bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rwanda
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. African Dept.
Published: January 2021

This paper highlights Rwanda’s Request for Disbursement Under the Rapid Credit Facility (RCF). The economic impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is rapidly unfolding with the near-term outlook deteriorating quickly. This has given a rise to significant fiscal and external financing needs. The authorities have acted fast by putting in place measures to help contain and mitigate the spread of the disease. The RCF funds will support the authorities’ efforts by backstopping the decline in international reserves and providing financing to the budget for increased spending aimed at containing the epidemic and mitigating its economic impact. This additional IMF financing also ought to help catalyze further assistance from the international community, preferably in the form of grants. The IMF continues to monitor Rwanda’s situation closely and stands ready to provide policy advice and further support as needed. Monetary policy needs to be data-driven and the central bank should stand ready to provide additional liquidity support if warranted. A flexible exchange rate should be maintained as a shock absorber. The National Bank of Rwanda has taken various measures to help maintain the health of the financial sector and should continue to show flexibility, while encouraging prudent loan restructuring and stepping up reporting requirements.
House Prices and Macroprudential Policies
Authors: Singh Bhupal
Published: January 2021

This paper examines the efficacy of macroprudential policies in addressing housing prices in a developing country while underscoring the importance of fundamental factors. The estimated models using city-level data for India suggest a strong influence of fundamental factors in driving housing prices. There is compelling evidence of the effectiveness of macroprudential tools viz., Loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, risk weights, and provisioning requirements, in influencing housing price movements. A granular analysis suggests an even stronger impact on housing prices of a change in the regulatory LTV ratio for large-sized vis-à-vis small-sized mortgages, which buttresses their potency in fighting house price speculations. A tightening of the risk weights on the housing assets of banks causes significant downward pressure on house prices. Similarly, regulatory changes in standard asset provisioning on housing loans also influence house prices.
Assessing Targeted Containment Policies to Fight COVID-19
Authors: Checo Ariadne , Grigoli Francesco , Mota José
Published: January 2021

The large economic costs of full-blown lockdowns in response to COVID-19 outbreaks, coupled with heterogeneous mortality rates across age groups, led to question non-discriminatory containment measures. In this paper we provide an assessment of the targeted approach to containment. We propose a SIR-macro model that allows for heterogeneous agents in terms of mortality rates and contact rates, and in which the government optimally bans people from working. We find that under a targeted policy, the optimal containment reaches a larger portion of the population than under a blanket policy and is held in place for longer. Compared to a blanket policy, a targeted approach results in a smaller death count. Yet, it is not a panacea: the recession is larger under such approach as the containment policy applies to a larger fraction of people, remains in place for longer, and herd immunity is achieved later. Moreover, we find that increased interactions between low- and high-risk individuals effectively reduce the benefits of a targeted approach to containment.
Modeling Trade Tensions
Authors: Hunt Benjamin , Mursula Susanna , Portillo Rafael , Santoro Marika
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we investigate the mechanisms through which import tariffs impact the macroeconomy in two large scale workhorse models used for quantitative policy analysis: a computational general equilibrium (CGE) model (Purdue University GTAP model) and a multi-country dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model (IMF GIMF model). The quantitative effects of an increase in tariffs reflect different mechanisms at work. Like other models in the trade literature, in GTAP higher tariffs generate a loss in terms of output arising from an inefficient reallocation of resources between sectors. In GIMF instead, as in other DSGE models, tariffs act as a disincentive to factor utilization. We show that the two models/channels can be broadly interpreted as capturing the impact of tariffs on different components of a country’s aggregate production function: aggregate productivity (GTAP) and factor supply/utilization (GIMF). We discuss ways to combine the estimates from these two models to provide a more complete assessment of the macro effects of tariffs.
Confidence as a Driver of Private Investment in Selected Countries of Central America
Authors: Janada Carlos , Ruxandra Teodoru Iulia
Published: January 2021

This paper argues that structural weaknesses may make private investment particularly sensitive to business confidence relative to other traditional investment drivers and global shocks. It gauges the importance of confidence over recent years in selected countries in Central America, including Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, and Guatemala. Using a vector error correction model to carry out the empirical work, a system representing global activity and the domestic economy, including a set of investment drivers (interest rates, unit labor costs, and confidence) is analyzed. The findings suggest that confidence has been, on average, the most important driver of investment in these countries, exceeded only by global factors. Since confidence, arguably, can be influenced by policymakers’ decisions, structural reforms to improve the business climate and reduce uncertainty play an important role in promoting investment and economic growth.
Addressing the Pandemic's Medium-Term Fallout in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Bannister Geoffrey , Finger Harald , Kido Yosuke , Kothari Siddharth , Loukoianova Elena
Published: January 2021

