bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HOW DOES WEARING A FACE MASK AFFECT PERSONS TRUSTWORTHINESS AND ATTRACTIVENES
Authors: Peterkova Viera , Ilko Ivan , Martincova Romana
Published: May 2024

Face masks became a necessary part of everyday life during the Covid-19 pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, most people associated face masks with health care facilities and immunocompromised people. This effect leads to a lower evaluation of the attractiveness of the wearer's face. People's attractiveness correlates with trustworthiness and willingness to communicate. This study examined how the Covid-19 pandemic affected people's perceptions of attractiveness and trustworthiness when looking at faces with face masks. To investigate this question, research participants were presented with a series of photographs of men and women who were divided into three attractivity groups, wearing a black face mask, a white face mask, a blue surgical face mask, and faces without masks. A total of 209 respondents participated in the survey, 80.9% were female and 19.1% were male. Of these, 42.1% of respondents said they were in a relationship and 57.9% said they were not. As many as 80.9% of the respondents were aged between 18-25 years, 10% of the respondents were aged between 26-30 years and 9.1% of the respondents were aged above 30 years. The average age of respondents was 23.6 years. The results showed that the least attractive and trustworthy were the faces without face masks. Faces covered with a black face mask were perceived to be the most attractive and trustworthy. A statistically significant difference was found between men's and women's ratings of trustworthiness and attractiveness in favour of women. The influence of gender, age and relationship status of raters (respondents) on the attractiveness and trustworthiness ratings of models.
FOSTERING PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AND IGNITING WORK MOTIVATION IN EMPLOYEES: GENDER AS MODERATOR
Authors: Mohd Kamil Nurul Liyana , Beh Loo-See , Lai Siow Li , Abd Rahman Nur Hairani , Mohd Ali Mohammad Asri
Published: May 2024

In today's rapidly evolving work environments, organisations recognize the critical importance of fostering psychological well-being and igniting work motivation among their employees. This study aims to explore the role of gender as a buffering effect in the association between employees’ psychological well-being and its work motivation. The study comprised 385 Malaysian public sector personnel as participants. While psychological well-being and work motivation are universal concerns, gender differences may shape the ways in which individuals perceive and respond to various organisational strategies and practices aimed at enhancing these outcomes. The study's results reveal a significant relationship between psychological well-being and employees' motivation, indicating that individuals with higher levels of environmental mastery exhibit greater drive and enhanced performance in the workplace. Interestingly, the study finds that female employees tend to have slightly lower levels of motivation compared to their male counterparts, although the difference is not statistically significant. These findings hold valuable implications for professionals and policymakers, shedding light on the intricate interplay between work motivation, individual performance, and well-being, particularly in the public sector. Furthermore, the study delves into the practical applications of human capital and organisational behaviour, offering actionable insights for leveraging these concepts to optimize employee motivation and productivity.
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND RESILIENCE AS PREDICTORS OF WORK-RELATED STRESS AMONG HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Authors: Mohammed Abdul-Raheem , Alhassan Mustapha
Published: May 2024

The health profession has been characterized as consisting of high stressors and this is more pervasive in sub-Saharan Africa. Although various interventions aimed at managing stress have been investigated, little attention has been devoted to the contribution of emotional intelligence (EI) and resilience. The present study sought to examine the role of EI and resilience in the perception of stress among health professionals in Ghana. A convenient sample of 150 health workers domiciled in Ghana participated in the study by completing various questionnaires on EI, resilience, and stress. The results showed that while EI and resilience were positively related, both EI and resilience were negatively associated with work-related stress. Regression analysis further showed that EI was a significant negative predictor of stress. These findings have important implications for stress management among health professionals.
DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS OF DARK TETRADE ON FLOURISHING AND PERCEIVED CONTROL
Authors: Bakracheva Margarita , Zamfirov Milen
Published: May 2024

The aim of the present study was to outline the direct and indirect effects of the Dark Tetrade (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy and sadism) on flourishing, perceived personal control (mastery, self-control, experienced environmental constraints, environmental mastery), general satisfaction and empathy. The research was conducted in the specific context of global crises - after the constraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing global crisis. The design was cross-sectional with a convenient sample of 191 respondents. The results highlighted the specific relations of the dark traits with flourishing, perceived control, and satisfaction that replicate previous research. Flourishing was predicted by perceived environmental mastery, satisfaction with self and relationships, and low psychopathy. The relationship of psychopathy and flourishing was mediated by the perceived environmental constraints. The general satisfaction effect was mediated by narcissism. Future in-depth research of the specificity of dark trait combinations and profiling for diagnostic, prognostic, and preventive insights for improved self-regulation is discussed.
WHEN “THE NEXT EPISODE” IS TOO MUCH? WATCHING TV SERIES AS A NON-ADAPTIVE COPING STRATEGY
Authors: Petriuc Rafaela , Drugas Marius
Published: May 2024

