bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anaemia prevention among pregnant women: Views and experiences of pregnant women and antenatal care providers in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Zakariah-Akoto Sawudatu , Omeife Harmony , Hall Victoria Moran , Egbi Godfred , Adu-Afurwuah Seth , M Lowe Nicola , Aryeetey Richmond
Published: June 2024

Background and ObjectiveAnaemia among pregnant women is a public health challenge in Ghana. Although there isa national programme of routine iron-folic acid (IFA) supplementation, coverage issuboptimal. The current study explored experiences and perceptions of anaemiaprevention, and IFA use among pregnant women and antenatal care providers at twohospitals in Accra, Ghana, for enhancing the supplementation programme.MethodsUtilizing a qualitative approach, 6 focus group discussions with 48 purposively selectedpregnant women, and 10 in-depth interviews with care providers in two hospitals wereconducted. Interviews were transcribed verbatim. Using both deductive and inductiveapproaches, priori themes that informed the design of the interview guides, and emergingcodes from transcripts were used in data analysis.ResultsIn both hospitals, pregnant women reported awareness of anaemia and identified poorquality diets and failure to take IFA as the predominant causes. Regular IFAsupplementation, and consumption of fruits, vegetables, and animal-source foods wereindicated as the main anaemia remedies by the pregnant women. Turkey berry, beetroot,and hibiscus flower were also reported as therapeutic remedies for anaemia. IFA use waslinked with improved appetite, haemoglobin, and health status of mothers and their fetus.Both providers and pregnant women indicated that IFA is freely accessible throughgovernment facilities but may also be purchased. IFA supplements are recommended to betaken daily but three times for treatment; however, non-adherence to the recommendedfrequency was reported. This was attributed to adverse reactions including nausea andvomiting, unanticipated cost of increased appetite, forgetfulness to take IFA,misperceptions about adverse effects of IFA, transportation cost to access IFA, and longwaiting time at hospitals. Community-level focused antenatal care, follow-up visits, andphone calls were reported by providers as strategies to improve IFA uptake. Communitysensitization, enhanced access to IFA, and participatory approach to ANC services weresuggested by pregnant women as strategies for improving IFA uptake.ConclusionsFood insecurity and misperceptions about IFA should be addressed as part of efforts toaddress low IFA adherence and high maternal and child anaemia rates in Ghana.
Antifungal properties of Andrographis paniculata extracts as potential
biofungicides: a review
Authors: Kalit S.N.D.M. , Zain W.Z.W.M. , Ghazali A.H. , Ramli N.W. , Aziman N. , Hamzah F. , Hamid N.A. , Musa S.A.N.C.
Published: June 2024

Andrographis paniculata, commonly known as the king of bitters, has been studied for its
potential as a natural fungicide due to its several bioactive compounds, including
andrographolides. The primary objective of this study was to demonstrate the possible
efficacy of A. paniculata against a wide range of fungal diseases in terms of the properties
of A. paniculata extracts that could potentially be used as a bio-fungicide. The presence of
alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, terpene derivatives compounds, and other phytochemical
constituents makes the A. paniculata extract more precise in its mode of action against the
variety of phytopathogenic fungi. Various physiological and biochemical changes in crops
result in unintended physiological issues, degradation, and subsequent financial losses
during storage. Synthetic fungicides have been applied to control plant diseases caused by
phytopathogenic fungi. However, their application has drawn criticism because of adverse
effects. Therefore, a possible solution would be to apply botanical fungicides, which have
been proven to be generally non-phytotoxic, systemic, and rapidly disposable in nature.
Botanical fungicides are endowed with benefits such as resistance inhibition, being ecofriendly, effective, elective, and more affordable than synthetic fungicides. Therefore, the
medicinal herb, A. paniculata has been proven to be effective in controlling pathogens of
agricultural crops and increased their shelf-life when used as a substitute for synthetic
chemicals. Due to their antimicrobial capabilities against fungal, bacterial, and viral
infections, various medicinal herbs have been investigated and employed for crude
extraction globally. Andrographis paniculata extracts have broad-spectrum antifungal
activity, indicating potential efficacy against a diverse variety of fungal infections.
Antioxidant and antibacterial activity of nutgrass tuber (Cyperus rotundus L.)
on extraction with different solvent polarity and particle sizes
Authors: Dewi K.P. , Gunam I.B.W. , Wijaya I.M.M.
Published: June 2024

Nutgrass tuber (Cyperus rotundus L.) is a wild weed often used as traditional medicine
locally, having potential as an antioxidant and antibacterial. This study aimed to determine
the effect of the type of solvent with different polarity and particle size on the antioxidant
and antibacterial activity of nutgrass tuber (C. rotundus L.) extract and to determine the
best type of solvent and particle size to produce nutgrass tuber extract with the highest
antioxidant activity and antibacterial activity. The experiment design was a factorial
randomized block design (RBD). A total of three different solvent treatments (ethanol,
ethyl acetate and n-hexane) was the first factor while the particle size with three treatment
levels of 40-, 60-, and 80-mesh sieves was the second factor. Data were then analyzed by
analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's test. The results showed that the type
of solvent, particle size, and their interactions were highly significant on the antioxidant
activity and the antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, while the
antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli had a significant effect by the interaction.
For the antioxidant activity test, the best treatment was ethanol with particle size produced
using the 80-mesh sieve resulting in an IC50 value of 192.18±0.43 ppm. The best
antibacterial activity was the extract using ethyl acetate and the particle size produced
using the 80-mesh sieve. Meanwhile, the antibacterial activity against E. coli and S.
aureus was 3.53±0.19 mm2
/mL and 10.67±0.14 mm2
/mL (AU), respectively. This
suggested nutgrass tuber extract with suitable solvent has the potency as an antioxidant
and antibacterial.
Kinetics studies on the ascorbic acid extraction from roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) calyces
Authors: Aneke N.N. , Okonkwo W.I. , Ezeoha S.L. , Okafor G.I.
Published: June 2024

