bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Productive and Reproductive Performance of Male Tenyi Vo Pig in Field Condition
Authors: Lanuyanger  , Nizamuddin  , Rutsa M. C. , Zuyie R. , Vidyarthi V. K. , Savino N. , Singh Rajan
Published: June 2023

The study was carried out in a farmer’s field at Phugwi village in Sekruzu block, Phek, Nagaland. Five Tenyi Vo breeder’s families were selected each from two Khel, namely Rizhoba and Cemhuba, based on the farmers' indigenous traditional knowledge of Tenyi Vo pig farming, who have been rearing pigs for at least 8–10 years and keeping three (3) healthy sows, from which three (3) male piglets were selected from each farmer for the study. Average birth and weaning body weights from Rizhoba and Cemhuba khels were 0.34 kg and 0.36 kg; 4.62 kg and 4.38 kg, respectively, with no significant difference in birth weight and a significant difference in weaning weight. The average age at sexual maturity and weight at sexual maturity was 3.16 and 3.23 months, 7.30 kg and 7.20 kg, respectively, with no significant difference between the two khels. The average time for sex libido and the time taken for the first ejaculation in Rizhoba and Cemhuba were 2.33 minutes and 2.37 minutes, 3.38 minutes, and 3.29 minutes, respectively, with no significant difference. The data collected from the survey recorded nil mortality rates in Rizhoba and Cemhuba, giving them 100 percent livability.
Style and Configuration in Prehistoric Iconography
Authors:   University of Alabama, Knight Vernon
Published: June 2023

The iconography of ancient art has to do with making propositions about what that art depicts. Stylistic studies, in contrast, make propositions about the sharedness of formal properties with other objects. These can be done separately. Although many iconographic analyses of ancient art proceed with little or no consideration of style, I argue that the two modes of analysis are interdependent. I offer a methodological case that stylistic analysis is logically prior to iconographic study in the domain of ancient art. This observation argues for a distinctively staged approach to the iconography of ancient objects, one in which detailed stylistic study is a necessary prerequisite to success in determining the referents of representations.
The Art of Teaching Anthropology: Examples from Biological Anthropology
Authors:   Kennesaw State University, Smith Susan , Lund Laura ,   Georgia State University, London Marilyn ,   University of Maryland
Published: June 2023

Teaching in a college or university setting has many challenges, including often-inadequate preparation in graduate school and the requirement to develop new courses, often in a short period of time. Anthropology faculty are at a particular disadvantage because anthropology lacks any discipline-specific journals for the publication of articles on the scholarship of teaching and learning. Many anthropology faculty desire to have more resources available for course and assignment development. In this chapter, we present several examples of course syllabi, class activities, and a sample student paper that faculty can use as they develop or revise anthropology courses.
Mirror Dance: Tourists, Artists, and First People Heritage in Botswana
Authors:   Kennesaw State University, Stephenson Jessica
Published: June 2023

Arts destined for the tourist market have long been devalued and set aside from serious study. They are considered mass-produced, artistically uninteresting, and inferior in quality. Recent scholarship counters these views; many forms of tourist art can be recognized as artistically inventive and conceptually complex authentic objects of significance to both client and artist. Here the paintings and prints created by artists affiliated with the Kuru Art Project in Botswana are considered as forms of autoethnography, after Mary Louis Pratt’s term for indigenous autobiographies created in the context of “contact zones.” Autoethnographies are received heterogeneously—in this case, as both nostalgic images of longing that drive the touristic quest in southern Africa, but also as contemporary San yearnings for the reclamation of a hunter-gatherer past in the assertion of a new First People political voice.
Thomas Kinkade: Money, Class, and the Aesthetic Economy
Authors:   Savannah College of Art and Design, Falls Susan
Published: June 2023

Contemporary art is seldom given sustained anthropological analysis despite its tantalizing potential. As a response, this essay examines the work of Thomas Kinkade to cast an oblique light on the production of value. Kinkade’s mechanically reproduced opus representing Cotswold cottages, quaint city scenes, and Disney fantasies are sold by authorized dealers in malls, along tourist strips, and online. Rather than operating as kitsch, lowbrow, or a new model for art-making, Kinkade’s overt profit motive, self-celebration, and evangelical Christianity refract political, economic, and especially aesthetic constructions that undergird contemporary markets. A bad boy of the aesthetic economy, Kinkade’s work, mostly dismissed by the established art world, nevertheless has much to say about it, and about us. Ultimately, I suggest that The Painter of Light’s™ success shows that aesthetic sensibility is integral to political economy, rather than epiphenomenal to it, and that we must therefore pay attention to the role of art therein.
A AIR BACTERIA INDENTIFICATION BY USING GRAM STAINING
Authors: Rahmatullah Widia
Published: June 2023

