bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors for unfavorable evolution of snakebites in children
Authors: Soares Coriolano Coutinho João Victor , Da Silva Marcos Vinicius , Fraga Guimarães Taiguara , Borges Valente Bruno , Gomes Martins de Moura Tomich Lísia
Published: May 2023

Pediatric patients have particularities in the clinical manifestations and complications of snakebite envenomation (SBEs), and few studies have examined this population. The objective of this paper was to study snakebites in a pediatric age group treated at a reference hospital and to evaluate factors associated with unfavorable evolution. A cross-sectional study with a clinical-epidemiological description and identification of the factors related to unfavorable evolution in patients aged <19 years old seen from January, 2018 to November, 2019 was performed. Complications related to the SBE, such as compartment syndrome, secondary infection, extensive necrosis, hemorrhage, and kidney damage, were considered unfavorable evolution. From the 325 patients in the sample, 58 were aged <19 years old; 40 (69%), 0-12 years old; and 18 (31%), 13-18 years old. All patients had local manifestations (mild, moderate, and severe), and 36 (62%) had an unfavorable evolution. Fourteen (24.1%) patients had compartment syndrome, with a significant risk association between 0 and 12 years old (p = 0.019). Two factors significantly contributed to unfavorable evolution: the timing from the bite to medical care being ≥6 hours and additional antivenom therapy needed. We conclude that the younger the patient, the smaller body segment affected, leading to disproportionality between the affected area and the amount of inoculated venom, contribute to more frequent local manifestations and complications in children rather than adults. Because of the relationship between body area and vascular volume in children differs from that in adults, the same volume of venom inoculated by snakes will be disproportionate in these two groups. Therefore, in the treatment of pediatric patients, increasing the volume of antivenom therapy is possibly necessary. Furthermore, as in adults, six hours between the bite to medical care increases the risk of complications and mortality.
KEY WORDS: Snakebites envenomation; venom; antivenom; pediatric population.
Dimensions of Classroom-Based Assessments in Inclusive Education
Authors: Jungjohann Jana , Gebhardt Markus
Published: May 2023

Inclusive education aims to provide learning progress for all. It requires assessments to identify learning levels and progress and to adapt and evaluate instruction. We extend the classroom-based assessment (CBA) approach and argue that CBA in inclusive schools consists of the four dimensions of Instructional Decision-Making, Educational Assessment, Identification of Students with Special Educational Needs, and Progress Monitoring. For this paper, we developed both a framework of CBA for research interests and individual scales for each dimension (6 to 9 items per scale) in order to identify the four dimensions in which teachers need further training. To create a more manageable instrument for education and training practice, we tested a combined model as a questionnaire. In a survey of 110 teachers and 152 pre-service special education teachers (N = 252), the individual scales had good internal consistency (α = .92, .82, .92, .93). Using Confirmatory Factor Analysis, an initial combined model, consisting of the revised individual scales, showed acceptable fit values (CFI = 0.94, TLI = 0.89, RMSEA = 0.07, SRMR = 0.06) almost everywhere. The further development of the questionnaire and its significance and relevance for inclusive educational practice will be discussed.
Exploring teachers’ perceptions of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for inclusive education: General and special education teachers in Mkushi District, Zambia
Authors: Ng’andu Nchimunya
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study was to explore teachers’ perceptions of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for inclusive education in Mkushi District, and its role in improving pedagogical practices in inclusive settings. The study was conducted among 78 general and special education teachers teaching in primary and secondary schools that were either special or inclusive education schools. A survey research design was used to measure teachers’ perceptions about the current practices in inclusive education and their training needs to enable them to implement inclusive education. A self-administered online questionnaire was sent out to participants, through which quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed. The findings suggest that generally, teachers in Mkushi have positive perceptions about CPD for inclusive education and were enthusiastic about the practice. However, the teachers indicated that they needed CPD to focus on how to teach in inclusive settings and to develop skills in adapting teaching materials to meet learners’ needs. The teachers believed that these training needs could be achieved if they were trained by experts in inclusive education. It is hoped that the findings of this research would lead to more effective models for teachers’ professional development in inclusive education in Zambia.
The project “Colour Made Inclusive” as an example of creative education for youths
Authors: Siemienow Justyna
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study is to present the programme of working with socially maladjusted youngsters, which is tailored to special needs of youths in one of the residential child care institutions. The theoretical background of the programme under discussion is based on cognitive–behavioral theory. The example in question consisted of several different types of classes including art classes and psychological support. Using the qualitative methods, the semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data as this study analyzed the participants’ changes in their behaviour. The most significant results of this study are the following conclusions: 1. the new programmes of working with youths based on cognitive behavioral theory (CBT) concept are necessary for the effective social rehabilitation process and restore these young people to the society, 2. social rehabilitation institutions for young people should provide them with the possibilities of changing their behaviour in the society as in the example presented in this paper.
Caregiver Implemented Dialogic Reading: impact on children with and without autism in Brazil
Authors: Muller Katia Fabine , Paula Nunes Débora Regina , Schmidt Carlo
Published: May 2023