Binge-watching has become a usual behavior for many people, especially during the COVID-19 pandemics, satisfying immediate needs for relaxation. However, concerns were raised about using binge-watching as a coping mechanism, as it usually becomes a maladaptive coping style, leading to serious mental health issues such as loneliness, depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. The objective of this study is to identify the relations between binge-watching as a way of coping and several variables that were identified as effects of excessive television consumption: problematic behavior, loneliness, and procrastination. The results showed that individuals with high scores for using coping as a reason for watching TV series or movies tend to have high scores in terms of problematic behavior when it comes to television watching. Moreover, watching series as a strategy for coping was a good predictor for developing problematic binge-watching behaviors regarding television. The associations between excessive binge-watching, loneliness and procrastination was confirmed in this study with a moderate effect, similar to other studies in literature. Further research is needed to expand the conclusions to other participants than adolescents and young adults.
SCOPING REVIEW OF PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS RELATED TO THE EFFECTS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND THE MEASURES TAKEN
Authors: Angelova Natasha Virmozelova , Mavrodiev Stoil
Published: May 2024

Publications of 21 scientific studies from the field of psychology and psychiatry related to the effects that the spread of COVID-19 has on mental health and the measures taken by mental health professionals to control the negative consequences on the psyche of people are presented. In this regard, the aim of the article is to present a summary of the main subjects in scientific research in the field of mental health. The article differentiates five main problem areas in relation to people's mental health and emotional response to COVID-19: in terms of age; gender differences; personality characteristics; professional activity and behaviour; telepsychiatry and telepsychology. The analysis of the publications shows that the effects can be divided into two categories: short-term and long-term, and in both categories the effects can be positive and negative; the authors emphasize the phenomenology of subjective experiences. Most researchers draw the following conclusions: the COVID-19 pandemic has provoked high levels of stress, mental instability, PTSD, depression, cognitive and neurological disorders; vulnerable groups (elderly people, young people, health professionals, people with mental health problems before the pandemic, homeless people and refugees) have more mental health problems during the pandemic and are slower to recover. Another important conclusion from the 21 studies studied is that it is necessary to formulate recommendations to improve people's mental health, to involve mental health professionals in the development of comprehensive public health policies and to support health care workforce as well as to improve public health prevention strategies, especially during health crises.
Effects Integrating Personalized Learning Environment On Students’ Achievement in Social Studies in Secondary Schools in Imo State
Authors: Onyenma Chinwendu , Emeana, Beatrice , Nwakamma Christiana O.
Published: May 2024

This study is aimed at determining the effects integrating Personalized Learning Environment on students’ achievement in social studies in secondary schools in Imo State, Nigeria. A Qusi-experimental research design with non-equivalent intact groups, pre-test and post- test was adopted in this study. The population of the study comprised the entireUpper Basic( Junior Secondary School) students of 94,963 with 47,481 male and 48,481 female in the 68 secondary schools in Owerri Zone 1 of Imo State. Purposive sampling technique was used as the sample techniques. 39 Jss 2 students (19 male and 20 female) in one school were in treatment one (personalised learning environment) group, while 43 Jss 2 students (21 male and 22 female in the school were in treatment two (lecture method) group. The instrument for data collection was Researcher Made Social Studies Achievement Test (RMSSAT). The items in the instrument were subjected to content and face validation by five specialists, three specialists from Educational Measurement and Evaluation and two from Educatonal technology. The reliability of the research instrument was established using Kuder-Richardson (K-20) and this gave a reliability coefficient of 0.86. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while the hypotheses were tested using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) F- test statistics at 0.05 level of significance was used to interpret the result. From data analysed, the findings from study are: Personal Learning environment is effective in the improvement of students’ academic achievement and also revealed that personal learning is more effective on the male students than on the female students. The study recommended among others that: since the use of personalized learning environment has been found to enhance achievement in social studies, teachers of social studies should employ this technologically enriched method to teach students in the classroom more ewspecially those abstract to topics.
Gender Disparity in Principal Officers’ Positions in Nigerian Universities: Implications for Educational Planners and Administrators
Authors: Okonta V. , Nkedishu V. C.
Published: May 2024

The study investigates the gender disparities in leadership positions within Nigerian universities, focusing on principal officers such as Vice-Chancellors, Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Registrars, Bursars, and Librarians. Analyzing data from the 2019 Nigerian University System Statistical Digest. The study employs ANOVA statistics to establish the statistical significance of these disparities and highlights the need for targeted interventions to rectify these imbalances. The research reveals striking imbalances in gender representation across these roles. The findings demonstrate that, despite notable progress in some areas, women remain significantly underrepresented in key leadership positions, with a pronounced gender gap persisting across various types of universities (federal, state, and private). The recommendations offered encompass gender-neutral selection processes, affirmative action policies, leadership development programs, mentorship initiatives, educational campaigns, and regular data collection to promote gender equity. These proposed strategies aim to create a more inclusive academic environment where leadership positions are accessible to all based on qualifications and merit, ultimately fostering diversity and enriching the higher education landscape in Nigeria.
ICT’s Impact on Teaching Information Technologies in Albanian Secondary Schools Through an Empirical Study
Authors: Xhumari Elda , Maxhelaku Suela , Como Alba , Kromici Odeta
Published: May 2024