Pengolahan darah merupakan salah satu proses dalam pelayanan darah yang dilakukan di ruang Komponen darah dimana ruangan tersebut merupakan ruangan yang tidak lepas dari adanya bakteri udara yang dapat mengkontaminasi produk darah. Tujuan penelitian ini yaitu untuk mengetahui bakteri gram positif dan bakteri gram negatif yang tumbuh pada media biakan agar Nutrient Agar (NA) dan Mac Concay Agar (MCA). Metode penelitian yang digunakan yaitu True Experiment dengan jenis penelitian The Posttes Only Gesign, yaitu hasil observasi memberikan hasil yang bersifat deskriktif. Sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah media NA dan MCA yang diletakkan dalam ruangan Komponen Darah UDD PMI Yogyakarta di 5 titik dengan Teknik Setting Plate. Hasil dari penelitian pada pemeriksaan bakteri dengan 10 sampel terdapat pertumbuhan  bakteri pada semua cawan petri di media Nutrient Agar dengan perincian 20% sampel bakteri berbentuk gram positif basil, 70% sampel bakteri berbentuk gram positif kokus,10% sampel berbentuk gram positif basil dan kokus, sementara 10 sampel pada media Mac Concay Agar terdapat pertumbuhan bakteri sebanyak 60% sampel berbentuk gram negatif basil dan 30% sampel berbentuk bakteri gram negatif kokus, dan 10% sampel berbentuk gram negatif basil dan kokus,
Effect of different fertilizer types on three millet crops grown in the humid tropics of Nigeria
Authors: Solomon Tamunobelema B  , Sunday Ogedegbe
Published: June 2023

Northern Nigeria is predominantly known to produce millet due to the low rainfall associated with the climate. However, Changes in climatic factors over the years has resulted in the shift in crop production as some crops that were adaptable to the semi-arid regions become increasingly adaptable to tropical rainforest regions. Hence there is the need to study millet in the humid tropics of Nigeria. The objectives of the studies was to determine the performance of 3 millet types treated with different fertilizers types in the humid tropics of Nigeria. The experiment was conducted in the Department of Crop Science Screen-house situated at the Research and Teaching Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City. The experiment was a 3 x 6 factorial set up in a completely randomized design which includes 3 millet crop types (Gero, Maiwa and Tamba) and 6 fertilizer types (Abuscular mycorrhiza (AM), Trichoderma hazianum (TH), NPK (15:15:15; 60 kg/ha), AM+NPK (15:15:15 at 30 kg/ha), TH+NPK and Control (C)). Growth and yield variables were measured every 3 weeks for 12 weeks and the data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance. Means were separated using Fishers-protected LSD at 5% level of probability. Millet types were significantly different with Gero and Maiwa having higher mean performance over Tamba millet. However, Gero millet was the only plant to attain flowering and subsequent grain yield during the period of the study. The fertilizer types were significant only on yield and yield components. Grain yield of Gero millet with TH+NPK had the highest yield (>100g plant-1) and wider grain diameter (>2.0 mm) than other fertilizer types. AM fertilized plants had the heaviest grain weight and was significantly heavier than the grains obtained from plants in control pots. Millet types can be grown in the humid tropics of Nigeria under controlled condition as observed in the study. They can grow vegetatively with little or no fertilizer, but the grain yield could be enhanced with Abuscular mycorrhiza and Trichoderma hazianum as biofertilizers in combination with NPK fertilizer. Application of this finding will reduce the amount of inorganic fertilizer that will be solely required for millet production by 50% and consequently promote environmental sustainability. Under controlled conditions, Gero millet can be cultivated for both forage and grains whereas Maiwa and Tamba millets could be cultivated for forage in the humid tropics of Nigeria.
İnternet Tabanlı Müdahalelere Yönelik Tutum Ölçeği Türkçe Uyarlaması: Geçerlik ve Güvenirlik Çalışması
Authors: ÖZER Ömer , KÖKSAL Burak , ALTINOK Ahmet
Published: June 2023

Psikolojik yardım alanındaki internet tabanlı müdahaleler; psikolojik bozuklukları önlemek, tedavi etmek ya da kullanıcıların iyi oluş düzeylerini ve başa çıkma becerilerini artırmak amacıyla, etkisi bilimsel olarak kanıtlanmış psikoterapötik müdahalelerin, çevrimiçi web sayfası, mobil uygulama ya da bilgisayar yazılımları aracılığı ile kullanıcının genelde ruh sağlığı uzmanı olan bir rehber eşliğinde ya da tamamen kendi başına kullanabileceği biçimde sunulmasıdır. Bu araştırmada internet tabanlı müdahalelere yönelik tutumların değerlendirilmesinde kullanılan E-Terapi Tutumları Ölçeğinin Türkçe uyarlaması gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırmanın katılımcı grubu 414 (313 Kadın ve 101 Erkek) üniversite öğrencisinden oluşmaktadır. Elde edilen doğrulayıcı faktör analizi sonuçları, genel olarak, orijinal ölçeğin yapısını doğrulamaktadır: χ2/sd (416.09/103) = 4.04, p < .001, CFI = .94, NNFI = .92; IFI = .94; GFI = .89; SRMR = .063; RMSEA=.086 (RMSEA için güven aralığı = .077–.094). İnternet Tabanlı Müdahalelere Yönelik Tutum Ölçeği, “Algılanan Kullanışlılık ve Yararlılık” ve “Göreceli Avantaj ve Karşılaştırılabilirlik” olarak isimlendirilen iki alt boyuttan oluşmaktadır. Ölçeğin mevcut verideki güvenirliğini belirlemek için yapılan analizlerde, ölçeğin tamamına ilişkin iç tutarlık katsayısının .86, test tekrar test uygulamasına göre ölçme aracının sonuçlarının zamana göre değişmediği bulunmuştur (r = .92). On altı maddeden oluşan ölçme aracı, bireylerin internet tabanlı müdahalelere yönelik tutumlarını değerlendirmek için kullanılabilecek geçerli ve güvenilir bir değerlendirme aracıdır.
Clinical Guideline and Diagnostic Algorithm of Acute Hepatitis with Unknown Origin in Children: Tehran Children’s Medical Center Protocol
Authors: Soti Khiabani Mahsa , Alimadadi Hosein , Abdolsalehi Mohammad Reza , Sotoudeh Anvari Maryam
Published: June 2023

