bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Credit rationing by deposit money banks and implication on agricultural output in Nigeria
Authors: Egwu P.N. , Nnabu Bernard E , Mbam B.N. , Nwibo S.U.
Published: November 2020

The study examined the effects of credit rationing by deposit money banks on the performance of agriculture in Nigeria using secondary data  between 1981 and 2016 obtained from the CBN Statistical bulletin. The study applied both Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) and Phillips-Perron (PP) unit root test to determine the order of integration of each variable, Johansen cointegration and Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) were employed to determine if there is a long run, the short-run relationship between credit rationing and agricultural output. The result showed that all the variables were integrated of order one. The results revealed that credit rationed for fishery has a short-run significant impact on agricultural output while credit rationed for cash crops, food crops, and livestock do not have a significant short-run impact on agricultural output. The findings further revealed that credit rationed for cash crops and livestock farming significantly decline agricultural output to the tune of 26.48% and 75.87% in the long run while credit rationed for food crops and fishery significantly result in 43.52% and 41.89% rise in agricultural output in the long run. Therefore, the study recommends the establishment of special financial institutional to give unconditional loans to farmers, raise credit rationing for food crop production above the current ceiling, and emphasis should be on exchange rate liberalization policy that will shift consumption from imported agricultural produce to local agricultural produce. These measures will promote farmers’ access to funding which will invariably translate  to a rise in agricultural output.

Keywords: Credit, Rationing, Money Deposit Bank, Agriculture, Output, Nigeria
Ecology and population dynamics of silver catfish, Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (Siluriformes: Claroteidae), of the Cross River, Nigeria
Authors: Ama-Abasi Daniel , Uyoh Edak Aniedi
Published: November 2020

Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus forms the most commercially important freshwater single species fishery in the Cross River, Nigeria. Studies were  conducted on the dynamics of the exploited population of the species and the influence of rainfall on its catch rate. The objectives were to assess the level of exploitation and impacts of rainfall on its catch rate. A time series of length frequency and meteorological parameters was conducted. Length frequency data were analyzed using FiSAT software to estimate population parameters. The asymptotic length, Lı was 105 cm, growth constant (K) was 0.68 year-1, total mortality (Z) was 2.48 year-1, Natural mortality (M) was 0.99 year-1 and fishing mortality (F) was 1.49 year-1. The exploitation rate was 0.60 year-1, indicating overfishing. Natural mortality accounted 40% of the total mortality, presenting a worrisome trend in the fishery. There was a correlation between rainfall and catch rate, which increased at the onset of rains but decreased at the peak of the rains due to increased depth of the river. For management purposes, it is recommended that the fishing effort should be reduced by the regulation of the number of boat-days; for conservation, domestication of the species should be adopted as an adaptation to climatic influence.

Keywords: Freshwater Catfish, Fishing Mortality, Exploitation Rate, Overfishing, Rainfall Impact, Niger Delta.
Engaging media advocacy on self-littering of the environment in Nigeria
Authors: Akpoghiran Idamah Patrick
Published: November 2020

Self-littering of the environment has become habit among many Nigerians. People on daily basis littered the environment with all kinds of wastes,  and this has affected the aesthetic beauty of the environment.. The study examines media advocacy on self-littering of the environment. The mainobjective of the study was to determine how media advocacy can help to discourage self-littering of the environment. Questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. A total of 384 respondents were sampled in Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria on the subject matter. The results showed that media advocacy can help to discourage self-littering with the adoption of various communication channels. Inhabitants’ are aware that they littered the environment with dirt but change in behaviour is needed. Consistent media advocacy can bring about that needed change to stop self-littering of the environment.

Keywords: Environment; Habit; Littering; Media advocacy; Self-Littering
Cost Reduction of Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit in Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company using Pinch Technology
Authors: Abubakar Abdulkareem
Published: November 2020

Pinch technology is one of the most powerful methodologies of process integration that allows industries to increase their profitability through reductions in energy, water and raw materials consumption. In this study, reduction in the total annual cost of heat exchanger network (HEN) of Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) unit in Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), Kaduna was determined. With the help of pinch technology, the reduction was achieved by first determining optimum minimum temperature difference by trading off energy cost and capital cost targets as a function of minimum temperature difference. Thereafter, the total annual cost obtained at the optimum minimum temperature difference was compared with total annual cost of existing design. The results of the analysis showed that the optimum minimum temperature difference was 12℃, the total annual costs of the existing design and the optimum-minimum-temperature-difference based cost were $8.7 and $7.1 Million respectively. This amounted to percentage reduction in the total annual cost of 18.4% which means that about $1.6 Million would been saved annually using the optimum minimum temperature difference to design the HEN of the FCC unit.