This study presents an empirical investigation into the effects of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) integration in the pedagogical approaches adopted by secondary school teachers in Albania, specifically focusing on the teaching of information technologies. Through a meticulously designed assessment, data was collected and analyzed to ascertain the impact of ICT utilization on teaching methodologies. The research involved a cohort of secondary school teachers actively engaging with ICT tools and platforms to deliver information technologies education. Findings revealed noteworthy enhancements in instructional delivery, resource accessibility, and interactive learning experiences resulting from ICT integration. Furthermore, the study identified challenges and areas requiring further attention to optimize ICT's potential in fostering enriched learning environments. The outcomes of this research provide valuable insights and implications for teachers, policymakers, and stakeholders seeking to advance educational practices by leveraging ICT tools in teaching information technologies at the secondary level in Albania.
Factors Affecting Academic Performance in Social Studies Among Students in Selected Public Junior High Schools in Hohoe Municipality, Ghana
Authors: Ghanney Robert Andrews , Wotordzor Pearl Worlali
Published: May 2024

The study sought to investigate the factors affecting academic performance in Social Studies among public junior high school students in Hohoe Municipality in the Volta Region of Ghana. It adopted Ecological systems theory by Urie Bronferbrenner (1979). A quantitative (positivist) methodology with a descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used for the study. The three public junior high schools were obtained through the use of a purposeful sampling approach. Additionally, a random sampling procedure was employed to select 180 students from the three chosen schools. Structured questionnaires were used as instrument for data collection. With the aid of the version 25 of the Statistical Product for Service Solution (SPSS), descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were used to analyse the data. The findings of the study revealed that students' home characteristics including parents' great interest in their children's education and involvement in household tasks had had an impact on their academic performance in Social Studies. Academic performance was also found to be influenced by criteria related to the teachers, such as their professional training, teaching experience, subject-matter expertise, positive relationships with their students, and completion of the Social Studies curriculum. It was recommended that the Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Service provide guidance and counselling systems in the public junior high schools in the Municipality as well as schedule regular and thorough in-service training and workshops for the headteachers and teachers to enable them advance their knowledge, skills, and experiences in instructional pedagogies.
Agribusiness Career Choice among Secondary School Students: An Assessment of Start Them Early Program in Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Makinde Olumuyiwa L. , Alawode Olubunmi O. , Olaoye Rukayat A.
Published: May 2024

This study empirically assessed the relationship between Start Them Early Program (STEP) and willingness to engage in agribusiness enterprises among students in selected secondary schools in Oyo state, Nigeria. The population of the study comprised 648 students and 54 STEP tutors who were interviewed using structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. Results showed that nearly all the students (99.8%) had knowledge of agriculture, especially in crop production (41.0%), before STEP was introduced in their schools and it was mainly through their fathers’ occupation (48.3%). From students’ and tutors’ perspectives, STEP enterprises significantly influenced students’ willingness to engage in agribusiness in future at P<0.01. To position the future youths in effective agribusiness operations, Oyo state government needs to incorporate STEP into the educational curriculum to cut across all secondary schools, to ensure the continuity of the program and bridge the farmers’ age gap in Oyo State.
Stochastic Calculus and Its Impact On Analyzing Option Pricing
Authors: Popoola Odunayo Emmanuel , Kehinde-Dada Oluwabunmi Veronica
Published: May 2024

This research study the behaviour of the correction of Black-Scholes portfolios based on historical stock price data. We build a model that simulates one sample path of the stock price stochastic process at discrete time steps and track the correction over a time interval as it relates to the change in stock price over time. We also study the effect that relaxing this assumption has on the self-financing property of the replicating portfolio. We show that as the frequency of the time steps increases, the correction is more likely to be close to 0. We also show that the majority of historical stock return series that studied have caused the replicated portfolio to have a positive correction. We conclude that the Black-Scholes model can be used to find the no-arbitrage rational price for an option, a financial instrument that derives its value from the value of an underlying asset.
Approximate Solution of the Fractional Order Mathematical Model on the Transmission Dynamics on The Co-Infection of COVID-19 and Monkeypox Using the Laplace-Adomian Decomposition Method
Authors: Acheneje G.O , Omale D , Agbata B.C , Atokolo W , Shior M.M , Bolarinwa, B
Published: May 2024