While the world is focused on addressing the near-term ramifications of the COVID-19 shock, we turn attention to another important aspect of the pandemic: its fallout on medium-term potential output through scarring. Taking Australia and New Zealand as examples, we show that the pandemic will likely have a large and persistent impact on potential output, broadly in line with the experience of advanced economies from past recessions. The impact is driven by employment, capital stock, and productivity losses in the wake of an unprecedented sectoral reallocation, hightened uncertainty, and reduced migration. Maintaining fiscal and monetary policy support until the recovery is firmly entrenched and putting in place a strong structural policy agenda to counter the pandemic’s adverse effects on medium-term potential output will be important to support standards of living and strengthen economic resilience in case of renewed shocks.
Crossing the Credit Channel
Authors: Anderson Gareth , Cesa-Bianchi Ambrogio
Published: January 2021

Credit spreads rise after a monetary policy tightening, yet spread reactions are heterogeneous across firms. Exploiting information from a panel of corporate bonds matched with balance sheet data for U.S. non-financial firms, we document that firms with high leverage experience a more pronounced increase in credit spreads than firms with low leverage. A large fraction of this increase is due to a component of credit spreads that is in excess of firms' expected default. Our results suggest that frictions in the financial intermediation sector play a crucial role in shaping the transmission mechanism of monetary policy.
Government Intervention and Bank Market Power
Authors: Tan Brandon , Martinez Peria Maria , Pierri Nicola , Presbitero Andrea
Published: January 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic could result in large government interventions in the banking industry. To shed light on the possible consequences on market power, we rely on the experience of the global financial crisis and exploit granular data on government interventions in more than 800 banks across 27 countries between 2007 and 2017. For identification, we use a multivariate matching method. We find that intervened banks experience a significant decline in market power with respect to matched non-intervened banks. This effect is more pronounced for larger and longer interventions and is driven by a rise in costs—mostly because of higher loan impairment charges—which is not followed by a similar increase in prices.
Terms-of-Trade Shocks are Not all Alike
Authors: Di Pace Federico , Juvenal Luciana , Petrella Ivan
Published: January 2021

When analyzing terms-of-trade shocks, it is implicitly assumed that the economy responds symmetrically to changes in export and import prices. Using a sample of developing countries our paper shows that this is not the case. We construct export and import price indices using commodity and manufacturing price data matched with trade shares and separately identify export price, import price, and global economic activity shocks using sign and narrative restrictions. Taken together, export and import price shocks account for around 40 percent of output fluctuations but export price shocks are, on average, twice as important as import price shocks for domestic business cycles.
Mobility under the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Caselli Francesca , Grigoli Francesco , Sandri Damiano , Spilimbergo Antonio
Published: January 2021

Lockdowns and voluntary social distancing led to significant reduction in people’s mobility. Yet, there is scant evidence on the heterogeneous effects across segments of the population. Using unique mobility indicators based on anonymized and aggregate data provided by Vodafone for Italy, Portugal, and Spain, we find that lockdowns had a larger impact on the mobility of women and younger cohorts. Younger people also experienced a sharper drop in mobility in response to rising COVID-19 infections. Our findings, which are consistent across estimation methods and robust to a variety of tests, warn about a possible widening of gender and inter-generational inequality and provide important inputs for the formulation of targeted policies.
Feeling the Heat
Authors: Cevik Serhan , Jalles João Tovar
Published: January 2021

Climate change is an existential threat to the world economy like no other, with complex, evolving and nonlinear dynamics that remain a source of great uncertainty. There is a bourgeoning literature on the economic impact of climate change, but research on how climate change affects sovereign risks is limited. Building on our previous research focusing on the impact of climate change on sovereign risks, this paper empirically investigates how climate change may affect sovereign credit ratings. By means of binary-choice models, we find that climate change vulnerability has adverse effects on sovereign credit ratings, after controlling for conventional macroeconomic determinants of credit worthiness. On the other hand, with regards to climate change resilience, we find that countries with greater climate change resilience benefit from higher (better) credit ratings. These findings, robust to a battery of sensitivity checks, also show that impact of climate change is disproportionately greater in developing countries due largely to weaker capacity to adapt to and mitigate the consequences of climate change.
Predicting Macroeconomic and Macrofinancial Stress in Low-Income Countries
Authors: Weisfeld Hans , de Carvalho Filho Irineu , Comelli Fabio , Giri Rahul , Hellwig Klaus-Peter , Huang Chengyu , Liu Fei , Lizarazo Ruiz Sandra , Mayer Cirkel Alexis , Presbitero Andrea
Published: January 2021