The effect of processing conditions of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) calyces on the vitamin
C content of the extracts was studied to develop models that best describe the process. The
extraction parameters are the processing time (5, 10, 15 mins), process temperature (30oC,
50℃, 75℃ and 100℃), and calyx-water mass ratio (1:50, 1:20 and 1:10). These samples
were tested for ascorbic acid using the spectrophotometric method. Statistical analysis was
conducted on the experimental results and regression models were developed. A total of
six mathematical models were selected for the description of vitamin C extraction from
the calyces. The results showed that time, temperature and calyx-water mass ratio have a
linear significant effect (p ≤ 0.01); while time-temperature and temperature-ratio had a
significant (p ≤ 0.05) interaction effect; time and temperature had a significant (p ≤ 0.05)
quadratic effect on the vitamin C content of the extract. Pseudo-first-order gave the
highest overall coefficient of determination R2
and lowest overall root mean square error
(RMSE). The activation energy of vitamin C ranged from 3 to 8.4 kJ; the effective
diffusion coefficient ranged from 1.5×10-9
to 5.0×10-7 m
2
s
-1
; while mass diffusivity ranged
from 3.11×10-5
to 8.6×10-4 ms-1
. The Biot number calculated ranged between 33.93 and
541.94 which showed that there is an insignificant external mass transfer resistance.
Heavy metals concentrations of traditional herbs consumed in Northwestern
zone of Nigeria and associated health risks on humans
Authors: Olaleye A.A. , Adesina A.J. , Momoh H. , Adamu Y.A. , Badamasi H. , Idowu O.T.
Published: June 2024

Herbal drugs have gained much popularity as alternative medicine among residents of the
northern part of Nigeria, taking advantage of abundant medicinal plants in the region. This
study therefore investigated the levels of some selected heavy metals (Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb and
Zn) in five identified herbal drugs sold in Andaza town, Kiyawa local Government area of
Jigawa State. Preparation of the samples was done using a wet digestion method with
HNO3 and HCl as digestion acids and the metals were determined using an atomic
absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The health risk assessment (HRA) for adults and
children was done by using the estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient
(THQ), hazard index (HI) and target cancer risk (TCR). The concentrations of heavy
metals on dry weight (dw) basis in this study fell within the range (mg/kg dw, mean±SD)):
Cd (0.156-0.312, 0.221±0.065), Hg (8.58-16.7, 12.7±3.78), Ni (0.960-2.74, 1.67±0.698),
Zn (4.26-10.1, 6.17±2.34) and Pb (0.876-1.91). Pb was not detected in two out of the five
samples and therefore the mean±SD of Pb was not computed. A comparison of the results
with the World Health Organisation (WHO) maximum permissible limit showed that Hg
levels were far above the permissible limit in all the samples; two samples had Cd values
above the maximum limit. The concentrations of Ni, Zn and Pb in all the samples were
within the recommended levels of WHO. Results of HRA showed that THQ were less
than 1 in the analyzed metals except for Hg with relatively high values in both adults (70
kg body weight) and children (24 kg body weight) categories and this may pose a
potential health risk to consumers. Results of the percentage non-carcinogenic risk (NCR)
of each metal showed that Hg contributed more than 95% to HI (the overall NCR) in each
sample. TCR of Pb indicates moderate to high cancer risk whereas, that of CD showed
high to very high cancer risk if the samples are consumed for a long period of time. It is
therefore important that consumption of these medicines should be monitored and
regulated in order for consumers to avoid future health challenges.
Optimum Portföy Seçimi: Konno-Yamazaki Modeli ve Tanjant Portföyü Karşılaştırması (Optimum Portfolio Selection: Comparison between Konno-Yamazaki Model and Tangency Portfolio)
Authors: Toptaş Burhan , Aytekin Sinan
Published: June 2024

Her yatırımcının öncelikli hedefi, riski en aza indirerek yüksek yatırım getirisi elde etmektir. Alternatif olarak, belirli bir getiri için kişinin taşıyabileceği maksimum risk düzeyinin belirlenmesidir.Bu çalışmada Markowitz’in 1952 yılındaortaya koyduğuve modern portföy teorisinintemelini oluşturan Optimum Portföy Yaklaşımında kullanılan kuadratik yaklaşımdaki bazı zorluklara alternatif olarak geliştirilen Konno-Yamazaki Portföy modeli ve Tanjant Portföyü modelikullanılarak BİSTSürdürülebilirlikEndeksinde yer alan 67 şirkete ait 36 dönemlik veriler ileher iki yöntemyardımıylaoptimum portföyler oluşturulmuştur. Sonuç olarak Tanjant portföyünün getiri açısından Konno-Yamazaki modelinden daha iyi performans gösterdiği ancak dahayüksek risk taşıdığıbulgusuna ulaşılmıştır.
Finansal Sağlamlığın Z-Skoru Kullanılarak Ölçülmesi: Türkiye de Mevduat Bankaları Üzerine Bir Araştırma (Measuring Financial Soundness Using Z-Score: A Research on Deposit Banks in Türkiye)
Authors: Koca Işık , Öner Kaya Emine
Published: June 2024