Keywords: Pinch technology, FCC unit, Cost targeting, Area targeting, Trade-off
Effect of Changing Cement Grade on the Properties of Structural Concrete
Authors: Fapohunda C.A. , Famodimu B.I. , Adigo B.C. , Jeje A.S.
Published: November 2020

Many research efforts have been carried out, in a quest to produce mix design information that will guide the concrete and construction industry on how to achieve different concrete strengths, using the different grades of cement available. This is with a view to arresting the rampant collapse of buildings in Nigeria. The work presented in this paper is the result of investigation carried out to determine effects of changing cement grade, while casting a structural member, on the strength behaviour of the concrete. Two types of cement grades: 32.5 R and 42. 5 R were used for this research. In this investigation, the chemical and physical properties of the cement were determined. Consistency and setting times of mortar specimens from the two cement grades were also determined. Concrete samples made from the two cement grades 32.5 R and 42.5 R were evaluated for workability, density, compressive and tensile strengths at water/cement ratios of 0.40, 0.50 and 0.60. The results showed that the cement grade 42.5 consistently developed higher densities at all the water/cement ratios considered. This may be as a result of unforeseen additional dead load at the design stage, which would now amount to underestimation of dead load and thus design load. The results also showed that at higher water/cement ratios, the cement grade 42.5 R has densities exceeding the 2400 kg/m3 recommended by BS 8110. Furthermore, the concretes produced with cement grades of 32.5 R and 42.5 R have different strength development pattern and developed different 28-day compressive strength. Thus, it can be concluded that the action of changing the cement grade during concreting, for the same structural member is not supported by the national code, and will not result in safe and durable concrete.

Keywords: Cement grades, Compressive strength, Density, Portland limestone cement, Tensile strength, Workability
Effect of Tillage Practices on Selected Engineering Properties of Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Tubers
Authors: Adetola O.A. , Olukunle O. J. , Olalusi A.P. , Olubanjo O.O.
Published: November 2020

The main objective of this study was to determine the influence of tillage practices on selected engineering properties of cassava tubers. Two field tests were conducted between May 2014 to April 2015 and May 2015 to April 2016. Eight tillage practices utilized for the experiment were coded as; Ploughing + Harrowing (A), Ploughing + Harrowing + Ridging (B), Manual Ridging (C), Minimum Tillage (D), Ploughing + Harrowing + Manual Digging to a depth of 30 cm + Sawdust of 10 cm depth set at the base (E), Ploughing + Harrowing + Ridging + Sawdust of 10 cm depth set at the base (F), Manual Ridging + Sawdust of 10 cm depth put at the base (G) and Manual Digging to a depth of 30 cm + Sawdust of 10 cm depth put at the base (H). TMS 0581 improved cassava variety and two fertilizer rates 622.50 kg/ha and control were used. Randomized Complete Block Design was used. The experiment was 8x2x1 factorial combinations in split-split plot design with three replications. The effect of different treatments on selected engineering properties of cassava tubers were determined. The results showed that Ploughing + Harrowing (A) tillage practice was significantly different from other tillage practices and gave the most suitable selected engineering properties of size 10.53±0.64c cm, surface area 371.15±45.53bc cm2, sphericity 39.26±1.74a cm, roundness 21.40±3.29ab , bulk mass 21.43h kg, coefficient of static friction 2.73±0.06abc, compressive strain at break of 2.16±0.03e mm/mm, compressive load at break of 11698.90±178.71f N, compressive stress at break of 2.72±0.04d MPa, energy at break of 191.62±2.93e J, modulus automatic of 1.89±0.031c MPa, followed by F, G, D, C, E, H and B tillage practices respectively. The study had provided some engineering properties for engineers to develop efficient agricultural machines for handling and processing of fresh cassava tubers.

Keywords: Evaluation, influence, tillage practices, engineering properties, cassava tubers.
Endometritis in the bitch: Immunohistochemical localization of cyclooxygenase 2
Authors: Mitacek María Carla García , Praderio Romina Gisele , Stornelli María Cecilia , De la Sota Rodolfo Luzbel , Stornelli María Alejandra
Published: November 2020

Background: In several mammals, subfertility or infertility associated with endometritis was reported. Although there have been studies about endometritis in bitches, the pathophysiological mechanisms are not completely known.Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) in clinically healthy bitches with normal uterine tissue and bitches with endometritis.Methods: Forty-eight mixed breed bitches in diestrus were used. Uterine biopsies were collected for diagnosis [normal endometrium (n = 15; NE), cystic endometrial hyperplasia (n = 1), atrophy (n= 2), acute endometritis (n = 9; AE), subacute endometritis (n = 7; SE), and chronic endometritis (n = 14; CE)]. Immunostaining and quantification of positively stained cells was performed on full-thickness uterine biopsies. Data were analyzed by the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS.Results: COX2 immunostaining was scattered and restricted to cells in the stroma in bitches with NE. However, in bitches with endometritis, strong staining was observed in the luminal epithelium, glandular epithelium, and stromal cells. Staining was also observed in inflammatory cells localized in the stroma as well as inside of the glands. The percentage of COX2 positive stromal cells in bitches with AE, SE, and CE was significantly higher compared with NE (p < 0.005). In addition, the percentage of COX2 positive stromal cells in bitches with SE, and CE was significantly lower compared with AE (p < 0.003).Conclusion: COX2 could be involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms producing endometritis without the presence of cystic endometrial hyperplasia in bitches. However, further researches on this topic are required.