In recent years, Fund staff has prepared cross-country analyses of macroeconomic vulnerabilities in low-income countries, focusing on the risk of sharp declines in economic growth and of debt distress. We discuss routes to broadening this focus by adding several macroeconomic and macrofinancial vulnerability concepts. The associated early warning systems draw on advances in predictive modeling.
Effects of Emerging Market Asset Purchase Program Announcements on Financial Markets During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sever Can , Goel Rohit , Drakopoulos Dimitris , Papageorgiou Evan
Published: January 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic led many emerging market central banks to adopt, for the first time, unconventional policies in the form of asset purchase programs. In this study, we analyze the effects of these announcements on domestic financial markets using both
event studies and local projections methodology. We find that these asset purchase announcements lowered bond yields, did not lead to a depreciation of domestic currencies, and did not have much effect on equities. While the immediate effect of asset purchases appears positive, further consideration of the risks and longer-term effects of unconventional monetary policies is needed. We highlight the trade-offs involved with the implementation of these measures, and discuss their risks. This working paper adds to the debate on how asset purchase programs should be a regular part of the emerging market policy toolkit.
Hang in There
Authors: Chan-Lau Jorge , Zhao Yunhui
Published: January 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted unprecedented economic stimulus worldwide. We empirically examine the impact of a withdrawal of fiscal stimulus policies on the stock markets. After constructing a database of withdrawal events, we use event study analysis and cross-country regressions to assess the difference between the pre- and post-event stock price returns. We find that markets react negatively to premature withdrawals—defined as withdrawals at a time when the daily COVID cases are high relative to their historical average—likely reflecting concerns about the withdrawal impact on the prospects for economic recovery. The design of a successful exit strategy from COVID-19 policy responses should account for these concerns.
Factors Influencing Utilization of Ultrasound Scan Services among Pregnant Mothers at Ndejje Health Center IV, Wakiso District
Authors:   , Nakimera Angella
Published: January 2021

Abstract Background: A study was carried out to identify the factors influencing the utilization of ultrasound scan services among pregnant mothers at Ndejje Health Centre IV, Wakiso District. Methodology: The study design was descriptive and cross-sectional and it employed both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. A sample size of 30 respondents was selected using a simple random sampling procedure. An interview guide was used to collect data. Results: The study revealed various factors influencing the utilization of ultrasound scan services among pregnant mothers. For example, although all 30 (100%) had ever heard about ultrasound scan services, most 20 (66.7%) had ever used ultrasound scan services once 10 (50%) and 12 (60%) used the services in the 3rd trimester due to factors including 20 (66.7%) of ultrasound scan services, 21 (70%) having fears about using ultrasound scan services including 14 (66.7%) fear that the scan would identify bad conditions on the baby, 18 (60%) lacked partner support. The study results also revealed that respondents faced various health facility factors which influenced the utilization of ultrasound scan services. For example, most 20 (66.7%) respondents reported that Ndejje Health Centre IV was not equipped to provide ultrasound scan services due to 12 (60%) frequent breakdown and poor maintenance of equipment which led to 18 (60%) ultrasound scan services not being readily available, 12 (60%) long waiting time to receive services as most waited more than 2 hours to receive services. Conclusion and recommendations: Respondents faced various and health facility-related factors which influenced their utilization of ultrasound scan services. The key recommendations included ready availability of services through regular and timely maintenance of equipment, improving efficiency, and reducing waiting time as well as improved health education of mothers about the importance of using the services.
BRIEF ANALYSIS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF “LORD SURYA” AS DESCRIBED IN
MYTHOLOGICAL LITERATURE
Authors: DOBRIYAL KUSUM , GODIYAL J K
Published: January 2021

On the basis of scientific, mythological and Vedic analysis, this statement is true that "Surya Tattva" is the power and utility of this entire world. The Sun illuminates the entire universe with a monolithic light beam, and the Sun rays provide life and power in all things. "Prakash" is used in various meanings in Indian poetry, its most prevalent meaning is "Knowledge", "Conscious", "Noun" and the cognition symptom "Intelligence". A brief discussion has been presented in the research paper presented, studying the scientific and mythological references of the importance and uniqueness of the sun god.
NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR FINANCIAL EDUCATION IN INDIA
Authors: KUMAR VARUN , SAINI VIRENDER KUMAR
Published: January 2021

The concept of implementing National Strategy for Financial Education has been gradually building. Most of the nations globally take initiative for implementing sound National Strategy for Financial Education. Whereas some developed countries already have there unified and coordinated national strategy for financial education. India is having second largest population in the world. There is an urgent need to develop a sound and stable financial system. it is more necessary to quickly formulate and implement a national strategy. Financial Literacy and Financial Education play important role in financial inclusion, inclusive growth and sustainable prosperity. Financial Literacy develops confidence, knowledge and skills to manage financial products and services
enabling them to have more control of their present & future circumstqnces.59 countries worldwide are implementing National Strategy using guidance from the OECD/INFE high level principles on National Strategy for Financial Education. Several empirical studies have found that financial literacy level amongst Indians low by
global standards. The need of the hour is to boost up financial education initiatives and comprehensive research should be done on national strategy for financial education. The present study aims at finding the role and relevance of financial education in India.
ROLE OF MEDIA IN OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF THE COUNTRY: AN ANALYSIS
Authors: SAINI VIRENDRA KUMAR , KUMAR VARUN
Published: January 2021