There is evidence about the effectiveness of using caregiver-implemented, shared book reading protocols for mitigating language and literacy deficits in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In Brazil, studies of this nature are scarce but essential for identifying successful early intervention practices for a population that has significantly grown in the last three decades. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of Reading to Engage Children with Autism in Language and Learning (RECALL), an intervention protocol that employs dialogic reading principles on the language and literacy skills of a 3-year-old child with ASD and a 4-year-old typically developing peer. Using a single-subject A-B research design, the effects of RECALL, employed by mothers, on their children's responses were evaluated. The results revealed that: (a) average effect size for strategy use following caregiver training was large for the mother of the child with ASD (Tau-U = 0,7) and moderate for the mother of the typically developing child (Tau-U = 0,5) ; (b) both children became more responsive, significantly increasing the frequency of communication interactions following caregiver intervention (Tau-U = 1); (d) the child with typical development showed an increase in the frequency of correct and spontaneous responses, and (c) the intervention was positively evaluated by the caregivers. Adaptations of the protocol, as well as its limitations, are discussed.
Life Survival Strategy Perempuan Rumah Tangga Miskin Desa Logas Kabupaten Kuantan Singingi
Authors: Yelly Zamaya  , Sri Endang Kornita  , Ufira Isbah  , Angga Pramana  , Taryono
Published: May 2023

Penelitian ini dilakukam untuk melihat peran perempuan rumah tangga miskin dalam memilih strategi bertahan hidup di Desa Logas Kecamatan Singingi Kabupaten Kuantan Singingi Provinsi Riau. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan cara mengumpulkan data, menampilkan data, mereduksi data dan menarik kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian ini menggambarkan bahwa karakteristik penduduk perempuan rumah tangga miskin di Desa Logas ditinjau secara sosio-demografis; tergolong dalam usia produktif, memiliki tingkat pendidikan rendah dimana sebagian besar responden hanya sampai Sekolah Dasar. Karakteristik responden dilihat dari segi ekonomi; sebagian besar merupakan ibu rumah tangga (tidak bekerja) dan bekerja di sektor informal. Pendapatan rumah tangga responden berada diantara Rp1.000.000-Rp2.000.000 per bulan dengan rata-rata jumlah tanggungan 5 orang per kepala keluarga. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini adalah perempuan pada rumah tangga miskin di Desa Logas memiliki strategi survival yaitu strategi aktif yaitu mayoritas mencari pekerjaan lain/tambahan, strategi pasif dengan mayoritas memilih barang konsumsi pangan yang lebih murah dan strategi jejaring dengan memanfaatkan bantuan program kemiskinan dari pemerintah.
Analisis Pengaruh PDRB, Unit Usaha, Dan UMK Terhadap Penyerapan Tenaga Kerja Industri Manufaktur di Jawa Timur
Authors: Putri Eka Nugrahani Widodo  , Nenik Woyanti
Published: May 2023

Sektor industri di Jawa Timur memiliki kontribusi tertinggi terhadap struktur PDRB yang diharapkan meningkatkan penyerapan tenaga kerja. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis: 1) Pengaruh PDRB, unit usaha, dan UMK terhadap penyerapan tenaga kerja industri manufaktur besar dan sedang di Provinsi Jawa Timur tahun 2015-2019 2) Faktor yang paling dominan pengaruhnya terhadap penyerapan tenaga kerja industri manufaktur besar dan sedang di Provinsi Jawa Timur tahun 2015 – 2019. Data yang digunakan adalah data sekunder dari tahun 2015 hingga tahun 2019. Variabel yang digunakan adalah PDRB, unit usaha, dan UMK di Jawa Timur. Metode analisis yang digunakan adalah regresi data panel dengan model menggunakan Fixed Effect Model (FEM). Hasil regresi menunjukkan bahwa unit usaha berpengaruh positif dan signifikan, PDRB berpengaruh positif dan tidak signifikan dan UMK berpengaruh negatif dan tidak signifikan terhadap penyerapan tenga kerja industri manufaktur besar dan sedang di Jawa Timur tahun 2015 - 2019. Variabel yang paling dominan dalam penelitian ini adalah unit usaha.
Analisis Pengaruh PDRB, Tenaga Kerja, UMP, Dan IPM Terhadap Pengangguran Pulau Jawa Tahun 2010 – 2019
Authors: Putri Ana Indarwati  , Nenik Woyanti
Published: May 2023