: Reports of acute hepatitis with unknown origin in children have been published worldwide since April 2022. Due to the unfamiliar nature of the disease and the alarming trend of increasing reports worldwide, health workers must become aware of its diagnosis and treatment. Accordingly, the committee for developing guidelines for the Department of Pediatrics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, prepared a clinical guideline for more efficient management of these patients. Due to the limited information about this disease, it has been tried to categorize and specify the required diagnostic and treatment measures based on the latest published data. Herein we express this algorithmic approach and diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines for acute hepatitis with unknown origin in children.
PENGARUH TOTAL ASSETS TURNOVER TERHADAP RETURN ON ASSET PADA PT PINDAD (PERSERO) PERIODE 2013 – 2017
Authors: Novitta Mega , Juwanda Hadi
Published: June 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menghitung pengaruh  Total Assets Turnover (TATO) terhadap Return On Asset (ROA) pada PT PINDAD (Persero) periode 2013 – 2017. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah penelitian deskriptif dengan menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif. Teknik analisis yang digunakan adalah analisis uji normalitas, analisis korelasi pearson, koefisien determinasi, dan analisis regresi sederhana. Pengujian hipotesis dilakukan dengan menggunakan uji t. Hasil analisis korelasi Pearson sebesar 0,593 menunjukkan bahwa kedua variabel memiliki hubungan yang cukup kuat. Besarnya koefisien determinasi (R square) adalah sebesar 0,352. Hal ini berarti bahwa TATO berpengaruh sebesar 35,2% terhadap ROA, dan hasil analisis regresi sederhana menunjukkan bahwa setiap kenaikan TATO 1% maka ROA akan naik sebesar 0,101%. Hasil uji t menunjukkan besarnya thitung : 1,276 < ttabel : 3,18245 yang menandakan H0 diterima yaitu artinya TATO tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap ROA. Saran bagi PT PINDAD (Persero) sebaiknya diharapkan menjaga dan terus mengontrol kestabilan Total Asset Turnover agar Return On Asset akan terus meningkat. Ini bertujuan untuk kelangsungan hidup perusahaan di masa mendatang.
The Value Gap: How Gender, Generation, Personality, and Politics Shape the Values of American University Students
Authors: Rausch Zachary M.
Published: June 2023

Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt, in their book, The Coddling of the American Mind (2018), portrayed current undergraduate American college students (most of whom are in the generation Gen Z: 1995 - 2013) as valuing emotional well-being and the advancement of social justice goals above traditional academic values such as academic freedom and the pursuit of truth. We investigated whether this value discrepancy exists among 574 American university students by exploring the prioritization of five different academic values (academic freedom, advancing knowledge, academic rigor, social justice, and emotional well-being). We also explored how gender, generation, personality, major, and conservatism predict each academic value. Generational differences were present, with Gen Z students emphasizing emotional well-being and de-emphasising academic rigor. Males scored higher on measures of academic freedom and advancing knowledge, while lower on social justice and emotional well-being compared to females. Political conservatism was the strongest predictor for social justice scores, with increased liberal attitudes predicting higher scores on social justice. Emotional stability positively predicted advancing knowledge, while negatively predicting emotional well-being. Agreeableness positively predicted emotional well-being, while negatively predicting advancing knowledge. We ultimately argue that gender is a crucial, underestimated explanatory factor of the value orientations of American college students.
Potential Adoption of Integrated Reporting – Case Study of a City Council
Authors: Maelah Ruhanita , Hassan Haslina , Hamzah Noradiva
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT Purpose: The purpose of the study is to examine the potential of Integrated Reporting (IR) adoption by a city council through the identification of its enablers and challenges. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study utilised a qualitative interpretative case study of a city council that has the potential to pioneer IR adoption among local authorities. Data collection involved in-depth interviews as well as document analysis. Findings: Findings from this study indicates that IR, which was originally seen as a private sector initiative, has relevance and application to public sector organisations. Challenges faced by the respondent to implement IR is the lack of knowledge on how to prepare the IR in tying together numerous aspects that can meet the requirement of information usefulness to stakeholders. The lack of benchmarking cases for reference and limited information on the cost involved in IR adoption are acknowledged as challenges Training, management support and innovative culture are considered IR enablers at City Council ONE. Research Limitation: This study is exploratory in nature as a single case study is used, and City Council ONE has not adopted IR. Practical Implication: Identifying challenges and enablers is important for city councils to assess their readiness prior to adopting IR. The findings could be used as input to the regulators and other public sector entities to facilitate the implementation of IR. Originality/Value: This study is part of a more extensive research on IR enablers and challenges for Local Authorities of Malaysia. Keywords: Integrated reporting, city council, enablers, challenges.
Role of Governance in Outcome-Based Budgeting Implementation Towards Accountability in the Malaysian Public Sector
Authors: Tuan Mat Tuan Zainun , Roslan Nur Aainaa , Mohd Fahmi Fadzlina
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study investigates the perceived influence of outcome-based budgeting implementation towards accountability in public sectors and the moderating role of governance. Methodology: The quantitative method was applied using simple random sampling techniques. Eighty-two usable questionnaires were collected from the prospective respondents of public sector departments/agencies in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, Malaysia. The primary data analysis technique for this study is Multiple Linear Regression analysis. Findings: The research findings indicate a significant and positive influence of OBB implementation on accountability in public sectors. There is no significant direct influence of governance towards accountability. However, governance has a significant moderating role between the OBB implementation and accountability. Practical Implications: This study can become a platform for public sectors to continue implementing outcome-based budgeting as their budgetary system, even though they face some challenges in setting up the performance measure for each activity. This study also seeks to inform policy-making within the government, which will support the shaping of better-managed, more legitimate, trusted and accountable public service in Malaysia. Originality/Value: Few studies link new budgetary practices, outcome-based budgeting, with accountability and good governance. Given the lack of extensive literature on this topic, this is probably one of the first studies that provide evidence of the moderating role of governance in the relationship between OBB implementation and accountability, which is in line with the stakeholder theory. Keywords: Outcome-based budgeting, accountability, governance, public sector.
Social Impact of Sustainable Development Goals and Corporate Governance on Malaysian Government-Linked Companies – The Malaysian Perspective
Authors: Subramaniam Geetha , Gooi Leong Mow , Chong Kim Mee , Ooi Kok Loang , Ahmad Zamri
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine the public perception of the social impact of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Corporate Governance (CG) on public sector companies focussing on government-linked companies (GLCs) in Malaysia. Design/Methodology/Approach: To ascertain the social impact of SDGs and CG, a mixed-method approach of quantitative survey and qualitative interviews were employed. In this descriptive study, a purposive sampling technique was used to distribute a self-administered questionnaire to 400 respondents throughout the nation while 15 participants were interviewed. Findings: The majority of the respondents in the primary survey are aware of SDGs and have some knowledge about SDGs implemented by GLCs. However, it is interesting to note that when it comes to Corporate Governance, the major concern noted is that many programmes and projects by the GLCs are good but do not have the far-reaching effects that were expected. Originality/Value: The results of this study contribute to policymakers, regulators and practitioners by presenting the public perception on the SDGs and CG practices being implemented by the GLCs in Malaysia. The results will assist the Malaysian government in understanding the gaps between what the GLCs set out to do and how the public perceive the initiatives carried out. Improved and widespread education of the younger generation as to their legitimate rights and the benefits accruing from SDGs will enable them to articulate their needs and vocalise precise expectations from their leaders to improve decent work and economic growth in an era which is increasingly becoming competitive and combative, both locally and internationally. Keywords: SDG, CG, social impact, Malaysians.
Cara Belajar Siswa SMAN 1 Matur di Rumah pada Masa Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Rahmawati Fitri , Santosa Budi
Published: June 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, students studied from home, affecting various aspects of student life, one of which was the way of learning. The aim of the research is to find out how students study at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. There were 5 student key informants, 1 Guidance and Counseling teacher and 3 parents. Data was collected through interviews, observation, and documentation. Data processing techniques use descriptive qualitative analysis and techniques to test the validity of the data with data trigulation. Based on the results of research on SMA N I Matur students, it shows that the way students learn during the COVID-19 pandemic is the first method of learning from the aspect of making a schedule, namely not carrying out all the schedules that have been arranged, and students not using their free time to the fullest. second, how to learn from the aspect of reading and taking notes, that is, there is still a lack of motivation for students to read, and in making notes students only make it in summary form. third, how to learn in the aspect of repeating lesson material, that is, students repeat lessons when they are going to face daily tests or exams. Fourth, how to learn from the aspect of concentration, that is, students can concentrate, but the student environment is less supportive. The five ways of learning from the aspect of doing assignments, namely, students rely on sources from the internet in doing assignments that are not sure of the truth of the source, and also if the internet network does not support the student's assignments will pile up.
Late Pennsylvanian Calcareous Paleosols from Central New Mexico: Implications for Paleoclimate
Authors: Lucas Spencer G. , Tanner Lawrence H.
Published: June 2023