For the development of any nation, progressive ideological change in society is very important. Only through communication this change can be brought in the society and economic, social and political development of the nation can be ensured. Today in the changing world system in the form of this global village, India is the second largest country to use telecom services. The presented research paper describes the progressive role of media in the development of the nation
IMPLEMENTASI ETIKA BISNIS ISLAM: BISNIS HALAL YANG BERTANGGUNG JAWAB
Authors: Priatmojo Suryo Kuncoro
Published: January 2021

Manusia memiliki kebutuhan hidup yang mengharuskan untuk memiliki materi yang cukup dalam pemenuhan kebutuhan tersebut. Untuk mendapatkan materi maka manusia harus bekerja, baik secara formal maupun informal. Bekerja secara informal salah satunya dapat dilakukan dengan berbisnis. Dimana kehidupan sehari-hari manusia sangatlah berdekatan dengan kata bisnis. Bisnis adalah kegiatan yang menghasilkan barang dan jasa untuk memenuhi kebutuhan hidup masyarakat. Fakta kegagalan yang paling terasa dari modernisasi yang merupakan akibat langsung dari era globalisasi adalah dalam bidang ekonomi dengan kenyataannya yang justru melahirkan berbagai persoalan, terutama bagi negara-negara Dunia Ketiga (termasuk negara-negara Muslim) yang cenderung menjadi obyek daripada menjadi subyek kapitalisme. Situasi ketidakadilan ekonomi menjadi masalah yang cukup serius, sehingga aspek etika bisnis tidak dapat dipahami semata-mata hanya sebagai usaha intelektual manusia untuk menalarkan moral. Sebab betapapun peredaran perekonomian berjalan lancar dengan laju ekonomi yang tinggi dan tingkat inflasi yang rendah, namun jika tidak diimbangi dengan etika moral atau nilai-nilai luhur , maka pada titik tertentu akan tercipta kondisi yang membawa malapetaka baik langsung ataupun jangka panjang. Karena itu, Islam menekankan agar aktifitas bisnis manusia dimaksudkan tidak semata-mata sebagai alat pemuas keinginan (al-syahwat), tetapi lebih pada upaya pencarian kehidupan berkeseimbangan dunia-akhirat disertai prilaku positif bukan destruktif.
A Formação econômica e social do Norte do Paraná e a expansão da educação
Authors: Nogueira Adálcia Canêdo da Silva
Published: January 2021

Esse texto é uma parte de uma pesquisa de Mestrado em Educação apresentada ao Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação da Universidade Estadual de Londrina: Marcos Possíveis para Reconstituir A História da Instituição Escolar Julia de Souza Wanderley: A Primeira Escola de Formação de Professores de Cornélio Procópio-Pr. (1953-1967). Toma como base de investigação, em primeiro lugar, as recentes fontes bibliográficas que materializaram a História do Paraná e do seu Norte Pioneiro, o movimento da História Nacional nos movimentos e ideias emergentes no transcorrer do século XX. Este estudo apresenta como possíveis resultantes uma indicação de potencial sistematização documental e uma emergente interpretação sócio-histórica referencial da realidade da história da Educação no Brasil e no Paraná em que se constituíram a ocupação econômica e a formação social do Norte Pioneiro do Paraná.
O Cooperativismo como princípio educativo e a pedagogia da cooperação
Authors: Silva Maria Cristiani Gonçalves
Published: January 2021

Apresenta os fundamentos da teoria e organização do Cooperativismo, destaca a cooperação como uma dimensão da prática social. Desenvolve as concepções da cooperação como princípio educacional e político, articulando as possibilidades de transformação das relações educacionais e escolares a partir de práticas cooperativistas, coletivas e participativas. Relaciona as concepções de Educação Cooperativista com o pensamento de Celestin Freinet e Paulo Freire. Aponta possibilidades metodológicas para a organização da Educação e da Escola na perspectiva da Cooperação.
Um Discurso sobre as ciências, de Boaventura de Sousa Santos (2008).
Authors: Mazzi Andréa Maria Begnami
Published: January 2021

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SISTEM INFORMASI IMPLEMENTASI METODE ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROSESS (AHP) TERHADAP PEMBERIAN PINJAMAN PADA PT. BPR NBP 31 TASIKMALAYA
Authors: Yulianeu Aneu , Riyadi Ade Pandi
Published: January 2021

Pada saat ini teknologi dan sistem informasi mengalami perkembangan yang sangat pesat. Seiring dengan perkembangan teknologi, manusia semakin dituntut kreatif untuk membuat aplikasi yang bisa dimemanfaatkan melalui teknologi untuk meringankan pekerjaannya.