Sebagai pulau dengan penduduk terpadat di Indonesia, Pulau Jawa tidak terlepas dari masalah ketenagakerjaan. Masalah ketenagakerjaan yang dihadapi diantaranya adalah peningkatan tenaga kerja yang lebih tinggi daripada penyerapan tenaga kerja sehingga mengakibatkan pengangguran. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh Produk Domestik Regional Bruto (PDRB), jumlah tenaga kerja, upah minimum provinsi, dan Indeks Pembangunan Manusia (IPM) terhadap tingkat pengangguran terbuka (TPT) di Pulau Jawa. Penelitian ini menggunakan analisis regresi data panel dari 6 provinsi di Pulau Jawa selama periode 2010-2019. Model yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah Fixed Effect Model. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: 1) PDRB secara parsial berpengaruh negatif dan signifikan terhadap pengangguran; 2) tenaga kerja secara parsial tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap pengangguran; 3) Upah minimum provinsi secara parsial tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap pengangguran; 4) IPM secara parsial berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap pengangguran; 5) PDRB, jumlah tenaga kerja, upah minimum provinsi, dan IPM secara simultan berpengaruh signifikan terhadap pengangguran.
Development of Skills to Listen to the Interlocutor in the Process of Future Social Workers' Communication and Speech Training
Authors: Berezovska Liudmyla I.
Published: May 2023

The relevance of the research is determined by the priority competence area of training qualified specialists, in particular future social workers, which provides for the development and improvement of not only speech but also auditory skills. The purpose of the study is a theoretical analysis and practical substantiation of the specific features of the development of future social specialists, skills to listen to the interlocutor in the process of communication and speech training in higher educational institutions. The study consisted of two stages, namely theoretical and empirical, which led to the use of general scientific research methods and special scientific research methods, including psychological methods for assessing listening skills. The paper substantiates the specific features of the development of students, and future social workers, skills of active listening to the interlocutor in the process of communication and speech training in higher educational institutions. A theoretical analysis of the types of listening as a component of communicative competence is carried out. The essence of the concept of “active listening” in the professional activity of a social worker is clarified. It was established that the ability to actively listen should be formed and developed in the learning process to carry out effective professional activities. Examples of exercises from the training “The art of listening” are given; a final assessment of the completeness of listening skills in students and future social workers is carried out. It is determined that before the training, students of the specialisation “social work” had a low level of listening skills but after lexical and practical classes, the majority of students rated their level of auditory skills with the highest scores. The practical value of the paper is conditioned by the results of empirical research, which indicate the need for further implementation of a practical complex for the development of auditory skills of future social workers
Analysis of the State of Professional Training of Future Designers in European Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Fenchak Liubov M. , Zyablovska Daryna Ye.
Published: May 2023

The modern integration of the Ukrainian state into the European scientific and educational space and the focus on improving the methods of education and training of design professionals necessitate the study of foreign pedagogical experience. Accordingly, the purpose of the study is to identify the features and state of professional training of future designers in leading European higher education institutions. To achieve this goal, the study used general scientific research methods, in particular, system analysis, synthesis, and comparison. It has been found that design education is characterized by qualitative features, including a focus on solving everyday problems, a focus on the final result, and inclusion in the field of art. The state of professional training of future designers in European higher education institutions, which have the highest world ranking among universities in the field of "Art and Design" according to QS 2019, is considered. The study identifies the main trends in the development of design education in Europe: professional training is applied and personality-oriented; close connection with real production to provide students with work experience. Based on the generalization, it is concluded that in these European higher education institutions, multidisciplinary education and research are deeply integrated with applied education, design, and business thinking. Thus, the necessity of borrowing foreign experience of functioning of higher education institutions in the field of training future designers by higher education institutions of Ukraine is substantiated. The originality of the study lies in the analytical comparison of the state of professional training of future designers in European higher education institutions, which have the highest world ranking among universities in the field of "Art and Design" according to QS 2019
Digital Agenda for the Development of Education: Focus on the Formation of Digital Competencies
Authors: Kartashova Liubov A. , Plish Iryna V.
Published: May 2023

The modern educational space is characterised by active processes of digitalisation and informatisation, according to which there is a need for proper mastering of digital competence by both teachers and students, which determines the search for relevant methods of providing it. The purpose of the article is to analyse the features of the digitalisation process of society and its impact on the system of educational subject-subject relations. The study of the digital agenda for the development of education was conducted based on the analysis of the theoretical base of scientific intelligence and synthesis of the obtained data, followed by generalisation of the results. The article examines trends in digital society and challenges for education in Ukraine, harmonisation of educational trends with European and international scientific initiatives. Ways to solve the problems that are formed by the digitalisation process of society and its impact on the development of the education system are analysed. Approaches to determining promising methods for improving Ukrainian education based on European experience are highlighted. It is clarified that Ukrainian education is faced with the task of creating a foundation for lifelong learning and promoting the development of new ways to provide and receive high-quality education and encourage creative thinking. The authors noted that the formation of a team to complete the task is of new importance because the lack of preparation of the education system for the impact of digitalisation is a significant obstacle to further development. The practical value of scientific work lies in the theoretical justification of the importance of the digitalisation process and the features of its implementation, according to which it is possible to improve the educational system of Ukraine according to European standards
Scientific and Methodological Support of Self-Educational Activities of Teachers in Preschool Education Institutions
Authors: Tovkanets Oksana S.
Published: May 2023