We document calcareous paleosols from Upper Pennsylvanian (lower Virgilian) strata of the Burrego Member of the Atrasado Formation in the Cerros de Amado of Socorro County, New Mexico. The Burrego paleosols are an excellent example of a scarce, climate-sensitive lithology in the Pennsylvanian strata of New Mexico. These paleosols contain mostly stage II to III carbonate horizons, and their overall morphology suggests deposition and pedogenesis under subhumid, seasonally dry conditions. This conclusion is consistent with paleobotanical and other data that indicate such climate conditions were widespread on Late Pennsylvanian Pangea. The mean value of the oxygen-isotope ratios from Burrego paleosol carbonates compares well with the values from Virgilian paleosols of the San Juan, the eastern Midland and Chama basins of New Mexico-Texas, suggesting similar conditions of temperature and paleoprecipitation. Application of the diffusion-reaction model to the mean carbon-isotope composition of the carbonate suggests a paleo-pCO2 of approximately 400 ppmV, which is also consistent with estimates from correlative carbonate deposits that formed farther east in Late Pennsylvanian Pangea.
Saoake business analysis
Authors:   , Jariyanoppanan Sorravee
Published: June 2023

It is interesting to see the presence of traditional construction material and supply stores in a competitive market since there are many modern trade construction companies entering the market. This analysis will explore how the local store like Saoake survives and maintains the market share through two main approaches which are SWOT analysis and Porter’s 5 forces model. This research will mention the overall construction industry analysis, the specific analysis and interpretation of Saoake company, study the management of Saoake traditional store, see how Saoake handle with Covid-19 pandemic and recommendations. The study shows that Saoake has adapted well through time period changes, adopted new technology and response to customer needs in order to keep a good relationship with them. The participation of modern trade is a real challenge to Saoake for many years. However, the firm still stands strong in the market.
The ways of improving competitiveness of Thailand textile industry enterprises
Authors:   , Zhou Chun
Published: June 2023

COVID-19 has spread globally at an alarming rate, bringing a strong negative impact to the world economy at a time when the global economy is in a long-term downturn and struggling to find growth drivers. The topic of this article is how to improve the international competitiveness of Thailand's traditional industry the textile industry when the tourism economy suffers a severe setback. Thailand's textile industry has grown rapidly as a typical developing country, owing to its unique geographical location and climatic conditions (Vogel & Watchravesringkan, 2019). It has developed a distinct textile culture, and its competitiveness in the international market has been steadily improved. As a result, the textile industry has long played an important role in Thailand's economic development. According to Bisonyabut, (2011), Thailand has a complete textile industry chain and has made a commitment in recent years to becoming the ASEAN fashion and textile industry center. However, the international trade competition faced by Thailand's textile industry has become increasingly tense in recent years, and the pressure of competition is still particularly visible. As a result, how to improve Thai textile export competitiveness in the international market in light of the new international situation has significant theoretical and practical implications for the development of Thailand's textile industry as well as the further consolidation and promotion of Thailand's position in the international textile trade.
Usability of mobile banking application toward Thai banking customer loyalty
Authors:   , Chaimongkol Nalatporn
Published: June 2023

Mobile banking has become increase in its popularity and become more important for Thai people. Traditional banking seems to be fading out and Mobile banking application is widely used.  This study consider how service usability, relationship quality, and banking image could impact banking customer loyalty. The online survey from 304 respondents was collected to investigate and explain the relationship of each factors toward Thai banking customer loyalty. The result from multiple regression analysis indicates that service usability, relationship quality, and banking image have significant effect on building customer loyalty. While other control variables such as gender, education, age, occupation, frequency, duration, and income have no significant effect on customer loyalty. Therefore, banks need to focus on usability of mobile banking application. It could assist bank to keep potential online customers and turn to be loyal customers. Moreover, relationship quality (satisfaction, trust, commitment) plays important role in mobile banking because it could create long term relationship between bank and customer even though the interaction is an online service. Once customers are satisfied with mobile banking services, customer would have intention to continue using. Bank image is another important factor that affect customer loyalty. This is because bank image performs the success of the bank which affect customer’s evaluation before deciding to use.
Accruals and volatility in a real options-based investment approach: evidence from Thai market
Authors:   , Chuenurajit Chayaporn
Published: June 2023

This study investigates the relationship between year-ahead net working capital accruals as a proxy of investment behavior and expected volatility during the period of 2009 to 2018 of listed non-financial firms in Thailand. I apply a real options-based investment framework to view accruals as a result of investment decision and investigate the impact of firm’s expected volatility.

The results show that firms with higher expected volatility have lower level of year-ahead accruals which is consistent with Grenadier and Malenko (2010). Moreover, this study also indicates that high expected volatility period induces distressed firms to invest because they have opportunity to receive a higher return which is consistent with Eisdorfer (2008). In addition, long operating cycle firms prefer to delay their investment during high expected volatility period because they have more possible investment outcomes which is consistent with Arif et al. (2016).