2018-2022 döneminde Türkiye’de faaliyet gösteren mevduat bankalarının finansal sağlamlığınınZ-skoru kullanılarak ölçülmesi ve daha sonra yüksek ve düşük Z-skoruna sahip mevduat bankalarının finansal oranları arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir farklılık olup olmadığının tespit edilmesi, bu çalışmanın amacınıoluşturmaktadır. Kullanılan finansal oranlar, literatürde yer alan CAMELS Derecelendirme Sistemi bileşenleri temel alınarak Türkiye Bankalar Birliği’nin yıllık olarak yayımladığı “Türkiye’de Bankacılık Sistemi Seçilmiş Rasyolar 2012-2022” isimli rapordan elde edilmiştir.Yüksek ve düşük Z-skoruna sahip mevduat bankalarının finansal oranları arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir farklılık olup olmadığının belirlenmesi amacıyla Mann Whitney U-Testi kullanılmıştır.Analiz sonuçları, yüksek Z-skoruna sahipbankaların genellikle daha yüksek sermaye yeterliliğine, varlık kalitesine, yönetim kalitesine, kârlılığa ve likiditeye sahip olduğunu göstermiştir. Ayrıca, analiz sonuçları doğrultusunda, Türkiye’de mevduat bankalarının finansal sağlamlığınındeğerlendirilmesi açısından Z-skorlarının önemli bir ölçüt olarak görülebileceğini ifade etmek mümkündür.
Sağlık Sektöründe Finansal Başarısızlık Tahmini: Türkiye Cumhuriyet Merkez Bankası Sektör Bilançoları Üzerine Bir Uygulama (Financial Failure Prediction in the Healthcare Sector: An Application on the Sector Balance Sheets of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey)
Authors: Çavmak Şeyda , Yücedağ Erdinç Nilüfer
Published: June 2024

Bu çalışmadasağlık kurumlarının finansal başarısızlık risklerinin tahmin edilmesi amaçlanmaktadır.Bu kapsamda Türkiye Cumhuriyet Merkez Bankası (TCMB) tarafından yayınlanan sektör bilançoları kullanılarak 2009-2022 yılları arasında İnsan sağlığı ve sosyal hizmet faaliyetleri, insan sağlığı hizmetleri alt sektörüne ait finansal başarısızlık tahmini yapılmıştır. Yıllık veri kullanılarak yapılan çalışmada,finansal başarısızlık riski Altman Z Skor,Springate S Skor ve Zmijewski JSkor Modelleri kullanılarak analiz edilmiştir. Araştırmada finansal başarısızlık tahminlerinin birbirinden farklı sonuçlar verdiği ortaya konulmuştur.Altman Z Skor ve Springate S skor modellerinde,analize dahil edilen yıllar içerisinde, sağlık sektöründe finansal başarısızlık riskinin her iki alt sektör için yüksek olduğuifade edilebilir.Gerek salgın öncesi dönemde gerekse salgın döneminde sağlık sektörünün finansal başarısızlık riski taşıdığı söylenebilir.Zmijewski JSkor Modelinin ise finansal başarısızlık risk tahmininde daha düşük sonuçlar verdiği belirlenmiştir.
Mulan From Legend To Screen: The Influence Of Globalisation On The Representation Of China In Film
Authors:   , Yang Shangyuan
Published: June 2024

Mulan, a legendary Chinese heroine, is the protagonist of the ancient four-hundred-word poem, The Ballad of Mulan (500 BCE). Celebrated for highlighting Mulan’s filial piety, a supreme virtue in Chinese culture, this poem is regarded as a landmark in Chinese literature and is widely included in China’s educational textbooks. Over the past three decades, both the Walt Disney Company and several Chinese studios have adapted Mulan’s story into films on multiple occasions, introducing her as an iconic figure representing Chinese culture. The increasing number of Mulan adaptations not only presented differing depictions of both China and the Chinese heroine, but also established her international fan base in cinema markets worldwide. While Mulan productions achieved international commercial success, the influence of globalisation on these films’ adaptation strategies remains relatively underexplored. This dissertation focuses on two Disney Mulan adaptations (Mulan [1998] and Mulan [2020]) and two Chinese versions (Mulan: Rise of a Warrior [2009] and Unparalleled Mulan [2020]) to explore the development of Hollywood’s and China’s film industries, analysing how these productions targeted global audiences in different ways. In doing so, this thesis aims to explore how globalisation informs Hollywood and Chinese studios’ adaptation approaches, thereby influencing screen representations of China.