A fractional order compartmental model on the transmission dynamics of the co-infection of COVID-19 and Monkeypox is presented. The approximate solutions of the fractional order model are obtained using the Laplace-Adomian Decomposition method in the form of an infinite series which was shown to converge to the exact value. Using the MATLAB fmincon algorithm, we carried out a data fitting analysis using real life COVID-19 and Monkeypox data so as to obtain estimates for some of the key parameters used in the formulation of model. The results of our analysis showed that an increase in the effective treatment capacity in the human population will significantly reduce the burden of these diseases in the human population.
Algebraic Interpretation of the Weisfeiler–Leman Algorithm: Schur Ring Analysis of Direct Power Groups
Authors: Udo-Akpan Itoro Ubom , Udoaka Otobong. G.
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we explore the algebraic interpretation of the partitioning obtained by the 𝑚-dimensional Weisfeiler–Leman algorithm on the direct power Gm of a finite group G. We define and study a Schur ring over Gm, which provides insights into the structure of the group G. Our analysis reveals that this ring determines the group G up to isomorphism when m≥3. Furthermore, we demonstrate that as m increases, the Schur ring associated with the group of automorphisms of G acting on Gm emerges naturally. Surprisingly, we establish that finding the limit ring is polynomial-time equivalent to solving the group isomorphism problem. This paper presents a novel algebraic framework for understanding the behavior of the Weisfeiler–Leman algorithm and its implications for group theory and computational complexity.
Approximate Solution of Fractional Order of Partial Differential Equations Using Laplace-Adomian Decomposition Method in MATLAB
Authors: Shior M. M. , Agbata B.C. , Karim U. , Salvatierra Marcos , Yahaya D.J. , Abraham S.
Published: May 2024

This article presents the application of the Laplace-Adomian Decomposition Method (LADM) for solving partial differential equations (PDEs) in the context of heat conduction and wave propagation. The LADM combines Laplace transform and Adomian decomposition to approximate solutions to PDEs efficiently in MATLAB. The procedure involves transforming the PDE into simpler differential equations, which are then solved iteratively using the Adomian decomposition method. The advantages of LADM include simplicity, flexibility, and applicability to a wide range of PDEs. We demonstrate the effectiveness of LADM through numerical experiments solving the heat equation and wave equation using MATLAB. The results show good agreement with analytical solutions and highlight the efficiency and accuracy of LADM for solving PDEs.
Inverse Domination Number and Inverse Total Domination of Sierpinski Star Graph
Authors: Wardani Ayu Anisa , Ratnasari Lucia , Utomo Robertus Heri Soelistyo , Khabibah Siti
Published: May 2024

Given a graph G=(V(G),E(G)) consisting of the set of vertices V(G) and the set of edges E(G). For example, D(G) is a domination set of graph G with minimum cardinality, if V(G)-D(G) contains a domination set D^(-1) (G), then D^(-1) (G) is called the inverse domination set of graph G. The minimum cardinality of the inverse domination set of the graph G is called the inverse domination number, denoted by γ^(-1) (G). If D_t (G) is the total domination set of the graph G with minimal cardinality, and V(G)-D_t (G) contains the total domination set D_t^(-1) (G), then D_t^(-1) (G) is called the inverse total domination set of the graph G. The minimum cardinality of the inverse total domination set of the graph G is called the inverse total domination number, denoted by γ_t^(-1) (G). This paper discusses the inverse domination and the inverse total domination on the Sierpinski Star graph SS_n, obtained the inverse domination number γ^(-1) (SS_n )=0 for n<3 and γ^(-1) (SS_n )=4∙3^(n-3) for n≥3 and the inverse total domination number γ_t^(-1) (SS_n )=0 for n≥1.
Cross-border CO2 Transport Decreases Public Support for Carbon Capture and Storage
Authors: Ndibueze Obianuju Ogochukwu
Published: May 2024

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) of CO2 has become indispensable to reach net-zero targets. Investments into cross-border CO2 transport infrastructure are considered essential to the cost-efficiency of a CCS strategy. We conduct multifactorial vignette experiments in four European countries and Canada to disentangle the impact of cross-border CO2 transport on individuals’ acceptance and fairness evaluations of CCS. We find its perceived unfairness to clearly hinder public acceptance of CCS.
Modeling of Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Boham Kalada Donald
Published: May 2024

The demand for energy has been increasing exponentially and at present time, this cannot be fulfilled by renewable energy alone. Crude oil has remained one of the major mineral resources for energy. It is difficult for a populated developing country like Nigeria, to keep a balance between the supply and demand of crude oil. In recent years, considerable studies have been conducted to search for efficient technologies for recovering oil from old oil reservoirs since about two-thirds of the oil in the reservoir cannot be recovered by conventional methods. The trapped oil in the reservoir can be recovered by enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods such as chemical, thermal, gas, and microbial methods. Nanofluid flooding is found to be one of the efficient methods that have gained importance as nanoparticles have been found to alter the rock wettability which helps in oil recovery. It has also been found that the use of modeling to evaluate the performance of any process before conducting any experiments is found to be a more economical and effective practice. Therefore, the present modeling work was carried out to explore the application of nanofluid in EOR using COMSOL Multiphysics.This study investigates the effect of different parameters on EOR such as the addition of nanoparticles (Al2O3) in water, the porosity of the reservoir, and diffusion coefficients of nanofluid on oil saturation in reservoirs. Velocity contours, temperature contours, and oil saturation contours within the reservoir were investigated.
Analysis of Accidents in Petroleum and Chemical Industries
Authors: Okpala Valentine Obinna
Published: May 2024