Overall, these results suggest that expected volatility has a pervasive effect to investment decision-making of the firms which is considered as the recognition of accruals.
Demographic, macroeconomic and institutional determinants of life insurance consumption: evidence from countries in Asia
Authors:   , Yodseranee Pattha
Published: June 2023

Objective of this paper is to examine the determinants of life insurance consumption in terms of demographic, macroeconomic and institutional conditions from 26 countries from Asia covering the period of 1980 to 2019. The variables including 4 demographic variables, 7 macroeconomic variables and 3 institutional variables are explored by fixed effect estimation. The study also further examines difference of impact in different countries characteristic, that divided into Muslim, High-income and High-aged dependency ratio countries. The findings show that life insurance consumption have significant positive relationship with life expectancy. For high-income country, found that the Aged dependency ratio had less impact than other countries. On the contrary, Health expenditure and Political stability affect life insurance purchase decisions more than any other country. Subsequently, Aged dependency ratio and Inflation had less impact for High-aged dependency ratio countries.
PENGEMBANGAN SUMBER DAYA MANUSIA MELALUI PELATIHAN ECOPRENEUR DENGAN KONSEP SAEMAUL UNDONG PADA UMKM DESA CIBATU
Authors: Rezeki Fitri , Sunaryati Titin , Ramadhani RDS Yunita , Nurhidayanti Nisa , Rustianah Rustianah
Published: June 2023

Ecopreneur yang dikembangkan dalam PKM ini adalah pengembangan produk bernilai tambah dari komoditas lokal yang dianggap tidak/kurang bernilai ekonomis. Kelompok mitra yang dilibatkan yaitu kelompok Lembaga Swadaya Masyarakat desa Cibatu. Pendekatan yang dilakukan yaitu fasilitasi proses izin P-IRT dan penyediaan dukungan in-kind berupa peralatan. Selain itu, kelompok juga didampingi dalam pembuatan kemasan dan media promosi dan pemasaran. Pada kegiatan PKM ini, kombinasi ecopreneurship dan konsep Saemaul Undong 2.0 merupakan pendekatan yang potensial untuk digunakan dalam pengabdian kepada masyarakat yang lebih berkelanjutan Pengembangan sumber daya manusia melalui pelatihan ecopreneur dengan konsep saemaul undong pada umkm desa cibatu tersebut diharapkan mampu memberikan dampak yang baik terhadap masyakarat yang berada di sekitar lokasi untuk meningkatkan pendapatan. Oleh karena itu perlunya dukungan dari masyarakat dalam merealisasikan pengembangan sumber daya manusia melalui pelatihan ecopreneur dengan konsep saemaul undong pada umkm desa cibatu.
Software implementation of methods for optimal design of power electronic devices
Authors:   Faculty of Applied Mathematics and Informatics, Technical University of Sofia, Bulgaria, Gilev Bogdan , Hinov Nikolay ,   Faculty of Electronic Engineering and Technologies, Technical University of Sofia, Bulgaria, Stefanov Stanislav ,   Faculty of Transport, University of Architecture Civil Engineering and Geodesy, Sofia, Bulgaria
Published: June 2023

The manuscript presents a software implementation of methods for the optimal design of power electronic devices based on MATLAB. Model-based optimization is one of the effective approaches to guarantee the performance of power electronic devices and systems. Through its application, the efficiency of the conversion of electrical energy is increased when setting a certain target function. Several examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed optimization.
Intelligent surveillance systems on the Internet of Things based on secure applications with the IBM cloud platform
Authors:   Computer Engineering and Informatics Department, University of Patras and CTI-“Diophantus”, Greece, Adamopoulos Ioannis , Ilias Aristidis ,   Computer Engineering and Informatics Department, University of Patras and CTI-“Diophantus”, Greece, Makris Christos ,   Computer Engineering and Informatics Department, University of Patras and CTI-“Diophantus”, Greece, Stamatiou Yannis ,   Computer Engineering and Informatics Department, University of Patras and CTI-“Diophantus”, Greece,   Department of Business Administration; University of Patras and CTI-“Diophantus”, Greece
Published: June 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the most fast-evolving and most pervasive technological advancements of the last decade. Driven by IoT’s promise for an interconnected world for all people, through a shared Internet-based infrastructure, more and more businesses expand their activities to embrace, competitively, this new concept. More importantly, the ubiquitous, highly granular, and of increasing interconnection and computational capabilities nature of the IoT fabric creates a unique ecosystem for developing powerful, intelligent applications not limited to simply gathering and analyzing environmental and people data. This potential combines the IoT’s physical capabilities with the achievements of the more mature discipline of Artificial Intelligence (AI). However, there is still a large number of businesses with no clear plans of investing in the IoT-plus-AI potential, citing multiple obstacles mainly related to the difficulty of understanding, adapting, and developing advanced AI techniques. Our goal is to show that advanced AI functionalities can, now, be easily implemented and operated through existing IoT platforms, by developing an intelligent, remote, surveillance application based on IBM’s Cloud and Watson platforms as well as the Raspberry Zero W low-cost IoT device.
Uso potencial e vulnerabilidade das águas subterrâneas em áreas de expansão urbana (Belém-Pará)
Authors: Barros Layla Maria Monteiro Gomes de , Lima Aline Maria Meiguins de
Published: June 2023