This dissertation adopts in-depth textual analysis to dissect the four Mulan adaptations, focusing on production context, narrative, and character development. This method offers insights into globalisation’s influence on the portrayal of Chinese culture in these films. More specifically, the examination of the case studies reveals the ways in which Disney and Chinese studios navigate the balance between the original ballad and global appeal. This comparison not only showcases the evolution of perceptions and representations of Chinese culture in global cinema but also unveils how these productions play a role in shaping and being shaped by global cultural perceptions. Ultimately, this research contributes to a more detailed understanding of the dynamic between Hollywood and the Chinese film industry, demonstrating how globalisation influences cultural storytelling in cinema.
Employment Challenges and Opportunities for Persons with Visual Impairment in Pakistan
Authors: Bashir Rukhsana , Sabar Benish Umbreen , Kanwal Asma
Published: June 2024

Purpose: The employment challenges and opportunities for persons with visual impairment (PWVI) in Pakistan were investigated in this study.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Quantitative approach through a structured survey of 70 respondents was used. Influencing factors of job acquisition, types of employment, and available support mechanisms for PWVI were determined.
Findings: Predominant presence of PWVI in provincial government roles and teaching was found. PWVI face challenges such as societal attitudes, infrastructure accessibility, and limited training opportunities. It was suggested that there should be enhanced educational access, inclusive hiring, improved workplace and public accessibility, expanded vocational training, and awareness campaigns about disability rights.
Implications/Originality/Value: These actions are needed to foster a more inclusive employment environment to empowering PWVI for achieving greater socio-economic integration and professional success in Pakistan.
Cyber Security Incident Response
Authors: Abuabid Ali , Aldeij Abdulrahman
Published: June 2024

In response to the growing cyber-attack threat, incident response teams have become a critical component of an organization's cybersecurity strategy. These teams are responsible for detecting, analyzing, and responding to security incidents promptly and effectively. However, detecting code injection attacks can be particularly challenging, as they can be difficult to detect and often go unnoticed until it is too late. Cybersecurity professionals use detection tools to detect and respond to DLL injection attacks that monitor system activity and detect unusual behavior. A large portion of the related literature focuses on the use of commercial DLL injection tools. In contrast, little attention has been paid to the effectiveness of using open-source DLL injection detection tools. Thus, this research project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of three widely used open-source tools, VirusTotal, Sysinternals, and Yara, in detecting DLL injection incidents. This study's findings highlight each tool's strengths and limitations, which in turn enables cybersecurity professionals to make informed decisions when selecting the most suitable tool for DLL injection detection. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of continuous tool development and updates to keep pace with evolving malware techniques and emerging threats. By highlighting the effectiveness of the tools, this research enhances the overall security posture of organizations and individuals, empowering them to mitigate the risks associated with DLL injection attacks proactively. The outcomes of this research project also underscore the significance of leveraging advanced tools to fortify cybersecurity defenses and safeguard critical systems and data.
Securing the Web
Authors: Sharma Ruchi , Dei Thakur Bhag , Kaushik Neelam , Chauhan Purnima
Published: June 2024

In an era characterized by the ubiquity of the internet, the proliferation of online services, and the increasing frequency of cyber threats, the detection of look-alike domains has become a critical component of cybersecurity. The current paper presents an approach for the detection of look-alike domains, leveraging the power of open-source intelligence (OSINT) tools. It included gathering and analyzing a wide range of publicly available data sources, including permutations, WHOIS records, IP information, website content, Geo IP, similarity percentage, name server, and mail server records, and building a comprehensive profile of domains under investigation. Through the application of online search engines, patterns and features that distinguish legitimate domains from their deceptive counterparts were established. The analysis demonstrated that OSINT tools provided significant information about the sample domains and successfully detected 1598 registered look-alike domains among 10 sample domains using dnstwist, while OpenSquat identified 103 squatting domains, 960 active phishing websites, and 53 domains with suspicious certificates across five sample websites. The research contributes to the enhancement of cybersecurity practices by providing a cost-effective and scalable solution for identifying look-alike domains, which can serve as precursors to various online threats, including phishing attacks, malware distribution, and fraud.
Safeguarding Online Communications using DistilRoBERTa for Detection of Terrorism and Offensive Chats
Authors: Shah Mohamed Safwan Saalik , Abuaieta Amr Mohamed , Almazrouei Shaima Saeed
Published: June 2024

People use social media for both good and distasteful purposes. When used with malicious intent, it raises significant concerns as it involves the use of offensive language and hate speech that promote terrorism and other negative behaviors. To create a safe, secure and pleasant environment, these communications must be closely monitored to prevent severe problems, associated risks and other pertinent issues. With the help of AI, specifically Large Language Models (LLM), we can quickly analyze text and speech to determine whether the communications promote the dangers identified here above not to mention other toxic elements. For this research, the LLM used is the DistilRoBERTa model from the Transformers library using Hugging Face. The DistilRoBERTa model was trained on datasets consisting of terrorism-related conversations, offensive-related conversations, and neutral conversations. These datasets were obtained from publicly available sources. The results of the experimentation show that the model achieved 99% accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and ROC curve. To improve the robustness of the model, it must be continuously fine-tuned to predict dynamic communication behavior since real conversations are inaccessible due to restrictions. A drag-and-drop interface is used to upload the files and get the categorical output, ensuring seamless and easy interaction.
Enhancing Malware Detection by Integrating Machine Learning with Cuckoo Sandbox
Authors: F. Alshmarni Amaal , A. Alliheedi Mohammed
Published: June 2024