The relevance of the research is associated with the accelerated development of innovative processes in the field of educational activities, including the need for a deeper analysis of technologies for organising the development of teacher’s professional competencies. In particular, it is quite important in modern educational conditions to use educational and cognitive methods that help strengthen the motivation of young teachers to pedagogically appropriate behaviour or weaken the incentive to undesirable, unprofessional behaviour. The study used theoretical methods (analysis, generalisation) to clarify the features of the form, methods and techniques of organizing self-educational activities; empirical (survey) – to identify teachers’ interest in the problems of organisation and thematic direction. Based on the results of the study conducted by the author, the most effective forms and methods of organising the development of professional competencies of teachers were established, the use of which ensures the assimilation of new knowledge, including monitoring the educational achievements of teachers to obtain useful professional experience. Such technologies and techniques of scientific and methodological support were also considered, which allow obtaining information remotely, ensure the efficiency and speed of their assimilation, including accessibility. The article substantiates the features of scientific and methodological support of self-educational activities of teachers in preschool educational institutions, identifies the features of scientific and methodological support of self-educational activities of teaching staff, and also systematises the tasks of scientific and methodological support of teachers’ professional self-development. The practical value of the article lies in the fact that the materials of the work can be used in the educational process of future teachers of preschool educational institutions to improve their professional and scientific-methodological training, enrich technological potential, accelerate the process of transformation of promising pedagogical experience into practical activities
Subject Properties of the Future Teacher in the System of Professional Training
Authors: Bakhmat Nataliia V.
Published: May 2023

The relevance of the study is determined by the change in views on the professional training of specialists in the pedagogical sphere in accordance with the humanisation and subjectivisation of the socio-cultural space and the need to improve the educational process. The purpose of the article is to analyse modern scientific developments on the problem of developing the subjectivity of future teachers of education to establish their subject characteristics. The research was conducted based on general scientific theoretical research methods, in particular system analysis and generalization. The article analyses the problem of developing the subjectivity of future teachers in scientific and pedagogical literature and practice. The concept of “development of future specialists in the pedagogical field” is defined. The main directions of development of future teachers, including personal, social and professional, are considered. Psychological conditions for the formation of professional development of the individual are highlighted. The main characteristics of the subject of activity are highlighted, based on which the subject characteristics of the future teacher are determined, which, for its part, includes: the orientation of the individual, professional and psychological competence. It is established that development management of subjectivity of a future teacher as a subject of professional activity can be carried out in conditions that meet the requirements of creative professional activity. The practical value of scientific work is to determine the key subject characteristics of future employees of the educational sphere, which in the future will contribute to the development of a management system for improving the subject aspect of each individual teacher and practical updating of the educational process in particular
Multicultural Training of Teachers for Schools and Preschool Educational Institutions in the United States
Authors: Kozubovska Iryna V. , Sidun Larysa Yu. , Mygalyna Zoriana I.
Published: May 2023

The latest Ukrainian system of professional training of qualified specialists is aimed at meeting the needs of not only Ukrainian applicants for education but also potential foreign students, as a result of which the issues of intercultural communication, compliance with tolerance, patience in the educational process and further activities, in particular in school education institutions, are updated. The purpose of the article is to identify the characteristic features of American multicultural training of teachers and employees of preschool educational institutions to improve the Ukrainian educational space based on foreign experience. This goal was achieved using such general research methods as analysis, synthesis and comparison. The article deals with the problem of organising multicultural education in the United States. The essence of the concepts of “multiculturalism” and “multicultural education” is revealed. The main attention is focused on the issues of multicultural training of teachers: school teachers and preschool teachers. The article analyses the programmes and standards of pedagogical training, the requirements for accreditation regarding the presence of elements of multicultural education in the programs. The features of multicultural training of teachers and educators of preschool educational institutions in the context of multicultural education are identified, including the reproduction of pluralism of American society, the obligation to learn a second language, getting rid of stereotypes and biases in the content of the curriculum, integration of multicultural components of the educational process, as well as a flexible curriculum. The value of scientific work lies in identifying the key elements of multicultural training of teachers in America, based on which it is possible to develop a structural and functional model for updating the content of Ukrainian curricula in the context of multiculturalism and tolerance
Psychological Features of Forming the Life Prospects of First-Year Students
Authors: Shcherban Tetiana D. , Shcherban Hanna V.
Published: May 2023