A vulnerabilidade das águas subterrâneas varia em função das características hidrogeológicas e das formas de uso do solo, sendo de alta relevância socioambiental pelo potencial de abastecimento humano. Com o objetivo de avaliar a vulnerabilidade natural das águas subterrâneas em uma área de expansão urbana (Distrito de Icoaraci, Belém, Pará), adotando o método GOD e admitindo as condições de urbanização em áreas de planície amazônica, foram empregados o total de 129 poços oriundos do Sistema de Informações de Águas Subterrâneas (SIAGAS) e do banco de dados da companhia de saneamento. Estes foram consistidos e especializados em uma base georreferenciada, interpolados e processados por álgebra de mapas. Os produtos indicaram que: 64% da área foi classificada como vulnerabilidade média e 16% como insignificante; as áreas de maior concentração da ocupação comprometem as águas subterrâneas; e a desigual distribuição dos poços, pode subestimar o resultado de algumas áreas. O estudo da vulnerabilidade natural deve ser ponto fundamental no planejamento para a implantação de captações subterrâneas para fins de abastecimento público e de coleta e tratamento de esgoto sanitário, a ausência ou fragilidade deste, compromete o uso das águas e favorece a contaminação hídrica subterrânea, principalmente dos aquíferos de comportamento não confinado.
Anti-Snake Venom Activity of Indigofera Hirsuta Extracts Against Naja Nigricollis Venom
Authors: Muhammad Malami Usman , Gayari Muhammad Salmanu , Idris Buhari , Bello Muhammadu , Boyi Muhammad Yunusa
Published: June 2023

Indogofera hirsuta has reportedly been used in traditional medicine to treat snake envenomation. The study is aimed at exploring the potential of the plant for antivenom activity using standard methods. Preliminary phytochemical screening on the extracts revealed the presence of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids/terpenes, cardiac glycosides and saponins. Acute toxicity studies conducted on mice (ip) for different extract (Methanol, Butanol and Chloroform) using Lorkes method gave an LD50 of 1131.3mg/kg each, suggesting the plant to be less toxic. The antivenin effect of the extracts was tested against Naja nigricollis venom using mice. Maximum protection was observed in ex vivo model at an administered dose of (LD99 +260) with 100% survival for all mice used the extracts and a moderate survival rate (50%) at a dose of (LD99 + 80). Appreciable protection was observed in-vivo model at an administered dose of (LD99 + 500) with 83.3% survival for methanolic extract, moderate survival rate (50%) at a dose of (LD99 + 250) and relatively lower survival rate (33.3%) at a dose of (LD99 + 125) for all mice used the extracts. The results confirmed that extracts of Indigofera hirsuta contains bioactive constituents with significant antivenin activity (P<0.05) under both ex vivo and in vivo conditions and thus providing scientific evidence to support the traditional claims for use in the treatment of snake bite.
DETERMINANT FACTORS OF TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY IN YAM PRODUCTION IN MORO LGA, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Ismail, U. O.  , Mahmud, H. U.
Published: June 2023

This paper investigates the determinants factors of technical efficiency using the stochastic frontier production function which incorporates the inefficiency model. A sample of 150 yam farmers were randomly selected from 17 wards of Moro LGA in Kwara State, Nigeria. Data was collected from the respondents with the aid of a structured interview schedule.  The empirical result showed that land size, fertilizer, seedling, and use of herbicides were the main factors determining technical efficiency while age, experience, household size and contact with extension agent were the main determinants of the technical inefficiency of yam farmers. The mean technical efficiency was 0.636 which means that 36.4% of the technical output was not achieved. The result also indicates that land size, fertilizer, seedling, and herbicides are significant in yam production. And a significant relationship between age, household size, extension contact and years of experience and the output of the yam producers as it influences their technical efficiencies. The study concludes that land size, fertilizer, seedling, and use of herbicides were the main factors determining technical efficiency while age, experience, household size and contact with extension agent were the main the main determinants of inefficiency and thus recommends youths be encouraged to form cooperative organization and into yam production with attractive incentives like easy access to farm inputs, cooperate financing, easy exposure to markets.
LOAN REPAYMENT AND CREDIT WORTHINESS OF MAIZE FARMERS UNDER KENECHUKWU MICROFINANCE IN ENUGU NORTH AGRICULTURAL ZONE OF ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Ume, S. I.  , Kaine, A. I. N.
Published: June 2023

The determinant of loan repayment and credit worthiness of smallholder maize farmers under Kenechukwu Microfinance in Enugu North Agricultural Zone, Enugu State, Nigeria was studied. One hundred and twenty respondents were randomly selected using multi stage random sampling technique. A well-structured questionnaire and interview scheduled were employed to collect the data. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, table and percentage responses were employed to analyze objectives. The multiple regression analysis and discriminant analysis were also used to analyze the data obtained. The determinant factors to loan repayment in the study area were educational level and distance from the bank to farmers’ house. Furthermore, factor affecting credit worthiness of the farmers were educational level, farm size, off--farm income and distance from bank. The recommendations proffered were needed to ensure farmers’ access to educational programmes, land for genuine farmers and off- farm activities.
THE ROLES OF GLOBAL SOIL PARTNERSHIPS IN SOIL EVANGELIZATION IN POST COVID-19 ERA
Authors: Chukwu, G. O.  , Anozie, C. C.  , Omeke, J. O.  , Ekeledo, P. I.
Published: June 2023

