustain pupils’ interest in the actual reading activity. They also activate the building of related information in such a way that new information is easily assimilated into learners’ existing fields of knowledge. Though pre-reading activities play a critical role in the reading comprehension classroom, the study revealed that a significant number of teachers do not use them. The few who do, neither use a variety of them nor use them regularly. The study recommends that curriculum developers and implementors should incorporate appropriate and regular pre-reading activities for assigned texts in the reading comprehension classroom.
Loans and Scholarships in Africa’s Higher Education Finance: A Comparative Analysis of Capitation, Policy and Recoveries in Eleven Countries
Authors: Chirwa Ireen Nayame , Masaiti Gift , Mwale Nelly , Mkandawire Sitwe Benson , Mulenga Innocent Mutale , Sichula Noah Kenny
Published: December 2022

This article is a comparative analysis on financing of higher education in eleven African countries; Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. Existing trends and practices on loans and scholarships in relation to capitation, policy and recoveries were compared in the eleven countries that were also member state countries to the Association of the African Higher Education Financing Agencies (AAHEFA). Data was collected at the 2019 AAHEFA conference held in Lusaka, Zambia, where eleven chief executive officials or their representatives from country loans and scholarship related institutions shared comprehensive reports related to funding of higher education in the eleven countries. The data collected was analysed thematically. The article shows that the eleven African countries shared several similarities and differences ranging from management structures, education prioritization, capitation, recovery methods and policies. High demand for student funding against limited resources and loan recovery methods were among the emerging similarities. The differences included variations in funding patterns, policy differences among funding agencies and nebulous management structures. It argues that since most of these loans boards are in their infancy, they needed to learn very fast on how to manage granting and recovery of loans.
Adequacy of Human Resources on the Implementation of Early Childhood Education in Public Pre-Primary Schools in Meru District, Tanzania
Authors: Selemani Athumani , Siamoo Peter N. , Chidyau Adam
Published: December 2022

This study was conducted to assess the adequacy of human resources on the implementation of early childhood education in public pre-primary schools in Meru District Tanzania. The study was guided by the system theory developed by Ludwig Bertalafy in 1971. The study employed a convergent mixed method research design whereby probability and non- probability sampling techniques were used to select the study sample which consists of 1 DPEO, 4 WEO’s, 30 head teachers of pre-primary schools and 30 pre-primary teachers. The questionnaire, interview guide and observation guide were used in data collection. The content validity of the research instruments was determined by two research experts, one expert in assessment and evaluation and the second in Management and Planning in from MWECAU, while the reliability coefficient of 0.962 was calculated by using Cronbach’s Alpha. Quantitative data were analysed by using means, frequencies, and percentages and presented in table form with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 software while the qualitative data were summarised, coded, analyzed, and presented in narration form according to the themes created from the research questions. The findings revealed that human resources are adequate to implement ECE; most of the teachers were competent in various areas included: early childhood classroom management, communication with pupils in pre-primary classes, ability to identify and respond to the individual needs of pre-primary children. Moreover, the study exposed that most of the teacher’s lack frequently training on how to implement a preschool curriculum. On top of that the teachers, as well as heads teachers complained about the teacher-students’ ratio which revealed that most of the classes were overpopulated and the ratio of teacher-student did not comply with the government guide of 25 students per teacher. The study concluded that most of the public pre-primary schools have adequacy teaching staffs that are competent in their field for implementation of early childhood education. The study recommends that, there is a great need for the government to increase employment opportunities of ECE teachers as well as to build more classrooms in pre-primary schools
The Effect of Country-Of-Origin On Consumer Purchase Behaviour Among Nigerian Elites: A Study of Imported Fashion Wears
Authors: Etuk Aniebiet , Udonde Unyime Emmanuel
Published: December 2022