The modern space of professional training for qualified specialists is characterised by variability and changes in the value paradigm, as a result of which the development of a professional takes place in the context of psychological characteristics, which, in turn, requires new research. The purpose of the presented study is to empirically examine the psychological features of the development of students, values and life prospects. In the course of the study, the authors used general research methods, including quantitative analysis and generalisation, and psychodiagnostic methods. The paper considered the psychological features of the development of value orientations of first-year students based on personal characteristics, such as asociality, anxiety, reflexivity, internal conflict, reflected self-attitude, etc. The correlation analysis of the obtained empirical data confirmed the interdependence of anxiety, reflectivity, self-determination, and value orientations in adolescence, which have a certain influence on the coordination of life prospects of youth. The analysis allowed identifying the factors of development of students, value sphere: “sociality”; “Self-concept”; “autoreflexia”; “externality”, “self-development”. The essence of the components of the total variance for the selected 5 factors in accordance with the sum of squares of factor loads is substantiated. It was discovered that the obtained factors are formed based on individual psychological indicators. The prospect of further research is the compilation and testing of a correctional programme, which will be aimed at improving the selected factors that determine the development of the entire system of values of students, life prospects
The Regime Examination of Nigeria Exchange Rate Volatility: Evidence from Markov Regime Switching Autoregressive Approach
Authors: S.D. Zira , O.A. Adejumo
Published: May 2023

Inarguably, the escalation in dollar rates and the price instability in the Nigerian economy underwent significant structural and institutional changes. In assessing the importance of understanding exchange rates, it becomes imperative to build reliable models for predicting the volatility of exchange rates of home currency. Hence, this study aims to model the Nigerian exchange rate volatility using the Markov regime-switching model. The study analyses the Nigerian exchange rate returns in two and three distinct regimes by employing the Markov regime-switching autoregressive (MS-AR) model with data from 2nd January 2018 to 7th September 2020. Four MS-AR candidate models were estimated for the exchange rate series. Based on the least AIC value, MS(3)-AR(2) was returned as the most parsimonious model among the four candidate models. The MS(3)-AR(2) analysis established a high probability that the returns system remains in the liquidation and awareness states. It implied that only unconventional or severe events could switch the series from regime 2 (liquidation phase) and regime 3 (awareness). While there is a low probability that the system will stay in an imbalanced regime implies high switching of regime 1. Furthermore, an average duration period of 2 days, six days and five days were estimated for the imbalance, liquidation and awareness regimes, respectively. Thus, the findings, i.e. imbalance and liquidation regimes’ identification and their average durations, show that the Naira in the foreign exchange market is not favourable for investors to trade. The study recommends that the Nigerian government should direct more efforts towards improving the performance of the Naira in the foreign exchange market to make the market more favourable for investors. Specifically, the CBN should develop new strategies towards tackling the behaviour of the Nigerian exchange rate when in a liquidation state.
Effects of Processing Methods on the Yield, Functional and Pasting Properties of “Garri Analogue” Produced from Different Varieties of Orange Flesh Sweet Potato
Authors: F.M. Bolarin , E.A. Akande , M.O. Oke
Published: May 2023

Garri is a fermented, dry granular meal produced from cassava roots which is of high carbohydrate content with little of other nutrients. Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) is a root crop with high nutritional properties and so its use for “garri analogue” has been found to be of better nutritional qualities than cassava. However, considerations are yet to be given to the effect of varieties and processing variables of OFSP on the qualities of “garri analogue”. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of different varieties and processing variables of OFSP on the qualities of “garri analogue”. Three varieties of OFSP (Mother’s Delight, King J and Solo Gold) were procured from local farmers in Osun State. Two different processing parameters: fermentation time (24, 48 and 72h) and particle size (1.4, 1.8 and 2.36mm) were considered. The yield, functional properties (bulk density, water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, gelatinization temperature, least gelation concentration and swelling capacity) and pasting properties of the “garri analogue” were evaluated. Data obtained were subjected to Analysis of Variance and means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5% level of significance. The yields for the three varieties of OFSP are 0.50, 0.60 and 0.80kg for Mother’s Delight, King J and Solo Gold respectively. Oil absorption capacity (1.40 -3.27 , 1.77 - 2.67 and 1.50 -2.77 g/100g), water absorption capacity (1.70 -4.57 , 2.17 -3.87 and 2.17 -3.87 g/100g), gelling (20.00 – 50.00 , 20.00 – 50.00 and 20.00– 50.00 g/dm3), gelatinization temperature (95.00-100.00, 94.00-100.00 and 94.00-100.00oC), swelling capacity (20.00– 50.00, 20.00– 50.00 and 20.00– 50.00 g/dm3) and bulk density (0.42 -0.53, 0.42 -0.53 and 0.42 -0.53g/ml). Peak viscosity (1.52 x102-4.59 x 102, 3.70 x102 -5.58 x 102 and 2.68 x 102-5.83 x 102 RVU), trough viscosity (1.32-3.22 x 102, 2.65x102 -3.73 x 102 and 1.82. x 102-5.62 x 102 RVU), breakdown viscosity (13.6-1.37 x 102, 1.03 x 102 -93.14 x 102 and 21.64 x 102 -1.14 x 102 RVU), final viscosity (2.09-5.16 x 102, 4.30 x 102 -5.28 x 102 and 2.82 x 102 -6.00 x 102 RVU), setback viscosity (76.72-2.07 x 102, 1.27 x 102 -1.89 x 102 and 1.10 x 102 – 2.36 x 102 RVU), peak time (5.01-6.11, 5.05-5.49 and 5.00-7.00 mins) and pasting temperature (85.13-89.90, 87.58-91.50 and 87.47-92.57oC). The variety that had an effect on the functional and pasting properties of the “garri analogue” was Mother’s Delight, while in term of processing variables on the functional and pasting properties of “garri analogue: from the different varieties are Mother’s Delight and King J. The optimum results in term of the processing variables on the yield, functional and pasting properties from the different varieties are Mother’s Delight and Solo Gold. The optimum results were obtained at 48.00 and 72.00hrs with particle sizes of 1.88 and 2.36mm respectively.
Investigating the Determinants of Inflation in Leading Economies in Africa: A Panel Data Analysis
Authors: C.I. Ugoh , E.S. Igbinosa , F.C. Akanno , P.O. Omoruyi , E.K. Guobadia
Published: May 2023