Keywords: Bitch, COX2, Endometritis, Immunohistochemical.
Animal coronaviruses and coronavirus disease 2019: Lesson for One Health approach
Authors: Poudel Uddab , Subedi Deepak , Pantha Saurav , Dhakal Santosh
Published: November 2020

Coronaviruses are a group of enveloped, single-stranded, positive-sense RNA viruses that are broadly classified into alpha, beta, gamma, and delta coronavirus genera based on the viral genome. Coronavirus was not thought to be a significant problem in humans until the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome in 2002, but infections in animals, including pigs, cats, dogs, and poultry, have been problematic for a long time. The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, drew special attention towards this virus once again. The intermediate host of this novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is yet to be determined, but it has a very close genomic relationship with the bat coronavirus (Bat-CoV), RaTG13 strain, and the pangolin coronaviruses. As veterinary medicine has a long-term experience dealing with coronaviruses, this could be helpful in better understanding and detecting the origin of SARS-CoV-2 and drive human medicine towards the development of vaccines and antiviral drugs through the collaborative and transdisciplinary approaches of One Health.

Keywords: Animal Coronaviruses, COVID-19, One Health, SARS-CoV-2.
Detection of an emerging novel sublineage Ind2001BD1 and lineage PanAsia of foot-and-mouth disease virus serotype O in cattle in Manikgonj district of Bangladesh, 2018
Authors: Ali Md Zulfekar , Giasuddin Md
Published: November 2020

Background: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an endemic disease of cloven-hoofed animals in Bangladesh and multiple outbreaks occur every  year because of the FMD virus (FMDV).Aim: The aim of the present investigation was to determine the molecular characterization of the VP1 coding region of FMDV serotype O outbreak in cattle.Methods: A total of four tongue epithelial specimens were collected from clinically FMD-positive cattle during June 2018 in Manikgonj district of Bangladesh.Results: All four isolates were recorded positive for FMDV serotype O. The phylogenetic analysis showed that two isolates were clustered within an emerging novel sublineage Ind2001BD1 under lineage Ind2001 of FMDV serotype O, which was identified during 2012–2016 in Bangladesh. One isolate was clustered within the lineage PanAsia of FMDV serotype O and was closely related to an isolate identified in Nepal in 2009. The  phylogenetic reconstruction revealed that all the four isolates belong to the Middle East–South Asia topotype.Conclusion: Therefore, multiple lineages of the FMDV serotype O are circulating among the cattle in the outbreak area, which make it more complex for the FMD control program in Bangladesh. A comprehensive study on the genetic characteristics of FMDV across the country is required for effective FMD prevention and control strategy.

Keywords: Cattle, Foot-and-mouth disease, Ind2001BD1, Lineage, PanAsia.
Veterinary acutherapy in management of musculoskeletal disorders: An eye-opener to the developing countries’ veterinarians
Authors: Alimi Olawale Alimi , Abubakar Adamu Abdul , Yakubu Abubakar Sadiq , Aliyu Abdullahi , Abulkadir Salman Zubairu
Published: November 2020

Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believed that the maintenance of the health status of any individual or animal is by the harmonious flow of Chi (life force) along a pathway known as the meridian. Interruption or blockage of Chi brings about disorders, pain, and diseases. Acutherapy, therefore, aims at correcting the interruption or blockage of the harmonious flow of Chi along the meridian to restore the healthy condition of the body system. This correction could be accomplished by either acupuncture or acupressure, and are both collectively referred to as acutherapy. Thisform of therapy has been used in both humans and animals for several decades. It is, however, just gaining popularity in the treatment of humans and is still not yet in practice among veterinarians for animal patients in most developing countries like Nigeria. This review, therefore, is aimed at exposing veterinarians from the developing countries to the general application of acutherapy with emphasis on the musculoskeletal system and associated pain where it is most applied. It is highly recommended that the universities, where Veterinary Medicine is studied in developing countries, should endeavor to train their veterinary surgeons in this area and see to how acutherapy can be included in the curriculum.

Keywords: Acupressure, Acupuncture, Acutherapy, Musculoskeletal, Veterinary.
Extent of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms in whole muscle meat, meat products and seafood sold in Libyan market
Authors: Eshamah Hanan L. , Naas Hesham T. , Garbaj Aboubaker M. , Azwai Salah M. , Gammoudi Fatim T. , Barbieri Ilaria , Eldaghayes Ibrahim M.
Published: November 2020

Background: Whole muscle meat, meat products, and seafood contain different nutrients in adequate quantity providing a better environment for presence and replication of different microorganisms. There are underreported and inaccurate estimations of foodborne diseases due to the lack of effective surveillance systems in Libya.Aim: To determine the extent of microbiological contamination of whole muscle meat, meat products, and seafood.Methods: A total number of 731 samples of retail meat were collected from different stores in four cities in Libya. Samples were analyzed for aerobic plate count and subjected to microbiological enumeration and isolation techniques, followed by molecular identification by PCR and partial sequencing of 16S rDNA.Results: The results showed contamination of samples with enteric and spoilage bacteria. Fifteen genera of spoilage bacteria yielded 149 isolates which were detected and identified by PCR and partial sequencing of 16S rDNA as: Proteus spp., Provedencia spp., Raouttella ornithinolytical, Citrobacter spp., Enterobacter spp., Morganella morgi, Shewanella algea, Rhodobacter capsulatus, Listonella pelagia, Kluyvera spp., Pectobacterium spp., Brenneria spp., Klebsiella spp., Acintobacter radioresistens, and Pantoea spp. While for pathogenic bacteria, 143 isolates distributed among nine genera were identified by PCR and partial sequencing of 16S rDNA as: Bacillus spp., Escherichia spp., Shigella spp., Enterococci spp., Cronobacter spp., Staphylococci spp., Salmonella spp., Aeromonas spp., and Vibrio spp.. Many isolated bacteria are zoonotic bacteria with high importance for public  health.Conclusion: Excessive handling and processing of meat and meat products seems to be one of the poorest microbiological qualities. These findings ought to be helpful in risk assessments and quality assurance of meat in order to improve food safety.