In this work, two categories of deep learning and conventional machine learning were used to classify malware using a dataset of all possible API call sequences. Specifically, the objective was to determine the best strategy to tackle the ever-rising menace as malware becomes more complex. A new dataset was created employing Cuckoo Sandbox, where API call sequences originating from both benign and malware samples were recorded. The performance of these algorithms was benchmarked and tested using this dataset, which includes SVM, RF, KNN, XGB, GBC, CNN, and RNN. The study established that both deep learning and conventional machine learning algorithms provided high accuracy above 90%. Specifically, the recurrent neural networks (RNNs) demonstrated high accuracy rates ranging from 95% to 99%. These results are highly indicative of deep learning, especially RNN, as a promising approach to improving the effectiveness of malware detection. The data obtained from dynamic analysis, when integrated into a database, serves as a more reliable source for training and testing of such models, and can improve the model’s ability to identify new threats posed by malware. Thus, this work is salient in enhancing the development of new approaches to fight malware that constantly evolve in the modern world.
ENGAGING CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION STRATEGIES FOR CREATING RESPONSIVE URBAN LANDSCAPES: A CASE STUDY OF CALEB UNIVERSITY MAIN CAMPUS
Authors:   Department of Architecture, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos state, Nigeria, Ajayi O. O , Afolabi T.A , Owolabi T. O , Ogunleye V. T
Published: June 2024

Vibrant urban landscapes demand citizen participation. Co-creation, which is a collaborative design approach, empowers residents to shape their environments. This research explores co-creation, highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives for inclusive and sustainable urban landscapes. Using Caleb University as a real-world case study to explore successful co-creation strategies that leverage citizen involvement the research explores citizen experiences with campus development. Employing a qualitative research design, the research delved into the experiences, perceptions, and preferences of staff and students regarding Caleb University's campus development. Data were collected using collection involved a structured questionnaire distributed to a randomly-sampled residents, ensuring representation across all demographics. Findings reveal a generally positive attitude towards participation. The research also highlights the importance of diverse perspectives. Diverse opinions on campus aesthetics highlight the importance of inclusive design. The research emphasizes the resident's preference for green spaces reflects successful co-creation. The research also highlights the desire for multiple avenues of participation, with preferences for campus meetings, workshops, and online forums. Co-creation, free from participation barriers, empowers residents to shape responsive and inclusive urban landscapes, transforming cities into vibrant expressions of their collective vision for a sustainable future. Keywords: Co-creation, Inclusive, Sustainable, Empowerment, Responsive
PUBLIC DEBT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM NIGERIA
Authors:   Department of Economics, Aminu Abubakar Mikailu ,   Federal College of Education, Zaria
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the influence of public debt on economic growth in Nigeria, employing the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model of cointegration and analysing annual time series data spanning from 1980 to 2022. The empirical findings reveal that in the long run, external debt exerts a positive and significant impact on economic growth. This suggests that external debt holds substantial economic potential to drive growth in Nigeria throughout the analysed period. However, debt service payments have a significant adverse effect on growth, both in the long run and the short run. Consequently, the study recommends that the government should ensure borrowed external funds are allocated to productive investments to achieve its desired objectives. Specifically, Projects financed through government borrowing should undergo thorough assessment, evaluating their technical feasibility, financial viability, and economic desirability before committing funds, borrowing should be allocated towards financing productive infrastructure projects and initiatives that enhance productivity, thereby potentially offsetting the costs associated with servicing the debt. Keywords: External debt; Economic Growth; ARDL cointegration; Nigeria
FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT, JUDICIAL CORRUPTION, AND ECONOMIC GROWTH: EVIDENCE FROM NIGERIA
Authors:   Department of Economics, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Muhammad Sani , Nwidobie Barine Michael ,   Department of Accounting and Finance Caleb University, Lagos, Mikailu Ahmed Aminu ,   Department of Economics, Kaduna State University, Kaduna
Published: June 2024

This paper assesses the impact of financial development, institutions, and judicial corruption, on economic growth as well as causality among the variables in Nigeria over the period of 1980 to 2016 using Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Model and Granger Causality Test. The former takes care of both long-run and short-run dynamic effects of financial development, institutions, and judicial corruption as they affect economic growth while the latter captures the flow of causality among the variables. The ARDL Bound test result reveals existence of cointegration among the variables. The short-run result shows that judicial corruption is negatively and significantly related to economic growth while in the long-run, a positive but insignificant relationship exists. It also reveals that exchange institutions have significant negative relationship with economic growth. However, the results of Granger causality test showed that there is unidirectional causality running from judicial corruption to economic growth. In all, the study concludes that justice delayed is growth denied. The study therefore recommends that the institution of justice be reformed, civil litigations be discharged on time and judicial independence be restored accordingly. Keywords: financial development, Institutions, Judicial Corruption, Economic Growth, ARDL, Granger-Causality.
Exploring anthropometric characteristics, weight status, and posture among preschool children in Serbia
Authors:   Preschool Institution ", Peulić Jovica ,   My Childhood",   , Čačak, Serbia, Katanic Borko ,   Montenegrin Sports Academy, Podgorica, Montenegro, Jovanović Nataša ,   Children’s Dispensary of the Health Center Čačak, Serbia, Bjelica Dusko ,   University of Montenegro, Faculty for Sports and Physical Education, Niksic, Montenegro
Published: June 2024