Menganalisa calon debitur yang dilakukan oleh Account Officer membutuhkan ketelitian untuk memastikan kelayakan seorang calon debitur untuk diberikan fasilitas kredit oleh bank dan hal tersebut sangatlah penting dimana untuk menjaga kualitas pinjaman debitur selama perjanjian pinjaman yang telah disepakati oleh debitur dan pihak bank dan akan berdampak terhadap pendapatan bank apabila saat analisa awal seorang Acount Officer tidak memenuhi apa yang telah diatur dalam sop pemberian pinjaman, bahkan akan berdampak terhadap banyaknya pinjaman wanprestasi dan kredit Non Performing Loan (NPL) persentasenya tinggi. Dari kejadian itu saat awal pengajuan pinjaman harus mempunyai aplikasi yang dapat menunjang seorang Account Officer menganalisa dari berbagai aspek kehidupan, usaha, jaminan serta lingkungan calon nasabah agar tidak terjadi pinjaman gagal bayar yang dapat merugikan terhadap bank. Dari gambaran masalah diatas, penulis menemukan ide untuk membuat aplikasi Analisa Kredit.

Aplikasi ini dibuat menggunakan Microsoft Excel dan disajikan dengan user friendly dan sangat mudah untuk digunakan. Cara kerja aplikasi ini adalah dapat menampilkan kelayakan pemberian pinjaman analisis karakter, analisis capacity & management, analisis kapital/modal, analisis kondisi ekonomi, analisis agunan, analisis cashflow dan rasio keuangan.

Kata Kunci: Sistem, Pinjaman, Kualitas, Nasabah.
Combined Deep Transverse Friction and Muscle Energy Technique on Mechanical Neck Pain: Article Review
Authors: I Putu Mahendra Putra  , Made Hendra Satria Nugraha  , Ni Wayan Tianing
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Since mechanical neck pain has become a common problem, physiotherapists’ role in reducing symptoms caused by mechanical neck pain varies such as muscle energy technique and deep transverse friction. Based on the references, mechanical neck pain defined as a condition non-radicular or local pain which increased pain intensity during movement. The study aims to understand whether deep transverse friction and muscle energy technique are effective to reduce pain the mechanical neck pain.Method: The study used the secondary data through article review which focuses on the journals and articles related to the muscle energy technique and deep transverse friction in the mechanical neck pain. Results: The application and method of muscle energy technique are aimed at normalizing the structure of dysfunctional tissue, such as the shortening of muscles, which indirectly gives a direct effect on the joint. It is suggested as a method to improve the mobility of the joint. Besides, to reduce pain through pain modulation, deep transverse friction was applicable to provide it at the level of the supra-spinal to release endorphins, enkephaline, and cortisol. Conclusion: Either muscle energy technique or deep transverse friction are shown a good effect to reduce pain, neck disability, and increase ROM of the cervical joint in patients with mechanical neck pain. Besides, deep transverse friction has also reducing spasm/tightness at the cervical joint level in patients with mechanical neck pain.
Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping and Retro Walking Exercise on the Knee Range of Motion in Older People with Osteoarthritis
Authors: Putri Yulian Pristanti Sani , Yulianti Atika
Published: January 2021

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease of the synovial joint marked by chondropathy with the proliferation of new bone and also renovation of joint contour. Knee OA is associated with age, gender, and excessive weight conditions, conservatively treated using physical therapy intervention such as Kinesio taping and retro walking exercise to enhance the range of motion of knee joint. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Kinesio taping and retro walking exercise on the knee range of motion in older people with osteoarthritis.

Methods: This study used quasi-experimental two groups pre-test and post-test design, which was involving 30 respondents by using purposive sampling as a sample collection technique. Additionally, the sample was divided into two intervention groups. Furthermore, the obtained data were analyzed using the Mann Whitney test.

Results: After the intervention period, pre-test and post-test within-group analysis showed a significant improvement of knee ROM in the Kinesio taping group (P<0.001) and retro walking group (P=0.019). Furthermore, the analysis for mean differences of pre-test and post-test between-group comparison accepted the study hypothesis that Kinesio taping had a bigger effect than retro walking exercise to improve knee ROM (P=0.01).  

Conclusion: Both Kinesio taping and retro walking exercises were influencing ROM improvement in the elderly. However, the mean result showed that Kinesio taping was giving more influence in enhancing ROM as compared to retro walking exercise.
A REVIEW OF GRID COMPUTING
Authors: Sungkar Armu , Kogoya Tena
Published: January 2021

Grid computing is a combination of interconnected resources which can be spread all over the world having higher computing capabilities. The benefit of grid computing includes higher computation and memory capacity because of grid resources spread all over the world. The grid computing is managed by intra-grid scope which refers to the methodologies and the algorithms used for managing the grid network related issues such as task scheduling, resource balancing and security of the network. The advantages of grid computing include access to inaccessible resources, resource utilization and balancing, reliability, and parallel computing and scalability. The limitations of the grid computing include application in limited fields and suitability with applications running in batch mode only based on parallel processing
ENERGY CONSUMPTION SOLUTION IN MOBILE AD-HOC NETWORK
Authors: Souza Paula e
Published: January 2021