Keywords: Libya, Meat products, Pathogenic bacteria, Spoilage bacteria, Whole muscle meat.
Biosecurity challenges in the control of avian influenza in Nigeria
Authors: Ijoma S.I. , Agusi E.R. , Ifende V.I. , Osemeke O.H. , Columba V.T.
Published: November 2020

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has a devastating impact on the economy especially the poultry industry and it jeopardizes food security and public health. The disease which was first reported in Nigeria in 2006, re-occurred in 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019. Inspite of the efforts the federal government has put into eradicating Avian Influenza in the country, the re-occurrence of the disease points to challenges of control efforts by stakeholders. Biosecurity challenges confronting poultry farmers and live bird market operators were implicated in new outbreaks and spread of HPAI. A cross-sectional study was carried out by administering open ended questionnaires to poultry farmers and live bird marketers in 12 States that shared boundaries with States affected by HPAI in 2019. Using the thematic style of qualitative analysis and MS Excel 2016, data and information with common denominators and pattern were collated and grouped. The One Health approach was adopted for this study. This was achieved by evaluating the knowledge of the stakeholders on the spread of Avian Influenza (AI), the biosecurity challenges they faced, their recommended solutions and new preventive or control measures they were willing to implement in order to achieve biosecurity against AI outbreak. The live bird marketers' responses showed their major challenge to be poor commitment to implementing already known biosecurity rules (22%), followed by unavailability of funds (13%) and sanitation problems. The poultry farmers struggled with lack of funds for maintenance (32%), and lack of compliance to biosecurity by farm attendants (24%). Both groups jointly recommended alleviating strategies such as the improvement of stakeholder education, supportive financing and the strengthening of animal health legislations. These new insights would benefit the formulation and implementing effective probiosecurity strategies for the control of avian influenza.

Keywords: Avian influenza, biosecurity, one health, poultry farms, Nigeria
The social functions of female voice in politics and national development in selected political speeches of Patience Jonathan
Authors: Izuegbunam Chioma
Published: November 2020

Over the years, political and socio-economic participation in African society have been asymmetrical, and full of gender inequality. Women’s participation in politics has been very low in Africa especially Nigeria due to the patriarchal structure of the society. Women and their voices are often made to appear irrelevant in issues that affect their lives and society; they are sometimes regimented to ‘kitchen’ and’ bedroom’ responsibilities alone. However, the influence of women’s voice in conflict resolution, socio-economic status of different homes and the society at large cannot be underpinned. This could be seen in the role of Aba women’s riot of 1929. Their engagement in civil society, politics and social movements help to shape their society, and lobby the government towards the development of their areas. Several efforts and agitation both from women quarters and UN Right of Women to ensure that female voices are heard in politics, and policy making and decision taking of the society have been made, yet not much has been achieved in the political structure of Nigeria. This study investigates the social roles of female voice towards national development in selected political speeches of voices in politics encourage social mobilization and collective action towards political success, and resolving conflicts and crisis that bedevil the national development. Again, Women’s voice in politics helps to create social dynamism in politics and serves as agent of change.

Keywords: Social Functions, Female Voice, Political Speech, National Development
Metaphysics in a Review of "Karl Popper's Philosophy of Science" (Rationality Without Foundations) by Stefano Gattei
Authors: Binar Kurnia Prahani  , Sayidah Mahtari  , Suyidno  , Joko Siswanto  , Wahyu Hari Kristiyanto
Published: November 2020

This article is the result of a book review of a work by Stefano Gattei. The starting point of Popper's view is that "almost every phase of our scientific development is under metaphysical rule, that is, ideas that are tested, ideas which determine not only what problems we need to explain, but also what kinds of answers we will consider to be one that is important or satisfactory or accepted, and as a remedy, or guarantee, of a previous answer". Popper's indeterminism is important because Popper's custom begins by considering an intuitive Laplacian view of determinism: "the world is like a motion picture film: or a projected image. Parts of the film have proved to be the past. And unproven people are the past. front". Popper has always been claimed to be a metaphysical realist: to him, to be a realist means to think, in covenant with common sense, that the world of his existence is independent of human beings. It means, "my existence will end without the world coming to an end too". As well as other metaphysical positions, realism is a non-testable conjecture: "realism is neither proven nor disproved".
Students’ Assessment of Open Distance Learning Programmes and Services in Nigeria: A Comparative Description of Three Selected Distance Learning Institutions
Authors: Sunday A. Itasanmi  , Mathew T. Oni  , Omobola O. Adelore
Published: November 2020