This paper empirically investigates the determinants of inflation in leading economies in Africa, namely Nigeria, South Africa, and Angola for the period 2001-2020. By applying the techniques of the ordinary least square (OLS) panel regression model and fixed effect model, the study finds out broad money growth, deposit interest rate, and lending interest rate positively significantly affected inflation, whereas exchange rate and exports positively affected inflation but not significantly. On the other hand, gross domestic product growth negatively affected inflation, while real interest rates and imports affected inflation negatively but not significantly.
Standard English and the Distortion Introduced by Social Media Short Messages
Authors: I.E. Ngulube , C.S. Nwamaka
Published: May 2023

This study assesses the negative effect of social media text messaging on the Standard Written English of Nigerian undergraduates. Data is elicited from the written English of undergraduates from the three most popularly used social media websites in Nigeria; namely, Facebook, Whatsapp and Instagram. The data is analyzed using a simple percentage. The results are presented in tabular form. The study reveals that the use of social media text messaging prevalent on social media platforms has impacted negatively, the Standard of written English of Nigerian university undergraduates. The study further observes that the major areas of deviation found in the written English language of the undergraduates include: wrong punctuation, wrong spelling, breaking of concord/agreement rules, code-mixing and code-switching, etc. The study shows that to a large extent, the use of text messages has affected adherence to Standard written English of undergraduates in Nigeria. The study, therefore, recommends that urgent pragmatic measures are needed to curb the problem. Specifically, the study recommends the following measures as checks: to awaken the consciousness of the undergraduates to the importance of the use of the Standard English language in their communication; to urge the media to use its functions as a watchdog of society to sensitize the public and condemn the profuse use of social media text at the expense of the use of Standard English and to enlighten undergraduates to use Standard English in all forms of their formal communication to uphold the continued development of Standard English usage in the universities and society at large.
COMPARISON OF FUNCTIONAL EXERCISE CAPACITY, PERIPHERAL MUSCLE STRENGTH, DYSPNEA AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIASIS AND HEALTHY CONTROLS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: KATAYIFÇI Nihan , HÜZMELİ İrem , ABAY Büşra , DOGRAMACİ Cigdem
Published: May 2023

Objective: This study was aimed to compare the functional exercise capacity, upper and lower extremity muscle strength, dyspnea, fatigue, quality of life (QoL), level of physical activity (PA), and cardiovascular diseases knowledge level in patients with psoriasis and healthy individuals.

Method: Thirty-six patients and 36 healthy controls were included in the study. The functional exercise capacity [6 minutes walking test (6-MWT)], upper and lower extremity muscle strength (Dynamometer), dyspnea severity [Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea scale (MMRC)], fatigue severity [Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)], QoL [The Short Form 36 questionnaire (SF-36)], PA [The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)], cardiovascular diseases knowledge level [Risk Factors in Cardiovascular Disease Knowledge Level (CARRF-KL)scale], and disease severity [Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI)] of the individuals were evaluated.

Results: Demographic characteristics were similar in patients [49(38.50-58) years, 16M/20F] and healthy controls [51(46.25-55) y, 23M/13F] (p>0.05). The 6-MWT distance, upper and lower extremity muscle strength, SF-36 subscales, IPAQ, and CARRF-KL scores were significantly lower; FSS and MMRC scores were higher in patients than controls (p
HOW THE ENERGY SECTOR IS AFFECTING ECONOMIC GROWTH – COMPARING THE UNITED KINGDOM WITH INDIA
Authors: Atchuthen Merlin Thanga Joy , Muthu Kumar S. Sankara
Published: May 2023