This study determined the critical risk factors that influence the risk of major accidents in petroleum and chemical industries. The retrospective study assessed five iconic accidents using the tripod beta analysis methodology. These failures were aggregated into critical risk factors for these major accidents. The findings of this study revealed empirically that there are broadly five critical risk factors that influence the risk of major accidents: (i) design flaws, (ii) site process safety management, (iii) barrier management / control, (iv) operating procedures, and (v) process safety culture. These findings highlight that major accident risks can accumulate “dangerous” from the impairment of safety-critical barriers and that the operators of petroleum and chemical facilities may be blind-sided to the cumulative risk of the impairments. The findings also highlight the need for a proactive risk assessment tool with the capability to check the health of safety-critical barriers on a real time basis, in an operating plant. The use of Tripod Beta as a tool in accident causation analysis is recommended
Safety, Health and its Relation to Reliability in Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Izaye Comfort Andor
Published: May 2024

Accident and incident occurrences have led to loss of invaluable cost in the oil and gas industry. Accidents or incidents however don‟t just occur but are caused by preceding events. This project clearly outlines the principals involved in accident/ incident investigation, critically reviews the techniques used in root cause analysis in order to identify their strengths and weaknesses, provides a detailed knowledge of the key phases employed in root cause analysis and develops recommendations for improvement and generation of implementation of root cause analysis report. On conclusion of this thesis through recommendations developed, lives will be saved by providing a safe and healthy working environment for personnel and the public in general, down time minimized, huge cost saved through adequate maintenance of facilities/ equipment, minimal or negligible insurance claims etc. This will thus ensure safety, health and reliability in the vibrant oil and gas industry. Despite having a standard training program, the level of competency to investigate accidents and incidents adequately and comprehensively vary from one safety professional or investigation team to another. This could be attributed to the number and types of accidents/incidents investigated i.e. experience, the frequency at which the investigations are carried out, information and documentation available for assessment, skills etc. Though these factors vary with age, experience, personal ability and industry, certain skills are essentially required for any accident or incident investigation. They include the following; Careful observation and understanding of key factors at the scene of the incident/accident and other areas of relevance to the occurrence An understanding of the technical, physical and chemical aspects of the incident/accident as the case may be Interviewing personnel and witnesses Taking of appropriate photographs and preparation of adequate sketches Ability of adequately record all relevant factors for future reference Evaluations of documentation i.e. work permits, operational manuals, and repairs/maintenance certification etc. Report writing The correct interpretation of relevant health and safety laws. Development of appropriate remedial action to prevent reoccurrence.
Multi-Phase Flow Metering in Offshore Oil and Gas Pipelines
Authors: Wokoma Esther Mmabong
Published: May 2024

Multi-phase flow meters are of huge importance to the offshore oil and gas industry. Unreliable measurements can lead to many disadvantages and even wrong decision-making. It is especially important for mature reservoirs as the gas volume fraction and water cut is increasing during the lifetime of a well. Hence, it is essential to accurately monitor the multi-phase flow of oil, water and gas inside the transportation pipelines. The objective of this review paper is to present the current trends and technologies within multi-phase flow measurements and to introduce the most promising methods based on parameters such as accuracy, footprint, safety, maintenance and calibration. Typical meters, such as tomography, gamma densitometry and virtual flow meters are described and compared based on their performance with respect to multi-phase flow measurements. Both experimental prototypes and commercial solutions are presented and evaluated. For a non-intrusive, non-invasive and inexpensive meter solution, this review paper predicts a progress for virtual flow meters in the near future. The application of multi-phase flow s meters are expected to further expand in the future as fields are maturing, thus, efficient utilization of existin
Entrepreneurial Skills, Self-Motivation, Social Influence and Self-Employment: A Survey of the Literature
Authors: Agogbua Stanley Ndubisi , Mgbatogu Chukwudi D.
Published: May 2024