This study reported students' assessment of open and distance learning programmes and services vis-à-vis teaching and learning experience, educational resources, technical support service and infrastructural facilities in ODL institutions in Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design and the participants for the study comprised of 719 students randomly drawn from three purposively selected ODL institutions in Nigeria. A semi-structured questionnaire was used as an instrument for the study. Quantitative data generated from the survey were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) while the qualitative data was content analysed. Result of the study showed that students enrol in open and distance learning programmes majorly as a result of the flexibility in learning. While students relatively rate their teaching & learning experience, educational resources and available infrastructural facilities in their universities good, they, however, rate technical support services provided in the ODL institutions as being poor. A comparative analysis of the students’ assessment in the three institutions revealed that there exists a statistically significant difference in teaching & learning experiences, available educational resources, technical support services and infrastructural facilities in the institutions. Based on the findiings of the study, some recommendation were made.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF RAVINE DEGRADATION ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN NSUKARA OFFOT IN UYO LGA, AKWA IBOM STATE
Authors: Okereke MO , Uchua AK , Essien JJ , Ezugwu JE
Published: November 2020

Ravine degradation is one of the major environmental threats throughout the world and affects multiple soils and land functions. There is ample physical evidence of severe gully erosion occurring in different parts of the world. Gullies are one of the few sources of morphological evidence in the landscape showing the intensity of soil erosion in the area, reflecting the impact of environmental change (especially due to interactions between geomorphological features, changes in land use, and extreme climatic events). The impacts of ravine erosion in Akwa Ibom State, Uyo in particular are enormous and are still creating a lot of menace ranging from loss of farmlands and properties, a threat to vegetation, effect on life among others. This paper discusses the use of space-based techniques to assess the impact of ravine erosion and its effects on socio-economic development of Nsukara Offot in Uyo L.G.A. In the study, the shapefile of Uyo was used to clip the study area from Landsat 8 (2018) in a GIS environment, the extracted images were processed using ArcGIS 10.4, Likelihood classification was carried out for 3 spectral bands corresponding to Band 5, Band 4 and Band 3 combination Near infrared, red, and green (NIR, R, G). Spot 5 Image was also used to identify the interesting features in the area that is valuable for this research work. The features digitized were Built-up areas, Ravine, and Roads. The ArcGIS software version 10.4 was used to buffer the distance from the ravine to the different structures, other facilities, and one of the major roads in the area. Results from the field observations and measurements showed that the width of the ravine is 8m, depth is 13m while the length is about 100m. The distance of the ravine from the nearest building which is Ray Field International Secondary School, Uyo is 10m away from the school gate and 5m from the road. This shows a rapid encroachment to the facility and poses a hazard to both human and infrastructure. The study shows that the ravine occurred as a result of inappropriate channeling of water runoff in unprotected land thereby washing away the soil along the drainage line. GIS is a valuable tool in monitoring morphology while the results of the study can be used for planning for further monitoring, gully erosion control, and management.
Qualitative Research: Central Tendencies and Ranges
Authors: Chenail Ronald
Published: November 2020

It is always interesting to listen closely when someone says, "Qualitative research is..." or curious to read intently an article or book which prominently features "qualitative research" in the title, and then experience a strange, defamiliarization process as the words of the conversation, lecture, article, or book don't seem to fit your notion of what "qualitative research" is and isn't. Well, you are not alone in your confusion. As far as I know, no one has copy rights on the term so it ends up meaning a variety of things for a variety of people. As a matter of fact, that is the most important point: Qualitative research can be a diverse, rich, and sometimes self-contradictory world of inquiry. Meta-analyses of qualitative research methods and philosophies are quite common in the field and serve as good introductions to this diversification of approach. In this short essay I offer one such examination of the field by presenting a series of couplets which help to exemplify central tendencies (CT) and ranges (R) of qualitative research.
UNDERSTANDING THE INFLUENCE OF MEDIA RICHNESS IN DEVELOPING CUSTOMER TRUST, COMMITMENT AND LOYALTY
Authors:   MANAGEMENT AND SCIENCE UNIVERSITY, MOHAMAD NORAIHAN
Published: November 2020

Customer loyalty aids businesses by increasing their ability to face competition, reduce marketing costs, provide publicity through word-of-mouth, and boost sales and profits in the long term. Prior studies consistently revealed that brand is an antecedent of customer trust and commitment, and it nurtures loyalty. However, today, the customers’ perception and attitude towards businesses have changed. Customer loyalty can be developed using various antecedents. Drawing upon the Media Richness Theory (MRT), this study aims to identify the effects of integrating print, online and face-to-face media in developing customer trust, commitment and loyalty. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among customers who purchased computer products in a particular shop. A total of 295 respondents were selected based on purposive and systematic random sampling techniques. Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to test the hypothesized model. The results show that media richness, through the integration of print, online and face-to-face communication, may significantly affect trust and customer loyalty. In conclusion, the research findings indicate that the the integration of various media may help customers make the right purchase decision. This study contributes to MRT by expanding it from the perspective of consumer behaviour. In practical terms, the findings provided important information to help ensure business sustainability and continuity.
HUMOUR BY MALAYSIAN JAPANESE-SPEAKING TOUR GUIDES DURING TOUR SESSION IN CROSS-CULTURAL CONTEXT
Authors:   UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA TERENGGANU, ABDUL RASHID ROSWATI , ISMAIL RADHIAH , MAMAT ROSLINA , NUDIN ZANJABILA
Published: November 2020