This study was carried out in order to assess the effect of country of origin on consumer purchase behaviour of imported fashion wears among the Nigerian elites. The determinant factors of country-of-origin that consumer considers when purchasing imported fashion wears were used as pre-determined factors in measuring consumer’s purchase behaviour. These pre-determined factors formed the independent variables for the study which were Technology Sophistication, Brand Effects and Country Image while the dependent variable was Consumer Purchase Behaviour. The population was the consumers of imported fashion wears in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria belonging to the social class. Using Top-man formula, a sample size of 358 employees was considered for the study. A survey research design was adopted for the study. Research questions were answered using frequency, mean and standard deviation. The hypotheses stated were tested using simple linear regression model at a 5% level of significance. From the data analysis, the major findings revealed that Technology Sophistication had a significant effect on consumer purchase behaviour of imported fashion wears in Uyo, (t-statistic = 43.312 > p-value (0.000). The study revealed that Brand Effects had a significant effect on consumer purchase behaviour of imported fashion wears in Uyo, (t-statistic = 48.491> p-value (0.000). The study also revealed that Country Image had a significant effect on consumer purchase behaviour of imported fashion wears in Uyo, (t-statistic = 42.292> p-value (0.000). From the findings, In line with this, it was recommended that international companies should aim at influencing their consumer’ purchase behaviour by making their country-of-origin an important component of international marketing strategy. Foreign marketers need to ascertain the effects of their place of origin on consumers' demand for their products. Armed with this knowledge, marketers can decide whether any relevant action should be indicated.
The Influence of Relationship Marketing on Customer Perception of Insurance in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Oluwabiyi O. E. , Asikhia O. U. , Egwuonwu T. K.
Published: December 2022

The public perception of insurance all over the world is central to the patronage and consumption of insurance services. Notwithstanding the huge population of over 190 million people in Nigeria, the insurance premium penetration rate of 0.7% of GDP is very low in comparison with other markets around the world. While customer perception of insurance is an expression of attitude, extant studies has shown that relationship marketing is a strategic tool that can be used to influence consumer behavior. Hence, this study examine the influence of relationship marketing on customer perception of insurance in Lagos State, Nigeria. The objective is to provide possible solutions to the problem of low patronage of insurance in Lagos State, Nigeria. A survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of study consisted of 375,000 estimated consumers of insurance service in Lagos State, Nigeria. A sample size of 1,650 consumers were drawn from selected Local Government Areas of Lagos State through non-probability sampling technique. A questionnaire titled influence of relationship marketing and customer perception of insurance was adapted and validated. 1,650 copies of the questionnaire were administered, with a response rate of 80%. The Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient for the constructs ranged between 0.76 and 0.90. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential (multiple linear regression analysis) statistics. The finding shows that relationship marketing has significant effect on customer perception of insurance in Lagos State, Nigeria (Adj. R2 = 0.301; F5/1306 = 113.510, p<0.05). The value of Adjusted R2 of 0.301 suggests that 30.1% of the variations in customer perception of insurance are accounted for by relationship marketing leaving 69.9% to be predicted by other factors. The study concluded that relationship marketing is a predictor of customer perception of insurance in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study recommended that Insurance companies should adopt relationship marketing as a tool to influence customer perception of insurance, through the application of customer awareness, customer trust, customer service quality, product innovation and customization, and customer satisfaction.
Farmers’ Access to Information on Improved Wheat Technology Package: The Case of Digalu Tijo of Arsi Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Gudeta Abune
Published: December 2022

Wheat is one of the most important staple crops of the country in terms of production and consumption. The study was conducted to investigate farmers’ access to information on improved wheat technology package of Digalu Tijo of Arsi Zone, Ethiopia. The study went further to examine the level of information dissemination for farmers and the benefits information users gain. Focus group discussion guide, interview checklist and observation checklist were employed to gather information required. The collected data analyzed using descriptive analysis. A large number 91.7% of the respondents were those who can read and write. The finding of the study indicated that men have more access to extension education programs than women. Similarly, the primary sources of information for respondents were development agents (70%). The study finding revealed that respondents benefited more from the adoption of improved wheat technology. Further and regular study need to undertaken so that farmers’ information and technology needs can be identified in order to provide improved and up dated information and technology for overall improvement of livelihood of farming community the study areas.
Effects of Interest Rate on Access to Agro-credit by Farmers in Adamawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Umaru A. T.
Published: December 2022

This study examined the effect of interest rates on access to agro-credit by farmers in Adamawa state. Respondents’ sources of credit, amount of credit obtained, factors affecting the volume of credit sourced by, factors affecting the volume of credit sourced by farmers, problems encountered in obtaining loans from formal and informal sources were investigated. Findings of the study reveals that majority of the farmers, 65% from Personal Savings. About 40% of the respondents obtained credit at the range of N100, 001-400,000. Regression analysis shows a co-efficient of multiple determination R2 value of 0.65 of the total variations in volume of credit sourced by farmers were accounted by actions of independent variables, namely; age, level of education, interest rate, credit awareness and farm income was statistically significant at various levels of probabilities.
Importance of Available Information Sources for Users: The Case of Fadis and Mechara Agricultural Research Centers, Ethiopia
Authors: Gudeta Abune
Published: December 2022