This article provides a review of literature on entrepreneurial skills acquisition, self employment and mediating variables in the relationship. Salient among these variables are social influence and self motivation. The study utilized qualitative research design. In so doing, over fifty relevant literatures on the subject were espoused in order of relevance to the study. After examining several articles in the literature, we were left in a paradox. Entrepreneurial skills acquisition was found to influence self employment in most of the articles reviewed, but in limited cases, some studies found that entrepreneurial skills acquisition does not guarantee self employment. Several social and psychological factors were proffered as mediators in the relationship between entrepreneurial skills acquisition and self employment. The study thus recommends entrepreneurial skills training mix that incorporates relevant environmental variables that inhibits skills acquisition from resulting to self employment
A Study on the Influencing Factors of E-Commerce Adoption Among Small Medium Enterprises in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Kinkani Batekele Hervé-Landry , Tumana Maseka Lopez , Gerendawele Ngbase Henry
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this study is to explore the challenges or barriers to e-commerce adoption among SMEs in Democratic Republic of the Congo beyond the specific content covered in such interventions, and how infrastructural development might moderate those effects. The study also not only discusses that e-commerce adoption is imperative for the overall performance of SMEs, but also talks about how to mitigate the challenges. Qualitative as well as quantitative research methodology has been adopted in this study. A semi structured interview was conducted for getting an insight about e-commerce adoption. The researchers have found from the survey that there are different factors that affect the adoption of e-commerce which can be classified into three broad categories; technological, organizational and environmental factors. Although technological barriers are important challenges for e-commerce adoption in developing countries like DRC, but the importance of other barriers cannot be discriminated. Results of testing the model discovered two important findings: first, technological barriers, organizational barriers and environmental barriers have a direct negative relationship with e-commerce adoption. The results further show that technological barrier is the most determinant factor of e-commerce adoption followed by environmental and organizational factors respectively. Second, the moderating effects of infrastructural development was tested, which showed that the barriers have a more negative effect on e-commerce adoption for SMEs utilizing rural infrastructure than for urban SMEs.
Drivers of Functioning or Discontinuation of Small-Scale Agri Entrepreneurship in Rural India
Authors: Chandre Gowda MJ , Rana KR , Dubey SK , Meena MS , Raut AA , Pal PP , Bhaskaran A , Amrendra Kumar , Bordoloi R , Rajesh T
Published: May 2024

Youth in rural India have been witnessing a paradoxical situation of unemployment on one hand and untapped potential for transforming agriculture to agribusiness on the other. Realizing this, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) implemented the “Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture (ARYA)” project since 2016-17. The impact of the project on the extent of livelihood was assessed by comparing ‘functional’ and ‘discontinued’ enterprises with primary data from 1033 units, spread across 25 states of the country. The study attempted to know whether functioning or discontinuation was anything to do with the choice of an enterprise or was it influenced by other factors. Nine types of activities were subjected to economic performance analysis. Despite passing through COVID pandemic, the functional units provided significantly higher quanta of income and employment compared to discontinued enterprises. Composite entrepreneurial factor index, a measure of entrepreneurial ability, was subjected to test the hypothesis that entrepreneurial competencies, age, education, landholding, livelihood-capital status and utilization of information-sources influence the performance of small-scale agri enterprises.
Nigeria Start-Up Act, 2022 Disruption on Financial Services Technology Startups (Fintech): A Study of Moniepoint (Point of Sales) POS Agents in Anambra State
Authors: Agogbua Stanley N , Umeaniba, Adolphus I , Mgbatogu Chukwudi D
Published: May 2024

The study investigated the impact the Nigeria Startup Act, 2022 on Financial Services Start-ups, with a focus on Moniepoint agents in Anambra State. Time series research design was adopted in the study. Data for the study was secondarily sourced from Anambra state Moniepoint Periodic Reports, 2023. The time scope of the study was September 2021 to August 2023, which represents pre and post data on variables studied. The data from the study were analyzed using tables and frequencies. The hypotheses were tested using pairwise t- test. The study showed that the Nigerian Start-up Act of 2022 had a disruptive significant positive impact on number of Agents, number of transactions and volume of transactions of Moniepoint Agents in Anambra State; which is a measure of entrepreneurial growth in Nigeria digital technology sector. The study thus concluded that the Start-up Act, 2022 contributed significantly to the growth of Fintech Start-ups as was evidenced increase in number of agents, number of transactions and volume of transactions recorded in Moniepoint Agency, Anambra State.
Predictors of Agricultural Technology Adoption Among the Cassava Farmers in the North- Central Nigeria
Authors: Nkwuagba John Amaechi , Nkamnebe Anayo D.
Published: May 2024

This research paper delves into the underexplored realm of agricultural technology adoption behaviour among cassava farmers in North Central Nigeria, with a focus on elucidating the predictors of technology adoption within the region. Leveraging a quantitative survey research design, data was collected from 377 cassava farmers through structured questionnaires. Findings reveal significant relationships between various factors such as performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, price value, hedonic motivation, prior experience, and the adoption of agricultural technology. Through multiple linear regression analyses, it was established that these factors exert substantial influences on technology adoption behaviour among cassava farmers. Based on empirical evidence, policy recommendations were formulated to enhance the adoption of agricultural technologies among cassava farmers, aiming to foster a transition from subsistence to commercial farming, thereby bolstering agricultural productivity and socio-economic development in the region. These recommendations encompass governmental support for improved cassava seedlings, duty-free importation of agricultural implements, procurement and distribution of tractors, expansion of extension services, fertilizer production facilities, subsidized procurement of agricultural machinery, and enhanced importation policies for agro-chemicals. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics underlying technology adoption in agricultural contexts, offering insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers alike.
Abordaje Integral de las Cefaleas Primarias para Buen Diagnostico y Tratamiento
Authors: Ramírez Rodríguez Virgilio Santos
Published: May 2024