This research concerns the use of humour in Japanese language by Malaysian Japanese-speaking tour guides. The goal is to explore the pattern of humour strategies in communicating with Japanese tourists in the context of a clash of Malay and Japanese cultures. Data were obtained from four recorded conversations between tour guides and tourists. The conversations were transcribed and coded. Tour guides consisted of four Japanese-speaking Malays and the tourists were all native speakers. The study identified four categories of humour employed in a cross-cultural context. The outcome of cultural and linguistic clash helped to influence the coordination and adjustment of communication behaviours. Malaysian tour guides adopted humorous strategies to foster a friendly relationship so that the tours may run smoothly. It is hoped that this research will serve as reference to those involved in Japanese language education for tourism, besides serving as a guide to strengthen cross-cultural communications to the next level.
KESANTUNAN LINGUISTIK DALAM LAKUAN PENOLAKAN ORANG MELAYU, DALAM KONTEKS UNDANGAN PERKAHWINAN
Authors:   UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA TERENGGANU, ISMAIL RADHIAH , ABDUL RASHID ROSWATI
Published: November 2020

Penolakan merupakan lakuan linguistik yang sukar untuk dilaksanakan dan berpotensi untuk mencetuskan konflik. Bagi menghindar konflik dan mengurangkan kemungkinan menjatuhkan air muka pendengar, penutur akan menggunakan pelbagai strategi kesantunan dalam pengungkapannya. Penulisan ini bertujuan untuk memerihalkan strategi-strategi kesantunan linguistik yang digunakan oleh orang Melayu dalam lakuan bahasa penolakan terhadap undangan ke majlis perkahwinan. Majlis perkahwinan dipilih sebagai konteks kajian kerana ia merupakan salah satu peristiwa penting dan bersejarah dalam kehidupan seseorang dan menghadirinya merupakan satu tuntutan agama. Seramai 40 orang responden Melayu terlibat dalam kajian ini. Ujian Melengkapkan Wacana atau DCT (Discourse Completion Test) merupakan instrument telah digunakan untuk mengumpul data. Data dianalisis berdasarkan model penolakan Beebe, et al. Dapatan menunjukkan majoriti responden menggunakan strategi tidak langsung untuk mengungkapkan penolakan. Strategi “mengemukakan alasan” dan “memohon maaf” telah dikenal pasti sebagai dua strategi yang paling kerap digunakan oleh responden. Dari aspek struktur penolakan pula, kebanyakkan responden memulakan penolakan dengan strategi “memohon maaf” diikuti oleh strategi-strategi yang lain. Kesimpulannnya, adab dan kesantunan berbahasa masih utuh diamalkan oleh masyarakat Melayu ketika berkomunikasi. Dapatan kajian ini diharapkan dapat dijadikan panduan untuk melancarkan dan meningkatkan keberkesanan komunikasi dalam kalangan masyarakat terutama yang melibatkan lakuan bahasa penolakan.
PRIMARY TEACHERS’ CODE-SWITCHING IN EFL CLASSROOMS
Authors: Nhi Dinh Ngoc Linh , Nhung Pham Thi Hong
Published: November 2020

Teaching English has never been easy especially for countries where English is a foreign language. It becomes more challenging if the learners are primary students because their English proficiency is low. Therefore, primary teachers are required to have appropriate teaching methods for them. Code-switching is considered one of teaching methods which is adopted by primary teachers frequently in the classroom. It not only assists teachers in teaching but also in classroom management effectively. Thus, research is conducted to find out functions of CS as well as to the reasons why primary English teachers use it in their classroom. This research is qualitative research. The participants of this study are English teachers who are teaching at primary schools in the Mekong Delta. The instruments of this study were observation, audio-recording, and interview. The results showed that CS was actually used a lot by primary English teachers in their classroom. However, code-switching serve their teaching most. Teachers also admitted that it provided great support for them in teaching such as helping students understand the lesson better and saving time. This study is expected to benefit EFL teachers, especially those who are teaching English for primary schools in general and for young learners in particular. Furthermore, it enables primary EFL teachers to have insights into the functions of CS as well as when it is used in teaching practices. In addition, primary EFL teachers are expected to have critical thinking of the CS and make suitable choices in applying CS effectively.

 Article visualizations:
An Analytical Model of a New T-cored Coil Used for Eddy Current Nondestructive Evaluation
Authors: Zhang Siquan
Published: November 2020

A model of an axisymmetric probe with a new T-core coil that can be used in eddy current testing is developed. The truncated region eigenfunction expansion (TREE) method is used to analyze the coil impedance problem of the T-core coil located above a multi-layer conductive material. First, the magnetic vector potential expressions of each region are formulated, then the coefficients of the magnetic vector potential are derived by using the boundary conditions, finally, the closed form expression of the coil impedance is obtained. The normalized impedance changes of the T-core coil caused by the presence or absence of the multi-layer conductor are calculated using Mathematica. The presented T-core coil is compared with I-core coil and air-core coil. The effects of the T-core parameter a2, relative permeability μf and the thickness of the top section on the change in the coil impedance are discussed respectively. The analytical calculation results are compared with the results of finite element method, and the two agree very well, which verifies the correctness of the proposed T-core coil model.
LA ATENCIÓN A LA DIVERSIDAD DESDE LA DIDÁCTICA DE LA MATEMÁTICA EN LA EDUCACIÓN SUPERIOR PEDAGÍCA EN CUBA
Authors: Zamora Reytor Tania , Sánchez Batista Xiomara , Zamora Reytor Lisset
Published: November 2020