The current study was motivated because of higher energy consumption in the current mobile-ad hoc network especially the dynamic system routing. A solution was proposed consisted of nodes energy and traffic load and distance during the route discovery phase. Later, a simulation was performed to make comparison between DSR and MP-DSR. The results states that the proposed MP-DSR outperformed the DSR in all three tests including packet delivery fraction, end-to-end delay, and average energy consumption.
EXPERIMENT STUDY OF AUTONOMOUS SYSTEM FOR INTRA-ROW WEED CONTROL
Authors: Lubinza Clara
Published: January 2021

The study is used to propose and test by experiment a procedure for autonomous hoeing system for intra-row weed control. The proposed system utilizes the RTK-GPS navigation system. The system consists of autonomous vehicle equipped with side-shifting frame and cycloid hoe. The navigation of the system is controlled using a pre-specified plan and implemented in the system internal computer. The internal computer is also attached to a field station using the wireless local area network (WLAN). The performance of the system was measured through an experiment consisted of making rows having small plants and soil conditions similar to the actual field. The results based on chi-square shows that transverse deviation had normal distribution indicating the performance of the side-shift control. The results related to the longitudinal deviation distance between plants and the nearest line trajectories showed good chi-square fit which is an indication of performance of the cycloid hoe control. The result shows that the system is promising and can be used at larger level with suitable adjustments
LARGE DATA EMBEDDING; PROBLEM & SOLUTION
Authors: K. Akubuilo , Torimiro Rix
Published: January 2021

The objective of the study was to propose a high capacity data embedding system from DCT domain. The default quantization table is used for fixed mask projection quantization steps. Accordingly, DCT coefficient of the host image from low to higher frequency bands and embed bits from band to band with specially designed base vectors called Hadamard vectors. The embedding scheme procedure is described step wise. The proposed system can be used for data embedding and can be associated with another encryption method to make it safer. The proposed system is reported to be highly robust and secure
A PROPOSED SOLUTION TO THE BOTTLENECK AND CAPACITY PROBLEM FOR DATA TRANSFER
Authors: Rahman Muhammad Abdul , Hakem Zareena
Published: January 2021

There is increased need for solution to communicate larger data over the PON network. In this study, two problems including bottleneck and the capacity load problem were investigated and based on this, a solution is proposed. For methodology, N number of Nodes is used for ringbased architecture which represent the complete PON system. The nodes are the save points are created for monitoring the nodes and tracking their network faults. The distance from each node is equal and there are N number of checkpoints. The source and receiver node are selected dynamically. A ring-based network model is proposed with the optimized solution, less data loss and higher speed. The proposed work sets a scenario which is based on ring topology with 08 number of nodes with same number of save points. 800 m * 800 m is the dimension of the topography. We found that time it took to transfer a packet is about 1.01 second.  For solving the bottleneck problem, the tree-based network model is used and accordingly, 4 sub-networks are taken in a hierarchal way.  Comparison of results based on packet delivery shows that proposed model has better time factor in terms of sending data compared to the existing system.
REVIEW OF SELF-CONSOLIDATE CONCRETE
Authors: Honu Mwinyimvua , Tobias Freddy
Published: January 2021

The self-consolidating concrete possess quality of achieving full compaction and flowing based on its own weight even in congested reinforcement. In this study, the self-consolidating concrete is investigated by its qualities. The material used in the study included fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, cement, superplasticizer, marble powder, and silica fume. There were 5 specimen beams used in the current study based on cement, silica fume, and marble powder combination. The test included slump flow test, V-funnel test, and L-box test. The results show that for the five samples, the 7 days’ compressive strength was about 29.94 on average; and for 28 days’ compressive strength, the strength was 41.65 on average. The results show that self-consolidate concrete has satisfactory qualities
CASE OF PARTICLE ANALYSIS FOR SELECTED MATERIAL
Authors: Bezerra Reza , Prates Santos
Published: January 2021

There are different types of material which can be used in laboratory settings. These materials possess different qualities. In this study, three types of cements including the Portland cement, calcium enhanced material, and the proroot MTA. For each category, 120 samples were taken and the average for Portland cement was 35.23 with SD of 5.23. The average of Calcium enhanced material was 41.87 with SD of 4.98. The average of Proroot MTA was 56.89 with SD of 6.73. The size range comparison based on particle analysis shows that among the three types, the MTA shows better results compare to the other types in terms of smaller particle range.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF CONCRETE PERFORMANCE
Authors: Kee Sang , Park Yuhee , Choi Eun
Published: January 2021

This study was experimental in nature and conducted with the view to make comparison between two samples. The first sample consisted of concrete with rice husk ash mixed in it and the other sample was without such addition. The first test conducted to test the performance was simple measurements. The results show that for the sample without addition of rice husk ash, the density was 2355.97 and for included sample, the density was 2354.44 with insignificant differences (t-stat= 0.766, P>.05). For V-B test, the sample without addition of rice husk as was 8.34 and for include sample, it was 8.01. The differences for V-B for both samples were statistically insignificant (t-stat=1.431, P>.05). The slump test without for the sample without addition of rice husk was 12.75 and for included sample, it was 18.56. The difference was statistically significant (t-stat=2.455, P<.05). The compressive strength for excluded sample was 24.32 and for included sample was 20.01. The results were statistically insignificant (t-value= 1.13, P>.05). For flexural strength test, for excluded sample, the average score was 9.02 and for included sample, the average score was 9.19. The difference was statistically insignificant (t-stat=1.45, P>.05). Overall, the results lead to the conclusion that there are insignificant differences of addition of rice husk ash in concrete.
AUDITORS' INDEPENDENCE AND CORRUPTION ALLEVIATION IN THE NIGERIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Authors: Emeka Ene E. , Josephine Ene C.
Published: January 2021