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the anthropometric characteristics, weight status, and posture of 6- and 7-year-old preschool-aged children. The sample of 922 children was divided by gender and age (monthly quartiles). Anthropometric characteristics were assessed using a battery of three variables: body height (BH), body mass (BM), and body mass index (BMI). BMI was categorized based on the World Health Organization (WHO) cutoff values, determining the degree of children’s weight status. Postural status was assessed by evaluating the following postural parameters: foot status, scoliosis, and dropped shoulders. Independent samples t-test showed no differences in anthropometric characteristics between boys and girls. According to ANOVA test, all three older groups (III, IV, and V) had significantly higher values in body height than the first two younger groups. In terms of body mass, IV and V groups had higher values than group I, and V had higher values than group II. Normal-weight children constituted 73.5%, while 14.4% were overweight and 8.8% were obese. Chi-square test revealed no difference in the degree of weight status by gender. Regarding postural status, 24.1% of children had scoliosis, 75.4% had abnormal foot status, and 59.8% had dropped shoulders. Chi-square test showed no difference between gender and postural deviations, except for foot status where boys significantly had more deviations than girls. This study contributed to diagnosing the anthropometric characteristics and posture of children and can be considered significant as the first study in this part of Serbia, serving as a starting point for future practical and research steps.
O papel da coordenação pedagógica na regulação das avaliações de aprendizagem junto aos docentes
Authors: Vieira Sofia Lerche , Vidal Eloisa Maia
Published: June 2024

Na última década, as avaliações externas e em larga escala tem assumido o protagonismo na política educacional brasileira, de modo que os projetos pedagógicos das escolas passam a gravitar em torno dos resultados desses exames. Este artigo analisa um conjunto de questões do formulário do coordenador pedagógico (Q6.9; Q6.11; Q6.12; Q18.1 a Q18.8; Q19.1 a Q19.4) sobre sua participação nos processos de avaliação, incluindo as avaliações em larga escala e que relações ele constrói junto aos professores e a direção escolar. A abordagem é descritiva e explicativa e a análise foi estratificada por estado, considerando características próprias das duas redes de ensino. Os resultados apontam para a dubiedade de papel deste profissional que não apenas atende demandas da gestão escolar, como necessita atuar junto aos docentes, que são monitorados de forma contínua e a quem compete desenvolver um amplo conjunto de iniciativas com vistas a melhoria de desempenho dos alunos.
Liderazgo escolar en Brasil y Chile
Authors: Muñoz Gonzalo , Weinstein José , Álvarez Nicolás
Published: June 2024

El liderazgo directivo asoma como un factor fundamental para el mejoramiento escolar, siendo clave en la formulación de políticas educativas a nivel global, aunque en América Latina estas políticas son incipientes y diversas entre países. Este estudio comparado exploratorio analiza las características del liderazgo escolar en Brasil y Chile, basándose en los resultados del estudio PGLEQE en los estados de Espírito Santo y Piauí, y de un estudio similar realizado en Chile. El análisis se centra en comparar perfiles, prácticas de liderazgo, preocupaciones y contingencias que enfrentan los directores y directoras en ambos países. El análisis revela distintas orientaciones en las políticas sobre liderazgo: Brasil enfocado en un liderazgo distribuido y democrático, mientras que Chile orientado hacia una profesionalización progresiva de la función directiva. Este estudio constituye un primer esfuerzo analítico comparado sobre el liderazgo directivo entre estas realidades, aportando a la escasa evidencia comparada sobre este tema en América Latina.
Práticas de gestão e liderança e resultados escolares no ensino médio
Authors: Oliveira Ana Cristina Prado de , Pereira Rodnei , Pato Christy , Santos Alexsandro
Published: June 2024

Considerando a relevância do trabalho da direção escolar (Leithwood; Sun, 2012; Brooke; Rezende, 2021; Oliveira; Paes de Carvalho, 2018), o estudo teve como objetivo identificar práticas de liderança escolar e suas associações com a variação da proficiência em testes de larga escala em escolas de Ensino Médio (EM). Este estudo quantitativo foi elaborado a partir de dados coletados pela pesquisa Práticas de Gestão, Liderança Educativa e Qualidade da Educação (PGLEQE), em uma amostra de 139 escolas que atendem ao EM em dois estados brasileiros. Professores, Coordenadores Pedagógicos e Diretores responderam a questionários desenhados para cada grupo de respondentes. Com base em Day e colegas (2007), a análise dos dados envolveu a criação de índices e estudo inferencial com a elaboração de modelos de regressão hierárquica. Os resultados apontam importantes achados para a agenda política educacional no que se refere à atuação das equipes de gestão escolar.
Autoeficácia pedagógica de atores escolares
Authors: Paes de Carvalho Cynthia , Arai Daniela Natasha Mendes , Oliveira André Luiz Regis de
Published: June 2024