La preparación para la atención a la diversidad, desde la Didáctica de la Matemática, sería una respuesta al logro de posibilidades de desarrollo para todos en esta materia tan reconocida en todas las esferas de la vida.  La escuela en el papel del maestro con su responsabilidad y compromiso, debe crear las condiciones para que las oportunidades, que ya ofrece el estado, se conviertan en posibilidades para todos. El presente material es resultado de una investigación realizada en aras de reflexionar en este sentido. Se exponen importantes consideraciones que facilitan la comprensión de significativos procesos que se dan en torno a la diversidad y que a su vez permiten entender la necesidad de prepararse para su atención desde las didácticas específicas y particularmente desde la Didáctica de la Matemática. El material recoge elementos que, desde el orden psicológico y didáctico, deben constituir sustento para cualquier trabajo que con tal propósito se proponga.
Pattern of presentations at psychiatric emergency services of a public sector tertiary care hospital, Pakistan
Authors: Rida Hanif  , Muhammad Iqbal Afridi  , Jawed Akbar Dars  , Fariha Iqbal
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Objective: To determine the pattern of presentations and characteristics of patients at a psychiatric emergency services facility.

Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in November 2016 at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, and comprised all patients presenting to the departmental emergency services. Data was documented on a pre-designed semi-structured proforma, and analysed using SPSS 22.

Results: Of the 316 cases, 162(51.3%) were males and 154(48.7%) were females. The overall mean age was 30.78+/-13.09 years (range: 8-80 years). Psychiatric emergencies comprised suicidal attempt, excitement, violence, altered sensorium, altered/ inappropriate behaviour and extrapyramidal symptoms / acute dystonia together constituting for 123(38.9%) of the total presentations, while there were 20(6.33%) cases of hysterical fits  and 6(1.89%) with acute anxiety symptoms. Overall, 56(17.7%) subjects were found to have no psychiatric diagnosis, and 46(81.5%) of these were referred cases.

Conclusion: Non-emergency visits constituted high percentage of emergency presentation.

Key Words: Psychiatry, Emergencies, Referral, Violence, Dystonia. Continuous...
Effects of bilateral arm training on upper extremity function in right and left hemispheric stroke
Authors: Humera Ambreen  , Hina Tariq  , Imran Amjad
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Objective: This experimental study on 24 stroke patients aimed at evaluating and comparing the effects of bilateral arm training on upper extremity (UE) motor function between right and left hemispheric chronic stroke patients.

Methods: Both groups received the same intervention involving 5 functional tasks for 1 hour, 3 days per week, for a total of 6 weeks. Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity and Wolf-Motor Function Test were applied as outcome measures at baseline and after 6 weeks of training to assess the recovery of function in the affected area.

Results: Intra-group analysis showed no significant improvement in the wrist and hand function in the left hemispheric stroke (LHS) (p>0.05), while right hemispheric stroke (RHS) patients did not improve significantly in the coordination/speed domain (p>0.05). Inter-group analysis showed no significant difference between right and left hemispheric stroke patients (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Bilateral arm training showed beneficial effects in improving UE function in both RHS and LHS patients. Distal UE function in LHS and coordination and speed of movement in RHS patients did not show any significant improvement.

Key Words: Stroke, Upper extremity, Recovery of function, Bilateral arm training. Continuous...
Eksplorasi Kegunaan dan Kepuasan Portal Berita dalam kalangan Remaja di Sabah
Authors: Meri Aisah , Ting Lee Kuok
Published: November 2020

Pola penggunaan portal berita dalam kalangan remaja di Sabah merupakan sesuatu yang menarik untuk dikaji khususnya melihat rentak penggunaan portal berita yang semakin berkembang. Kajian ini mempersembahkan pola kegunaan dan kepuasan portal berita dengan menggunakan kumpulan fokus terhadap remaja yang terdiri dari etnik KadazanDusun, Bajau, Murut, Melayu dan Cina berpandukan teori kegunaan dan kepuasan (U&G). Hasil dapatan kajian mendapati keperluan kognitif dan keperluan penyepaduan diri merupakan keperluan utama yang mendorong remaja menggunakan portal berita. Responden yang terdiri daripada remaja Sabah paling banyak menggunakan portal berita bagi tujuan pencarian maklumat dan pembelajaran. Jenis kepuasan yang paling tinggi diperoleh oleh mereka ialah ciri interaktif dan sifat mudah dibawa yang ada pada portal berita itu sendiri. Dalam fenomena kaya media hari ini portal berita sentiasa
Pengetahuan Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi Guru Matematik Sekolah Rendah
Authors: Lau Janet Siew Chee , Rosli Roslinda Binti
Published: November 2020