A country's economy depends heavily on energy. Economic productivity and industrial growth depend on the use of energy in modern economies. In a modern economy, energy is responsible for more than one-tenth of the cost of production but accounts for most industrial growth, according to Barney and Franzi (2002). The economy’s need for energy has grown at about the same rate as that of wealth. It is a fact that wealth creation is predominantly calculated based on the usage of energy by society. At the beginning of the 19th century, biomass is the preferred choice of fuel. Energy demand in the west and advanced economies increased more rapidly because of rising standards during the end of the 20th century. In most production and consumption activities, energy plays a significant role in economic growth. An analysis of the energy sector components and their impacts on economic progress in two countries, the United Kingdom and India, was conducted based on an analytical approach. It is found in both countries that energy efficiency and foreign direct investment (net inflows) are positively correlated. Both the United Kingdom and India have significant correlations between energy efficiency and GDP (percentage of GDP). Employment rates and energy efficiency go hand in hand in both countries. India's GDP per capita growth (annual %) is positively correlated with energy efficiency (0.447). This study followed only the economic indicators from the World Bank Development Indicators report.
A Tool for Evaluating Public Procurement in the Context of Life Cycle Costs
Authors: Macek Daniel
Published: May 2023

The paper deals with the issue of selection procedures. The goal is to show how it is possible to incorporate a view of life cycle costs into the tender process, and not only deal with the aspect of investment costs. The paper is proposed by the Life Cycle Cost Inspector (LCCI). LCCI divides investment opportunities into individual components with their own operating characteristics and costs, allowing for a clear comparison of different investment alternatives. The tool considers acquisition costs, operating costs, and disposal costs over a specific period. LCCI also allows for reverse evaluation, where investment costs are modified based on efficiency. The tool's universality enables its use across various sectors, not just the construction industry. The author aims to shift public practice from tendering "on price" to "tendering on quality" by providing a simple methodology for comparing investment options based on the entire life cycle costs. The application is based on the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) standard issued by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Performance of Slovenian Listed Firms during COVID-19 Out-break
Authors: Pavic Kramaric Tomislava
Published: May 2023

This research aims to estimate the determinants of firm performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. For this purpose, the sample of Slovenian non-financial listed firms operating in the period 2017 – 2021 is used. Firm performance is expressed with market-based as well as accounting-based performance measures, including Tobin's Q, ROA, and ROE, while potential determinants encompass several firm-oriented variables. These are the firm size, liquidity expressed with the current ratio, leverage, tangibility, sales growth, age of the firm as well as COVID-19 dummy variable. The results of dynamic panel analysis disclose that liquidity, leverage, sales growth, and COVID-19 dummy are statistically significant in explaining firm performance. Specifically, liquidity and leverage are found to be significant in explaining Tobin's q, sales growth is a statistically significant determinant of both ROA and ROE while the latter is also negatively impacted by leverage and the COVID-19 dummy.
OPTIMALISASI UNJUK KERJA COOLING TOWER DI PT. GEO DIPA ENERGI UNIT PATUHA
Authors: - Sujono , Alhafiz Muhammad Rizky , Pratama Raka Anugrah
Published: May 2023

Cooling tower pada industri panas bumi digunakan untuk mendinginkan air pendingin kondensor turbin. Salah satu jenis cooling tower ini adalah induce draft counterflow dengan flow rate desain 9.259 ton/h. Proses pendinginan pada cooling tower dilakukan menggunakan 5 buah cell dengan temperatur air masuk 41,6?C yang didinginkan hingga temperatur 20,2?C. Berdasarkan data commissioning pada tahun 2014, efektivitas cooling tower sebesar 81,06% dan saat ini mengalami penurunan menjadi 71,21%. Sedangkan efektivitas cooling tower pada kondisi operasi saat ini bedasarkan perhitungan telah mengalami penurunan sebesar 9,85%. Bedasarkan permasalahan tersebut, divisi maintenance melakukan modifikasi dan pembersihan komponen cooling tower. Hasil analisa dari modifikasi dan pembersihan cooling tower diperoleh efektivitas maksimal sebesar 82,70% dengan analisa kehilangan kalor sebesar 500.693.666,5 KJ/jam.
KETAHANAN STOK TANGKI TIMBUN LPG: STUDI KASUS PADA PERUSAHAAN Z
Authors: Alhafizh M. Adithya , Istiningrum Andian Ari
Published: May 2023