Corruption is the greatest enemy of the Nigerian state evidenced by the recent rating of the nation as most corrupt country in the world. The debilitating effect of corruption pervades the Nigerian public service which is the machinery of government for the delivery of public goods and social services to the populace. This situation seemingly continues unabated under the watchful eyes of external auditors saddled with the responsibility of reviewing the operations of public service agencies. In evaluating the culpability of external auditors, this study investigates the external auditors’ independence as a factor in combating corruption in Nigeria public service. Survey method was adopted to assess the four factors identified by the study that affect the independence posture of external auditors. The responses from the questionnaire were analyzed using the SPSS test of statistics. The result reveals that the independence status of external auditors in Nigeria is compromised in the four areas investigated: appointment, professional fees, arms-length and tenure. The study therefore recommended that external auditors should be appointed by the Nigerian supreme audit institution and their fees should be determined by the same institution to which they should also render the audit report and management letter directly.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CRUDE OIL PRICES AND STOCK MARKET: THE INDIAN CASE
Authors: Rajnathan Premkumar
Published: January 2021

Crude oil is influencing every productivity activity of human life either directly or indirectly. The prices of crude oil also influence the international financial markets. This influence connects the oil market with that of capital market since stock market provides it necessary resources for investment and financing the production. In this study, the objective was to test the relationship between crude oil prices and selected sectors of Indian economy. Furthermore, the study also tests the effects of international crude oil prices on the Indian stock exchange market. The main objective was to test the conditional correlation of the crude oil price and equity returns of selected sectors of the Indian economy as well as the performance indicators of the Indian stock market using bivariate volatility models.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF FUTURE MARKET IN INDONESIAN CONTEXT
Authors: Kalavathi Surya , Kanagasabai Lenin
Published: January 2021

For decision making, sugar basic identification can be used as a strategic tool. In this study, accessible forecast using ARMA (p,q) time series models comparing Indonesian sugar spot and ICE future markets. The study identified that in two cities of Indonesia, there exist synchronous high and low primary movement, and volatility with correlation coefficient of 0.70, showing positive higher magnitude, and descriptive statistics. The result shows that in the selected two cities, Jakarta showed higher compare to the other city. Comparing forecasting errors between ARMA (p,q) and SARMAX (p,q) models, the monthly sugar basis model for Bande Aache is SARMAX (1,0). For Jakarta, the forecasted model is ARMA (2,0). Additionally, the Bande Aache sugar basis breakpoint month is 2008M09 and for Bande Aache, breakpoint month is 2011M11. A closer analysis suggests that the breaking points coinciding with the identifiable sugar basis level and the volatility trends in the examined period. Both forecasted models are easier and implementable and can provide informational input for efficient allocative decisions by the Indonesian sugar supply chain.
IS INFORMATION DISCLOSURE SYSTEM IMPROVES MARKET PERFORMANCE? CASE OF INDONESIAN STOCK EXCHANGE
Authors: Sukino Tole
Published: January 2021

Information disclosure prior to opening is implemented by Indonesian stock exchange for improving the pre-market information closure transparency. Based on the policy, information related to the bid/ask volume, five best bid/ask prices, trading volume, and transaction price is disclosed. In this study, investigation is made about the influence of pre-market information on the market quality measures including volatility, liquidity, and trading volume. Intraday day data is collected within the opening of first five minutes or one minute in selected months. Results of the study indicate that pre-market information disclosure transparency is influencing the market quality measures significantly.
THE NATURE OF MORTGAGE REPAYMENT PLANS IN GHANA
Authors: Ampofo Justice Agyei
Published: January 2021

Mortgage finance is one source of capital that cannot be ruled out when it comes to housing finance. It has globally aided many countries in terms of housing finance. A country’s housing finance system can work effectively if there is/are mortgage repayment plan(s) that would ensure flexibility in repayment of mortgage loans and encourage supply and demand for mortgage products. The study sought to find out the types and nature of mortgage repayment plans in Ghana. All the financial institutions which were into mortgage banking constituted the sample. The result shows that fixed rate method is the commonest method used in Ghana and other repayment plans have evolved from the fixed rate repayment plan. Exchange rate fluctuations, high interest rates and high house prices result in higher initial monthly mortgage repayment using the fixed rate repayment plan. It is recommended that mortgage lending institutions should reduce their interest rate for low middle income earners in Ghana to qualify for mortgage.
THE INFLUENCE OF GENERAL INTELLIGENCE AND SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE ABILITY ON STUDENTS ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
Authors: Ndegwa Stephen
Published: January 2021