Pembelajaran maya yang merupakan proses pembelajaran dan pemudahcaraan (PdPc) berasaskan Internet adalah bidang yang turut berkembang di Malaysia dalam era Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi (TMK) ini. Walau bagaimanapun, tugas mengintegrasikan TMK ke dalam pengajaran bilik darjah terutamanya subjek Matematik dengan cara yang bermakna dan canggih masih mencabar. Walaupun bilik darjah mempunyai akses kepada teknologi, terdapat beberapa keadaan yang mempengaruhi pelaksanaan teknologi di bilik darjah seperti infrastruktur yang tidak lengkap, teknologi yang tidak mencukupi, pembangunan profesional yang berkesan, keberkesanan kendiri guru dan persepsi guru. Guru juga jarang mengintegrasikan teknologi dalam PdPc Matematik disebabkan kecekapan mereka adalah terhad kepada kemahiran asas TMK. Maka, kajian ini bertujuan untuk meninjau pengetahuan TMK guru Matematik sekolah rendah Malaysia dan pengetahuan penggunaan TMK dalam PdPc Matematik. Seramai enam puluh lima orang guru Matematik dari tiga buah Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina yang terlibat dalam kajian ini. Kajian ini merupakan kajian tinjauan yang menggunakan soal selidik untuk mengumpul data. Analisis statistik deskriptif digunakan untuk menjawab soalan persoalan. Data-data yang dikumpulkan akan diproses dengan menggunakan perisian statistik SPSS versi 25. Analisis data menunjukkan pengetahuan TMK guru Matematik sekolah rendah Malaysia dan pengetahuan penggunaan TMK dalam PdPc Matematik adalah pada tahap yang sederhana sahaja. Berdasarkan hasil kajian, adalah dicadangkan pengurusan sekolah boleh mengatur latihan dalam perkhidmatan secara berkala dalam kursus pengembangan profesional untuk guru. Dengan kursus yang dijalankan, diharapkan dapat meningkatkan kecekapan guru dan mengurangkan kegelisahan mereka dalam menggunakan TMK dalam PdPc.
Mengatasi Kebimbangan Semasa Pandemik Covid-19 Dengan Pendekatan Teori Rational Emotive Behaviour Theraphy (REBT)
Authors: Mustaffa Norhazirah Binti
Published: November 2020

COVID-19 yang melanda dunia bermula Disember 2019 telah meningkatkan kadar kebimbangan masyarakat seluruh dunia dan menyebabkan peningkatan isu-isu kesihatan mental antaranya kebimbangan, kemurungan, dan lain-lain. Ini kerana penularan wabak ini telah memberi impak yang besar kepada manusia terutamanya isu kesihatan, ekonomi, pendidikan dan aktiviti sosial. Teori Rational Emotive Behaviour Theraphy (REBT) adalah salah satu teori yang digunakan dalam sesi kaunseling atau terapi namun penerokaan tentang penggunaan teori ini dalam mengatasi kebimbangan semasa pandemik masih kurang. Objektif kajian ini adalah untuk membincangkan penggunaan terapi ini bagi mengatasi kebimbangan yang dialami klien dalam situasi pandemik COVID-19 seterusnya mengaplikasikannya dengan teknik ABCDE. Kajian ini merupakan kajian dokumentasi yang menganalisis kajian- kajian lepas tentang peningkatan kebimbangan semasa COVID-19 serta penggunaan teori Rational Emotive Behaviour Theraphy (REBT) dalam isu-isu kebimbangan yang lain. Kajian ini mendapati terapi ini mampu membantu mengatasi kebimbangan semasa musim COVID-19.
Synthesis and Photophysical Study of Divalent Complexes of Chelating Schiff Base
Authors: Rashad Alaa A. , Muaiad Farah , Ahmed Ahmed , Salman EkhlasA. , Akram Evon
Published: November 2020

Background: Schiff base compounds derivative from1,2,4-triazole, and their transition metal complexes play an essential role in coordination and bioinorganic chemistry due to biological and industrial applications. Objective: The work aims to prepare and characterize of 1, 2, 4-triazole Schiff base and its complexes with a theoretical study using  PM3 calculation and HyperChem program, photophysical properties, and surface morphology for these complexes. Methods: 1, 2, 4-triazole Schiff base prepared by condensation reaction between  4-Amino-3-mercapto-5-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole and 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde, then Schiff base reacted with Co2+, Ni2+,  and Cu2+ ions,   the synthesized 1, 2, 4-triazole Schiff base, and its complexes were characterized by infrared spectra, magnetic susceptibility, conductivity measurements, photophysical properties, and surface morphology measured by atomic force microscopy. The practical results were reinforced with a theoretical study for these Schiff base complexes. Then the proposed structures of the prepared complexes. Results: 1, 2, 4-triazole Schiff base act as a chelate ligand. The coordination has occurred through the oxygen of the phenolic group O-H and the nitrogen of the imine group N=C of Schiff base with divalent metal ions. Cobalt complex has a tetrahedral geometry, while the nickel and copper complexes have square planar geometries. The stability of all compounds was studied by calculating the energy gap by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. Copper Schiff base is a more stable complex due to the lower value of the energy gap, and the copper Schiff base complex is more semiconductivity than the other complexes. Surface morphology, properties of chelating  Schiff base ligand and its complexes measured by atomic force microscopy, cobalt Schiff base complex is higher roughness. The bond length of (-C=N-), (-C-O-),(M-O), and (M-N)  are affected in the coordination with metal ions, the bond length of the square planar geometry more affected than tetrahedral geometry. Conclusion: All compounds were prepared successfully, characterized, and photophysical properties were studied.