Kebutuhan LPG yang terus meningkat setiap tahunnya menyebabkan kenaikan permintaan sehingga dapat menghambat proses pendistribusian LPG di perusahaan Z. Untuk memperlancar kegiatan pendistribusian  LPG, maka dilakukan prediksi kebutuhan LPG dan ketahanan stok LPG sehingga permintaan pada cakupan wilayah operasional PT Z hingga 3 tahun kedepan dapat terpenuhi. Dalam menentukan prediksi  kebutuhan LPG untuk 3 tahun kedepan, perhitungan prediksi dilakukan dengan menggunakan data historis Thruput LPG pada tiga tahun sebelumnya, yaitu pada periode Juni 2019 sampai Mei 2022 dengan hasil prediksi dihitung untuk 3 tahun kedepan, yaitu dari  Juni 2022 sampai Mei 2025. Metode yang digunakan dalam melakukan prediksi dipilih berdasarkan jenis dan pola data yang dimiliki dan membandingkan nilai Average Absolute Error (AAE) terkecil dari metode- metode yang digunakan. Hasil perhitungan menggunakan metode Winter Multiplicative didapatkan hasil prediksi kebutuhan LPG sebesar 68.839,54 ton , dari hasil tersebut didapatkan presetase kenaikan kebutuhan LPG untuk memenuhi permintaan sebesar 18,99 atau 19% dari data 3 tahun sebelumnya.. Dari hasil prediksi kebutuhan produk LPG,didapat rata-rata thruput harian LPG sebesar 63,74 ton pada periode 3 tahun mendatang. Artinya terjadinya kenaikan thruput rata-rata harian pada 3 periode sebelumnya yaitu, 53,315 ton menjadi 63,74 ton. Tangki yang digunakan memiliki safe capacity sebesar 360 ton. sehingga ketahanan stok tangki timbun LPG menurun dari 3 tahun sebelumnya yaitu 6 hari menjadi 5 hari, yang artinya dengan kapasitas tangki timbun yang sama sebesar 360 ton,dapat memenuhi kebutuhan harian produk LPG 3 tahun mendatang sesuai dengan ketentuan ketahanan stok yang ditetapkan perusahaan yaitu sebesar 2 hari.
ANALYSIS OF THE Z WELL PRODUCTION TEST USING THE HORIZONTAL LIP PRESSURE METHOD AT PT. PERTAMINA GEOTHERMAL ENERGY ULUBELU AREA
Authors: Sofyan Akhmad , Bujang Yoga Dwi Guna , Dewi Dhea Cittameyulfa
Published: May 2023

The Ulubelu area of PT. Pertamina Geothermal Energy is a geothermal field that produces two-phase hot fluids with water domination and has a generation capacity of 2 x 110 MW. The production well fluids are conveyed to a separator and scrubber before being directed to the power generation unit (PLTP). Prior to production, a well production test is necessary to determine the well's condition, reservoir characteristics, production capacity, and enthalpy contained in the well fluids. This activity is carried out after drilling and completion testing have been conducted. The method used in testing the Z well is the horizontal lip pressure method developed by Russell James. The purpose of this production test is to determine the maximum and optimum production by adjusting the throttle valve opening in various ways so that the supplied fluid amount matches the PLTP conditions. The production test yields data in the form of parameters to be processed, such as dryness fraction, fluid mass flow rate, enthalpy, and generation. From this data, a deliverability curve can be generated in the form of a graph that shows the well's production capacity at different wellhead pressures.
A Low-Cost Electroporator for Genetically Modifying Social Amoeba Dictyostelium Discoideum
Authors: Cauchy Michael C. , Khan Ali A. , Artemenko Yulia , Dunn David A.
Published: May 2023

The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum is a commonly used eukaryotic model organism for the study of cell division, chemotaxis, differentiation, phagocytosis, and other cellular processes. Electroporation is an effective and efficient method for delivering plasmid DNA into D. discoideum, an invaluable tool for studying intracellular processes. The technology is readily available but often prohibitively expensive. Although several custom-built electroporation devices have been developed, none deliver the specific 8.5kV/cm exponentially decaying waveform required for D. discoideum transformation. The present study examined whether a simple, inexpensive device can be built to produce this waveform through a simple resistor-capacitor (RC) circuit. A pulse generator RC circuit was built incorporating inexpensive electronic components and a 3D printed cuvette chamber. All four possible combinations of custom-built and commercial pulse generators and custom-built and commercial cuvette chambers were used to transform D. discoideum cells with a plasmid encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP). There were no significant differences in the number of surviving cells immediately following or 24 hours post-transformation between the systems. All combinations of custom-built and commercial systems achieved comparably high transformation efficiency shown by percent of cells expressing GFP six days after the transformation. Since the waveform-specific electroporation system we present here can be built by non-experts with easily obtainable materials and 3D printing, we envision this device to benefit investigators in areas with low research budgets and educators in multiple STEM fields.
Dilemmatic Position of State Civil Apparatus (ASN)
Authors: Saepudin Saepudin , Pratiwi Dana
Published: May 2023

This article investigates the dilemma faced by the ASN in maintaining neutrality amidst political dynamics, particularly during regional head elections (Pilkada) in Indonesia. The study explores the ASN's susceptibility to being exploited for electoral purposes and evaluates how they maintain neutrality according to laws and regulations. Additionally, the article discusses the challenges ASN faces in adhering to the principle of neutrality and potential solutions to these problems. By examining data from the State Civil Apparatus Commission (KASN) and the Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) concerning violations of ASN neutrality, the study identifies factors that contribute to ASN involvement in local political contests and the resulting neutrality breaches. The study also underscores the worrisome situation concerning the integrity and neutrality of Indonesia's ASN in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities. The three identified phenomena—position buying and selling, instant career pursuit, and kinship culture or spoil system—indicate political intervention in bureaucracy, resulting in the appointment of incompetent individuals and reduced public service quality. The concerning situation regarding ASN's integrity and neutrality highlights the need for further efforts in implementing bureaucratic reform and strengthening the merit system in Indonesia.