Las cefaleas primarias son afecciones comunes presentes desde los albores de la humanidad y conduce a consultas médicas tanto en entornos ambulatorios como en servicios de urgencias. Ha sido experimentada por todos en algún momento y su intensidad puede variar desde soportable hasta incapacitante. Según la Sociedad Española de Neurología, aproximadamente el 90% de las personas ha experimentado cefaleas en algún momento, un 12% las sufre de forma recurrente y un 5% las padece crónicamente. La ayuda radiológica o laboratorial son poco tributario para su diagnóstico, por lo que el interrogatorio sigue siendo el instrumento fundamental para identificación de los diferentes tipos de dolores de cabeza. Se sistematiza en once pasos anamnésicos orientadores hacia una cefalea primaria tipo migraña, tensional, histamínica y diferenciarlos de las secundarias: Contextualización del paciente, aparición y evolución, regionalización, localización, modalidad, intensidad, duración, factores atenuantes y agravantes, irradiación, sintomatología asociada y antecedentes y medicamentos empleados.
Análisis de los Instrumentos y sus Articulados sobre la Evaluación Educativa en el Sistema Educativo Ecuatoriano
Authors: Montalván Salinas José Antonio , Rojas Freire Johana Alexandra , Morales Velázquez Tarquino , Orellana Barba Kevin Andrés , Ordóñez Andrade Byron Javier , Salgado Chévez Egidio Yobanny
Published: May 2024

El objetivo principal del presente trabajo es analizar los diferentes instrumentos con que cuenta el sistema educativo ecuatoriano para evaluar las destrezas con criterio de desempeño que deben desarrollar los estudiantes durante su permanencia en el sistema educativo, la importancia de la evaluación formativa junto a la sumativa desde la óptica de los autores que son docentes con varios años de experiencia. Se exponen argumentos de las ventajas y en ciertos casos desventajas de los diferentes insumos y formas de evaluar, los autores realizan el análisis desde la perspectiva y vivencia del día al día en el ejercicio docente, en la contextualización de su entorno laboral y la realidad que les toca vivir a diario con el grupo de estudiantes a su cargo y representes de estos.
Análisis de la Tendencia de Consumo y Preferencia de los Contenidos Streaming de la Plataforma Netflix en Docentes Universitarios
Authors: Boada Hurtado Fausto Alexander , Salinas Minga David Enarque , Boada Hurtado María del Cisne , Guzmán González Dolores Karina
Published: May 2024

La investigación se centró en analizar las tendencias de consumo y preferencia de los docentes de la Universidad Nacional de Loja frente a los contenidos de Netflix, en el periodo noviembre, 2023. Asimismo, se buscó determinar los factores influyentes en sus elecciones individuales. El estudio se llevó a cabo mediante una metodología exploratoria, ya que como lo menciona Selltiz (1980), esta metodología es perfecta para la investigación de fenómenos poco estudiados; en conjunto, se utilizó un enfoque mixto, combinando técnicas cuali-cuantitativas, utilizando la encuesta como instrumento de recolección de datos, en donde los docentes plasmaron sus géneros favoritos, el tiempo ocupado al día para consumirlos, entre otras variables. A través del análisis de datos se logró comprender que los docentes prefieren formatos tradicionales, así como géneros que les permitan experimentar emociones y, que prefieren visualizarlos a través de la multipantalla. También se identificó que la gran mayoría de la muestra sí consume contenidos en la plataforma Netflix, pero el tiempo que ocupan en esta actividad es bastante moderado, tanto diaria como semanalmente, sugiriendo que los docentes consumen contenidos variados pero por un tiempo controlado y, que incluso en ocasiones, utilizan la plataforma como una herramienta para su labor docente.
Hipercalcemia Moderada Secundario a Adenoma Paratiroideo Intratiroideo: Reporte de Caso
Authors: Villa de León María Alicia , Huerta Díaz Luis Alfonso , Mendez Huerta Néstor Veriel , Treviño Lozano Marco Antonio , Muñoz Maldonado Gerardo E. , Curiel Rivas José Alejandro
Published: May 2024

El hiperparatiroidismo (HP) es la sobreproducción de Hormona Paratiroidea (PTH) producida por las glándulas paratiroideas, dividiéndose en: primario, secundario y terciario. El HP primario, nos habla de la función aumentada de una o más glándulas paratiroideas, secretando PTH de forma excesiva. El adenoma único es la principal causa de HP primario. Su presentación clínica en 80-90% de los casos es asintomática. El estándar de oro es el tratamiento quirúrgico mediante la exploración cervical bilateral para permitir al cirujano mejor visibilidad y movilidad del cuello, sin embargo, deben realizarse estudios de imagen para determinar la localización de la lesión. Se ha reportado una tasa de curaciones cercana al 95% en pacientes sometidos a paratiroidectomía.
La lengua italiana como patrimonio cultural inmaterial de Italia: Percepción de los alumnos de la Licenciatura en Idiomas
Authors: Hernández Córdova Jesús Alonso , Morales Vázquez Eleazar , Arias Ovando Julio Cesar
Published: May 2024