This study was conducted to examine the importance of available information sources for users of Fadis and Mechara Agricultural Research Centers, in East and West Hararghe Zones, Ethiopia. The study went further to investigate the perceived effectiveness and efficiency of the available information services in the study areas. No study has been done on this topic in these study areas. Questionnaire was used as a data collection tool along with observation checklist and focus group discussion guide. Questionnaire was distributed to entire (63) agricultural researchers of the two research centers for data collection. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. The findings of this study revealed that research paper, mobile phone were the most commonly used sources (98.4%), followed by textbooks (96.8%), farmers, friends, acquaintances (95.2%). The availability, accessibility and usability of information sources was moderate to low in the study areas. Therefore, efforts need to be made to improve the usefulness of the available information sources at the study areas.
The Grass is Not Always Greener on the Other Side: The Impact of Environmental Campaigns on Green Purchasing Behavior
Authors: Yassin Cherouk Amr
Published: December 2022

As a developing country, we confront several environmental challenges. The country's environmental worth lags well behind that of wealthy countries. Nonetheless, the governments have recently paid attention to environmental issues. Aside from that, individuals display a proactive attitude regarding the importance of environmental protection efforts due to severe environmental challenges. This research article investigates the impact of the governmental environmental campaign on green purchasing behaviour in a developing country. The structural equation modelling analysis outcomes show that environmental campaigns for green awareness influence green purchasing behaviour through the green attitude, perceived behavioural control, and subjective green norms. The relationships discovered in this study provide practitioners with insight into understanding and stimulating pro-environmental consumer behaviour knowledge in developing countries. Scholars of environmental management will benefit from the study's novel comprehensive approach to analysing sustainable consumption trends and motivating its population to take action to preserve their environment. Practitioners may find our findings helpful in developing strategies to influence consumer attitudes and behaviour toward sustainable products in developing countries.
The Effects of Trunk on Balance and Gait in Subjects with Multiple Sclerosis : A Systematic Review
Authors:   King Abdulaziz University, Babteen Nouf , Kazim Lara , Mansour Haneen , Alhilali Mariam , Khan Fayaz
Published: December 2022

Review question / Objective: Does the trunk have an effect on balance and gait in patients with multiple sclerosis ? Condition being studied: Multiple sclerosis patients struggle with recurrent falls due to gait and balance deficits thus does trunk stability have an affect on their balance or not. Information sources: Pubmed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase.
Exploration of No-Slip and Slip of Unsteady Squeezing Flow Fluid Through a Derivatives Series Algorithm
Authors: Abeer Majeed Jasim
Published: December 2022

In this work, an unsteady incompressible viscous magnetic-hydrodynamic squeezing of flow fluid is investigated. By the help of similar variables and appropriate transformations which play an important role to convert non-linear partial differential system into the non-linear ordinary differential equation. Also, the reduced boundary value of problem is resolved analytically by employing a derivatives series algorithm (DSA). The important key for this construction is necessary for the derivatives that appear as a coefficient in the power series. The impacts of conspicuous physical emerging parameters on the velocity distribution are described using sketched and interpreted at boundaries in cases of slip and no slip.
Air Damper Effect on Temperature and Airflow Distribution in Enhancing Thermal Comfort Performance
Authors: Nur’Amirah Busu  , Norasikin Mat Isa  , Azian Hariri  , Mohamed Hussein
Published: December 2022

Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) technology keeps growing towards providing people with good thermal comfort and indoor air quality. Most buildings use a centralized air-conditioning system in which the air-handling configuration of variable air volume (VAV) system focuses on controlling the zone temperature. But, some of the areas in the zone facing under-actuated and over-actuated airflow lead to the distortion of thermal comfort. Some indoor areas get too cold, and some get too hot due to improper air distribution. The indoor temperature inconsistency will affect the occupants' productivity and work performance. The main focus of this research is to improve the indoor environment's thermal performance by implementing an active air damper as an air controlling device for a centralized air-conditioning system. Indirectly, this will provide the control of temperature for a specific area in the zone with a VAV system. This paper presents the simulation results on the effect of the air damper pattern and its opening parameter against the temperature and airflow distribution in enhancing the thermal comfort performance. The simulation was performed using Ansys FLUENT to analyze three types of air damper patterns: iris, butterfly and radial. The comparison of CFD simulation results shows that the iris damper pattern can provide an acceptable range of temperature of 22 ºC to 24 ºC, which is significant to the desired thermal comfort. The uniform airflow distribution across the indoor area is obtained with no back-flow form in the ducting. Besides, there is a substantial temperature increment when the opening area of inlet airflow is reduced. Therefore, it can be concluded that the iris damper pattern is the best selection for an active air damper since it can provide the best temperature and air flow distribution performance compared to the butterfly and radial air damper.