Soil evangelization (SE) is a holistic trans-disciplinary approach to raise awareness about soil security and to address soil and land related challenges to sustainable development. It is a major function of the Global Soil Partnerships (GSP) as a voluntary body formed in 2011 by the FAO in collaboration with European Commission. The GSP facilitates SE through multidimensional activities such as organization of the World Soil Days, celebration of the International Year of Soils 2015, and enacting the world soil charter, to facilitate and support sustainable soil resource management in collaboration with relevant agencies. Their specific and future activities include connecting people with soils and raising awareness on their critical importance in our lives, development of soil educational materials and teaching methods, in view of COVID-19 pandemic, for various grades of students. Others include strengthening initiatives in connection with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) process and post-2015 and post COVID-19 agenda.
FACTORS INFLUENCING ADOPTION OF AGROFORESTRY FARMING SYSTEM AS A MEANS FOR SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION METHOD IN JERE LGA, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Ibrahim, Iro I.  , Nabage, O. H. A.
Published: June 2023

Farmers were exposed to agroforestry but did not adopt the system due to some perceived factors. However, unless they adopt agroforestry farming system, the potential benefits of the technology for livelihood improvement and sustainable environmental management will not be realized. Thus, this study was carried out to assess the factors influencing adoption of agroforestry farming systems as a means for sustainable environmental conservation method in Jere L.G.A of Borno State. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select the respondents for this study. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) respondents interviewed for the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics which include fre­quency distributions, means, and percentages. The ordered logistic regression was used to estimate the factors influencing the adoption of agroforestry as a means of sustainable conservation practices by farmers in the study area. The result revealed that majority of the farmers were aware of agroforestry mostly through their farmers’ association. The major factors that positively influenced adoption of agroforestry include gender, household size, extension services and farming experience. Despite the numerous benefits of agroforestry to environmental conservation, farmers were constrained by land fragmentation possibly due to inheritance, inadequate nurseries where seeds/seedlings can be accessed, inadequate incentives and poor government policies, poor access to extension services, inadequate capital, long gestation period of trees, damage caused by animals/humans, limited use of machineries and unavailability of labour. It was recommended that land fragmentation should be discouraged, extension services, seedlings and incentives should also be provided to farmers in the study area to encourage and motivate them to go into agroforestry farming to sustain environmental conservation in the area.
ANALYSIS OF HOUSEHOLD’S CONSUMPTION PATTERN AND PREFERENCE FOR COWPEA-BASED FOODS IN CENTRAL ZONE OF BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Ocholi, A.  , Sani, R. M.  , Yakubu, S.
Published: June 2023

This study examined the households’ consumption pattern and preference for cowpea-based foods in Central zone of Bauchi state, Nigeria. A multi-stage random sampling technique was employed in the selection of 140 households for this study. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed with descriptive statistics the findings revealed a mean household size and mean income of 11 persons and ₦34,461.07, respectively. The result indicated that household highly preferred Akara, moin-moin, and cowpea dumpling with mean values of 2.9, 2.3 and 2.1 which are greater than the gross mean of 2.0. This implies that the higher the mean value of cowpea products, the higher the level of preference for the cowpea products. The mean values of 1.8 and 1.5 are for cowpea porridge and cowpea soup, respectively which are less than the gross mean of 2.0. This implies that household heads moderately or slightly preferred cowpea porridge and cowpea soup. The study concluded that households highly preferred kanannado cowpea type. In addition, the most preferred cowpea product was akara. The study recommended that cowpea farmers should produce more of kanannado cowpea type through awareness by extension agents to cowpea farmers and cowpea farmers should be educated on the potentials that exist in cowpea processing and how they can seize the opportunities to increase their income.
IMPACTS OF INTEGRATED AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT ON INCOME AND LIVELIHOODS OF RICE PRODUCERS IN LERE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Mohammed, U.  , Waziri, A.  , Baba, K. C.  , Ahmad, B. S.
Published: June 2023

The research was aimed at impacts of integrated agricultural development project on income and livelihoods of rice producers in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. This study was carried out in   five communities of Lere LGA of Kaduna State, Nigeria which were; Abadawa, Garu Mariri, Kayarda, Kudaru and Dan Alhaji as participation communities in  Integrated Agricultural Development Project. Multi-stage random sampling was used to choose 212 respondents. Face-to-face interviews with rice producers generated primary data, which was obtained using structured questionnaire. The socio-economic profile of the sampled respondents was determined using descriptive methods. The data obtained from objective i and iii was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as (frequency distribution, percentage mean) objective ii was achieved using Ordered Probit Model. The objective iv was achieved using the Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (W). The outcome of the research appeared that most of the respondents were of active working group and the average age of the sample respondents was approximately 46 years while the average family size was 10. The findings of the study showed that 88.6% were married and educational mean was 9years and almost 73.7% of sample respondents has access to credit. The results showed that the mean annual income of the respondents was N12,2875, indicating that majority of the rice producers in the study area had large annual income. The coefficient of training (110430.2) was positively significant at 1% level of probability, implying that access to training is expected to increase rice producers’ income in the study area. The result also indicates that increase income and increase in quality and quantity of rice production were both ranked as 1st implying that introduction of IAD project has resulted into significant in income and increase in quality and quantity of rice in the study area. The results inadequate fund ( = 4.90) ranked 1st as the most serious constraint faced by rice producers. It was recommended that credit facilities should be provided for the rice producers in the study area to enable then expand their farming activities.