O artigo discute a crença de autoeficácia pedagógica de professores, coordenadores pedagógicos e diretores escolares e sua relação com os resultados dos estudantes em uma amostra de 139 escolas de ensino médio dos estados do Espírito Santo e Piauí. São utilizados dados dos questionários contextuais aplicados a estes atores na pesquisa Práticas de Gestão, Liderança Educativa e Qualidade da Educação em Escolas de Ensino Médio no Brasil (PGLEQE), dados do Censo Escolar, do SAEB e das avaliações estaduais. Realizou-se um levantamento documental e entrevistas com atores-chave dos órgãos centrais das redes sobre as normas relativas à gestão escolar para compreender o contexto normativo e adensar as análises em cada estado. As análises dialogam com pesquisas nacionais e internacionais que apontam a crença na autoeficácia como um dos aspectos mediadores que influenciam os resultados escolares. Os resultados confirmam parcialmente os achados da literatura de referência e apontam perspectivas futuras de investigação.
Motivos para sair
Authors: Carrasqueira Karina
Published: June 2024

A mobilidade docente tem se mostrado um problema em várias partes do mundo, incluindo o Brasil. Estudos recentes têm observado que o clima escolar, muito influenciado pelo trabalho da gestão escolar, é um dos fatores mais importantes na decisão de um/uma docente sair de uma escola. Desta forma, este trabalho tem por objetivo verificar, a partir dos dados da pesquisa Práticas de Gestão, Liderança e Qualidade da Educação em Escolas de Ensino Médio (PGLEQE), se há relação entre a liderança da gestão e a satisfação no trabalho dos(as) professores(as), e identificar os motivos que influenciam a intenção docente de sair da escola. Os resultados indicam que a percepção do trabalho da direção e do clima escolar estão relacionados com a satisfação docente com o trabalho. Por outro lado, essa percepção não é consenso entre todos os professores da escola, apenas daqueles que não querem permanecer.
Expectativa da trajetória escolar de alunos do ensino médio
Authors: Gimenes Nelson , Toledo Rodrigo
Published: June 2024

O artigo analisa as expectativas de diferentes atores escolares em relação às trajetórias escolares dos estudantes do ensino médio. A partir dos microdados do SAEB 2017 e 2019, do ENEM 2017 a 2019, bem como dos dados obtidos em uma pesquisa sobre liderança escolar em dois estados brasileiros, com aproximadamente 1.500 respondentes, propôs-se um indicador de expectativas das trajetórias dos alunos. Os resultados apontam para uma baixa expectativa da equipe escolar, embora tenham sido identificadas escolas com diferentes graus de expectativas. O referencial teórico baseou-se no papel da liderança escolar e suas relações com as crenças dos atores escolares sobre os estudantes. Os resultados permitiram destacar a importância de um indicador de expectativas sobre trajetórias escolares como meio para o planejamento de intervenções mais efetivas dos gestores que, sendo passíveis de monitoramento e acompanhamento, podem contribuir para a aprendizagem efetiva dos discentes.
Variasi Sistem Pembayaran Terhadap Cash Flow (Studi Kasus : Pembangunan Laboratorium Terpadu AKN Blitar)
Authors: Safitri Aida Ayu , Wiryasuta I Ketut Hendra , Sandi Enes Ariyanto
Published: June 2024

Construction projects are a form of long-term investment that requires large capital. One important aspect in construction projects is the payment system. Therefore, it is necessary to vary the payment system on the cash flow of construction projects to determine the effect of the payment variation system on the safest cash flow for the contractor. In this research, the case study used for the calculation of payment system variations on cash flow is the AKN Putra Sang Fajar Blitar integrated laboratory construction project. The payment system used is the progress term payment system. The method used to obtain these results is done by varying the down payment and work progress. There are 6 variations (V) used, namely V1 down payment (0%) work progress 20%, V2 down payment (0%) work progress 25%, V3 down payment 10% work progress 10%, V4 down payment 10% work progress 25%, V5 down payment 20% work progress 20%, V6 down payment 20% work progress 25%. From the results that have been obtained, the highest peak overdraft is in V2 amounting to -Rp5,365,573,659.76 and the lowest is in V3 amounting to -Rp2,864,421,825.56. Meanwhile, the final overdraft value is the same in each variation, which is Rp824,863,740.58. Therefore, the safest variation is V3 with the lowest peak overdraft. The effect of the variation of the payment system that has been known is that the greater the down payment in each variation, the lower the peak overdraft, as well as the smaller the work progress term, the lower the peak overdraft.
PENANGANAN BANJIR DAERAH ALIRAN SUNGAI BABON KOTA SEMARANG
Authors: Ikhwanudin Ikhwanudin , Yudaningrum Farida , Wardani Agustina
Published: June 2024

Floods are natural disasters that we often encounter during the rainy season. Apart from there are also tidal floods which are caused by global warming, this problem occurs in the city of Semarang, especially North Semarang, specifically the north coast of the Java Sea. Floods that occurred in 2021 in the city of Semarang include Starting from Genuk, Kaligawe, Satsiun Tawang, Tanjungmas, Karangayu, the flood disaster was caused by high rainfall, while tidal floods caused high tides and inundated roads and houses of residents on the north coast of Semarang city. To handle this problem, the government Currently we have made embankments, namely making embankments including the Sringin River which is equipped with a ponpa, Tenggang River, Babon River, Semarang River, Banger River, and others. These embankments are equipped with pumps so that when the water from upstream to downstream is high, the water is pumped. to the sea, the aim is to find out one of the annual discharges of the river, namely the Babon, and to find out the tamping capacity of the Babon River Longstorage. Apart from that, there is a method for handling tidal floods, namely using the Babon River Longstorage which is equipped with a pump, if there is high tide which inundates roads and houses. residents then the pump is turned on, whereas if the water recedes and does not inundate residential areas then the pump is turned off. Flood control analysis is calculated using the HEC-RAS program simulation using a return period of 50 years. Based on calculations using the HEC-HMS program. The flood discharge is 2,529 m3/sec. The high tide elevation is + 1.67 m, while the normal water level is -0.5 m.
ANALISIS TINGKAT NON-REVENUE WATER (NRW) PADA JARINGAN DISTRIBUSI SPAM PUSAT PERUMDA AIR MINUM PALANGKA RAYA
Authors: Nanda Fahreza Alvian , Masduqi Ali , Ahyar Agus , Adhi Bagas Wahyu
Published: June 2024