En el presente artículo  de  índole cualitativo se examinó la percepción de los alumnos de la Licenciatura en Idiomas de la Universidad Juárez Autónoma de  Tabasco en relación a lengua italiana como PCI de Italia, el tipo de investigación es exploratoria que a través de un análisis de información y un focus group se cumplió con  los objetivos planteados, los resultados destacan la necesidad de promover una mayor conciencia sobre el patrimonio cultural inmaterial en relación a la lengua italiana, así como de optar por nuevas estrategias efectivas para su enseñanza y difusión en el ámbito educativo principalmente,  ya que los sujetos de estudio no tienen   una comprensión clara  del vínculo entre ambos conceptos y muestran poco interés en estudiar el italiano como tercer idioma dentro de su plan de estudios de la carrera, además consideran que no se le da la suficiente  difusión para ser una lengua reconocida no solo en Italia sino en el mundo entero y en los diferentes ámbitos de la sociedad, de la misma manera este estudio ofrece una nueva perspectiva sobre la lengua italiana como PCI destacando su importancia de adentrarse en la comprensión y apreciación de este aspecto fundamental de la cultura italiana.
Fundamentos Teóricos sobre la Gamificación sin Recursos Digitales en el Fortalecimiento de la Inteligencia Lógico-Matemática
Authors: Berrocal Opino Celeste
Published: May 2024

En el contexto actual de la educación, la búsqueda de enfoques pedagógicos innovadores que estimulen el desarrollo de habilidades cognitivas es esencial; es por esto que el estudio centra su atención en la gamificación, una estrategia educativa que incorpora elementos de juego en entornos de aprendizaje y ha demostrado ser efectiva en diversos contextos. En consecuencia, se estableció como objetivo analizar los fundamentos teóricos que sustentan la gamificación sin recursos digitales en el fortalecimiento de la inteligencia lógico-matemática; haciendo hincapié en los aportes teóricos que argumentan dicha temática. La metodología empleada se basó en un análisis documental, el cual se define como mecanismo que permite un análisis detallado de los contenidos en aras de darle una mirada más profunda, enfatizando en los aspectos esenciales. Se concluyó que la gamificación es una estrategia efectiva en el desarrollo de la inteligencia lógico-matemática, sin embargo, los estudios realizados han centrado su atención en la gamificación digital; por lo cual, la implementación de la gamificación sin recursos digitales proporcionará recomendaciones prácticas al cuerpo docente para aplicarla en entornos educativos sin la necesidad de recursos tecnológicos avanzados ofreciendo una alternativa efectiva y accesible para enriquecer el proceso de aprendizaje.
Rintisan Beautypreneur Berbasis Teknologi Dalam Industri Salon Depok Kelurahan Pasir Gunung Selatan (Rt. 02 RW.02)
Authors: Yuliana Yuli W  , Satino  , Citraresmi Widoretno Putri  , Taufiqurrohman Syahuri
Published: May 2024

Perkembangan dunia bisnis yang pesat di Indonesia salah satunya di bidang kecantikan. Kondisi ini ditandai dengan ramainya persaingan usaha di bidang kecantikan. Meningkatnya kebutuhan lahiriah manusia yaitu selalu ingin tampil sempurna dalam berbagai keadaan. Hal tersebut menjadi pendorong bisnis kecantikan untuk terus berkembang pesat karena permintaan kecantikan terus bertambah. Tujuan dari literature review ini adalah untuk mendeskripsikan strategi pengembangan bisnis di dunia kecantikan. Metode yang digunakan dalam literatur review ini menggunakan strategi secara komprehensif, seperti dengan adanya pelatihan-pelatihan. Dengan bisnis kecantikan ini, bisnis salaon, strategi bisnis, tata rias kecantikan, peluang bisnis, rias pengantin. melalui strategi pengembangan bisnis yang terdiri atas Sumber Daya Manusia (SDM), pemasaran, melalui pemberian pengetahuan dari mulut ke mulut sangat efektif karena masyarakat sangat berminat untuk meningkatkan kepuasan terhadap pelangan, seperti yang dilakkan Rintisan beautypreneur berbasis teknologi dalam industri salon Kelurahan Pasir Gunung Selatan Kecamatan Cimanggis Depok merupakan program pengembangan kewirausahaan yang bertujuan untuk mengurangi pengangguran dan meningkatkan kualitas SDM di bidang kecantikan.
Inflammation as the Common Pathophysiology Linking Stress, Mental Illness, Autoimmunity and Chronic Disease: Implications for Public Health Policy
Authors: Kinderlehrer Daniel A
Published: May 2024

Genetics, epigenetics, infection, stress and trauma predispose individuals to systemic chronic inflammation that contributes to mental illness, autoimmune conditions, and chronic disease. This paper explores the interplay of these issues and their serious health consequences. While modern medicine has made significant advances in disease care, it appears that lifestyle intervention, early childhood intervention, and socioeconomic investment and have the potential to make an even greater impact on the mental and physical well-being of the population.