In this study, the objective was to test the intelligence ability and social intelligence of school students. Standardized questionnaire was used to measure the study variables including social intelligence test, intelligent ability, social intelligence on scholastic achievement for class 10 students in Nairob, Kenya. In this study, data is collected from students on the intelligence ability and social intelligence along with scholastic achievement using the exam score. The findings are that intelligence ability (beta=.786, P<.05) and social intelligence (beta=.978, P<.05) has positive significant effects on student’s scholastic achievement. The two factors explain 54.5% change in the scholastic achievement of students. Our second important finding are that intelligence (beta=.542, P<.05) and social intelligence (beta=.657, P<.05) has positive and significant influence on students’ academic achievement. These factors explain 43.4% change in the dependent variable. Third main findings are that there is no significant difference between male and female students in terms of mean score of intelligence ability and mean score of social intelligence.
THE BENEFITS OF LIFE SKILLS TRAINING: ANALYSIS BASED ON GENDER
Authors: Karokhi Naheed
Published: January 2021

The objective of the study was to test the effects of life skill training on emotional distress based on gender differences. The sampling was based on 160 adolescent students who participated in this study. These students were enrolled in various classes in city of Kabul, Afghanistan. The study was based on experiment design where we administered life skill training on experimental group and control group was excluded from such life skill training. The findings of the study based on pre and post test administered on both groups shows that as individuals received the life skill training, it influenced positively on their positive state of mind and reduced negative emotions.
ASSESSING STUDENT SATISFACTION OF COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES, JIMMA UNIVERSITY
Authors: Terfa Temesgen Alemu
Published: January 2021

The present paper aims to assess the student satisfaction of Jimma University, College of Social Sciences and Humanities. The satisfaction level of students with teaching and learning service and the factors affecting the satisfaction level of students of the college were the key objectives. Questionnaire and focus group discussion were used to gather the necessary data from the respondents.  A closed questionnaire containing 38 items categorized in four sections has been used. These questions were related with academic staff, academic advising/mentorship, assessments, and student services. Besides, ten (10) representative students from the college were purposively selected for focus group discussions. A Likert-type response scale has been employed to measure the data gathered through questionnaires.  SPSS software has been used for data analysis of the questionnaire. General survey guided by well-structured questionnaire through simple random sampling has been administered across a sample of 317 students. The collected data were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively and the finding of the study indicated that there is moderate satisfaction level of students with the services that were delivered by the college.  Therefore, it is recommended that the college authorities should take the necessary measures in order to increase the students’ satisfaction level.
THE PRACTICES OF NEWS AND SOURCE USAGE IN ETHIOPIAN TELEVISION
Authors: Terfa Temesgen Alemu
Published: January 2021

This paper examined the practices of news and source usage in Ethiopian Television (ETV). It assessed news and source selection criteria of the media organization. The study also focused on the major source of news and speakers in the news. Besides, factors affecting news and source selection was also another objective of the study. The study used mixed research method. As a result, quantitative content analysis and an in-depth interview were used as tools of data gathering. It employed purposive sampling to select key informants for the study.  For the media content sample, the study focused on ETV’s prime time news at 8:00 PM. The findings of the study showed that the major criteria of news selection in ETV were based on the value of the news in building the image of the government. Sources of the news were government officials. The majority of the speakers in the news production by ETV staff reporters were government officials, especially those found at federal level. It was also found that there is lack of journalistic independence in the media. Journalists were influenced to report the positive sides of government and conceal the wrong doings of government officials. Therefore, in the way to the truth as diversified views are very crucial, Ethiopian Television should take the necessary measure to treat varies views in its news stories.
NIGERIA-CHINA: AN EXAMINATION OF RECENT BILATERAL TRADE RELATIONS
Authors: Ibrahim Kabiru Hannafi
Published: January 2021

This study examines the trends, composition, and intensity of Nigeria-China bilateral trade for the period, 1992-2016. Tables, graphs, and trade intensity formula were used. The results show that Nigeria’s trade with China has considerably recorded remarkable growth. With the exception of mineral fuels and products of their distillation, the share of major products exported to China over the period remained insignificant. More importantly, the results reveal that the share of major products imported from China remained significant, indicating that Chinese exports supply to Nigeria is more diversified than that of Nigeria's exports supply to China. Nigeria’s trade intensity index shows a low possibility of increasing export to China and a high possibility of increasing import from China. In the case of China, there is exists a high possibility of increasing its export and decreasing its import to and from Nigeria. Based on the study’s findings, the study recommends an urgent need for Nigeria's government to encourage the export of various products in order to promote bilateral trade and mitigate the existing trade imbalance. The study further recommends the need for government, researchers, and export promotion agencies to identify new market opportunities for Nigeria's exports in the Chinese market.