NRW is still a problem for PDAMs in Indonesia in providing drinking water for the community. This can be seen from the national average NRW level in 2021, which was 33.72% (higher than the RPJMN target of 30%). The ATR reduction strategy can be carried out correctly if the indicators or components are accurately measured. The problem is that many PDAMs need help to understand the definition or calculate ATR components according to international standards with high confidence. In this research, a water balance was prepared using WB-EasyCalc to determine the value of each ATR component with a 95% confidence level, potential loss of income, and ILI value. The results of the water balance analysis show that the ATR level at Perumda Air Minum Palangka Raya in May 2023 was 51.84%. This percentage comprises 2.19% non-revenue official consumption and 49.64% water loss. If the NRW percentage is not reduced, the potential loss of income is estimated at IDR 15,395,984,969/year. The component that causes the most water loss is physical water loss, which reaches 42.67%. The physical water loss performance indicator (ILI) has a value of 23, which is included in performance category D (extraordinary waste of resources occurs, and leak reduction programs must be prioritized). Recommendations that can be given are related to the active leak detection and pressure management.
PERENCANAAN STRUKTUR & PONDASI GAS COMPRESSOR SHELTER STASIUN GAS BETUNG PENDOPO FIELD, PT. PERTAMINA EP ASSET 2 SUMATERA SELATAN
Authors: Triwidodo Puput , Kristiawan Agung , Husodo Ibnu Toto
Published: June 2024

Planning for the Structure and Foundation of the Gas Compressor Shelter Betung Gas Station Pendopo Field Pertamina Asset 2 aims to upgrade facilities in order to increase production from the Pendopo Gas Station. This Gas Compressor Shelter Building is designed to be Strong and Rigid using SS400 Steel Structure. H beam structure column 400x400x13x21, WF structure rafter 400x200x9x14. In the Gas Compressor shelter building there is a Hoist Crane mechanical equipment with a capacity of 10 Tons which is based on the Beam WF-700x300x13x24. The foundation of this building uses deep foundations using square piles measuring 250x250 mm as deep as 15 meters. The quality of concrete for the foundation of the Gas Compressor Shelter uses K-350 concrete quality. From the planning above, it can be concluded that it has fulfilled the terms and conditions in Indonesian regulations and standards.
Hester’s Private Religion of the Heart: Theocracy and Secularism in The Scarlet Letter (1851)
Authors:   York University, Hassanpour Darbandi Ali
Published: June 2024

The Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne’s highly political magnum opus, is concerned with the struggle of its heroine against the overarching Puritan patriarchy, and relates her resistance, denial and finally her reconciliation with the society that had outcast and defamed her. This paper examines the religious transformation in The Scarlet Letter, particularly in its protagonist, Hester Prynne according to the dialectic of subversion and containment. While the Puritan society condemns her acts, Hester subverts aspects of this religious theocracy and contains them in a new light. These points of subversion and containment are the critical focus of this study, as espoused by new historicist Stephen Greenblatt and cultural materialist Jonathan Dollimore. Hester’s subversions include her resilience against the presumption that she has committed a sin, the consecration of her own actions, criticism of predestination and doctrine of grace. Alternatively, her containments present the reader with an alternative political vision that embraces freedom of conscience and individual religion of the heart. Ultimately, this essay argues that Hester, by the end of the tale, displaces the Puritan theocracy and envisions a secular society in which a privatized sphere of activity is granted to individuals to exercise their political and religious liberties.
Dialectical Sentences and Social Contradictions in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The House of the Seven Gables
Authors:   University of Kurdistan, Amiri Cyrus , Govah Mahdiyeh
Published: June 2024

This paper highlights formal and thematic expressions of discursive conflicts in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The House of the Seven Gables. It focuses on Hawthorne’s use of the “dialectical sentence,” a type of sentence attributed to German dialectical thinkers, principally Theodor Adorno. Voicing two contradictory views in the same breath, the dialectical sentence provides formal expression of irresolvable discursive conflicts. Hawthorne’s dialectical sentence serves as a suitable medium for expressing the conflict of interests between the Pyncheon and Maule families. The discursive conflicts are expressed through a set of binary terms, including Pyncheon/Maule, novel/romance, present/past, reason/rumor and science/ superstition. The first term in each binary usually serves for the Pyncheons and the second, the Maules. Thus, expressed in dialectical sentences, the narrative voice oscillates between an irony which reflects the values of the former family and an enthusiasm which reflects those of the latter. Coming down firmly on neither side of the conflict, and through avoiding reconciliation, the novel takes on a dialectical structure which keeps the resolution of the discursive conflicts, as a utopian element, for a time outside the novel’s timeframe.